I totally agree with SR on Saad.
The trade was a disaster plain and simple. Yes he had a better year last year but he's a 3rd line LW because he has poor hands and very little playmaking ability, hence he wasn't on the PP first unit. As for the PK, he wasn't all that special anyway based on the worst PK team in the league.

If Bowman can package him with a Forsling to Pitt for Kessel and their #1, it's a Win...but the #1 has to be included. If Pitt wants cap relief, then they'll have to pay for it, just like Stan did in all his atrocious deals for cap relief.
Let's see if Bowman can reverse the trade dealings and get the "extra" for once.

Adding a Kessel strengthens your PP and your top line with Toews and Kane.

You then have to move AA for whatever picks you can get and replace the 3C with a Cody Eakins type.

Bowman is on the clock as far as I'm concerned. He can turn this organization around immediately with some creative moves. The question is.....
Can He Do It ??
- Hawkytalk

This post.....was magic. Well done.

Cross Anders Nilsson off of the potential goalie list, he signed a 2 year deal in Ottawa.

I totally agree with SR on Saad.
The trade was a disaster plain and simple. Yes he had a better year last year but he's a 3rd line LW because he has poor hands and very little playmaking ability, hence he wasn't on the PP first unit. As for the PK, he wasn't all that special anyway based on the worst PK team in the league.

If Bowman can package him with a Forsling to Pitt for Kessel and their #1, it's a Win...but the #1 has to be included. If Pitt wants cap relief, then they'll have to pay for it, just like Stan did in all his atrocious deals for cap relief.
Let's see if Bowman can reverse the trade dealings and get the "extra" for once.

Adding a Kessel strengthens your PP and your top line with Toews and Kane.

You then have to move AA for whatever picks you can get and replace the 3C with a Cody Eakins type.

Bowman is on the clock as far as I'm concerned. He can turn this organization around immediately with some creative moves. The question is.....
Can He Do It ??
- Hawkytalk

While I can see the benefit of Kessel when things are going good for Kessel I also remember the Kessel when he completely lost interest in playing for Toronto and had 3 or 4 points in the last 20 games of the season making him expendable for basically nothing. Saad brings something Kessel doesn't and which the Hawks are in short supply, a guy who can play a solid defensive game. A Saad for Kessel trade makes the Hawks even weaker.

Bowman has been signing allot of forward free agents leading me to believe any trade he makes will be for a defenseman.

Cross Anders Nilsson off of the potential goalie list, he signed a 2 year deal in Ottawa.
- I Am The Breadman

I saw that. Too bad, he'd be a decent back-up.

I would agree my concern lies....

1. Bringing back the dumpster fire D corps for a 2nd go around hoping the "system" fixes what ails their awfulness from this past year.....

2. That all the young prospects are still NOT NHL ready...…

3. Was Koekkoek really somebody they needed to bring back? Or this Bowman staying with a guy he traded for to justify it?

For me it's hard to get sold that this team is playoff caliber without adding at least 1, if not 2, proven NHL D men...and stop slotting guys far beyond their abilities.

Also...anyone else notice how out of place Chara looks out there? Reminds me a lot of Seabrook. Great career, but the game and speed has passed him by and they really need to evaluate why they are still playing when it will likely damage their legacies of what they accomplished in younger years.
- SteveRain

Chara is awful......but at least he plays with a mean streek and really punishes people around the net. Seabrook does not.....too much of a nice guy and a GREAT Blackhawk in his prime.

Yeah, absolute BS he got away with the slash on Bozak on the PP....should have been a 2 man advantage for STL for over 1 minute +...complete game changer, and Im not one for tin foil hat conspiracy theories.

How 2 guys miss that is beyond me....especially when the stick broke in half.
- SteveRain

NHL reffing is a magical mystery tour...i have seen more tripping, roughing and crosscheck non calls then i can remember...

perron sits on top of krug and then rips his helmet off with the ref 15 ft away and no call....they suck...

NHL reffing is a magical mystery tour...i have seen more tripping, roughing and crosscheck non calls then i can remember...

perron sits on top of krug and then rips his helmet off with the ref 15 ft away and no call....they suck...
- bogiedoc

Krug got his though when charged Thomas later in the shift.

I know he didn't leave his feet, but he didn't play the puck and took a helluva lot more then 2-1/2 strides for that hit. Loved the hit, but it was a charge.

NHL reffing is a magical mystery tour...i have seen more tripping, roughing and crosscheck non calls then i can remember...

perron sits on top of krug and then rips his helmet off with the ref 15 ft away and no call....they suck...
- bogiedoc

This series is going to get nasty fast. Edmunson hitting Backes thinking Backes faked it was also classic, and those two were jawing later on in the game.

This is all before that @ss bag Marchand does something cheap....which everyone knows is coming. NOt IF, but when.....

While I can see the benefit of Kessel when things are going good for Kessel I also remember the Kessel when he completely lost interest in playing for Toronto and had 3 or 4 points in the last 20 games of the season making him expendable for basically nothing. Saad brings something Kessel doesn't and which the Hawks are in short supply, a guy who can play a solid defensive game. A Saad for Kessel trade makes the Hawks even weaker.

Bowman has been signing allot of forward free agents leading me to believe any trade he makes will be for a defenseman.
- paulr

My thought on this Kessel thing is.....

We all know Kane will put up numbers, and looks like DeBrincat is probably in the same boat with consistent productivity.

Strome while only in the league for a short period of time, hasn't proven himself yet so there has to be more to him as to why Arizona gives up on him so quickly.

Toews.....he finally had a year we should expect from him. NOt floating around 50-60 points which isn't going to cut it any more for a team lacking offensive depth and legitimate NHL scorers.

I would put DeBrincat with Toews and Kane
Kessel with Strome and probably Caggulia.

For all the clamoring of 1 of the few Hawks playing a defensive game, they also had Marcus Kruger who they thought would fit that role as well....and this team's D, PK, and overall defense was just awful. kessel to me acts like an insurance policy in case Strome or Toews takes a step back, because I don't think you can count on either to duplicate their breakout years.

im really sour on Saad (understatement of the thread...I know).

Most games he looks very disinterested and floating around and not finishing so for all the crap fat baby Kessel gets I see the same in Saad....IMO, Kessels offensive game/defensive game/special team game as a whole TRUMPS Saads offensive/defensive/special teams game.

Cross Anders Nilsson off of the potential goalie list, he signed a 2 year deal in Ottawa.
- I Am The Breadman

The Hawks crossed him off their list permanently a couple years ago when they dumped him on Edmonton in return for the great Liam Coughlin. That was after they had acquired him from the Islanders in the wonderful Nick Leddy deal.

My thought on this Kessel thing is.....

We all know Kane will put up numbers, and looks like DeBrincat is probably in the same boat with consistent productivity.

Strome while only in the league for a short period of time, hasn't proven himself yet so there has to be more to him as to why Arizona gives up on him so quickly.

Toews.....he finally had a year we should expect from him. NOt floating around 50-60 points which isn't going to cut it any more for a team lacking offensive depth and legitimate NHL scorers.

I would put DeBrincat with Toews and Kane
Kessel with Strome and probably Caggulia.

For all the clamoring of 1 of the few Hawks playing a defensive game, they also had Marcus Kruger who they thought would fit that role as well....and this team's D, PK, and overall defense was just awful. kessel to me acts like an insurance policy in case Strome or Toews takes a step back, because I don't think you can count on either to duplicate their breakout years.

im really sour on Saad (understatement of the thread...I know).

Most games he looks very disinterested and floating around and not finishing so for all the crap fat baby Kessel gets I see the same in Saad....IMO, Kessels offensive game/defensive game/special team game as a whole TRUMPS Saads offensive/defensive/special teams game.
- SteveRain

I hope the Hawks steer clear of Kessel and get what they NEED ..... a defenseman.

yeah and those warts aren't going any way. Both of those guys are a year older.

Desperately need a top 4 d man.
- SteveRain

Bo Byram

yeah and those warts aren't going any way. Both of those guys are a year older.

Desperately need a top 4 d man.
- SteveRain

Where do you view Joki for next year? Top 4 D (as he was playing under Q), or project (the way he finished the year)?

I personally think he will start and remain top 4 for the year. He was so steady back there for a decent amount of time. He needed to learn how to deal with NHL forechecking, and it seems (from his international play and time in the AHL) that he has made strides there.

I hope the Hawks steer clear of Kessel and get what they NEED ..... a defenseman.
- paulr

LOL....I want both.....call me greedy

Saad + for Kessel and Pitts 1...…..price to pay for cap hell.

Then sign Gardiner and trade some AA/crap for another depth stay at home PK NHL D men or sign Jordie Benn from Montreal

Keith/Murphy
Gardiner/Seabrook
Benn/Gus
dog crap....(pick 1....forsling, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom)

Benn on a 1 year deal until 1 of the "kids" is ready.

Where do you view Joki for next year? Top 4 D (as he was playing under Q), or project (the way he finished the year)?

I personally think he will start and remain top 4 for the year. He was so steady back there for a decent amount of time. He needed to learn how to deal with NHL forechecking, and it seems (from his international play and time in the AHL) that he has made strides there.
- Chunk

Honestly I forgot about him.....I think he needs to start up here and I don't get why he was sent away....especially the way the year was trending. Plenty of time for him to partner up with say Keith, and learn on the job.

Bo Byram
- EbonyRaptor

I assume that's a guy in the draft? I try not to get hung up on prospects unless I hear the world gushing about them like that fin or Jack Hughes......

I just don't want another Cam Barker or Kyle Beach or Akim Aliu…….

I hope the Hawks steer clear of Kessel and get what they NEED ..... a defenseman.
- paulr

If a deal was there that was heavy advantage Chicago, they wouldn't turn it down.

But it won't happen because the Pens need to replace his scoring with somebody that can post near the offensive same numbers - Hawks don't have anybody to give.

really good deal...because you want MORE from him, and he should work to be better to get more...
- wiz1901

Great point. Excited to see how he looks in training camp.

If a deal was there that was heavy advantage Chicago, they wouldn't turn it down.

But it won't happen because the Pens need to replace his scoring with somebody that can post near the offensive same numbers - Hawks don't have anybody to give.
- RickJ

Saad is a Pittsburgh kid.....fire up the highlight tape and let Bowman pitch old man Rutherford.....

The Hawks crossed him off their list permanently a couple years ago when they dumped him on Edmonton in return for the great Liam Coughlin. That was after they had acquired him from the Islanders in the wonderful Nick Leddy deal.
- RickJ

Didn't know that. I only mentioned it because he was one of TC's UFA goalie options from the last blog.

LOL....I want both.....call me greedy

Saad + for Kessel and Pitts 1...…..price to pay for cap hell.

Then sign Gardiner and trade some AA/crap for another depth stay at home PK NHL D men or sign Jordie Benn from Montreal

Keith/Murphy
Gardiner/Seabrook
Benn/Gus
dog crap....(pick 1....forsling, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom)

Benn on a 1 year deal until 1 of the "kids" is ready.
- SteveRain

Gardiner???? He's worse than Gus defensively and he's weaker than your grandmother on the puck.
Besides the Hawks would be in cap hell with your proposal.

The Hawks don't need Kessel they need at least 2 REAL top 4 defensemen and neither Benn or Gardiner fit that requirement

While I can see the benefit of Kessel when things are going good for Kessel I also remember the Kessel when he completely lost interest in playing for Toronto and had 3 or 4 points in the last 20 games of the season making him expendable for basically nothing. Saad brings something Kessel doesn't and which the Hawks are in short supply, a guy who can play a solid defensive game. A Saad for Kessel trade makes the Hawks even weaker.

Bowman has been signing allot of forward free agents leading me to believe any trade he makes will be for a defenseman.
- paulr

I know, I know, I know.....I read your posts all the time on Saad's defensive abilities and his 200 ft game. I just don't necessarily agree with it. JMO.

Look at it this way. His value will never be higher because of his age and contract, and also because of the things you love about him. So NOW is the time to get something HUGE for him and my proposal for Kessel is solely based on trying to get the most out of Kane, Toews, Keith, and Crawford NEXT YEAR. I think that's part of their plan. Another lost year of playoffs will devastate the STH base....and I am one of those. It's up to Bowman to fix the backend and he's doing that with youth, however, he can find somebody through other trades to do that as well. (Gus). There are players that can step right in and help the D next year. IF he's a good GM.

Bowman now has at his disposal...... millions in cap space, a number 3 pick in the draft, a low AAV QB of the PP that is in high demand, several young defenseman in the pipeline, and a wealth of young forwards that are great trade pieces in Sikura, Perlini, Hayes, Kubalik, Kahun, etc.. a good 3C in Anisimov, along with some nice goaltending prospects. Cmon Paulie.....Bowman has a loaded deck and Saad should be the center piece to start the make over. His 200 ft game will not be missed if Bowman makes some GREAT moves.

Again.....Can He Do It ?

If not. ....he should be the next to go .

I know, I know, I know.....I read your posts all the time on Saad's defensive abilities and his 200 ft game. I just don't necessarily agree with it. JMO.

Look at it this way. His value will never be higher because of his age and contract, and also because of the things you love about him. So NOW is the time to get something HUGE for him and my proposal for Kessel is solely based on trying to get the most out of Kane, Toews, Keith, and Crawford NEXT YEAR. I think that's part of their plan. Another lost year of playoffs will devastate the STH base....and I am one of those. It's up to Bowman to fix the backend and he's doing that with youth, however, he can find somebody through other trades to do that as well. (Gus). There are players that can step right in and help the D next year. IF he's a good GM.

Bowman now has at his disposal...... millions in cap space, a number 3 pick in the draft, a low AAV QB of the PP that is in high demand, several young defenseman in the pipeline, and a wealth of young forwards that are great trade pieces in Sikura, Perlini, Hayes, Kubalik, Kahun, etc.. a good 3C in Anisimov, along with some nice goaltending prospects. Cmon Paulie.....Bowman has a loaded deck and Saad should be the center piece to start the make over. His 200 ft game will not be missed if Bowman makes some GREAT moves.

Again.....Can He Do It ?

If not. ....he should be the next to go .
- Hawkytalk

You didn't read my posts about Saad's 200 foot game because I don't think that and have never posted it. Saad is a solid defensive forward who has limited offensive upside. I'm also of the belief no one is expendable, including Saad in the right instance. If a trade is made for Saad or anyone else I'd prefer to see a defenseman in return. Kessel doesn't address the weaknesses of the Hawks.

You didn't read my posts about Saad's 200 foot game because I don't think that and have never posted it. Saad is a solid defensive forward who has limited offensive upside. I'm also of the belief no one is expendable, including Saad in the right instance. If a trade is made for Saad or anyone else I'd prefer to see a defenseman in return. Kessel doesn't address the weaknesses of the Hawks.
- paulr

Agree with you. Saad might be slightly overpaid, but he is filling a need in an area of weakness. The Hawks forwards as a group have very few guys who can defend well but also can attack in the other end. Doesn't seem like the Hawks need to add much for firepower, but they gotta learn to protect some leads and kill penalties.

Bo Byram
- EbonyRaptor

Byram is not playing in nhl next year and maybe the following year so stop penicilling him in for next year roster. Joki is the only young d that could be ready for full time action in the nhl. The other d prospects should be ready in the next couple years.