Yep. The Hawks need more of a defensive minded defender.

Gardiner doesn't fit.
- Tyler Cameron

Agreed........ more headshaking thinking by Bowman and Management and again, the first move that's made will tell us if they know what they're doing.
In the words of Ralph Kramden.......... I'm ascared Norton I'm ascared !!

I'd live to have Panarin back, but am actually against signing him due to the cost. You mention against the Preds and Caps that they had to put double coverage on him to take him out. I think most players can be taken out of the game if the opposition doubles him, then it's up to his linemates to use the open ice and make them pay. The fact that they double him, or put their best defenders on him, shows how valuable he is. The problem is that his linemates and the other lines didn't step up and do their part.
- tvetter

That's part of the problem. When the other guy not doing his part is 88, how many of those guys can you pay $10M to not do their part?

At least with Kane we've seen him take over games and series which have led to hardware.

I think Panarin is a good player but also a bit of a redundancy when you have ADB who can play the left side, is younger, and about to also get big money next year.

That's part of the problem. When the other guy not doing his part is 88, how many of those guys can you pay $10M to not do their part?

At least with Kane we've seen him take over games and series which have led to hardware.

I think Panarin is a good player but also a bit of a redundancy when you have ADB who can play the left side, is younger, and about to also get big money next year.
- HawkintheD

While I agree with a lot of points made in the back and forth, one thing I noticed looking at Panarin's numbers is that he has become even more well rounded offensively. He hasn't scored at the same pace as he did in CHicago, granted he had Kane on his line. But his ability to set up and find the open guy has obviously improved where in Chicago he would try and beat guys and often lose possession.

He is my favorite player in the league so I watched him quite a bit this year and the maturity in his game has become very noticeable.

Does Miller play center?
- EbonyRaptor

he has, and is a second f/o man option.

That's part of the problem. When the other guy not doing his part is 88, how many of those guys can you pay $10M to not do their part?

At least with Kane we've seen him take over games and series which have led to hardware.

I think Panarin is a good player but also a bit of a redundancy when you have ADB who can play the left side, is younger, and about to also get big money next year.
- HawkintheD

As exciting as offensively flashy players like Panarin and Gardiner can be it's not what the team needs right now and will hurt the club in the long run.

The Hawks need to improve their PK with defensive minded forward like Tanev. They also need to improve the quality of their defensive depth, likely with a more defensive minded bottom 4 d-man.

As much as I love Panarin's game he doesn't help fill the team's current voids.

I'd love to have Panarin back, but am actually against signing him due to the cost.
- tvetter

I just wonder if he is really looking for money over coming "home"?

he has, and is a second f/o man option.
- wiz1901

Jake is tough but that's all I will give yo in regard to his defensive end status.

Ryan Murray is better in his end, imo, though not as punishing.

The thing that bothers me with this Gadineir talk is along the lines of that surprise Manning signing that seems motivated by getting a "different type" in the mix...

That's part of the problem. When the other guy not doing his part is 88, how many of those guys can you pay $10M to not do their part?

At least with Kane we've seen him take over games and series which have led to hardware.

I think Panarin is a good player but also a bit of a redundancy when you have ADB who can play the left side, is younger, and about to also get big money next year.
- HawkintheD

I agree, I don't think with the weakness on the blueline, the depth required at forward and the need of a backup goalie, assuming a home grown one isn't ready, I don't think Panarin makes the Hawks a better team. The team needs forwards who bring what Toews, Saad and Kampf bring, better defense. This is why I believe Sikura will become a valuable player.

Could Podkolzin fall as far as Colorado's 16th overall second pick?

To me that is unfathomable to me.

I don't care that the is Russian,
there is a two year wait, or
that St. Pete Ska may throw a boatload of $$$ atheism to stay longer.

He is an IMPACT game breaker future captain, leader and the guy who will stir his team each game shift etc., no matter how franking long you look at his stride.

Beside the obvious past Detroit Russian destinations, I just can't seem to pigeonhole a team who WILL take him...it is all me, I know, but like Krebs falling, I just don't see this kid as a lesser lite to the guys projecting from three on...

Could Podkolzin fall as far as Colorado's 16th overall second pick?

To me that is unfathomable to me.

I don't care that the is Russian,
there is a two year wait, or
that St. Pete Ska may throw a boatload of $$$ atheism to stay longer.

He is an IMPACT game breaker future captain, leader and the guy who will stir his team each game shift etc., no matter how franking long you look at his stride.

Beside the obvious past Detroit Russian destinations, I just can't seem to pigeonhole a team who WILL take him...it is all me, I know, but like Krebs falling, I just don't see this kid as a lesser lite to the guys projecting from three on...
- wiz1901

For this draft spots 4 - 15 are almost interchangeable, Podkolzin could easily be taken 5th or 15th. I think we'll see a few surprises in the first round this year.

Would a guy like JT MIller help the Hawks or is this no different than having Saad on the roster?
- nickmo2699

Yes 3rd line center can play wing and play in the top 6 if needed good on faceoffs and pk plsys with an edge and is phyiscal. Good all around player hoping bowman tries to acquire him. Maybe sikrus hayden forsling and a 2nd in 2020 and 6th for tampa's 1st in 2019 miller callhan rights to paquette

I'm preparing myself to cheer for the Blackhawks on the 21st. When they choose Byram at #3. I'll have a few pops in me to help the cause.

For this draft spots 4 - 15 are almost interchangeable, Podkolzin could easily be taken 5th or 15th. I think we'll see a few surprises in the first round this year.
- DarthKane

"The Blackhawks select, from the US National Team Development Program...Cole Caufield!"

As exciting as offensively flashy players like Panarin and Gardiner can be it's not what the team needs right now and will hurt the club in the long run.

The Hawks need to improve their PK with defensive minded forward like Tanev. They also need to improve the quality of their defensive depth, likely with a more defensive minded bottom 4 d-man.

As much as I love Panarin's game he doesn't help fill the team's current voids.
- DarthKane

I think guys like that are only coming in if some salary and defensive weakness is leaving. If signing Gardiner is part of the plan, then I'm going to take a step back and try to see the big picture. If the Hawks are getting bold in terms of making moves, they might decide to lose a trade or two in terms of assets and will need to recoup some assets on the UFA market. I just hope there isn't an overpay.

I agree that they need some defensive minded assets, but to get those SB might end up making a hole Gardiner could fill. I get that he isn't a PK guy and he has a few flaws, but IMO he isn't quite as bad as people let on.

"The Blackhawks select, from the US National Team Development Program...Cole Caufield!"




- resqmed99

There's no surprise with that selection.

Is Rundblad available?

With the Hawks having a growing stable of young D-man prospects...and with gardiner likely wanting $$$ (6+million) and term (6-7 years)....I am hoping sane minds prevail and they stay away from Gardnier.

He does NOTHING to aid our defensive weakensses, and actually adds to them.

Also, it takes up valuable CAP space that we can use to add to forward depth, or throw at a more defensive minded Top 4 D-man.

No, really, really hope Hawks stay FAR away from Gardiner!!!!!
- hawk35

Agreed, hard pass on Gardner. He has Shattenkirk 2.0 written all over him.

Could Podkolzin fall as far as Colorado's 16th overall second pick?

To me that is unfathomable to me.

I don't care that the is Russian,
there is a two year wait, or
that St. Pete Ska may throw a boatload of $$$ atheism to stay longer.

He is an IMPACT game breaker future captain, leader and the guy who will stir his team each game shift etc., no matter how franking long you look at his stride.

Beside the obvious past Detroit Russian destinations, I just can't seem to pigeonhole a team who WILL take him...it is all me, I know, but like Krebs falling, I just don't see this kid as a lesser lite to the guys projecting from three on...
- wiz1901

I think Pod will be top 8-10. Teams are going to have to wait for many of these guys to be ready for NHL hockey physically anyway. 2 years from now, I don't think it will matter greatly if he was playing here or across the pond. Probably going to be a really solid player either way and ready to contribute around the same time. I just think most teams won't sweat over an extra year if the guy they get is as good as this kid is projecting to be. In my mind, there could be benefit to him coming over later when he is a bit older and more mature/ready.

Is Rundblad available?
- mohel

Stan does like to bring back former players. If Versteeg can return to the organization so can Rundblad.

Maybe Rostislav Olesz is available too?

Stan does like to bring back former players.
- DarthKane

I think Pod will be top 8-10. Teams are going to have to wait for many of these guys to be ready for NHL hockey physically anyway. 2 years from now, I don't think it will matter greatly if he was playing here or across the pond. Probably going to be a really solid player either way and ready to contribute around the same time. I just think most teams won't sweat over an extra year if the guy they get is as good as this kid is projecting to be. In my mind, there could be benefit to him coming over later when he is a bit older and more mature/ready.
- breadbag

You raise an interesting question. Would you rather have a prospect play/develop for 2 years after being drafted in the KHL playing against older men on a larger ice surface or in juniors in Canada playing against men his own age group on a smaller ice surface.

You raise an interesting question. Would you rather have a prospect play/develop for 2 years after being drafted in the KHL playing against older men on a larger ice surface or in juniors in Canada playing against men his own age group on a smaller ice surface.
- -Doh-

It is something to consider, but I'd also suggest that for a kid with this level of talent and work ethic it won't matter in the end. He is probably going to be great either way.

It would be crazy to see him fall too far IMO.

- resqmed99

I have his jersey, when he wore #53.

For this draft spots 4 - 15 are almost interchangeable, Podkolzin could easily be taken 5th or 15th. I think we'll see a few surprises in the first round this year.
- DarthKane

Yep, with Hughes, Kakko and Byram having 1-3 locked in - 4-15 are throw the names in a hat, reach in and see what you get.

Yep, with Hughes, Kakko and Byram having 1-3 locked in - 4-15 are throw the names in a hat, reach in and see what you get.
- EbonyRaptor