I read, not sure if true, Toronto is the most diverse city in the world so the demographics are shifting and the popularity of the Raptors will become bigger and bigger. That said the Leafs are still very relevant as many new comers become Leaf fans. IF, and that is a big IF, the Leafs should ever win a cup, the parade here in Toronto will dwarf the cup parades the Blackhawks had. And the turnout to those Hawk parades were massive. All that said I hope I never find out if I'm right or wrong.
- paulr

I agree.....

On the leafs…...there are millions of leafs fans all over Canada. That would be a pilgrimage for many fans to see that parade. It would dwarf any US team parade here.....that's just a given. I mean look how many Canadians got behind the Raptors and many weren't even in Toronto, they were Canada's team.

But like you I hope I am long gone before that ever happens (leafs win) and the day they fire Babcock (could be soon if they don't start advancing) I will be celebrating. Sorry.....I think he's vastly overrated and a major D bag.

Still wouldn’t come close to touching the Cubs WS parade, which was the 7th largest gathering in human history (greatest in the US).
- TommyHawk

The greater Chicago has twice the population as Toronto but that said I'd be interested to see how close the Leafs would come, except that I don't want to see the Leafs have a parade.

I hear you on upping ADB as quickly as possible but I would do the same for Strome. If ADB has a big season it is very likely Strome will be a big part of it. I think Strome's biggest attributes are his on ice visions and smarts. Having ADB for a full season may see Strome put up some big numbers. Signing Strome now may allow the Hawks to sign him to a lower contract.
- paulr

On a short term deal for say 3 years at 4.5 Id sign Strome today...I doubt he'd do it but that gives the Hawks a few years to see if they are willing to invest in making him a LT core player in wave 2 alongside ADB.

Biggest issue I see, is who are the D men in wave 2 for the new core?

Tyler...

Are you done with the Hawks will draft ____ piece yet? If so, what is your guess on the pick?

On a short term deal for say 3 years at 4.5 Id sign Strome today...I doubt he'd do it but that gives the Hawks a few years to see if they are willing to invest in making him a LT core player in wave 2 alongside ADB.

Biggest issue I see, is who are the D men in wave 2 for the new core?
- SteveRain

I think Bowman's biggest challenge is going to be securing at least two top four defensemen. The only way I think it can be done is identifying some younger guys who aren't working out with their current clubs and hoping they come to Chicago and do what Strome did. The question though is there one let alone two guys like that?

Says Marco Scandella could be had for a trade, one year left at $4 mil, wonder what Buffalo would want back for him? Placeholder until the kids gain experience?
- LAHawk

Jake McCabe is more what the Hawks need IMO.

He made my list on the fake trades. He's currently a RFA and doesn't sound like BUF is against moving him.

According to Loui Eriksson's agent, J.P Barry, he and the Vancouver Canucks are working on finding Eriksson a new home. Eriksson and the Canucks aren't exactly the pair, things haven't worked out for both parties.

I think Bowman's biggest challenge is going to be securing at least two top four defensemen. The only way I think it can be done is identifying some younger guys who aren't working out with their current clubs and hoping they come to Chicago and do what Strome did. The question though is there one let alone two guys like that?
- paulr

yeah and I agree. I have been racking my brain trying to think of a guy....I wouldn't mind Murray out of Columbus as I think he's an upgrade (not huge) over some of the guys who finished the year here. Maybe they truly think KK can make a big leap this year?

ITs going to be a fascinating offseason here...….big turning point in this franchises ability to compete for another cup before 19/88 are too old.

According to Loui Eriksson's agent, J.P Barry, he and the Vancouver Canucks are working on finding Eriksson a new home. Eriksson and the Canucks aren't exactly the pair, things haven't worked out for both parties.
- walleyeb1

Should be real easy.

Why would Washington do this?

Are they making a push for Karlsson and need to free up $$ and a spot on the right-side in their top 4?
- Tyler Cameron

Be able to sign vrana and other rfa maybe

Jake McCabe is more what the Hawks need IMO.

He made my list on the fake trades. He's currently a RFA and doesn't sound like BUF is against moving him.
- Tyler Cameron

Is McCabe better than the kids in the pipeline? That is why I wondered about Scandella with only one year left, hopefully then a couple of the kids take the next step, also I think he could be had dirt cheap.

Should be real easy.


- Tyler Cameron

Is McCabe better than the kids in the pipeline? That is why I wondered about Scandella with only one year left, hopefully then a couple of the kids take the next step, also I think he could be had dirt cheap.
- LAHawk

I believe McCabe is.

He's a physical, more defensive dman.

Closest guys to him might be Gilbert or Hillman.

The difference? McCabe has seen success over 274 games.

Gilbert/Hillman have combined for 5 NHL games.

*NEW* blog up: http://bit.ly/2F9L4KZ

The last edition of Re-Draft Friday. I look at 2016.

I will have the final rankings in a follow-up blog.

Jake McCabe is more what the Hawks need IMO.

He made my list on the fake trades. He's currently a RFA and doesn't sound like BUF is against moving him.
- Tyler Cameron

Tyler, in addition to your 15 trade candidates, there is Ben Chiarot, a UFA from Winnipeg. He has been mentioned on this board before. He could be had for 3 year at 2.5-3.

If the Hawks add 2 vet defenseman there will be quite a log jam on the blue line. Who goes? The obvious choices are 4K, Dahlstrom, Forsling, but could Gus or Murphy be trade chips?

Says Marco Scandella could be had for a trade, one year left at $4 mil, wonder what Buffalo would want back for him? Placeholder until the kids gain experience?
- LAHawk

If Buffalo (who need dmen badly) doesn't want him what does that tell you about his ability?

The season ended two days ago and Stan still hasn’t made a move.

In typical fashion he’s asleep at the wheel.
- TommyHawk

Stan could have gotten a 1st and a 2nd for AA yesterday. But he now his value is diving.