Your arguments are still assuming an amazingly bright and cheerful future about him, which may or may not evolve as you assume. I think its better to incorporate the current viewpoints of folks who are on the inside (SB, ect.) into what your future assumptions of Henri might hold. I never spoke out against Henri, actually liked him on the team, thought he was the 'forerunner' of the upcoming great D guys we had. I'm just commenting against agreement of your view that Henri is guaranteed to be so awesome in the near future. It can happen, to me doesn't seem like it will in the near term, but he has a lot of control over that.

As for the 'hit', not sure if you watched games last year, don't claim to really know a whole lot, but I personally did see what seemed like an awkward adjustment as the games continued, like he was pulling back from contact, leading to others getting the puck. Then a few days or week later there was a short discussion on this blog, so it seemed like others were also seeing the same thing. To me, it seemed like there was pullback. If it's a true observation, then sure, he can grow through that. But it appears Stan+ feels that Nylanders value-add, right now in the short/medium term, is better than Henri's.
- DontKnowNutin

I watched and didn't see him shying away from anything, if you look at
the stats I posted he was 7th on the team in hits so the narrative of being
scared, shying or whatever seemed odd to me.

He's 19 years old and has played 38 games in the NHL and most certainly
looked as if he belonged to my eyes BWDIK?

As for Nylander he's 21 and hasn't done jack, still needs motivation to play
that's concerning.

I'm not much of a Stan fan and I certainly hope Nylander proves me wrong
in my though Joker has a much better career than Nylander

The conservative/cautious approach would be to send Dach back to Saskatoon and have him one year older and more physically mature when he starts his NHL in 2020/21 – but that only moves the leap to pro play back a year which means his stride and comfort level playing in the NHL is also moved back a year.
- EbonyRaptor

Not sure if these are reasonable ideas, but can't the hawks;
1) Allow him on the NHL team, tell him that at times they will 'press box' him when they need to train him, feel he needs a breather, watch and learn from others... and do this all year long, maybe he even sits in the box for 20+ games... but overall, he's in the NHL experience (travel lifestyle, learning teammates styles, experiencing success and failure at the big level, ect.).

2) Give him the 9 games up front, then bring him over to the team when Saskatoon's season ends. He gets a taste up front and at the back end and potentially could be platooned in the playoffs. Seems like they'd do this at the very least, to give him NHL experience.

I hear you, it's a bit arrogant for an organization to believe they have an over abundance of top 4 dmen since they haven't been able to draft 1 since 2005.
- BetweenTheDots

They have far less top forward prospects.

They have far less top forward prospects.
- rpeters01

Nylander has 3 years in the AHL and will be in the AHL again this year unless he miraculously grows a heart and learns to compete/battle. He should’ve been a dominant and impact player in the scrimmage...he was not at all.

Jokiharju will be playing 18+ minutes a night in the NHL
while Nylander is in the minors.

Hawks
Toews, Kane, Saad, ADB, Strome, Smith, Shaw, Caggiula, Kubalik, Nylander, Carpenter, Perlini and
Dach (for at least 9 games)

Seabs, Keith, Maatta, Murphy, Gus, Koekkoek, Boqvist (for at least 9 games while DeHaan is on IR)
DeHaan (First 9 games on IR)

Crow & Lehner

Rockford
Versteeg, Wedin, Hagel, Kurashev, Highmore, Hakkarainen, Quennville, Saarella, Sikura, Soderlund, Nilsson, Entwistle, Johnson, Fortin

Gilbert, Beaudin, Carlsson, Tuulola, Krys, Ryczek, Dahlstrom

Delia & Lankinen

Hawks
Toews, Kane, Saad, ADB, Strome, Smith, Shaw, Caggiula, Kubalik, Nylander, Carpenter, Perlini and
Dach (for at least 9 games)

Seabs, Keith, Maatta, Murphy, Gus, Koekkoek, Boqvist (for at least 9 games while DeHaan is on IR)
DeHaan (First 9 games on IR)

Crow & Lehner

Rockford
Versteeg, Wedin, Hagel, Kurashev, Highmore, Hakkarainen, Quennville, Saarella, Sikura, Soderlund, Nilsson, Entwistle, Johnson, Fortin
.
Gilbert, Beaudin, Carlsson, Tuulola, Krys, Ryczek, Dahlstrom

Delia & Lankinen
- -Doh-

Sikura will be better than at least 4 of the guys on the Hawks list. Heck. A healthy Highmore might be better than at least 3.

Sikura will be better than at least 4 of the guys on the Hawks list. Heck. A healthy Highmore might be better than at least 3.
- Elbows15

1.)Smith
2.)Carpenter
3.)Perlini
4.)Nylander?

Sikura will be better than at least 4 of the guys on the Hawks list. Heck. A healthy Highmore might be better than at least 3.
- Elbows15

I project Sikura to lock down a top 9 spot. Would be really surprised if he's not on the final roster. While they may have more offensive upside, guys like Perlini, Kubalik, and Nylander need to prove to be stronger possession players with reliable defense to earn a spot over Sikura, IMO.

Hawks
Toews, Kane, Saad, ADB, Strome, Smith, Shaw, Caggiula, Kubalik, Nylander, Carpenter, Perlini and
Dach (for at least 9 games)

Seabs, Keith, Maatta, Murphy, Gus, Koekkoek, Boqvist (for at least 9 games while DeHaan is on IR)
DeHaan (First 9 games on IR)

Crow & Lehner

Rockford
Versteeg, Wedin, Hagel, Kurashev, Highmore, Hakkarainen, Quennville, Saarella, Sikura, Soderlund, Nilsson, Entwistle, Johnson, Fortin

Gilbert, Beaudin, Carlsson, Tuulola, Krys, Ryczek, Dahlstrom

Delia & Lankinen
- -Doh-

Your Hogs roster is pretty accurate for the most part.

At forward, Sikura is Tyler rather than Dylan (I assume you meant Dylan in your projection). Knott needs to be there, too, unless he gets traded (one year left on his ELC). Regardless, Knott, Noel, and Fortin are taking spots away from better prospects with greater potential, IMO.

On the blueline, Ryczek is an option as well as Osipov (both are on AHL contracts). King played Osipov quite a lot towards the end of the season. Osipov is a career minor leaguer. If Galvas was in North America this season, I'd much rather him on the roster than Ryczek.

I project Sikura to lock down a top 9 spot. Would be really surprised if he's not on the final roster. While they may have more offensive upside, guys like Perlini, Kubalik, and Nylander need to prove to be stronger possession players with reliable defense to earn a spot over Sikura, IMO.
- AEL_Fox

Barring a training camp meltdown or significant trade I expect Sikura to be on the opening night roster. He played well despite the lack of offensive output and he played well in Rockford too.

Sikura will be better than at least 4 of the guys on the Hawks list. Heck. A healthy Highmore might be better than at least 3.
- Elbows15

I don't disagree about Sikura. It is just he is caught in a numbers game. I think Bowman keeps Nylander and Smith up because they are trade acquisitions and he wants to look good. Sending Nylander down would make the Joki deal look even worse. Smith also provides grit, something the Hawks want to increase. I am thinking they sign Perlini and give him the first opportunity to play with ADB and Strome. I am not saying they finish the season like this. Heck they may not even finish November like this. Sikura could be the first guy called up and Nylander the first sent down. Boqvist could be sent down for seasoning when DeHaan is ready.

Your Hogs roster is pretty accurate for the most part.

At forward, Sikura is Tyler rather than Dylan (I assume you meant Dylan in your projection). Knott needs to be there, too, unless he gets traded (one year left on his ELC). Regardless, Knott, Noel, and Fortin are taking spots away from better prospects with greater potential, IMO.

On the blueline, Ryczek is an option as well as Osipov (both are on AHL contracts). King played Osipov quite a lot towards the end of the season. Osipov is a career minor leaguer. If Galvas was in North America this season, I'd much rather him on the roster than Ryczek.
- AEL_Fox

I will defer to you to make your the Rock roster. How do you see it shaking out. WHat happens to the excess. Do they play at Indy?

1.)Smith
2.)Carpenter
3.)Perlini
4.)Nylander?
- Ogilthorpe2

I project Sikura to lock down a top 9 spot. Would be really surprised if he's not on the final roster. While they may have more offensive upside, guys like Perlini, Kubalik, and Nylander need to prove to be stronger possession players with reliable defense to earn a spot over Sikura, IMO.
- AEL_Fox

I don't think any of them have more offensive upside that Sikura aside from maybe Kubalik. Course, we have no idea how Kubalik will adjust to NA ice.

Perlini and Nylander both have motivation issues. Sikura brings it every night and definitely has a higher hockey IQ than Perlini and has been more productive at the A level.

Hawks
Toews, Kane, Saad, ADB, Strome, Smith, Shaw, Caggiula, Kubalik, Nylander, Carpenter, Perlini and
Dach (for at least 9 games)

Seabs, Keith, Maatta, Murphy, Gus, Koekkoek, Boqvist (for at least 9 games while DeHaan is on IR)
DeHaan (First 9 games on IR)

Crow & Lehner

Rockford
Versteeg, Wedin, Hagel, Kurashev, Highmore, Hakkarainen, Quennville, Saarella, Sikura, Soderlund, Nilsson, Entwistle, Johnson, Fortin



Gilbert, Beaudin, Carlsson, Tuulola, Krys, Ryczek, Dahlstrom

Delia & Lankinen
- -Doh-

Don't forget Kampf.....

Oskar Sundqvist, who became a restricted free agent on July 1, has agreed to a four-year contract with the St. Louis Blues that has an annual average value of $2.75 million.

I will defer to you to make your the Rock roster. How do you see it shaking out. WHat happens to the excess. Do they play at Indy?
- -Doh-

With the Hawks roster still not set, it makes the Hogs roster just as volatile so not sure how Rockford lines will shake out just yet. Based on your projected personnel for both squads, here's a stab at a lineup for the Hogs:

Versteeg - Highmore - D Sikura
Saarela - Kurashev - Quenneville
Hagel - Nilsson - Entwistle
Soderlund - Johnson - Wedin
Hakkarainen, T Sikura, Knott, Noel, Fortin

Beaudin - Dahlstrom
Gilbert - Carlsson
Tuulola - Krys
Ryczek

Delia
Länkinen

I have no problem having Knott, Noel, and Fortin either riding pine or demoted to Indy. Rotate Hakkarainen in with say Soderlund so he gets his reps. T Sikura is necessary for veteran leadership.

On defense, Ryczek would be the only RHD but Dahlstrom and Carlsson at least are capable of playing either side.

If Boqvist starts in Rockford, the blueline is more balanced and much stronger:

Dahlstrom - Boqvist
Gilbert - Carlsson
Beaudin - Krys
Tuulola

Ryczek to Indy or stays as the 8th man.

I don't think any of them have more offensive upside that Sikura aside from maybe Kubalik. Course, we have no idea how Kubalik will adjust to NA ice.

Perlini and Nylander both have motivation issues. Sikura brings it every night and definitely has a higher hockey IQ than Perlini and has been more productive at the A level.
- Elbows15

Total agreement with Sikura's high compete level and hockey IQ. Way better than Perlini, Kubalik, and Nylander.

Offensively, I can see Sikura hitting anywhere from 35-45 points if he plays a full season with mostly assists. Then next season and beyond, 40-50 range. 50+ if he's banging on all cylinders as far as hitting his full potential (a stretch but not out of the realm of possibility).

Even if he falls short of these gross stats, a lot of his true worth will likely play out in his advanced numbers, i.e. his strong capacity to drive possession, play reliable defense, and make an impact in all zones.

Don't forget Kampf.....
- Gary0301

Good point. My oversight.

I don't think any of them have more offensive upside that Sikura aside from maybe Kubalik. Course, we have no idea how Kubalik will adjust to NA ice.

Perlini and Nylander both have motivation issues. Sikura brings it every night and definitely has a higher hockey IQ than Perlini and has been more productive at the A level.
- Elbows15

I am not saying Sikura does not deserve to make it. I am just saying that because of many factors Sikura could start at the Rock until Perlini, Nylander, or another faulters. The Hawks will have certain roster locks. Then they will add certain top 9 and certain physical 4th line type players with grit. Sikura and a number of others is on the fence for one of the top 9 spots. I think those spots will initially go to Perlini and Nylander and Sikura could be the odd man out, maybe unfairly.

Total agreement with Sikura's high compete level and hockey IQ. Way better than Perlini, Kubalik, and Nylander.

Offensively, I can see Sikura hitting anywhere from 35-45 points if he plays a full season with mostly assists. Then next season and beyond, 40-50 range. 50+ if he's banging on all cylinders as far as hitting his full potential (a stretch but not out of the realm of possibility).

Even if he falls short of these gross stats, a lot of his true worth will likely play out in his advanced numbers, i.e. his strong capacity to drive possession, play reliable defense, and make an impact in all zones.
- AEL_Fox

Kubalik/Caggiula/Sikura-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Shaw
Saad-Dach-Caggiula/Sikura/Perlini
Smith-Kampf-Carpenter

Strome scored 51 points in 58 games with the Hawks last season - that extrapolates to 72 points in 82 games. 70 points should be the expectation more so than an optimistic stretch. If the work he's done with Goodman improves his skating and balance - would it be unrealistic to project 80+ points? Obviously he is a pass first guy so his scoring largely depends on his line mates but with DCat he has a stud sniper that will bury a lot of his setups. Yes, this is offseason optimism - but not without legitimate plausibility.
- EbonyRaptor

If Strome gets 70 let alone 80 points this season you are looking at $7MM+ AAV to keep him.

That will mean ADB/Strome re-sign hit will be much nearer $15MM. Not going to be any bridge deals or homer discounts.

I am not saying Sikura does not deserve to make it. I am just saying that because of many factors Sikura could start at the Rock until Perlini, Nylander, or another faulters. The Hawks will have certain roster locks. Then they will add certain top 9 and certain physical 4th line type players with grit. Sikura and a number of others is on the fence for one of the top 9 spots. I think those spots will initially go to Perlini and Nylander and Sikura could be the odd man out, maybe unfairly.
- -Doh-

I know what you are saying. What has Perlini or Nylander shown that they deserve a spot before Sikura going into training camp? Fine, if both outplay Sikura and earn a spot. I doubt that happens, tho.

Oh no, I see somebody broke out a keg of Sikura koolaid again. NFW he beats out Perlini if Perlini is not traded. Perlini is not going to Rockford. Sikura likely is...

Oh no, I see somebody broke out a keg of Sikura koolaid again. NFW he beats out Perlini if Perlini is not traded. Perlini is not going to Rockford. Sikura likely is...
- rpeters01

Maybe Perlini lights it up in camp and shows that he deserves to be with the big club...maybe. But based on what they did last season, Sikura deserves to come into camp with a leg up on Perlini. By far the more complete player of the two in their respective sample sizes. Perlini has shown squat so far.