I forgot about Gardiner... I'm surprised he isn't signed yet. Gardiner's situation will be a good example for what could happens to Gus next summer.
- DarthKane

Gus doesn't have back issues.

It seems to me that the time for trading Gus was before July 1st. The probability of trading him now or in-season is pretty remote. I see three possible scenarios for an in-season trade and only one of them has a probability factor of next to zero. The first two scenarios are (1) Gus is having a bad year so no team wants to trade for him, and (2) Gus is having a good year but the Hawks don't want to trade him because they are in playoff contention. The third scenario is Gus is having a good year but the Hawks are not in playoff contention. The third scenario would be best for getting something for Gus but not good for the team making the playoffs.

Maybe when the logjam of RFA's finally breaks there could be some possibility of trading Gus before the season starts but that would depend on the timing for Stan and Jeremy to assess Boqvist's readiness to step into Gus' role - which is unlikely.

Gus doesn't have back issues.
- Elbows15

Fair, but he has his own set of issues.

Gus doesn't have back issues.
- Elbows15

Gus has sunburn issues on his back from all the red lights that go on behind him.

If Maatta bounces back and reverts to the untouchable piece he was once considered a couple years ago, then the Hawks have two terrific d-first players in Maatta and de Haan that the team COULD in theory feel comfortable trotting out with BOTH Gus and Boqvist respectively. That would give the team the benefit of having two offensive spark plugs from the back end and allow Keith and Seabrook to get acclimated as their roles continue to diminish over time.

I don’t think it’s an either/or situation, I think that the Hawks could definitely make Gus and Boqvist both in the lineup work together.

If Gus has another splendid season, I just don’t see how they can afford to just let him walk the following summer. And if the Hawks are better than they were last season - as expected - then I don’t see them deciding to be sellers in February either, because they’ll hopefully still be in the mix of things.

Fair, but he has his own set of issues.
- DarthKane

Meaning that is most likely why Gardiner isn't signed. At this point, not many teams have the cap space to take him on. He may have to settle for a 1 year deal at this point.

Hearing OTT and Colin White closing in on 6x4.75

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 21, 2019

It appears that Artem Anisimov will wear #51 with Ottawa.

— CapFriendly Depth Charts (@CF_DepthCharts) August 21, 2019

Only two teams have already traded their first rounders and that is San Jose to Ottawa so they have two picks in Ottawa, and Carolina gets the Toronto pick unless they implode and finish in the bottom ten teams selecting in 2020...

All our conventional thinking is that a team desiring Gus and willing to pay is a playoff team so they all pick from 16-31.

Is a team finishing in the 16 17 18 area gonna be willing to trade to get them in a better place to challenge by adding Gus?

History shows it USUALLY is the teams who feel REALLY confident they are just a teeny bit away that make the trade deadline overpays. (We know because there is bitterness here about a Hawk deal with the hubs.)

So the question is
in what looks like another really solid draft class for the non playoff teams, does NON-playoff team trade a more valuable lower top 15 pic in 2020 for Gus because they want him as a keeper?
- wiz1901

Agree and the answer is probably NO because he costs too much and doesn't play enough D.

It seems to me that the time for trading Gus was before July 1st. The probability of trading him now or in-season is pretty remote. I see three possible scenarios for an in-season trade and only one of them has a probability factor of next to zero. The first two scenarios are (1) Gus is having a bad year so no team wants to trade for him, and (2) Gus is having a good year but the Hawks don't want to trade him because they are in playoff contention. The third scenario is Gus is having a good year but the Hawks are not in playoff contention. The third scenario would be best for getting something for Gus but not good for the team making the playoffs.

Maybe when the logjam of RFA's finally breaks there could be some possibility of trading Gus before the season starts but that would depend on the timing for Stan and Jeremy to assess Boqvist's readiness to step into Gus' role - which is unlikely.
- EbonyRaptor

Thing is they might not trade Gus because they as of yet have nobody that can replace him at the NHL level. He helps the team win games and until that changes don't expect him to be moved, unless he has some wild contract asks.

Even if Gus has a bit slower production season, the Hawks would have no issue finding a trading partner. They will be teams looking to add to their PP units and would love to have the Hawks "Problem" with Gus.

Thing is they might not trade Gus because they as of yet have nobody that can replace him at the NHL level. He helps the team win games and until that changes don't expect him to be moved, unless he has some wild contract asks.

Even if Gus has a bit slower production season, the Hawks would have no issue finding a trading partner. They will be teams looking to add to their PP units and would love to have the Hawks "Problem" with Gus.
- breadbag

at this time last year, did we ever think that Gus would be considered an Asset to the Hawks?

Thing is they might not trade Gus because they as of yet have nobody that can replace him at the NHL level. He helps the team win games and until that changes don't expect him to be moved, unless he has some wild contract asks.

Even if Gus has a bit slower production season, the Hawks would have no issue finding a trading partner. They will be teams looking to add to their PP units and would love to have the Hawks "Problem" with Gus.
- breadbag

What if the only teams willing and able to trade for Gus at the deadline are in the West?

If the Hawks are in sellers mode, it wouldn't be just Gus they would be looking to sell as a UFA, Crawford and Lehner would (depending on health) fetch more than Gus would.

I'm cool with playoffs talk & all that, because it has me excited. I'm ready to raise another cup just as much as the next guy. I hate being a buyer at the deadline, because that means good bye potential future player. Price tags on players are way high. I can't think of 1 young player we have stashed away, unsigned or otherwise, that I would want to part with & still have value that will garner a great return. I'd rather not lose a first round pick. Plus, I don't want to screw up some of our boys who will need new contracts.

Sure, you got to give to get, some of our guys haven't played an NHL game to judge potential, the draft is a crapshoot, & it's all at the chance for a cup. Yeah, I get all that, but this is the first time that the cubbards aren't empty. But this is all hypothetical talk anyways. I'm fine with keeping Gus & letting him walk later.
- I Am The Breadman

If Dach fills in at 3C what higher end trade line rental would the Hawks even look to pickup assuming everyone is healthy? You could upgrade on D but that means you're paying one of the guys to sit as #7.....maybe a two-way top 6 forward rental? Seems like a bit of a logjam unless as part of the trade the Hawks send a current roster player back the other way.

What the h e double toothpicks is the scoop on Perlini? So quiet.

If Dach fills in at 3C what higher end trade line rental would the Hawks even look to pickup assuming everyone is healthy? You could upgrade on D but that means you're paying one of the guys to sit as #7.....maybe a two-way top 6 forward rental? Seems like a bit of a logjam unless as part of the trade the Hawks send a current roster player back the other way.
- bhawks2241

If Hawks are in it, I think you are only looking at adding depth pieces (defensive centerman that can win faceoffs, ading some grit if the Hawks think they need more of that element). If they are not, it means the defense has failed again, and you would be looking to acquire draft picks and bring up the baby D from Rockford.

What the h e double toothpicks is the scoop on Perlini? So quiet.
- Cmonalready

I heard he's considering playing with the Uzbekistan national ice hockey team.

I heard he's considering playing with the Uzbekistan national ice hockey team.
- Rota's Rooter

Tyler your making a valid point. Just curious if boqvist is borderline or ready to make the team but doesn't maybe for roster space or cap reasons , or just seasoning , would you envision a scenario where Gus takes a step back and Stan moves him ?
Knowing boqvist would give Chicago the offensive impact boqvist brings if his defense is solid enough to compete?
- Taylorst1

If Gus gets tradef at the trade deadline it is due ti a very goid offer. Boqvust had to wirk on some things xecensuvely a n d hakf tk three fiurths if one seasin at Rickfird us pribabky still too early ti thriw him into the nhl playifg chaze each night. Beaudin and ir Varlsin is whom would most likeky get recalled before Boqvust.

There is a descent possibility that Gus has a strong year and has good trade value in the days - even the day or two before the draft.

I actually hope Boqvist isn t recalled but for a cup of coffee. I would love to see Gus helping us drive to a playoff.

So wiz confirmed it will be another strong draft. I am leaning toward faith in Colliton system and the team makes a strong push for more hockey in late April. Just know that Gus is exactly what teams would like to add.

For my wishes to come true i happen to believe tbe draft is where you get your future impact players. I am willing to give to get. Gus is our BEST trade chip. To the Bowman way of thinking i just wonder if he is willing to.pay out to how many players the same year. If Boqvist Mitchell Beaudin each progress well yet Vlasic would be later. I bet if this situation looms then Bowman will sign one of them early. You get an opportunity for a lottery pick you strongly consider. There is time - couple years or so until emtry level contracts are up for renwal fir the big three prospects on decense.

Gus having an even better season and prospects progress nicely at Rockfird. Still a tough call on whether you trade Gus at trade deadline or wait. My ghess is they wait and try for playoffs.

And who knows if Bowman dud vet a #1 for Gus, whether Bowman would wa t to traxe both # 1 picks fir a realky early pick. It would be fun conjecture on this board

If Hawks are in it, I think you are only looking at adding depth pieces (defensive centerman that can win faceoffs, ading some grit if the Hawks think they need more of that element). If they are not, it means the defense has failed again, and you would be looking to acquire draft picks and bring up the baby D from Rockford.
- LAHawk

Agreed. More grit would mean the guys we signed this off-season/acquired failed within the last year failed. Shaw, Carpenter, Smith, Caggulia and Quenville (?)

SportingNews Top 50 NHL Prospects lists Boqvist at 10 and Kirby Dach at 13

Gus doesn't have back issues.
- Elbows15

He does - he can't get back to stop the play.

If the Hawks are in sellers mode, it wouldn't be just Gus they would be looking to sell as a UFA, Crawford and Lehner would (depending on health) fetch more than Gus would.
- LAHawk

I agree....

Even if they are in playoff contention, you sell Gus and one of Crow / Lehner....

You could possibly have three 1st round picks in the 2020 draft....

What if the only teams willing and able to trade for Gus at the deadline are in the West?
- rpeters01

So what?

Make the best deal you can (if you decide there is a deal to be made) and worry about your own team.

SportingNews Top 50 NHL Prospects lists Boqvist at 10 and Kirby Dach at 13
- BetweenTheDots

They just came out with their farm system ratings, Hawks are rated 15th overall.
THEIR top 10 Hawk prospects

1. Adam Boqvist RHD Rockford (AHL) 1st/2018
2. Kirby Dach C Saskatoon (WHL) 1st/2019
3. Evan Barratt C Penn State (Big Ten) 3rd/2017
4. Ian Mitchell RHD Denver (NCHC) 2nd/2017
5. Alex Nylander RW Rockford (AHL) Trade: BUF
6. Nicolas Beaudin LHD Rockford (AHL) 1st/2017
7. Lucas Carlsson LHD Rockford (AHL) 4th/2016
8. Aleksi Saarela C/W Rockford (AHL) Trade: CAR
9. Niklas Nordgren RW HIFK (SM-Liiga) 3rd/2018
10. Arthur Kayumov LW Lokomotiv (KHL) 2nd/2016