You're right around 4M is the going rate for a 3C these days. My comment of him being overpaid has more to do with that I don't care for it as the salaries have gone up but the cap hasn't really.

Agree that AA wasn't put in the best position to succeed at times and bounced around based on where JC felt he needed him. Given the Hawks (and league) cap crunch something was gonna have to give with them to fill out the roster (the extra 1M they saved is another body on the roster).

As much as people wanna look at this as just a one for one deal I don't think it's as simple as that (even though that was the trade). Adding both Maatta and de Haan meant that someone was going to have to be moved. So essentially by adding de Haan it meant that AA was going to need to be moved out. Given our swiss cheese defense last year I'd rather add another Defensive responsible defender than have AA as our 3C. Especially with Dach in the pipeline and other forwards (who have more speed, that's a big key there too) who could fill the role.
- Savetheembers33

They have enough cap space to trade Smith for Anisimov today.

Murphy will always suffer for being traded for Hjalmarsson.
- Elbows15

In some fan's minds, he was traded for the GOOD Hjalmarsson.

I can even make a case that Gilbert has shown more than Holm. Holm is definitely better in the O-zone. When Gilbert and Holm were paired, it was Gilbert doing all the heavy lifting in the neutral zone and D-zone cause Holm was getting lost in the shuffle a bit.

There is a lot to like about Holm for sure. The issues are correctable but in no way shape or form is he better than Murphy.
- Elbows15

I would agree with that. People notice Holm more, because he's making plays on the attack which is obvious. While Gilbert gets over looked because he's been doing the dirty work that needs to be done in order to be successful defensively.

It's gonna come down to waivers as well. Holm I know, from what someone (might have been you) posted before, has to go through waivers and teams are always looking for puck movers so I could definitely see him getting claimed. I don't think Gilbert has to go through waivers so I think he's a clear choice to go down and play important minutes in Rockford to continue to develop his game. We'll see though

Agree. I'm not sure anyone "gave up" on crow but he hasnt been reliable in 2+ years to start and finish a season in full health. At 35 yrs old...not sure he can be counted on it either.
- PatShart

Exactly what I said including Stan may have had to make certain assurances to Lehner to get him.

They have enough cap space to trade Smith for Anisimov today.
- mohel

Yes they do, but its not just about now right now but also creating flexibility for the rest of the year and next. Even if Smith bombs out he'll be easier to move that AA was. The fact that was the only deal worth doing on the table shows what GMs around the league feel about him

Regarding Murphy.

His 1st season here coming from a questionable Arizona organization, he looked lost at times and got moved from right side to left side during the season.

He had off-season back surgery last year and doesn't play until December under a a new coach, a new system and maybe not 100% healed.

I suspect a full summer of off-season training while healthy we just may see a steady, solid Connor Murphy especially with the additions of De Haan and Maata this year.

To my point, if worrying about who our 3C is gonna be is our biggest worry heading into the season I'll take it in a heartbeat
- Savetheembers33

Actually quite an improvement, in the Cup years we worried about the 2C (Handzus, Richards)

Hawks also haven’t won a Cup with AA on the roster. Clearly he was bud luck. (Red font maybe?)
- Assman22

Arty was definitely the cause of Crow's concussions.

They have enough cap space to trade Smith for Anisimov today.
- mohel

Trolling are we?

You've been reported!

See we are back to debating the Most Mediocre Man on earth (Anisimov). He is no loss. Kampf probably isn't as good, but it's not like he's that much worse for a fraction of the cost. Hawks also have a couple other potential options for L3-C. I know you aren't pining for him, but the Good Ship Anisimov has sailed Bon Voyage.
- kwolf68

I will debate Sikura is more mediocre...

Yes they do, but its not just about now right now but also creating flexibility for the rest of the year and next. Even if Smith bombs out he'll be easier to move that AA was. The fact that was the only deal worth doing on the table shows what GMs around the league feel about him
- Savetheembers33

I don't think Smith will be easy to move at all. Teams could have had him for free last season when he was put on waivers. They all passed on him. His cap hit is high for a 4th liner.

Count me in as well. Liked AA, but he was overpaid as a 3C. Smith should be able to bring some of the grit this team has been missing
- Savetheembers33

Don't overlook or forget about Kurashev. It won't be at the start of the season but that kid is going to push for a job sooner than later, he's a player.

I will debate Sikura is more mediocre...
- rpeters01

Yeah, but you think Lehner is better than Crow. So, there is that.

The Dach news is awesome!! The Hawks have 14 days before the opener. That gives Kirby 2 weeks to try to make an impression. Still a long shot, but great to hear that he is skating. Hawks play Boston tomorrow night, then nothing until next Wednesday. If he starts practicing by Sunday or Monday with the team, I think it is entirely possible that he could see time in the last couple of exhibition games. Dach, healthy, sounds so much better than Kamph. We are so deep if Dach could cetner the 3rd line.

Yeah Fortin has speed that kills but he's got stone hands. Saw him play last year in person and he was easily the fastest guy on the ice, but he constantly lost the puck in transition or lost the puck on a pass
- Savetheembers33

His hands would be better if he slowed down?

Yes they do, but its not just about now right now but also creating flexibility for the rest of the year and next. Even if Smith bombs out he'll be easier to move that AA was. The fact that was the only deal worth doing on the table shows what GMs around the league feel about him
- Savetheembers33

I get the flexibility thing, and that there was not a big market for Anisimov. Smith won't really be easy to move, either, given he passed through waivers last year.

Would the Hawks be better this season with AA than with Smith? I think you can make a good case they would be, especially with the other grinder types they added this offseason.

If Dach is ready to be the 3C, then I'm happy Smith is here.

Yeah, but you think Lehner is better than Crow. So, there is that.
- Elbows15

Potentially better when Crow is a ?

Yes they do, but its not just about now right now but also creating flexibility for the rest of the year and next. Even if Smith bombs out he'll be easier to move that AA was. The fact that was the only deal worth doing on the table shows what GMs around the league feel about him
- Savetheembers33

That assumes you believe it was both A) the only deal on the table & B) worth doing.

I don’t know about A, and disagree vehemently with B.

Yes they do, but its not just about now right now but also creating flexibility for the rest of the year and next. Even if Smith bombs out he'll be easier to move that AA was. The fact that was the only deal worth doing on the table shows what GMs around the league feel about him
- Savetheembers33

And Smith being waived last year with no takers...doesn't show what GMs think about him either?

Major upgrades on D (De Haan, Maata, healthy Murphy) this year. However, I think the group as a whole has subpar footspeed.

Do you think that footspeed (i.e., puck recovery, defensive pressure) will dictate the handful of bottom of the roster F spots?

And Smith being waived last year with no takers...doesn't show what GMs think about him either?
- PatShart

New season brings new values to players.....what happened last season is history. GM's have short memories.

New season brings new values to players.....what happened last season is history. GM's have short memories.
- powerenforcer

Ogi remembers Perlini still sucks.

That assumes you believe it was both A) the only deal on the table & B) worth doing.

I don’t know about A, and disagree vehemently with B.
- Ogilthorpe2

If there was a better deal to get more cap relief don't you think Stan woulda done it with Cat and Strome coming up as FAs next year? Or to get a better player of similar salary, that they woulda done it? AA's value is very low. He's a solid player, I don't think anyone will argue that, and he's definition of an average NHL player who can help you win, but no GM was rushing to go out and get him.

I appreciate what AA brought to the table over the past few years, and if we're not accounting for salary cap and strictly looking at production numbers he is better than Smith. I don't think anyone would really argue that. But in order to improve the overall depth of the team he needed to be moved. Moving him essentially allowed for the Hawks to add both Maatta and de Haan this offseason. Which given our swiss cheese D last year I would sacrifice having AA as our 3C, especially with a likely better, younger, and cheaper replacement in Dach ready to go if not this year than next, to add better overall defense on the backend. Smith is overpaid and isn't gonna light up the scoresheet either, but he will provide grit that this team SORELY has lacked these past few seasons.

You've been stead fast in your opinion of AA which I can respect, and we'll just have to agree to disagree on the deal. I think the deal is going to help the Hawks out all around on the team rather than having a steady 3C

And Smith being waived last year with no takers...doesn't show what GMs think about him either?
- PatShart

The likelihood of anyone being claimed on waivers making another over like 3M is extremely slim. Teams barely have that much cap space as it is, and the teams that do aren't contending and won't wanna commit the money to someone.

Ask anyone who was around that team last year or is a general hockey fan and they will tell you that was a p!$$ poor move on Dorion to do as he was a key member of the locker room there.

I'm not saying Smith is going to be amazing or the savior of the season, but he brings things to the table that AA did not and that the team needed. So it should help them this year.

Great news about Dach! More video

https://twitter.com/Tramy.../1175064707960639490?s=20

Gotta love the sound of skates on fresh ice