The Hawks have 3 preseason games remaining - tomorrow at home against Boston and a game against Washington on Wednesday the 25th and a game against Boston on Saturday the 28th. Are all of those remaining preseason games in North America or do the Hawks travel to Europe and finish their preseason schedule over there? When do the Hawks go to Europe?

Well, the trade is the impetus, but I think the people who are down on the trade are comparing Murphy's best, which is sort of middling as an NHL defenseman, versus Hjalmarsson's best, which was very, very good.

Murphy's best is an NHL 4-5, so far, and Hammer was a 3 on a SC winner, and probably would have been a 2 on most NHL teams. And I'd argue that Hammer is still a better defenseman than Murphy.
- scottak

Well said. I'd even add in Stans foolish deceptive comments he made comparison that murphy is a younger version of hammer?

We were sold a clunker and told it was a Mercedes-Benz.

That's what most of us are turned off by .

In a previous life, he was named Ken Yaremchuk....
- mohel

Dennis Cyr

Would EK be able to add a troll emoji. If we had that as an option instead of wasting words we could just click on the troll emoji and every one else would be alerted and not answer anything else to the bugger.

Yes they exist. Here is the link.
https://depositphotos.com...hairy-troll-emoticon.html

Sounds like Gustav Forsling
- LAHawk

yeah, pretty much.

Well said. I'd even add in Stans foolish deceptive comments he made comparison that murphy is a younger version of hammer?

We were sold a clunker and told it was a Mercedes-Benz.

That's what most of us are turned off by .
- Taylorst1

Except he is by no means a clunker.

Well, the trade is the impetus, but I think the people who are down on the trade are comparing Murphy's best, which is sort of middling as an NHL defenseman, versus Hjalmarsson's best, which was very, very good.

Murphy's best is an NHL 4-5, so far, and Hammer was a 3 on a SC winner, and probably would have been a 2 on most NHL teams. And I'd argue that Hammer is still a better defenseman than Murphy.
- scottak

IMO you are selling him short. Murphy has been a #3 guy for more than one NHL team and he is far from a problem in that role. He is becoming one of the most under appreciated players for the Hawks.

Consider these facts.

He got deployed defensively (He and Dahlstrom as a pair used against the other teams top guys and in the Dzone). He still maintained decent puck possession numbers despite that slant and having a non-NHL partner for much of his time. All that considered, the actual goals against while he was on the ice was solid and better than nearly every other dman on the team.

He is physical throwing and taking lots of hits. Pretty much the most consistently physical dman we had last year.

While the numbers show he was solid in his own end, he didn't really get any PP time to put up points there, but 5v5 only Gus was scoring goals at a better rate and really was like our #3 in terms of regulars putting up offense behind Keith and Gus.

I don't get why people need to rehash an old trade. Murphy is a #3 and while he is less of a defensive specialist, he is 6 years younger and his contract is cheaper. If we had more guys like him, this team wouldn't have sucked as bad last year.

IMO you are selling him short. Murphy has been a #3 guy for more than one NHL team and he is far from a problem in that role. He is becoming one of the most under appreciated players for the Hawks.

Consider these facts.

He got deployed defensively (He and Dahlstrom as a pair used against the other teams top guys and in the Dzone). He still maintained decent puck possession numbers despite that slant and having a non-NHL partner for much of his time. All that considered, the actual goals against while he was on the ice was solid and better than nearly every other dman on the team.

He is physical throwing and taking lots of hits. Pretty much the most consistently physical dman we had last year.

While the numbers show he was solid in his own end, he didn't really get any PP time to put up points there, but 5v5 only Gus was scoring goals at a better rate and really was like our #3 in terms of regulars putting up offense behind Keith and Gus.

I don't get why people need to rehash an old trade. Murphy is a #3 and while he is less of a defensive specialist, he is 6 years younger and his contract is cheaper. If we had more guys like him, this team wouldn't have sucked as bad last year.
- breadbag

For all the forgiveness thrown to Seabs for "babysitting", Murphy had Dahlstrom as his partner most of the year. A guy that is going back to the AHL this year.

For all the forgiveness thrown to Seabs for "babysitting", Murphy had Dahlstrom as his partner most of the year. A guy that is going back to the AHL this year.
- bhawks2241

Sorry, doesn't fit the narrative. Haven't you read, Murphy sucks.

The Hawks have 3 preseason games remaining - tomorrow at home against Boston and a game against Washington on Wednesday the 25th and a game against Boston on Saturday the 28th. Are all of those remaining preseason games in North America or do the Hawks travel to Europe and finish their preseason schedule over there? When do the Hawks go to Europe?
- EbonyRaptor

2 at home and the closer in boston...a few more days of camp then off to europe for the 10/4 opener

The Hawks have 3 preseason games remaining - tomorrow at home against Boston and a game against Washington on Wednesday the 25th and a game against Boston on Saturday the 28th. Are all of those remaining preseason games in North America or do the Hawks travel to Europe and finish their preseason schedule over there? When do the Hawks go to Europe?
- EbonyRaptor

Read somewhere the Hawks are traveling to Europe Thursday or Friday and play an exhibition game against a German team Sunday the 29th. The team playing at Boston on the 28th will be made up of Rockford bound players since the 1st string will be over the pond.

2 at home and the closer in boston...a few more days of camp then off to europe for the 10/4 opener
- bogiedoc

To clarify: the last preseason game against Boston on Saturday, the 28th will be in Boston - not against Boston in Europe - correct?

If yes, that opens the door a little bit for Dach because I figure he won't play in the game tomorrow but maybe he gets in enough practice time to get into one of the last 2 preseason games before they have to make a decision to take him with to Europe of not.

I told you all awhile ago that Kampf will be JC's go to 3rd line center and bumped up to top 6 when needed.

He'll be the guy JC thinks can win draws in the 3rd, or get shifts in OT because he thinks Kampf is good

When the truth is, if they waived him he wouldn't be on any other teams NHL roster

If this is another developmental year, keep Dach in Jr's as well as Boqvist and any other young player in Rockford

I think Dalstrom makes the team (and possibly Koekkoek if Dehaan isnt ready)...possibly going with 8 D

JC also thought Dahlstrom and Murphy were "shut down" defenders
- PatShart

They'll compete for the division. The jets are a mess, Nashville got worse and rinne a year older, the avs have less forward depth then the Hawks. Dallas is a joke.

With how abhorrent their pk and goaltending was for parts of the year; a .915 save percentage between Crow and Robin and a middle of the row PK is for sure worth 8-12 points on top of the dumpster fire from last year which has them mid-high 90s points wise and primed to do damage in the playoffs. They already score well which is the hardest thing to do in today's NHL.

May as well go for it and play the guys with the most talent rather then stuffing the mattress only to have the house burn down.

Read somewhere the Hawks are traveling to Europe Thursday or Friday and play an exhibition game against a German team Sunday the 29th. The team playing at Boston on the 28th will be made up of Rockford bound players since the 1st string will be over the pond.
- boilermaker100

Oh - that changes things a little bit - so if Dach doesn't get into the game against Washington on Wednesday the 25th - I wonder if the Hawks would still take Dach along with them to Europe with the hope of getting him into the exhibition against the German team?

To clarify: the last preseason game against Boston on Saturday, the 28th will be in Boston - not against Boston in Europe - correct?

If yes, that opens the door a little bit for Dach because I figure he won't play in the game tomorrow but maybe he gets in enough practice time to get into one of the last 2 preseason games before they have to make a decision to take him with to Europe of not.
- EbonyRaptor

Hope, Dach starts practicing with the team very shortly, as I mentioned he is running short on having a chance at the NHL this year. First step has been made, let's see how he feels tomorrow after pushing some today. Concussions are very scary and tricky injuries, hoping #77 is good to go the rest of the preseason.

Except he is by no means a clunker.
- 35Tony0

It's a expression or do we no longer use terms or perjoratives?

Murphy is no where near what Stan sold us on. Murphy is at best suited as a 3rd pairing D.

Seabrook and maatta looked comfortable playing together , but surely IMO Seabrook has declined , can he truly be your 2nd defensive pairing and handle big minutes while playing 82 games and playoffs and still be effective?

Now maybe Murphy if paired with DE HAAN it's possible that he can excel and I'm willing to admit if I'm wrong ,

I'm just coming at this with a sour taste in my mouth from watching this team for the past couple of years decline and look lost and over manned at many times .

Oh - that changes things a little bit - so if Dach doesn't get into the game against Washington on Wednesday the 25th - I wonder if the Hawks would still take Dach along with them to Europe with the hope of getting him into the exhibition against the German team?
- EbonyRaptor

If the Hawks want to keep him for the 9 game trial, wouldn't bother me if they kept him home, have him play the Boston exhibition, and have him debut during our home heavy schedule when the Hawks come back over the pond. One game missed in europe would be no big deal. Plus it is in Prague. throw Kampf a bone and let him play 3 C in his home country.

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?
- phantasmo

Great observation. With Seabrook\Maata + Murphy merely average to poor skating = one half of the defense (although TOI for the threesome likely less than 50% of team TOI\Defense if you agree the other three dmen comprise more regular and special team (pp & pk) duty.

Thankfully the other three skate well, namely Keith, Gus and deHahn. I do want to see exactly how well deHahn skates - i recall as #1 round NYI he was a good skater.

As reserves Holm is a good skater; Koekkoek and Carlsson above averave too; while Dahlstrom is average and Gilbert struggles to be average. Beaudin and Boqvist i do not consider for at least half of the season since it is better for their development as the well as their meaningful NHL impact to stay in the AHL

Alright then i would ask for wiz and anyone else to tackle this possible issue of footspeed and recovery. This is not about whether a dman can scramble like Trubinsky could in football. It is about possibly each shift wherein footspeed and recovery is an important element of the success of the five man unit on the ice.

If the Hawks want to keep him for the 9 game trial, wouldn't bother me if they kept him home, have him play the Boston exhibition, and have him debut during our home heavy schedule when the Hawks come back over the pond. One game missed in europe would be no big deal. Plus it is in Prague. throw Kampf a bone and let him play 3 C in his home country.
- LAHawk

Sounds very practical to me. No real pressing need to rush this kid at all.

Great observation. With Seabrook\Maata + Murphy merely average to poor skating = one half of the defense (although TOI for the threesome likely less than 50% of team TOI\Defense if you agree the other three dmen comprise more regular and special team (pp & pk) duty.

Thankfully the other three skate well, namely Keith, Gus and deHahn. I do want to see exactly how well deHahn skates - i recall as #1 round NYI he was a good skater.

As reserves Holm is a good skater; Koekkoek and Carlsson above averave too; while Dahlstrom is average and Gilbert struggles to be average. Beaudin and Boqvist i do not consider for at least half of the season since it is better for their development as the well as their meaningful NHL impact to stay in the AHL

Alright then i would ask for wiz and anyone else to tackle this possible issue of footspeed and recovery. This is not about whether a dman can scramble like Trubinsky could in football. It is about possibly each shift wherein footspeed and recovery is an important element of the success of the five man unit on the ice.
- jhawk59

I am not the expert you requested. But IMHO positioning, anticipation, and IQ can make up for a lack of foot speed. Hjalmarsson is a great example.

Great observation. With Seabrook\Maata + Murphy merely average to poor skating = one half of the defense (although TOI for the threesome likely less than 50% of team TOI\Defense if you agree the other three dmen comprise more regular and special team (pp & pk) duty.

Thankfully the other three skate well, namely Keith, Gus and deHahn. I do want to see exactly how well deHahn skates - i recall as #1 round NYI he was a good skater.

As reserves Holm is a good skater; Koekkoek and Carlsson above averave too; while Dahlstrom is average and Gilbert struggles to be average. Beaudin and Boqvist i do not consider for at least half of the season since it is better for their development as the well as their meaningful NHL impact to stay in the AHL

Alright then i would ask for wiz and anyone else to tackle this possible issue of footspeed and recovery. This is not about whether a dman can scramble like Trubinsky could in football. It is about possibly each shift wherein footspeed and recovery is an important element of the success of the five man unit on the ice.
- jhawk59

You make some excellent points. Would it be safe to point out that the defenseman lack of foot speed is attributable to them being c9nstantly pinned down in their own end or the other teams ability to close the gap much quicker making it difficult to exit the zone and transition up ice smoothly?

[quote=Taylorst1]It's a expression or do we no longer use terms or perjoratives?

Murphy is no where near what Stan sold us on. Murphy is at best suited as a 3rd pairing D.

Seabrook and maatta looked comfortable playing together , but surely IMO Seabrook has declined , can he truly be your 2nd defensive pairing and handle big minutes while playing 82 games and playoffs and still be effective?

Now maybe Murphy if paired with DE HAAN it's possible that he can excel and I'm willing to admit if I'm wrong ,

I'm just coming at this with a sour taste in my mouth from watching this team for the past couple of years decline and look lost and over manned at many times .

Perfectly understandable analysis.
Please refer to my concern about team defensemen issue or is it overblown regarding their footspeed and recovery. This goes hand - in - hand with your observation. .My post was in response to the original question via yet another post about the team's defensemen measuring up.

I am not the expert you requested. But IMHO positioning, anticipation, and IQ can make up for a lack of foot speed. Hjalmarsson is a great example.
- -Doh-

Agree, I would argue that the whole St. Louis team (except for a couple like Robert Thomas) have no better than average footspeed.

Murphy is an average defender with some size and mobility earning about what a guy with those talents earns in the nhl.

Hammer has a load of miles on his legs and they have Seabrook as the resident beat up old guy and Keith as the 35 year old who thinks he's still in college. Not enough room for all three.

Kind of a silly discussion at this point.

The Hawks can keep Dach on the NHL roster as long as they want (until he plays his 10th game). He can work with the Hawks strength and conditioning coaches (on ice and off), and practice with the team. I would be ok with him sticking around until he was 100% healthy, then play 9 games, then make a decision on his future. There is no urgency to decide. The Hawks bottom 6 is full of players who have played some center and could fill in the role as 3C for the interim, some better than others. (Shaw, Smith, Carpenter, Sikura, Kampf, Highmore, Caggiula)