IF (big if) the Hawks are in the playoff picture at the TDL, who (or what position) would you target?
- LAHawk

Taylor Hall or Nylander.

Even though the defense has been letting in a bunch of shots, there isn't any room for another 3/4/5 defensemen. The Hawks need a #1 or #2 and I can't think of a team willing to trade one.

The second thing the team needs is an elite sniper. I like Taylor Hall, but what would it cost us? Similar to what Stone costed Vegas?

I wonder how swapping Debrincat and Nylander would turn out. I was impressed by Nylander in the Toronto game.

Likely out in the first round even with an upgrade at the TDL?

How can you be so certain there’s zero chance we can contend? To the point where you wouldn’t even attempt a trade to further improve our chances?

With the goaltending and core experience this team has I think it’s rather ignorant to write us off so easily.
- SimpleJack

No, it’s not ignorant - it’s a different understanding of where this team is.

We’ve been getting outshot but the high danger scoring chances have been much closer during our 6-1-1 stretch. And if 2 teams are trading chances the game is almost always going to go in favor of the team with the superior goaltending, which in most cases will be the Hawks. This is why I like the current formula. Play to your strengths: Goaltending and forward firepower.
- SimpleJack

Yes and yes .Our goalies thrive on shots ,don't want them falling asleep back their .If this is true they have both found there dream team . And the forwards look more relax out their .It been some real fun hockey to watch ,no lead is safe .Hope they can keep the high wire act going .

If a trade is made, it has to include a young player coming back with a low cap hit, a player that will contribute to the Hawks not only this season, but more importantly the next couple of seasons. I agree, we are not yet cup contenders.
- Angotti

I get this is a discussion board, and these are all hypotheticals, but we don’t know what this team is yet. Let’s just say that they pulls rabbit out of (somewhere), and they finish first in the division. Is that all smoke and mirrors? Are they still not a contender because of our original expectations/assumptions?

We are 20 games into an 82 game season. If we are solidly in playoff position near the TDL, I wouldn’t make a single move unless we get absolutely blown away with an offer.

No, it’s not ignorant - it’s a different understanding of where this team is.
- StLBravesFan

No its definitely being ignorant.

You never know, especially in hockey when goaltending can dominate a playoff series...sometimes an entire playoff run. Who’s to say we can’t make a run if the current trends continue and we find a way to upgrade at the TDL? You acting like you know for certain what we might ultimately become when it’s only November is ignorance. But call it whatever you want.

Taylor Hall or Nylander.

Even though the defense has been letting in a bunch of shots, there isn't any room for another 3/4/5 defensemen. The Hawks need a #1 or #2 and I can't think of a team willing to trade one.

The second thing the team needs is an elite sniper. I like Taylor Hall, but what would it cost us? Similar to what Stone costed Vegas?

I wonder how swapping Debrincat and Nylander would turn out. I was impressed by Nylander in the Toronto game.
- RedRevenge

You wanna add an elite sniper yet then you suggest trading DeBrincat for William Nylander?

DeBrincat has 74 goals over the past 2 and 1/4 seasons. Nylander has 35. I know he’s missed some time with injuries but still...

Taylor Hall or Nylander.

Even though the defense has been letting in a bunch of shots, there isn't any room for another 3/4/5 defensemen. The Hawks need a #1 or #2 and I can't think of a team willing to trade one.

The second thing the team needs is an elite sniper. I like Taylor Hall, but what would it cost us? Similar to what Stone costed Vegas?

I wonder how swapping Debrincat and Nylander would turn out. I was impressed by Nylander in the Toronto game.
- RedRevenge

We have Debrincat, and Kane as snipers (grantee on the same line). Kubalik also has a really good shot, and Nylander has shown some a mobility as well. I don’t think you are getting Taylor Hall without giving up a ton, but then again I’m no GM.

It's wild looking at the stats, Hawks giving up most SOGs in the league, but are 10th in GAA

It's wild looking at the stats, Hawks giving up most SOGs in the league, but are 10th in GAA
- BetweenTheDots

3rd from the bottom in scoring chances against.
4th from the bottom in high danger against.

CC & Lehner have been Vezina good.

Finally get 2 quality NHL dmen and you can't get rid of one fast enough
- BetweenTheDots

Meh. One is quality. The other one is a placeholder. At best.

The real issue is which one is Dinky and which one is Strome?

We have Debrincat, and Kane as snipers (grantee on the same line). Kubalik also has a really good shot, and Nylander has shown some a mobility as well. I don’t think you are getting Taylor Hall without giving up a ton, but then again I’m no GM.
- Chunk

Hall shouldn't cost more than a 1st and a meh prospect. He is an UFA after this season.

Besides. He is injured a lot.

How's it going, Jerky?
- mohel

Going fine, Assface. How are things on your end of the spectrum?

No one.

Let’s not over-calculate based on the last 10 games - if they make the tournament they’re like out in the first round - even with a TDL addition.

There is certainly not a likely available player that will turn them into Cup contenders.

And certainly not worth giving up a pick or a quality prospect.
- StLBravesFan

OK, but isn't that the best case scenario we hoped for coming into this season - get some kids in the mix, make the playoffs and then come back in 2020/21 in even better shape than 2019/20.

Then wait for the offseason. And hopefully we’ll get lucky and Seabrook will retire.
- SimpleJack

Seabrook isn't retiring. Why not maximize what little value Maatta has right now. He is getting slower by the game.

Whatever. I get it. He is a shiny new toy thingy and people think he is playing well.

He isn't though. He is struggling to get out of his own zone. Though, Murphy being back will help with that.

Tyler Cameron: A whole new world
Live from Mexico, I have some thoughts.

What a satisfying weekend for Hawks fans.

The real talk is that the Chicago Blackhawks are 6-1-2 in their last 9 games.
- Tyler Cameron

WTF possessed you to go to there? I guess all the killings, drug wars, and other violent crimes is your cup of tea

Hall shouldn't cost more than a 1st and a meh prospect. He is an UFA after this season.

Besides. He is injured a lot.
- Elbows15

Ok, to me a 1st is too much. We have an odd mix of young and old without a lot in the middle. I’m thinking we just let it play out this year.

I get this is a discussion board, and these are all hypotheticals, but we don’t know what this team is yet. Let’s just say that they pulls rabbit out of (somewhere), and they finish first in the division. Is that all smoke and mirrors? Are they still not a contender because of our original expectations/assumptions?

We are 20 games into an 82 game season. If we are solidly in playoff position near the TDL, I wouldn’t make a single move unless we get absolutely blown away with an offer.
- Chunk

Chunk, that’s why I stated we are not yet, with emphasis on yet, cup contenders. I will stand by the comment that we are not currently cup contenders, however things could change, I will not disagree there. Good discussing Hawks hockey with you, I’m sure we will continue with these type of discussions, and there will be times when we agree and times when we will disagree, but I know that we both want the Hawks to win.

WTF possessed you to go to there? I guess all the killings, drug wars, and other violent crimes is your cup of tea
- gifman

He's not having tea, he's having Dos Equis.

Taylor Hall or Nylander.

Even though the defense has been letting in a bunch of shots, there isn't any room for another 3/4/5 defensemen. The Hawks need a #1 or #2 and I can't think of a team willing to trade one.

The second thing the team needs is an elite sniper. I like Taylor Hall, but what would it cost us? Similar to what Stone costed Vegas?

I wonder how swapping Debrincat and Nylander would turn out. I was impressed by Nylander in the Toronto game.
- RedRevenge

I like T Hall too. Know this: he is injury prone or so it appears to myself.

I would be.genuinely interested in him but you have to look at so many factors. Just a couple: salary cap,: contract status each player in trade, how well Hall and others on present roster would have chemistry -
I mean thiis is about style and comparability. Four solid lines is a strength if two or more of those lines can match or outplay the opponent. But in playoffs sometimes the elite difference maker wins the game. A team being a serious contender contemplates this T Hall trade more so than us.

Late add on: beside the above our team"s style of play is not enough to my liking. Forwards must help the dmen by coming back and being in position to help with break outs. Until this current malady is fixed I don't know whomever we add really matters all too much

The real issue is which one is Dinky and which one is Strome?

- Elbows15

Wtf is wrong with their mouths & bloated jaws? Did Mo make them while riding the short bus?

WTF possessed you to go to there? I guess all the killings, drug wars, and other violent crimes is your cup of tea
- gifman

Im sure he's not in Mexico City

Tyler great write up, and hope your enjoying yourself in mexico.

Imo I don't think anyone has given Lehner enough credit. Lehner has been outstanding in all his starts and those few games where he was peppered with 50 plus shots the teams outcome could have been worse.

Crawford struggled in the beginning and maybe that was due to the amount of time off due to his concussions.


I liked how you pointed out JC and the coaching staff making changes , I'm sure the losses , how the team looked so dysfunctional and the voices from the team created enough heat at the top that I'm sure the word came down from the FO to listen and adjust their system.


Just curious on everyone's take regarding Zach Smith, I think he has played great in the role given and pairing him with carpenter and Dach has really given Chicago a solid 4th line that's effective.


Where do you see drake when he returns from concussion protocol?
- Taylorst1

You’re (your) funny.

I like T Hall too. Know this: he is injury prone or so it appears to myself.

I would be.genuinely interested in him but you have to look at so many factors. Just a couple: salary cap,: contract status each player in trade, how well Hall and others on present roster would have chemistry -
I mean thiis is about style and comparability. Four solid lines is a strength if two or more of those lines can match or outplay the opponent. But in playoffs sometimes the elite difference maker wins the game. A team being a serious contender contemplates this T Hall trade more so than us.
- jhawk59

Imagine Dach/Hall as our "4th" line?!

Nylander/Toews/Saad
Dinky/Strome/Kane
Shaw/Kampf/Kubalik
Hall/Dach/Smith/Caguilla/Carpenter

it would be PERFECT

He's not having tea, he's having Dos Equis.
- I Am The Breadman

No beer worth drinking ever came in a green bottle.