Gotta wondered what FLA would pony up for Crow. Re-sign LA and bring up Lankinen for some stars to see what he can do on the big stage.
- Assman22

Agreed- Boq was looking pretty good.
- SC116

To me he seems to be behind the play in his own zone for the 1st 10 minutes of a hockey game. Seems to figure out what the opponent is trying to do and anticipates better and better.

Definitely needs to get stronger on his skates but that'll come in time i hope, he's 1 of the few when the puck is on his blade he's going to get it out of his own zone

Not a very big market for 150 lb wingers who have trouble scoring.
- RickJ

He’s listed at 166 - not much difference, I guess, but still....

He’s scored everywhere else he’s played. He may be a AAAA player - able to score in the minors but not in The Show - but he plays a nice game otherwise. If AdB (also 165 lbs.) had started out his career like he’s scored this season, would we be down on him too? Difference in ages, but still....

He may not bring back much in a trade, but I’m predicting he will have an NHL career.

(I like that “but still....” construction at the end of paragraphs.)

Except that it gets him signed and lets us all see some of what he’s got. Cale Makur had a nice playoff run last season after leaving UMass, leading to a probable Calder this season (all due respect to Kubalik).

Even tho it’s 75% or more that he signs after this season anyways, better to have the incentive of burning the year (a two-year advantage on his next contract, I think) rather than giving him time to think.
- StLBravesFan

What he has will be just fine. The Hawks won't be making the playoffs and Denver will still be playing by the time the Hawks season ends is my guess.

Why not get to see what he has for 2 years with cost certainty ? He is signing with the Hawks.

Not a very big market for 150 lb wingers who have trouble scoring.
- RickJ

Exactly. I have no idea why people keep losing their minds cause he doesn't play or is in the minors. He is not an elite prospect. He is what he is, a career minor leaguer just like Nylander

He’s listed at 166 - not much difference, I guess, but still....

He’s scored everywhere else he’s played. He may be a AAAA player - able to score in the minors but not in The Show - but he plays a nice game otherwise. If AdB (also 165 lbs.) had started out his career like he’s scored this season, would we be down on him too? Difference in ages, but still....

He may not bring back much in a trade, but I’m predicting he will have an NHL career.

(I like that “but still....” construction at the end of paragraphs.)
- StLBravesFan

The 200-ish pound 3rd pick in the draft is having trouble scoring, too. So is the 190lbs 8th pick.

What he has will be just fine. The Hawks won't be making the playoffs and Denver will still be playing by the time the Hawks season ends is my guess.

Why not get to see what he has for 2 years with cost certainty ? He is signing with the Hawks.
- Elbows15

If he's certain to sign, the extra year is nice. If burning a year of his ELC is needed to entice him to sign, then do that.

- mohel

I hope he blows out a knee before Bowman has the chance to regret signing him. Hawks really can't afford him unless they launch a couple of players. Like Saad and Murphy/Maatta. Not if they hope to keep Kubalik and Strome.

If he's certain to sign, the extra year is nice. If burning a year of his ELC is needed to entice him to sign, then do that.
- mohel

What part of him still playing when the Hawks season ends don't you understand?

He’s listed at 166 - not much difference, I guess, but still....

He’s scored everywhere else he’s played. He may be a AAAA player - able to score in the minors but not in The Show - but he plays a nice game otherwise. If AdB (also 165 lbs.) had started out his career like he’s scored this season, would we be down on him too? Difference in ages, but still....

He may not bring back much in a trade, but I’m predicting he will have an NHL career.

(I like that “but still....” construction at the end of paragraphs.)
- StLBravesFan

He is already 24 years old and couldn't stick with all the injuries the hawks have. he would not bring anything in a trade. No one is calling trying to trade for him. This is prime example of the Hawks PR hyping up someone when there was nothing to talk about, and people buying it. He isn't any good

He is already 24 years old and couldn't stick with all the injuries the hawks have. he would not bring anything in a trade. No one is calling trying to trade for him. This is prime example of the Hawks PR hyping up someone when there was nothing to talk about, and people buying it. He isn't any good
- SaadBeast

People on a message board equals the Hawk PR machine?

People on a message board equals the Hawk PR machine?
- mohel

Didn’t McD send your check yet?

He’s listed at 166 - not much difference, I guess, but still....

He’s scored everywhere else he’s played. He may be a AAAA player - able to score in the minors but not in The Show - but he plays a nice game otherwise. If AdB (also 165 lbs.) had started out his career like he’s scored this season, would we be down on him too? Difference in ages, but still....

He may not bring back much in a trade, but I’m predicting he will have an NHL career.

(I like that “but still....” construction at the end of paragraphs.)
- StLBravesFan

Nothing wrong with being a Sikura supporter I guess. But the reality seems to be that the Hawk's mgmt group and the coach in particular just don't see him as a player long term with the NHL team. He is this year's version of a Jeremy Morin.

Every team in the league has somebody like a Sikura - Sonny Milano can't stick with Columbus, Toronto never calls up Jeremy Bracco, Montreal gave Michael McCarron many chances to make the big team.

Sometimes a guy playing well in the minors is really a permanent minor leaguer.

Not much love on this board as it pertains to Matthew Highmore. Think this guy will/should stick with the Hawks as a 4th liner energy player. Plays his heart out every shift.

Not much love on this board as it pertains to Matthew Highmore. Think this guy will/should stick with the Hawks as a 4th liner energy player. Plays his heart out every shift.
- gabriel

People forget teams need 4th liners too to be successful. He is smart defensively. Good on the walls. Goes to the net. Adds speed to line-up and eventually if given the chance will do well on the PK. Of course saying you like the kid means you think he is going to be a star or something. He can be a useful player at this level.

If Sikura had Nylander's ice time, it would be Nylander being sent to Rockford. Sikura no star, but Nylander a potential bust.

If Sikura had Nylander's ice time, it would be Nylander being sent to Rockford. Sikura no star, but Nylander a potential bust.
- gabriel

Important word.

Nothing wrong with being a Sikura supporter I guess. But the reality seems to be that the Hawk's mgmt group and the coach in particular just don't see him as a player long term with the NHL team. He is this year's version of a Jeremy Morin.

Every team in the league has somebody like a Sikura - Sonny Milano can't stick with Columbus, Toronto never calls up Jeremy Bracco, Montreal gave Michael McCarron many chances to make the big team.

Sometimes a guy playing well in the minors is really a permanent minor leaguer.
- RickJ

Not disagreeing and some times players need a honest chance with consistent shifts to find their way.

BTW, Sikura is nothing like Morin. Sikura actually knows where his own zone is located.

People forget teams need 4th liners too to be successful. He is smart defensively. Good on the walls. Goes to the net. Adds speed to line-up and eventually if given the chance will do well on the PK. Of course saying you like the kid means you think he is going to be a star or something. He can be a useful player at this level.
- Elbows15

If people love Highmore, then chances are high they'll love Hagel as well. Hagel brings a similar package of speed, relentlessness, 200-foot play, and fearlessness. Highmore is just further along in his development curve.

Not a very big market for 150 lb wingers who have trouble scoring.
- RickJ

He'd be first line on Tampa.

He is already 24 years old and couldn't stick with all the injuries the hawks have. he would not bring anything in a trade. No one is calling trying to trade for him. This is prime example of the Hawks PR hyping up someone when there was nothing to talk about, and people buying it. He isn't any good
- SaadBeast

"Like"

Important word.
- mohel

Considering where the Hawks are currently, I would give Nylander another season before determining whether to move on or not. He has a big league shot and skating ability. But then, I see a kid who has given effort whereas many don't. He spent 3 seasons being in the Sabres system under two different GMs/coaching philosophies all the while when he should have been left in junior/Europe in his D+1 year at the very least. He also dealt with some injuries in each season. This has been his first season of being healthy all season to date.

People forget teams need 4th liners too to be successful. He is smart defensively. Good on the walls. Goes to the net. Adds speed to line-up and eventually if given the chance will do well on the PK. Of course saying you like the kid means you think he is going to be a star or something. He can be a useful player at this level.
- Elbows15

We have 12 4th liner's, more if you're counting Rockford and Chicago.

People forget teams need 4th liners too to be successful. He is smart defensively. Good on the walls. Goes to the net. Adds speed to line-up and eventually if given the chance will do well on the PK. Of course saying you like the kid means you think he is going to be a star or something. He can be a useful player at this level.
- Elbows15

Just like where the kid's head and heart appear to be. Will do whatever it takes to get favorable reviews. Sacrifices his body to the betterment of team results. Could use a few more like him, in that regard. Thanks, Elbows.

The Hawks HAVE to protect players with NMC's so as of now there are Kane, Toews, Keith and Seabrook. Teams have a choice to protect 1G/7F/3D/or 1G/8 skaters (combination of F and D). These players have to be signed for the 21/22 season. So if the Hawks opt for the 1G/7F/3D package the protected players may look something like this.

Forwards - Kane, Toews, Debrincat, Strome, Kubalik, ???, ???
If Nylander eventually comes around and is still with the Hawks he'll be eligible for the draft and could be protected and would be a 6th protected forward. Maybe Saad as another if he is given an extension after his current contract is up.

Defense - Keith, Seabrook, 1 of Murphy, Maata, deHaan
- boilermaker100

Nylander is more likely to make his being protected either a definite yes or a fairly certain no. I do not know actually if you can grammatically say fairly certain no be ause there is probably a better word choice.

If you look at what Nylander offers or hints at offering, you should probably agree it will be a clear cut decision - no hem and haw.

We do know that the players you protect are either because you are forced to let their contract, or they represent your best or obviously are going to be your best as they continue to improve.

Until Nylander shows ea h game that he is an important cog, you.cannot protect him instead of someone else. And I really do not believe even if he starts scoring some, he still gets healthy scratch if he is too uninvolved in the action outside if his offensive opportunity

So if you are still holding out hope for Nylander, do not worry as he will not be plucked because he is likely too big a gamble. Nylander might do well if he has one skill and one responsible defensive boards player as linemates. But if he finds himself in such a situation, he endears himself to the GM way of wanting to protect him only if he is consistently involved with the on ice play and becones a backchecking maven. He better wake up and do what it takes otherwise he will begin languishing in someone's farm system