I will go as far as saying he was possibly the jets top player in the following game. Top 3 is a massive stretch for a guy who can't produce points. You could say is one of the toughest forwards in this league and I would agree with you. But his 3 career playoff goals, and 10 points this season are a farcry from top 3. If he wanted to make an impact after that Tkachuk disaster, he wouldn't have let Wheeler (who usually steps in as 1C in scheiffs absence) drop the mitts. It was a 4-1 game in the 3rd and Lowry should have been chipping the puck in the corner and attempting to demolish every guy in his path. He could have been the villian the Jets needed in response. His physical impact will always outweigh his offensive capabilities. Jets needed a gutless finish to that game and nobody but Wheels stepped up.
- bikeguy99

Okay, but Lowry, the best forward in the series, stepping up to fight would take him off the ice. Wheeler was brutal, and contributed nothing in that series.
Normally I would agree with you that Lowry should be the guy to step in, but it made sense not to be in that series

See, this is where I have to opt out. Gustafsson might already be the better of the two players
- Rexypoo

How would you guys feel about Strome and Maata or deHaan for Lowry and Roslovic?

How would you guys feel about Strome and Maata or deHaan for Lowry and Roslovic?
- GPHawksfan

I would do it for Olli

I will go as far as saying he was possibly the jets top player in the following game. Top 3 is a massive stretch for a guy who can't produce points. You could say is one of the toughest forwards in this league and I would agree with you. But his 3 career playoff goals, and 10 points this season are a farcry from top 3. If he wanted to make an impact after that Tkachuk disaster, he wouldn't have let Wheeler (who usually steps in as 1C in scheiffs absence) drop the mitts. It was a 4-1 game in the 3rd and Lowry should have been chipping the puck in the corner and attempting to demolish every guy in his path. He could have been the villian the Jets needed in response. His physical impact will always outweigh his offensive capabilities. Jets needed a gutless finish to that game and nobody but Wheels stepped up.
- bikeguy99

I would certainly agree with that assessment - Lowry, supposedly the tough guy, didn't step in against the Flames when required. It is for that reason I don't see him back with the Jets next season, should there be one.

Chevy was watching, and I'm sure not impressed!

I would certainly agree with that assessment - Lowry, supposedly the tough guy, didn't step in against the Flames when required. It is for that reason I don't see him back with the Jets next season, should there be one.

Chevy was watching, and I'm sure not impressed!
- grahamzky

so you were not impressed with our top point producer in the play in round? tough crowd

also, Lowry did challenge Tkachuk folks and he declined!!! he wanted Wheeler cause he knew he could destroy the old man like he did, Tkachuk is not stupid

so you were not impressed with our top point producer in the play in round? tough crowd

also, Lowry did challenge Tkachuk folks and he declined!!! he wanted Wheeler cause he knew he could destroy the old man like he did, Tkachuk is not stupid
- Ross77

Lowry, Copp, and Ehlers literally dragged this team kicking and screaming through that play in round. We lost, because our system is broken, Scheifele died, and Wheeler and Connor can’t play without him.
But Jesus, this fan base must be toxic to watch that series, and still think up gems like “Copp can’t be 2C”, “Trade Lowry because didn’t fight and had a down year during the regular season”, and “Trade Ehlers for a defenceman”

Lowry, Copp, and Ehlers literally dragged this team kicking and screaming through that play in round. We lost, because our system is broken, Scheifele died, and Wheeler and Connor can’t play without him.
But Jesus, this fan base must be toxic to watch that series, and still think up gems like “Copp can’t be 2C”, “Trade Lowry because didn’t fight and had a down year during the regular season”, and “Trade Ehlers for a defenceman”
- Rexypoo

this

Lowry, Copp, and Ehlers literally dragged this team kicking and screaming through that play in round. We lost, because our system is broken, Scheifele died, and Wheeler and Connor can’t play without him.
But Jesus, this fan base must be toxic to watch that series, and still think up gems like “Copp can’t be 2C”, “Trade Lowry because didn’t fight and had a down year during the regular season”, and “Trade Ehlers for a defenceman”
- Rexypoo

if Chevy wont trade Connor for a top pair young RHD or a young 1-2 Center than go with this and give it 20 games!!!

Ehlers-sheif-Laine
Connor-Copp-rosy
Harkins-Lowry-Wheels
Perreault-Gustafson-apples

Morrisey-for the love of god sign or trade for someone good hear!!!!
heinola - Pionk
Samberg-Poolman


also if kyle connor is as good as some make him out to be in here than he should be able to carry that line on his back and still produce.

if Chevy wont trade Connor for a top pair young RHD or a young 1-2 Center than go with this and give it 20 games!!!

Ehlers-sheif-Laine
Connor-Copp-rosy
Harkins-Lowry-Wheels
Perreault-Gustafson-apples

Morrisey-for the love of god sign or trade for someone good hear!!!!
heinola - Pionk
Samberg-Poolman


also if kyle connor is as good as some make him out to be in here than he should be able to carry that line on his back and still produce.
- Ross77

I actually love that lineup. Connor-Copp-Roslovic would be fast as hell, and actually defensively responsible on the whole

Lowry, Copp, and Ehlers literally dragged this team kicking and screaming through that play in round. We lost, because our system is broken, Scheifele died, and Wheeler and Connor can’t play without him.
But Jesus, this fan base must be toxic to watch that series, and still think up gems like “Copp can’t be 2C”, “Trade Lowry because didn’t fight and had a down year during the regular season”, and “Trade Ehlers for a defenceman”
- Rexypoo

1. You may be right, maybe Copp can be a 2C in the NHL, but doubt it will be on a playoff team IMO
2. Lowry? Exactly - the tough guy didn't show up when he was needed to be tough
3. Trade Ehlers? Over my dead body! Ehlers, Connor, Scheifele, Wheeler, Morrissey and Hellebuyck are going no where. The rest? Laine and Pionkl only in block-buster!

New Jersey has a couple of young centers - as well as a high draft choice to draft another. Doubt Hischier could be pried out of there - but you never know. Would they consider something like our generational scorer Laine, Niku, and Perreault for Hischier, Boquist and Miles Wood (if healthy)? Or would more have to be added.

Might be a starting point for negotiation?

I guess the bigger question might be would either team have the marbles trade a star player coming into his prime years?

How would you guys feel about Strome and Maata or deHaan for Lowry and Roslovic?
- GPHawksfan

I would do that trade in a heartbeat!

1. You may be right, maybe Copp can be a 2C in the NHL, but doubt it will be on a playoff team IMO
2. Lowry? Exactly - the tough guy didn't show up when he was needed to be tough
3. Trade Ehlers? Over my dead body! Ehlers, Connor, Scheifele, Wheeler, Morrissey and Hellebuyck are going no where. The rest? Laine and Pionkl only in block-buster!

New Jersey has a couple of young centers - as well as a high draft choice to draft another. Doubt Hischier could be pried out of there - but you never know. Would they consider something like our generational scorer Laine, Niku, and Perreault for Hischier, Boquist and Miles Wood (if healthy)? Or would more have to be added.

Might be a starting point for negotiation?

I guess the bigger question might be would either team have the marbles trade a star player coming into his prime years?
- grahamzky

1: you can win with Copp as a 2C. See examples such as “Sundqvist, Oskar”, “Richards, Brad”, “Handzus, Michael”, or even “Richards, Mike” in 2014. In all of those cases, you will find Copp is the superior player.
2: Lowry tried to fight Tkachuk. He said no. Lowry then continued to power his way through everyone as he had been before.
3: I trade Wheeler now, tomorrow, and yesterday. But he’s likely untradeable now because decline and contract. I also trade Connor before any of those people.

As for your trade, it’s a huge L for New Jersey. No way they accept it. From their view, you’re trading Laine, a dead end prospect, and a cap dump for a 1C, a high end prospect, and a solid 3rd line forward.

1: you can win with Copp as a 2C. See examples such as “Sundqvist, Oskar”, “Richards, Brad”, “Handzus, Michael”, or even “Richards, Mike” in 2014. In all of those cases, you will find Copp is the superior player.
2: Lowry tried to fight Tkachuk. He said no. Lowry then continued to power his way through everyone as he had been before.
3: I trade Wheeler now, tomorrow, and yesterday. But he’s likely untradeable now because decline and contract. I also trade Connor before any of those people.

As for your trade, it’s a huge L for New Jersey. No way they accept it. From their view, you’re trading Laine, a dead end prospect, and a cap dump for a 1C, a high end prospect, and a solid 3rd line forward.
- Rexypoo

Stay tuned, I’m working the phones with Wheelers hometown and close to a wheeler for Dumba and Foligno deal. Wish me luck.

1: you can win with Copp as a 2C. See examples such as “Sundqvist, Oskar”, “Richards, Brad”, “Handzus, Michael”, or even “Richards, Mike” in 2014. In all of those cases, you will find Copp is the superior player.
2: Lowry tried to fight Tkachuk. He said no. Lowry then continued to power his way through everyone as he had been before.
3: I trade Wheeler now, tomorrow, and yesterday. But he’s likely untradeable now because decline and contract. I also trade Connor before any of those people.

As for your trade, it’s a huge L for New Jersey. No way they accept it. From their view, you’re trading Laine, a dead end prospect, and a cap dump for a 1C, a high end prospect, and a solid 3rd line forward.
- Rexypoo

That's fair! As I said, start of negotiation re trade.

So maybe we add in high-end prospect Vesalainen and Lowry? Maybe that would even it up? Or they subtract Boquist?

Maybe Laine and Jack Hughes would rip it up. A match made in heaven?

How would you guys feel about Strome and Maata or deHaan for Lowry and Roslovic?
- GPHawksfan

As a person that follows the Blackhawks very closely, I don't think that trade makes sense for the Hawks. Strome has value because of the RFA years and they can bridge him or sign and trade. Lowry will walk or be trade bait if the Blackhawks don't make the playoffs next year. They can't afford to sign him since it's a flat cap so you essentially gave away your third line center for a rental that doesn't produce as much.

Strome for Roslovic and a pick would get it done but you won't be getting a 1st or 2nd. Roslovic has great hands and work well on the wing and would be an improvement from Caggiula. He can also be a middle 6 center with injuries and help on draws if Dach gets thrown out of the circle.

I don't think Maata or deHaan will entice the Jets. Chevy won't trade 2 centers for players that he can get equivalent in free agency. Chevy tends to trade away his picks for players like De Malo. That tactic however has made the Moose pretty thin.

That's fair! As I said, start of negotiation re trade.

So maybe we add in high-end prospect Vesalainen and Lowry? Maybe that would even it up? Or they subtract Boquist?

Maybe Laine and Jack Hughes would rip it up. A match made in heaven?
- grahamzky

I’m trading Connor for Hischier, and calling it a day. I may, however, be open to adding Big Daddy Ves in exchange for Damon Severson also coming back. Add or subtract as necessary

As a person that follows the Blackhawks very closely, I don't think that trade makes sense for the Hawks. Strome has value because of the RFA years and they can bridge him or sign and trade. Lowry will walk or be trade bait if the Blackhawks don't make the playoffs next year. They can't afford to sign him since it's a flat cap so you essentially gave away your third line center for a rental that doesn't produce as much.

Strome for Roslovic and a pick would get it done but you won't be getting a 1st or 2nd. Roslovic has great hands and work well on the wing and would be an improvement from Caggiula. He can also be a middle 6 center with injuries and help on draws if Dach gets thrown out of the circle.

I don't think Maata or deHaan will entice the Jets. Chevy won't trade 2 centers for players that he can get equivalent in free agency. Chevy tends to trade away his picks for players like De Malo. That tactic however has made the Moose pretty thin.
- Napolean-Mennonite

I would very much be interested in Maatta as he’s still somewhat young, and can actually defend.
I’m also very okay with the DeMelo trade as we spent a 3rd round pick to get our best defenceman this season

I would very much be interested in Maatta as he’s still somewhat young, and can actually defend.
I’m also very okay with the DeMelo trade as we spent a 3rd round pick to get our best defenceman this season
- Rexypoo

Maatta is okay but we know the cap situation the Blackhawks are in with a flat cap. Is he worth over 4 million? We are losing the Kulikov contract and essentially putting it back on the books. The only reason the Hawks put him on the block is to clear cap space. The Blackhawks would have to add a sweetener and lower the return such as asking for a player like Niku or Stanley who are on cheaper contracts.

I’m trading Connor for Hischier, and calling it a day. I may, however, be open to adding Big Daddy Ves in exchange for Damon Severson also coming back. Add or subtract as necessary
- Rexypoo

Yea, kind of thought you felt that way. I go the opposite way - Laine for Hischier - and call it a day. But I don't think, if the deal was contemplated, the GM's would stop there.

Would they consider- Laine, Perreault, Stanley (or Niku, their choice) and a 2nd for Hischier and Miles Wood (if healthy)? Would like Wood but can't swing this unless Jersey takes Perreault. Jersey has oodles of cap space.

Possibly Severson could be swung into deal, but not one including Wood. Besides more pieces might have to, be added. RD, with what, two years left before UFA? Or is it RFA? Too lazy to look.

Jersey would still have Hughes and soon-to-be centre that they will likely draft.

Maatta is okay but we know the cap situation the Blackhawks are in with a flat cap. Is he worth over 4 million? We are losing the Kulikov contract and essentially putting it back on the books. The only reason the Hawks put him on the block is to clear cap space. The Blackhawks would have to add a sweetener and lower the return such as asking for a player like Niku or Stanley who are on cheaper contracts.
- Napolean-Mennonite

I could see Chevy having interest in either Da Haan or Maata, both have two seasons left at around $4M per, top 4 dmen cost that much so if the Jets want a stopgap/insurance LHD for Samberg and/or Heinola I'm not sure who else they could get that would have either a cheaper AAV or a shorter term then Maata or Da Haan. Any of the LHD available in free agency that are 2nd pair caliber are likely looking for more term then two years so I'm not seeing free agency as an option to fill that hole if it's deemed they need another LHD which imo they do.

If the Hawks need to use Strome to dump one of Da Haan or Maata on the Jets and the Jets send a 2nd and Niku or Stanley in return I'm more then okay with that... Lol

I could see Chevy having interest in either Da Haan or Maata, both have two seasons left at around $4M per, top 4 dmen cost that much so if the Jets want a stopgap/insurance LHD for Samberg and/or Heinola I'm not sure who else they could get that would have either a cheaper AAV or a shorter term then Maata or Da Haan. Any of the LHD available in free agency that are 2nd pair caliber are likely looking for more term then two years so I'm not seeing free agency as an option to fill that hole if it's deemed they need another LHD which imo they do.

If the Hawks need to use Strome to dump one of Da Haan or Maata on the Jets and the Jets send a 2nd and Niku or Stanley in return I'm more then okay with that... Lol
- JetFuel

I just see spending any time or assets on a LHD as futile. We have great depth there, let the kids figure it out.

How about looking at the rangers. They are in a cap crunch also they only have 13m in cap space with both strome and DeAngelo needing to be resigned and most likely won't be able to do both. Maybe see what it would take to get DeAngelo. Im hesitant on strome since he plays with Panarin, his numbers might be skewed from that.

I just see spending any time or assets on a LHD as futile. We have great depth there, let the kids figure it out.
- Ross77

I hear ya, but is next season a development year or a try to win a round or two in the playoffs year?
Just seems like this defense needs improving and depending on what the goal is for next season adding a second pairing LHD to play with Pionk isn't a bad idea and both guys suggested from the Hawks probably wouldn't cost valuable assets to acquire.
Maybe the kids can get the job done or maybe they need a season in the AHL idk, what do you think would be a better way to use their cap space? I would worry though about the second year of Maatta or Da Haan's deal getting in the way of extensions for key rfa's to be signed namely Laine.

I hear ya, but is next season a development year or a try to win a round or two in the playoffs year?
Just seems like this defense needs improving and depending on what the goal is for next season adding a second pairing LHD to play with Pionk isn't a bad idea and both guys suggested from the Hawks probably wouldn't cost valuable assets to acquire.
Maybe the kids can get the job done or maybe they need a season in the AHL idk, what do you think would be a better way to use their cap space? I would worry though about the second year of Maatta or Da Haan's deal getting in the way of extensions for key rfa's to be signed namely Laine.
- JetFuel

Maybe wishful Thinking on my part but I think both Heinola and Samberg will be better by the half way point than those two options in Chicago. I’d rather start both young guys. Top 2 needs are. Top pair RHD, possibly even two RHD. Then I’d like a Center and I’d like to try and acquire someone not like the wingers we have. Sam Bennett type.

Maybe wishful Thinking on my part but I think both Heinola and Samberg will be better by the half way point than those two options in Chicago. I’d rather start both young guys. Top 2 needs are. Top pair RHD, possibly even two RHD. Then I’d like a Center and I’d like to try and acquire someone not like the wingers we have. Sam Bennett type.
- Ross77

Even after Heinola and Samberg, we have more young LHD That will start on the Moose but could become NHL’ers. So there is a strong organizational need for RHD