Outside of Crow signing cheap, we're pretty much screwed next year. Not that I expect much more than a playoff bubble team, but if Crow leaves, his replacement will most likely cost more. That means they lose 2 of Saad, Strome or Kubalik, in addition to at least one of Murphy, Maata and deHaan. If they sign someone for less than 3.5, they'll basically have a backup as a starter.

What did you think about the article? I know it's early for your draft preview, but do you think they'll draft a goalie in the first three rounds?
- tvetter

Duffman is going to be happy but I can see Bowman being interested in Askarov. I personally would prefer one of the forwards instead.

Even if Askarov isn't in the plans, yes, I could see them nabbing a goalie in a middle round. Maybe not the 2nd but 3rd or 4th.

The other consideration whether you trade Murphy now or later down the road, is that he.is your one and only top four whom plays with a physical edge. I believe the future NHL is to have a blueline crew majority being the new age skill skating puck movers BUT there is a need and a place to retain one or two dmen whomwillungly can knock the opponent on their derriere. And can win a puck scrum due to strength and size.

I bet Theo agrees. I bet Rick agrees. I know what wiz feels about it. In fact I think many readers here agree this us a trend occurring now in the NHL. I worry that our one really top skill new age capable dman, Boqvist, has concussion history. This is why I would have been in favor of trying to draft Drysdale. But he is not exactly fit that profile. I like his skating/edgework and projection being good defensively - which a lot of the new age dmen have as an issue. Alas we are not drafting Drysdale and someone will scoop him up early

My other big wish was to gamble on drafting Askarov. But I do not see that happening. As well Askarov might go earlier than projected. What we need is a top young goalie prospect then a power forward. I don't foresee either with the 17th pick. Maybe in round two you look at that need. Hard to argue with best player available come our choice.
- jhawk59

Excellent points on why Murphy is a much needed player on the blueline and would also be coveted by other teams for his style of play, ability to munch minutes, and affordable contract.

One caveat to physical defenders protecting the smaller mobile puck movers like Boqvist: while Boqvist has had concussions, so has Murphy.

Playing that physical style comes at a cost. Stephen Johns is an unfortunate example given what he has gone through the past two years.

For the smaller players (forwards and defenders), it's a good idea to know how to be elusive, push back, and add muscle to their frames to absorb hits.

The Hawks. Anderson for Strome is a great deal for the Jackets. Anderson is coming off of major surgery on his shoulder and wasn't exactly lighting it up before the surgery.

Toronto get a RHD for a meh 3rd liner? Huge win for the Leafs. I would want the big Russian as part of any deal for Murphy with the Leafs.
- Elbows15

Murphy for hyman and 2nd or kerfoot and 15th overall pick
Matta for lowrey or copp
Murphy and 4th for lowery and 10th overall pick
Imo hawks should not trade Murphy unless like elbows said an overpay.
Strome to buffalo for 2nd Johansson (goalie prospect) and asplund

If Strome is being shopped, I'd consider sending him to the Avalanche for Jost. Kadri and Compher are their 2C and 3C so that could be a way to get a younger 2C in their lineup for the longer term.

Jost can play wing although drafted as a center. Not putting up huge numbers so far in his career but could be worth developing as an affordable 3rd liner if signed to a respectable contract at $1.5-$2M (he is an RFA off of an ELC).

Kerfoot is a similar middle 6 C/W but already earning $3.5M for the next 3 years. Go with the cheaper option in Jost with an opportunity to still reach potential.
- Theo Fox

Why would Joe Sakic be interested in a player he could still beat in a race around the rink at age 51?

The Avs want to play a high speed, up tempo game thru their lineup. Strome doesnt fit there.

Why would Joe Sakic be interested in a player he could still beat in a race around the rink at age 51?

The Avs want to play a high speed, up tempo game thru their lineup. Strome doesnt fit there.
- RickJ

Rumor was lehner to Colorado for a 1st and jost but sakic no. Maybe he shoulda done the deal all hindsight now.

Duffman is going to be happy but I can see Bowman being interested in Askarov. I personally would prefer one of the forwards instead.

Even if Askarov isn't in the plans, yes, I could see them nabbing a goalie in a middle round. Maybe not the 2nd but 3rd or 4th.
- Theo Fox

I doubt Askarov will be there at 17, but if he is, I think the Hawks take him. Of course that depends on who else falls to 17.

Mitchell isn't slide eligible due to his age when he signed his ELC.
- Elbows15

In that case, never mind then, I'm probably wrong.

I think there's a lot of truth to that and believe that was discussed in articles about Mitchell's situation.
- Theo Fox

I have to disagree that kind of promise is unprofessional, will bite you in the ass if you send him down when he gets vocal with future signers, and they don't teach that in Notre Dame MBA school.

If he does not take it things could get interesting. I do not think it would happen, but the Hawks could go with some combination of Delia/Lankinen/Subban next year. If they are awful that would put the Hawks in the draft lottery with an excellent chance to get one of the top picks.

Without the cap pressure, it would also buy them more time to evaluate their defensemen situation and the health of Shaw, Seabs, and deHaan. They could keep all of their dmen, and Subban, Saad, Kubalik, Strome and K4. (Strome with QO only.) Then at the trade deadline they could trade one of the dmen, Saad, Strome for additional picks and prospects.
- -Doh-

Unless somebody offers two years he will take it. Most he will get offered someplace else is probably 1@$4.

Why would Joe Sakic be interested in a player he could still beat in a race around the rink at age 51?

The Avs want to play a high speed, up tempo game thru their lineup. Strome doesnt fit there.
- RickJ

Colorado is going to sign Taylor Hall, they have the cap space.

Crawford should walk unless he gets $6 million per year for 4 years.
- DarthKane

$8@7 like Stan offered fat ass.

Colorado is going to sign Taylor Hall, they have the cap space.
- LAHawk

Colorado doesn't need hall they need goaltending and defense.

Colorado is going to sign Taylor Hall, they have the cap space.
- LAHawk

Who is crappin' who. Really. Dang blasted Avalanche with Hall too. The other teams are going to get up for a battle with the Avalanche should Hall land there. I bet if Hall lands there, some corresponding moves occur. Sakic would be wise to not spread out his team's future too thin. Keep a couple prospects, most of your future draft picks intact. Not too thin in one area. Obviously scoring is going to be a strength. I would bring in some lesser lights for bottom line roles whom I could interchange with a prospect or another lesser light stashed in the AHL. I would have to look hard at when new salaries each season are due and see if it made sense to move a veteran now so that the roster make up will be OK later on. Adding another big contract like Hall necessarily brings repercussions.

If Strome is being shopped, I'd consider sending him to the Avalanche for Jost. Kadri and Compher are their 2C and 3C so that could be a way to get a younger 2C in their lineup for the longer term.

Jost can play wing although drafted as a center. Not putting up huge numbers so far in his career but could be worth developing as an affordable 3rd liner if signed to a respectable contract at $1.5-$2M (he is an RFA off of an ELC).

Kerfoot is a similar middle 6 C/W but already earning $3.5M for the next 3 years. Go with the cheaper option in Jost with an opportunity to still reach potential.
- Theo Fox

Didn't realize Kerfoot was signed for that much. Yuck.

Duffman is going to be happy but I can see Bowman being interested in Askarov. I personally would prefer one of the forwards instead.

Even if Askarov isn't in the plans, yes, I could see them nabbing a goalie in a middle round. Maybe not the 2nd but 3rd or 4th.
- Theo Fox

Yes Theo my guess is what you mention here. Just appears to be the more sensible approach

I also want to stress one other point. That is to do about our AHL prospects. And to a lesser extent other prospects we expect to later model Icehog uniforms as they move forward from junior, collegiate, overseas etc al

Here is the situation: it is all well and fine to mention trades. Some actually do make sense but almost always us armchair GM aren't going to see those deals in reality. Something else comes to fruition. This would include ideas I too might float.

I just believe we need to think harder and believe more in our own prospects. Expect they are whom probably turn up here and not some NHL player blows into the Windy city. Even someone like Hagel's junior teamatte whom is not at the top of our coveted hot prospects to move up....he (R Johnson)could very well be a valuable role player for what he brings.

Of course it is somewhat problematic for fans to imagine what those prosoects would look like in the NHL. That is due to the fact (most often) we do not see them play. We view reports but actually seeing prospects improve is what we should concentrate upon

In that vein your input is especially appreciated. You actually take time to watch AHL even if you might see some games a day late if you happen to have taped a game.Like wiz you are able to compare contrast player progress from earlier in the season. Good examples are your reports on Beaudin and Kyrs

So when trades are discussed, I just think .....well if we make due for half a season or longer, there are (for instance) several bottom line forwards and some dmen whom might be a lot closer to NHL ready.. it is about replacing someone else,, taking their job..A player we may not wish to deal now might be more palpable to move after some AHL guys demonstrate progress in their development.

3 years for $10M ($3.33M AAV) will get it done.
- scottak

Honestly if Bownan inks Crawford for more than 1 year at his age , health issues i.e concussions history. and a flat cap with numerous contracts that aren't great I'd like to see him tired. a 1 year deal would be ideal to get chicago into a better position overall

Yes Theo my guess is what you mention here. Just appears to be the more sensible approach

I also want to stress one other point. That is to do about our AHL prospects. And to a lesser extent other prospects we expect to later model Icehog uniforms as they move forward from junior, collegiate, overseas etc al

Here is the situation: it is all well and fine to mention trades. Some actually do make sense but almost always us armchair GM aren't going to see those deals in reality. Something else comes to fruition. This would include ideas I too might float.

I just believe we need to think harder and believe more in our own prospects. Expect they are whom probably turn up here and not some NHL player blows into the Windy city. Even someone like Hagel's junior teamatte whom is not at the top of our coveted hot prospects to move up....he (R Johnson)could very well be a valuable role player for what he brings.

Of course it is somewhat problematic for fans to imagine what those prosoects would look like in the NHL. That is due to the fact (most often) we do not see them play. We view reports but actually seeing prospects improve is what we should concentrate upon

In that vein your input is especially appreciated. You actually take time to watch AHL even if you might see some games a day late if you happen to have taped a game.Like wiz you are able to compare contrast player progress from earlier in the season. Good examples are your reports on Beaudin and Kyrs

So when trades are discussed, I just think .....well if we make due for half a season or longer, there are (for instance) several bottom line forwards and some dmen whom might be a lot closer to NHL ready.. it is about replacing someone else,, taking their job..A player we may not wish to deal now might be more palpable to move after some AHL guys demonstrate progress in their development.
- jhawk59

Theo,

Just had one more thought and I know you are big on this shall I refer to it as a process.

We have only so any openings for an NHL job. Often prospects take those jobs. If not later than sooner.

So in the new look NHL to come as soon as next season, more bottom line jobs and bottom pair and or depth jobs will be given to cheaper contracts. I suggest this savings was trending the past ouple seasons and will just be more in vogue after the affects from Covid crises upon the socio economic standing of both business and consumers.

Now here I am going to take this farther than you probably thought I was going with this.

I foresee an inexpensive way to add depth and save coin is for GM's to start trying to pluck prospects whom might be floundering

Example. Could be Kurashev. Or Fortin and Sikura. A GM says, we will exchange third round picks if you ship Sikura over to our stable.

You've seen it with moves like Special K or Perlini
Actually a big horse along boards like Ernie (Tampa) peaks my curiosity. Is Ernie or a Sikura a scout's favorite. Maybe someone the GM like in that player's draft year. We could see GM's reaching more for a bit less accomplished prospects and hoping to see said prospect click in a new environment.

A GM thinks,, hey I really believe that Sikura can chip in with some goals. He is actually a well rounded player.

The Ernie prospect was still around a few years later and has injury past. I dk if he is an appropriate example. But he is a real horse along boards and in juniors had offensive numbers.

Kurashev seems to get a word of caution from Wiz. Maybe he isn't all we might think he could be. Re Johnson and Entwhistle as centers; Sikura and Kurashev out. Who knows. But other GM need to be creative how to add more talent on the cheap

Theo,

Just had one more thought and I know you are big on this shall I refer to it as a process.

We have only so any openings for an NHL job. Often prospects take those jobs. If not later than sooner.

So in the new look NHL to come as soon as next season, more bottom line jobs and bottom pair and or depth jobs will be given to cheaper contracts. I suggest this savings was trending the past ouple seasons and will just be more in vogue after the affects from Covid crises upon the socio economic standing of both business and consumers.

Now here I am going to take this farther than you probably thought I was going with this.

I foresee an inexpensive way to add depth and save coin is for GM's to start trying to pluck prospects whom might be floundering

Example. Could be Kurashev. Or Fortin and Sikura. A GM says, we will exchange third round picks if you ship Sikura over to our stable.

You've seen it with moves like Special K or Perlini
Actually a big horse along boards like Ernie (Tampa) peaks my curiosity. Is Ernie or a Sikura a scout's favorite. Maybe someone the GM like in that player's draft year. We could see GM's reaching more for a bit less accomplished prospects and hoping to see said prospect click in a new environment.

A GM thinks,, hey I really believe that Sikura can chip in with some goals. He is actually a well rounded player.

The Ernie prospect was still around a few years later and has injury past. I dk if he is an appropriate example. But he is a real horse along boards and in juniors had offensive numbers.

Kurashev seems to get a word of caution from Wiz. Maybe he isn't all we might think he could be. Re Johnson and Entwhistle as centers; Sikura and Kurashev out. Who knows. But other GM need to be creative how to add more talent on the cheap
- jhawk59

Problem is Erne was traded to Detroit last year.

Problem is Erne was traded to Detroit last year.
- LAHawk

Which tells me that Y,erman retains hope for this kid. Although I would not trade for him without tracking him for a while. Those of us who follow prospects, could probably find a few we might like to consider.

Any reason for that?
- powerenforcer

The reason they moved the draft up in. my opinion was they know when the playoffs will end and want the draft done, to go on to UFA time to get the players a little rest before they are in "spring training" in late November.

Mostly so the admin end of the draft is done and they can start planning ing for whatever amount of hockey the fans will see.

Watching this Stars team, with Heiskanen being such a good dman and Lindell just getting better every year, if my spidy senses are right about Boqvist and if we have just 2 more young dmen become above average dmen, this Blackhawks team really isnt that far away.

Watching this Stars team, with Heiskanen being such a good dman and Lindell just getting better every year, if my spidy senses are right about Boqvist and if we have just 2 more young dmen become above average dmen, this Blackhawks team really isnt that far away.
- BetweenTheDots

What do you say about the team matching up playing rough and tumble playoff hockey. Forwards help the defense. Defensive coverage is proper.. No passengers. We aren't very tough now. We have to get contribution from a Strome, a DeBrincat. Those are two players with issues.

Watching this Stars team, with Heiskanen being such a good dman and Lindell just getting better every year, if my spidy senses are right about Boqvist and if we have just 2 more young dmen become above average dmen, this Blackhawks team really isnt that far away.
- BetweenTheDots

Difference is Dallas forwards play defense and are in the right positions in the defensive zone. As soon as the Hawks forwards think the defense might get to the puck they are flying out of the zone.

What do you say about the team matching up playing rough and tumble playoff hockey. Forwards help the defense. Defensive coverage is proper.. No passengers. We aren't very tough now. We have to get contribution from a Strome, a DeBrincat. Those are two players with issues.
- jhawk59

My hope is once the green dmen are ready so will the more experienced and older and stronger forwards will be

Difference is Dallas forwards play defense and are in the right positions in the defensive zone. As soon as the Hawks forwards think the defense might get to the puck they are flying out of the zone.
- LAHawk

Sure, but they must learn, and i believe they will, it's a process