I would have to agree. Would much rather have a tougher player taking the abuse as the net front presence. Shaw was great at it and Caggiula to a lesser degree.

Regula played the bumper role for the London Knights but don't think his body is developed enough to parlay that role against teenagers to a role with NHL players.

Need someone like Bickell: physically able to take the abuse, capacity to eclipse the goalie, and have soft hands to pot garbage goals.

Entwistle could be a solution down the road. Barratt, too. Possibly Morrison but I see him as a long-term project. We shall see.
- Theo Fox

Whoever it is - and maybe this is just because the Hawks don’t have many / any players with the right size and skill - they need to hire an “NFP coach” to train them in standing IN FRONT of the net, not off to the side waving sticks looking for deflections but not really bothering the goalie.

There have been reports that Arizona is hurting financially. They still owe $ for arena rental that was due in July, they are supposedly trying to set an internal cap in the low $70s. They essentially have said that any player over 25 y/o - make an offer.
- Rota's Rooter

Just relocate the team already!!

I believe there are more clubs looking to upgrade their goaltending than good goaltenders available. There is no Bobrovsky available this year. Markstrom will resign with Vancouver, Lehner is all but signed with Vegas, that leaves Holtby (Crawford??) at 31 the best goaltender available.
- LAHawk

Anton Khudobin and Thomas Greiss will be available as FA’s who are capable of starting, and guys like Matt Murray, MAF, Alexander Georgiev(?) are likely available as trade targets.

There will be options for teams to choose from. And realistically, just by looking around the league, I see the Hurricanes, Blackhawks (?), Oilers, Flames, and maybe Sharks as teams that will likely be looking for a new starter this offseason among teams ready for the playoffs next season. Don’t think the Wings, Sabres, or Sens are looking for a win-now goalie.

Anton Khudobin and Thomas Greiss will be available as FA’s who are capable of starting, and guys like Matt Murray, MAF, Alexander Georgiev(?) are likely available as trade targets.

There will be options for teams to choose from. And realistically, just by looking around the league, I see the Hurricanes, Blackhawks (?), Oilers, and Flames as teams that will likely be looking for a new starter this offseason among teams ready for the playoffs next season. Don’t think the Wings, Sabres, or Sens are looking for a win-now goalie.
- TommyHawk

Khudobin and Greiss are 35, Nill from Dallas already said Khudobin is a priority. Greiss has never been "the guy" in his career. If Crawford signs somewhere else, I wouldn't sign any of the goalies available for more than one year. Kuempher, the asking return would be too rich. I think they will try and move Kessel anyway, and Kuempher is a last resort to get under their internal cap.

What will Murray ask for as an RFA? Talking about fragile and injury prone. He also has not been good the past few years. MAF, only one seeing taking on that contract would be Colorado. Gerogiev I am sure has a lot of interest, but what are the Rangers asking for him? Is Lundqvist going to retire? Or is he going to be a mercenary (again like Colorado) to play out the last year of his contract?

I wonder how long Bowman gave Crawford to accept the $3.5? If it is true they asked about Kuempher, sounds like they are ready to move on if they do not agree very soon.

I wonder how long Bowman gave Crawford to accept the $3.5? If it is true they asked about Kuempher, sounds like they are ready to move on if they do not agree very soon.
- LAHawk

It sucks, but Stan needs to secure his goalie position sooner than later. I'm thinking Corey will find out that Stan's deal is going to be one of, if not the best available.

@TheFourthPeriod

Chicago is taking its time with its RFAs, from what I'm hearing. Kubalik, Caggiula, Koekkoek and Subban are arbitration eligible, only Dylan Strome isn't, and no talks, so far, between the Hawks & Strome.

Not surprising as Crawford's decision on the 1-year contract offer is the first domino that needs to fall. Stick with the appropriate order of priorities.

Parker Foo (Union College) is the first Hawks prospect who is North American and who plays in the NCAA to decide to play overseas.

He will be joining older brother Spencer (Flames prospect) and Hawks goalie prospect Ivan Nalimov to play for Kunlan Red Starts in the KHL.

Jim Cornelison supposedly confirmed to be singing the national anthem for the Bears home opener.

That is definitely an aspect they need to be better at. If Seabrook being healthy allows him to turn back the clock a little, I'd like to see him shooting on the PP again. I think he was shooting well in the pre-bubble training camp. Seabrook also has the vision to find those soft areas in the middle at times when the PK breaks down. I think the Hawks PP could also consider moving Kubalik back a bit to try to get him open more because of his quick release and hard shot.
- breadbag

Carlsson is one to consider as a PP quarterback for the 2nd unit. He plays the point well in Rockford with low, heavy shots that get on net.

Skating is also above average so walking the line and getting back on a turnover are not an issue for him.

If Keith must be on PP1, consider Boqvist on that unit as well and Carlsson on the other one.

Or more ideally, Boqvist quarterbacking PP1 with Keith and Carlsson on PP2. Keith will be on one of the units until he retires.

That is definitely an aspect they need to be better at. If Seabrook being healthy allows him to turn back the clock a little, I'd like to see him shooting on the PP again. I think he was shooting well in the pre-bubble training camp. Seabrook also has the vision to find those soft areas in the middle at times when the PK breaks down. I think the Hawks PP could also consider moving Kubalik back a bit to try to get him open more because of his quick release and hard shot.
- breadbag

Also agree that Kubalik needs to play as you suggested, i.e. back in the upper part of the right circle or general vicinity, then let him pop in and out to soft areas as he's excellent at finding those spots.

Just saw that. I like him, and I like him a lot.

I think he makes the most sense of any viable Crawford replacement. He’s got one year and $4.5 mil left on his contract - which at that rate I’d rather re-sign Crow, but if we could lock him in long-term (5 x $5m for example) I would take it because he’s one of the most underrated net-minders in the game.
- TommyHawk

I asked about him in the Goalie post, but what about bringing Craig Anderson in as a 1A/2 for a year? He might take a bit of a discount to "come home".

Whoever it is - and maybe this is just because the Hawks don’t have many / any players with the right size and skill - they need to hire an “NFP coach” to train them in standing IN FRONT of the net, not off to the side waving sticks looking for deflections but not really bothering the goalie.
- StLBravesFan

Spot on. Being a net front presence is a precise art and the Hawks aren't artful at it. They need to be just as you described it.

While I don't think Gallant is the panacea as he's shown he has a shelf life like any other coach, your argument is still on point with getting a team of 2nd and 3rd liners and 3/4/5/6 defensemen to be a contender ever since entering the league.

Gallant did it and now it's DeBoer. Trotz has been doing it for a while. The systems help but it really comes down to players executing and wanting it so much more than the other team.

It boils down to every player giving it their all every shift, attacking in waves and defending in waves. That style is so suffocating and more exciting to watch than say a trap system.
- Theo Fox

What coach is a Panacea?

The NHL is great at recycling coaches, many whom have won nothing, or have been a long time since they won anything. Vigneault, Hitchcock, Laviolette, Boudreau, Carlyle, etc. What has DeBoer ever won? Boudreau? Gallant?

I'm not saying these guys are not good coaches, and while some have their teams competing hard they have never hoisted the cup, or in some cases did so many years ago.

I think Trotz gets a ton out of his teams, maybe more than any other coach. That style of play however takes a certain type of player, and is hard to sustain.

I don't disagree. I was just saying that the PP was better when he was there. Put Saad there for a year. He won't be on the team after his contract is up anyway.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Regula make a name for himself precisely in this role?
- Chunk

Yes, Regula played the bumper role quite effectively in London. Not sure if that's the role he can play in the pros unless he gets much stronger to take abuse from NHL players as opposed to teenagers.

Also agree that Kubalik needs to play as you suggested, i.e. back in the upper part of the right circle or general vicinity, then let him pop in and out to soft areas as he's excellent at finding those spots.
- Theo Fox

I assume you mean on PP2, because what would you do with Kane on PP1? He is wasted on the left side.

There have been reports that Arizona is hurting financially. They still owe $ for arena rental that was due in July, they are supposedly trying to set an internal cap in the low $70s. They essentially have said that any player over 25 y/o - make an offer.
- Rota's Rooter

I saw those reports. Lots of non-stop financial drama with the Coyotes.

For the record in case those were wondering: Nick Schmaltz is only 24

I believe there are more clubs looking to upgrade their goaltending than good goaltenders available. There is no Bobrovsky available this year. Markstrom will resign with Vancouver, Lehner is all but signed with Vegas, that leaves Holtby (Crawford??) at 31 the best goaltender available.
- LAHawk

I think the off season goalie situation will be like musical chairs. When the music stops there will be a pretty good goalie(s) left without a a chair (contract) and you will be able to sign him for a reasonable short term deal. I think the Hawks should hold firm with Crawford, and bluff that if he signs elsewhere they are prepared to enter the season with two of Delia/Lankinen/Subban. Then after the free agency dust settles, before training camp opens, they scoop up the best goalie remaining at a reasonable price and term. It's not like great goaltending will help the Hawks win the cup next year. And so so or worse goaltending will only help their lottery position.

I assume you mean on PP2, because what would you do with Kane on PP1? He is wasted on the left side.
- LAHawk

If Kane and Kubalik are on the same unit, then they just need to be deployed in ways that optimize their talents. Kane with his playmaking and vision. Kubalik with his ability to find soft spots, sneak behind the defense, and rifle shots on net.

Spot on. Being a net front presence is a precise art and the Hawks aren't artful at it. They need to be just as you described it.
- Theo Fox

Excellent points gentlemen ! Playing in front of the net on the power play is way more than a big body standing in front of the goalie. That man has to know the art of screening the goalie ..... moving slightly from side to side, positioning his body to take away the goalie's vision. Too many times, guys just stand there and do not take away the goalie's vision. Shaw was actually pretty good at it. Seems like only other teams and not the Hawks, have learned to perfect this art. Good hands are a must also

Anton Khudobin and Thomas Greiss will be available as FA’s who are capable of starting, and guys like Matt Murray, MAF, Alexander Georgiev(?) are likely available as trade targets.

There will be options for teams to choose from. And realistically, just by looking around the league, I see the Hurricanes, Blackhawks (?), Oilers, Flames, and maybe Sharks as teams that will likely be looking for a new starter this offseason among teams ready for the playoffs next season. Don’t think the Wings, Sabres, or Sens are looking for a win-now goalie.
- TommyHawk

The Hawks should not be looking for a win now goalie either.

Parker Foo (Union College) is the first Hawks prospect who is North American and who plays in the NCAA to decide to play overseas.

He will be joining older brother Spencer (Flames prospect) and Hawks goalie prospect Ivan Nalimov to play for Kunlan Red Starts in the KHL.
- Theo Fox

Parker Foo I can already hear the fans chanting FOOOOOOOO
not booing him but FOOOOOOOOO

What coach is a Panacea?

The NHL is great at recycling coaches, many whom have won nothing, or have been a long time since they won anything. Vigneault, Hitchcock, Laviolette, Boudreau, Carlyle, etc. What has DeBoer ever won? Boudreau? Gallant?

I'm not saying these guys are not good coaches, and while some have their teams competing hard they have never hoisted the cup, or in some cases did so many years ago.

I think Trotz gets a ton out of his teams, maybe more than any other coach. That style of play however takes a certain type of player, and is hard to sustain.
- TheTrob

No argument here. Great post.

Parker Foo I can already hear the fans chanting FOOOOOOOO
not booing him but FOOOOOOOOO
- chuckdahammer

Excellent points gentlemen ! Playing in front of the net on the power play is way more than a big body standing in front of the goalie. That man has to know the art of screening the goalie ..... moving slightly from side to side, positioning his body to take away the goalie's vision. Too many times, guys just stand there and do not take away the goalie's vision. Shaw was actually pretty good at it. Seems like only other teams and not the Hawks, have learned to perfect this art. Good hands are a must also
- chuckdahammer

Net front presence is not just taking the eyes away from the goalie but it can also be getting in the goalie's head with chirping and agitating. Get the goalie rattled as it can be just enough to momentarily lose focus from tracking the puck.