Nylander? Get it done Stan.
- boilermaker100

They said good, haha

Healthy now.
- wiz1901

It's off-season. Everyone is healthy. I still think he's not the guy you want to count on to play a complete season.

Just end the season please. And don't give Dallas a game seven. Oh to have two offensive blueliner guys like Klingman and Heiskanen + two big size in Lindell and Oleksiak who are not slow but actually have good overall game.. Try to frame our future defense like that. Would need someone like Moberg and Rogula (?) to be the large size players. Carlsson is maybe the guy if Rogula does not use his size to be mean.

We can get a very good idea if we can frame a defense like that after one more season of development with all the kids. Wr should get some flashes of what could be. By year three we might have a defense to really like if all goes well with kids development.

But Mutphy and maybe Keith won't last here into a third season. Keith would slow down and would need a steady partner. Murphy next contract would be too much at his age and spot if a third pair on defense. And his skating would be poor compared to others on our blueline.

Some including wiz have recently mentioned how skating is over rated. That slower guys compensate with smarts, good stick, etc al. Sure that is a valid point. But hockey is a game of turnovers and taking advantage of your strengths does matter. The better skaters can make some plays and win more battles to the puck. So when you have an entire line up outskating your opponent, you have an advantage.
- jhawk59

Ahhhh - a real hockey fan.

I'll be curious to see who the Rangers are going to target in free agency since they essentially gave away Marc Staal and now have some $20 mil in cap space available.

They went big with Panarin last year and the Rangers seem to always think that they can accelerate building a high-end, competitive team through free agency.

I'll be curious to see who the Rangers are going to target in free agency since they essentially gave away Marc Staal and now have some $20 mil in cap space available.

They went big with Panarin last year and the Rangers seem to always think that they can accelerate building a high-end, competitive team through free agency.
- Rota's Rooter

Maybe Pietrangelo, but as Wiz pointed out that will give them 4 RD. The Rangers' blogger suggested Krug, a LD, as a possibility.

Care to elaborate on your trades.
- Scott1977

Yeah I was on a roll yesterday. None of these will happen.

It was reported CBJ is looking for a scoring forward, so Saad and Delia to CBJ for Korpisalo and a 1st. Hawks retain $2M in salary. A conditional pick going to the Hawks if Columbus signs Saad to a new contract.

Koekkoek to TB for Killorn. Cap dump by the Lightning to have money to pay Cirelli and Sergachev. Figured TB could use some cheap defensive depth,since they'll have 3 other UFA defensemen they won't be able to sign.

Theo reported that NJ would trade a 1st round pick for a good young forward. I suggested Nylander to the Devils for that pick. New Jersey hangs up the phone.
Maybe the Hawks throw in a 2nd round pick.

After the Rangers traded Staal, I figured they would need a veteran LD so deHaan to them for Buchnevich. Hawks would have to add some additional parts. But then it was pointed out that the Rangers with all their cap space might go the free agent route and go after Pietrangelo or Krug.

End result would have been - Hawks exchange Saad with Killorn and Nylander with Buchnevich. Korpisalo in goal instead of Crawford. Moving 4K and deHaan opens up spots for the younger D. And Hawks have CBJ and NJ 1st rounders.


I can dream can't I?

Yeah I was on a roll yesterday. None of these will happen.

It was reported CBJ is looking for a scoring forward, so Saad and Delia to CBJ for Korpisalo and a 1st. Hawks retain $2M in salary. A conditional pick going to the Hawks if Columbus signs Saad to a new contract.

Koekkoek to TB for Killorn. Cap dump by the Lightning to have money to pay Cirelli and Sergachev. Figured TB could use some cheap defensive depth,since they'll have 3 other UFA defensemen they won't be able to sign.

Theo reported that NJ would trade a 1st round pick for a good young forward. I suggested Nylander to the Devils for that pick. New Jersey hangs up the phone.
Maybe the Hawks throw in a 2nd round pick.

After the Rangers traded Staal, I figured they would need a veteran LD so deHaan to them for Buchnevich. Hawks would have to add some additional parts. But then it was pointed out that the Rangers with all their cap space might go the free agent route and go after Pietrangelo or Krug.

End result would have been - Hawks exchange Saad with Killorn and Nylander with Buchnevich. Korpisalo in goal instead of Crawford. Moving 4K and deHaan opens up spots for the younger D. And Hawks have CBJ and NJ 1st rounders.


I can dream can't I?
- boilermaker100

Yes you can

Yeah I was on a roll yesterday. None of these will happen.

It was reported CBJ is looking for a scoring forward, so Saad and Delia to CBJ for Korpisalo and a 1st. Hawks retain $2M in salary. A conditional pick going to the Hawks if Columbus signs Saad to a new contract.

Koekkoek to TB for Killorn. Cap dump by the Lightning to have money to pay Cirelli and Sergachev. Figured TB could use some cheap defensive depth,since they'll have 3 other UFA defensemen they won't be able to sign.

Theo reported that NJ would trade a 1st round pick for a good young forward. I suggested Nylander to the Devils for that pick. New Jersey hangs up the phone.
Maybe the Hawks throw in a 2nd round pick.

After the Rangers traded Staal, I figured they would need a veteran LD so deHaan to them for Buchnevich. Hawks would have to add some additional parts. But then it was pointed out that the Rangers with all their cap space might go the free agent route and go after Pietrangelo or Krug.

End result would have been - Hawks exchange Saad with Killorn and Nylander with Buchnevich. Korpisalo in goal instead of Crawford. Moving 4K and deHaan opens up spots for the younger D. And Hawks have CBJ and NJ 1st rounders.


I can dream can't I?
- boilermaker100

Sure. Dreams are fun. I don't mind when anyone post about trade proposals. Just sometimes they don't make sense. BOTH SIDES WHY is not given full review. So I give you a passing grade for thinking through. Not that I am anyone to judge, but when silly trade ideas are given we waste our time to read.

Now that being said....what do you think about the Dallas defensemen in this Cup final. I say this a tally as a segway into a discussion about our future defense pairings

Dallas has two very good offensive dmen in Heskanen and Klingberg. They also have two large size dmen: Oleksiak and Lindell. The latter two have a good game. They can stand up to the power game, the cycling of the puck, the man in front of net: they can stop this stuff from an overwhelming attack. It is always a luxury nowadays to mix and match on defense. We all would love to see this in Chicago

Until Bowman brings in one, probably two top six forwards who can cycle and battle for puck along boards, i don't see Chicago as being particularly strong in any one area. Which means they won't be winning any playoff series under the old format. The hopefully one and done format this year presented a patsie with both Chicago and Edmonton having major shortcoming

So what could drive Chicago's attack. Well it would be refreshing to see a top talent combine with Kane. Stop moving Toews back with Kane. Remember how Panarin at times could pose a big threat when on ice with Kane.
Don't see a forward at #17 draft filling such a void; hiwever, Holloway would be an excellent pick since he is the fiesty with top two line ceiling.

Alright then....it is our defense which could be our bread and butter. Could be. Steve Rain would say something like this: a prospect is a prospect is always a prospect. Until he isn't.

We have to see how the glamorous set of heralded prospects exactly turns out. I envision a lot of skill and smarts but not enough toughness. Perhaps after most of these prospects are regularly playing here and or showing well and biting the bit to play more...then maybe Bowman could move a dman for a top end physical dman

Right now Boqvist has to get stronger then with experience he could really step up. He is the key. Along with (please) the big mean Moberg who has game.

It is likely several prospects will grade out as serviceable NHL dmen. The better they are, could become the envy of the league. We have Mitchell, Beaudin, the Wisconsin kid, Carlsson step in. With Boqvist. The muscle hopefully is Moberg. Kyrz could be a secret offensive threat on a third pair if some kid is dealt

To be like the Dallas defense, we need another big guy with game. I don't know if and how long Rogula or Vlasic would fill that second big dman. Of course there is other collegiate players too but all these prospects not yet professionals....they are farthest away from NHL. Except perhaps Moberg whom I won want to fast track

As you said, I can dream. It isn't to much to think we could have the strength of our team be our blueline crew. The question really is, whether collectively how good might tbey become. Even wiz couldn't say for sure just yet. But it will be fun seeing how Bowman navigates this process of player development.

Maybe this will start a chain reaction of transactions and finally kickstart Bowman into action to make decisions on his own players:

@RearAdBsBlog

Look for the Bruins to trade Torey Krug's rights tomorrow to a team looking for exclusive negotiations before UFA opens on 10/9. Colorado, Florida, Vegas, and Detroit are among the suitors.

I want to stand corrected on my assessment on draft prospect Brendan Brisson from the Chicago Steel. A blog or two ago on the message boards I said that he wasn't a good skater. He's an excellent skater, actually.

Looking through my notes (yes, I keep notes), I noticed I cut and paste details on another prospect under his section. Sorry, Brendan!

Carry on with your Sunday.

Maybe this will start a chain reaction of transactions and finally kickstart Bowman into action to make decisions on his own players:

@RearAdBsBlog

Look for the Bruins to trade Torey Krug's rights tomorrow to a team looking for exclusive negotiations before UFA opens on 10/9. Colorado, Florida, Vegas, and Detroit are among the suitors.
- Theo Fox

I am just curious how Vegas can do this.

I want to stand corrected on my assessment on draft prospect Brendan Brisson from the Chicago Steel. A blog or two ago on the message boards I said that he wasn't a good skater. He's an excellent skater, actually.

Looking through my notes (yes, I keep notes), I noticed I cut and paste details on another prospect under his section.
- Theo Fox

Add this to your notes:

2020 NHL Draft Players you won’t have to wait long to see in the NHL:
Alexis Lafreniere He is wing. He may see the off hand side, RW to play top six.
Quinton Byfield He will see time at both centre and wing
Marco Rossi He stays at centre
Anton Lundell He stays at centre
Tim Stützle He stays a wing.
Kaiden Guhle He stays a defenseman, who won't be on the PP

Looks like Mitch lost his starting job today.

Yeah I was on a roll yesterday. None of these will happen.

It was reported CBJ is looking for a scoring forward, so Saad and Delia to CBJ for Korpisalo and a 1st. Hawks retain $2M in salary. A conditional pick going to the Hawks if Columbus signs Saad to a new contract.

Koekkoek to TB for Killorn. Cap dump by the Lightning to have money to pay Cirelli and Sergachev. Figured TB could use some cheap defensive depth,since they'll have 3 other UFA defensemen they won't be able to sign.

Theo reported that NJ would trade a 1st round pick for a good young forward. I suggested Nylander to the Devils for that pick. New Jersey hangs up the phone.
Maybe the Hawks throw in a 2nd round pick.

After the Rangers traded Staal, I figured they would need a veteran LD so deHaan to them for Buchnevich. Hawks would have to add some additional parts. But then it was pointed out that the Rangers with all their cap space might go the free agent route and go after Pietrangelo or Krug.

End result would have been - Hawks exchange Saad with Killorn and Nylander with Buchnevich. Korpisalo in goal instead of Crawford. Moving 4K and deHaan opens up spots for the younger D. And Hawks have CBJ and NJ 1st rounders.


I can dream can't I?
- boilermaker100

My dream trades then i ll come back to reality:
Piggy backing off one of your trades strome delia and 3rd to Columbus for korpisalo and stenlund

Saad to Jersey for the 18th overall pick
17th pick koko sikrua to boston for debrusk and frederic
Murphy and 2021 4th to Toronto for the 15th overall pick
Hawks get two 1st round picks power forward in debrusk sign for 3 year at 4 million per year
Got starting goaltender qualify subban as backup and young player with size and physicality. And possible 3rd line center.
Buyout smith draft Holloway at 15th then at 18th draft boruque.

Add this to your notes:

2020 NHL Draft Players you won’t have to wait long to see in the NHL:
Alexis Lafreniere He is wing. He may see the off hand side, RW to play top six.
Quinton Byfield He will see time at both centre and wing
Marco Rossi He stays at centre
Anton Lundell He stays at centre
Tim Stützle He stays a wing.
Kaiden Guhle He stays a defenseman, who won't be on the PP
- wiz1901

The Athletic mock draft has us picking Mercer, and Theo picked Holloway. Wiz, which player has the highest ceiling, and which player has the highest floor (could be the same player)? Also, if Murphy gets us #15, could the Hawks get both of them?

My dream trades then i ll come back to reality:
Piggy backing off one of your trades strome delia and 3rd to Columbus for korpisalo and stenlund

Saad to Jersey for the 18th overall pick
17th pick koko sikrua to boston for debrusk and frederic
Murphy and 2021 4th to Toronto for the 15th overall pick
Hawks get two 1st round picks power forward in debrusk sign for 3 year at 4 million per year
Got starting goaltender qualify subban as backup and young player with size and physicality. And possible 3rd line center.
Buyout smith draft Holloway at 15th then at 18th draft boruque.
- Scott1977

I my dream scenario is to get #15 from Toronto. Draft Mercer at 15, Holloway at 17, and have Barron fall to us at 46 due to the blood clot issue. Not as in depth as you two, but just as much as a dream because I don't really see any of those 4 moves happening. I think Holloway and Mercer are both gone 17.

Looks like Mitch lost his starting job today.
- boilermaker100

Most brutal 3-0 team ever.

Most brutal 3-0 team ever.
- 6628

Ugly wins in all 3 but a win is a win.

The Athletic mock draft has us picking Mercer, and Theo picked Holloway. Wiz, which player has the highest ceiling, and which player has the highest floor (could be the same player)? Also, if Murphy gets us #15, could the Hawks get both of them?
- tvetter

IMO, Mercer has the higher ceiling but ever so slightly. Both have solid floors and should be good NHL players.

I still don't think either one will be there at 17. Be thrilled if one of them is available.

Looks like Mitch lost his starting job today.
- boilermaker100

Nagy saw enough to know there was no getting better for Mitch. Still making the same mistakes 4 years later.

Most brutal 3-0 team ever.
- 6628

IDK. It takes something to come back twice from huge deficits in the 4th quarter to get two wins.

inconsistent AF but exciting to watch

IDK. It takes something to come back twice from huge deficits in the 4th quarter to get two wins.

inconsistent AF but exciting to watch
- Elbows15

Maddening too as I wanted to throw my phone through the telly a few times but I was happy they went to Foles when they did.

IDK. It takes something to come back twice from huge deficits in the 4th quarter to get two wins.

inconsistent AF but exciting to watch
- Elbows15

Agree, it's exciting.

Ahhhh - a real hockey fan.
- StLBravesFan

I have slowly come around to believe that Dallas is a good team. But the better team on paper is Tampa.

I do not want Dallas to win. I don't want them to get an opportunity to win in game seven. That does not mean I am not a true hockey fan. If for whatever reason you don't agree, so what.

The Athletic mock draft has us picking Mercer, and Theo picked Holloway. Wiz, which player has the highest ceiling, and which player has the highest floor (could be the same player)? Also, if Murphy gets us #15, could the Hawks get both of them?
- tvetter

Of Mercer and Holloway Who has the bigger ceiling of Mercer and Holloway?

Actually I don't see any trade form #17 to #15 being a great aid in bolstering the prospect stable unless Yaroslav Askarov is still there and you fear there are too many teams that are interest and will try and trade up b/c Montreal has a goalie in waiting but maybe someone tries to jump up if he IS on the board.

Let me answer getting both of them. You might not get either.
A lot depends upon how teams view Seth Jarvis, IF Askarov gets passed on until slot #17, whether Schneider and or Guhle are off the board.(you simply cannot dismiss a team wanting a bigger defender and simply selecting him and watching his growth.It seems to happen every year.)
Same goes with Quinn...this a guy who wakes up as a late birthday and before hadn't put it together.
I was told very early by people who were close to the selection process back then (40 years ago!) that the scouting staffs like to see a two to three year growths, and no back slip, and nowadays there are many a year when guys just take off in their draft year.
I think Lundell provides the team that takes him as a guy who is gonna make it so I think that is why he goes in the top 17...and there definitely IS upside, not that "could be a 3rd line centre bullfeathers...you want know what most of the centres taken in the first after the top two could "just be a third line centre"...all their 17-18 yr. career canvas doesn't mean those skills will grow unless they apply and grow, right?

I think Holloway has a nice ceiling, and I know I have read how he is a second line high water mark guy...HIS FEET are excellent, in the Alberta Junior league, he WAS a scorer. I think of how Tuch scored on so many straight line pushes in the playoff for Vegas, and I see Holloway as more agility/ better edging, and no matter of Tuch was cast as tougher power wing, Holloway has played against big boys and nowadays many college programs a GREAT developing spots for NHL physical wings. Right now, we can't be sure Holloway develops into a deadly scoring threat. Transition to playin g around terriific NHl players might add to his game but he is a guy who isn't gonna be your outside shooter, but the guy pushing and jumping in the areas near the blue paint.

I think Mercer has some lateral agility, and reads the ice well. He has terrific short area quickness, is fearless in the dirty areas, a terrific backhand. I saw Pronman said he lacked explosiveness and "average feet", but he has a top acceleration gear, balance and strength...and he has "two-step" quickness and is a guy who adjust his positioning, stick,all the parts of handling play, puck etc. He has been accused of taking shifts off, but you know yourself that when the line isn't clicking, there is a lot of circling, and back and forth where things aren't in your hands, and it can appear like disinterest...and there is some edge to his plays I think he continues mature all. around as a player.
It silly to believe he doesn't drive play. he doesn't want to ever chip it.

I will never just say sure this kid or that one is gonna be a 30 goal scorer, but what I like about Mercer's all around his game is solid at wing or as a centre, and last time I looked he has sixty points in the "Q."
So I think he has offensive ability showing already so he goes first, where Holloway gets picked first based on his size and power stride.