I was reviewing scouting reports on Reichel again and Wiz's in particular affirmed that he has played all 3 forward positions in the German pro league.

In this latest blog, I said that Reichel checked 7 of 8 boxes for what I defined as traits for best player available. He has now checked off that 8th box for positional versatility.

Reichel you aced the test!

Kidding aside, he's still got a ways to go to prove his 1st round selection was worth it but current signs are pointing to having a solid foundation to work from.

We'll see in two years, perhaps sooner if he's on the same Boqvist "two year" plan that ended up being only one.

I was reviewing scouting reports on Reichel again and Wiz's in particular affirmed that he has played all 3 forward positions in the German pro league.

In this latest blog, I said that Reichel checked 7 of 8 boxes for what I defined as traits for best player available. He has now checked off that 8th box for positional versatility.

Reichel you aced the test!

Kidding aside, he's still got a ways to go to prove his 1st round selection was worth it but current signs are pointing to having a solid foundation to work from.

We'll see in two years, perhaps sooner if he's on the same Boqvist "two year" plan that ended up being only one.
- Theo Fox

This 20 minute youtube video is a good analysis on Reichel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM3lD7C7aSc

No surprises there. Assuming they don't try to re-sign Koekkoek below his last salary, that opens up another spot for a youngster for next season.

Veterans: Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, de Haan
Youngsters: Boqvist, Carlsson, perhaps Mitchell, Kalynuk, or Beaudin

Then there's Seeler but I just can't see him taking a spot. Would rather have Koekkoek at that point.
- Theo Fox

Wouldn't have minded 4K as the 7th dman and if he isn't resigned maybe Seeler takes that role.

Whichever youngsters don't hold down a regular role with the Hawks, will hopefully be playing heavy minutes in RFD.

Boqvist and Carlsson I could see being on the roster out of camp with the other three at least starting the season in RFD pending any trades.

If he had a 1 year deal, maybe, but 2 no way, and you'll be making all kinds of trade scenarios involving MAF leaving Chicago
- BetweenTheDots

You do it for the sweeteners. Those sweeteners are part of the future rebuild.

They aren't winning the cup the next couple of years.

Also, it would be nice to get some compensation for all the times Hawks had to give up players for nothing because of the cap.

Krebs could even out the TT / Bickell thing eventually.

If a team, in this environment can spend to the cap, and have some space, you can really take advantage and either build for the future.

Be wise Stan, exploit the current situation, as most did to you after those cups.

Wouldn't have minded 4K as the 7th dman and if he isn't resigned maybe Seeler takes that role.

Whichever youngsters don't hold down a regular role with the Hawks, will hopefully be playing heavy minutes in RFD.

Boqvist and Carlsson I could see being on the roster out of camp with the other three at least starting the season in RFD pending any trades.
- HawkintheD

I'm guessing they already know their 7th Dman is Seabs.

Scouting reports and from the few Flames games I watch. If Flames fans torch him for this or that, then that's good to know. They definitely will know more about their own player than I would. Thank you for sharing.
- Theo Fox

Friend of mine is a huge flames fan. unless its a 750k max deal i would stay far away.

I'm guessing they already know their 7th Dman is Seabs.
- vabeachbear

I get the feeling if that's the situation, Seab's may ask for a trade but I can't see anyone taking on that deal.

Maybe the Kraken, the season after this one but the Hawks would probably have to send them a first round pick or two with Krebs from the LVK deal, plus just to rid themselves of that contract.

I'm hoping Seabs is at least able to come back, be decent in a 3rd pairing role and provide some vet leadership.

I get the feeling if that's the situation, Seab's may ask for a trade but I can't see anyone taking on that deal.

Maybe the Kraken, the season after this one but the Hawks would probably have to send them a first round pick or two with Krebs from the LVK deal, plus just to rid themselves of that contract.

I'm hoping Seabs is at least able to come back, be decent in a 3rd pairing role and provide some vet leadership.
- HawkintheD

Hope we can get 2 decent years out of him. Haven't figured the buyout costs 2 years from now (it will be a cap hit for 4 years) but it's bound to be more palatable than it is now.

Assuming Crawford is history unless he's waiting until the free agency deadline to sign with the Hawks, will Stan go after an UFA that he could sign for 3.5M or less? Maybe Greiss at 2x3.5M.

There are going to be several trades that you are going ot think the GM has lost his mind until you look under the hood.

Case in point, Phoenix is moving on from Taylor Hall. They currently have 17 players signed and only $3 million of cap space left. If this was normal, Marian Hossa and his $5.25m would be going to where he started with Ottawa with a draft choice/fringe player for "future considerations" because Hossa is only receiving $1m in cash. Problem is, Phoenix owners are looking at that contract and says Hossa is not being traded, because you Mr. new GM have this as your internal cap hit.

Thus Arizona is now going to have to make a lopsided trade, in order to be able to sign enough players to field a team.

This is just one case. I think this year is a case for Stan (unless there is a deal that just blows him away. or a player that he really wants) to wait. I am sure he remembers how he had to sweat to get rid of both Leddy and Sharp. There are going to be several players and teams looking to dump salary that are going to be in Stan's position.

I am not even worried about the Hawks goalie position. There are more goalies either looking for jobs, or teams trying to dump salary that the Hawks are going to get a starter quality netminder for Stan's price.

The Hawks did not qualify The Drake.... interesting.

The Hawks did not qualify The Drake.... interesting.
- DarthKane

The Hawks could always sign him as a free agent for less than the qualifying offer. They can probably get him for less than 1M.

The Hawks did not qualify The Drake.... interesting.
- DarthKane

I'm a little conflicted with this decision.

I'm a little conflicted with this decision.
- I Am The Breadman

I am too but if you look at the nontendered RFA's, most teams nontendered players that in normal times they would of kept.

Wouldn't have minded 4K as the 7th dman and if he isn't resigned maybe Seeler takes that role.

Whichever youngsters don't hold down a regular role with the Hawks, will hopefully be playing heavy minutes in RFD.

Boqvist and Carlsson I could see being on the roster out of camp with the other three at least starting the season in RFD pending any trades.
- HawkintheD

The question is how many games will Rockford play "this season?" If it's limited, expect to see as many players as possible with the big team to get practice and game experience. "Hence Stan's statement regarding getting younger."

LeBrun reports several clubs have contacted the Chicago Blackhawks about winger Brandon Saad. The Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche are believed among those expressing an interest.

Both teams supposedly in the Tyler Hall sweepstakes. Whoever doesn't get him may want Saad as a fallback option?

LeBrun reports several clubs have contacted the Chicago Blackhawks about winger Brandon Saad. The Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche are believed among those expressing an interest.

Both teams supposedly in the Tyler Hall sweepstakes. Whoever doesn't get him may want Saad as a fallback option?
- boilermaker100

Elliote Friedman said he believes Hall will end up in Montreal, another team supposedly interested in Saad.

An interesting tweet from Allan Walsh. “Undrafted players make up the biggest percentage of players in the NHL outside of those drafted in the top 2 rounds.”

round 1 36.7%
round 2 16.9%
round 3 8.6%
round 4 8.0%
round 5 6.2%
round 6 5.1%
round 7 4.2%
Undrafted 14.4%

The question is how many games will Rockford play "this season?" If it's limited, expect to see as many players as possible with the big team to get practice and game experience. "Hence Stan's statement regarding getting younger."
- rpeters01

Good point and keep forgetting that the AHL season isn't guaranteed.

Elliote Friedman said he believes Hall will end up in Montreal, another team supposedly interested in Saad.
- LAHawk

Hall to NSH a possibility too.

The question is how many games will Rockford play "this season?" If it's limited, expect to see as many players as possible with the big team to get practice and game experience. "Hence Stan's statement regarding getting younger."
- rpeters01

If nothing changes as far as trades free agency signings the d core could like this next year:
Keith Murphy
Dehann boqvist
Carlson Seabrook
Seeler
I have Mitchell starting in rockford

I am too but if you look at the nontendered RFA's, most teams nontendered players that in normal times they would of kept.
- LAHawk

"Normal times" is key. Stagnat cap is forcing a lot to happen.

An interesting tweet from Allan Walsh. “Undrafted players make up the biggest percentage of players in the NHL outside of those drafted in the top 2 rounds.”

round 1 36.7%
round 2 16.9%
round 3 8.6%
round 4 8.0%
round 5 6.2%
round 6 5.1%
round 7 4.2%
Undrafted 14.4%
- boilermaker100

Good stuff, I saw that and tried to figure out why. My guess is that the guys in R3-7 have one thing that they do really well, and teams hope they can round out their games, while the undrafted guys are much more well rounded, but do not have any 1 really strong attribute. They end up being the muckers and grinders, that are essential to winning teams, while the 1 dimensional guys never seem to improve their deficiencies.

You do it for the sweeteners. Those sweeteners are part of the future rebuild.

They aren't winning the cup the next couple of years.

Also, it would be nice to get some compensation for all the times Hawks had to give up players for nothing because of the cap.

Krebs could even out the TT / Bickell thing eventually.

If a team, in this environment can spend to the cap, and have some space, you can really take advantage and either build for the future.

Be wise Stan, exploit the current situation, as most did to you after those cups.
- vabeachbear

I'm all for sweeteners but not draft picks, and not a guy who's a RFA where he expects to get paid, a top top top prospect on an ELC

I'm a little conflicted with this decision.
- I Am The Breadman

While he's not the same type of player, would Kahun be a better depth forward for the Hawks? He's not as physical, but he'll play more and have more offensive output.