I like each pick a little worse, pick 1 I was Ok with might have been my 2-3rd choice, pick 2 they seemed to take a goalie even though it did not feel like it was the best player available beacuse of ORG need. the 3rds look like the old hawks who only take US players so they can control them 1 more year. I probably take Mercer, Maysek, then 2 of Jurmo and Daws Dufour bedner with the 3rd rounders.
- kmw4631

Yeah, not really a fan of the 3rd round picks. I’m not a scout or anything, so I’ll wait the 3-4 years to see what happens. I just liked Jurmo with size/speed combo and played well on National team. Granted I don’t know too much about Slaggert, but would have rather rolled the dice on maybe more skill Chromiak, Nybeck, Stranges or the bigger Dufour that Wiz mentioned. Then fill in the bottom 6 prospects later in rounds 5-7. Hoping they can pluck a few Quality prospects late.

watch Dufour go here to hats

(Ilove balke Biondi but where is my Dufour dufer?

Not for the Hawks. They don't need a 5M goalie right now.


Oh and as I feared, Zach Smith is not being bought out. Maybe his back is still messed up or someone is planning on having him visit the Khabby stairs.
- Elbows15

They have until 5:00 pm Eastern tomorrow.

Not for the Hawks. They don't need a 5M goalie right now.


Oh and as I feared, Zach Smith is not being bought out. Maybe his back is still messed up or someone is planning on having him visit the Khabby stairs.
- Elbows15

Or - given the precarious nature of hockey revenues for the next couple of years - the Wirtz family aren’t willing to spend whatever extra would be involved in the buyout.

Maybe I'm a bit over stating this but Chicago as of right now basically have the same team that for a pandemic they would have missed the playoffs. Now looking at their cap issues this year and major holes to fill , how would Stan find more money next year with many of his players already locked in for 2 more years ? I'm sure Saad will either be looking for the same or a couple. Million more?

I agree the window to move him was earlier but unless Seabrook comes down with a mysterious illness Chicago is going to struggle heavily
- Taylorst1

Not true. Very good chance that the young players Dach, Boqvist, et. al. take the next step through growth and maturity. Seabrook had 3 surgeries that may make him closer to his former self. Shaw has stated he plans to be back. Shaw anywhere near his best checks a lot of the grit/compete/forecheck boxes. Haven't even made any trades or FA signings other than Maatta.

How about we wait to see where they're at on January 1st?

They have until 5:00 pm Eastern tomorrow.
- walleyeb1

Needs to be on waivers first. Seen nothing about that,

Powers: The Blackhawks did not qualify restricted free agent Slater Koekkoek, according to a source.

Powers: The Blackhawks did not qualify restricted free agent Slater Koekkoek, according to a source.
- walleyeb1

I'm guessing they're looking to open up as many opportunities for young D as possible.

Not true. Very good chance that the young players Dach, Boqvist, et. al. take the next step through growth and maturity. Seabrook had 3 surgeries that may make him closer to his former self. Shaw has stated he plans to be back. Shaw anywhere near his best checks a lot of the grit/compete/forecheck boxes. Haven't even made any trades or FA signings other than Maatta.

How about we wait to see where they're at on January 1st?
- scottak

Said much more succinctly than I. Been reading too many jhawk posts lately

Not true. Very good chance that the young players Dach, Boqvist, et. al. take the next step through growth and maturity. Seabrook had 3 surgeries that may make him closer to his former self. Shaw has stated he plans to be back. Shaw anywhere near his best checks a lot of the grit/compete/forecheck boxes. Haven't even made any trades or FA signings other than Maatta.

How about we wait to see where they're at on January 1st?
- scottak

What fun is that? Much better to go full gloom and doom.

Michael Krutil D

Probably can be characterized as a stay at home defenseman with good footwork and mobility but now who simply wants to transport the puck with a safe first pass and lay back, save for a role asa trailer in the play. A big body whose strong and physical keeping the crease area clear. Saw action into games in the U-18 Five Nations Tourney in January for his Czech Republic.

Powers: The Blackhawks did not qualify restricted free agent Slater Koekkoek, according to a source.
- walleyeb1

Somewhere Elbows just danced a jig.

Powers: The Blackhawks did not qualify restricted free agent Slater Koekkoek, according to a source.
- walleyeb1

Or - given the precarious nature of hockey revenues for the next couple of years - the Wirtz family aren’t willing to spend whatever extra would be involved in the buyout.
- StLBravesFan

JC loves him some Zack Smith

JC loves him some Zack Smith
- Elbows15

Actually Marc Crawford loves Zach Smith from their time in Otawa

Actually Marc Crawford loves Zach Smith from their time in Otawa
- LAHawk

Well, then, he needs to be fired.

Or - given the precarious nature of hockey revenues for the next couple of years - the Wirtz family aren’t willing to spend whatever extra would be involved in the buyout.
- StLBravesFan

Options for Smith

1. Keep him on the roster, play him or sit him, and pay him 3.25M and no cap savings. 3.25M total cash outlay.
2. LTIR him, pay him 3.25M and a ELC replacement player at 925K max. 4M or so cap hit, but you may have some LTIR cap space flexibility. 4.1M total cash outlay.
3. Bury him in the minors,, saving about a million on the cap. Still pay him 3.25M and a replacement player 925K. Cap hit 2.25M and 925K a wash. 4.1M cash outlay.
4. Buy him out, pay him 1.1M this year and a replacement 925K for a cap savings of 1M. Also pay him 1.1M next year at a cap hit of 1.1M. 1.1M+ 1.1M + 925K equals about a 3.1M cash outlay.
5. Trade him but you may have to add a sweetener or get salary in return. Not worth it IMO.

Option 4 looks the cheapest to me unless I missed something.

Maybe I'm a bit over stating this but chicago as of right now basically have the same tean that for a pandemic they would have missed the playoffs. Now looking at their cap issues this year and major holes to fill , how would stan find more money next year with many of his players already locked in for 2 more years ? I'm sure saad will either be looking for the same or a couple. Million more?

I agree the window to move him was earlier but unless seabrook comes down with a mysterious illness chicago is going to struggle heavily
- Taylorst1

There is absolutely no way you could possibly know.

Powers: The Blackhawks did not qualify restricted free agent Slater Koekkoek, according to a source.
- walleyeb1

Is that to open up a spot for Gustafsson to come back (BIG RED FONT)?

Somewhere Elbows just danced a jig.
- Chunk

That way they can sign him for the NHL minimum.

LeBrun: Interest in Saad

The Blackhawks have garnered interest on Brandon Saad over the past few weeks which isn’t surprising since he’s got one more year on his deal and those players are in demand these days. Several teams have checked in with Chicago on him, I hear.

Jan Bednar is still available, will the Hawks chance a 2nd goalie in the draft?
- DarthKane

Would not be surprised. Nevermind.

That way they can sign him for the NHL minimum.
- rpeters01

don't spoil this for me

don't spoil this for me
- Elbows15

I promise his replacement won't have more than 3k's in his name.

I promise his replacement won't have more than 3k's in his name.
- rpeters01

Unless he's one of those Russians with 14 letters in his last name.