multiple reports of "Core" being unhappy with recent moves. Does Stan have the stones to trade Kane or Towes?
- SaskHawkFan

It doesn't matter if Bowman did - Toews/Kane have absolute power in that relationship. It's uncommon for a player with a full NMC to waive it before the final 3 years of their contract and the big 3 have 3 years left but I guess anything is possible in these new times. Nash is the only one I can think of that has done it, though. Seabrook might be a special case simple because his NMC turns into a NTC so he's technically 2 years out there.

Also even though they were unhappy about how Crawford was handled doesn't necessarily mean they're not still onboard with other moves. I don't like the Saad-Zadorov trade due to the value difference but the Hawks players likely view these guys differently. They're going to professional to their new teammates. Zadorov said both Toews and Kane texted him right after the trade to welcome him and Kane added "I'm glad I don't have to play against you anymore" or something similar.

The Hawks have a great rep around the league and in other leagues that I think they'll do a lot to make sure if the core is ever traded, that it's on good terms. Most players traded by the Hawks have either wanted to retur and/or have pimped the org to other players (like how Kruger did for Suter and Teravainen did for Wallmark).

The sophomore jinx is always a possibility but I don't see Kubalik's offense falling off a cliff like Dinky's did this past season.

Even before being paired with Toews and Saad, it's not like Kubalik wasn't making his own space and finding his way to the front of the net.

He's definitely a shoot first player with a really good shot, plus I see him getting more PP time to start the season which wasn't a thing for him til the latter part of last season.

People have thrown out the Panik comp and I just don't see that similarity with Kubalik.
- HawkintheD

I also think that Kubalik won't hit a massive sophomore slump. A slight decline is possible but not a full-on jinx.

He is so good at finding open space and get to soft shooting areas. Very elusive and adept at getting behind defenders.

Also, he can release a powerful shot from any shooting position, even if the puck is no where near his wheel house.

Sometimes a goal scorer gets in slumps because they always need the perfect pass or a playmaker to feather passes to them. Not the case for Kubalik, IMO.

The sophomore jinx is always a possibility but I don't see Kubalik's offense falling off a cliff like Dinky's did this past season.

Even before being paired with Toews and Saad, it's not like Kubalik wasn't making his own space and finding his way to the front of the net.

He's definitely a shoot first player with a really good shot, plus I see him getting more PP time to start the season which wasn't a thing for him til the latter part of last season.

People have thrown out the Panik comp and I just don't see that similarity with Kubalik.
- HawkintheD

Good quote there. Nylander wants to score like Kubalic but doesn't make his own space. He just floats to where nobody else is, and that sure as hell isn't in the slot or at the net.

I hope they do not compound the error and force feed Boqvist into the roster because he was Stan's first round draft choice. Learning defense in the NHL is not ideal for the confidence. If he shows it in Rockford, bring him up. Colliton must not be a Carlsson fan. There were plenty of reasons to give him more time in the playoffs.
- jrsamu

I would say the force feeding Boqvist ship sailed last year. As Ed Farmer used to say "he's on the team for next year."

I think the issue with Strome isn't that he needs to be the checking line C, but more does he have enough 2 way game to be an NHL C. Dach is looking more like he will have enough of a 2-way game and we know Toews has the ability to play both sides, but I think it's fair to question if you can afford to have a C like Strome who struggles defensively just enough that other teams can get a match up and take advantage.

The more he has to be sheltered the harder the other guys have to work to take up the defensive slack. If he is deployed in that "offensive" role with Kane or whomever, that works as long as he is productive enough, which last year he wasn't quite. So he lands inbetween being productive enough to be an offensive specialist and being a bit of a defensive liability. I like the kid and I hope he can just take that next step in consistency, awareness, and positioning to be more effective at both ends. I think the question right now, is does his asking price price him out of town?

Pretty sure neither guy is ready for the NHL. Other than a few guys the forwards in the system sounded to be at least another year away.

Pretty sure that's why guys like the two Swedes were picked up yesterday. Plus Dach is your second line center and pretty sure both those guys are projected bottom 6 players. Maybe Morrison has a bit more upside but not sure about Entwistle.
- HawkintheD

What you shared sounds about right.

I can't see Morrison making the team this season and maybe not even next season.

If he does ever make it to the NHL, it will be a trajectory similar to Bickell as well as a reputation like him, i.e. so-so regular season stats but a monster in the playoffs. Morrison has a persona of being a clutch performer.

The power forward closest to the NHL and has a strong shot at playing time with the Hawks is Quenneville.

Entwistle could get a cup of coffee but do like him marinating in the AHL for another season.

Rockford was short on skill. Plenty of 3/4 lines NHLers and goalies. Lots of turnover didn’t help. Whatever happened with Wedin btw? He back this season?
- Assman22

ctbullets answer your question already but Wedin (as well as Nilsson) went back home to play in Sweden.

It doesn't matter if Bowman did - Toews/Kane have absolute power in that relationship. It's uncommon for a player with a full NMC to waive it before the final 3 years of their contract and the big 3 have 3 years left but I guess anything is possible in these new times. Nash is the only one I can think of that has done it, though. Seabrook might be a special case simple because his NMC turns into a NTC so he's technically 2 years out there.

Also even though they were unhappy about how Crawford was handled doesn't necessarily mean they're not still onboard with other moves. I don't like the Saad-Zadorov trade due to the value difference but the Hawks players likely view these guys differently. They're going to professional to their new teammates. Zadorov said both Toews and Kane texted him right after the trade to welcome him and Kane added "I'm glad I don't have to play against you anymore" or something similar.

The Hawks have a great rep around the league and in other leagues that I think they'll do a lot to make sure if the core is ever traded, that it's on good terms. Most players traded by the Hawks have either wanted to retur and/or have pimped the org to other players (like how Kruger did for Suter and Teravainen did for Wallmark).
- L_B_R

Well said.

I think some of it is that when people see a headline like "Toews is shocked" they assume the worst. I think part of it is the media taking the soundbites they can spin. Honestly, I can see the core guys being sad that the team is moving players they like or have good relationships with, but they understand it's a business.

I agree with you. So if Strome can't develop into a top 2C, his value is diminished because teams now succeed with bottom 6 checking lines, which is not his strength.
Either sign him to be your 2C or let him go, which means another bad trade by SB. That doesn't mean I would want Nick Schmaltz back though either. He signed for 6M I believe in AZ. Hindsight being 20-20 and not knowing at that time that Dach was in our luckiest draft dream, it would have been great to trade Schmaltz for a Dave Bolland type GREAT 3C.
- Hawkytalk

I actually don't think you agree with me or I didn't worded my comment well enough because my point was that teams are succeeding with offensive 3rd lines more than they are with checking 3rd lines. It's been more common to win with a 3O-1D line rollout than not over the years.

One playoffs wouldn't negate that - it just shows there are multiple ways to construct a roster. The Pens and Caps won through high offense; the Hawks, Blues, and now Lightning won more through balance of offense-defense. Lightning were kind of a 1-2A-2B-4 kind of system where that 2B was two-way and the 4L was a traditional checking line.

THEO: perfect title for this segment, as the moves this offseason have certainly been funky. I thought the Hawks would make more spots available on defense for the young players ? Carlsonn and possbly Mitchell. Do think they might yet trade the injury prone Calvin DeHann for say an offensive forward ? Trade the 4 million salary of DeHann, for a 2 million forward with offensive upside ? Cap savings and opening possible spot for one of the young defensemen. If Nylander showed more upside, their might night be a need for another offensive forward.
- chuckdahammer

To answer your question, I would like to think that there is another trade coming up to ship out one of the veteran defenders whether de Haan or Murphy. Would rather keep Murphy, of course, but he could net the better return.

I don't think trading de Haan would garner anything more than a draft pick but things could change if the deal is expanded to additional assets.

Beat me to it and said it better. lol
- GPHawksfan

Honestly she says everything better than you, haha

To answer your question, I would like to think that there is another trade coming up to ship out one of the veteran defenders whether de Haan or Murphy. Would rather keep Murphy, of course, but he could net the better return.

I don't think trading de Haan would garner anything more than a draft pick but things could change if the deal is expanded to additional assets.
- Theo Fox

how many more years does de Haan have on his contract?

I don't recall him doing a crossover while skating with the puck. He must think all he has to do is find some space and wait for a pass so he can shoot. No choice but to agree with you.
- 6628

During a home town broadcast last season at some point - in - time the announcer gave credit for Nylander back checking. And very early season ( opening week perhaps/not sure exact dates) his pittance of defensive effort in maybe one or two games then disappeared. Next he was out of lineup/healthy scratch.

So he ought to realize with the way jobs and pay rate have decreased due to the covid effect, that he is not long in Chicago if he doesn't shape up.

IMHO - Knee jerk reaction by Toews. Stan/Rocky will talk this out with the core. They are big boys and understand this is a business. After a little time they will get over it. I would not be shocked to have one or more of the core make very different statements in interviews in the coming days/weeks ahead.

Also they have NMC's and contracts that would be very hard to unload in the current economic climate.
- -Doh-

Same thing happened in LA with Doughty after he signed his $11 mil. contract, and the next year the Kings started to blow things up. Kopitar didn't make any waves. Now he is all in.

To answer your question, I would like to think that there is another trade coming up to ship out one of the veteran defenders whether de Haan or Murphy. Would rather keep Murphy, of course, but he could net the better return.

I don't think trading de Haan would garner anything more than a draft pick but things could change if the deal is expanded to additional assets.
- Theo Fox

The more i think about it, so they offer Corey 3.5 supposedly probably 1 year deal CC camp starts negotiating, as that deal sits there they begin negotiating with the Saad family and after hearing what they expect in Saads next contract, it would not surprise if they basically were like screw this pull the offer from Corey and we don't care what you get at Saa

I actually don't think you agree with me or I didn't word my comment well enough because my point was that teams are succeeding with offensive 3rd line more than they are with checking 3rd line. It's been more common to win with a 3O-1D line rollout than not over the years.

One playoffs wouldn't negate that - it just shows there are multiple ways to construct a roster. The Pens and Caps won through high offense; the Hawks, Blues, and now Lightning won more through balance of offense-defense. Lightning were kind of a 1-2A-2B-4 kind of system where that 2B was more two-way and the 4L was a traditional checking line.
- L_B_R

I would love to get your take on if the Hawks are in full rebuild or is this something else. They didn't really get anything for the future in these last few trades so it seems to me that this is more of retool and changing of the system. Penny for your thoughts.

on a podcast pay boyle said AVS asked for Craw and SAAD at the deadline and SB asked Bowen Bryam probably to big of a ask but things like that are how you blow up a team. Maybe we would have had to add something to it. IE 2nd or a prospect.

we now have Zadaro for both guys. seems like a tactacal error on stans part. I would have thought we would have gotten way more for SAAD at TDL.

also we probably lose in the first round and end up with a much better propsect. probably Rossi, perfetti, askarov of lundell.

how many more years does de Haan have on his contract?
- glennjpawlak22

de Haan has 2 more years at $4.55M per.

on a podcast pay boyle said AVS asked for Craw and SAAD at the deadline and SB asked Bowen Bryam probably to big of a ask but things like that are how you blow up a team. Maybe we would have had to add something to it. IE 2nd or a prospect.

we now have Zadaro for both guys. seems like a tactacal error on stans part. I would have thought we would have gotten way more for SAAD at TDL.

also we probably lose in the first round and end up with a much better propsect. probably Rossi, perfetti, askarov of lundell.
- kmw4631

Or blow your chance at a Stanley Cup!

I've been watching some of Zadorov's tape and I'm slowly coming around on the transaction.

Listen, I understand the underlying advanced metrics and the perceived notion that Saad was worth more, but at the end of the day, does it really matter as long as you get the guy(s) YOU WANT to build around? I remember how everyone was up in arms when we acquired Murphy. Safe to say that acquisition turned out alright for the Hawks.

I don't think Zadorov was acquired with the intention of being flipped. I see a Murphy-like extension in his future. It'll be nice to finally have a player that instills the kind of fear in opposing teams that we've been missing since Buff left us. Not insinuating Zadorov will become a franchise player, but a capable #4 d-man who brings the body, is defensively-sound, and brings an element of his game that the team is lacking is always a good thing.

I've always been a big fan of Saad. His advanced metrics look pretty, he plays a good 200-ft game, and is an ideal middle-six forward. But let's not make him out to be something he isn't. He isn't a dynamic offensive player. He doesn't create for others. He had a career high shooting % and didn't have the numbers to show for it (accounting for a shortened-season).He wasn't able to produce with 19 or 88 since coming back, and he was due for an extension that might not end up being justifiable. Guys like JvR, Kreider, etc. (his comparables) produce more offensively with less to work with. Saad was given ample opportunities but at the end of the day is better situated as a 2LW. Nothing wrong with that.

Is a 2LW worth a 4D? I'd say so. The Hawks have Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin (who I think still gets moved), and Carlsson on the horizon. An influx of young puck-moving d-men. Zadorov and Murphy compliment those guys. If Murphy were to get moved, we now have a player in a similar-ish mold on the active roster, whereas before we did not.

Stan still has a LOT of work to do, but if this is his worst transaction that he makes this offseason, I'd say it's a pretty good start.

I've been watching some of Zadorov's tape and I'm slowly coming around on the transaction.

Listen, I understand the underlying advanced metrics and the perceived notion that Saad was worth more, but at the end of the day, does it really matter as long as you get the guy(s) YOU WANT to build around? I remember how everyone was up in arms when we acquired Murphy. Safe to say that acquisition turned out alright for the Hawks.

I don't think Zadorov was acquired with the intention of being flipped. I see a Murphy-like extension in his future. It'll be nice to finally have a player that instills the kind of fear in opposing teams that we've been missing since Buff left us. Not insinuating Zadorov will become a franchise player, but a capable #4 d-man who brings the body, is defensively-sound, and brings an element of his game that the team is lacking is always a good thing.

I've always been a big fan of Saad. His advanced metrics look pretty, he plays a good 200-ft game, and is an ideal middle-six forward. But let's not make him out to be something he isn't. He isn't a dynamic offensive player. He doesn't create for others. He had a career high shooting % and still only He wasn't able to produce with 19 or 88 since coming back, and he was due for an extension that might not end up being justifiable. Guys like JvR, Kreider, etc. (his comparables) produce more offensively with less to work with. Saad was given ample opportunities but at the end of the day is better situated as a 2LW. Nothing wrong with that.

Is a 2LW worth a 4D? I'd say so. The Hawks have Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin (who I think still gets moved), and Carlsson on the horizon. An influx of young puck-moving d-men. Zadorov and Murphy compliment those guys. If Murphy were to get moved, we now have a player in a similar-ish mold on the active roster, whereas before we did not.

Stan still has a LOT of work to do, but if this is his worst transaction that he makes this offseason, I'd say it's a pretty good start.
- TommyHawk

Nikita Zadorov is not a good defenseman.

I don't know how "disgruntled" Kane is. Or at least he is playing nice.

"I (Zadorov) got a text from Patrick Kane right after I got traded. He said he's really excited he doesn't have to play against me anymore," he continued. "I feel like that's a really good thing to hear from one of the best players in the world. My biggest goal is (that) I can play against top lines, and that's what I want to bring to this team, to play big minutes, play in big situations and try to shutdown the best players on the opposite team."

Nikita Zadorov is not a good defenseman.
- BINGO!

Players "break out" when they are utilized correctly. Maybe that doesn't happen in Chicago, we'll see.

But if the alleged rumblings of him being misused in Colorado and not getting a fair shake from Bednar are true, I'm willing to see how he plays in a different system before formulating an opinion.

Honestly she says everything better than you, haha
- BetweenTheDots

I might be insulted if this came from anyone that has ever posted anything smart on here

Players "break out" when they are utilized correctly. Maybe that doesn't happen in Chicago, we'll see.

But if the alleged rumblings of him being misused in Colorado and not getting a fair shake from Bednar are true, I'm willing to see how he plays in a different system before formulating an opinion.
- TommyHawk

I've seen it happen. Well said.