I am asking about now in a cap stagnant world, and the trade value that Saad has now as he goes to UFA. I would rather have Bertuzzi NOW. especially for 60% of Saad's salary NOW. Bertuzzi was averaging .95 points per game in Detroit's first 21 games until Anthony Mantha went down, then his production went down. Bertuzzi would look outstanding on Toews left wing, much more physical than Saad has ever been, and doesn't have 2 boulders for hands.

My main point is the grief that Bowman got in the return for Saad. I think Stan did well considering Saad's albatross contract, and the fact IMO, he is not nearly as good as most of the board thinks. Just because the Hawks are devoid of big top 6 players (and I contend Saad plays small, he is NOT a power forward), does not mean he is $6 mil. valuable or even top 6 on another team.

I know my eyes have been clouded about the trade, because I have not been a fan of Saad since his return, and that is not because of giving up Panarin for him, but that he has significantly underperformed.
- LAHawk

Am in 100% agreement with your assessment of Saad individually. But no sense comparing him to anybody else, the ship had sailed on him in Bowman's eyes and he wasn't going to be resigned. If true they were shopping him since the trade deadline and Zadorov was the best return they were offered, that was the market offering its opinion of Saad as a player and perhaps at being a negotiations nightmare on a new deal.

Zadorov isn't Viktor Hedman 2 but he can be an excellent addition to a team that has little or no physicality and with Shaw doubtful going forward, zero nasty mofos who are a threat to take somebody's head off in an altercation. Intimidation is part of the game right up from the pee wee level, Zadorov should help big time in the D zone with that part.

And if Colliton turns the team into a version of the Blue Jackets, so be it. Its been pretty frustrating for a couple of years now watching a bunch of skill guys get run over by bigger, stronger teams and giving up 40+ shots on an overworked goaltender.

thanks for your answer. I understand where you are coming from, hope you can see what my perspective is.
- LAHawk

Oh def.

Cheers everyone, I was getting bummed about all the trade talk. How about this to remind us of why being a Hawk fan is the best
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEB7EjJ7xf4

New uniform numbers are out:

Why would Seabrook - if he’s unhappy about not playing here - agree to go to an expansion team - and not play there? Yeah, it’s closer to his home, but....

Why would Seattle pay him whatever the Hawks don’t retain to not play him? They will have a lot of 4/5/6 defensemen to choose from in the draft to play in front of him, like VGK did.

I think Seabrook plays out his contract here.
- StLBravesFan

Just an option that's all not saying it happens.

Another center with mid 6 potential we forget about is Antti Saarela.

New uniform numbers are out:


- Theo Fox

I know someone’s going to feel that Chalupa is showing a severe lack of respect for those who preceded him.

I’m also looking for better decision making when carrying the puck into the ozone.

Too often he would try to carry it in between or around two opponents when it looked like he should pass it off or dump it.
- StLBravesFan

Pretty sure coming out of the draft he was pegged as a pass first style player comped to getzlaf I heard was one. I'll let our scouting experts on the boards speak to that. If he becomes a Getzlaf type producer over time we'd be satisfied but maybe disappointed he doesn't use his eventually size to score more goals. Hopefully he's the cornerstone we need tho

I know someone’s going to feel that Chalupa is showing a severe lack of respect for those who preceded him.
- Ogilthorpe2

I can see him doing a Taco Bell commercial, Frolik would have never had that chance.

Another center with mid 6 potential we forget about is Antti Saarela.
- LAHawk

The Hawks have a good one in Antti Saarela. Speedy, solid defensively, excellent compete level, good on draws, some offensive punch, can play with an edge.

Not sure if he'll have enough for middle 6 but definitely bottom 6 as 3C or 4C depending on his offensive production at the NHL level. He'd be great as a shutdown pivot and PK specialist.

I know many analysts and pundits are salivating over older brother Aleksi lighting it up in Liiga right now but be glad he's no longer in the system.

Aleksi is a one-trick pony like Skille and Morin. He was an ingrate, too, while in Rockford.

I can see him doing a Taco Bell commercial, Frolik would have never had that chance.
- Angotti

A month or so ago I saw a photo on social media of an actual billboard in Rockford that stated Rockford residents voted Taco Bell as the best Mexican restaurant in the city.

Another center with mid 6 potential we forget about is Antti Saarela.
- LAHawk

If that's the case great. Everything I read about him says bottom 6 but I've never seen him play, so there's that.

What I did read about him sounded similar to a couple other guys in terms of being a good two way player, who was competitive and played with an edge.

I know there is a lot of consternation (understandably) about where the top 6 fwds post Core4 will come from; but it sounds like the Hawks have done a good job drafting guys who are potentially NHL'ers to fill bottom 6 roles.

In the past they've had issues filling those roles from within, so how's that for some glass half-full, Kool-aid drinking stuff on a Wed?

I know someone’s going to feel that Chalupa is showing a severe lack of respect for those who preceded him.
- Ogilthorpe2

Thank you for this!

Why would Seabrook - if he’s unhappy about not playing here - agree to go to an expansion team - and not play there? Yeah, it’s closer to his home, but....

Why would Seattle pay him whatever the Hawks don’t retain to not play him? They will have a lot of 4/5/6 defensemen to choose from in the draft to play in front of him, like VGK did.

I think Seabrook plays out his contract here.
- StLBravesFan

I think the hawks won't play him and will try to bury him somehow. We've seen it alot in the league with mysterious long term injuries. Is it legal? Well other teams have done it. Were the injuries legit that the players couldn't play? Who knows? Seabrook's way out to continue playing out his career is to move on to a team that has a spot in the lineup for him and will pay out his contract instead of being in constant rehab and in limbo. I'm sure many people on here will say that's illegal and we can't do that. We'll see but to answer your question I think that's the reasoning.

The Hawks have a good one in Antti Saarela. Speedy, solid defensively, excellent compete level, good on draws, some offensive punch, can play with an edge.

Not sure if he'll have enough for middle 6 but definitely bottom 6 as 3C or 4C depending on his offensive production at the NHL level. He'd be great as a shutdown pivot and PK specialist.

I know many analysts and pundits are salivating over older brother Aleksi lighting it up in Liiga right now but be glad he's no longer in the system.

Aleksi is a one-trick pony like Skille and Morin. He was an ingrate, too, while in Rockford.
- Theo Fox

As I read your post I suddenly realize where I got my NOW-ledge from.

As I read your post I suddenly realize where I got my NOW-ledge from.
- HawkintheD

I think the hawks won't play him and will try to bury him somehow. We've seen it alot in the league with mysterious long term injuries. Is it legal? Well other teams have done it. Were the injuries legit that the players couldn't play? Who knows? Seabrook's way out to continue playing out his career is to move on to a team that has a spot in the lineup for him and will pay out his contract instead of being in constant rehab and in limbo. I'm sure many people on here will say that's illegal and we can't do that. We'll see but to answer your question I think that's the reasoning.
- ctbullets

The league needs to review and approve so can't really pull a fast one to skirt the rules.

New target date for the AHL season to begin is February 5.

The league needs to review and approve so can't really pull a fast one to skirt the rules.
- Theo Fox

Joffrey lupul, Marian hossa lol. It can happen. It's a long shot but possible.

- Theo Fox

A solid use of Prof X's powers. Wolverine is the best choice for his pizza cutter mitts.

I think the hawks won't play him and will try to bury him somehow. We've seen it alot in the league with mysterious long term injuries. Is it legal? Well other teams have done it. Were the injuries legit that the players couldn't play? Who knows? Seabrook's way out to continue playing out his career is to move on to a team that has a spot in the lineup for him and will pay out his contract instead of being in constant rehab and in limbo. I'm sure many people on here will say that's illegal and we can't do that. We'll see but to answer your question I think that's the reasoning.
- ctbullets

It pains me so much to say it, but the best outcome for Seabrook and the Hawks would be if he can come back, prove he is recovered and playing well, and the Hawks trade him. The Hawks want to get the young guys into the lineup.

Both Stan and Colliton have implied during their recent calls that Seabrook will not be top four and likely will be fighting for minutes. If Seabrook is steadfast behind his comments in the bubble (that he wants to play above all else) I would assume he would be the most likely to waive. What that deal would look like terrifies me, but c'est la vie.

I know someone’s going to feel that Chalupa is showing a severe lack of respect for those who preceded him.
- Ogilthorpe2

The league needs to review and approve so can't really pull a fast one to skirt the rules.
- Theo Fox

And Seabrook could certainly put a stop to it.

I thought Haydn Fleury was good. 2 years 1.3/yr AAV.

I have no idea how good he actually is, but his reputation seemed to be much higher than that.

It pains me so much to say it, but the best outcome for Seabrook and the Hawks would be if he can come back, prove he is recovered and playing well, and the Hawks trade him. The Hawks want to get the young guys into the lineup.

Both Stan and Colliton have implied during their recent calls that Seabrook will not be top four and likely will be fighting for minutes. If Seabrook is steadfast behind his comments in the bubble (that he wants to play above all else) I would assume he would be the most likely to waive. What that deal would look like terrifies me, but c'est la vie.
- Chunk

Yup. He's getting his money either way so that's not a concern for him. Question remains does he wanna spend another season in "rehab" and or the press box or waive and find a place he can finish out his career and play? People on here can say all they want it skirts the rules and he controls his destiny. Ask horton, lupul, clarkson, hossa, etc etc. The team will torture him if he fights it. Maybe hawks deem him healthy and he plays a few games but he's likely traded or LTIR'd this whole season. It's sad but it's been done over and over in the league to skirt the cap.