Not really.
- mohel

Not at all.

Not at all.
- Ogilthorpe2

Agreed.

Agreed.
- mohel

It’s settled then.

I find the title of this blog perhaps ironic after just reading about theTampa - Ottawa trade

So if you wonder just how Chicago emerges from the murky depths, consider the teams whom just completed a worthwhile exchange for both

Clearly Chicago is going to emphasize youth probably as much as possible. Clearly there is questions among the youthful dmen and relatively young goaltenders: just how good will they perform. Consistency is a key attribute we hope to see "play out."

Yet as far as Tampa and Ottawa goes, just how far do they go? The teams may at first appear at opposite end of the predicted order of finish for the upcoming season. But as Eddie O might say, hold on right there (don't recall his exact phrase he uses on broadcasts).

Certainly Tampa remains a formidable foe despite Kucherov being out at least for the regular season.

The trade shows their depth, allows salary dump from the defense position, and brings depth provided by two veterans. Gaborik (does his contract dollars total comoare to Coburn) might still have some goals left in him, and Neilsson appears to be emerging as a descent netinder.

I really have to postulate just how much better is Ottawa going to be this season. They have an attractive blend of veterans and improving young talent. Paquette could be a steady influence and Coburn style might lend well on their blueline.

Perhaps Ottawa emerges from the murky waters. Not sure if they may be as good or better a choice to be in the playoffs than Chicago

I find the title of this blog perhaps ironic after just reading about theTampa - Ottawa trade

So if you wonder just how Chicago emerges from the murky depths, consider the teams whom just completed a worthwhile exchange for both

Clearly Chicago is going to emphasize youth probably as much as possible. Clearly there is questions among the youthful dmen and relatively young goaltenders: just how good will they perform. Consistency is a key attribute we hope to see "play out."

Yet as far as Tampa and Ottawa goes, just how far do they go? The teams may at first appear at opposite end of the predicted order of finish for the upcoming season. But as Eddie O might say, hold on right there (don't recall his exact phrase he uses on broadcasts).

Certainly Tampa remains a formidable foe despite Kucherov being out at least for the regular season.

The trade shows their depth, allows salary dump from the defense position, and brings depth provided by two veterans. Gaborik (does his contract dollars total comoare to Coburn) might still have some goals left in him, and Neilsson appears to be emerging as a descent netinder.

I really have to postulate just how much better is Ottawa going to be this season. They have an attractive blend of veterans and improving young talent. Paquette could be a steady influence and Coburn style might lend well on their blueline.

Perhaps Ottawa emerges from the murky waters. Not sure if they may be as good or better a choice to be in the playoffs than Chicago
- jhawk59

Gaborik has been LTIR the last 2 years with a bad back. He was only sent to Tampa because of the money. He will be a LTIR for Tampa. Neilsson is only because you have to carry 3 goalies. Only way Neilsson sees a game is if both Vasilevsky and Mcilhaney are hurt.

Gaborik has been LTIR the last 2 years with a bad back. He was only sent to Tampa because of the money. He will be a LTIR for Tampa. Neilsson is only because you have to carry 3 goalies. Only way Neilsson sees a game is if both Vasilevsky and Mcilhaney are hurt.
- LAHawk

Nilsson will go on LTIR as well and will not play this season.

[quote=LAHawk]Gaborik has been LTIR the last 2 years with a bad back. He was only sent to Tampa because of the money. He will be a LTIR for Tampa. Neilsson is only because you have to carry 3 goalies. He is still on IR because of a concussion he got in December last year.

Melnyk must be smiling from ear to ear. Combined salary taken on $3.3 mil. Combines salary he dumped $7.5 mil.

Freh off a post and thinking hockey finally as the.season is near.... at the end of the holiday season and the WJC wrap.

Last season we saw the Flyers and NYI battle long and hard to get to the next round. There is bound to be prognosticators asking aloud just what is the apex for the trajectory of both teams. I believe neither team has quite arrived.

The Flyers have an imposing lineup. A young but veteran defense. Who wants a lottery ticket on the wide card Gus becomes for them. He replaces Ghost, right? The thing about Hayes addition is not his overpriced salary nor that he is that good. The Flyers are simply very good whence Hayes makes for two tough lines. Will they roll three, four strong lines - I "dk" but I am sure they have great possiblities behind that blueline crew and Hart in net is a fortress.

On the other hand, how much better is NYI in goal by playoffs with Sorokin? Whereas I point to the quality charges in the Philly lineup, i will just use this word "quality" along side the names: Barzal, Pullock, B Trotz The NYI might have some youngsters fit and I am not immediately recalling a nice player swap out, as it turns out after D Toews left but they added someone through a trade (I think).

In the Western Conference we cannot say Dallas would not repeat encore. Is not Sequin or someone out for a while after a surgery/injury. Anyway everyone is going to be saying, watch out for the Avalanche. And don't neglect the up and coming Canucks. Would hope both Hughes brothers remain healthy and can be productive for their respective teams.

Now a real dark horse (as I pointed out to wiz not too long ago) is the Minny Wild although as a wild card probably not. My view here is augmented by a story from a female Wild beat writer.

She broke down the lineup with great rationale. At the heart of her analysis is the role and lines she slots two rookies, Anderson Ek and the veterans impact too.

The Russian kid Kaprisov is going to be a stud? Maybe. Does Rossi handle top line duty. Why not let him grow there with Kaprisov with Fiala rounding out a dangerous scoring line.

Rossi could switch out 3rd L with Johansson. Parise, Johansson, Zuccarello is a strong third line though. Or first line if Rossi leads the third quartet.
The fourth line is featuring veteran know how: Foligno, Bonito, Bjugstad. Each of them could supplant someone on another line. This 4th L too could rotate with L2. The idea with L2 is a hard to play against line: Greenway, Anderson Ek, Hartman. Just know that Ek, a first round selection, competes hard and has some skill although not a big point producer. And this is a spot where Hartman could thrive

The defense has two solid pairs and lacks quality in the third set. The goaltender and the third defense pair is the team's chillies heel.

Suter-Spurgeon, Brodin-Dumba, Soucy-Hunt with Staalock in net. The Wild has a Swedish kid last couple years in the AHL looks pretty good but I have no report how good he might be

Why write about the Wild? I was perusing stories on how other teams shape up and this writer had an interesting schematic. I absolutely love to project how prospects impact NHL rosters.

The writer omitted Goldy, a 2019 #1 now playing in the WJC. Goldy is a talented forward, a magician with puck down low I have read.

[quote=LAHawk]Gaborik has been LTIR the last 2 years with a bad back. He was only sent to Tampa because of the money. He will be a LTIR for Tampa. Neilsson is only because you have to carry 3 goalies. He is still on IR because of a concussion he got in December last year.

Melnyk must be smiling from ear to ear. Combined salary taken on $3.3 mil. Combines salary he dumped $7.5 mil.
- LAHawk

Is Gaborik finished. Over the hill? If he has anything left, here is a good fit. Neilsson is a plus but not this season and if he can return from concussion

Is Gaborik finished. Over the hill? If he has anything left, here is a good fit. Neilsson is a plus but not this season and if he can return from concussion
- jhawk59

Tampa didn’t acquire either to play. They are doing what a Toronto did last year and using players on LTIR to manage their cap overages. Gaborik hasn’t t played in 2 full seasons, he isn’t t coming back for the last year on his contract at 38 years old.

I'm watching the Russia-Czech game and it's the first time I've seen Teply and Krutil play. Teply is big but he makes Strome look fleet of foot - yeesh! Krutil has been pretty invisible. Still a period to play so maybe they will be better.

Can he get to the middle of the ice because I see DeBrinkat and Kane getting ridden outside against good teams?
- rpeters01

Teply will drive to the net when the opportunity presents itself but he's not going to make a living camped out in front like a Holmstrom, Hornqvist, or Smyth.

He is also willing to draw the play closer to the middle rather than constantly stay on the perimeter.

I find the title of this blog perhaps ironic after just reading about theTampa - Ottawa trade

So if you wonder just how Chicago emerges from the murky depths, consider the teams whom just completed a worthwhile exchange for both

Clearly Chicago is going to emphasize youth probably as much as possible. Clearly there is questions among the youthful dmen and relatively young goaltenders: just how good will they perform. Consistency is a key attribute we hope to see "play out."

Yet as far as Tampa and Ottawa goes, just how far do they go? The teams may at first appear at opposite end of the predicted order of finish for the upcoming season. But as Eddie O might say, hold on right there (don't recall his exact phrase he uses on broadcasts).

Certainly Tampa remains a formidable foe despite Kucherov being out at least for the regular season.

The trade shows their depth, allows salary dump from the defense position, and brings depth provided by two veterans. Gaborik (does his contract dollars total comoare to Coburn) might still have some goals left in him, and Neilsson appears to be emerging as a descent netinder.

I really have to postulate just how much better is Ottawa going to be this season. They have an attractive blend of veterans and improving young talent. Paquette could be a steady influence and Coburn style might lend well on their blueline.

Perhaps Ottawa emerges from the murky waters. Not sure if they may be as good or better a choice to be in the playoffs than Chicago
- jhawk59

Stalock is out long term, look for Talbot to be the starter with Kahkonen backing him up.

I'm watching the Russia-Czech game and it's the first time I've seen Teply and Krutil play. Teply is big but he makes Strome look fleet of foot - yeesh! Krutil has been pretty invisible. Still a period to play so maybe they will be better.
- EbonyRaptor

Thought the same on Teply!! Foot speed will be a major issue for him at the NHL level. Unfortunate, because I think the kid does have other skills that are very noticeable in a positive sense.

Thought the same on Teply!! Foot speed will be a major issue for him at the NHL level. Unfortunate, because I think the kid does have other skills that are very noticeable in a positive sense.
- ChicagoHope

Wonder if same Chicago scout who liked Teply also liked Iocopala. Another big kid, slow, but big shot. Couldn't make the cut in AHL.

Stalock is out long term, look for Talbot to be the starter with Kahkonen backing him up.
- joegreif17

I give Guerin credit for correct move on goaltenders. Dubnyk long in tooth, performance had dipped, was not long term solution. Could have taken Askarov; opted to upgrade center position first. Stalok and Talbot are middling fill ins until a quality NHL or top prospect becomes available. Meanwhile perhaps Kahkonen develops. The 2021 draft has a top goaltender & what about the Slovakian netminder in the WJC. Guerin acquired an offensive dman prospect when he unloaded one of his veterans. I say Guerin would like to draft a goaltender or dman in 2021.

Wonder if same Chicago scout who liked Teply also liked Iocopala. Another big kid, slow, but big shot. Couldn't make the cut in AHL.
- jhawk59

Teply is >> Iacopelli as far as all around game and potential. For one thing, Teply has played with and against men as a 17 year old. Also, he's in his second tour of duty for the Czech Republic at the WJC.

Iacopelli never played for Team USA as far as I know, at least not for the WJC. He's a one-trick pony who just skates north-south and chucks the puck on net, i.e. Skille and Morin. Teply has his flaws but is more well rounded compared to Iacopelli.

IMO, Iacopelli had career minor leaguer written all over him. Teply at least has a chance to break into the NHL down the road.

Teply is >> Iacopelli as far as all around game and potential. For one thing, Teply has played with and against men as a 17 year old. Also, he's in his second tour of duty for the Czech Republic at the WJC.

Iacopelli never played for Team USA as far as I know, at least not for the WJC. He's a one-trick pony who just skates north-south and chucks the puck on net, i.e. Skille and Morin. Teply has his flaws but is more well rounded compared to Iacopelli.

IMO, Iacopelli had career minor leaguer written all over him. Teply at least has a chance to break into the NHL down the road.
- Theo Fox

Tepley is a fourth round draft choice. He was picked right around where he was rated. Scouting reports say he has to work on his acceleration, but has elite puck handling and hockey sense. We didn’t t draft him #3 overall. Too bad others that we drafted last year (Saarela, Dach, Vlasic) are not playing in the Tourney due to injury, COVID restrictions, etc..to evaluate. To base all decisions on foot speed is stupid, IMO. Would you like a team full of Jack Skille, Andreas Anthanoseau’s? [img][/img]

Thought the same on Teply!! Foot speed will be a major issue for him at the NHL level. Unfortunate, because I think the kid does have other skills that are very noticeable in a positive sense.
- ChicagoHope

He never stops on the puck, just swoops in circles. He's big and has a good shot but needs a ton of work to make the NHL. He likely never does

So Cirelli signs 3 years $4.8 and Strome is going to be happy with half that? poop
- BetweenTheDots

Which would you rather have?

Anyone has anything on Dylan Strome? I find it kind of weird that he isn´t signed yet. Is he in his way out or what the heck?

He never stops on the puck, just swoops in circles. He's big and has a good shot but needs a ton of work to make the NHL. He likely never does
- GPHawksfan

The venerable Gordie Howe spoke to beginning and intermediate hockey players on ice in his stop in Chicago for a hockey league. The time frame was roughly in the late 80's (he was 69 at that time). Players got to play with or against him in five minute scrimmage. Also Howe spoke for a couple minutes giving tips. One of the things he mentioned was how to pick a loose puck along the boards. Maybe Teply needs that sort of instruction

The venerable Gordie Howe spoke to beginning and intermediate hockey players on ice in his stop in Chicago for a hockey league. The time frame was roughly in the late 80's (he was 69 at that time). Players got to play with or against him in five minute scrimmage. Also Howe spoke for a couple minutes giving tips. One of the things he mentioned was how to pick a loose puck along the boards. Maybe Teply needs that sort of instruction
- jhawk59

Geez, the kid is 19 years old and a 4th round draft choice. Do you think he should be the second coming of Ovechkin. He is right now who he is, a prospect (probably not even a top 15 prospect in the system) with a big frame who has good hands, and is a minus skater. What was ADB considered at that age? You can argue ADB still doesn't know how to pick up a loose puck along the boards, and he is making $6 mil. per.

if soderberg and wallmark are worth 1 year $1mil how is Janmark with 2.25? seems like a massive overpay? thought he was the worst of the 3?

if soderberg and wallmark are worth 1 year $1mil how is Janmark with 2.25? seems like a massive overpay? thought he was the worst of the 3?
- kmw4631

Because when the Hawks signed Janmark, Soderberg was asking $3 mil. plus.