This current Hawks team ranks with the bottom 1/4 of the entire league IMO - that is to say they are among the 8 worst teams in the NHL. Playing a full 82 game season against all of the teams in the league next year would prove that.

Winning a series or even a couple of games against current playoff teams is miles above their capability. They would get destroyed.

Bowman has a helluva lot of work to do to make this team a playoff qualifier let alone a Cup challenger.
- RickJ

Yes he does. If you look at a lot of the teams that are currently at the top level they went through years at the bottom before clawing their way out.

COL - Crap since about 2010
CAR - Crap since about 2010
TOR - Crap since forever
FLA - Crap since forever
NYI - Crap for ages.

Others have been able to keep their windows open for a while (TB, WSH, PITT, LV). I'm not a big Stan guy, but I do have faith that he knows what he needs and how to do it. Having that knowledge and actually being able to do it are two different things, but he knows the road to drive.

One thing to remember (everyone), even with all the right moves, it could still all fail. Injuries, bad luck, personality clash, coaching/system clashes, etc.

It probably won't go well for the Habs but regardless they will have plenty of support outside of Toronto because there are many Leaf haters across the country hoping they fail miserably - as usual.

The media loves a story - what better one could there be than a spineless Maple Leaf anglophone rich boy team collapsing and burning at the hands of the insurgents from Quebec.
- RickJ

So, you'll be rooting for the Habs with no hesitation?

Panthers have Samuel Montembeault to expose as a goaltender. Watching the Stars playing defense man to man, difference is the Stars forwards are way more defensively aware than the Hawks (as is most every team in the league), although Vegas dominated possession for most of the game
- LAHawk

but they can only protect one and it has to be BOB because of his NMV clause

Kind of reminds me of Kubalik's highlights his last year in Switzerland
- LAHawk

it looked like his skating was better and off course does not have KUB's one timer but not many do. but were they scored from was similar I agree.

LOL, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Just to recap my thoughts. The Hawks played over their talent level and everyone’s preseason thoughts on their finish. Most, including myself thought bottom 5 without Toews/Dach for some time and unproven goalies. I’m not sure how I feel about this “retooling” vs more of a tear down and rebuild. Based on his comments, Stan knows they are lacking “elite” play makers besides Dcat and an older Kane. The youngsters got playing time, which will help them develop and grow, but it might be a few years until in their “prime”.

As a few mentioned, watching the other playoff games...there is definitely a difference...talent and system. There’s more knowledgeable people than myself, but the Hawks just don’t play “playoff” hockey now, and I’m not sure if it’s the players/talent or coaching. They don’t seem to be able to forecheck and then they have issues getting out of their own zone sometimes. Using their speed and passing/accepting pucks are also not adequate...but some is our young D.

It’ll be interesting to see what Stan does in the offseason and expansion draft. Does he use it as a way to add older (23-27) experienced players to help rebuild faster, or does he trade players for picks/prospects. Maybe package Big Z or Strome to our pick to move up in draft (if we don’t win it) to get into that 5-8 range.
- DrewDawg

The team out hustled until they didn't. The goalies played over their heads until they didn't. I'm not convinced some of these guys will improve that much more? Hustle doesn't replace talent in the end. Ovechkin and Kane to name two have never been accused of out hustling anyone. Somebody said it earlier today, Stan needs to catch lightening in a bottle and find his "Sharp" trade out there. The law of averages is on his side he keeps trying. I'm not interested in another Joki Nylander trade I would like a real player. Boqvist for a Forward perhaps? Hopefully I don't overrate Boqvist because otherwise that only leaves Dinky and godforbid it's frozen over but I'm on the side of keeping him now. How far up does one of our other D prospects packaged with our #1 get us? Several posters told me last week not far and I can't really argue with that. I think to be a playoff team that scares the other team we're more than two years away without major additions to the roster and I'm not even counting goalie.

Right now we're too small to be slow especially on defense and too slow to be small.

So, you'll be rooting for the Habs with no hesitation?
- mohel

Holding my nose I’ll root for the Habs.

Holding my nose I’ll root for the Habs.
- paulr

Same for me when the Packers play the Cowboys in a playoff game. Painful, but gotta root for the hated 'Boys.

Same for me when the Packers play the Cowboys in a playoff game. Painful, but gotta root for the hated 'Boys.
- mohel

The Cowboys are my Maple Leafs, I want anyone/everyone to beat them.

Speaking of acquiring impact players, look how Vegas has added to their team the past couple of years.

Patches via trade then extended
Stone via trade then extended
Martinez via trade
Pietroangelo UFA

Four solid players to supplement Karlsson, Marcessault, Smith, Tuch.

Stan just has to find the right trading partner and be in the right place at the right time.

Yes he does. If you look at a lot of the teams that are currently at the top level they went through years at the bottom before clawing their way out.

COL - Crap since about 2010
CAR - Crap since about 2010
TOR - Crap since forever
FLA - Crap since forever
NYI - Crap for ages.

Others have been able to keep their windows open for a while (TB, WSH, PITT, LV). I'm not a big Stan guy, but I do have faith that he knows what he needs and how to do it. Having that knowledge and actually being able to do it are two different things, but he knows the road to drive.

One thing to remember (everyone), even with all the right moves, it could still all fail. Injuries, bad luck, personality clash, coaching/system clashes, etc.
- Chunk

Perennial crap despite always drafting high Edmonton and Buffalo. Usually crap Phoenix. Honorable mention Ottawa but do they really count they don't try.

Perennial crap despite always drafting high Edmonton and Buffalo. Usually crap Phoenix. Honorable mention Ottawa but do they really count they don't try.
- rpeters01

Don't forget Detroit either. They've been struggling for a long time. They've got some interesting pieces, but who knows if they can put things together.

Speaking of acquiring impact players, look how Vegas has added to their team the past couple of years.

Patches via trade then extended
Stone via trade then extended
Martinez via trade
Pietroangelo UFA

Four solid players to supplement Karlsson, Marcessault, Smith, Tuch.

Stan just has to find the right trading partner and be in the right place at the right time.
- boilermaker100

Agree, I feel like the Florida trade for Borgstrom will be big, adding size & skill who supposedly is over 50% at the dot.

All eyes are on Eichel after the expansion draft. Also, looks like Laine will be on the move again.... as he’s not loving his time in Columbus so far. Another under the radar guy I like his game... Monahan from Calgary. Size and plays more of a 200’ game.

I would even entertain a way to swap Big Z & Strome to Philly for Patrick & Morin, take a flier on the cheaper/younger players.

Here’s a question I thought I would ask to the group.... would you rather win #1 overall this year and get a potentially stud top pair Dman in Owen Power; or would you rather win #1 overall next year and draft the phenom C Shane Wright?

The team out hustled until they didn't. The goalies played over their heads until they didn't. I'm not convinced some of these guys will improve that much more? Hustle doesn't replace talent in the end. Ovechkin and Kane to name two have never been accused of out hustling anyone. Somebody said it earlier today, Stan needs to catch lightening in a bottle and find his "Sharp" trade out there. The law of averages is on his side he keeps trying. I'm not interested in another Joki Nylander trade I would like a real player. Boqvist for a Forward perhaps? Hopefully I don't overrate Boqvist because otherwise that only leaves Dinky and godforbid it's frozen over but I'm on the side of keeping him now. How far up does one of our other D prospects packaged with our #1 get us? Several posters told me last week not far and I can't really argue with that. I think to be a playoff team that scares the other team we're more than two years away without major additions to the roster and I'm not even counting goalie.

Right now we're too small to be slow especially on defense and too slow to be small.
- rpeters01

Well Sharp was a nobody when the Hawks traded for him. Nylander trade doesn't look good now but its a calculated risk. Maybe Borgstrom becomes that top 6 forward.

Hawks really need at least one 2 way forwards in the top 6 with plus speed. A difference maker on both ends of the ice. Not sure Kubalik is really of top 6 forward on a playoff team.... so maybe two 2 way forwards for the top 6.

Well Sharp was a nobody when the Hawks traded for him. Nylander trade doesn't look good now but its a calculated risk. Maybe Borgstrom becomes that top 6 forward.

Hawks really need at least one 2 way forwards in the top 6 with plus speed. A difference maker on both ends of the ice. Not sure Kubalik is really of top 6 forward on a playoff team.... so maybe two 2 way forwards for the top 6.
- bhawks2241

Agreed, I think he's a nice 3rd line player on a good team. He's not fast enough or strong enough to play higher. Without his plus shot what would be?

Agree, I feel like the Florida trade for Borgstrom will be big, adding size & skill who supposedly is over 50% at the dot.

All eyes are on Eichel after the expansion draft. Also, looks like Laine will be on the move again.... as he’s not loving his time in Columbus so far. Another under the radar guy I like his game... Monahan from Calgary. Size and plays more of a 200’ game.

I would even entertain a way to swap Big Z & Strome to Philly for Patrick & Morin, take a flier on the cheaper/younger players.

Here’s a question I thought I would ask to the group.... would you rather win #1 overall this year and get a potentially stud top pair Dman in Owen Power; or would you rather win #1 overall next year and draft the phenom C Shane Wright?
- DrewDawg

Next year this year is still an unknown also reading somewhere or heard power is not a number 1 dman but a solid number two. So many question marks with this imo most teams will make a safe pick instead of reaching or taking a chance.

#IceHogs HC Derek King says coaching staff is being offered 3-year extensions
#AHL #Blackhawks

Well Sharp was a nobody when the Hawks traded for him. Nylander trade doesn't look good now but its a calculated risk. Maybe Borgstrom becomes that top 6 forward.

Hawks really need at least one 2 way forwards in the top 6 with plus speed. A difference maker on both ends of the ice. Not sure Kubalik is really of top 6 forward on a playoff team.... so maybe two 2 way forwards for the top 6.
- bhawks2241

Kubalik is 2nd line player on the hawks on a playoff team with goal of winning a cup is a 3rd 4th line rw imo. Plus is he part of the future or just a now player filling a gap? Personally he improved this year i would shop him quietly this offseason just to gauge the what possibly the return would be. Imo he is not this team in three years.

Am I the only one who thinks it not right that players who are so broken and battered and in rehab from surgeries are able to suddenly;y be well and get to play isn the Stanley cup finals?

Hey, they hawks were guilty too when Kanerhurt his wrist? and that was the way they get Cap space to add pieces at the deadline that along with Kane, secured the Cup win.

It just seems like this year more than any year that we are seeing returnees healthy co-incidental with season's end.

Whatya think ? Should there be a clear rule?

Agree, I feel like the Florida trade for Borgstrom will be big, adding size & skill who supposedly is over 50% at the dot.

All eyes are on Eichel after the expansion draft. Also, looks like Laine will be on the move again.... as he’s not loving his time in Columbus so far. Another under the radar guy I like his game... Monahan from Calgary. Size and plays more of a 200’ game.

I would even entertain a way to swap Big Z & Strome to Philly for Patrick & Morin, take a flier on the cheaper/younger players.

Here’s a question I thought I would ask to the group.... would you rather win #1 overall this year and get a potentially stud top pair Dman in Owen Power; or would you rather win #1 overall next year and draft the phenom C Shane Wright?
- DrewDawg

I wouldn't touch Patrick with a 10 foot pole. I don't know if it's a mental thing, or if he just isn't fully recovered from his injuries, but there isn't much there.

To your question for the board, I would say flip a coin. They need as many good players as possible.

Am I the only one who thinks it not right that players who are so broken and battered and in rehab from surgeries are able to suddenly;y be well and get to play isn the Stanley cup finals?

Hey, they hawks were guilty too when Kanerhurt his wrist? and that was the way they get Cap space to add pieces at the deadline that along with Kane, secured the Cup win.

It just seems like this year more than any year that we are seeing returnees healthy co-incidental with season's end.

Whatya think ? Should there be a clear rule?
- wiz1901

Is there any indication that they skirted a rule, or did their players just heal up at the right time (near the end of the year). If the Hawks were to make the playoffs and Toews "suddenly" felt better, would there be a problem with him coming back?

As it stands, I believe players need to be evaluated by a doctor in order to be placed on LTIR (or come off). How would you change the rule?

Well Sharp was a nobody when the Hawks traded for him. Nylander trade doesn't look good now but its a calculated risk. Maybe Borgstrom (Nylander) becomes that top 6 forward. .
- bhawks2241

See what I did there?

I would love to think Sharp's history prior to the Hawks was similar to Nylander's, but he worked hard and a middle six forward to be a top AHL guy. He spent most of three. entire seasons plying his trade in the AHL with decent numbers as Nylander's did in his three with Rochester but Sharp had 52 goals to Nylander's 30 in his three seasons in Rochester.

Remember, Nylander was drafted as a sniper, who needed to learn the rest of the ice.

Sharp did just that and that was after playing in college for Vermont.

Nikki Borgstöm should come in ready to play big, and he will be ok....

So, you'll be rooting for the Habs with no hesitation?
- mohel

Yes.

In fact any team playing the Leafs is my favorite team, at least for a game.

Unfortunately the old time newspaper sports writers don't exist anymore. They used to crucify the Leaf players, coaches, trainers and owner in the papers after every losing season. Made for hilarious reading. Current media is more about sound bytes and access to the players and coaches.

Am I the only one who thinks it not right that players who are so broken and battered and in rehab from surgeries are able to suddenly;y be well and get to play isn the Stanley cup finals?

Hey, they hawks were guilty too when Kanerhurt his wrist? and that was the way they get Cap space to add pieces at the deadline that along with Kane, secured the Cup win.

It just seems like this year more than any year that we are seeing returnees healthy co-incidental with season's end.

Whatya think ? Should there be a clear rule?
- wiz1901

Let the league concentrate on stopping the cross checks from behind, shoving the opponent head first into the glass; the elbows flying like chickens wings, smashing into players heads with the hard protective plastic they’re all armored with….

See what I did there?

I would love to think Sharp's history prior to the Hawks was similar to Nylander's, but he worked hard and a middle six forward to be a top AHL guy. He spent most of three. entire seasons plying his trade in the AHL with decent numbers as Nylander's did in his three with Rochester but Sharp had 52 goals to Nylander's 30 in his three seasons in Rochester.

Remember, Nylander was drafted as a sniper, who needed to learn the rest of the ice.

Sharp did just that and that was after playing in college for Vermont.

Nikki Borgstöm should come in ready to play big, and he will be ok....
- wiz1901

Chicago’s Nylander? 116 games in Rochester over 2 seasons, 18+37=55 points.

Brother William had 32+45=77 in 2 half-seasons with the Marlies.

So.... Craig Anderson is in net for WSH? What happened to their starter(s)?