Mikael Hakkarainen is a Finnish kid. Came over to play in the NAHL, a level below the USHL, as a 17 yr old. Played well enough the Steel of the USHL drafted him 6th overall the next yr. Kid looked great in camp. Maybe 6ft 180ish lbs, played center, shifty, head up, soft hands, creative, good feet kinda player. Not soft, skilled kid would get to the slot and take his licks but was also skilled enough to work the perimeter.

Traded midseason for a #2/3 type Dman. Kid looked good for the Steel but hadn't put it together but did for Muskegon becoming a 1C point plus per game player. Thru his 2 yrs in the USHL he had at least 2 concussions that I know of, probably 3, and missed time both yrs in the league. His injury problems followed him to Rockford and his pro career.

Hawks took a 5th rd swing on a kid who played center and was skilled. Nice swing in the 5th rd in my opinion and I think he dropped due to injury concerns. Don't think we'll ever know if he'd have developed into an NHLer cuz I doubt he'll ever stay healthy with concussions being a major factor.

That's what the rds 5-6-7 are for. Take swings on kids and I thought Hak fit that profile seeing him play 2 yrs in jrs.

Does anyone have an explanation of what happened with Hakkarainen? The Hawks traded him for Fleury, and Vegas just said they didn't want him? How the hell does that work?
- Chunk

https://theathletic.com/2...s-in-a-strange-situation/

The Athletic had an article today about Hakkarainen's situation. A few select quotes:

“He will remain in Chicago’s organization,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said on the day of the trade. “This is more of a situation where NHL teams have a certain number of contracts that they’re allowed, and this keeps that equal in this transaction. He’s going to remain with the Chicago organization and likely play in the American League with Rockford. It will be our contract but he’ll remain a part of their organization.”

“It’s a weird situation where Chicago has their own players that they want to develop in Rockford, and I’m not with Chicago anymore,” Hakkarainen said. “I feel like they don’t want a player there that’s not theirs. It’s a weird situation because I’ve never had this situation before. It’s crazy. I’m all for going to Indy and developing the best I can and hopefully stay healthy.”

“I had a conversation with a psychologist and they’ve helped a lot. It’s not always easy to love the game because as much as we put in, I put a lot of hours, like everyone else, but sometimes it feels like it hasn’t given me much lately.”

Looking beyond this year the Hawks will have 8F and 3D signed for 22/23 with 27.25M in cap space.

RFA's Kubalik, Dach, Strome, Gaudette, Nylander, Kurashev, Nylander, Kalynuk, C.Jones.

UFA Murphy, deHaan, Lankinen, Fleury.


Assume Hawks move on from Gaudette, Strome, Nylander, deHaan, Fleury and sign the following:

Kubalik 4.5M
Dach 2.5M (bridge)
Kurashev 1.2M

Kalynuk 1.2M
C.Jones 1M
Murphy 4.5M

Lankinen 2.5M

That's 17.5M out of the 27.25M available and 11F, 6D, 1G signed.

Reichel, Entwistle, Beaudin/Mitchell, Soderblom at 1M each possibly round out the roster leaving around 6M.

Hawks can make a run at Barkov next summer if they shed another 4M.

https://theathletic.com/2754412/2021/08/06/traded-for-marc-andre-fleury-and-unwanted-by-the-golden-knights-mikael-hakkarainen-is-in-a-strange-situation/

The Athletic had an article today about Hakkarainen's situation. A few select quotes:

“He will remain in Chicago’s organization,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said on the day of the trade. “This is more of a situation where NHL teams have a certain number of contracts that they’re allowed, and this keeps that equal in this transaction. He’s going to remain with the Chicago organization and likely play in the American League with Rockford. It will be our contract but he’ll remain a part of their organization.”

“It’s a weird situation where Chicago has their own players that they want to develop in Rockford, and I’m not with Chicago anymore,” Hakkarainen said. “I feel like they don’t want a player there that’s not theirs. It’s a weird situation because I’ve never had this situation before. It’s crazy. I’m all for going to Indy and developing the best I can and hopefully stay healthy.”

“I had a conversation with a psychologist and they’ve helped a lot. It’s not always easy to love the game because as much as we put in, I put a lot of hours, like everyone else, but sometimes it feels like it hasn’t given me much lately.”
- Theo Fox

Some will also remember that Hakkarainen was recalled to the taxi squad several times last season. The chances of him getting into a game was non existent and the move to and from Rockford could have been a paper transaction but he did have opportunities to practice and train with the big club.

“It’s a weird situation where Chicago has their own players that they want to develop in Rockford, and I’m not with Chicago anymore,” Hakkarainen said. “I feel like they don’t want a player there that’s not theirs. It’s a weird situation because I’ve never had this situation before. It’s crazy. I’m all for going to Indy and developing the best I can and hopefully stay healthy.”

“I had a conversation with a psychologist and they’ve helped a lot. It’s not always easy to love the game because as much as we put in, I put a lot of hours, like everyone else, but sometimes it feels like it hasn’t given me much lately.”
- Theo Fox

Sad to read this. Skilled kid comes to the arena, doesn't take a shift off and fights thru injuries to get back on the ice. Kinda player that endears himself to fans.

Easy to see how he's upset with the situation he's in.

It looks like the Oilers are re-signing Nurse for 8 years @ $9.25 million AAV. Hamilton signed for $9 million. Both are better than Jones and signed for significantly less. #ASF.
- DarthKane

I hope you are joking. Hamilton is better than no one. that is a huge overpayment the second the ink dried!

I hope you are joking. Hamilton is better than no one. that is a huge overpayment the second the ink dried!
- powerenforcer

Agreed

Sad to read this. Skilled kid comes to the arena, doesn't take a shift off and fights thru injuries to get back on the ice. Kinda player that endears himself to fans.

Easy to see how he's upset with the situation he's in.
- Mr Ricochet

Great intel as always, Rico.

Like Krys, Hakkarainen is an unheralded and forgotten prospect that many see as throw aways. I like both of them to be honest.

In Rockford games, there are times when Krys outplayed Beaudin defensively. Krys is a better skater, too. Beaudin, though has better vision and offensive upside. Both need to get much stronger to win puck battles, though.

Hakkarainen would be a decent 4th liner, possibly as a Kampf replacement if he dedicated himself to that role. He has the skillset and defensive acumen to do so but his deployment within the system has been odd and unstable.

Stan should have waited out Hagel and forced him to sign for the league minimum or sit for the season. The Hawks had all the leverage yet Stan overpaid in dollars and term yet again. That extra $750,000 will cripple the Hawks going forward. Great job Stan!

#ASF
- DarthKane

I question the timing of this post...

I hope you are joking. Hamilton is better than no one. that is a huge overpayment the second the ink dried!
- powerenforcer

I learned something from you PE, if there are two players available Bettman won’t allow the hawks to get the better player. Therefore Hamilton must be better than Jones

I learned something from you PE, if there are two players available Bettman won’t allow the hawks to get the better player. Therefore Hamilton must be better than Jones
- paulr

Your logic fails you. Hamilton is not the better player.

https://theathletic.com/2754412/2021/08/06/traded-for-marc-andre-fleury-and-unwanted-by-the-golden-knights-mikael-hakkarainen-is-in-a-strange-situation/

The Athletic had an article today about Hakkarainen's situation. A few select quotes:

“He will remain in Chicago’s organization,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said on the day of the trade. “This is more of a situation where NHL teams have a certain number of contracts that they’re allowed, and this keeps that equal in this transaction. He’s going to remain with the Chicago organization and likely play in the American League with Rockford. It will be our contract but he’ll remain a part of their organization.”

“It’s a weird situation where Chicago has their own players that they want to develop in Rockford, and I’m not with Chicago anymore,” Hakkarainen said. “I feel like they don’t want a player there that’s not theirs. It’s a weird situation because I’ve never had this situation before. It’s crazy. I’m all for going to Indy and developing the best I can and hopefully stay healthy.”

“I had a conversation with a psychologist and they’ve helped a lot. It’s not always easy to love the game because as much as we put in, I put a lot of hours, like everyone else, but sometimes it feels like it hasn’t given me much lately.”
- Theo Fox

It sucks for him, but his agent should have prepped/warned him for these kind of situations. Especially with the static cap, I would guess that a lot of unconventional deals will happen. Hopefully, he is able to continue progressing. I would guess he could always go back overseas as well.

Does anyone have an explanation of what happened with Hakkarainen? The Hawks traded him for Fleury, and Vegas just said they didn't want him? How the hell does that work?
- Chunk

NOthing more then opening a contract slot for the hawks

Looking beyond this year the Hawks will have 8F and 3D signed for 22/23 with 27.25M in cap space.

RFA's Kubalik, Dach, Strome, Gaudette, Nylander, Kurashev, Nylander, Kalynuk, C.Jones.

UFA Murphy, deHaan, Lankinen, Fleury.


Assume Hawks move on from Gaudette, Strome, Nylander, deHaan, Fleury and sign the following:

Kubalik 4.5M
Dach 2.5M (bridge)
Kurashev 1.2M

Kalynuk 1.2M
C.Jones 1M
Murphy 4.5M

Lankinen 2.5M

That's 17.5M out of the 27.25M available and 11F, 6D, 1G signed.

Reichel, Entwistle, Beaudin/Mitchell, Soderblom at 1M each possibly round out the roster leaving around 6M.

Hawks can make a run at Barkov next summer if they shed another 4M.
- boilermaker100

I hope they can sign them for those dollars but I think you are a little low on most of these.

Kurashev closer to 1.5-1.75
Kalynuk the same
Dach if he puts up 40-50 points will be a lot more. Top 3-5 picks that play and put up numbers in the NHL get paid!!

Hischier $7.25M points 1st 3 years 52, 47 & 36
Heiskanen $8.4M points 33, 35, & 27
Dubois $5.0M points 48, 61, & 49

Kotkaniemi, Tchakuk and Svechnikov will be good comps to where Dach will land. I bet he gets closer to $4-5.5 on a bridge deal and $6-7 if it's 8 years.

It looks like the Oilers are re-signing Nurse for 8 years @ $9.25 million AAV. Hamilton signed for $9 million. Both are better than Jones and signed for significantly less. #ASF.
- DarthKane

IMO neither are better than Jones overall and dont have the ceiling Jones has and can still achieve. If the Hawks would have sign either of these other guys I would have been really, really...really bummed.

Hagels contract is an absolute thing of beauty. He could have been a 2,5-3-guy with what he has shown.

Your logic fails you. Hamilton is not the better player.
- powerenforcer

You’re going to have to show me some patience and help me navigate through the world of conspiracies. Why do you think Bettman allowed Chicago to acquire the better defenseman?

Great intel as always, Rico.

Like Krys, Hakkarainen is an unheralded and forgotten prospect that many see as throw aways. I like both of them to be honest.

In Rockford games, there are times when Krys outplayed Beaudin defensively. Krys is a better skater, too. Beaudin, though has better vision and offensive upside. Both need to get much stronger to win puck battles, though.

Hakkarainen would be a decent 4th liner, possibly as a Kampf replacement if he dedicated himself to that role. He has the skillset and defensive acumen to do so but his deployment within the system has been odd and unstable.
- Theo Fox

Agree 100% with your assessment of all of these players.

First time I laid eyes on Kyrs I thought this kid can skate and he plays low, nice center of gravity. Those kinds always stick in my head. As little as I've seen of him he was solid on his feet, dedicated to the D side of the puck and looked to keep things simple with his head up. Those kinds can develop in to useful players.

Talent and skill in jrs don't always translate to the next levels but there is still talent and back class to these kinds. When I see a kid like Hak who for whatever reasons aren't putting up points at the next levels they remind me of Sean Kuraly.

USHL kid who'd lead the league with 80 points in 50 games but it didn't translate in college or pro so they find a role, accept a role, train and are coached to that role and become useful NHLers. ........ That's what I see in a guy like Hak taken in rd 5. Maybe they keep developing into a middle 6 player but if they don't there's a role for them if they accept it.

I'm blown away by this Slovakia team in the Hlinka tournament (annual first look at that yrs draft eligible guys that every scout in the NHL is at) . They're playing Finland in the semis right now if anyone wants to watch some hair on fire, play at warp speed, create chances no matter the score hockey. I won't bother to go into kids playing in that game who will play USHL this yr or are top 10 NHL prospects but if you're looking to watch some damn fun hockey here's the link. FIN v SVK. It's on You Tube so one can watch anytime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXqvkcKzQO8

Water boys don't get paid.

I like the Hagel deal. I think Bowman will make another trade. Aren't we using up a good portion of Shaw's ltir? Or can we still be cap compliant on day 1?
- I Am The Breadman

They will be fine on day one since they don't play that day. just some paperwork. send 3 guys down to RFD and then put Shaw on LTIR and call whatever 3 stiffs dent down back up.

.

One of the things Stan can do is put Connolly and daHaan on waivers (highly doubt anyone takes them, and if they do to me no great loss, send them down for day 1, and save $2 million on the cap. Also can do the same with Carpenter, and play day 1 with 20 players.

In order to fully use in season LTIR, you need to be as close to the cap as possible on day 1.
- LAHawk

They don't play on day 1. Its day one of the season not per team. Season opens the night before the Hawks' first game.

Some minor paperwork for a ND grad.

How many D-men in the league are better than S. Jones?
- rpeters01

how many you want?

Islanders re-sign Pelech to 8 years at $5.75M AAV.
- Theo Fox

Now, that is a great contract. I rather have him at that AAV than Jones since, well, ya know, he is better.

Khaira is not a center..
- Elbows15

He took 378 face offs...

Agree 100% with your assessment of all of these players.

First time I laid eyes on Kyrs I thought this kid can skate and he plays low, nice center of gravity. Those kinds always stick in my head. As little as I've seen of him he was solid on his feet, dedicated to the D side of the puck and looked to keep things simple with his head up. Those kinds can develop in to useful players.

Talent and skill in jrs don't always translate to the next levels but there is still talent and back class to these kinds. When I see a kid like Hak who for whatever reasons aren't putting up points at the next levels they remind me of Sean Kuraly.

USHL kid who'd lead the league with 80 points in 50 games but it didn't translate in college or pro so they find a role, accept a role, train and are coached to that role and become useful NHLers. ........ That's what I see in a guy like Hak taken in rd 5. Maybe they keep developing into a middle 6 player but if they don't there's a role for them if they accept it.

I'm blown away by this Slovakia team in the Hlinka tournament (annual first look at that yrs draft eligible guys that every scout in the NHL is at) . They're playing Finland in the semis right now if anyone wants to watch some hair on fire, play at warp speed, create chances no matter the score hockey. I won't bother to go into kids playing in that game who will play USHL this yr or are top 10 NHL prospects but if you're looking to watch some damn fun hockey here's the link. FIN v SVK. It's on You Tube so one can watch anytime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXqvkcKzQO8
- Mr Ricochet

The Hlinka tournament is excellent, been following it for years. It gives us an opportunity to see the future stars from all countries.

It looks like the Oilers are re-signing Nurse for 8 years @ $9.25 million AAV. Hamilton signed for $9 million. Both are better than Jones and signed for significantly less. #ASF.
- DarthKane

Holland tell Bowman..."hold my beer".

Looking beyond this year the Hawks will have 8F and 3D signed for 22/23 with 27.25M in cap space.

RFA's Kubalik, Dach, Strome, Gaudette, Nylander, Kurashev, Nylander, Kalynuk, C.Jones.

UFA Murphy, deHaan, Lankinen, Fleury.


Assume Hawks move on from Gaudette, Strome, Nylander, deHaan, Fleury and sign the following:

Kubalik 4.5M
Dach 2.5M (bridge)
Kurashev 1.2M

Kalynuk 1.2M
C.Jones 1M
Murphy 4.5M

Lankinen 2.5M

That's 17.5M out of the 27.25M available and 11F, 6D, 1G signed.

Reichel, Entwistle, Beaudin/Mitchell, Soderblom at 1M each possibly round out the roster leaving around 6M.

Hawks can make a run at Barkov next summer if they shed another 4M.
- boilermaker100

My guess is both Kubalik and Dach's number are too low.