Justin Lowe: Thanks for the Ride, Chicago It was actually quite fitting that the game that has everyone saying “thanks for the entertaining hockey, Blackhawks” was a 1-0 loss. I find that funny because this team was terrible defensively (currently 2nd last in the league with 272 GA) and were – for stretches – a prolific scoring machine (they worked their way up to 9th in the NHL).

So, while the Hawks are officially out of the playoffs… they’re out and won’t be making the postseason for 2019.

Saad is the moving chip this summer if they want to realistically improve the D to be a playoff team next year. There's a lot of emotional baggage tied up in Saad from the fanbase but he's not productive enough at $6M per. 2 goals and 6 points in last 15 games when team is vying for a playoff spot. It's not there.

Saad is the moving chip this summer if they want to realistically improve the D to be a playoff team next year. There's a lot of emotional baggage tied up in Saad from the fanbase but he's not productive enough at $6M per. 2 goals and 6 points in last 15 games when team is vying for a playoff spot. It's not there.
- acmidd28

For......Josh Manson, then get set of real aggressive stones and go all In for either Jacob Trouba or , And I don’t know his contract status if he is a UFA, Victor Hedman, you add Manson plus either one of those guys, I think that is a good start in retooling your defense, and buying another season for the young kids. And Joki Has to play up here full-time next year.
I am afraid Uncle John may put his not knowing hockey Mitts into the mix and force them to throw all kinds of dough at Artemi Panerin which right now would be a mistake.
still not going to get off the idea that next season one assistant coach behind the bench has to be an ex NHL head coach.
Todd McClellan, Alain Vingault? For example.
Lastly, if Columbus takes a dump I bet Tortorella is in trouble and I would not be surprised to see Joel possibly wind up there.

Saad is the moving chip this summer if they want to realistically improve the D to be a playoff team next year. There's a lot of emotional baggage tied up in Saad from the fanbase but he's not productive enough at $6M per. 2 goals and 6 points in last 15 games when team is vying for a playoff spot. It's not there.
- acmidd28

Agree, Saad is a lone ranger out there. His best plays are mostly all by himself. He hardly ever recognizes an open man when he is trying to get to the net. Doesn't understand the concept of drawing attention and dishing the puck.

For......Josh Manson, then get set of real aggressive stones and go all In for either Jacob Trouba or , And I don’t know his contract status if he is a UFA, Victor Hedman, you add Manson plus either one of those guys, I think that is a good start in retooling your defense, and buying another season for the young kids. And Joki Has to play up here full-time next year.
I am afraid Uncle John may put his not knowing hockey Mitts into the mix and force them to throw all kinds of dough at Artemi Panerin which right now would be a mistake.
still not going to get off the idea that next season one assistant coach behind the bench has to be an ex NHL head coach.
Todd McClellan, Alain Vingault? For example.
Lastly, if Columbus takes a dump I bet Tortorella is in trouble and I would not be surprised to see Joel possibly wind up there.
- wonthecup10

If Saad isnt producing with Toews and Kane and the cat ... he sure isn’t with a youngster like Steel and Uncle Rico or Getz. And thanks we have enough poor contracts already... and certainly not for Josh.

I would agree the only way to trade for D is to give up SAAD. Boquist could also be a solid chip. kind of odd that on his 4 goals none we from the point on the pp?

If there is not a 1 compliance buyout in the new CBA we are screwed. Maybe you can have Seattle take him in the EXP draft and give up your 1st? I don't even think that would be enough.

Agree, Saad is a lone ranger out there. His best plays are mostly all by himself. He hardly ever recognizes an open man when he is trying to get to the net. Doesn't understand the concept of drawing attention and dishing the puck.
- 6628

If Saad is part of a deal and the Hawks target a defenseman, I think they should aim higher than Josh Manson. I know Cup posted that but I tacked on to your post.

I like his nastiness but how much better is he than Connor Murphy at this point...or is he a guy that transforms your defense at this point is more the question for me.

I don’t disagree that Saad could be better in that area and at this point he is who he is, but maybe still young enough to learn a trick or two.

Besides wasn’t everyone all over him a game or two ago for passing the puck instead of being selfish and shooting?

Anyway, maybe they target someone like Pesce from CAR who is also known for his defense and not just someone who can clear a crease and win a fight.

Also Cup, A) There is almost no chance the TBL trade Hedman and B) Let’s Just say they did, can you imagine what the Hawks would have to give up to get him?

People were willing to trade a half dozen guys to get Dutch, so these scenarios ought a be fun.

If Saad is part of a deal and the Hawks target a defenseman, I think they should aim higher than Josh Manson. I know Cup posted that but I tacked on to your post.

I like his nastiness but how much better is he than Connor Murphy at this point...or is he a guy that transforms your defense at this point is more the question for me.

I don’t disagree that Saad could be better in that area and at this point he is who he is, but maybe still young enough to learn a trick or two.

Besides wasn’t everyone all over him a game or two ago for passing the puck instead of being selfish and shooting?

Anyway, maybe they target someone like Pesce from CAR who is also known for his defense and not just someone who can clear a crease and win a fight.

Also Cup, A) There is almost no chance the TBL trade Hedman and B) Let’s Just say they did, can you imagine what the Hawks would have to give up to get him?

People were willing to trade a half dozen guys to get Dutch, so these scenarios ought a be fun.
- HawkintheD

I like what SB did to get Strome and Perlini. Two young guys wasting away in Arizona just waiting for the right situation to blossom. Let's hope Stan has his eye on an underperforming young defenseman with potential.

Boqvist was on fire last night. He's an elusive little waterbug the way he darts around on the ice. Actually the way he darts in and out of the play he reminds me of Keith with a smoother stride. Not sure if he's as quick and he definitely won't dart into the corners like Keith would. If he can play competant defense this guy is going to be very special.

I like what SB did to get Strome and Perlini. Two young guys wasting away in Arizona just waiting for the right situation to blossom. Let's hope Stan has his eye on an underperforming young defenseman with potential.

Boqvist was on fire last night. He's an elusive little waterbug the way he darts around on the ice. Actually the way he darts in and out of the play he reminds me of Keith with a smoother stride. Not sure if he's as quick and he definitely won't dart into the corners like Keith would. If he can play competant defense this guy is going to be very special.
- paulr

NO...Eurosmurf=#yetanotherblowmanfail

Justin Lowe: Thanks for the Ride, Chicago
It was actually quite fitting that the game that has everyone saying “thanks for the entertaining hockey, Blackhawks” was a 1-0 loss. I find that funny because this team was terrible defensively (currently 2nd last in the league with 272 GA) and were – for stretches – a prolific scoring machine (they worked their way up to 9th in the NHL).

So, while the Hawks are officially out of the playoffs… they’re out and won’t be making the postseason for 2019.
- Justin Lowe

Nice to see Boq score 4 in one game. Incredible. He's really down low for a dman.

This team has changed a lot in just a few months. Not great, but positive signs to build on. With a few key additions, next season could look even better. They play with passion and effort and push back nearly every game. That's all I ask for.

Nice to see Boq score 4 in one game. Incredible. He's really down low for a dman.

This team has changed a lot in just a few months. Not great, but positive signs to build on. With a few key additions, next season could look even better. They play with passion and effort and push back nearly every game. That's all I ask for.
- I Am The Breadman

I know the Hawks are loathe to do it, but if the Hunters think he should be tried at forward, I think they should be allowed to give it a shot. Wouldn’t it be nice to have another scoring threat, one who has at least a good defensive background and some defensive instincts?

Just spitball in like everybody else guys, I don’t know what Victor Hedman’s contract status s I thought he was a UFA,I seriously think before they make any player acquisitions ,you need to straighten out the coaching staff for next season and get that all set.
I don’t know about you guys but I do not want to go into August 1 and hearing the same lame ass excuses as we are the last summer and I know there were some roadblocks, that Bowman still has time and will try to make some player moves as training camp starts and the season starts.

kinda agree with those on saad as tradeable...he is a credible net crasher but just does not do it enough, his shooting overall is mediocre, played a better 200ft game this year, terrible as screen guy and not good enough at tips...

honestly i would take a healthy shaw at 6 per over saad

If Saad isnt producing with Toews and Kane and the cat ... he sure isn’t with a youngster like Steel and Uncle Rico or Getz. And thanks we have enough poor contracts already... and certainly not for Josh.
- dozerD10

Plus the hawks need lefties not another righty, and Manson isn't very good either.

Saad is the moving chip this summer if they want to realistically improve the D to be a playoff team next year. There's a lot of emotional baggage tied up in Saad from the fanbase but he's not productive enough at $6M per. 2 goals and 6 points in last 15 games when team is vying for a playoff spot. It's not there.
- acmidd28

If Saad is the one to trade because he doesn't produce enough for the money, won't other teams realize this, too?

If Saad is the one to trade because he doesn't produce enough for the money, won't other teams realize this, too?
- mohel

its all about fit, need and contract...

Victor Hedman is tied up for the next 7 years or so. Trouba is way too expensive. I fail to see the love on this board for Josh Manson except for his last name being associated with a former Hawk. I watch most of the Duck's games this year, and he has been terrible, would rather have Murphy who is at less money.

If Saad is the one to trade because he doesn't produce enough for the money, won't other teams realize this, too?
- mohel

Come on! Only the best and brightest and most observant on this site see this. The dummies making millions of dollars as NHL GMs are like delirious fans and would trip all over thamselves to get Saad ...... didn't ya know!!

Victor Hedman is tied up for the next 7 years or so. Trouba is way too expensive. I fail to see the love on this board for Josh Manson except for his last name being associated with a former Hawk. I watch most of the Duck's games this year, and he has been terrible, would rather have Murphy who is at less money.
- LAHawk

It's not just that his dad was a Hawk. He was a face-punching Hawk.

I know the Hawks are loathe to do it, but if the Hunters think he should be tried at forward, I think they should be allowed to give it a shot. Wouldn’t it be nice to have another scoring threat, one who has at least a good defensive background and some defensive instincts?
- pdx2ord

I honestly don't know, I see both sides of the argument. A great scoring addition who goes to prime areas. But, he's young (still developing) and fast. He could bust his hump to disrupt plays. Time will tell I guess. He's far from finished at this point, but the Hunters' comment has me listening closely.

It's not just that his dad was a Hawk. He was a face-punching Hawk.
- mohel

Speaking of face-punching, did you see Byron (Mtl) and Weegar (Fla) fight last night?

https://youtu.be/65vPNt9eV3o

All I could think of was Richard Pryor. "He threw a punch that started in Mississippi and it picked up steam in Georgia."

Just spitball in like everybody else guys, I don’t know what Victor Hedman’s contract status s I thought he was a UFA,I seriously think before they make any player acquisitions ,you need to straighten out the coaching staff for next season and get that all set.
I don’t know about you guys but I do not want to go into August 1 and hearing the same lame ass excuses as we are the last summer and I know there were some roadblocks, that Bowman still has time and will try to make some player moves as training camp starts and the season starts.
- wonthecup10

Hedman is signed through 24/25 at a cap hit of 7.8 million. I like the guy but there is no way Tampa is moving him.

its all about fit, need and contract...
- bogiedoc

Right. The guy described on this page doesn't really fit on any team, and nobody needs that contract.

It's not just that his dad was a Hawk. He was a face-punching Hawk.
- mohel

We need Manson, Korab, and Rick Foley!!, oh wait our PK is last in the league, guess that wouldn't work out too well.

I honestly don't know, I see both sides of the argument. A great scoring addition who goes to prime areas. But, he's young (still developing) and fast. He could bust his hump to disrupt plays. Time will tell I guess. He's far from finished at this point, but the Hunters' comment has me listening closely.
- I Am The Breadman

Yeah you have to wonder if the Hunter's see more upside in Boqvist as a forward? I'd like to see the Hawks continue to develop him as a defenseman and if he is unable to become competant defensively he can always be moved up as a forward. There are cases of defensmen becoming good forwards once they are in the NHL.