Justin Lowe: It’s the Most Im-port-ant Time of the Year Hawks v. Canucks preview:

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Who we got tonight: Vancouver Canucks

Season Matchup: 1st matchup of the year

15-17-5 = 35 points
7th in Pacific Division
Last game: LOSS vs. St. Louis (3-1) on December 23rd
GF: 98 / GA: 119
PP% = 21.9% (9th in NHL)
PK% = 77.3% (26th in NHL)
Sniper: Brock Boeser (stud!) – 20 goals
Producer: Boeser (he’s so hot right now) – 24 points
Tough Guys: – Derek Dorsett – 74 PIMs (sadly, has since retired due to injuries) Del Zotto - 93 hits
Expected Starter: Jacob Markstrom

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Second

Great insight. IMO if this team continues to struggle it wouldn't surprise if both Hartman and Kempny were shipped out. Hartman seems stuck in no mans land with the most upside appeal out of the younger players while Kempny could help many teams as a 5/6 while being stuck in the 7/8 spot here.

Still haven't heard squat on 50's injury?

Still haven't heard squat on 50's injury?
- glennjpawlak22

We probably will not...

Great insight. IMO if this team continues to struggle it wouldn't surprise if both Hartman and Kempny were shipped out. Hartman seems stuck in no mans land with the most upside appeal out of the younger players while Kempny could help many teams as a 5/6 while being stuck in the 7/8 spot here.
- walter34

If this team continues to struggle - and it becomes apparent that the play-offs are beyond its grasp - why would you sell off quality young players - in hopes of what kind of return?

Kempny, I understand - he's not happy with his playing time and role, and at 27, perhaps you move away from any potential you may think he still has.

But Hartman is still in only his second full season - is still only 23 - still has very good potential - seems to me, not a candidate for a sell off move - you are not likely to get value back for him.

If this team continues to struggle - and it becomes apparent that the play-offs are beyond its grasp - why would you sell off quality young players - in hopes of what kind of return?

Kempny, I understand - he's not happy with his playing time and role, and at 27, perhaps you move away from any potential you may think he still has.

But Hartman is still in only his second full season - is still only 23 - still has very good potential - seems to me, not a candidate for a sell off move - you are not likely to get value back for him.
- StLBravesFan

If the Hawks become sellers then I would look to unload Bouma, Panik, Kempny, Franson, Sharp (if he agrees) and maybe Wingels. Although, I've really liked Wingels' game and I wouldn't mind seeing him re-signed to another one year, low-cost deal.

If this team continues to struggle - and it becomes apparent that the play-offs are beyond its grasp - why would you sell off quality young players - in hopes of what kind of return?

Kempny, I understand - he's not happy with his playing time and role, and at 27, perhaps you move away from any potential you may think he still has.

But Hartman is still in only his second full season - is still only 23 - still has very good potential - seems to me, not a candidate for a sell off move - you are not likely to get value back for him.
- StLBravesFan

Stan should be able to lock him in to a reasonable next contract too.

The Hawks need cost controlled players.

Unless another GM is a huge Hartman fan and offers solid value back to Stan, I can't see #38 moving.

Indeed...by Feb 1

If the Hawks become sellers then I would look to unload Bouma, Panik, Kempny, Franson, Sharp (if he agrees) and maybe Wingels. Although, I've really liked Wingels' game and I wouldn't mind seeing him re-signed to another one year, low-cost deal.
- DarthKane

Reposting from the last thread my thoughts on the Hawks TDL this year:

I was told earlier in the year that the Hawks wouldn't look to make any big moves in-season, they would wait until the summer.

I think this was the "if all else fails" strategy of Stan and Co. if the Hawks didn't go for a long run in the Playoffs; if they couldn't get past the 1st round, time to make some more bold moves.

My feeling is, the parity in the NHL leaves so many teams now fighting for final playoff spots it makes it difficult for those meddling teams to add as there are less "sellers" in the league to deal with.

I honestly think the Hawks make it in, but if not, they will be one of those final teams that just falls short.

If the latter is the case, the PR angle is, "We gave it all we could with the guys we had. We liked our team and our young guys gained serious experience that will help us get back to contention next year. We really like what we have in Dylan Sikura and he will be an important piece moving forward... blah... blah... blah."

I can only see the Hawks adding a Vermette/Ladd type player (like E. Kane) at the deadline if they get on a massive role and catch the likes of Nash or Winnipeg.

I just can't see them being big sellers, but if I'm wrong and Stan looks to be a quiet "seller" at the TDL (because he won't make a lot of noise about it... it would be a PR nightmare for McD), I believe the pieces he would entertain moving:

* Anisimov - if the Hawks got a C back and some pieces for the future.
* Panik - if there would be any takers
* Bouma - grit for the playoffs
* Hinostroza - if they don't see him in the future plans
* Franson - veteran rental for a team looking for depth D
* Kempny - he and his agent have made it known that they are not happy the way #6's season has gone, so might as well trade him as he's a UFA this summer.

If he moves any player from here on out, I firmly believe he tries to turn it into a "value for value hockey trade" so he can spin it that he's still looking to build and re-shape this team.

Crawford and Keith are not going anywhere ... the only "BIG" trade I can see would be if some crazy team wants to take a chance on adding Seabrook.

#7 would really help a team for the short-term looking to win a cup (ie. Leafs, Blue Jackets, Washington) but long-term would obviously be a really tough pill to swallow for a teams salary cap.

The only reason I bring up Seabrook is that I believe Stan has been sniffing out offers with no takers on #7 and any chance he gets to unload him, he can't "wait" for the neat and tidy PR story of moving him in the summer.

If the Hawks become sellers then I would look to unload Bouma, Panik, Kempny, Franson, Sharp (if he agrees) and maybe Wingels. Although, I've really liked Wingels' game and I wouldn't mind seeing him re-signed to another one year, low-cost deal.
- DarthKane

Might be already in the works. Hawks love his versatility, character, and of course, the local story that comes along with him.

If the Hawks become sellers then I would look to unload Bouma, Panik, Kempny, Franson, Sharp (if he agrees) and maybe Wingels. Although, I've really liked Wingels' game and I wouldn't mind seeing him re-signed to another one year, low-cost deal.
- DarthKane

You want to trade Bouma and Wingels, the only two guys who bring it every night? I don't know what quality of prospects or picks you're going to get at the TDL for a couple of grinders. Not sure if either of those guys are over 30, but I think that their effort should be rewarded with another season here showing the kids how to work.

Regarding if you move Hartman, I think that is one decision that comes down to the things we don't see. What is the relationship with the coaches? Is he responding to the message Q is sending him? What is his attitude in the locker room. If those things are positive and he is willing to sign a reasonable deal, keep him.

14th

14th
- tvetter

Crows first beer, he swore at the podium at the parade.

Crows second beer, he fell down at a concert and hurt his ankle.

Crows third beer, he bumped his head on his yule log.

Keep Crow away from da beers, eh?

GO HOCKS!!!

Great insight. IMO if this team continues to struggle it wouldn't surprise if both Hartman and Kempny were shipped out. Hartman seems stuck in no mans land with the most upside appeal out of the younger players while Kempny could help many teams as a 5/6 while being stuck in the 7/8 spot here.
- walter34

Rebuilding teams usually do not throw away young assets. Pending UFA's are a different story -if you cannot get them under reasonable new contracts, you must get assets for them, no matter how little. You can line up after July 1 to resign them or players like them at reasonable prices.

Crows first beer, he swore at the podium at the parade.

Crows second beer, he fell down at a concert and hurt his ankle.

Crows third beer, he bumped his head on his yule log.

Keep Crow away from da beers, eh?

GO HOCKS!!!
- hocktock

CHEERS!

The Ducks put Rasmussen on waivers, I wonder if Stan will bite.

Very very informative write up, Jason. Firstly you believe StanBowPops&McD have sniffed around for interest involving Seabs? Is this a feeling you have or have heard something concrete?

Did not realize that Colliton was in his easrly 30's until you mentioned his WJC days. Maybe a Mike Sullivan type in waiting? http://www.chicagotribune...liton-20170518-story.html

Have to agree with Panik to line 1 as the roster is currently constructed. But he has to be last yrs Panik, not this yrs. But I do think Dcat is a better fit there. With Toews and career 50ish point Saad on that line he has to decent size puck retrievers to allow him some chances. That line it seems needs a finisher.

And yes with a weakish VAN club that has been hit with top flight injuries, especially Horvat, the Hawks need 2 points tonight.

Rebuilding teams usually do not throw away young assets. Pending UFA's are a different story -if you cannot get them under reasonable new contracts, you must get assets for them, no matter how little. You can line up after July 1 to resign them or players like them at reasonable prices.
- 67hawks

Agree, I think if anyone goes Kempny will be that guy. He's at least shown he belongs and can skate an NHL shift. He would fit as a depth/insurance Dman on an assured playoff team.

The Ducks put Rasmussen on waivers, I wonder if Stan will bite.
- DarthKane

I don't know.... Stan isn't a fan of bringing back ex-Hawks.

Very very informative write up, Jason. Firstly you believe StanBowPops&McD have sniffed around for interest involving Seabs? Is this a feeling you have or have heard something concrete?

Did not realize that Colliton was in his easrly 30's until you mentioned his WJC days. Maybe a Mike Sullivan type in waiting? http://www.chicagotribune...liton-20170518-story.html

Have to agree with Panik to line 1 as the roster is currently constructed. But he has to be last yrs Panik, not this yrs. But I do think Dcat is a better fit there. With Toews and career 50ish point Saad on that line he has to decent size puck retrievers to allow him some chances. That line it seems needs a finisher.

And yes with a weakish VAN club that has been hit with top flight injuries, especially Horvat, the Hawks need 2 points tonight.
- Mr Ricochet

I've heard they want to move him and were asking around, but did not hear any specifics beyond that.

Hey guys - here's a Hotstove article that I'm featured in - the Most Underrated Dman in the Western Conference.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=89911

Head over there and comment away. Would love to hear your thoughts as well.