L_B_R - the voice of reason, as usual.

Some Hawks fans just don't get it or accept it that the Hawks are not one player away from being a serious Cup contender so trading assets that could help in future seasons in order to help this season is not a good trade. The Hawks had a very good run, now we have to take our lumps for a season or two in order to possibly get back into Cup contention in a year or two. Too many Hawks fans just want to whine and complain about stuff.
- EbonyRaptor

Kind of why I ended my response here admitting I’d rather see them go bust right now, see what they have in the new guys, and collect some more lottery picks along the way.

Kind of why I ended my response here admitting I’d rather see them go bust right now, see what they have in the new guys, and collect some more lottery picks along the way.
- Return of the Roar

Yep, there's a bunch of guys that will be given the opportunity to play themselves either on of off the team - Sikura, Ejdsell, Kahun, Hayden, Joikharju, Hillman all have a good shot of playing well in training camp and preseason and making the final cut. Other guys like Fortin, Johnson, Highmore and a few d-men are long shots but still have a shot to prove themselves and make it where management can't deny they deserve to make the team. Yeah - the win/loss column probably won't be great but there's a bunch of young players to keep an eye on and get excited about. Plus, there are a bunch of pretty good prospects playing in the NCAA and in Europe to keep track of.

I'd say the Weber slapshot to the face probably had more to do with the concussion
- GPHawksfan

Or the tree he hit with his snow mobile

Or the tree he hit with his snow mobile
- Ogilthorpe2

Who even knows if that's true?

I’d love a guy like Bieksa right now.

Especially after replaying the Malkin hit on Crosby and seeing the entire team response to it limited to Franson hugging Malkin on the boards while everyone else stood around and yanked their junk.
- Return of the Roar

I think you meant Crawford...can only hope Malkin puts that kind of hit on Sid.

Who even knows if that's true?
- GPHawksfan

You come on pretty strong. Love the passion, but you're in Alberta. You can't imagine the politics and spin control in these parts. Just because you don't get it doesn't mean it ain't so. He could be right. Seeing Crawford as he's been seems to me like a little more than a slapshot or knee to a helmeted head happened. I could be wrong and bottom line I don't give a poop. But the odds around here say something happened that they didn't tell you about.

Hey Justin, thanks for the question. I've been a Flyers fan for 44 years and started following the Hawks in the 80's during the Dave Manson years. I've always appreciated Manning because he was undrafted, worked hard for a few years in the minors, and finally made it to the big show. He was a scapegoat in Philly, but he wasn't nearly as bad as many folks made him out to be.

The main issue they had with him was pinching at inopportune times and he would usually make one highlight reel mistake during the game(fall down, get caught up ice, etc). Many times it wouldn't lead to anything for the other team, but he caught the wrath of the fans anyway. He is very well respected by his teammates, will stick up for everyone, works hard, and does the little things to help out. He chipped in 19 pts last year, which was the best of his three year NHL career.

I think he will fit in well in Chicago as long as he's not asked to do too much. Coach Hakstol in Philly often had him playing above his skill set, so I hope Q won't do the same. He should be good for 20-25 pts and play a decent physical game.
- boxcar65

Nice Thanks for the insight boxcar.

Who even knows if that's true?
- GPHawksfan

The tree wood

From Elliotte Friedman's latest 31 thoughts:
You’ll remember that Washington traded defenceman Brooks Orpik to Colorado at the draft. The Avalanche bought out Orpik from the one season remaining on his contract, and he went back to the Capitals one month later. Savings for Washington: $4 million in cap space. A couple of weeks ago, the league notified the individual clubs that it reviewed the situation, and explained its concerns. Teams viewed the memo as a warning, that if the NHL could make an example of someone, it would.

This still bugs the hell out of me. If it is not right, put a stop to it now! So Washington gets a free pass, but if we try it now, we will get penalized (as with Hossa).

Nice Thanks for the insight boxcar.
- Justin Lowe

You're welcome. Look, he's not the second coming of Bobby Orr, but he will play a solid game and help out on the PK. I would say he's a 4/5, but he might be pressed into a higher role with Murphy out. Being partnered with Ruutu is probably the best scenario at this time.

Both Boqvist and Beaudin looked good in Traverse City. Beaudin is on the smaller side like you are saying they both will grow. I see Beaudin as the next Duncan Keith.
- Sn1362

Some one tell Adam Burish is "Bow-dan" , not "Bow-dine"

You come on pretty strong. Love the passion, but you're in Alberta. You can't imagine the politics and spin control in these parts. Just because you don't get it doesn't mean it ain't so. He could be right. Seeing Crawford as he's been seems to me like a little more than a slapshot or knee to a helmeted head happened. I could be wrong and bottom line I don't give a poop. But the odds around here say something happened that they didn't tell you about.
- 6628

Couldn't agree more.

From Elliotte Friedman's latest 31 thoughts:
You’ll remember that Washington traded defenceman Brooks Orpik to Colorado at the draft. The Avalanche bought out Orpik from the one season remaining on his contract, and he went back to the Capitals one month later. Savings for Washington: $4 million in cap space. A couple of weeks ago, the league notified the individual clubs that it reviewed the situation, and explained its concerns. Teams viewed the memo as a warning, that if the NHL could make an example of someone, it would.

This still bugs the hell out of me. If it is not right, put a stop to it now! So Washington gets a free pass, but if we try it now, we will get penalized (as with Hossa).
- 67hawks

PowerEnforcer where you at?
This has Conspiracy written all over it....

PowerEnforcer where you at?
This has Conspiracy written all over it....
- BGKarras

Still here!

What is up with Zetterberg's Situation? Did he officially retire, and if he did is there a recapture penalty?

@MarkLazerus
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Take these early combos with a massive grain of salt. But here's what the Blackhawks are running:

Kunitz-Toews-DeBrincat
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Ejdsell-Anisimov-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Martinsen
Kampf-Johnson-Kahun

Keith-Jokiharu
Manning-Rutta
Davidson-Gustafsson
Dahlstrom-Boqvist


I had heard there was a chance that Q was going to try Kunitz and Toews together.

This is just minutes into camp... so don't react too much to this, but interesting to see what Q wants to try off the hop.
- Justin Lowe

As we head into the scrimmage today, some thoughts on those lines.

LN1 - As mentioned above, I heard when the Hawks signed Kunitz, there was a possibility that Coach Q tried him with Toews.

Also, I heard at times last year that the Hawks liked having a "bigger" player on a line with Debrincat for protection and as a deterrent. Tbis is why John Hayden saw some time on his line at the end of last year.

Kunitz will never pretend to be a heavyweight but has a long history of sticking up for teammates and taking no sh*t on the ice from ppl.

I'm not sure this line sticks, and Kunitz 4 years ago who have been a PERFECT fit with Toews... but not sure if he can keep it up for 82 games.

LN2 - as predicted Saad-Schmaltz-Kane head into camp as a line. Kane seems thrilled about it, but as we know it can change within minutes with Q.

Remember when Hartman-Schmaltz-Kabe were going to be a line all year?

LN3 - while Ejdsell and Anisimov on a line is not ideal, I love the idea of Sikura setting up the rangy Swede for one-timers on that line while AA drives the net.

It looks like Ejdsell is getting a shot now but will have to produce in preseason to make this team.

LN4 - Hayden and Martinsen played well between Tyler Sikura in Rockford... so there is some chemistry there.

D - with the Murphy news, all signs would point to Jokiharju to make this team.

What I would keep an eye on is lefties like Davidson, Hillman and Dahlstrom who slide over to their off-side in preseason games. That might be an indication of who they are favouring as camp goes along.

Still here!

What is up with Zetterberg's Situation? Did he officially retire, and if he did is there a recapture penalty?
- powerenforcer

Good Question Vince!
I haven't seen anything official...
we got lucky we moved Hossa's contract when we did.

Good Question Vince!
I haven't seen anything official...
we got lucky we moved Hossa's contract when we did.
- BGKarras

They said he's medically unable to play, so LTIR. His situation is just like Hossa's last year.

Forsberg looking sharp so far in the scrimmage.

Edit: I guess I should add he had a little break in poise there with the goal against, but I think the communication with the D failed there.

Forsberg looking sharp so far in the scrimmage.

Edit: I guess I should add he had a little break in poise there with the goal against, but I think the communication with the D failed there.
- breadbag

You're right. Other than that miscommunication there... he looked good.

He's a good goalie technically. He needs the most work on his mental toughness.

I always love guys in training camp looking to make a name for themselves.

A guy like Noel is out there flying around, hitting people. My kinda guy.

I always love guys in training camp looking to make a name for themselves.

A guy like Noel is out there flying around, hitting people. My kinda guy.
- Justin Lowe

Just have to be careful not to injure.

I always love guys in training camp looking to make a name for themselves.

A guy like Noel is out there flying around, hitting people. My kinda guy.
- Justin Lowe

I thought Forsburg was good last year the team was not that good in front of him. I really like Noel at Travers City Shaw light.
Also knott looked like he is getting close as for Jokiharju he will make the team but in my opinion he is not ready.

They said he's medically unable to play, so LTIR. His situation is just like Hossa's last year.
- tvetter

Thanks I missed that bit of info

They said he's medically unable to play, so LTIR. His situation is just like Hossa's last year.
- tvetter

But will Zetterberg's permanent LTIR (coincidently after his pay takes a dramatic dive) get the same negative attention from bloggers and fans from other teams as the Hawks and Hossa got all last winter?
I'm guessing NOT.

I think we may have something in that #71. Nice size and strong play from one of the youngest players on the ice today. Could be a later round steal for us.