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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Year-End Mailbag
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Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 2 @ 11:46 AM ET
Justin Lowe: Year-End Mailbag Yesterday, the Blackhawks lost in their 6th Winter Classic/Outdoor Game to the Boston Bruins 4-2. This puts them at a 1-5 record.

Icehogs and WJHC updates included, as well as the year-end mailbag.
riozzo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Cornwallis Island
Joined: 06.17.2014

Jan 2 @ 11:54 AM ET
First
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

Jan 2 @ 12:11 PM ET
Justin i had AA to columbus for Anderson but jenner would good to rather Anderson. Just a thought maybe expand the deal jenner and Anderson for AA forsberg and hayden plus 4th.
Add size grit and physicality plus jenner could play center and wing.
Perlini jenner Anderson 3rd line
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:16 PM ET
Justin i had AA to columbus for Anderson but jenner would good to rather Anderson. Just a thought maybe expand the deal jenner and Anderson for AA forsberg and hayden plus 4th.
Add size grit and physicality plus jenner could play center and wing.
Perlini jenner Anderson 3rd line

- Scott1977


Anderson would be great. I would be surprised if they move him at this point. He's 1.8M for the next couple of years.

I would be on board though!

LeafGuy89
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: ON
Joined: 05.13.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:17 PM ET
Justin i had AA to columbus for Anderson but jenner would good to rather Anderson. Just a thought maybe expand the deal jenner and Anderson for AA forsberg and hayden plus 4th.
Add size grit and physicality plus jenner could play center and wing.
Perlini jenner Anderson 3rd line

- Scott1977


Columbus would be dumb to make that trade.
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Jan 2 @ 12:18 PM ET
Scott Powers‏Verified account @ByScottPowers · 6m6 minutes ago

I was wondering why Jason Garrison wasn't assigned to Rockford yesterday. Now we know as he's been put on unconditional waivers.

Also:

Garrison is put on unconditional waivers and Davidson is on waivers today.

Can someone explain regular vs unconditional waivers? I'm guessing this just opens up a roster spot?
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:18 PM ET
NM... looks like Garrison is being released completely.

Davidson is Rockford bound though. One would think he'll pass through waivers.

--
@ByScottPowers: Garrison is put on unconditional waivers and Davidson is on on waivers today.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:19 PM ET
Scott Powers‏Verified account @ByScottPowers · 6m6 minutes ago

I was wondering why Jason Garrison wasn't assigned to Rockford yesterday. Now we know as he's been put on unconditional waivers.

Also:

Garrison is put on unconditional waivers and Davidson is on waivers today.

Can someone explain regular vs unconditional waivers? I'm guessing this just opens up a roster spot?

- Chunk


It means he is put on unconditional waivers for the purpose to terminate his contract.

I believe the Hawks are on the hook for his contract but it opens up a spot on their 50 contract limit.
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jan 2 @ 12:26 PM ET
NM... looks like Garrison is being released completely.

Davidson is Rockford bound though. One would think he'll pass through waivers.

--
@ByScottPowers: Garrison is put on unconditional waivers and Davidson is on on waivers today.

- Justin Lowe

As you’ve mentioned, there’s a bit of an organizational logjam on the Blue Line. Sometimes it’s good to have a vet on the farm to mentor the kids, but sometimes it’s better to just let the kids play...and let them play a lot.

Plus, it’s one thing to have a has been, it’s another to have a Never was.
Power29
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Farmington, MN
Joined: 06.30.2015

Jan 2 @ 12:29 PM ET
Hey Justin!

Thanks for what you do!

Happy New Year & LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!

Sincerely,

Glenn Hansen
DeflatedPucks
Pittsburgh Penguins
Location: NYC, NY
Joined: 04.29.2016

Jan 2 @ 12:32 PM ET
hello Justin
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:35 PM ET
Hey Justin!

Thanks for what you do!

Happy New Year & LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!

Sincerely,

Glenn Hansen

- Power29


Thanks Glenn! Happy New Year to you as well.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:35 PM ET
hello Justin
- DeflatedPucks


Hey there DeflatedPucks.

Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:37 PM ET
As you’ve mentioned, there’s a bit of an organizational logjam on the Blue Line. Sometimes it’s good to have a vet on the farm to mentor the kids, but sometimes it’s better to just let the kids play...and let them play a lot.

Plus, it’s one thing to have a has been, it’s another to have a Never was.

- Ogilthorpe2


Totally agree. Coaching is so vital in the AHL and minors as well. I'm not sure Derek King is exactly the guy and not sure the Hawks are sold either. Wouldn't be shocked to see them bring in someone else to run the ship.

Also, the Hawks have a "vet dman" looking out for those guys in Rockford in Sheldon Brookbank as well.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Jan 2 @ 12:44 PM ET
Love him or hate him...one name I could see moved (TDL or Summer) is Gustav Forsling. Just because we don't know if the Hawks and him will be seeing eye to eye on his next deal. He is still rather young (will turn 23 in June) but that ELC expires this year. The Hawks could decide to sell on his potential if they have a trade where he helps bring back a piece they can use. Maybe if a guy like Dahlstrom continues to play well, Forsling is the odd man out. Not saying I want him gone, but it could happen.
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:45 PM ET
Thanks again JL for all that you do for us. Much appreciated

Was wondering how the Defense was gonna pan out after the trade. Forgot Davidson was on his way back so it looks like he'll be going down to Rockford unless someone wants to add a cheap depth D-man

It'll be an interesting next two months here for this franchise that's for sure
vabeachbear
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Ft Courage - out in the middle of Indian Country, NC
Joined: 10.17.2011

Jan 2 @ 12:49 PM ET
It means he is put on unconditional waivers for the purpose to terminate his contract.

I believe the Hawks are on the hook for his contract but it opens up a spot on their 50 contract limit.

- Justin Lowe


I'm going to read into this point that Stan has another deal in the works that he needs contract spots for.

I'm then reading into this point, that Keith is being traded for the mother load
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 2 @ 12:51 PM ET
Love him or hate him...one name I could see moved (TDL or Summer) is Gustav Forsling. Just because we don't know if the Hawks and him will be seeing eye to eye on his next deal. He is still rather young (will turn 23 in June) but that ELC expires this year. The Hawks could decide to sell on his potential if they have a trade where he helps bring back a piece they can use. Maybe if a guy like Dahlstrom continues to play well, Forsling is the odd man out. Not saying I want him gone, but it could happen.
- breadbag


At this point he'd make the most sense to be moved IF the Hawks wanted to sell one of their defensive prospects to get an equally promising forward in return
vabeachbear
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Ft Courage - out in the middle of Indian Country, NC
Joined: 10.17.2011

Jan 2 @ 12:52 PM ET
Love him or hate him...one name I could see moved (TDL or Summer) is Gustav Forsling. Just because we don't know if the Hawks and him will be seeing eye to eye on his next deal. He is still rather young (will turn 23 in June) but that ELC expires this year. The Hawks could decide to sell on his potential if they have a trade where he helps bring back a piece they can use. Maybe if a guy like Dahlstrom continues to play well, Forsling is the odd man out. Not saying I want him gone, but it could happen.
- breadbag


Hate giving away Dmen when they are young. Especially ones with a booming shot, and talent to be PP QB.

You see it time and time again that they mature later. I don't think the return for him now is great, or that he has a lot of bargaining leverage.

I'd probably resign him to an affordable deal and let him get more time, even if that is top minutes in Rockford.
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 2 @ 1:04 PM ET
[B]Hate giving away Dmen when they are young. Especially ones with a booming shot, and talent to be PP QB.
- vabeachbear[/B]

You see it time and time again that they mature later. I don't think the return for him now is great, or that he has a lot of bargaining leverage.

I'd probably resign him to an affordable deal and let him get more time, even if that is top minutes in Rockford.


That's my only hesistation in trading Gus so early on. He's got a lot of talent and is still only 22 with plenty of room to grow with his big shot. He could very well become a top 4 D-Man and I wouldn't wanna give that away for nothing...but if a team comes in and offers a good young forward who can step into the lineup soon here its something you at least have to be open to
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Jan 2 @ 1:06 PM ET
JL, thanks for the write up, as usual you make a lot of good points.

On the Duncan Keith topic, while I understand the need/want for a top 4 veteran D in return along with picks/prospects, I think it will be very hard to find a dance partner that has all that available or will want to make that deal.

Case in point being, any team trading for Keith for the playoffs/cup push, would most likely not be looking to move a top 4 defenseman out.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jan 2 @ 1:19 PM ET
That's my only hesistation in trading Gus so early on. He's got a lot of talent and is still only 22 with plenty of room to grow with his big shot. He could very well become a top 4 D-Man and I wouldn't wanna give that away for nothing...but if a team comes in and offers a good young forward who can step into the lineup soon here its something you at least have to be open to
- Savetheembers33

Agree with bits and pieces of what you, vabeachbear, and breadbag have shared.

Forsling should be shopped to see what return he could get as he does have potential as an NHL regular yet is likely the odd one out once the likes of Boqvist, Mitchell, and Beaudin arrive and join Jokiharju on the blueline. However, the arrival of these 3 are at least a year away and possibly 2+ so talent needs to come from somewhere until they arrive.

Gustafsson is hands down the best offensive D-man and PP quarterback on the team but Forsling has similar upside so it may be best to retain 42 for at least another 1-2 years until the Hawks know what they have in the 3 prospects.

Forsling does need some more work on his defense but so does Gustafsson yet the former may benefit more from some additional seasoning in Rockford.
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Jan 2 @ 1:27 PM ET
IMHO Keith is past his sell by date to get much of a return.

No team is "adding Keith away" from being a cup contender, any who might be have no cap space, and any who do aren't a team Keith would likely waive to go to.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jan 2 @ 1:42 PM ET
Justin i had AA to columbus for Anderson but jenner would good to rather Anderson. Just a thought maybe expand the deal jenner and Anderson for AA forsberg and hayden plus 4th.
Add size grit and physicality plus jenner could play center and wing.
Perlini jenner Anderson 3rd line

- Scott1977

If not Jenner or Anderson, kick the tires on Wennberg. He may be a possible option to explore as a new 3C to lineup behind Toews and Strome. While Jenner is more physical, Wennberg is offensively gifted. Jenner is better on faceoffs (51% vs 47%).
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Jan 2 @ 1:44 PM ET
Justin Lowe: Year-End Mailbag
Yesterday, the Blackhawks lost in their 6th Winter Classic/Outdoor Game to the Boston Bruins 4-2. This puts them at a 1-5 record.

Icehogs and WJHC updates included, as well as the year-end mailbag.

- Justin Lowe


Great piece, JL. Your best yet! I really enjoy your takes and perspectives and insights. I'm glad I came out of the interweb shadow. You run a great ship around here, so thank you, for all that you do.

I was happy with most of the hawks performances yesterday, but if they stay out of WC's, that I'd fine by me. The jerseys and hats were cool.

I'm actually surprised that the hawks have no Russians in the WJC. I'm glad for who are playing and playing well, and that we almost lead the league, but I want to see more faces. I'm greedy like that. It means we have much better prospects that we thought, and could be closer to contention.....

I do wonder about the goaltender situation. Crow's is scary and serious. I want him back, but what if he takes another? How long does he actually live after these?

Then we got Lankinen, Delia, Peeters, Nalimov, Forsberg, and Gravel. We are on three sides of the spectrum: bust, unknown, and hope. I have hope for Delia and Gravel, I think they might pan out the best. Nalimov, I expect to sign in the off-season, but I don't know anything about him.
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