Total diamond in the rough. I hope his international and junior experience can translate into pro success. I'm not expecting him to play in Chicago next season, but hopefully it won't take too long.
- DarthKane

I've not seen much of him, but what I have seen is ++. This will become +++ if he is good on the PK. We really need to get that going again.

I find it fascinating on how Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook all had to earn their big contracts. They did this by both individual contributions and team success in winning Cups.

Bickell gets bashed when he took a pay cut from 700k to 500k on his bridge deal, when the Hawks were up against the cap. He took that and was a beast in the playoffs (when it matters) and got a whopping 4mil. Which some cried was overpaid

Yet I have played in as many playoff games and have as many playoff points as Debrincat and Strome combined...yet they somehow deserve to be paid combined 13-15mil? For exactly what again? Regular season individual stats?

The correct play for the Hawks would be 3yr bridge deals for both. No more than 4.5m-5m per each. If the Hawks have success as a team in those 3 years, they can get paid after that. It lines up to when Toews, Keith, Kane contracts will all be ending

If those 2 want to win? Take the bridge. If they want to get paid, tell their agents go shop their RFA services and we'll take the picks.

I love Kurashev and he's slowly turning into my favourite Hawks prospect.

He's got a great overall game. Love his hockey sense. He was on PP1 for Switzerland and didn't look out of place at all at the World Championships against NHLers and other pros.
- Tyler Cameron

This is what I like to hear. I thought he looked mature for his age in camp for the Hawks. Really hoping they got a good future middle 6 guy here that can add that secondary depth.

I find it fascinating on how Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook all had to earn their big contracts. They did this by both individual contributions and team success in winning Cups.

Bickell gets bashed when he took a pay cut from 700k to 500k on his bridge deal, when the Hawks were up against the cap. He took that and was a beast in the playoffs (when it matters) and got a whopping 4mil. Which some cried was overpaid

Yet I have played in as many playoff games and have as many playoff points as Debrincat and Strome combined...yet they somehow deserve to be paid combined 13-15mil? For exactly what again? Regular season individual stats?

The correct play for the Hawks would be 3yr bridge deals for both. No more than 4.5m-5m per each. If the Hawks have success as a team in those 3 years, they can get paid after that. It lines up to when Toews, Keith, Kane contracts will all be ending

If those 2 want to win? Take the bridge. If they want to get paid, tell their agents go shop their RFA services and we'll take the picks.
- PatShart

Right on Shart. Not sure it will shake out like that but I agree it should.

I find it fascinating on how Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook all had to earn their big contracts. They did this by both individual contributions and team success in winning Cups.

Bickell gets bashed when he took a pay cut from 700k to 500k on his bridge deal, when the Hawks were up against the cap. He took that and was a beast in the playoffs (when it matters) and got a whopping 4mil. Which some cried was overpaid

Yet I have played in as many playoff games and have as many playoff points as Debrincat and Strome combined...yet they somehow deserve to be paid combined 13-15mil? For exactly what again? Regular season individual stats?

The correct play for the Hawks would be 3yr bridge deals for both. No more than 4.5m-5m per each. If the Hawks have success as a team in those 3 years, they can get paid after that. It lines up to when Toews, Keith, Kane contracts will all be ending

If those 2 want to win? Take the bridge. If they want to get paid, tell their agents go shop their RFA services and we'll take the picks.
- PatShart

It's the trend of the current way of doing business. Pay young guys for what they are projected to do vs playing older guys for what they have already accomplished. No fan on either side of the issue is happy. I'll leave it to Management to do the right thing.

I've not seen much of him, but what I have seen is ++. This will become +++ if he is good on the PK. We really need to get that going again.
- 35Tony0

In his couple of games played with the Hogs, Kurashev acquitted himself well to the pro level. While he played conservatively, he showed defensive awareness as he was responsible in all zones, i.e. covered for pinching D men and didn't dart up ice neglecting his own zone. When he did have the puck, he made simple smart plays.

In the Hogs exit interviews, Kurashev mentioned that working on his explosiveness was a priority for him so he has that extra gear to keep up with the pro speed of the game. Once he feels more comfortable, I have a good feeling he will start to shine offensively and put on display the scoring ability he has shown in juniors and in world tourneys.

Agree with others that he will push for a spot in training camp. IMO, he will be amongst the last cuts then earn a call-up at some point next season.

My thoughts on how the Blackhawks could compete and not be easily pushed aside in an.opening round playoff (this may be premature and is based two years away):

Draft Cozens and trade Gus plus our #2 to get as early another #1 2019. Draft Dach. Now you have potentially one willing big wing to contain (plays big\Cozens will weigh more once he turns pro) for each of the top three lines (Saad, Cozens, Dach).

Now you can match the physicality in our forward lines in playoffs. It is not so much about which team hits or intimidates more. It is about team confidance and being successful in playing a more intense physical playoff generated - can i say inherant in post season hockey.

I envision Reece Johnson as third center and leave Kampf as #4 pivot. I hope that Hagel and Soderlund add their dimension to the lineup. I hope that Caggiula and Perlini equal depth and rotate into lineup. That is due to the fact that Caggiula is injury prone and Perlini is inconsistent. The opportunity to stay in lineup means two more players who are going to lay some checks - Perlini has to learn that he is rewarded for using his body to play big and deliver SOME checks as much as scoring goals.

I am pinning the goaltending on Crawford still around or that either Laakinen or possibly Gravel might arise if injury dictates. Gravel might be able to play really well for a run, although if he was to play regular season we probably see he is still not quite ready. Nonetheless a hot goaltender in the heat of playoff hockey might surprise.

I am not out in left field thinking Jokiharju settles in top four. I am attracted to Carlsson compete.and skating level so he is pencil in. I am maybe not remiss to hope after two years experience at various level of hockey one of Gilbert/Beaudin/Mitchell plays acceptable NHL.

I have no idea whether Keith or Seabrook still wearing the Indianhead. But i could see Murphy gone if a couple of kids step up.

Furthermore: I imagine there is a descent liklihood either Koekkoek and or Dahlstrom is a 6th or depth.

I want this to happen because Koekkoek lends some checks and Dahlstrom has shown he can use his big frame effectively in physical confrontations. Both having been pro's another year or two and not feeling too pressured, could just play simple hockey. Dahlstrom is known at Rockford to play that way. I admit a bias toward first round Koekkoek - i think he will step up if he is not in and out of lineup.

Those two could even be rotated for a stretch of games to Rockford insofar as maintaining confidance (just get to play and work at being consistent in decision making) and staying sharp. Forsling gets traded or loss in expansion draft.

The lineup i foresee has more of these factors: speed, grit, puck hounds, young players hungry and improving, plus there is more board battles won and overall greater amount of toughness on display from each of the new forwards.

He would be in the top 4 if the season started today but let's see how the team looks in October.

There will be at least 1 new dman and a couple that aren't here anymore.
- Tyler Cameron

Did hear something or just your personal opinion?

My thoughts on how the Blackhawks could compete and not be easily pushed aside in an.opening round playoff (this may be premature and is based two years away):

Draft Cozens and trade Gus plus our #2 to get as early another #1 2019. Draft Dach. Now you have potentially one willing big wing to contain (plays big\Cozens will weigh more once he turns pro) for each of the top three lines (Saad, Cozens, Dach).

Now you can match the physicality in our forward lines in playoffs. It is not so much about which team hits or intimidates more. It is about team confidance and being successful in playing a more intense physical playoff generated - can i say inherant in post season hockey.

I envision Reece Johnson as third center and leave Kampf as #4 pivot. I hope that Hagel and Soderlund add their dimension to the lineup. I hope that Caggiula and Perlini equal depth and rotate into lineup. That is due to the fact that Caggiula is injury prone and Perlini is inconsistent. The opportunity to stay in lineup means two more players who are going to lay some checks - Perlini has to learn that he is rewarded for using his body to play big and deliver SOME checks as much as scoring goals.

I am pinning the goaltending on Crawford still around or that either Laakinen or possibly Gravel might arise if injury dictates. Gravel might be able to play really well for a run, although if he was to play regular season we probably see he is still not quite ready. Nonetheless a hot goaltender in the heat of playoff hockey might surprise.

I am not out in left field thinking Jokiharju settles in top four. I am attracted to Carlsson compete.and skating level so he is pencil in. I am maybe not remiss to hope after two years experience at various level of hockey one of Gilbert/Beaudin/Mitchell plays acceptable NHL.

I have no idea whether Keith or Seabrook still wearing the Indianhead. But i could see Murphy gone if a couple of kids step up.

Furthermore: I imagine there is a descent liklihood either Koekkoek and or Dahlstrom is a 6th or depth.

I want this to happen because Koekkoek lends some checks and Dahlstrom has shown he can use his big frame effectively in physical confrontations. Both having been pro's another year or two and not feeling too pressured, could just play simple hockey. Dahlstrom is known at Rockford to play that way. I admit a bias toward first round Koekkoek - i think he will step up if he is not in and out of lineup.

Those two could even be rotated for a stretch of games to Rockford insofar as maintaining confidance (just get to play and work at being consistent in decision making) and staying sharp. Forsling gets traded or loss in expansion draft.

The lineup i foresee has more of these factors: speed, grit, puck hounds, young players hungry and improving, plus there is more board battles won and overall greater amount of toughness on display from each of the new forwards.
- jhawk59

Nice and creative thoughts but i don't see gusterson and a 2nd getting a another top 10 pick maybe 15 to 20 for gust alone maybe 10 to 15 for gust and 2ND is more realistic.

Did hear something or just your personal opinion?
- Scott1977

Just personal opinion.

I did hear that the trade chatter around the league is getting a lot louder this past week. Expect a couple moves in the next week or so based on what I was told.

Just personal opinion.

I did hear that the trade chatter around the league is getting a lot louder this past week. Expect a couple moves in the next week or so based on what I was told.
- Tyler Cameron

I have a feeling Stan will make more moves than we expect. Not necessarily by the draft or July 1 but before the start of the season. I think the forward group will have a very different make-up.

Nice and creative thoughts but i don't see gusterson and a 2nd getting a another top 10 pick maybe 15 to 20 for gust alone maybe 10 to 15 for gust and 2ND is more realistic.
- Scott1977

Trading for a second #1 probably doesn't happen but if it csmecto pasd maybe go early after the goaltender. Dach Zegras, Brobrrg would be gone anyeay. You would not trade Gus just to draft snother dman, so go for the netminder. Krebs or another nice attractive skill forward might be sitting but we did dign Kubslik and Wedin. Hence the goaltender

Givrs you a threesome to wait on. Although Laakinen, who has played well by all accounts at the World Cup, might be ready sooner than later.

To regrrdh thst is a second #1 - acquired for Gus - to draft a goaltender

I have a feeling Stan will make more moves than we expect. Not necessarily by the draft or July 1 but before the start of the season. I think the forward group will have a very different make-up.
- DarthKane

That's what I'm thinking too & it has me a little worried. I think he did good on some shrewd trades, so hopefully the trend continues. I just hate seeing players that I'm attached to go.

Just personal opinion.

I did hear that the trade chatter around the league is getting a lot louder this past week. Expect a couple moves in the next week or so based on what I was told.
- Tyler Cameron

Anything involving the hawks as far as chatter? Do you Tyler think hawks will consider strongly to trade gusterson.

I have a feeling Stan will make more moves than we expect. Not necessarily by the draft or July 1 but before the start of the season. I think the forward group will have a very different make-up.
- DarthKane

Imo i think bowman and company make a big trade that no sees coming kinda like smaltz for strome/perilini trade.

Trading for a second #1 probably doesn't happen but if it csmecto pasd maybe go early after the goaltender. Dach Zegras, Brobrrg would be gone anyeay. You would not trade Gus just to draft snother dman, so go for the netminder. Krebs or another nice attractive skill forward might be sitting but we did dign Kubslik and Wedin. Hence the goaltender

Givrs you a threesome to wait on. Although Laakinen, who has played well by all accounts at the World Cup, might be ready sooner than later.

To regrrdh thst is a second #1 - acquired for Gus - to draft a goaltender
- jhawk59

Agree Gusterson and 2nd for 10 - 15 pick i think wiz has Spencer knight is projected so if that happens Cozens and knight that addresses two needs in the system.

Imo i think bowman and company make a big trade that no sees coming kinda like smaltz for strome/perilini trade.
- Scott1977

Well better not be anything stupid like Keith to Florida for Matheson and Reimer. Matheson isn't too good and i want nothing to do with a veteran Reimer. I would not mind wrangling their first.

Well better not be anything stupid like Keith to Florida for Matheson and Reimer. Matheson isn't too good and i want nothing to do with a veteran Reimer. I would not mind wrangling their first.
- jhawk59

DeBrincat for Lucic

I have a feeling Stan will make more moves than we expect. Not necessarily by the draft or July 1 but before the start of the season. I think the forward group will have a very different make-up.
- DarthKane

100% agree, DK.

Anything involving the hawks as far as chatter? Do you Tyler think hawks will consider strongly to trade gusterson.
- Scott1977

I haven't heard anything specifically.

I think Gustafsson stays with the Hawks to atleast start the season.

I think they will consider moving him but only for a package that can bring back another top 4 D because right now... he's a top 4 defencemen on this team.

I haven't heard anything specifically.

I think Gustafsson stays with the Hawks to atleast start the season.

I think they will consider moving him but only for a package that can bring back another top 4 D because right now... he's a top 4 defencemen on this team.
- Tyler Cameron

ok just curious thanks

100% agree, DK.
- Tyler Cameron

I do not ordinarily try to dream up trades. I have suggested Gus for a #1 and use the pick for for a need, eg power forward type or beat everyone to Spencer McKnight.

Ok so here is a whopper of a trade if you think Stan is going to do something big

DeBrincat, Strome, Gus, our #2 2019 for
Draisalti and Nurse.

Maybe try to make it a #3 round instead. I can see reasons for consumating this deal. But i won't expound. I do not imagine Bowman makes such a big trade. Then again, maybe he surprises all of us

I do not ordinarily try to dream up trades. I have suggested Gus for a #1 and use the pick for for a need, eg power forward type or beat everyone to Spencer McKnight.

Ok so here is a whopper of a trade if you think Stan is going to do something big

DeBrincat, Strome, Gus, our #2 2019 for
Draisalti and Nurse.

Maybe try to make it a #3 round instead. I can see reasons for consumating this deal. But i won't expound. I do not imagine Bowman makes such a big trade. Then again, maybe he surprises all of us
- jhawk59

I don't see Holland doing that.
Chia, maybe (but we'd have to take out our 2nd in 2019)

Damn.

Ryoun-Noranda just scored 4-3 in the 3rd over Guelph.

14 mins to go.

Well better not be anything stupid like Keith to Florida for Matheson and Reimer. Matheson isn't too good and i want nothing to do with a veteran Reimer. I would not mind wrangling their first.
- jhawk59

Keith for 10th overall i consider it but unlikely it happens.