Your earlier post mentioned how many career points Kane would've had by now if they loaded lines to help him. This fan's opinion is that his individual results are less important than team results.
- mohel

I would agree team before player...…

BUT....

is it fair to say they, hawks, brought back Saad to help Toews produce at a level they needed? Knowing that they can plug Kane in wherever and get a lot of production....

When kane was paired with another high end skilled player, Panarin, we saw just how high Kanes ceiling is (MVP)

IMO....I think this organization over the years has catered more to Toews then Kane. Toews had Hossa 90% of his career until Hossa retired.....the list of 2Cs they tried to plug in to play with Kane is mind numbing.

I don't want to make this Toews vs Kane....but I also don't want to ignore the fact the organization has jacked with/taken for granted kane's game at times.

On the baseball front Astros manager and GM suspended for a year without pay and Astros forfeit 1st round draft picks in 2020 and 2021 for Houston's illegal sign stealing a couple of seasons ago.

It can be many things; Waiting too late to resign Lehner. Waiting to see if Corey Crawford's game improves to be the #1, deciding if this team is a buyer and instead keeping both goalies for the post season, Etc.

The front office doesn't seem to be concise right now. It feels very much like a fly by the seat of our pants type team.
- catrisc

Ive been as guilty as anyone expecting this team to operate as transparent as possible, but the fact is they have a large portion of the fan base that cost them a TON of money through advertising last decade....so they just aren't going to come out and announce crap, as much as a lot of us wish they would.

Its almost cubs like...clinging to a faint hope of making the playoffs IF only this....were to happen.

I'll reserve judgement until the deadline. If they still have a LOT of pieces still on this roster as they do currently, and haven't gone on some mythical 10+ game unbeaten streak (9-0-1) to have a LEGIT shot at the playoffs (I would define legit as being in a WC spot at the deadline OR being less then 5 points out with at most 1 team to leap frog)….then I think this organization deserves to be blasted as they will lose multiple assets with minimal return.

It can be many things; Waiting too late to resign Lehner. Waiting to see if Corey Crawford's game improves to be the #1, deciding if this team is a buyer and instead keeping both goalies for the post season, Etc.

The front office doesn't seem to be concise right now. It feels very much like a fly by the seat of our pants type team.
- catrisc

Maybe it seems that way because they're not telling us their plans?

There's plenty of room to bark about decisions made by the team, but any joint run by Stan and (especially) McD has a plan. Whether we like the plan is another story.

And if you think about it.....Kubalik makes Saad expendable. Now they have found a winger who can help Johnny reach a solid offensive output.

To your point, if Toews isn't a 10 AAV player anymore, and would agree on everything you said.....you sure as hell can't pay Saad 7+ aav to be a 3rd line contributor.

What would be fascinating to see is what Saad's trade value is THIS year vs NEXT year? I don't question he would be a great add for the playoff run, but a 6 cap hit next year for a contending team is tough to swallow, unless they have a hole to plug him into a top 6 role with 2 other very good players.
- SteveRain

Saad has many different use cases than Kubalik. Saad is the only "top 6" Hawk winger that plays consistently solid defense, and if you think about it, he is the only natural winger on the entire roster that plays in all situations (evens, PP, and PK).

Of course, trading him should be on the table for a rebuilding team like the Hawks, but that decision is irrelevant to Kubalik's recent emergence as an increasingly reliable goal-scorer. In fact, since Kubalik can play either side, you can put Saad out there with him and Toews (like they were earlier this season on the third line).

I would agree team before player...…

BUT....

is it fair to say they, hawks, brought back Saad to help Toews produce at a level they needed? Knowing that they can plug Kane in wherever and get a lot of production....

When kane was paired with another high end skilled player, Panarin, we saw just how high Kanes ceiling is (MVP)

IMO....I think this organization over the years has catered more to Toews then Kane. Toews had Hossa 90% of his career until Hossa retired.....the list of 2Cs they tried to plug in to play with Kane is mind numbing.

I don't want to make this Toews vs Kane....but I also don't want to ignore the fact the organization has jacked with/taken for granted kane's game at times.
- SteveRain

Kane had the highest point total of his career last year.

Maybe it seems that way because they're not telling us their plans?

There's plenty of room to bark about decisions made by the team, but any joint run by Stan and (especially) McD has a plan. Whether we like the plan is another story.
- mohel

Since Seabs, deHann are leaking oil and need a rebuild and Toews ignition failed to start the beginning of the season they are in the "right lane" getting passed.

Crow would be nearly 37 coming out of a one year deal after next year. I think it's 50/50 whether he plays next year? I heard he and his wife just bought a house in Chicago so she's not going to travel. If he signs with another team does he want to spend the whole season alone?
- rpeters01

Food for thought...Whether Crawford is reupped at 3M or 6M per year there is a big risk that he is one concussion away from missing a lot of time. Then you'll probably have a tandom of Lankinen and Delia.

At this stage of his career I don't think CC should be the #1 goalie. And the #1 won't be an inexperienced Lankinen or Delia. And Lehner may price himself out of Stan's budget. So maybe a Markstrom , Greiss, Halak, Khoudobin type is in the cards for 4x5M.

Nice to see that the kid at least gets what is going on and what needs to be done. I think he could be one of those really good career 4-5 defensemen when he finally puts it all together. Just a guy you can trust to put out there and bring an edge.

Ben Pope‏ @BenPopeCST · 31m31 minutes ago

Gilbert: "One of those nights in Vancouver where it happens one or twice a year, you've just got to get through it. I did a good job responding, playing hard...trying to find my game back. But
- Chunk[I've] yet to have a very high consistent level to be a good player in this league."

Don't let some people see this...lotta people think he should be in the AHL and won't make it past that

Stan please call Toronto... Reilly out with a broken foot... Gus would fit well with low salary for remainder of the season...

Food for thought...Whether Crawford is reupped at 3M or 6M per year there is a big risk that he is one concussion away from missing a lot of time. Then you'll probably have a tandom of Lankinen and Delia.

At this stage if his career I don't think CC should be the #1 goalie. And the #1 won't be an inexperienced Lankinen or Delia. And Lehner may price himself out of Stan's budget. So maybe a Markstrom , Greiss, Halak, Khoudobin type is in the cards for 4x5M.
- boilermaker100

Markstrom is the only one I would consider 4 years for as he is 30, the others 3 years max. at a lower AAV as they are 35.

Stan please call Toronto... Reilly out with a broken foot... Gus would fit well with low salary for remainder of the season...
- Beaks99

Gus to Toronto for a 5th round pick, maybe a 4th if Stan retains some salary.

Food for thought...Whether Crawford is reupped at 3M or 6M per year there is a big risk that he is one concussion away from missing a lot of time. Then you'll probably have a tandom of Lankinen and Delia.

At this stage if his career I don't think CC should be the #1 goalie. And the #1 won't be an inexperienced Lankinen or Delia. And Lehner may price himself out of Stan's budget. So maybe a Markstrom , Greiss, Halak, Khoudobin type is in the cards for 4x5M.
- boilermaker100

If Lehner is gone, they definitely need to trade him at the Deadline, and if the plan is bring Crow back it needs to be a 1 year deal for a low cap hit. We can't afford to risk having another big salary tied up in LTIR.

If you're looking at any of the other guys mentioned I wouldn't wanna commit more than maybe three years to any of them. Couple of them have done great in backup/split role duties, but could be exposed being a #1 especially with a poor defensive group as currently constructed.

Stan please call Toronto... Reilly out with a broken foot... Gus would fit well with low salary for remainder of the season...
- Beaks99

Anyone watch the Panthers last night make Toronto's defense (Muzzin injured) look worse(hard to believe but true),then the Hawks? Now Reilly is out? Ceci was giving up Pizza's like he was Gus. I would trade Matta to them for a bad expiring contract Ceci) and a draft pick (hopefully a #2, if its Gus a #3) Toronto traded their #1 for this year.

The guy is tiny for a goalie. Listed as 5'10, 174.

https://www.eliteprospect...yer/228950/timur-bilyalov
- Rota's Rooter

He'll sign with the Leafs anyway.

Stan please call Toronto... Reilly out with a broken foot... Gus would fit well with low salary for remainder of the season...
- Beaks99

While it wouldn't be a bad move for them to make they need actual defensive help not someone who plays the position (not well) and brings an offensive boost.

Food for thought...Whether Crawford is reupped at 3M or 6M per year there is a big risk that he is one concussion away from missing a lot of time. Then you'll probably have a tandom of Lankinen and Delia.

At this stage if his career I don't think CC should be the #1 goalie. And the #1 won't be an inexperienced Lankinen or Delia. And Lehner may price himself out of Stan's budget. So maybe a Markstrom , Greiss, Halak, Khoudobin type is in the cards for 4x5M.
- boilermaker100

Roll with Delia and Lankinen next season and see what they can do.

Anyone watch the Panthers last night make Toronto's defense (Muzzin injured) look worse(hard to believe but true),then the Hawks? Now Reilly is out? Ceci was giving up Pizza's like he was Gus. I would trade Matta to them for a bad expiring contract Ceci) and a draft pick (hopefully a #2, if its Gus a #3) Toronto traded their #1 for this year.
- LAHawk

This is something I could see them doing

Kane had the highest point total of his career last year.
- mohel

Playing a lot of it with Toews, who weirdly also had his own career year

Roll with Delia and Lankinen next season and see what they can do.
- DarthKane

100% agree - this team would be wise to invest that 11mil in defenseman next season. Should improve this team exponentially...

Goaltending is important but c'mon we won Stanley Cups with Cristobal Huet and Anti Niemmi. Far from elite goaltenders....

Sure seems like this team is trying to goaltend their way to the playoffs this year. sad to watch.

Roll with Delia and Lankinen next season and see what they can do.
- DarthKane

If they sell off guys then I could see them maybe do it, but they better have a veteran in the pipeline in case one or god forbid both struggle mightily.

This is part of the reason why I'm really surprised that they haven't given Lankinen at least one start so far this year and see how he holds up against some NHL competition.

Food for thought...Whether Crawford is reupped at 3M or 6M per year there is a big risk that he is one concussion away from missing a lot of time. Then you'll probably have a tandom of Lankinen and Delia.

At this stage if his career I don't think CC should be the #1 goalie. And the #1 won't be an inexperienced Lankinen or Delia. And Lehner may price himself out of Stan's budget. So maybe a Markstrom , Greiss, Halak, Khoudobin type is in the cards for 4x5M.
- boilermaker100

I said all that on earlier bash Crow posts. Unfortunately, Lehner obviously is not the "final piece." If all goes exceptionally well, he would be coming to the end of a contract and past his prime as we got good. As much as it pains me to say it moving on from him is likely the right move. I truly believe when Stan signed him Stan thought the Hawks would be better than they ended up being for whatever reasons, there are many. Having a serviceable veteran goalie is really all they need for a while. "Goalie wins" will only lower our draft picks but having a veteran goalie with young defensemen is the way to go.

I would agree team before player...…

BUT....

is it fair to say they, hawks, brought back Saad to help Toews produce at a level they needed? Knowing that they can plug Kane in wherever and get a lot of production....

When kane was paired with another high end skilled player, Panarin, we saw just how high Kanes ceiling is (MVP)

IMO....I think this organization over the years has catered more to Toews then Kane. Toews had Hossa 90% of his career until Hossa retired.....the list of 2Cs they tried to plug in to play with Kane is mind numbing.

I don't want to make this Toews vs Kane....but I also don't want to ignore the fact the organization has jacked with/taken for granted kane's game at times.
- SteveRain

I have to agree with this. Panarin was the perfect example.

Kane finally had someone on his line that he had some sort of Vulcan mind-meld with and he was having a ton of fun finally playing with someone more like him.

Panarin gets traded before he asks for a big raise so they can bring back Saad to place on Toews' wing to get him going again. They just forgot that it was Hossa that made that line effective.

Although Kane is still putting up points, if you see him during the game he almost always has a poopy look on his face. Almost as if he's thinking, "come on. This is who management has me playing with?"

Anyone watch the Panthers last night make Toronto's defense (Muzzin injured) look worse(hard to believe but true),then the Hawks? Now Reilly is out? Ceci was giving up Pizza's like he was Gus. I would trade Matta to them for a bad expiring contract Ceci) and a draft pick (hopefully a #2, if its Gus a #3) Toronto traded their #1 for this year.
- LAHawk

It would be nice to pry Kapenen or Johnsson away from them., but it will take more than Gus.

100% agree - this team would be wise to invest that 11mil in defenseman next season. Should improve this team exponentially...

Goaltending is important but c'mon we won Stanley Cups with Cristobal Huet and Anti Niemmi. Far from elite goaltenders....

Sure seems like this team is trying to goaltend their way to the playoffs this year. sad to watch.
- catrisc

The hawks don't have the talent level they had in 2010. The team that wins the Stanley Cup is primarily the one that gets the best goaltending consistently throughout the playoffs. St. Louis had a goaltender that got hot when they brought billington up, and they rode that all they way to winning the cup. I don't think they win the cup with Jake Allen as their #1.