Theo Fox: Game 38 vs Hurricanes
A preview to the Blackhawks momentum-building matchup tonight versus the Hurricanes to gain ground in the playoff hunt.

Plus, a look at D prospect Isaak Phillips and the potential of prospects who could parlay AHL contracts into NHL ones.

Thank you Theo for all you do for us BlackHawk fans. My question is are there any trade rumors that we need to know!

Thanks Theo. Nice to have those "Get to know...." videos of players.
Yes, please share any trade talk you are hearing.

Looks to be a slow TDL this season for whatever reason. Not many rumors out there except for Buffalo trying to unload Hall. Of course many trades are the under the radar type. Maybe that's the case this year.

A little more challenging this year for trades. Flat cap, no fans, plus quarantine time before traded for player can play. I’m sure there will be some trades, I just don’t foresee a lot of action. Hopefully we can get something decent back for our UFA’s, or De Haan.

A little more challenging this year for trades. Flat cap, no fans, plus quarantine time before traded for player can play. I’m sure there will be some trades, I just don’t foresee a lot of action. Hopefully we can get something decent back for our UFA’s, or De Haan.
- Angotti

De Haan stays!

That's a prediction, not a personal desire.

De Haan staying is not such a bad thing, especially if we are close to making a playoff spot. However, if we fall out of contention, he could be dealt for a draft pick. What kind depends on the desperation of the trade partner...

On any "trade bait" list by Freidman, Dreger, etc., the only marketable commodity the hawks have is the cap space. We will be lucky to get a third rounder for anything else we have to offer.

On any "trade bait" list by Freidman, Dreger, etc., the only marketable commodity the hawks have is the cap space. We will be lucky to get a third rounder for anything else we have to offer.
- LAHawk

It's ironic isn't it that the year Stan has cap space to weaponize few trades may get done.

It's ironic isn't it that the year Stan has cap space to weaponize few trades may get done.
- boilermaker100

If someone wants Kubalik for a first, do you trade him?

On any "trade bait" list by Freidman, Dreger, etc., the only marketable commodity the hawks have is the cap space. We will be lucky to get a third rounder for anything else we have to offer.
- LAHawk

So they are saying the players Stan acquired in recent years are useless for the most part. But then he gets appointed Team USA GM. Ok I guess.

If someone wants Kubalik for a first, do you trade him?
- hpk90

Depends on which team. Have to be a high pick. Kubalik goes to the net, can pull the trigger, seems he's not afraid of the defensive side of the puck. He's miles ahead of a mid or late first round pick.

"The problem of course is Holtby’s performance, which has been downright dreadful at times this season and last."

"If the Canucks do hold onto Holtby, there isn’t a ton of room for Hughes and Pettersson. The team has several defensive holes to fix in the summer and a forward group that has already had trouble scoring at times."

https://www.prohockeyrumo...-five-year-extension.html

Stan can solve all these issues for Vancouver by taking two bad contracts off their hands, totalling about $9M.

If someone wants Kubalik for a first, do you trade him?
- hpk90

I wouldn't.

He's only 25 and playing okay (Q speak). He's certainly not hurting the team.

And if it's a 1st this year I don't know. The whole 2021 draft is going to be a crap shoot with players not having a lot of games under their belts to evaluate potential.

If someone wants Kubalik for a first, do you trade him?
- hpk90

I thought he was just a shot, he's proving me wrong, trying to be a better 200 foot player, friendly contract, no way, he's looking like a top 6 player

40% of 1st round picks make up the league, how many are a top 6 forward, i bet that number drops significantly

Theo or others in the know.

There is not a max $ limit on an AHL contract. Could Wilkie and/or McLaughlin sign AHL contracts now? Then in the summer after we have some NHL contracts roll off the books they can be signed to NHL 1 way or 2 way contracts? Or they could stay on the AHL contract and if the Hawks wanted to bring them up in season next season they could sign NHL contracts at that time.

If someone wants Kubalik for a first, do you trade him?
- hpk90

I'm with 6628; a high pick only, which won't happen.

"The problem of course is Holtby’s performance, which has been downright dreadful at times this season and last."

"If the Canucks do hold onto Holtby, there isn’t a ton of room for Hughes and Pettersson. The team has several defensive holes to fix in the summer and a forward group that has already had trouble scoring at times."

https://www.prohockeyrumo...-five-year-extension.html

Stan can solve all these issues for Vancouver by taking two bad contracts off their hands, totalling about $9M.
- mohel

Holtby has a NTC, unless he waives, Vancouver has to protect him in the expansion draft.

Thank you, Theo.
It was cool to see the videos of the young Mr Phillips. Great demeanor he has, just like almost all the pros, he loves the game.

Holtby has a NTC, unless he waives, Vancouver has to protect him in the expansion draft.
- LAHawk

I imagine he'll waive it; can't be too happy there. According to capfriendly he can list 4 teams he won't go to. If his presence on the Hawks makes Lanky exposed, then no deal. That would still leave Loui. Van needs space bad.

I thought he was just a shot, he's proving me wrong, trying to be a better 200 foot player, friendly contract, no way, he's looking like a top 6 player

40% of 1st round picks make up the league, how many are a top 6 forward, i bet that number drops significantly
- BetweenTheDots

If Kubalik played with true top 6 centers and wingers his number would be better. Like last year, part of this year he is playing with centers and wingers that do not bring much to the table offensively. Third line types, though he is getting some PP time. Hagel and Kubalik are developing some chemistry, but at this point in his career Hagel has his offensive limitations. Last game he was centered by Kampf. Ugh.

On any "trade bait" list by Freidman, Dreger, etc., the only marketable commodity the hawks have is the cap space. We will be lucky to get a third rounder for anything else we have to offer.
- LAHawk

These trade bait lists puzzle me. Half of Nashville's team appears on them, yet a performing pending UFA candidate like Janmark doesn't appear on these same lists? With Nashville surging toward a playoff spot, the opposite should be the case, especially when our GM has already conceded that he could also retain Cap.

If Kubalik played with true top 6 centers and wingers his number would be better. Like last year, part of this year he is playing with centers and wingers that do not bring much to the table offensively. Third line types, though he is getting some PP time. Hagel and Kubalik are developing some chemistry, but at this point in his career Hagel has his offensive limitations. Last game he was centered by Kampf. Ugh.
- -Doh-

Good post.

If Kubalik played with true top 6 centers and wingers his number would be better. Like last year, part of this year he is playing with centers and wingers that do not bring much to the table offensively. Third line types, though he is getting some PP time. Hagel and Kubalik are developing some chemistry, but at this point in his career Hagel has his offensive limitations. Last game he was centered by Kampf. Ugh.
- -Doh-

I don't know, he intrigues me because he's so quick with his stick and eye hand coordination, did that come later in his career? His hockey IQ is impressive. I always marvel at players who know where the puck is before it gets there. I think Hagel actually has a really good chance to be a top 6 forward. Like you said him and Kubs are playing without a top 6 center and making an impact.

Once Hagel was paired with Kubs before Dach came back Hagel had 10 points in 15 games

Holtby has a NTC, unless he waives, Vancouver has to protect him in the expansion draft.
- LAHawk

I thought having a NMC makes you exempt from being exposed. A NTC doesn't fit the bill.