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A couple of rumors hit the old inbox yesterday.

Interestingly, they both point in the same direction as a couple of other things I heard a while back. The first had the Hawks considering a waiver claim on Wild forward Matt Kassian. The second had the Hawks talking to the Senators (yet again) about Chris Neil.

A couple of weeks ago, I heard the Hawks were kicking the tires on then waived Shark forward, Fraser McLaren.

So, yeah, there's a common theme here. Size, toughness, and much of that with the gloves off.

And before anyone assumes the Hawks are going to help the Senators fill their now huge hole on defense with one of their top 6 defenders, worry not. I am hearing the return for Neil would be a lower line forward—and that the Sens could sign former Hawk (and Sen) Chris Campoli before the weekend is out.

What does this mean for the Hawks? It could mean Brandon Bollig is headed back to Rockford, but honestly, that's not what I'm hearing. Rather, there is some concern that Jamal Mayers might not have that much left—a subject of some debate within the organization.

As with all rumors, some, all or none of this could happen. Lots of conversations and glances happen in the hotel bar before anyone goes up to a room together. But it does seem the Hawks are serious about adding some size and toughness upfront.


PROSPECTS

The latest on:

Danault

17 goals, 45 assists, 62 points in 41 games for Victoriaville and now Moncton in the QMJHL. Danault had three assists in an 8-5 home win over league-leading Halifax last week. It doesn't hurt that he is now playing with one of the premier snipers in the Q, St. Louis property, Dmitri Jaskin.

McNeiil

52 points in 51 games at Prince Albert in the WHL.

Carruth

Still ripping it up with Portland in the WHL. 2nd in the league in most statistical measures with a .933 save percentage and 1.91 GAA and 6 shutouts.

Teravainen

Even, with 11 goals and 13 assists in 35 games with Jokerit in the top Finnish Pro League.

Nordstrom

Swedish C, 2010 3rd round selection, Joakim Nordstrom has 5 goals and 4 assists and is -8 in 35 games with AIK in the Swedish Elietserien. While the stats might seem unimpressive, Nordstrom is playing a defensive center role on a below .500 team.

Whitney

2012 7th round selection Brandon Whitney has a .902 save percentage and 3.09 GAA for Victoriaville in the Q. Bear in mind, however, this is a high scoring league and the leader in save% is at .915. Whitney is actually showing well in this regard, playing for a roughly .500 team.

Mattson

Defenseman Nick Mattson, not goalie Johan Mattson. Considered a sleeper, this former 6th round pick, is having a nice second season at North Dakota (WCHA) with 3 goals, 10 assists and +8 in 27 games.


All for this morning,



JJ

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