We need to find away to acquire Ryan O'Rielly from the Aves..
Any ideas fellas? Sure, nobody wants to screw with team chemistry right now as the Hawks are clipping along, but it would solve the 2nd line Centre issue for the foreseeable future.
Of course the cap will be an issue this summer, but we would be well positioned for a long cup run this season.
In my eyes Option B is D. Brassard followed by T. Bozak..
- HawkFanInLeafLand

I think we all agree on this
How to do it will be to package players,picks and prospects that the Avs need Simple to say but harder to do.

There will be other options out there once March arrives if we can't pry O'B away from the Avs

As for the money

You get what you pay for

I also like Brassard and Bozak

I also think Management will be making one big move at or just before the dealine
which because Goal Tending looks decent will be the Second Line Center not the Goalie we talked about after the first game against Phoinx

Not really seeing much O zone board battle winning.

Case in point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ZYFzSyIpQ
- Return of the Roar

So by the same token, this year's Hawks defensive core is hitting harder than Stevens and Daneyko.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-9_JpN27zg

I mean, if it happened once its true all the way through, right (just busting balls, to each our own).

If Boyle really is available I'd love for StanBo to make a run at him. His versatility would check a lot of boxes the Hawks need.
- PhatJoeSki

If Boyle is on his way out we should ask ourselves "why". From the sounds of it the Rangers aren't trying to use Boyle acquire an upgrade at another position. On paper he looks like a good 4C but why would the Rangers be so willing to give him up?

If Boyle is on his way out we should ask ourselves "why". From the sounds of it the Rangers aren't trying to use Boyle acquire an upgrade at another position. On paper he looks like a good 4C but why would the Rangers be so willing to give him up?
- DarthKane

Torts seems like a guy that always has to have one player to take issue. Last year was Dubinsky. The guy has won a cup, but christ, I would get so tired of hearing his constant 'tough guy' approach. I'm sure some players tune him out

Me likes Jason Chamera
- RickJ

I could see him being available

I think you add Carcillo to 4th line when he returns, you have as much if not more balance than anyone. I totally agree on finding a bigger center for faceoffs and grinding in bottom 6, but not sure who that is and what cost is.
- TrueGrit

Makes me wonder what happens to Bollig when Danny gets healthy.


As long as Montador is on IR, they can still carry Bollig on the roster (Would be at 23 on the nose), but, and with Saad up and Carcillo active, the forward lines looks like this:


20-18-81
10-36-88
29-65-25
13-16-67

22, 52.

It's going to be an odd rotation between Carcillo, Jammer, and Bollig into the lineup. Definitely can't sit Kruger or Frolik they way they've been killing penalties.

Ideally, I'd like to have both Carcillo and Bollig in the line up on some nights, but with Saad seemingly entrenched on that top line, I think it's goig to be one or the other.

At any rate, not a horrible problem to have.

Agreed that its the same team, I agree that the top pairing of 2 and 7 has largely been the shakiest of the three, and I agree that the net presence has been inconsistent (seemingly there are guys there but that they aren't effective or doing anything while there). I guess I feel like they have been a little more effective and physical on the forecheck. No they aren't punishing defensemen on every dump-in, but it seems to me there has been an increase in board battle wins. Maybe its just me.
- PhatJoeSki

Sorry, this is not the same team. Last year's rookies have an additional year and a half of physical and hockey development. Leddy is not the same player as last year, he's more mature, making better decisions and more comfortable on the ice. Can probably say the same on some of the other youngsters, heck, even Kane is better than LY.

Players get better or worse. There is a very short window where they remain at their peak, usually somewhere between 28-32 years old.

If Boyle is on his way out we should ask ourselves "why". From the sounds of it the Rangers aren't trying to use Boyle acquire an upgrade at another position. On paper he looks like a good 4C but why would the Rangers be so willing to give him up?
- DarthKane

I haven't read anything about him being on the way out, was just reacting to guys saying he was available so you are probably more informed about the situation than I am. I thought maybe he was just available because they are trying to shake up an underachieving team. I guess him being on his way out would raise a flag or two, but seeing that he was one of the forwards Torts counted on the last couple of years in the playoffs I'd think he would have no shortage of suitors if he was available.

Besides, if Mike Rupp getting moved got a bunch of guys on here up in arms about the Hawks not grabbing him I'd think a player like Boyle would cause quite the outrage on here.

Sorry, this is not the same team. Last year's rookies have an additional year and a half of physical and hockey development. Leddy is not the same player as last year, he's more mature, making better decisions and more comfortable on the ice. Can probably say the same on some of the other youngsters, heck, even Kane is better than LY.

Players get better or worse. There is a very short window where they remain at their peak, usually somewhere between 28-32 years old.
- scottak

When I agreed the team was largely the same I was just referring to the faces in the team photo. My whole point in my posts was that this year's team was playing on a different plane than last year, which lies in line with what you posited.

I haven't read anything about him being on the way out, was just reacting to guys saying he was available so you are probably more informed about the situation than I am. I thought maybe he was just available because they are trying to shake up an underachieving team. I guess him being on his way out would raise a flag or two, but seeing that he was one of the forwards Torts counted on the last couple of years in the playoffs I'd think he would have no shortage of suitors if he was available.

Besides, if Mike Rupp getting moved got a bunch of guys on here up in arms about the Hawks not grabbing him I'd think a player like Boyle would cause quite the outrage on here.
- PhatJoeSki

I've liked this guy for a while, and would be pretty pleased if he ended up in an 'Hawks sweater.

Not totally sure where he'd fit into the 5-on-5 lineup - and of course that's pretty dependent upon who they have to give up to get him. I do know this - here's the guy you put in front of the net on the PP with 19 and 88.


EDIT - Just a random thought - and I have NO idea what the Rangers are seeking here, a Stalberg-for-Boyle type of package would be nice on the Chicago end. Boyle is locked up for another season at $1.7M, it's unclear what Stalberg will be looking for, but I imagine it's more than that, and better to get something for him if its unlikely to retain in him in a cap-recessed season. This way, move Shaw back to the wing, and have a third line of 29-22-65 (a little slow, I know, but nasty), and get your big body for net presence on the PP.

Tortorella moved him to LW Monday. Would not mind seeing him on LW with Toews and Hossa....at. all.
- Return of the Roar

WTF?

If you get Boyle, he centers the 3rd or 4th line, and kills penalties. It is that simple.... I worry about some of you out there.

where did someone hear Boyle is on his way out of NY?

I live in NY and I havent heard that at all

WTF?

If you get Boyle, he centers the 3rd or 4th line, and kills penalties. It is that simple.... I worry about some of you out there.
- TrueGrit

Agreed - I think they would have to put him on the PP too though.

Fair questions. My overarching theme is to embrace who we are, for better or worse. Embrace our strengths. Then augment weaknesses with concerted effort.

Micro analyzing every guy on every shift in every game is really a tad goofy. I get frustrated with that.

Finding the balance of 2010 is something every team in the NHL will try to replicate for the next 15 years. Like the 85 bears, the team was an anomaly of special circumstance. This team has to be who they are and beat the teams in current NHL and not the 2010 team.

While last years playoff exit was frustrating. Contrary to many here, I do not believe it fell solely on the shoulders of CC. Yes, he struggled and let in a soft one or two. What most never talk about is the absence of Hossa and Shaw for that matter. Do 5 more body checks a game = a goal a game?

My biggest contention with the playoffs is that your core failed you. That is you got no scoring from your big boys and zero help on the power play. Those are facts.

While I will not begrudge you or anyone for hoping and wanting more players, my point is for the most part it is ineffectual hype, like going to work everyday wishing you got more money. Given real circumstances in the league, the players we demand are not necessarily sitting ripe on a tree waiting to be plucked. It is this groundhog day mentality that is so played out.

So long as the guys stay committed on the forecheck, like 29, 25, 65, 20 the other day...we will be good. Contrary to what many think, our forwards, man for man are not much smaller then most teams. So in my mind the issues are not with the assets, as it is the buy in and commitment day in and day out. Because if you just nuetralize opponents physically, not overwhelm them, your high end talent puts you over the top. Think about it, look how tough Nashville plays every game, if they had high end offense they would be super elite.
- TrueGrit

Well said. It's having everyone commit to doing the little things that win championships.

Time for a regulation loss.

Thanks!

where did someone hear Boyle is on his way out of NY?

I live in NY and I havent heard that at all
- FourFeathers773

No idea...I haven't read it anywhere either was just going off of what was said on this board.

WTF?

If you get Boyle, he centers the 3rd or 4th line, and kills penalties. It is that simple.... I worry about some of you out there.
- TrueGrit

Kind of what I meant - special teams PP/PK on LW and 3/4 C. Did not mean to suggest he be full time on 5 on 5 with the top line at all.

WTF?

If you get Boyle, he centers the 3rd or 4th line, and kills penalties. It is that simple.... I worry about some of you out there.
- TrueGrit

The questions I have are:
Why is he out of favour on a struggling New York team?
Can he help the Hawks with his fair to average skating ability?

The questions I have are:
Why is he out of favour on a struggling New York team?
Can he help the Hawks with his fair to average skating ability?
- paulr

your only question should be 'is he even on the market'?

your only question should be 'is he even on the market'?
- eburgio

Everybody is 'on the market'. If the right offer is made there isn't an untouchable in the league.

And next time I ask a question I'll be sure to get your approval first!

The questions I have are:
Why is he out of favour on a struggling New York team?
Can he help the Hawks with his fair to average skating ability?
- paulr

1. Torts is a moody hard arse and has a revolving door to his doghouse daily
2. Boyle has really been struggling offensively
3. Boyle hasnt been engaging physically that much lately and it is supposed to be a big staple of his game
4. roster shakeup? team definitely not performing right now

their PP is 2011 blackhawk brutal right now, they might ship him out for someone with more offensive upside. like a stalberg maybe? if you had the option, would you trade boyle for stalberg?

Time for a regulation loss.

Thanks!
- carcus

Against Phoenix? They are not for sale anymore.

The questions I have are:
Why is he out of favour on a struggling New York team?
Can he help the Hawks with his fair to average skating ability?
- paulr

If in fact he is available - I don't think it speaks to him being out of favor, it's more of a move that NYR would make to improve their team in more pressing areas.

Just like if the 'Hawks were to move Leddy or Hammer - not because there's a problem, with them, but because there are suitable alternatives in the system and there are othere areas that need improvement.

Everybody is 'on the market'. If the right offer is made there isn't an untouchable in the league.

And next time I ask a question I'll be sure to get your approval first!
- paulr

See, it works for you, but I can't get the Mrs to buy into that. You know what I'm saying though...this boyle thing is getting some legs to it, but nobody can point to anything saying the Rangers are ready to ship him out. He moves to LW and everyone suspects Torts is done with him.

Welp, maybe there is a grain of rumor truth:

Ryan Callahan participated in line drills during the morning skate and will play on a line with J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider tonight against the Islanders.

To make room for Callahan in the line-up, Brian Boyle will be a healthy scratch.