This is where I wonder who is driving the bus, so to speak. You look at the organizational decisions that were made after the Cup win and following that and speed has ALWAYS been prioritized over hitting. Except potentially now with Stalberg v. Bickell. I wonder who is realizing that what the team needs is a few more hitters, even at mercy of speed. If it is Bowman/McDonough, that bodes well for the future. If it is Q, not as much but potentially important.

The one thing I have to say, though, is that if you look at the Hawks' drafts and top prospects, I am still concerned that the Hawks are constantly prioritizing speed over guys who can hit. Maybe they have decided to move speed for hitters, but that remains to be seen and is a concern I have for the long term health of the organization.
- QStache

I like physicality but the team with this core will never be the Bruins, Rangers or Philly.

Speed, puck possession and total team defense is what will be the hallmark of this club if it wins the Cup.

Corey Crawford returns in top form, blanks Blue Jackets:http://bit.ly/V14Mgf
What happens when popular opinon is wrong...Today on Fox Chgo

1. Edmonton kicked the Hawks butts last year.
2. The expectations that come with the no loss record start, makes us nervous.
3. As Chicago fans, outside of the Jordan years, and the 85 Bear's season, we're used to Lucy pulling the ball away just as we're about to kick it.
4. Speaking for myself, I see a lot of the young Hawks in your team. The Oil have more skilled players, and the Hawks had more physicality, but a young team about to do some damage in the future.
5. And most importantly, you're not Canuck fans. Every team has trolls and delusional idiots. It just seems like the Nucks have cornered the market. Imagine if their team had actually won a Cup!



Just awesome...

Saad was rumored to have been discussed/offered in a Nash proposal last Spring. I would think it would take a very big deal to move him.

For example, (and this is purely an example as Anaheim is not making any such deal), if you could get Getzlaf, or another center of that quality and profile (and signed to a longer term deal), then I would by all means put Saad in the deal, if that's what it took.

But aside from something of that significance, I don't see it happening. Nor should it. This kid has some qualities you can't coach. I would not give up a player like that for a rent-a-player (a guy like Selanne for example) who could clearly help you now but has no future value.

And clearly the Hawks believe Saad has a gigantic future, or want you to believe that. But for perspective sake, some (not me) have made the comparison to Hossa, which is really silly. When Hossa came up at age 19, he was a more complete, capable and accomplished player than Saad is—and the immediate results he got showed it. Hossa was projectable as what he became. Saad's upside because of some of the rough edges and inconsistencies in his game is harder to assess. And it is pretty unlikely he will be quite the total package that Hossa is and has been.
- John Jaeckel

I don't see the Hossa potential in Saad either. What I see, is a slightly better version of Stalberg, maybe. No clue on the kid's work ethic outside of games, nor do I know his mental makeup.

I would deal him in the right deal as well, if the right player, as you mentioned, was available.

That was an idiotic move.. Brouwer was a very physical 2 way player. He would look damn good playing with 19 and 81 right about now. That was like Lovie dumping Chris Harris for Adam Archuleta..
- z1990z

I know there are longer term effects of that move, like getting Danault. But like we discuss on here a lot, prospects are just that. I hope the kid is a world beater, but you won't know for some time. Unless they strapped a cheetah to Brunette's back, you knew that experiment wouldn't work. Nice guy, but slowwwwwwwww

1. Edmonton kicked the Hawks butts last year.
2. The expectations that come with the no loss record start, makes us nervous.
3. As Chicago fans, outside of the Jordan years, and the 85 Bear's season, we're used to Lucy pulling the ball away just as we're about to kick it.
4. Speaking for myself, I see a lot of the young Hawks in your team. The Oil have more skilled players, and the Hawks had more physicality, but a young team about to do some damage in the future.
5. And most importantly, you're not Canuck fans. Every team has trolls and delusional idiots. It just seems like the Nucks have cornered the market. Imagine if their team had actually won a Cup!



Just awesome...
- z1990z

44 years old, and most of my references are cartoon related. Couldn't think of an appropriate Looney Tunes reference that quickly.

I know there are longer term effects of that move, like getting Danault. But like we discuss on here a lot, prospects are just that. I hope the kid is a world beater, but you won't know for some time. Unless they strapped a cheetah to Brunette's back, you knew that experiment wouldn't work. Nice guy, but slowwwwwwwww
- eburgio

It does appear that Q has learned from his mistakes. You are right about Danault, but again he is a prospect. A total coin flip, but he is showing amazing promise right now. Does anyone know if Rockford is still trying to work Jimmy Hayes at C?

Is there any guy 9-12 on this team RIGHT now that may have a top 6 forward?
I'm not following that one...??

Also if Brouwer, Versteeg or Ladd were on the team today I could make the case none of them would be on the top two lines here.
- Al

The depth on the 09-10 team had guys with top 6 talent playing in the 7-12 slots. Ladd, Brouwer, Versteeg were all depth guys. Brouwer was all over the place, but Ladd/versteeg were fixtures on that "3rd line"

Brouwer and Ladd easily could be playing in place of Saad, or if you wanted to move Kane to center, on that line as well. Maybe, Versteeg...maybe.

It does appear that Q has learned from his mistakes. You are right about Danault, but again he is a prospect. A total coin flip, but he is showing amazing promise right now. Does anyone know if Rockford is still trying to work Jimmy Hayes at C?
- z1990z

Really, way too early to talk about Danault making this team next year.

I like physicality but the team with this core will never be the Bruins, Rangers or Philly.

Speed, puck possession and total team defense is what will be the hallmark of this club if it wins the Cup.
- Al

I agree with the last sentence, but the Hawks aren't going to land a legit PF off the scrap bin. They are going to need to draft and develop one of those. I don't need a team with the physicality of the three aforementioned teams. But the Hawks need someone who can hit and stand in front of the net. Preferably in the same guy. They really don't have anyone who fits that description in parts, let alone a whole.

The depth on the 09-10 team had guys with top 6 talent playing in the 7-12 slots. Ladd, Brouwer, Versteeg were all depth guys. Brouwer was all over the place, but Ladd/versteeg were fixtures on that "3rd line"

Brouwer and Ladd easily could be playing in place of Saad, or if you wanted to move Kane to center, on that line as well. Maybe, Versteeg...maybe.
- SteveRain

But do you think the issue is rally with top six depth?? You have 5 of 6 spots covered well and Saad/Carcillo/ Stalberg could fill other...

I think the move is to get a top 6 guy and put him in the bottom six.

Someone that can play with an edge, win a faceoff help in front of the net on the power play....

You aren't going to accomplish anything trying to get someone like Iginla to some how play out of position with Hossa....

There is only one puck and Hossa likes it on his stick a lot.

I agree with the last sentence, but the Hawks aren't going to land a legit PF off the scrap bin. They are going to need to draft and develop one of those. I don't need a team with the physicality of the three aforementioned teams. But the Hawks need someone who can hit and stand in front of the net. Preferably in the same guy. They really don't have anyone who fits that description in parts, let alone a whole.
- QStache

Agree and that Bowman can find....

But do you think the issue is rally with top six depth?? You have 5 of 6 spots covered well and Saad/Carcillo/ Stalberg could fill other...

I think the move is to get a top 6 guy and put him in the bottom six.

Someone that can play with an edge, win a faceoff help in front of the net on the power play....

You aren't going to accomplish anything trying to get someone like Iginla to some how play out of position with Hossa....

There is only one puck and Hossa likes it on his stick a lot.
- Al

Or you move the current Hawks top-6 guy down. I don't think you acquire a top-6 staple elsewhere and say 'Guess what, you're playing 3rd line because we've got Saad'.

I don't see the Hossa potential in Saad either. What I see, is a slightly better version of Stalberg, maybe. No clue on the kid's work ethic outside of games, nor do I know his mental makeup.

I would deal him in the right deal as well, if the right player, as you mentioned, was available.
- howiehandles

Saad goes nowhere for this reason....

Considering he would be trade bait for a proven player that is a legit top six forward and not a rental...The Hawks can't afford to pay that salary moving forward.

Saad is not only a player with potential but he has the right cap hit....As do a few others on the roster who aren't going anywhere.

I agree with the last sentence, but the Hawks aren't going to land a legit PF off the scrap bin. They are going to need to draft and develop one of those. I don't need a team with the physicality of the three aforementioned teams. But the Hawks need someone who can hit and stand in front of the net. Preferably in the same guy. They really don't have anyone who fits that description in parts, let alone a whole.
- QStache

They did when Tallon picked up Ladd. This is where Bowman and his scouting staff can earn their salaries by identifying an underperforming power forward, who's not a huge cap hit and not have to pay through the nose to get him.

The thing about him is he has these tree trunk legs.

He plays like he is older.

He has big skills and a nose for the net.

I am very tempted on http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2013/

to move him ahead of Nathan McKinnon, because where, MacKinnon at times seems to not think the game offensively as well as this kid, and being Drouin's linemate, MacKinnon has benefited.
(But that does go both ways.)

But Drouin showed that he doesn't need MacKinnon as a linemate to make plays.

If you go to draftsite and CLICK on the players name, I have put a little description of all the players....there are seven Mock rounds and ten extras at each position too.
- wiz1901

Had a great chat with former Flames GM/turned TSN draft analyst Craig Button...yesterday at the junior game.

He said Seth Jones is a sure fire number one pick and Drouin SHOULD go ahead of McKinnon.

He also said bringing Craig Conroy to CGY was his best move and letting Marty St. Louis and Marc Savard go were his worst. Very cool gentleman.

They did when Tallon picked up Ladd. This is where Bowman and his scouting staff can earn their salaries but identifying an underperforming power forward, who's not a huge cap hit and not have to pay through the nose to get him.
- paulr

Yep, yep. Isn't McNeill projected as the PF in the pipeline, roughly 2 years out?

Or you move the current top-6 guy down. I don't think you acquire a top-6 staple elsewhere and say 'Guess what, you're playing 3rd line because we've got Saad'.
- eburgio

Those are the most effective trades...When a player gets pushed down a slot and brings a lot of skill and know how.

Happened last year with Richards/Carter in LA and is happening this year with Mike Ribiero in Wash.

Once a player signs his fat contract or has a chance to play on a Cup contender they do what is asked.

Nothing much is going to happen as far as acquiring anyone to play with Hossa/Toews who you consider a big time player.

Corey Crawford returns in top form, blanks Blue Jackets - FOX 32: http://bit.ly/V14Mgf

Yep, yep. Isn't McNeill projected as the PF in the pipeline, roughly 2 years out?
- Beaver-Warrior

I was referring to a PF for this year.

Any events in the UC yesterday? Maybe if there wasn't the ice will be alright?
- al3535

I've given up on the UC ice.

If there were a way to improve it, if the technology were available, Rocky would have invested in the improvement. Right?

Follow the bouncing puck boyz!

They did when Tallon picked up Ladd. This is where Bowman and his scouting staff can earn their salaries by identifying an underperforming power forward, who's not a huge cap hit and not have to pay through the nose to get him.
- paulr

Maybe it is just me, but I never considered Ladd a PF. He was a bigger forward (and maybe it is just my memory fading), but I certainly don't recall Ladd making his living in front of the net. Hard hitter, check; but net presence, not so much.

As for how the Hawks acquire that PF, I think the model you outlined fits, but I think the main thing that separates Ladd from many was his leadership qualities. That isn't always as easy to find or project IMO.

I was referring to a PF for this year.
- paulr

Unfortunately you really can't connect the dots that way....

I was referring to a PF for this year.
- paulr

Yes sir you were, and I agree with your assessment of what's needed short term. Was just pointing out the long term answer.

For a variety of reasons.

1. Edmonton kicked the Hawks butts last year.
2. The expectations that come with the no loss record start, makes us nervous.
3. As Chicago fans, outside of the Jordan years, and the 85 Bear's season, we're used to Lucy pulling the ball away just as we're about to kick it.
4. Speaking for myself, I see a lot of the young Hawks in your team. The Oil have more skilled players, and the Hawks had more physicality, but a young team about to do some damage in the future.
5. And most importantly, you're not Canuck fans. Every team has trolls and delusional idiots. It just seems like the Nucks have cornered the market. Imagine if their team had actually won a Cup!

Maybe I'm biased, but this is one of the more friendly boards, unless you come spouting off and looking for trouble. Sure, we've got homers like any other team, but we also have a good lot looking to discuss and debate. I'm not saying I always agree with everything on here, but there's nothing wrong with a difference of opinion, or a different viewpoint, as long as it's presented in the right way.
- howiehandles

Good post. Unlike Vancouver fans we have been to the end zone on a few occasions. But living in the past is getting old. I barely remember our last cup. I loved your guys cup though. Especially the teams you destroyed on the way to it. Also we NEVER win in regulation

Is there any guy 9-12 on this team RIGHT now that may have a top 6 forward?
I'm not following that one...??

Also if Brouwer, Versteeg or Ladd were on the team today I could make the case none of them would be on the top two lines here.
- Al

You could make the case. I could conversely make the case Ladd or Brouwer could be filling first line LW.

I've given up on the UC ice.

If there were a way to improve it, if the technology were available, Rocky would have invested in the improvement. Right?

Follow the bouncing puck boyz!
- ArlingtonRob

GAY!!!