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

Ladd . . . is a very nice comparable for McNeill.

But doesnt the fact that Carbomb can play on the first line spread out that physicality JJ? If Carcillo plays on line 1 and Line three remains in tact, are you saying we add a fourth line guy or a possible banger that can be in the top 6?
- nickmo2699

I admit to being biased against Carcillo..., but just because he has skated on the top line does not mean he improves the top line.

Q can put anyone on the top line, but that doesn't make them a good fit.

Carcillo can put top line minutes on his resume, here and Philly if I recall, but I don't think it's a particularly good idea.

He's just a guy in my opinion.

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

Each of those players are probably top 6 players on the Hawks today, but I think this conversation has gotten slightly off topic, because I'm fairly certain Steve's initial point is that in 2010 those players were top 6 players, who just happened to be playing bottom 6 on an extremely loaded Hawks team.

Personally, I'm not sure Ladd or Versteeg or Brouwer were top 6 players in 2010, though they certainly are today. But, frankly, growth is expected as players get older.

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

But Saad was a "no-brainer" this year? And some thought he should've been up last year.

I would not say Danault is a shoe-in, but there is also no reason to count him out for next year either.

Each of those players are probably top 6 players on the Hawks today, but I think this conversation has gotten slightly off topic, because I'm fairly certain Steve's initial point is that in 2010 those players were top 6 players, who just happened to be playing bottom 6 on an extremely loaded Hawks team.

Personally, I'm not sure Ladd or Versteeg or Brouwer were top 6 players in 2010, though they certainly are today. But, frankly, growth is expected as players get older.
- QStache

Ladd and Brouwer both played a fair amount of top 6 in 2010 as I recall

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

Agree....But the bigger need is for a faceoff man/PP help that can check and who has some hands.

My main point is the dollars aren't available going forward to acquire a significant proven top line forward.


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What happens when popular opinon is wrong...Today on Fox Chgo

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

JJ...I'm looking forward to Saad getting his first assist. By the trade deadline perhaps?

Well it seems quite a few teams are ironing out extensions for upcoming FAs and others, happy that the Hawks are in talks with theirs too.

Caps sign Holtby to a 2 year, 3.7 mil extension/

John "The Elbow" Erskine gets a 2 year, 3.925 mil extension.

I admit to being biased against Carcillo..., but just because he has skated on the top line does not mean he improves the top line.

Q can put anyone on the top line, but that doesn't make them a good fit.

Carcillo can put top line minutes on his resume, here and Philly if I recall, but I don't think it's a particularly good idea.

He's just a guy.
- ArlingtonRob

Here's what Carcillo does on the top line—he makes it very tough for opposing defensemen to clear the zone when the puck is along the boards down low. And that in turn creates opportunities for the Hawks to establish possession and a cycle, especially playing with Hossa and Toews. You saw some of it in the San Jose game when he took a couple of shifts with them. And he's smart enough to be able to integrate with them on the cycle or at least get out of the way. Brouwer did the same thing with 88 and 19. They are NOT ideal players for that kind of line over 200 feet of ice (well, Brouwer moreso), but when you are looking to create/maintain offense, especially against big, strong defensemen, they are slightly more than just "guys."

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

JJ...I'm looking forward to Saad getting his first assist. By the trade deadline perhaps?
- ArlingtonRob

Ha, 'Well, he does seem to be looking to pass more, funny, a lot of his passes seem a little forced at times, not quite on the other guy's tape, but I also suspect that is timing and adjustment to NHL speed/awareness.

Agree....But the bigger need is for a faceoff man/PP help that can check and who has some hands.

My main point is the dollars aren't available going forward to acquire a significant proven top line forward.


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

No argument

Ladd . . . is a very nice comparable for McNeill.
- John Jaeckel

I hope you're right!

I hope you're right!
- paulr

Ladd would be his top end. But similar types of players.

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

There's gotta be something to facilities management group that manages the ice. There are several multi-use facilities in the NHL that have far better ice. Philly is a prime example. LA is another. There isn't a busier building than the Staples Center.

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

Nice assessment. Matches my perspective very closely.

Ladd would be his top end. But similar types of players.
- John Jaeckel

I wasn't all that impressed with McNeil during the WJC. Danault, however, I enjoyed watching. Seemed like he was always in on something, either a good pass, forecheck, bodying someone up.

Ladd would be his top end. But similar types of players.
- John Jaeckel

I have heard that like Ladd, McNeil is exceptionally strong.

I wasn't all that impressed with McNeil during the WJC. Danault, however, I enjoyed watching. Seemed like he was always in on something, either a good pass, forecheck, bodying someone up.
- eburgio

WJC doesn't always mean much. Dougie Hamilton didn't look like much for Canada but plays well in the NHL. And we all remember Jimmy Waite.

No argument
- John Jaeckel

....and your point about Carcillo is correct, he can cycle with Toews/Hossa better than Saad.

It will take time but Saad needs to learn to play off others....Not easy for a young player when he has been thought of as the main goal scorer in the past.

Corey Crawford returns in top form-What happens when popular opinion is so wrong-Thoughts on Shaw-Bickell-Stalberg: http://bit.ly/V14Mgf

Chicago with another win. Yawn.
Where your first regulation loss MAY occur is in Saint Louis on Thursday.

Chicago with another win. Yawn.
Where your first regulation loss MAY occur is in Saint Louis on Thursday.
- Aliaksandrhn

I'm worried about tonight!

I'm worried about tonight!
- paulr

Oh, you shouldn't be. You are playing the Oilers, remember?

....and your point about Carcillo is correct, he can cycle with Toews/Hossa better than Saad.

It will take time but Saad needs to learn to play off others....Not easy for a young player when he has been thought of as the main goal scorer in the past.

Corey Crawford returns in top form-What happens when popular opinion is so wrong-Thoughts on Shaw-Bickell-Stalberg: http://bit.ly/V14Mgf
- Al

Thank you, O Mellifluous One

Here's what Carcillo does on the top line—he makes it very tough for opposing defensemen to clear the zone when the puck is along the boards down low. And that in turn creates opportunities for the Hawks to establish possession and a cycle, especially playing with Hossa and Toews. You saw some of it in the San Jose game when he took a couple of shifts with them. And he's smart enough to be able to integrate with them on the cycle or at least get out of the way. Brouwer did the same thing with 88 and 19. They are NOT ideal players for that kind of line over 200 feet of ice (well, Brouwer moreso), but when you are looking to create/maintain offense, especially against big, strong defensemen, they are slightly more than just "guys."
- John Jaeckel

I defer to you on the details JJ...perhaps it's because Carcillo has been so unreliable, between injuries and suspensions he's just not playing much. The body of work just isn't really there.