Believe me, signing him now means the $ are friendly to the Hawks versus market value.
- John Jaeckel

What does that do for when SHaw is up ?

And while we're on the topic, in spite of the now relentless tire pumping, Saad was not all that great last night, believe it was his TO that led to an amazing chance for Brassard, also made some not quite ideal decisions on the power play. Did he do some good things? Absolutely. Unfortunately, the pr apparatus and those who buy it hook, line and sinker, make it sound as though everything he does is AMAZING. That's not the case. He's still a work in progress with three points in 17 games. He's made the case that he can play in the NHL right now and has a good future. Beyond that, it's all hype at this point.
- John Jaeckel

Don't want to start a complete rehash on #20, but what I see as most clear is...if you watch the things he is really above average at doing already, it speaks highly to what a youngster needs to get the edge on other youngsters trying to make rosters.

He is a wide body, with really good finesse.
He has a quick release.
The gears.

Now doesn't he always handle the hard pucks or get them where they want them to go?
Does he step up and fill and actually impeded attackers in his defensive zone?


This may sound really funny or silly, but he reminds me of Dennis Hull, sans the big slapshot.

I just think that there is much room to improve in all phases, for all intenst and puropses, he doesn't hurt his them the majority of the time.

could be monday morning caffeine JJ, Bickell gets his, what about stalberg? hunch is& it could be wrong...AGAIN, if Sen's are in our wheelhouse, Stalberg & Bollig that way for Neil &??? Yes/no/ maybe??.
gotta think that SB knows we're gonna play the East eventually so we better switch a couple of pieces & get ready for the tough stuff. I'd like Neil & Zach Smith to come this way. piece that in with Jammer & Danny Boy, think that adds some good sized Ass to the line up to combat the East! Pipe dream or could be doable boys?
- wonthecup10

Trade rumors surrounding Stalberg, extension brewing for Bickell. Vague connective tissue there that says hawks are working on extensions now for their free agents—and if they feel someone is problematic, at least investigating getting value prior to the TDL. Makes a lot of sense to me.

What does that do for when SHaw is up ?
- nickmo2699

Hopefully it helps, it may set a bench mark to start negotiating from. Shaw has one more year on his deal and he is a must re-sign in my opinion.

Don't want to start a complete rehash on #20, but what I see as most clear is...if you watch the things he is really above average at doing already, it speaks highly to what a youngster needs to get the edge on other youngsters trying to make rosters.

He is a wide body, with really good finesse.
He has a quick release.
The gears.

Now dooes he always handle the hard pucks or get them where they want them to go?
Does he step up and fill and actually impeded attackers in his defensive zone?


This may sound really funny or silly, but he reminds me of Dennis Hull, sans the big slapshot.

I just think that there is much room to improve in all phases, for all intenst and puropses, he dosesn't hurt his them the majority of the time.
- wiz1901

Bang on, Wiz. No disagreement at all.

Wow
- John Jaeckel

The thing about Drouin 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.

Well it does have something to do with Carcillo. He says "Am I the only one who would rather see Carcillo on the line with Toews and Hossa.?" That's Carcillo specific....

I'm not being derogatory when I call Carcillo a fourth liner. I think he's a damn good fourth liner. And damn good fourth liner can play on a top line for a game or two. But they eventually wind up on the fourth line. Which is what happened under Laviolette. Which is what happened under Tippett. And what's happening under Q.

Always has been. Always will be.
- yahoodi

nothing wrong with carbomb being a 4th liner, those guys usually contribute in a big way when it comes to winning stanley cups.the kid is 27 years old, hopefully with a little maturity & being careful he's the diamond in the rough for that role for us for the next few years. love the kids passion & hard word all along, just hasn't made the smartest choices as a younger guy. i still say the yotes & flyers dropped the ball on him. jammers 38 soon & bollig is till a ? mark . carcillo is fine for that role.

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

That was a very impressive shift. And he's been impressive. But is size an issue with him. He seems small to me. I mean, I gues he's no smaller than Kane but I wonder if Size will prevent him from leaping a McKinnon.

Either way, He's gonna be pretty good.

Was at the game last night and here are a few of my thoughts

-I have to give credit where credit is due, Andrew Shaw is becoming a damn fine NHL player. I had my doubts about him and thought after the first few weeks this year that he might be heading back to Rock Vegas but he's really turned it up since and has proved that last year wasn't a fluke.

-Defense and CC both had a spectacular game.

-Hawks have to start finishing some of these prime goal scoring chances. Hossa (twice), Saad and Kane all had some 1 on 1 moments with Mason and couldn't put the puck in the net.

-I still like Saad on the Hossa/Toews line but if Stalberg ever gets moved and the Hawks acquire another top 6 guy for the playoff run (which they should be trying to do), Saad would fit perfectly in Stalberg's spot on the 3rd line. He's pretty much Vik with much more offensive upside at this point. You'd like to see him hit harder but he's a hell of a forechecker plus he's big, strong and fast.

-Tough game tonight even thought EDM has struggled. They are without Hall but they are a dangerous team. However they will let the Hawks skate which could prove costly in the end. 5-3 Hawks.
- dan9189

Totally agree with the Shaw statement. He and Kruger are starting to make Bolland look more and more expendable (and I am a massive Bolland fan). The kid is a junk yard dog and has a really nice set of hands in front of the net.

That was a very impressive shift. And he's been impressive. But is size an issue with him. He seems small to me. I mean, I gues he's no smaller than Kane but I wonder if Size will prevent him from leaping a McKinnon.

Either way, He's gonna be pretty good.
- yahoodi

He's a fair amount bigger than Kane in terms of his frame and a LOT stronger.

There's also a lot to the old maxim it's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.

Kane is an amazing player at what he does, but has never had a shift like that. That was sort of more like Hossa with a little more wiggle, or Forsberg, power plus amazing hands. Something to behold.

Just wait if Edmonton wins we'll see another "Oilers are winning the cup this year!" blog from Cloutier within the hour.
- Tweek

Sorry about that!

Trade rumors surrounding Stalberg, extension brewing for Bickell. Vague connective tissue there that says hawks are working on extensions now for their free agents—and if they feel someone is problematic, at least investigating getting value prior to the TDL. Makes a lot of sense to me.
- John Jaeckel

When the talking heads, Pat and Eddie O, go out of their way to rip stalberg every chance they had last night.....gotta wonder.

IF they dump Stalberg for a larger body who can play the 4th line, they have 2 inhouse replacements for Stalberg in Carcillo and Frolik.

Totally agree with the Shaw statement. He and Kruger are starting to make Bolland look more and more expendable (and I am a massive Bolland fan). The kid is a junk yard dog and has a really nice set of hands in front of the net.
- fattybeef

Yes, he does. And notice something he does a lot, gets the puck up. Stick side. He is going to score some goals. 20+ should not be out of his reach.

Something about these two teams gets me excited for NHL hockey. You never know what is going to happen.
- Lahey

Agreed. Two fast teams that like to score. Should be a good one I know I am loading up on the beers for tonight.

Dunno, Al, Crawford got better as the game went on but he was Floppin' like a Flounder early on. Also got very lucky on a couple of Jacket misses. Overall, I would give him a B for that performance, even though he got the shutout against an AHL offense.
- John Jaeckel

'

He was very good imo....The Hawks were outplayed in the first half of the game.

I think it is best not to split hairs both goalies have been outstanding....

The Jackets have scored only 40 goals on the season...5 goals less than Hawks have given up, I brought up in article they haven't been able to score in years...

Hitting iron and missing open nets is a way of life for them.

It wasn't Carwford's best but considering being off for 11 days he wins against most teams last night.

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

I'd also like to add that THE Dave Bolland:

-Is a team WORSE -3
-Still can't win a faceoff to save his life
-Has fewer points then Bickell, tied with Shaw, Stalberg, and Oduya
-Has already missed 2 games with seperate injuries, to go along with his concussion, and back back problems.

This is inexcusable. There is NO excuse for the -3. There is no excuse for the lack of production. Guy had 4 points in the 1st 3 games, and has become his typical inconsistent self. Do you think Shaw or Kruger may have more then 7 points playing with Sharp and Kane for 16+ games?

He has to be a prime target to deal at the draft or this offseason, especially with the emergence of Shaw and Krguer at center. Bolland for 4+ million is a deal that this team can't agree to pay.

'

He was very good imo....The Hawks were outplayed in the first half of the game.

I think it is best not to split hairs both goalies have been outstanding....

The Jackets have scored only 40 goals on the season...5 goals less than Hawks have given up, I brought up in article they haven't been able to score in years...

Hitting iron and missing open nets is a way of life for them.

It wasn't Carwford's best but considering being off for 11 days he wins against most teams last night.

Corey Crawford returns in top form, blanks Blue Jackets - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/V14Mgf
- Al

Well, I have long said, the post is a well-positioned goalie's best weapon. That said, and I have a blog coming on this, the thing that has improved the Hawk goaltending is the defense in front of them.

Trade rumors surrounding Stalberg, extension brewing for Bickell. Vague connective tissue there that says hawks are working on extensions now for their free agents—and if they feel someone is problematic, at least investigating getting value prior to the TDL. Makes a lot of sense to me.
- John Jaeckel

I think in yesterdays blog I pointed out exactly how the process works, where they make sure everybody who really wants to stay at the numbers they can afford DO.

If it was you or me, who has never made the year wages possible in the NHL, and you had the choice of playing for the hawks or elsewhere, would you take less to stay where "everybody knows your name", and you know their abilities, etc.

Interesting how with a team like Capitals paid handsomely UFA's or re-upped guys who talked up leaving Washington...they guys were blessed with really fat contracts are now the same names that the caps are supposedly offering up, like Joel Ward ( 3 million ) and Brooks Laich (4.5 million), etc.

Brad Richards is being talked up if Rangers belly up, because they also need to sign a lot of players...

The point is when a player gets to that certain age of the second UFA contract, they sometimes are looking at it from a perspective of, "I don't give care if I win something as much is this deal provides me with financial security."

So if these UFA hawsk want to stay, it has to be closer to Bowman's terms or when things go sour, you are trying to find them new homes with those thick contracts.

It looks like Tallon has talked to Campbell...apparently he is not happy with effort, results on that deal...

No point in all this just saying...

What would you do??????

Yes, he does. And notice something he does a lot, gets the puck up. Stick side. He is going to score some goals. 20+ should not be out of his reach.
- John Jaeckel

But he still was thrown around quite a bit yesterday. I am a Kruger fan, and he does look a lot stronger this year but come playoff time where the physicality is turned up as well as the battle level, the moving of Bolland is a dumb idea. Bolland is proven. Once the playoffs come around and Kruger "proves" himself then you have a decision to make.

Don't want to start a complete rehash on #20, but what I see as most clear is...if you watch the things he is really above average at doing already, it speaks highly to what a youngster needs to get the edge on other youngsters trying to make rosters.

He is a wide body, with really good finesse.
He has a quick release.
The gears.

Now dooes he always handle the hard pucks or get them where they want them to go?
Does he step up and fill and actually impeded attackers in his defensive zone?


This may sound really funny or silly, but he reminds me of Dennis Hull, sans the big slapshot.

I just think that there is much room to improve in all phases, for all intenst and puropses, he dosesn't hurt his them the majority of the time.
- wiz1901

The bottom line is Saad does almost everything above average, especially so considering he is one step removed from JR. hockey.

The only thing he needs a good deal of work on is playing "off" other players....That has a lot to do with coaching and the fact he was a main goal scorer when he played....So that has to come in time.

There isn't anyone else in Rockford or not dressing on some nights that can bring more to the table.

He has room to improve but until he falters defensively there is no reason to think he isn't dressing every game.

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

I'd also like to add that THE Dave Bolland:

-Is a team WORSE -3
-Still can't win a faceoff to save his life
-Has fewer points then Bickell, tied with Shaw, Stalberg, and Oduya
-Has already missed 2 games with seperate injuries, to go along with his concussion, and back back problems.

This is inexcusable. There is NO excuse for the -3. There is no excuse for the lack of production. Guy had 4 points in the 1st 3 games, and has become his typical inconsistent self. Do you think Shaw or Kruger may have more then 7 points playing with Sharp and Kane for 16+ games?

He has to be a prime target to deal at the draft or this offseason, especially with the emergence of Shaw and Krguer at center. Bolland for 4+ million is a deal that this team can't agree to pay.
- SteveRain

Well, the Corsi Disciples will tell you that Bolland takes all the tough assignments, etc. And there is at least something to that. Dunno, the guy appears and disappears and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that he is 175 pounds soaking wet but plays a very physically demanding role—and he takes a lot of injuries. Kruger, Shaw and in a year or two Danault, seem to make Bolland expendable, but I think it is an offseason move.

When the talking heads, Pat and Eddie O, go out of their way to rip stalberg every chance they had last night.....gotta wonder.

IF they dump Stalberg for a larger body who can play the 4th line, they have 2 inhouse replacements for Stalberg in Carcillo and Frolik.
- SteveRain

Personally I think this team is loaded with bottom 6 guys, I think this is a year where they should go out and try and acquire a big gun or two for the playoff run.

Well, I have long said, the post is a well-positioned goalie's best weapon. That said, and I have a blog coming on this, the thing that has improved the Hawk goaltending is the defense in front of them.
- John Jaeckel

Absolutely, especially the back checking.

But he still was thrown around quite a bit yesterday. I am a Kruger fan, and he does look a lot stronger this year but come playoff time where the physicality is turned up as well as the battle level, the moving of Bolland is a dumb idea. Bolland is proven. Once the playoffs come around and Kruger "proves" himself then you have a decision to make.
- nickmo2699

Well, I was talking about Shaw.

See my post immediately above, I believe Bolland gets moved in the offseason. They will want him around in the playoffs.

Well, I was talking about Shaw.

See my post immediately above, I believe Bolland gets moved in the offseason. They will want him around in the playoffs.
- John Jaeckel

Apologies JJ. Krugman looks good this year, but I feel like with the deadline looming a true big body center could possibly be offered up. Whether it's a 2c or 3c IDK but they need to get bigger down the middle come playoff time