We've been discussing trade possibilities and it really makes the most amount of sense to find Bowman using an Icehog for a rental player. If somehow we could pull a rabbit out of a hat, then package something with Icehog and receive Ott or Br Morrow -- but you just do not want to pay any asset for a rental player -- which you would do if sending something in addition to the Icehog. The rental player wold by necessity be released or amoritized. You only are allowed two of those buyouts, and they should become Montador and Olescz.

You do know that Bowman is fond of his prospects, especially the drafts who look like they are able to fill a need this team has for a long, long time. You can go ahead and say Feaster is not going to be able to dictate terms and will accept much less for Inginla.....but with other teams offering at least a better prospect and or a higher draft pick (than #30 overall) ....well you might as well cross Inginla off the list of a newbie wearing the Indian crest.

So revisit the Icehog situation. Hayes gets an auditiion. For some reason nobody on this board wants to reply to my idea of Hayes tried on the PP in front of the net. Incentive to stick on the NHL roster. Do his best Big Buff act!

What we should also hope to see while Sharp is out, is Morin put on the #2 line. For this reason: he is the best true goal scorer at Rockford. He has a mean streak, soft hands, can pass ok and has one of the best shots even among NHL brothren. Yeah, Blackhawks reportedly have tried to change his approach, his style. I saw him last Sunday and he still sometimes has the mindset of shooting from bad angles and not using his teamates well. In Chicago he could be told that is taboo. In Chicago he could garner some points when he plays with top skill players. Sure his skating is an issue but if he scores enough then someone may just give you the rental player for this prospect. Their thinking: I am getting an option as a scorer on the cheap, whether Morin works well for them or not.

And Bowman this summer will begin the process of extracting prospects and bring in a new set.

Did you happen to catch J Nordstrom, who played in the World Junior Tournament, is going to come over and maybe play at the end of Rockford's season? Now you have McNeil, Nordstrom, and Danault. Each would be the sort who can play defensively while they adjust to the NHL. McNeil and Danault have done so at each level, and, in fact, were lauded for their strong defensive effort in the WJC.

Now Philco says he saw McNeil and was not impressed with a lack of physicality. Based on two evaluations you cannot make that claim. McNeil: was his team behind, was he playing with a minor injury, did his linemattes change, or whatever else we do not know could affect his performance. We know he is supposed to be a warrior and is fast. Was projected as a possible #2 center in Chicago. May be the kind of center we need.

I had asked Wiz if maybe McNeil would turn out a lot like Bickel. His response was that you cannot accurately predict where McNeil lands until he arrives in Chicago. Perhaps Philco just wants to see if McNeill lines up in his eyes as a Ott or Hartnell.

We really have to take the same thought on each prospect. On Johns as a shut down mean SOB. As Tervainen as a skill top six center. Toewes is maybe one serious concussion away from joining Pronger in the rocking chair, namely early retirement.

And while Bowman has moved some picks, it is hard to fathom his moving his only top 2013 pick for a rental player who would be bought out in the summer.

I don not buy into the trading of Leddy, either, despite rumblings about his agent. His subtraction wold upset the dmen alignment. Things are not always exactly how you like them to line up in life; they will deal with Leddy's agent. They can curse his agent all they want behind his back.

If going for the Cup you might as well hold on to Stalberg. Unless you are going to exchange him for that center who can win a draw. A depth dman and another physical forward should be available for a cheap price, not a Stalberg price.

It would makes sense to decide if you are going to try Stanton a couple of games. If you think he is your 7th dman now or next year. Montador is not going to play ever again for us; if he gets injured then you may not be able to buy out.

Well I just wish someone would reply about Hayes on the powerplay & is young Broadhuirst moving into top prospect territory (not yet I heard). I do say Morin can be a trade chip, too.
- jhawk59

Are you trying to catch lightnng in a bottle or do you see something in Hayes besides his size that would lead you to believe he would be good at setting a screen??

Guys like Morin, Smith, Piiri and Hayes are not increasing their trade value with the more time they are required to stay in Rckfrd.

Smith has a one way deal next year....So it is decsion time and probably a little late for some.

Hawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + Trade thoughts- My Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw

- DarthKane

This is Jerome's father telling you this

Not a rumor but I gave you some food for thought concerning a 2nd line center.
Hawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + Trade thoughts- My Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw
- Al

Possible but I don't like his cap hit nor the fact he would be a rental. If I am giving up prospects I want a player I can retain. Lars Eller is an interesting player. He is playing the wing for the Habs and with the signing of Desharnais along with Plekanec and first rounder Galchenyuck, the Habs have their top three centers. The Habs would be looking at a big winger to replace Eller, Bickell would fill that role. We would have to add a quality prospect to seal the deal. Another way would be to dangle Danault in front of the man who had a hand in drafting him. We might get the Habs interest, you know how much they love those French Canadian players. In Eller we get a restricted player with one year left at 1.35 mill. He is a big kid with skill, wins faceoffs, plays a good two way game and is not shy. I think he would be solid compliment to Sharp and Kane.

LOL Stalberg for Iginla and a 3rd.
- paulr

Perfect...

Possible but I don't like his cap hit nor the fact he would be a rental. If I am giving up prospects I want a player I can retain. Lars Eller is an interesting player. He is playing the wing for the Habs and with the signing of Desharnais along with Plekanec and first rounder Galchenyuck, the Habs have their top three centers. The Habs would be looking at a big winger to replace Eller, Bickell would fill that role. We would have to add a quality prospect to seal the deal. Another way would be to dangle Danault in front of the man who had a hand in drafting him. We might get the Habs interest, you know how much they love those French Canadian players. In Eller we get a restricted player with one year left at 1.35 mill. He is a big kid with skill, wins faceoffs, plays a good two way game and is not shy. I think he would be solid compliment to Sharp and Kane.
- hawksbuzz

I wouldn't trade Danualt for someone who hasn't lived up to his draft status.

Also if the top two lines are going to be messed with I want a proven top six center.

Cap hit is of no consequence and either is the fact about the rental....At least not for me.

Not all of the "prospects" are going to play in Chgo and many Ice Hogs are still works in progress and probably aren't going to be top six players here.

Hawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + Trade thoughts- My Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw

LOL.....This is still America and the people who pay me like to sell advertisment.

No laws broken, nothing unethical, just ass backwards thinking on your part.
- Al

Mr.Cimaglia, I hope I don't have to bring Darlene onto this site to defend your God given right to life, liberty and hockey and real estate happiness.

LOL.....This is still America and the people who pay me like to sell advertisment.

No laws broken, nothing unethical, just ass backwards thinking on your part.
- Al

Mr.Cimaglia, I hope I don't have to bring Darlene onto this site to defend your God given right to life, liberty and hockey and real estate happiness.

Al,

All I am SUGGESTING is that players have been known to raise their game to a higher level when presented with the opportunity. You see this in playoffs. Certainly I di not expect that Hayes becomes like that player from Detroit on pp who just retired (tempoarily forgit his name). But as fir Hayes, he has size and reach. Why not try even one game agaibst Vancouver late in the regular schedule.

You are probably right about the other prospects at Rockford. I just tossed out the idea about Morin more due to the reason that we may let him leave without recouperation.

We have favorite players. My favorite prospects combine skill with a mean streak. Unfortunately Morin, Lalonde, and Beach look- gone.

Mr.Cimaglia, I hope I don't have to bring Darlene onto this site to defend your God given right to life, liberty and hockey and real estate happiness.
- RickJ

I think I am OK...But then again what do I know???

Al,

All I am SUGGESTING is that players have been known to raise their game to a higher level when presented with the opportunity. You see this in playoffs. Certainly I di not expect that Hayes becomes like that player from Detroit on pp who just retired (tempoarily forgit his name). But as fir Hayes, he has size and reach. Why not try even one game agaibst Vancouver late in the regular schedule.

You are probably right about the other prospects at Rockford. I just tossed out the idea about Morin more due to the reason that we may let him leave without recouperation.

We have favorite players. My favorite prospects combine skill with a mean streak. Unfortunately Morin, Lalonde, and Beach look- gone.
- jhawk59

A pleasant surprise is always welcomed and needed much of the time.

I think the Hawks have been fortunate...Shaw was a steal, Kruger has been good..

As far as Hayes in front of the net.....I say try it but I think if they were confident about his role there we may have seen him here out of camp.

I think Hayes could be a NHL player someday, maybe now, but I don't know if he will ever be strong on his skates or play to his size.

Barry Smith and whomever else has been working with Hayes aren't the first to try to make him a better skater or play a more physical game.

Al,

All I am SUGGESTING is that players have been known to raise their game to a higher level when presented with the opportunity. You see this in playoffs. Certainly I di not expect that Hayes becomes like that player from Detroit on pp who just retired (tempoarily forgit his name). But as fir Hayes, he has size and reach. Why not try even one game agaibst Vancouver late in the regular schedule.

You are probably right about the other prospects at Rockford. I just tossed out the idea about Morin more due to the reason that we may let him leave without recouperation.

We have favorite players. My favorite prospects combine skill with a mean streak. Unfortunately Morin, Lalonde, and Beach look- gone.
- jhawk59

Unless some team offer sheets one of those Rockford players (which will never happen), the Hawks are in complete control of their RFA's down there. If they don't like where they are playing they can quit, go to the KHL or maybe just play better and make the NHL team.

Clearly Morin and Lalonde and others aren't doing enough to impress the Hawks or other NHL teams who otherwise might be interested in them.

I wouldn't trade Danualt for someone who hasn't lived up to his draft status.

Also if the top two lines are going to be messed with I want a proven top six center.

Cap hit is of no consequence and either is the fact about the rental....At least not for me.

Not all of the "prospects" are going to play in Chgo and many Ice Hogs are still works in progress and probably aren't going to be top six players here.

Hawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + Trade thoughts- My Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw
- Al

I introduced Danault to this board a few summers ago, and I have been pumping his tires ever since. But he is also an unproven talent and may still be a few years away. He is also one of many centers in the Hawks system that fit the same mold.

Eller is years ahead of any center prospect in the system. He has 4 goals and 11 assist and is a plus 5 playing the wing. I have watched him play and I like his game. I believe he would show his talent level playing with elite players like Sharp and Kane.

I agree Ribero would be great on this team, and I would use prospects to get him, just not TT. When I look at possible trades I allways consider how Stan looks at improving his team with the present and future allways in mind.

I introduced Danault to this board a few summers ago, and I have been pumping his tires ever since. But he is also an unproven talent and may still be a few years away. He is also one of many centers in the Hawks system that fit the same mold.

Eller is years ahead of any center prospect in the system. He has 4 goals and 11 assist and is a plus 5 playing the wing. I have watched him play and I like his game. I believe he would show his talent level playing with elite players like Sharp and Kane.

I agree Ribero would be great on this team, and I would use prospects to get him, just not TT. When I look at possible trades I allways consider how Stan looks at improving his team with the present and future allways in mind.
- hawksbuzz

Then trade prospects who are two or three years further along....Not Danault.

Eller should be years ahead...but he was the center piece of the Halak trade and basically has disappointed.

A change of scenery may do him good but Montreal wouldn't want to deal him if he showed as much potential as his advanced billing indicated.

With Eller you are talking about someone who would be part of the team in the future....Most likely not the case for Ribeiro unless Bolland was dealt over the summer.

Also my lofty expectations of Danault are based on reviews he got by playing against men in Rockford last season.

Great summary

Not a criticism but I thought Leddy was a star in the four on four and deserved the ice time 4 on 4

Goalies were both amazing

Columbus is starting to look like a really good team beyond the hard work

Not sure what it would take to obtain Derek Brossard but he was terrific

I think Jack Johnson is a franchise player for them and compared to what Carter brought them it was a great trade for the Jackets
Add 3 First runs picks and they are a playoff team
They may even make it this year



How much would Philly like to have Debrowksi in nets right now
- PEIHawkFan

I think Philly may have given up on Bob a little too soon. Philly's a tough town for goaltenders it seems.

Then trade prospects who are two or three years further along....Not Danault.

Eller should be years ahead...but he was the center piece of the Halak trade and basically has disappointed.

A change of scenery may do him good but Montreal wouldn't want to deal him if he showed as much potential as his advanced billing indicated.

With Eller you are talking about someone who would be part of the team in the future....Most likely not the case for Ribeiro unless Bolland was dealt over the summer.

Also my lofty expectations of Danault are based on reviews he got by playing against men in Rockford last season.
- Al

I've said it before, what worries me about Eller is that he is a high draft pick (13th overall, if my memory is correct), and if Montreal trades him it would make you wonder why two teams would have already given up on him.

Living in Dallas, I've probably seen Ribeiro a lot more than most others...and I'm not sure he's a guy I'd want. Yes, he can put up decent numbers and would be an upgrade in the shootout, but his diving is well documented, as is his arrest record. Not sure that's a guy I'd want infiltrating the dressing room.

1) Yes
2) FIXED.
3) Yes, and even Toews looks really tired out there. Still think he needs more of a road grader on the LW, he is being foreced to do too much of the heavy lifting down low.
- John Jaeckel

I think so too. He does nearly all the board work (and screening) & that will take its toll.

I think Philly may have given up on Bob a little too soon. Philly's a tough town for goaltenders it seems.
- grinder10

Or - Bob is Mike Smith (this year - 2.92/.899).

Then trade prospects who are two or three years further along....Not Danault.

Eller should be years ahead...but he was the center piece of the Halak trade and basically has disappointed.

A change of scenery may do him good but Montreal wouldn't want to deal him if he showed as much potential as his advanced billing indicated.

With Eller you are talking about someone who would be part of the team in the future....Most likely not the case for Ribeiro unless Bolland was dealt over the summer.

Also my lofty expectations of Danault are based on reviews he got by playing against men in Rockford last season.
- Al

Our prospect pool is heavy with bottom six forward and bottom pairing Dmen. At this point I see only TT and Clendening as prospect who project above that. Eller is ahead of any center currently in the Hawks organization other than Toews. Unlike Bolland, Shaw and Kruger, Eller could center a second line in Chicago.

I think we both agree the bottom line is we need a second line center!

Kind of a side note -


But the 'Jackets annoucing team is unbearable.

Being in Ohio, was saddled with them for the game - absolutely miserable tgo listen to. (On another side note - in the Cleveland area, I am forced to watch the 'Hawks/Jackets games on Fox Sports Ohio, as the Center Ice feeds are blacked out. When there is a Cavaliers game that conflicts with a 'Jackets game, the hockey game is then moved to Fox Sports Cincinati, which I do not get. Hence, CI feeds blacked out, and the game is shown on a channel I would have to pay an extra $15 a month to get. Talk about some BS..)

But, I digress... Every so often I catch an opposing broadcast either by choice or not, and the 'Jackets team is by far the worst I've seen. (I loathe Jennereat in Buffalo too, but these guys are way worse).

Seriously, after a 0-0 first period, they literally said "the Bluejackets Prevail in Period One!" It was nauseating. They also proceded to break down plays saying how great the Jackets players were for standard back-checking plays - doing on-screen illuststrations of how the forward picks up the trailer to take away the passing lane - as if it was some amazaing individual effort and not simply hockey 101....


- FredoXV

They really didn't seem very knowledgeable. It was like a 3-hour Blue Jackets infomercial.

As much as I hate the Nucks, I'm ok with their announcers. There are some other good ones out there too. Columbus' guys are not among them. Sounded like amateur hour to me. Seems Davidson is getting that organization moving in the right direction--finally.

Really how bad.....?

Also need to consider he is facing the best checking line in most occasions.
- Al

Pretty sure last night the Canes announcers said his (Ribiero) FO% was 42%

You trade Bolland in the offseason
- Greek7

Bolland's continued sub-par faceoff performance could make that happen in favor of a guy like Danault...

I would absolutely HATE to see Bollig go, him/Seabs/and Bickell are the only ones laying any hits at all on this team. Let Bollig go and Carcillo is the only guy we have who could fight his way out of a paper bag, should the need arise. Mayers is useless at this point.
- Murph76

Carcillo and Bollig are useful IMO. Jammer is class, but I simply don't see much left in the tank there.

And it's NJ-Phil on NHL Network.

NJ, Phil, Pit, Wash, NY - are there any other teams in the league?

if we could pick up a legit top 6 guy for any 2 off the Icehog roster (Hayes being an Icehog for the purpose of this excercise)..........I hope they pull the trigger. Most of those guys are just newer models of Yakubov and Jones and Trimper (who we wouldn't give up to Winnepeg to get #9 back when WHA folded).

It would be great to get Buff back from those guys this time. Pronger was the heart and soul of the Flyers and he destroyed him.......as he destroyed Luongo and the Vancouver defense. You can't teach what he brings in the playoffs.

And it's NJ-Phil on NHL Network.

NJ, Phil, Pit, Wash, NY - are there any other teams in the league?
- StLBravesFan

Total of 3 games being played tonight...shouldn't we just be happy that there is a game on TV?