I wouldn't be so sure about that.
- John Jaeckel

If not, are you suggesting McDonough is on thin ice too?

I overlooked Pirri...that's for reminding me Al.

Eli...you're the resident Hogs expert, of Smith, Pirri and Morin who do you think would be the best fit for the top 6? Smith may seem like the obvious choice, but I'm thinking Smith may be better for the bottom 6.
- DarthKane

Out of the three, I'd try Pirri, but on the wing. I'm not a huge fan of the guy, but if Hossa is going to be sidelined for a couple of games, I think it would provided a nice audition for him. Otherwise, Smith is a more rounded player and can be used to spot for a game or two anywhere, but you're correct, he's more of a bottom 6 guy.

Out of the three, I'd try Pirri, but on the wing. I'm not a huge fan of the guy, but if Hossa is going to be sidelined for a couple of games, I think it would provided a nice audition for him. Otherwise, Smith is a more rounded player and can be used to spot for a game or two anywhere, but you're correct, he's more of a bottom 6 guy.
- EKolb13

Why not Morin to play wing for Hossa ?

Why not Morin to play wing for Hossa ?
- mrpaulish

Morin is too slow.

Out of the three, I'd try Pirri, but on the wing. I'm not a huge fan of the guy, but if Hossa is going to be sidelined for a couple of games, I think it would provided a nice audition for him. Otherwise, Smith is a more rounded player and can be used to spot for a game or two anywhere, but you're correct, he's more of a bottom 6 guy.
- EKolb13

They should bring somebody up especially if the plan is to double shift Kane again and have Carcillo be a spectator on the bench.

Tough to say because Hjalmarsson might still have some upside.
- John Jaeckel

Last year I would have said 'Seabs'; now I think Hjarlmarsson because he should be cheaper and as you say might have some more upside.

There is the uncanny ability Keith has at hitting shin pads... But his defensive prowess is still very much in front of Leddy's. His skating ability is close and when Keith does have a lane (that you could drive a truck through but still) he does hit the goal.

Also for someone with Keith's abilities, on a down year, at 5.5 until the end of time they are getting a good deal. In terms of dollars he is probably below market value today and will be a steal over 5 years even if he doesn't replicate his Norris form.

BTW, I have no interest in having "credibality" anyway.
- John Jaeckel

I had credibality once....after some bad enchiladas

If not, are you suggesting McDonough is on thin ice too?
- paulr

I think McD would get one more GM hire before his job would be on the line.

I have no idea what his personal thought process is. I will say: how does he crack a top 4 of Hjalmarsson, Oduya, Keith and Seabrook?

Maybe the Hawks get rid of Hjalmarsson when his deal is up in 2014. But then they have three small puck rushers in their top 4, and voluntarily saying goodbye to Hjalmarsson when he's arguably your best pure defenseman?

It has seemed to me and others that the last seat left in Musical Chairs goes to either Hjalmarsson or Leddy. Leddy has stepped up, but Hjalmarsson has taken a giant step up. It is no longer simply: trade Hammer.
- John Jaeckel

EXACTLY MY POINT on a prior post....how does he crack the top 4 in the next 2 years???

he doesnt....which is what makes him expendable for now....SELL HIGH

EXACTLY MY POINT on a prior post....how does he crack the top 4 in the next 2 years???

he doesnt....which is what makes him expendable for now....SELL HIGH
- ChicagoDave

Agreed but unless you really fill the Center need the Hawks have you should keep him there is nothing wrong with having a #3 D man as your #5 D man..

I had credibality once....after some bad enchiladas
- ChicagoDave

I don't even know what Mtl would do with Leddy. He is a great young player but like the Hawks, we already have many of those puck moving defensmen. Markov, Subban, Diaz and Beaulieu is coming.

Pacioretty?? Ain't going nowhere. Forget about him. He is our only big, pt per game winger and he is only 23.

Eller is a possibility. But you would need to pay a top six winger for him, nothing less, as he is full of potential and big centermen every team wants.

For you guys, the only player i can see going your way, is Plekanec. Plekanec for Sharp would adress needs for both teams.
- soad_live

I could see a trade of Stalberg for Eller. Good trade for both teams, dealing from strengths each team has. I really don't see any other moves between the Hawks and Habs unless it is a role player like Moen for a role player on the Hawks

Agreed but unless you really fill the Center need the Hawks have you should keep him there is nothing wrong with having a #3 D man as your #5 D man..
- mrpaulish

there is a problem if he gets paid like a #3 D.....

Leddy for Ott. That is the deal to make.

1. Leddy's salary is unknown and can crowd out other signings
2. Offer sheet candidate
3. His agent is a Richard
4. He will hold for top four money

Sell high now. I'm sold on that.

Out of the three, I'd try Pirri, but on the wing. I'm not a huge fan of the guy, but if Hossa is going to be sidelined for a couple of games, I think it would provided a nice audition for him. Otherwise, Smith is a more rounded player and can be used to spot for a game or two anywhere, but you're correct, he's more of a bottom 6 guy.
- EKolb13

Thanks Eli.

Another option would be recall Smith for the bottom 6 and shuffle up the lines a bit. I normally don't want to mess with the 3rd line, but with 2 top 3 forwards out there may be no choice:

Saad - Toews - Stalberg
Hayes - Bolland - Kane
Bickell - Shaw - Frolik
Bollig - Kruger - Smith

If it's a shoulder injury as speculated it may just mean additional rest.
- paulr

>Hossa is a shoulder -- according to Tim Sassone's sources -- probably "won't play" Monday, said Q at practice today
>Q also said Sharp "isn't close" to returning

Dan Pompei tweeting the Bears are close to signing Broncos STUD lb DJ Williams

- philco28

Yep - two DUI convictions, one league suspension for supplying a "non human urine sample".

Virginia must really like this "high character guy" pick-up.

EXACTLY MY POINT on a prior post....how does he crack the top 4 in the next 2 years???

he doesnt....which is what makes him expendable for now....SELL HIGH
- ChicagoDave

They'd have to get a good return for Leddy. My question is come playoff time will Q give the bulk of the ice time to the first two d-pairings and cut back on Leddy's and whoever his partner is or will he roll the 3 pairings. If he's inclined to cut back on the third pairings ice time maybe you deal Leddy now for the right return.

Yep - two DUI convictions, one league suspension for supplying a "non human urine sample".

Virginia must really like this "high character guy" pick-up.
- StLBravesFan

Non human urine sample.

How the heck do you get one of those?

Todays' article.....


NHL realignment thoughts, Blackhawk trade strategy overview - Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/WT0IQa.
- Al

Excellent points on trading strategy - a little reality! Does this mean we can't get Ott for Lalonde and a 7th?

The Hawks are on pace to get 144 points if this was an 82 game schedule
That is sick
114 usually wins the League

I understand people don't like Bowman but the numbers back up the team he has put on the ice

Had he made half the trades I read on the board last summer we would be tied for 12th in the West

Let the man deliver a few pieces before the deadline and play it out

With all the teams in the hunt expect a quiet deadline
Teams are built with the draft .... not at deadline day

The Hawks are on pace to get 144 points if this was an 82 game schedule
That is sick
114 usually wins the League

I understand people don't like Bowman but the numbers back up the team he has put on the ice

Had he made half the trades I read on the board last summer we would be tied for 12th in the West

Let the man deliver a few pieces before the deadline and play it out

With all the teams in the hunt expect a quiet deadline
Teams are built with the draft .... not at deadline day
- PEIHawkFan

Not the numbers that count - the second season numbers are the only ones that matter. Ask Vancouver how that President's Trophy tastes.

They'd have to get a good return for Leddy. My question is come playoff time will Q give the bulk of the ice time to the first two d-pairings and cut back on Leddy's and whoever his partner is or will he roll the 3 pairings. If he's inclined to cut back on the third pairings ice time maybe you deal Leddy now for the right return.
- jhawk159

I assume Leddy would yield a pretty good return...

I think you have to see how the pairs are playing. Seabs has not had a good year so far...I think he really needs to pick it up...

Oduya is playing well as is Leddy and Roszival. hopefully we wont need to see Montador...

The top line should be ready for big minutes in the playoffs because Q is limiting their time now

If not, are you suggesting McDonough is on thin ice too?
- paulr

Maybe he's suggesting that McD is willing to sh!tcan StanBo if he doesn't think he's gittin' er done?