Last I checked this was ' Hawks thread, no sense in rhetorically bantering about who is better Crosby of Toews, or the Gretzky legacy on ice.

How about this: Which Hawks prospects have the best shots of making the team next year?

1: Ryan Stanton: I think this guy is ready to play on the 5/6 defense in place of Oduya or Roszilav. Low cost and should be a decent contributor if he plays his game.
2: Adam Clendening: This guy can make an impact too but is he crowded out? Isn't he basically a little tougher Nick Leddy(although no bigger) with a little less speed?
3: Brandon Pirri: If he isn't trade bait, he needs a shot on the 2nd line.
4: Jeremy Morin: I think he is also ready but where does he play?
4: DeNault/McNeill: I think both players are a long shot and need seasoning in the AHL but we've got to love the maturity and physical skills. If I was leaning one way, I'd say McNeill because of his size.


What say you?
- Bjm84

Pouring cup #4

Here's hoping the Hawks can resign Viktor Stalberg. The guy is really coming into his own and the Versteeg for Stalberg trade is looking really good.

Pouring cup #4


- Beaver-Warrior

He's actually put up decent totals for defensive d-man

71 GAME

3 g 21 a 24 pts 126 PIM +14

I understand he's a solid team guy too...so he's deffo in with a shot.
Probably come cheap too.
- philco28

Agreed.

Last I checked this was ' Hawks thread, no sense in rhetorically bantering about who is better Crosby of Toews, or the Gretzky legacy on ice.

How about this: Which Hawks prospects have the best shots of making the team next year?

1: Ryan Stanton: I think this guy is ready to play on the 5/6 defense in place of Oduya or Roszilav. Low cost and should be a decent contributor if he plays his game.
2: Adam Clendening: This guy can make an impact too but is he crowded out? Isn't he basically a little tougher Nick Leddy(although no bigger) with a little less speed?
3: Brandon Pirri: If he isn't trade bait, he needs a shot on the 2nd line.
4: Jeremy Morin: I think he is also ready but where does he play?
4: DeNault/McNeill: I think both players are a long shot and need seasoning in the AHL but we've got to love the maturity and physical skills. If I was leaning one way, I'd say McNeill because of his size.


What say you?
- Bjm84

I think the prospect with the best chance to make the big team next season is Smith, as long as he's healthy. He plays the best all-round game and is on a one-way contract next year. If a bottom 6 forward has to be dealt in order to have enough cap space to re-sign all our FAs then I think Smith could fill in nicely. Same thing if the likely of Stalberg and/or Bickell leave, Frolik and/or Kruger could play on the 3rd line an Smith on the 4th.

Scott Powers @ESPNChiPowers
Patrick Sharp is the first player on the ice for practice at Johnny's IceHouse West today.

Here's hoping the Hawks can resign Viktor Stalberg. The guy is really coming into his own and the Versteeg for Stalberg trade is looking really good.
- GuyForget

So far he's the only tangible asset from the great purge in 2010. I agree it would be nice to hang on to Stalberg, but that will depend on the type of contract he's looking for.

Here's hoping the Hawks can resign Viktor Stalberg. The guy is really coming into his own and the Versteeg for Stalberg trade is looking really good.
- GuyForget

I really doubt this is going to happen, which is shame.

I think he's going to want $3M+ at least, and someone, somewhere will pay him that. If the team still has no intention of letting him play in the top six, I don't think he's worth that with the cap going down.

Only way I see him staying is if Bolland or another expensive piece is moved.

So far he's the only tangible asset from the great purge in 2010. I agree it would be nice to hang on to Stalberg, but that will depend on the type of contract he's looking for.
- DarthKane

My guess is around $2.5-3.5 million. If the Hawks win the Cup then $3.5 for sure. He will be a 18-20 goal scorer x2 (pro rated this year) with game-changing speed and prototypical size at age 26. Enjoy him while he lasts because he gone. IF they win, he becomes Ladd (everyone pining for him).

Agreed.
- Bjm84

I really doubt this is going to happen, which is shame.

I think he's going to want $3M+ at least, and someone, somewhere will pay him that. If the team still has no intention of letting him play in the top six, I don't think he's worth that with the cap going down.

Only way I see him staying is if Bolland or another expensive piece is moved.
- FredoXV

As much as I hate to say it I could see Bolland being moved this summer. With one more year on his contract and he'll likely want a raise too some tough choices need to be made.

Do you sign Stalberg for the long term and let Bolland go, or let Stalberg go and keep Bolland for one year (small chance of re-signing him)?

Kruger and Shaw could handle the 2C and 3C duties, I'm not saying they're any better or worse than Bolland but they are viable options. If Stalberg goes there are some options to replace him, but they won't bring the skillset he has. It will certainly be an interesting off season.

Maybe it's Frolik that goes too? Although at least he's an RFA at the end of his deal so there is some value in keeping him.

My guess is around $2.5-3.5 million. If the Hawks win the Cup then $3.5 for sure. He will be a 18-20 goal scorer x2 (pro rated this year) with game-changing speed and prototypical size at age 26. Enjoy him while he lasts because he gone. IF they win, he becomes Ladd (everyone pining for him).
- Kentxo

Even though Ladd is by far a better player.

Tracey Myers ‏@TramyersCSN 1m
It is definitely an optional today. Just 12 #Blackhawks here. Yes, Drew LeBlanc among them.

I really doubt this is going to happen, which is shame.

I think he's going to want $3M+ at least, and someone, somewhere will pay him that. If the team still has no intention of letting him play in the top six, I don't think he's worth that with the cap going down.

Only way I see him staying is if Bolland or another expensive piece is moved.
- FredoXV

Oh totally agree. Stalberg has elite speed, good size, decent skills AND stays healthy. He will ask for 3.5-4 million a year @ 3-4 years. There are teams out there looking for speed and they will pay to get Stalberg. If Bolland, Oduya, Frolik, or even Sharp are moved then Stalberg stays. Other than that, goodbye friend.

I see question marks next year:

Saad- Toews- Hossa
Sharp* - HUGE NEED - Kane
Bickell - Kruger - (Morin/Shaw/Stalberg*)
Frolik- Hazdus(resign him for a year) - Bollig

I think Bolland, Stalberg, and Shaw are the most likely to leave(in order).
Oduya, Sharp, and Bickell would be next.

We'll see.

Even though Ladd is by far a better player.
- FredoXV

Of course...Ladd is one of my favs. Stalberg has a long way to go but he is a big part of why the 3rd line is so productive (like Ladd was).

Tracey Myers ‏@TramyersCSN 2m
#Blackhawks NOT skating today: Toews, Kane, Hossa, Emery, Leddy, Keith, Seabrook, Bickell, Bolland, Kruger, Oduya, Hjalmarsson, Rozsival.

Oh totally agree. Stalberg has elite speed, good size, decent skills AND stays healthy. He will ask for 3.5-4 million a year @ 3-4 years. There are teams out there looking for speed and they will pay to get Stalberg. If Bolland, Oduya, Frolik, or even Sharp are moved then Stalberg stays. Other than that, goodbye friend.

I see question marks next year:

Saad- Toews- Hossa
Sharp* - HUGE NEED - Kane
Bickell - Kruger - (Morin/Shaw/Stalberg*)
Frolik- Hazdus(resign him for a year) - Bollig

I think Bolland, Stalberg, and Shaw are the most likely to leave(in order).
Oduya, Sharp, and Bickell would be next.

We'll see.
- Bjm84

Why in the world would Shaw be going anywhere? He's contract is great and he brings a lot of grit and secondary scoring.

Of course...Ladd is one of my favs. Stalberg has a long way to go but he is a big part of why the 3rd line is so productive (like Ladd was).
- Kentxo

Ladd was the biggest loss from the purge. I remember thinking that when it happened. Stalberg is no Ladd but he brings something different and valuable. The only way the Hawks keep him is by dumping Bolland and some combination of Oduya, Carcillo, Frolik etc

Why in the world would Shaw be going anywhere? He's contract is great and he brings a lot of grit and secondary scoring.
- DarthKane

He's not going anywhere but he's not untouchable either. If someone wanted to ship a second line center package like deal to the Hawks then Shaw is someone the Hawks would include in a return package. I agree with you but hes not untouchable like Saad or even Kruger(they're high on him).

Tracey Myers ‏@TramyersCSN 2m
#Blackhawks NOT skating today: Toews, Kane, Hossa, Emery, Leddy, Keith, Seabrook, Bickell, Bolland, Kruger, Oduya, Hjalmarsson, Rozsival.
- philco28

Good, let the boys rest.

Frolik is skating today...I see he's working hard as usual.

Ladd was the biggest loss from the purge. I remember thinking that when it happened. Stalberg is no Ladd but he brings something different and valuable. The only way the Hawks keep him is by dumping Bolland and some combination of Oduya, Carcillo, Frolik etc
- Bjm84

I agree on Ladd's INTANGIBLES...but the guy i miss most is BUFF. His versatility to play both forward and d was phenomenal. He gave us a psychological edge i believe and can you imagine him as the point man on our pp ?

Good, let the boys rest.

Frolik is skating today...I see he's working hard as usual.
- DarthKane

Krugs TOO

He's not going anywhere but he's not untouchable either. If someone wanted to ship a second line center package like deal to the Hawks then Shaw is someone the Hawks would include in a return package. I agree with you but hes not untouchable like Saad or even Kruger(they're high on him).
- Bjm84

I know Shaw's not untouchable, but I wouldn't put him on the radar as possible players to leave at this point, his contract is too valuable. If a team is looking for send us a 2C they'll likely want TT, McNeill or Danault as the primary piece.

I know Shaw's not untouchable, but I wouldn't put him on the radar as possible players to leave at this point, his contract is too valuable. If a team is looking for send us a 2C they'll likely want TT, McNeill or Danault as the primary piece.
- DarthKane

True but I think the Hawk front office has showen it's not willing to part with those players very easily. Something would have to give though.

Krugs TOO

- philco28

Kruger was on the list as not skating. But he does work hard too.