On a defending Stanley Cup Champion? Wow.

I know LeBlanc has all those sexy "youtubes" and "mad skills" McDonough and MacIsaac like to watch while sharing pizza, but man, I think the Hawks are going to have to come up with something better.
- John Jaeckel

Im not saying I like it....but look at their history...who has been their 2nd line center the past 4-5 years? They just won a cup with a guy who could barely move...in Handzus. They tried Bolland...failed. They love Kruger in the shutdown role....Can Shaw do it consistently? Possibly.

At some point 1 of those guys has to get a shot...and yes....I'd rather have Bickell and young kid playing in between Sharp and Hossa.....then the alternative of seeing Jimmy Hayes forced down my throat.

Dale Tallon has this issue:

He has been in FL for 3-4 years, no playoff appearances. ANYONE he drafts this year is probably 2 years minimum away from the NHL and another year or two from being a legitimate difference maker. If he could obtain a (healthy) Dave Bolland, Nick Leddy and a prospect for that pick, and he feels those guys can plus his present roster—there is both a hockey and political/career argument for it.
- John Jaeckel

They actually made playoffs last year winning South east division. But yes, rather than betting on the come...it is time to takes steps now. This played well, is a wise nuance to the Salary cap era. Being able to pluck winning talent from winning teams to augment your high picks.

They were horrible last year.

Agreed.

I've seen enough of Pirri to tell me he isn't a fit here. What I little saw of LeBlanc in Chicago tells me he needs to start in Rockford next season, and probably spend the majority of the season there.
- EKolb13

If TT isn't traded will hebe in Rockford next year ?

At this point, Stanton isn't any better than a 6-7 defenseman. Probably the same for Olsen. I still think Clendening is a year away, if the idea is not to rush him. As for Johns, I don't know. I think it's safe to say Fournier is a topic of discussion for two to three seasons from now.

Another kid down in Rockford I like is Dahlbeck. That kid loves to block shots, and seems to be pretty steady in his own end, and can bring some physical play to the table. I don't think he'll do anything offensively, but he could be someone that could be in the mix on the blueline corps in the near future.
- EKolb13

Gotta be real here. Q went basically with 5 d-men in the Finals and Nick Leddy had 2 years' NHL experience. I think it is borderline silly to think Johns or Clendening can come in and nail down a job meaningfully next year.

Agreed on Stanton or Olsen. But one thing Stanton has going for him is he is very smart—low risk— with the puck. That could get him a third pairing job next year.

Watch the Hawks and FL.

Might not involve Hawks obtaining their pick, but lots of conversation going on, two very well-suited trading partners.

FL interested in Bolland, Leddy, Frolik, Teravainen.

Hawks in love with Jones, Drouin and Darnell Nurse (you heard it hear first).

FL may have other assets that can help the Hawks.
- John Jaeckel

Sounds like a potential Seabrook clone in the scouting reports I read. Nasty, can skate, good shot

They actually made playoffs last year winning South east division. But yes, rather than betting on the come...it is time to takes steps now. This played well, is a wise nuance to the Salary cap era. Being able to pluck winning talent from winning teams to augment your high picks.

They were horrible last year.
- TrueGrit

Right, forgot. But, yeah, they are what they are. A bubble team. How does Jones or Drouin change that in the next 2-3 years?

Sounds like a potential Seabrook clone in the scouting reports I read. Nasty, can skate, good shot
- ikeane

Donovan McNabb's nephew to boot

Watch the Hawks and FL.

Might not involve Hawks obtaining their pick, but lots of conversation going on, two very well-suited trading partners.

FL interested in Bolland, Leddy, Frolik, Teravainen.

Hawks in love with Jones, Drouin and Darnell Nurse (you heard it hear first).

FL may have other assets that can help the Hawks.
- John Jaeckel

If tallon already turned down the three calagry picks and vanek for the pick I am sure the Hawk package is more enticing????

The top four teams are not trading out....if you want to start at a Carolina rumor START there...they have no use for a centre like the two that may be there or the defenders so it they are not completely in love with importing Valery Nichushkin, then they may be moving out.

On a defending Stanley Cup Champion? Wow.

I know LeBlanc has all those sexy "youtubes" and "mad skills" McDonough and MacIsaac like to watch while sharing pizza, but man, I think the Hawks are going to have to come up with something better.
- John Jaeckel

No need for another Leddy '11/'12 all over again (i.e., in over his head).

Sounds like a potential Seabrook clone in the scouting reports I read. Nasty, can skate, good shot
- ikeane

He is a lot anstier and a fist fighter.

Here is my evaluation:

http://www.draftsite.com/...ayer/darnell-nurse/17564/

Right, forgot. But, yeah, they are what they are. A bubble team. How does Jones or Drouin change that in the next 2-3 years?
- John Jaeckel

I am thinking selling tickets comes into play here as well. Jones and especially Drouin are going to put butts in the seats there. They need that as much or more than anything.

If this is the case, which I would be shocked considering neither has any substantial NHL time nor seems to be in good favor with Q, then consider each a band-aid until guys like DeNault or McNeil are ready.

Bickell-Toews-Kane
Sharp- Pirri/Leblanc-Hossa
Saad-Shaw- Smith
Bollig-Kruger-Frolik
- Bjm84

No.

If it's going to come down to the band-aid idea, Bowman should be signing someone who could possibly fill this role. Probably some veteran on the cheap that just got bought out, and is looking for a legit shot at a cup.

Gotta be real here. Q went basically with 5 d-men in the Finals and Nick Leddy had 2 years' NHL experience. I think it is borderline silly to think Johns or Clendening can come in and nail down a job meaningfully next year.

Agreed on Stanton or Olsen. But one thing Stanton has going for him is he is very smart—low risk— with the puck. That could get him a third pairing job next year.
- John Jaeckel

I like Stanton...the consummate underdog and as you said smart...he would also help with the physical element of the game so many of us lament about.

Gotta be real here. Q went basically with 5 d-men in the Finals and Nick Leddy had 2 years' NHL experience. I think it is borderline silly to think Johns or Clendening can come in and nail down a job meaningfully next year.

Agreed on Stanton or Olsen. But one thing Stanton has going for him is he is very smart—low risk— with the puck. That could get him a third pairing job next year.
- John Jaeckel

I could see Stanton as the Hawks 7th d-man to start next season.

On a defending Stanley Cup Champion? Wow.

I know LeBlanc has all those sexy "youtubes" and "mad skills" McDonough and MacIsaac like to watch while sharing pizza, but man, I think the Hawks are going to have to come up with something better.
- John Jaeckel

At this point, Stanton isn't any better than a 6-7 defenseman. Probably the same for Olsen. I still think Clendening is a year away, if the idea is not to rush him. As for Johns, I don't know. I think it's safe to say Fournier is a topic of discussion for two to three seasons from now.

Another kid down in Rockford I like is Dahlbeck. That kid loves to block shots, and seems to be pretty steady in his own end, and can bring some physical play to the table. I don't think he'll do anything offensively, but he could be someone that could be in the mix on the blueline corps in the near future.
- EKolb13

All of the Rockford boys are a stretch i realize....good to hear that you think Dalhbeck has some Hammer in him


Any reason why we can't keep our big 5 d and let Leddy walk (if that's how it shakes down) ?

Any idea what the return from either a Bolland or Leddy trade will be? Love the stockpiling young talent for future trades of stud players.
- vabeachbear

Not as much as EVERYBODY here thinks....

they might help fill those missing picks.

I don't think you find a team that takes Bolland for a pick switch.

Leddy I still believe, IS NOT on the market, until tehre are POSITIVE Sheehy is completely ridiculous.
Bickell goes before Leddy and if Leddy signs , Bickell may stay.

I could see Stanton as the Hawks 7th d-man to start next season.
- EKolb13

EK...what is your assessment of Stanton's skating ability? Would he get walked wide at the NHL level or can he hang? I've only seen him a few times, didn't get the feel he wasn't capable, but he's certainly no Paul Coffey either.

TT
- mrpaulish

I agree here.


We've all been critical of the front office for holding prospects for too long, until they lose the max value in trade negotiations.

Teuvo is right at the prime to be moved. He's still a bit of an enigma, but the shared sentiment inside and outside the organization is that he' going to be a special player. We're still dealing with probabilities here.

If the front office thinks that they have the opportunity to get an even better player (again probability only), and can deal a relative unknown, the risk of the loss is pretty low.

Again, hindsight is always 20-20, as who knows, Teuvo could end being a 500 goal scorer and HOF'er, and Drouin/McKinnon/Jones could all fizzle out and be worthless. But all anyone can operate on is instinct and probability with this stuff.

Didn't Florida go to a game 7 in round 1 last year?
- Ogilthorpe2

They did and were decimated by injuries this year....They are losing Weiss so who knows....Tallon may have be under the gun to WIN now...so moving that pick could be an option IF he doesn't love somebody there.....However, he very well could keep it and hope he hits a homerun like he did here in Chicago.

I am thinking selling tickets comes into play here as well. Jones and especially Drouin are going to put butts in the seats there. They need that as much or more than anything.
- ilinkhawk

You are missing the point. WHEN?!

I wonder who Patrick Kane is going to punch this time?
- manvanfan

Girlie-nuckloser
I hope it is you or any other loser who spends time frequenting boards with no opinions or hockey smarts...

I'm really gonna miss Bolly...he's a special player when healthy and in the right frame of mind. I hope Hawks find a way to keep him...but i can see the lipstick on the mirror
- philco28

Yeah, i wondered if the tears and quaver in bollie's voice was about hism understanding the math and handwriting on the GM's wall...

Not as much as EVERYBODY here thinks....

they might help fill those missing picks.

I don't think you find a team that takes Bolland for a pick switch.

Leddy I still believe, IS NOT on the market, until tehre are POSITIVE Sheehy is completely ridiculous.
Bickell goes before Leddy and if Leddy signs , Bickell may stay.
- wiz1901

They don't really have time to wait, though. If Leddy isn't signed by the afternoon of the draft, they have to trade him. Hawks already don't trust Sheehy, so they need Leddy signed, sealed and delivered. Otherwise, they have to trade him.

He is a lot anstier and a fist fighter.

Here is my evaluation:

http://www.draftsite.com/...ayer/darnell-nurse/17564/
- wiz1901

Nurse is a left hand shot which distinguishes him from Seabs.

I went to high school a couple years behind his dad Richard who was a hockey prodigy but later took his talents to the grid iron and developed into a wide receiver in the CFL.

Nurse is feisty and won't back down, but is far more valuable to his team on the ice.