vet backup: Ellis/Mason

3rd pairing dman: Fistric/White

4th line center than can win faceoffs: Hendricks/Gordon

I would take one each from any of these pairings
- ikeane

Please god, no Chris mason. That guy is swiss cheese personified.

Eli - mentioned on the last thread that Theodore does have a connection with Q. If both had their ways, a deal could be figured out between both parties. Then again, maybe the Hawks are banking on Raanta as the backup last year and letting their young guys play in Rockford.

Thoughts on a Carruth/Simpson tandem next year?
- TyCamScore

If Raanta is going to be the back-up in Chicago, then I could see Hutton being brought back to split time in Rockford with one of Carruth or Simpson.

If the Hawks do bring in another vet to challenge Raanta for the back-up position, then it will be the loser of that challenge platooning with one of Carruth/Simpson in Rockford.

Early bet is that Simpson breaks camp with Rockford, and Carruth goes to Toledo.

I was thinking Theodore too...no clue what he has left.

If rosi doesn't come back, is Lydman an option?
- dpard

Thought the Hawks had an interest in him a couple of years ago. Lots of possible #6 dmen out there: Lydman, Fistric, Gilbert, Hainsey, White

If Stan can swing a Rozyesque signing (former top 4 dman playing the #6 role for low coin), some of these are intruiging options (Lydman, Gilbert, White interest me in a #6 role).

If the Hawks could dump Brookbank, I would not mind Stanton as #7

Please god, no Chris mason. That guy is swiss cheese personified.
- eburgio

Agreed. I could also do without Dan Ellis. I'd prefer to see Hedberg brought in, and I wouldn't mind if Theodore was brought in. One of Hedberg or Theodore backing up Crawford would be alright with me.

Agreed. I could also do without Dan Ellis. I'd prefer to see Hedberg brought in, and I wouldn't mind if Theodore was brought in. One of Hedberg or Theodore backing up Crawford would be alright with me.
- EKolb13

Honestly Mason seemed to disappear after nashville, have not heard much on him. Ellis seemed serviceable the couple times I saw him play in Carolina. Theodore was awesome a few years ago, would not mind him if he has anything left in the tank, and Hedberg is 40, so not sure what he has left.

I retract the Mason inclusion

Agreed. I could also do without Dan Ellis. I'd prefer to see Hedberg brought in, and I wouldn't mind if Theodore was brought in. One of Hedberg or Theodore backing up Crawford would be alright with me.
- EKolb13

The Dan Ellis conundrum is odd. I mean, the guy isn't horrible. I think he played with the Ducks a few years back and played pretty well. But he's like eating a vegetarian meal...I'm left wanting more.

There's probably a reason he's never really been a #1 Goalie.

The Dan Ellis conundrum is odd. I mean, the guy isn't horrible. I think he played with the Ducks a few years back and played pretty well. But he's like eating a vegetarian meal...I'm left wanting more.

There's probably a reason he's never really been a #1 Goalie.
- eburgio

This is why I am seeing him as a potential fit in Chicago, he does not need to be a #1, just a backup, especially if Stan can build a solid 3rd defensive pairing and any new players buy into team defense

High motor, plays BIG
- John Jaeckel

I'll take plays Big, over is Big....and doesn't *cough Stalberg*

This is why I am seeing him as a potential fit in Chicago, he does not need to be a #1, just a backup, especially if Stan can build a solid 3rd defensive pairing and any new players buy into team defense
- ikeane

I hear ya. I don't think anyone expects whoever they bring in to challenge for the #1, but I LOVED the discussion of Emery or Crawford going into the playoffs, because you knew both were capable. That's all I meant

JJ- are the Hawks still looking to dump Brookbank. Do you see a future for Carcillo, or will he stay behind the glass that reads "Do not break unless you want an outbreak of mayhem and added PK practice"?

I hear ya. I don't think anyone expects whoever they bring in to challenge for the #1, but I LOVED the discussion of Emery or Crawford going into the playoffs, because you knew both were capable. That's all I meant
- eburgio

Competely agree

Does anyone know how the playoff seedings will work next year? Do teams play the early rounds within the new divisions, or are the Western Conference teams seeded as a group like in years past?

Does anyone know how the playoff seedings will work next year? Do teams play the early rounds within the new divisions, or are the Western Conference teams seeded as a group like in years past?
- mohel

I think its like how it used to be. Have to win your division first. First twi playoff opponent s will be from within your division.

Division winners play in final 4

Larose is another small guy.....why?
- dpard

I think there is some recent evidence that teams with less size can win The Chalice, as long as they have tough small guys who can play the game (i.e., Shaw). Finally, size ain't everything!!

I think its like how it used to be. Have to win your division first. First twi playoff opponent s will be from within your division.

Division winners play in final 4
- mrpaulish

Thanks for the info. I thought that too, but I recall reading that there are wild cards because of the number of teams in the divisions; which would probably mean that it is intra-conference. Not sure, though.

Grabo is a great pick up for Detroit
Think they might also go for Stalberg to add speed
Could be an interesting afternoon and the Detroit -Toronto games next year may have an extra edge with Grabo in Motown

really starting to want Boyd Gordon over Hendrcks. Can play all 3 positions, was huge against the Hawks 2 years ago in the playoffs. Great FO %, better offensive numbers....guessing it is a pipe dream though. Seems like a perfect fit. I would be happy as a clam with Gordon and Larose next year with Ben Smith up too

really starting to want Boyd Gordon over Hendrcks. Can play all 3 positions, was huge against the Hawks 2 years ago in the playoffs. Great FO %, better offensive numbers....guessing it is a pipe dream though. Seems like a perfect fit. I would be happy as a clam with Gordon and Larose next year with Ben Smith up too
- ikeane

Either or for me

Thanks for the info. I thought that too, but I recall reading that there are wild cards because of the number of teams in the divisions; which would probably mean that it is intra-conference. Not sure, though.
- mohel

From Bleacher Report:


The top three teams in each division will make up the first 12 teams in the playoffs. The remaining four spots will be filled by the next two highest-placed finishers in each conference, based on regular-season points and regardless of division. It will be possible, then, for one division to send five teams to the postseason while the other sends three.

The seeding of the wild-card teams within each divisional playoff will be determined on the basis of regular-season points. The division winner with the most points in the conference will be matched against the wild-card team with the lowest number of points; the division winner with the second-most points in the conference will play the wild-card team with the second fewest points.

The teams finishing second and third in each division will play in the first round of the playoffs. The winners of each series will play for berths in the Conference Championship series.

The two divisional champions in each conference will then play in the conference finals to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Think the Stars will ne a force next year ?

Or think that trading your team into talent doesn't usually work ??? A la Pitttsburgh...

From Bleacher Report:


The top three teams in each division will make up the first 12 teams in the playoffs. The remaining four spots will be filled by the next two highest-placed finishers in each conference, based on regular-season points and regardless of division. It will be possible, then, for one division to send five teams to the postseason while the other sends three.

The seeding of the wild-card teams within each divisional playoff will be determined on the basis of regular-season points. The division winner with the most points in the conference will be matched against the wild-card team with the lowest number of points; the division winner with the second-most points in the conference will play the wild-card team with the second fewest points.

The teams finishing second and third in each division will play in the first round of the playoffs. The winners of each series will play for berths in the Conference Championship series.

The two divisional champions in each conference will then play in the conference finals to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
- StLBravesFan

Cool. So there are wikd cards persay

Grabo is a great pick up for Detroit
Think they might also go for Stalberg to add speed
Could be an interesting afternoon and the Detroit -Toronto games next year may have an extra edge with Grabo in Motown
- PEIHawkFan

LOL If Grabovski had problems with Carlyle's system I can't wait for him to see Babcocks's system. Also gotta wonder what Babcock will think of Stalberg's flybys and his insistance on trying to force a play instead of just getting the puck deep?

Before entering here, I figured I would finally look at the sparse UFA market to see if I missed anyone. Read the "top UFAs available list at three sites, nhl, tsn, thn, and what I wondered was...

If Viktor Stalberg had this morning done the same, would he have been surpeised there was NO mention of him the top 26 names?


Onto Dallas Stars...
Shane Horcroff
I an getting the impression they are getting a little "New York Ranger in them in some ways the Rangers were year after year pushing buttoms to reset.

If you look what they satrted three years ago, they seem to be totally happy with acquiring players, no matter what the cost, and revolving door with Roy, Jagr now Horcoff...


You have to wonder if what is what when you trade a 21 yr. RH dee-man in this latest patch.

Are they just sure Philip Larsson is not an naswer on the abckline, or they HAVE THAT much DEPTH in the farm to be able to deal him?

I am not demeaning Horcroff. but after awhile dealing kids for
"stars" has got to hurt you getting better long term...

Before entering here, I figured I would finally look at the sparse UFA market to see if I missed anyone. Read the "top UFAs available list at three sites, nhl, tsn, thn, and what I wondered was...

If Viktor Stalberg had this morning done the same, would he have been surpeised there was NO mention of him the top 26 names?


Onto Dallas Stars...
Shane Horcroff
I an getting the impression they are getting a little "New York Ranger in them in some ways the Rangers were year after year pushing buttoms to reset.

If you look what they satrted three years ago, they seem to be totally happy with acquiring players, no matter what the cost, and revolving door with Roy, Jagr now Horcoff...


You have to wonder if what is what when you trade a 21 yr. RH dee-man in this latest patch.

Are they just sure Philip Larsson is not an naswer on the abckline, or they HAVE THAT much DEPTH in the farm to be able to deal him?

I am not demeaning Horcroff. but after awhile dealing kids for
"stars" has got to hurt you getting better long term...
- wiz1901

Something for all of us to remember the next trade deadline when we clamour for Stan to trade McNeill, Danualt, Morin, etc for a UFA veteran on his last legs, ala Jagr/Iginla, etc.

Grabo is a great pick up for Detroit
Think they might also go for Stalberg to add speed
Could be an interesting afternoon and the Detroit -Toronto games next year may have an extra edge with Grabo in Motown
- PEIHawkFan

Sounds like Daniel Alfredson is going to Detroit. Maybe Stalberg heads there, but I doubt Grabovski heads there.

I have no idea why Alfie would come back for one more season and leave Ottawa. And go to Detroit of all places. I don't see them as being Cup contenders in the newly formed Eastern Conference.