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.
- eburgio

The way they are going the Wings will have to change their jersey from red to yellow and rename the team Tre Kroner.

The way they are going the Wings will have to change their jersey from red to yellow and rename the team Tre Kroner.
- paulr

Djurgardens West

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.
- ikeane

Sometimes a team has to sacrifice some youth in order to get a piece to help put the team over the top for the playoff run. Fortunately, it only cost Bowman a 4th round pick to get Handzus, and that was enough to get the Hawks through. Next time around, it might cost something more than that.

Saw the Rags are looking at Dominic Moore. Great faceoff guy, wonder if the Hawks could get him.

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.
- ikeane

It is nice to have the option to move prospects for veteran help at the deadline if what you get back in trade gets your team a better shot at winning the Cup. If Bowman's draft picks pan out he will be in a good position to move a prospect or two without compromising the quality of the farm system.

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.
- ikeane

Sooner or later, the hawks will need to move a couple of their prospects....there is no room at the inn for all of them. Which ones, no clue

Sometimes a team has to sacrifice some youth in order to get a piece to help put the team over the top for the playoff run. Fortunately, it only cost Bowman a 4th round pick to get Handzus, and that was enough to get the Hawks through. Next time around, it might cost something more than that.
- EKolb13

Agreed, I just know at times I have seen proposals for every good prospect for a 36-28 year old player who will not sign after that year. With The Hawks core tied up and coming due for raises, these kids may be the best roster filler the Hawks have. I am fine with prospects for talent, just not raping the prospect system to do so

Saw the Rags are looking at Dominic Moore. Great faceoff guy, wonder if the Hawks could get him.
- ikeane

Is being good at faceoffs something that can be taught or is it a skill that either you have or you don't? If it can be taught maybe they should hire a coach to teach the players they have.

Sometimes a team has to sacrifice some youth in order to get a piece to help put the team over the top for the playoff run. Fortunately, it only cost Bowman a 4th round pick to get Handzus, and that was enough to get the Hawks through. Next time around, it might cost something more than that.
- EKolb13

Hope everyone remember this next year also...at the trade deadline, the hawks picked up a big, slow man who likely won't play with the hawks next season AND he was a key piece to the hawks winning the cup

Is being good at faceoffs something that can be taught or is it a skill that either you have or you don't? If it can be taught maybe they should hire a coach to teach the players they have.
- jhawk159

they just hired a player development guy specifically for face-offs.

they just hired a player development guy specifically for face-offs.
- eburgio

Good that's money well spent

they just hired a player development guy specifically for face-offs.
- eburgio

Next up, a PP coach?

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?
- paulr

Me too, when he gets a chance to play consistently in one place for longer than 3 shifts, probably will excel. Since he outscored nathan Horton during the regular season with less time. But hey, 40 point seasons without PP time is really common in this league. Must be all luck or some kind of clerical error.

How did he even see the ice this year. Look how many games he cost the Hawks this season. I hope Detroit and all other buyers really consider that.

Can't be they are more informed than fans on a board?

Next up, a PP coach?
- ikeane

Let's not get greedy, now

Next up, a PP coach?
- ikeane

baby steps

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?
- paulr

Listened to the Coach of the Year MacClean the other day

He says every team plays essentially the same system and in the end the conditioning,skill and heart separate the good teams from the so so teams. Not systems

I really think both would prosper in Detroit but it looks like they are adding Alphie so all three unlikely

I am presently watching the World Junior Championship game between Sweden and the USA at Christmas. I wanted to see get a Hartman fix (since I erased the Prospects game when he threw 6 big time hits prompting
Team Orrs Rychel to go after him...didn't he know it was "showcase all-star game?)

Things that have struck me so far.

Found it cool that Leaf's pick Tyler Biggs wore Big M's 27

and Hartman wore Mikita's 21.


Less than one minute in, Seth Jones got handcuffed by Swdish forecheckers and cough it...they aren't NHL caliber forecheckers...and that is why he dropped too.

I didn'thave to look for Hartman long....when USA goaler John Gibson made a save and play halted he seemed to come out of nowhere to let the the Swedish forward in front he should back off.

and he is plays so close to whomever is carrying, he closes on the backcheck really well applies pressure pressure pressure.

Wm Karlssom level Hartman with middle zone hit - and I )of course ) was expecting some retaliltory stuff from him, but it didn't come...control. Nice.

Me too, when he gets a chance to play consistently in one place for longer than 3 shifts, probably will excel. Since he outscored nathan Horton during the regular season with less time. But hey, 40 point seasons without PP time is really common in this league. Must be all luck or some kind of clerical error.

How did he even see the ice this year. Look how many games he cost the Hawks this season. I hope Detroit and all other buyers really consider that.

Can't be they are more informed than fans on a board?
- TrueGrit

Right on

I hope Stalberg has a big payday and a big year
He was a bargain for the Hawks at sub $600,000

Next up, a PP coach?
- ikeane

That could be Bowman's biggest acquisition of the off season.

Based on the players JJ mentionned, I am wondering if the Hawks FO feels Smith can play center for them, or the #2 center spot is Pirri's to lose. I think Larose is the perfect multipurpose player.

Gut feeling says that Bouchard gets passed over and Hawks look at him in a few days to audition for #2 center role. Who knows, may spark the PP.

Really hope Hawks get some faceoff help. Kruger and Shaw are not strong performers at the dot. Really leaning more towards Boyd Gordon who could bounce from #4 to #3 center as needed and is a strong faceoff guy
- ikeane

Last time I looked the had centres that won them a Cup minus Bolland.

Free agent frenzy huh. Well we need a PP coach and a goalie coach

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

If Hedberg and Theodore could return to 2012 form that would be great but given their age not sure what is left in the tank.

I wonder how Peter Mueller would do with the Hawks. He is big and only 25 and had a respectable 8 goals and 7 assists this past year and can play center or wing which is something that Q always likes.

Right on

I hope Stalberg has a big payday and a big year
He was a bargain for the Hawks at sub $600,000
- PEIHawkFan

I think you're confusing Bickell (541k) with Stalberg (850k). Either way, it's not that much difference. And Stalberg will likely be looking for the same pay day at Bicks (4M).

I think you're confusing Bickell (541k) with Stalberg (850k). Either way, it's not that much difference. And Stalberg will likely be looking for the same pay day at Bicks (4M).
- eburgio

Best of luck to him on finding a team that stupid