It always amazes me when people start arguing over lineups written on paper. It doesn't matter where the names are, it's the 23 man roster, Q will juggle it constantly so what we think or who we favor means nothing.

Hell, write Mikita's name in there as the 2nd C and people will complain, "he's too old", "where's the helmet?"
- Hemingways

Not arguing, just really saying that key to Hawks success has been ability to roll 4 lines and 3 D pairings.
Don't think that 4th line would be able to "roll". That's all

I wouldn't have signed Zus.

I would have signed one of the other available bottom 6 centers.


Other than that I'm cool going into 2013-2014 ........
- mrpaulish

Disagree... We know what we're getting with Zeus.. Last thing we need is another Jamal Mayers.

Don't like that 4th line at all. Gotta do something a little more. Maybe sub in Morin for Bollig.
- vabeachbear

Post-Pirri Experiment failure...

29/19/88
10/26/81
20/65/Smith
52/16/Morin or Hayes

Not as good as last season, but we might have a shot.. D is the same.

Just curious, but how did you come to this conclusion, or opinion?
- EKolb13

Not strong on the puck, good shot, not good at faceoffs, goes to correct area..... Sounds like a winger to me

Post-Pirri Experiment failure...

29/19/88
10/26/81
20/65/Smith
52/16/Morin or Hayes

Not as good as last season, but we might have a shot.. D is the same.
- CBHawks88

Plus chi feel like Crawford will be a true #1. I think winning 16 playoff games makes a goalies confidence sky high

I wouldn't have signed Zus.

I would have signed one of the other available bottom 6 centers.


Other than that I'm cool going into 2013-2014 ........
- mrpaulish

I'm with you...

...my only disappointment today was Zus returning. Would have preferred someone younger with more speed.

So be it...it's only 1 yr. and 1M.

Hawks don't have highly regarded goalie prospects, but they did have quite a few in the system last season, so spots were hard to come by. Remaining in Portland allowed Carruth to see alot of rubber.

Hawks also have...

Brandon Whitney (19) who plays in Victoriaville QMJHL.
Matt Tompkins (19) who will play at OSU this fall.
Kent Simpson (21) will likely be in Rockford this fall.
Antti Raanta (24) new guy from Finland.
Alec Richards (26) still floating around. Likely in Toledo this fall.

I keep saying this, but if they don't have one the Hawks need one...

...a full time scout for Finland and Scandinavia, with an emphasis on finding goaltenders.

Finland seems to develop the best. Rotate them in until they're up for a huge payday and let someone else overpay for the long term.

I like the idea of a goaltending duo using at most 4-5M AAV.
- ArlingtonRob

Richards UFA and most likely gone.

Disagree... We know what we're getting with Zeus.. Last thing we need is another Jamal Mayers.
- CBHawks88

cant really argue at $1 million either

very low risk move for a guy who just helped you win a cup

I wouldn't have signed Zus.

I would have signed one of the other available bottom 6 centers.


Other than that I'm cool going into 2013-2014 ........
- mrpaulish

Ill take old age and guile at the 4C over youthful exuberance almost any day of the week. I think it's a low risk signing with potential for a huge upside. Played with a broken wrist during the finals. Though on the other hand, he may only play forty games. That will give some of the farm hands a bit of experience and ease their way into the nhl.

Ill take old age and guile at the 4C over youthful exuberance almost any day of the week. I think it's a low risk signing with potential for a huge upside. Played with a broken wrist during the finals. Though on the other hand, he may only play forty games. That will give some of the farm hands a bit of experience and ease their way into the nhl.
- sgt1480

As long as that's the plan (or something similar) fine. If Stan envisions him in the top nine regularly...good luck.

Richards UFA and most likely gone.
- BearsnHawks

Thanks for the update...was scrounging for data. He won't be missed...his window is slamming shut.

Probably selling insurance in a year or 2.

Plus chi feel like Crawford will be a true #1. I think winning 16 playoff games makes a goalies confidence sky high
- mrpaulish

He has one more year, then the Hawks can move on to someone cheaper.

As long as that's the plan (or something similar) fine. If Stan envisions him in the top nine regularly...good luck.
- Ogilthorpe2

I think his health will dictate this course. Will he see time in the top nine, as long as Q is steering the ship, of course. Injuries and such will necessitate that. I agree with you that if Zus see's a lot of time with the top nine, it's because Mr. Murphy has reared his ugly head early and often.

cant really argue at $1 million either

very low risk move for a guy who just helped you win a cup
- FourFeathers773

Zus on the fourth is a no brainer.

Counting on Pirri to be your second line center or third line guy is wishful thinking.

We still have no true #2 centre, no true back up goalie.

....putting the kids in those spots is an option, I just don't think it makes us any better.

Crow will NOT break the bank in Chicago. Anyone who isn't completely divorced from reality will know the Hawks will keep their goalies salary manageable and will identify a core of skaters to build around. We are following the Red Wings model (with much success) and that model does not include a 5 million dollar goalie.

Yea sure...lets resign Crawford and let Toews walk. ....that's what it literally may come down to.
- kwolf68

Jimmy Howard...six years $5.3....just sayin'.

Post-Pirri Experiment failure...

29/19/88
10/26/81
20/65/Smith
52/16/Morin or Hayes

Not as good as last season, but we might have a shot.. D is the same.
- CBHawks88

I also wonder how much Kane with play with Toews, and same for Bickell. Bickell probably matches up with Kane well because Kane is the best passer on the team and Bicks is very dependent on getting the puck in a good position/less able to make some moves to shake defenders compared to our other top 6 forwards.

Post-Pirri Experiment failure...

29/19/88
10/26/81
20/65/Smith
52/16/Morin or Hayes

Not as good as last season, but we might have a shot.. D is the same.
- CBHawks88

Swap Kruger and Hanzdus and I think you've got a winner. Hanzdus getting regular top 9 minutes = recipe for disaster.

Not sure he was the oldest, but he was in his last year of eligibility. Turned 21 late (March) so he could play as a 21 yo. since he started season as a 20 yo. Many guys go this route, or turn pro and slot into an ECHL, or AHL position.

He'll propably be at Toledo this year and we'll see how he does.
- ArlingtonRob

On who's dime? (yes, I went there!)

Jimmy Howard...six years $5.3....just sayin'.
- Ogilthorpe2

Crazy.


A Ton of crazy money out there.

I'm glad the Hawks are in a great financial position

I'm with you...

...my only disappointment today was Zus returning. Would have preferred someone younger with more speed.

So be it...it's only 1 yr. and 1M.
- ArlingtonRob

Just got home and looked up the day's transactions. I'm OK with Zeus. I'm ecstatic about Roszival!

Backup goalie and 2C seem to be the critical issues now... Bye Razor. Sorry to see him go too, but not surprised.

Jimmy Waite new Goalie Coach? What are the chances.....



Where's the red when you need it!

Just got home and looked up the day's transactions. I'm OK with Zeus. I'm ecstatic about Roszival!

Backup goalie and 2C seem to be the critical issues now... Bye Razor. Sorry to see him go too, but not surprised.
- Tugboat

I've gotten the distinct feeling over the past 4-5 years, that the Hawks Brass does not view the "second line center situation" as being all that critical. Really , why should this year be any different?

Jimmy Waite new Goalie Coach? What are the chances.....



Where's the red when you need it!
- powerenforcer

Found it! It's right here.

Not strong on the puck, good shot, not good at faceoffs, goes to correct area..... Sounds like a winger to me
- BearsnHawks

You missed what I was asking. How did you come to your conclusion - as in how you gathered your information?

Bickell had thumb surgery?