bickel was huge, and also didnt realize how many hanz put in, good value for him.

kane was hot in the finals, if bickel scored a few more in the finals i bet he may have got it.

Dis-a-gree.

The puck barely hits his blade before it is going elsewhere typically on the tape—or where the not-always-aware junior player should be, with pace. Not sure what the pre-trade numbers were for him and Jaskin respectively, but based on what I know of both, in terms of an overall impression, he really lit it up as a set-up guy whenhe got with a premier sniper.

I mean, it's even debatable whether Kane is better on the wing or at C, and Danault has much more pure centreman instincts. Could Danault end up playing some W in the pros or even full-time there? Sure, because as both know, flopping from C to W is easy as opposed to vice versa, but . . .

He's really not a scorer, Bill. And he's not big (although uber competitive). So what makes him special as a winger? Defense? So he's a defensive winger with plus speed and set-up skill playing with third and fourth liners?

He has a much better chance to be a special player as a center, as opposed to wing, playing D over 200 feet of ice, distributing the puck, drawing opponents to him on the rush, winning faceoffs.
- John Jaeckel

Ahhh...the beauty of this debate is we get a definitive answer very soon.
BTW, no matter what NHL.com, Jaskin everytime I saw him was a slug, no quickness.

But back to Danault...IF he was is really a centre, then why have he never ended up with a chance to play there in international play?

Yeah, Danault is not a scorer but a set up man and opportunistic scorer, not a big quick shot, just gets in position with the ablility to score.
That doesn't make him a centre.
When carrying the puck, he doesn't have Brandon Pirri quickness in my viewings and is not a mail carrier...he is a straight liners but, ABSOLUTELY, Danault is a give and go player and good at it.

You still have to make plays by being strong on the puck in the attack...and that is the BIGGEST REASON Coach Q put Saad name in the running for centre...they have to hold it, walk it, move it or pop through to bury it or free someone up...

I guess I understand that you are saying that since Danault is never gonna put up big numbers as a wing, so he isn't gonna be an effective one.
This league is still filled with wings that are smart and quick over all, but never achieve star status. Kane is more of an offensive generator (who obviously CAN score...so to think I am attempting any Danault link is fruitless!) and he plays wing, distrbutes it.
Danault is fearless, an over achiever, who is really exceptionally responsible but is never gonna stickhandle and weave like Kane or a classic centre.

I am gonna stop now, because we certainly get an answer in the next couple.

So what makes him special as a winger? Defense? So he's a defensive winger with plus speed and set-up skill playing with third and fourth liners?
- John Jaeckel

Yes, exactly...that's where I would put him...but also as a guy who slides up and contributes on the wings on any line, but a skilled bottom end guy.

He has a much better chance to be a special player as a center, as opposed to wing, playing D over 200 feet of ice, distributing the puck, drawing opponents to him on the rush, winning faceoffs.
- John Jaeckel

He has been good in the dot in the Q.
Solid all over, and anexcellent distributor of the puck.
For me to imagine him as a top six centre, he would have to stronger on his carries.
I feel he is as close to a can't miss contributor as they have, but not gonna stretch his advance billing into a second line centre...
I see him fitting with high end guys on wing a whole lot easier than anchoring two wings.


...and believe me, John, I will be happy to be incorrect.
That Danault is a top six anything, but right now, I think he would hurt them, if he is even the third line centre. You need your centre to penetrate with the puck and attack make time for numbers and hold the thing when needed.

I found the stat you were looking for - until Danault was traded to Moncton, Dmitri Jaskin had 18 goals and no centreman of note...Alex Saulnier.
...and in the 27 games Danault played there, Dmitri Jaskin scored 28 goals, and Danault had 32 assists...along with 9 goals.
...not sure just exactly how many of the Jaskin goals he actually assisted on.

So, no argument there that Danault feed the puck...but Jaskin also was Kopitar-like in his strong play with the puck, able to keep it away from the smaller Q players with success and scoring. (The slug does have great balance and plays strong on the puck, despite not the quickest guy out there)

I hope the offensive skills that the Quebec league allowed him to display translate to a high level attacker-generator in the pros.

But I do think we agree that if he can be a NHL player at any position and slotting we will be happy....

http://www.section303.com/preds-getting-creative-to-keep-the-red-out-sorry-chicago-fans-51051

Now that's funny
- yobwoc03

I plan a trip there every year in the spring with about 10 guys and this just pisses me off. Maybe try marketing your team better and put a better product out on the ice to get more fans to your arena. Plus all the Chicago fans are pumping a ton of money into your economy. Maybe they are pissed we drink all their beer?

http://chicago.sbnation.c...titans-fans-drink-alcohol

Poapst leaves Hogs to coach in the Wild system at the AHL level. http://www.oursportscentr...ices/releases/?id=4663931

Ahhh...the beauty of this debate is we get a definitive answer very soon.
BTW, no matter what NHL.com, Jaskin everytime I saw him was a slug, no quickness.

But back to Danault...IF he was is really a centre, then why have he never ended up with a chance to play there in international play?

Yeah, Danault is not a scorer but a set up man and opportunistic scorer, not a big quick shot, just gets in position with the ablility to score.
That doesn't make him a centre.
When carrying the puck, he doesn't have Brandon Pirri quickness in my viewings and is not a mail carrier...he is a straight liners but, ABSOLUTELY, Danault is a give and go player and good at it.

You still have to make plays by being strong on the puck in the attack...and that is the BIGGEST REASON Coach Q put Saad name in the running for centre...they have to hold it, walk it, move it or pop through to bury it or free someone up...

I guess I understand that you are saying that since Danault is never gonna put up big numbers as a wing, so he isn't gonna be an effective one.
This league is still filled with wings that are smart and quick over all, but never achieve star status. Kane is more of an offensive generator (who obviously CAN score...so to think I am attempting any Danault link is fruitless!) and he plays wing, distrbutes it.
Danault is fearless, an over achiever, who is really exceptionally responsible but is never gonna stickhandle and weave like Kane or a classic centre.

I am gonna stop now, because we certainly get an answer in the next couple.


Yes, exactly...that's where I would put him...but also as a guy who slides up and contributes on the wings on any line, but a skilled bottom end guy.


He has been good in the dot in the Q.
Solid all over, and anexcellent distributor of the puck.
For me to imagine him as a top six centre, he would have to stronger on his carries.
I feel he is as close to a can't miss contributor as they have, but not gonna stretch his advance billing into a second line centre...
I see him fitting with high end guys on wing a whole lot easier than anchoring two wings.


...and believe me, John, I will be happy to be incorrect.
That Danault is a top six anything, but right now, I think he would hurt them, if he is even the third line centre. You need your centre to penetrate with the puck and attack make time for numbers and hold the thing when needed.

I found the stat you were looking for - until Danault was traded to Moncton, Dmitri Jaskin had 18 goals and no centreman of note...Alex Saulnier.
...and in the 27 games Danault played there, Dmitri Jaskin scored 28 goals, and Danault had 32 assists...along with 9 goals.
...not sure just exactly how many of the Jaskin goals he actually assisted on.

So, no argument there that Danault feed the puck...but Jaskin also was Kopitar-like in his strong play with the puck, able to keep it away from the smaller Q players with success and scoring. (The slug does have great balance and plays strong on the puck, despite not the quickest guy out there)

I hope the offensive skills that the Quebec league allowed him to display translate to a high level attacker-generator in the pros.

But I do think we agree that if he can be a NHL player at any position and slotting we will be happy....
- wiz1901

Great discussion, I share your opinion on much of this. Very telling also that Moncton went out and dealt for Danault precisely for that reason.

Also, as far as carries, I dunno, I recall that Brandon Saad became the darling of the fanbase in the summer of 2011 after scoring some goals made possible by Philip Danault carrying the puck into the zone, attracting multiple defenders and putting the biscuit on net or on Saad's blade—making those goals essentially happen for Saad. While everyone was getting on the Saad train then, I became sold on Danault. And nothing I have seen since has changed that.

And I am not saying that Danault necessarily will be a 2C. I think that is his ceiling. But I do agree with you, he is a guy who they will be able to play at W (if they want to) or C on the 2nd-4th lines and in many situations. He might also end up being a guy in a couple of years who could injury sub for Toews for a few games, due to his speed and responsibility.

He is in that Kruger-Bolland mold but with a bit more speed and likely size/strength. Probably better in the dot, too. And I also agree he is the easiest Hawk prospect to project today by far as a likely "good" NHL player. How good and in what role ultimately remains the quesrtion.

Great discussion, I share your opinion on much of this. Very telling also that Moncton went out and dealt for Danault precisely for that reason.

Also, as far as carries, I dunno, I recall that Brandon Saad became the darling of the fanbase in the summer of 2011 after scoring some goals made possible by Philip Danault carrying the puck into the zone, attracting multiple defenders and putting the biscuit on net or on Saad's blade—making those goals essentially happen for Saad. While everyone was getting on the Saad train then, I became sold on Danault. And nothing I have seen since has changed that.

And I am not saying that Danault necessarily will be a 2C. I think that is his ceiling. But I do agree with you, he is a guy who they will be able to play at W (if they want to) or C on the 2nd-4th lines and in many situations. He might also end up being a guy in a couple of years who could injury sub for Toews for a few games, due to his speed and responsibility.

He is in that Kruger-Bolland mold but with a bit more speed and likely size/strength. Probably better in the dot, too. And I also agree he is the easiest Hawk prospect to project today by far as a likely "good" NHL player. How good and in what role ultimately remains the quesrtion.
- John Jaeckel

JJ,
you have to like the over all shape of the team for the season. looking forward to seeing mcneil & danault in camp. hopefully Q lets them play in ALL of the pre season games.
I like SB's free agent depth adds this summer. any one of those guys could step in and play to their strengths. like the grit he added in winchester & peckham. those guys will make some of the division games interesting, especially against the Blues.
hopefully Kyle Beach also see's that he's at the plate with 2 outs & a 3&2 count in the bottom of the 9th & makes good on what could be his last at bat in a hawk uni!
listening to the buzz about the 2 kids from Orland this summer? I saw those 2 kids, they are about the size of high school freshman, good luck to them but me thinks both of them will be playing in the sunday morning elite league at J I H with in 3 seasons, especially with all the plums SB got in the draft the last 2 seasons.
EK's column on expansion; well all I can say right now is look at all the ggreat games against most of those eastern teams the wings & jackets are gonna get to play with little travel this year compared to all the dog teams and lots of air miles we will be putting on, especially if seattle &? come into the conference.
I wish some how Bettman would have tried to make an original 6 division in his re alignment plan for going the logistical part of the game , bringing back some tradition. But the younger fan base today probably which probably makes up a good percentage of the fan base probably weren't even around for the original 6 or even the original 12, so I guess that idea wasn't even considered.
Hell, talking to some younger fans at the games last year, you mention the names Secord, Savard & Larmer from the 80's, you get the blank stare!

JJ,
you have to like the over all shape of the team for the season. looking forward to seeing mcneil & danault in camp. hopefully Q lets them play in ALL of the pre season games.
I like SB's free agent depth adds this summer. any one of those guys could step in and play to their strengths. like the grit he added in winchester & peckham. those guys will make some of the division games interesting,
I wish some how Bettman would have tried to make an original 6 division in his re alignment plan for going the logistical part of the game , bringing back some tradition. But the younger fan base today probably which probably makes up a good percentage of the fan base probably weren't even around for the original 6 or even the original 12, so I guess that idea wasn't even considered.
Hell, talking to some younger fans at the games last year, you mention the names Secord, Savard & Larmer from the 80's, you get the blank stare!
- wonthecup10

Yeah, don't many guys are playing every preseason game, and a lot of what solidifies a player's chance are how he approaches the preseason getting ready & what transpires in scrimmages where they have to adapt/ react to playing against Cup champions without time to think, just do what's natural.
The downsize of having a huge stable of prospects is it does add make or break pressure on the "older " ones like Beach, Lalonde who are taking up spots on the limited to 50 negotiation list. They now have to assure the parent club they can achieve success to actual soften Cap space. Teams with talent filled possibles have this dilemma, and these decisions only get easier if the bubble minor pros show stunted growth.
Yeah after tha first convention before the young Hawks won anything , I felt like a dinosaur...like most where there to see 19 & 88, and although some could use older players as buzz words, they also were not regular goers...and had hawk media related opinions as to abilities, greatness.

bickel was huge, and also didnt realize how many hanz put in, good value for him.

kane was hot in the finals, if bickel scored a few more in the finals i bet he may have got it.
- btzturbo

Bickell was impressive, no doubt about it. After losing Byfuglien and Brouwer I'm happy that Stan was able to hold on to our last big man. I don't expect Bickell to consistently perform like he did through the playoffs, but if he can be a 20/20 guy in the regular season and play his physical game I will be happy.

Bickell is a guy who elevates his performance in the playoffs so it really good to hold onto him after losing a proven playoff performer in Bolland.

Yeah, don't many guys are playing every preseason game, and a lot of what solidifies a player's chance are how he approaches the preseason getting ready & what transpires in scrimmages where they have to adapt/ react to playing against Cup champions without time to think, just do what's natural.
The downsize of having a huge stable of prospects is it does add make or break pressure on the "older " ones like Beach, Lalonde who are taking up spots on the limited to 50 negotiation list. They now have to assure the parent club they can achieve success to actual soften Cap space. Teams with talent filled possibles have this dilemma, and these decisions only get easier if the bubble minor pros show stunted growth.
Yeah after tha first convention before the young Hawks won anything , I felt like a dinosaur...like most where there to see 19 & 88, and although some could use older players as buzz words, they also were not regular goers...and had hawk media related opinions as to abilities, greatness.
- wiz1901

Since Lalonde has signed in Germany, he shouldn't count against the 50 man list. At least that's how I understand it.

Poapst leaves Hogs to coach in the Wild system at the AHL level. http://www.oursportscentr...ices/releases/?id=4663931
- Mr Ricochet

Both Poapst and Ben Simon were let go earlier in the summer. If I'm not mistaken, Simon got a head coaching job in the ECHL with Cincinnati.

Since Lalonde has signed in Germany, he shouldn't count against the 50 man list. At least that's how I understand it.
- EKolb13

The Blackhawks made the qualifying offer to retain Lalonde's rights but he did not accept. Since Lalonde did not sign a contract with the Blackhawks I don't see how he can count towards the 50 contract limit.

The Blackhawks made the qualifying offer to retain Lalonde's rights but he did not accept. Since Lalonde did not sign a contract with the Blackhawks I don't see how he can count towards the 50 contract limit.
- DarthKane

I think you're right. That's how I always understood it.

Don't really see how anyone could argue Bickell over Toews. I would have given it to Keith anyway, but realistically when Toews plays up to his capabilities we almost never lose.

Here's a good laugh for everyone...

Luongo is having a rough offseason. Someone stole the tires off his car.

http://vansunsportsblogs....t-with-useless-tire-pump/

It couldn't of happened to a better guy.

The fact that making the call on who should have gotten the award is really an exercise in splitting hairs is the reason they won the Cup. If there were only ONE clear candidate, we would have been less than a first place team. But I agree that Bickell should have won it. I said that the night it was awarded and I say it again. He came up big throughout the playoffs and played a role that was not only needed but difficult to do.

JJ,
you have to like the over all shape of the team for the season. looking forward to seeing mcneil & danault in camp. hopefully Q lets them play in ALL of the pre season games.
I like SB's free agent depth adds this summer. any one of those guys could step in and play to their strengths. like the grit he added in winchester & peckham. those guys will make some of the division games interesting, especially against the Blues.
hopefully Kyle Beach also see's that he's at the plate with 2 outs & a 3&2 count in the bottom of the 9th & makes good on what could be his last at bat in a hawk uni!
listening to the buzz about the 2 kids from Orland this summer? I saw those 2 kids, they are about the size of high school freshman, good luck to them but me thinks both of them will be playing in the sunday morning elite league at J I H with in 3 seasons, especially with all the plums SB got in the draft the last 2 seasons.
EK's column on expansion; well all I can say right now is look at all the ggreat games against most of those eastern teams the wings & jackets are gonna get to play with little travel this year compared to all the dog teams and lots of air miles we will be putting on, especially if seattle &? come into the conference.
I wish some how Bettman would have tried to make an original 6 division in his re alignment plan for going the logistical part of the game , bringing back some tradition. But the younger fan base today probably which probably makes up a good percentage of the fan base probably weren't even around for the original 6 or even the original 12, so I guess that idea wasn't even considered.
Hell, talking to some younger fans at the games last year, you mention the names Secord, Savard & Larmer from the 80's, you get the blank stare!
- wonthecup10

Like this team? Absolutely.

They were hands down the best team in the NHL last season. The questions I have are these (and the subject of blog(s) to come):

1) replacing Bolland, Stalberg and Frolik with some combination of Smith, Morin, Hayes, Pirri.

BIG question.

Anyone assuming this is plug and play is probably fooling themselves. None of these would-be's brings physically what Stalberg and Frolik did. Not even close. None are or likely ever will be the difference-maker Bolland was at times.

The mitigating factor here is Q can, should and probably will expand the minutes/roles of Saad and Kruger.

To me, the question really is, who's your fourth line? And that's actually an important question in the NHL. A bunch of fringe guys who were top 6 in the AHL? Meh. Dunno. Maybe not a good NHL fourth line.You are right, though, Winchester could be a nice add here.

2) New goalie coach. How does Crawford respond? One thing he has going for him is complete continuity on defense and the defensive system.

3) Cup hangover? Did they get enough rest and recuperation? Do they come back with a more professional, workmanlike attitude this year than they did in 2010? I suspect so (at least on the attitude part).

4) Special teams. They will miss Frolik to some degree on the PK (although I think it is a nice opportunity for Saad to expand his game and usefulness). What about the PP though?With maybe a somewhat weakened PK, does the PP still suck as much as it did? Ugh.

Still, this will be one of the league's best teams, without a doubt. The answers to the above questions and health will determine if the Hawks are again the best.

1) replacing Bolland, Stalberg and Frolik with some combination of Smith, Morin, Hayes, Pirri.

BIG question.

Anyone assuming this is plug and play is probably fooling themselves. None of these would-be's brings physically what Stalberg and Frolik did. Not even close. None are or likely ever will be the difference-maker Bolland was at times.

The mitigating factor here is Q can, should and probably will expand the minutes/roles of Saad and Kruger.

To me, the question really is, who's your fourth line? And that's actually an important question in the NHL. A bunch of fringe guys who were top 6 in the AHL? Meh. Dunno. Maybe not a good NHL fourth line.You are right, though, Winchester could be a nice add here.
- John Jaeckel

What about Bowman possibly bringing in another vet to round out the roster to go long with Winchester?

I don't believe that Pirri could fill a checking role. As for Smith, Hayes and Morin, a lower line role is what's best for them, and that may be where they fit.

Like this team? Absolutely.

They were hands down the best team in the NHL last season. The questions I have are these (and the subject of blog(s) to come):

1) replacing Bolland, Stalberg and Frolik with some combination of Smith, Morin, Hayes, Pirri.

BIG question.

Anyone assuming this is plug and play is probably fooling themselves. None of these would-be's brings physically what Stalberg and Frolik did. Not even close. None are or likely ever will be the difference-maker Bolland was at times.

The mitigating factor here is Q can, should and probably will expand the minutes/roles of Saad and Kruger.

To me, the question really is, who's your fourth line? And that's actually an important question in the NHL. A bunch of fringe guys who were top 6 in the AHL? Meh. Dunno. Maybe not a good NHL fourth line.You are right, though, Winchester could be a nice add here.

2) New goalie coach. How does Crawford respond? One thing he has going for him is complete continuity on defense and the defensive system.

3) Cup hangover? Did they get enough rest and recuperation? Do they come back with a more professional, workmanlike attitude this year than they did in 2010? I suspect so (at least on the attitude part).

4) Special teams. They will miss Frolik to some degree on the PK (although I think it is a nice opportunity for Saad to expand his game and usefulness). What about the PP though?With maybe a somewhat weakened PK, does the PP still suck as much as it did? Ugh.

Still, this will be one of the league's best teams, without a doubt. The answers to the above questions and health will determine if the Hawks are again the best.
- John Jaeckel

I think a combination of Kruger and Shaw can very well replace what Bolland did. Did he score some HUGE goals over the years in the playoffs? Yeah, he did. However, so did Frolik, and Buff, and Ladd, and so on...and the Hawks moved along quite fine. The problem is/was and will ever be with Bolland is that he teases you into thinking he's a top 6 player, and over a longer sample size he bombs out in that role. He instead, thrives in a shut-down role, and being able to exploit those top opposing players lack of defensive skills and throw the offense right back in their face. Bolland has nobody to blame but himself for being Toronto. If he would have taken that 2c role and run with it, he would still be here. Instead, he didn't and the Hawks won another cup with an older/slower Bolland playing a huge role in Handzus. Bolland's salary made him an easy candidate to be dealt. We haven't even addressed the fact that the guy hasn't gained a single pound of muscle since getting to the NHL, yet breaks down like a beater on the Stevenson every single year.

I'm not worried about replacing Bolland...that to me, wont be the mountain people are making out of the mole-hill.

What I posted earlier will be....How Q positions his top 6, and what combinations of players he uses, will directly impact that variable known as the 3rd line When this team is clicking, that 3rd line chips in HUGE goals, and allows Q to roll that 4th line regularly, and not forcing him to play the top 6 to score. The years the Hawks bombed out...2011, 2012, go back and look at that depth scoring...it was non existent. Thus, Q over playing his top players, and burning them out...quickly.

The 4th line...not sure on. Assume Handzus will get some time there, as well as Bolig, but I am not sold on hayes or morin. Hayes is slow, and honestly, over valued, and over hyped IMO. More so then Piri. Morin....the small extended look he got back in the fall of 2010 he looked OK, but he was passed by due to injury and possibly being NOT ready for Hayes a few times. Both these guys are huge unknowns.

Here is my MAJOR concern.

You have a lot of guys who are still recovering from injuries...they open camp in a few weeks. They have a long season with a bunch probably going to Sochi. You also have a goalie that god wiling has turned the corner, and playing for a new contract might keep the accolades being showered upon him from going to his head, but I can't help thinking what if he struggles...adapting to Weeks. Waite was very good at going over film and getting Crawford right, and adjusting on the fly. Can Weeks do the same?

As for the drunken Russian...I put Halloween as the over/under he's out with some groin, lower body injury. I don't get this signing, and it's almost like a gift of some sorts to Bulin. I don't expect anything out of him...If he plays 10 games, I'll be shocked. I just hope that everyone's new love child, Raanta, adjusts quickly and doesn't turn out to be a bust....because he very well could be the guy back stopping this team to start the 2014-15 season, and we really don't know a helluva lot about him.....

What about Bowman possibly bringing in another vet to round out the roster to go long with Winchester?

I don't believe that Pirri could fill a checking role. As for Smith, Hayes and Morin, a lower line role is what's best for them, and that may be where they fit.
- EKolb13

Chad Larose come on down!

I think you're right. That's how I always understood it.
- EKolb13

Correct.

The teams have a limit of 50 signed players and 90 players that they retain the rights too.

From the CBA:
"Reserve List" means the list of all Players to whom a Club has rights including
all Unsigned Draft Choices, all Players signed to an SPC (whether or not currently playing in the
NHL), and all Players who have signed an SPC but who have subsequently been returned to
Juniors. A Club may have on its Reserve List, at any one time, not more than 90 Players, which
shall include the following:
(a) Not more than 50 Players signed to an SPC and not less than 24 Players and 3
goalkeepers under an SPC. Age 18 and age 19 Players who were returned to Juniors, and who
have not played 11 NHL Games in one season, shall be exempt from inclusion in the 50 Player
limit.

What about Bowman possibly bringing in another vet to round out the roster to go long with Winchester?

I don't believe that Pirri could fill a checking role. As for Smith, Hayes and Morin, a lower line role is what's best for them, and that may be where they fit.
- EKolb13

I wouldn't be surprised to see this, but I think Stan will wait until training camp to see more of what the like of Pirri, Hayes, Morin and Smith can bring. Barring injury I expect to see Smith on the opening night roster, but there are probably 2 other spots open.

I still think a good option would be Mason Raymond. I know he's not the most physical player but he has a lot of speed and he can play well on the PK. He could play a Frolik-type role on the 4th line and PK (although he will never be a good as Frolik). Raymond was in the dog house in Vancouver a lot, but I blame a lot of that on the coaches. Raymond is a bottom six "skilled" forward and Vancouver tried to make him a top 6 goal scorer because of his speed. One of Raymond's best years for in 2009-2010 when he played on the Canucks third line. I'm not saying we sign this guy for the long term of course, but if one of the rookies isn't ready and we need a short (and cheap) fix Raymond could be an option.

Like this team? Absolutely.

They were hands down the best team in the NHL last season. The questions I have are these (and the subject of blog(s) to come):

1) replacing Bolland, Stalberg and Frolik with some combination of Smith, Morin, Hayes, Pirri.

BIG question.

Anyone assuming this is plug and play is probably fooling themselves. None of these would-be's brings physically what Stalberg and Frolik did. Not even close. None are or likely ever will be the difference-maker Bolland was at times.


JJ
Is Saad really an option for the second line center?
I hope he continues to improve this year and with his body type I expect him to get even stronger on the puck.
Saad to me looks like he could naturally play the game at 225 lbs or close to it.
I agree that the opportunity is there for him to have his minutes go up playing more special teams
His maturity at his age is amazing to me given that he fell so much in the draft. I would not think that would be the case for a guy who has his head screwed on right

The mitigating factor here is Q can, should and probably will expand the minutes/roles of Saad and Kruger.

To me, the question really is, who's your fourth line? And that's actually an important question in the NHL. A bunch of fringe guys who were top 6 in the AHL? Meh. Dunno. Maybe not a good NHL fourth line.You are right, though, Winchester could be a nice add here.

2) New goalie coach. How does Crawford respond? One thing he has going for him is complete continuity on defense and the defensive system.

3) Cup hangover? Did they get enough rest and recuperation? Do they come back with a more professional, workmanlike attitude this year than they did in 2010? I suspect so (at least on the attitude part).

4) Special teams. They will miss Frolik to some degree on the PK (although I think it is a nice opportunity for Saad to expand his game and usefulness). What about the PP though?With maybe a somewhat weakened PK, does the PP still suck as much as it did? Ugh.

Still, this will be one of the league's best teams, without a doubt. The answers to the above questions and health will determine if the Hawks are again the best.
- John Jaeckel

Here's a good laugh for everyone...

Luongo is having a rough offseason. Someone stole the tires off his car.

http://vansunsportsblogs....t-with-useless-tire-pump/

It couldn't of happened to a better guy.
- EKolb13

Actually, the longer this fiasco in Vancouver has gone on, the more I like him. Seems like a stand-up guy. Not his fault Vancouver management can't get out of their own way and keep screwing him over. Gotten to the point where I feel sorry for him.

Actually, the longer this fiasco in Vancouver has gone on, the more I like him. Seems like a stand-up guy. Not his fault Vancouver management can't get out of their own way and keep screwing him over. Gotten to the point where I feel sorry for him.
- MartiniMan

Lou is a good guy and top quality goalie but he got a rough ride from the Vancouver management and coaching staff. He wasn't the only player to get this treatment in Vancouver but he got it the worst.

I agree about lou. I always liked him as a person. He always seemed like a stand-up guy to me. I still think he is a great goalie. It was always that contract people didn't like most