You're leaving out a fact in comparing the Pirri/Kruger plus/minus in Rockford last season. The time that Kruger spent in Rockford was during the lockout. During this time, all AHL teams were loaded with NHL quality talent - which you already know. I guess if you want an accurate read on the plus/minus, you might want to look up where Pirri was at that point of the season when the lockout ended.

I do agree that Nordstrom & Pirri "paths at staying in the NHL (if Pirri ever does stick) are completely different." The two are different animals in regards to what type of player they are. However, I think you're off on the "rounded game" point. I believe that Nordstrom's "rounded game," if viewed in the scope that Nordstrom can play in other in game situations besides what you outline Pirri can do - only being an offensive caliber forward capable for a top 6 role, the Nordstrom can be viewed as being a player with somewhat of a "rounded game." At least in the view of being able to be more responsible on the defensive side of things.
- EKolb13

It gets to splitting hairs, but point was, you don't have a plus 11 on a non playoff team by accident.

Kind of confused by your second paragraph. I am a Nordstrom fan. I like his game and would not want Pirri on the team to take his place. I was just trying to put this whole thing in proper perspective. That is a player on Pirris track has a higher ceiling and more value than a bottom 6 guy. I am not saying this based on opinion, but rather as evidenced by how guys get paid. Check Cap Geek. Nordstrom can become a Max Talbot. Pirri a Derek Roy type. I speak of potential. Look what each is paid.

This is not to belittle what the bottom 6 guys bring to the team. Like all the physical talk on the board, last I checked, they still award the team with the most goals a win each game.

This.
- EKolb13

Again, you two guys, two smart hockey guys are telling me that Pirri and Nordstrom were competing for the same job or roll on this team?

If that is your contention, then I respectfully disagree with that premiss.

If you agree with me, your argument is moot.

There is that word again. Do you guys really believe in the showcase idea? or are you just pushing my buttons?

Regarding Pirri, Morin etc...I would not read into anything them not making the opening day roster. The club brought back the same group it had the prior year. From a risk reward standpoint, even if you wanted to or envision things finishing differently, you go with the status qou and adjust from there. The idea that they won't go to Pirri, for a spell, for a 2C role is crazy. Same with Morin. One of the reasons they did not make the opening roster, is because these are the roles they play.

I know many will call me an idiot or dreamer, just remember my position here in a few months when one or both are getting a regular shift with the Hawks. It has less to do with Q guy or Bowman guy than it does with the fact there is no opportunity right now.
- TrueGrit

I have noticed an edge lately Grit. Where is that happy guy that tip tapped along on his keyboard while following this blog??

Again, you two guys, two smart hockey guys are telling me that Pirri and Nordstrom were competing for the same job or roll on this team?

If that is your contention, then I respectfully disagree with that premiss.

If you agree with me, your argument is moot.
- TrueGrit

Agree. Pirri and Nords play 2 different spots/roles. Zus will need his games capped at 50-55 if he is to have any gas come playoff time. Why not give Pirri time at the C spot. Can only "show case" a guy in the AHL for so long. This comes back to fact that Q and Stanley disconnect on players. Q obviously has issues with Pirri. We have Hayes with game time before Pirri!?!? Really? There has never been a better time to see what Pirri has then right now. Give him 6-8 games and lets see what happens.

I have noticed an edge lately Grit. Where is that happy guy that tip tapped along on his keyboard while following this blog??
- z1990z

Always and edge. Working on my communication skills. Challenging guys, making myself better and hopefully making others better.

I have come a long way in being respectful. Or more respectful. Silver lining.

Plus if Brandon Pirri ever needs an agent, he can look at my work here and see I am his guy.

You are an artist...just painting....Love it.
- TrueGrit

Words sometimes just get in the way.

Agree. Pirri and Nords play 2 different spots/roles. Zus will need his games capped at 50-55 if he is to have any gas come playoff time. Why not give Pirri time at the C spot. Can only "show case" a guy in the AHL for so long. This comes back to fact that Q and Stanley disconnect on players. Q obviously has issues with Pirri. We have Hayes with game time before Pirri!?!? Really? There has never been a better time to see what Pirri has then right now. Give him 6-8 games and lets see what happens.
- z1990z

I really think his time will come. I think Pirri and Morin both know their times will come.

I am not one to read into Q and Stanleys disconnect or riff. The reality is, Pirri is stuck behind good players on a great team. I have no doubt that both Q and Stan, the whole organization has a comprehensive strategy in playing/evaluating all these young guys to see what is really there and what they can or can not count on down the road. It does not happen based upon signals we see as fans, or on some sort of merit. Opportunities will be given and guys have to be ready. It is that simple. It will all unfold on its own timeline.

Again, comparing Hayes to Pirri...moot in my mind. Different roles and players. They are not competing against each other.

Words sometimes just get in the way.
- Beaver-Warrior

At first glance I thought that picture was of my favorite author. Peter Dragon.

"Trails in the Sand" a timeless piece of literary genius.

Again, you two guys, two smart hockey guys are telling me that Pirri and Nordstrom were competing for the same job or roll on this team?

If that is your contention, then I respectfully disagree with that premiss.

If you agree with me, your argument is moot.
- TrueGrit

No, there was no competition for that spot between Nordstrom and Pirri....that's the point. Pirri was incapable of playing the defensively responsible role that Q demands of his bottom 6. Your assertion was that Pirri was the better all around player, if that were true, he'd be capable of playing bottom 6 minutes regardless of his offensive ceiling which is admittedly higher than Nordstrom's.

At first glance I thought that picture was of my favorite author. Peter Dragon.

"Trails in the Sand" a timeless piece of literary genius.
- TrueGrit

You mean this?

Yet more timeless work from the folks up in Beaverton. Czech Republic's Olympic look.

Yet more timeless work from the folks up in Beaverton. Czech Republic's Olympic look.


- Beaver-Warrior

I actually like these ones, especially the white jersey.

I am really tiring of this Pirri bashing. My biggest fear is that he gets Brouwered out of town and "eventually do(ing) well in the NHL" with some other team.
- 67hawks

He just doesn't (currently) fit the Hawks' scheme and might do well with AV in NY.

I am really tiring of this Pirri bashing. My biggest fear is that he gets Brouwered out of town and "eventually do(ing) well in the NHL" with some other team.
- 67hawks

If Pirri isn't in our plans I'd like to see him move on and succeed elsewhere. I would have be nice to keep Brouwer but he was a good soldier for us and I'm happy for him that he's doing well in Washington.

I actually like these ones, especially the white jersey.
- DarthKane

It's the crest. Put it on a solid white or red jersey with perhaps accent strips on the bottom and sleeves and pow! Instant classic look.

At first glance I thought that picture was of my favorite author. Peter Dragon.

"Trails in the Sand" a timeless piece of literary genius.
- TrueGrit

My favorite author was Eileen Dover and her masterpiece Falling off a cliff

My favorite author was Eileen Dover and her masterpiece Falling off a cliff
- paulr

Or Walking Tall by G. Raffe or Never Forget by L.E. Phant

Come on TG ....

In Eklund's latest blog he mentions the Stars are looking for a physical defenseman for their bottom pair. I know were in the same division but is this an opportunity to move Brookbank? Maybe for Vern Fiddler (and send Hayes back to Rockford).

No, there was no competition for that spot between Nordstrom and Pirri....that's the point. Pirri was incapable of playing the defensively responsible role that Q demands of his bottom 6. Your assertion was that Pirri was the better all around player, if that were true, he'd be capable of playing bottom 6 minutes regardless of his offensive ceiling which is admittedly higher than Nordstrom's.
- Ogilthorpe2

Thank you for making my point. We agree Pirri was not in the running for a bottom 6 role. This then supports my belief and assertion that the club sees him as a top 6 prospect. He is not being graded or groomed to be a bottom 6 guy. In the real world there are 10 guys that can do what bottom 6 requires to every 1 that has the offensive talent that Pirri does.

So I guess you would trade Pirri, a 2nd and Lalonde for Nordstrom?

By your logic, it would be safe to say that Nordstrom is a more rounded player than Patrick Kane, as Patrick Kane would never be a bottom 6 role guy and does not play a consistent defensive game.

Kane however gets paid 10 times the money that Nordstrom or Kruger will make because he can score goals and make plays. Going out on a limb...I believe that is how they have slotted Pirri....

My favorite author was Eileen Dover and her masterpiece Falling off a cliff
- paulr

Thank you, had to blow dust off that joke book over there. Classic.

In Eklund's latest blog he mentions the Stars are looking for a physical defenseman for their bottom pair. I know were in the same division but is this an opportunity to move Brookbank? Maybe for Vern Fiddler (and send Hayes back to Rockford).
- DarthKane

Was thinking the same that Brookstank may be a fit there. Didn't even think of Fiddler, nice call

Thank you for making my point. We agree Pirri was not in the running for a bottom 6 role. This then supports my belief and assertion that the club sees him as a top 6 prospect. He is not being graded or groomed to be a bottom 6 guy. In the real world there are 10 guys that can do what bottom 6 requires to every 1 that has the offensive talent that Pirri does.

So I guess you would trade Pirri, a 2nd and Lalonde for Nordstrom?

By your logic, it would be safe to say that Nordstrom is a more rounded player than Patrick Kane, as Patrick Kane would never be a bottom 6 role guy and does not play a consistent defensive game.

Kane however gets paid 10 times the money that Nordstrom or Kruger will make because he can score goals and make plays. Going out on a limb...I believe that is how they have slotted Pirri....
- TrueGrit

I think Pirri is slotted as a top 6 forward prospect as well, and that's the problem for him.

In our top 6 Kane, Toews, Sharp and Hossa are set in stone (barring injury). Right now Bickell is the 5th top 6 forward but if for some reason that doesn't work out then he'll be flipped with Saad. That leaves only one top 6 spot open for competition between Handzus, Kruger and Pirri with Shaw also being an outside consideration. Against that competition I don't think Pirri has a good chance.

Thank you for making my point. We agree Pirri was not in the running for a bottom 6 role. This then supports my belief and assertion that the club sees him as a top 6 prospect. He is not being graded or groomed to be a bottom 6 guy. In the real world there are 10 guys that can do what bottom 6 requires to every 1 that has the offensive talent that Pirri does.

So I guess you would trade Pirri, a 2nd and Lalonde for Nordstrom?

By your logic, it would be safe to say that Nordstrom is a more rounded player than Patrick Kane, as Patrick Kane would never be a bottom 6 role guy and does not play a consistent defensive game.

Kane however gets paid 10 times the money that Nordstrom or Kruger will make because he can score goals and make plays. Going out on a limb...I believe that is how they have slotted Pirri....
- TrueGrit

Soooooo what you're saying is Pirri's skill set is similar to Patrick Kane.....easily a top 10 scorer in the league......and because the Hawks feels it is unfair to have so much scoring on the top two lines they would rather plug the 2C with an aging Michael Handzus who is to slow for the Hawks transition game and give Pirri the opportunity to win a second AHL scoring title.....that darn Hawk FO...always trying to help out the league.

Was thinking the same that Brookstank may be a fit there. Didn't even think of Fiddler, nice call
- ikeane

Fiddler is the exact type of forward you'd want, he's 50%+ on faceoffs and last season he averaged almost the exact short-handed ice time per game as Frolik. Both Brookbank and Fiddler are UFA's at the end of the season so that's a wash. We'd take on an extra $550K in cap hit but you could sent Hayes down and save $654,167.

I'm not saving this is a must for Stan to do, it's just a suggestion based off of Eklund's blog.

Did it occur to anyone who keeps saying Pirri is slotted for a top six position that he may in fact not be good enough for a top six position and doesn't have the type of game to be a bottom six forward? Kinda like a 4A baseball player.....

Let's look at the evidence.....

It's agreed by all parties Handzus will play no more than 40-50 games. If this is the case Pirri should be shoe-in for the extra forward position because that leaves 30-40 games for Pirri to play and hopefully emerge as the future 2C........and sure he was injured in preseason but he spent the full summer working out with the Hawks staff so.........(crickets).......(tumbleweeds)..........(crickets again)......

But hey if there isn't a spot on the top two lines for him because that's where he is slotted surely some other team would love to have a bonafide top six forward and hey....the hawks could move him for veteran depth on the bottom six or a draft pick or two...Bowman loves his draft picks.....this deal should be easy.....so.......(Crickets).....(tumbleweeds).......(Crickets again)