TT update: After two periods his team Jokerit leads the worst team at moment in Finnish League TPS 0-6 and Teuvo has 0+3 so far. He is leading candidate for the player of the month nomination.
- MjulQvist

Game ended 1-7 for team Jokerit. No more points for Teuvo.

Teams can carry 23 not 22 players. It is choice. Obviously we have been conserving cap space.
- TrueGrit

No they are not conserving cap space. For the 100th time - they cannot accumulate cap space because they are over the cap (only have LTIR room). The contract they can take on today is the same one they can take on on TDL. This was confirmed by Al within the past two days. The only reason a kid isn't up here is because they don't want one of them.

Edit - should have read the rest of the posts before responding!

Game ended 1-7 for team Jokerit. No more points for Teuvo.
- MjulQvist

That bum! Thanks for the updates on him.

Yeah, a couple of years ago maybe, but now?

Pass.
- Ogilthorpe2

And the Hawks sure as hell don't need to get any SLOWER...

Before Stan pulls the trigger on a deal I'd like to see some guys in Rockford get another shot. Particularly Nordstrom and Mills (when healthy).
- DarthKane

Has Mills been injured this whole time? Looks like he's only played 8 games this season for Rockford.

In my humble opinion, I truly believe more than fatigue (which of course they could very well be fighting) is that they look bored. The veterans know when to bring the intensity and turn it on against the better competition but against the lesser talented teams they seem to just go thru the motions. If so they are walking a fine line and could be playing with fire.

In my humble opinion, I truly believe more than fatigue (which of course they could very well be fighting) is that they look bored. The veterans know when to bring the intensity and turn it on against the better competition but against the lesser talented teams they seem to just go thru the motions. If so they are walking a fine line and could be playing with fire.
- dciz99

It seems to me that the fatigue they are fighting is more mental than physical.

Perhaps my math is wrong, but I do not see the issue as you have described.

1. Versteeg replaces Stalberg = Advantage Versteeg
2. Smith replaces Frolik = push
3. Bollig has replaced Bollands roster spot (not saying they are similar players) Factoring in injuries and actual on ice time....push to advantage Bolland

As for Bickell and Handzuis, you just need to have a few of your AHL guys (not unlike every other team) come and go, here and there, to spot guys time. Bickell will come around or it is next man up. If the team and organization can not handle that, then that is how it goes.

And if Handzuis is part of the win now strategy, count me out as a believer. No need to debate it, just my position, will be happy to be proven wrong in May.
- TrueGrit

Ummm no

Perhaps my math is wrong, but I do not see the issue as you have described.

1. Versteeg replaces Stalberg = Advantage Versteeg
2. Smith replaces Frolik = push
3. Bollig has replaced Bollands roster spot (not saying they are similar players) Factoring in injuries and actual on ice time....push to advantage Bolland

As for Bickell and Handzuis, you just need to have a few of your AHL guys (not unlike every other team) come and go, here and there, to spot guys time. Bickell will come around or it is next man up. If the team and organization can not handle that, then that is how it goes.

And if Handzuis is part of the win now strategy, count me out as a believer. No need to debate it, just my position, will be happy to be proven wrong in May.
- TrueGrit

My mistake, Versteeg does replace and is better than Stalberg, but Smith, who has improved and continues to improve, is nowhere near the player Frolik was in any facet of the game and no one has replaced Bolland’s skillset. So let’s concede that Pirri should replace Zus, though I personally believe Nordstrom is the better choice, and let’s assume Bickell regains his form that means the Hawks have 2 very important players (Bolland and Frolik) and 1 somewhat important player (Handzeus) who’s skillsets and importance have not been fully replaced. Meaning the 2013-14 version of the Hawks is not as good as the 2012-13 version of the Hawks while other teams have improved.

So my original argument still stands, if the Hawks’ plan is to retool for another run next year then yes, bring up some young blood from the minors and groom them this year. But if the team’s plan is to take another serious run this year then they need to get the team to the same, or better, skill level and depth, and to do that those players will have to come via trade.

Ummm no
- John Jaeckel

Smith and Frolik are different types of forwards, but both have been effective 4th liners for us. Realistically Frolik is a solid 3rd line forward, the type of forward Smith can be is yet to be determined. Until then I hope he continues to do his job on the 4th line and keeps getting better

My mistake, Versteeg does replace and is better than Stalberg, but Smith, who has improved and continues to improve, is nowhere near the player Frolik was in any facet of the game and no one has replaced Bolland’s skillset. So let’s concede that Pirri should replace Zus, though I personally believe Nordstrom is the better choice, and let’s assume Bickell regains his form that means the Hawks have 2 very important players (Bolland and Frolik) and 1 somewhat important player (Handzeus) who’s skillsets and importance have not been fully replaced. Meaning the 2013-14 version of the Hawks is not as good as the 2012-13 version of the Hawks while other teams have improved.

So my original argument still stands, if the Hawks’ plan is to retool for another run next year then yes, bring up some young blood from the minors and groom them this year. But if the team’s plan is to take another serious run this year then they need to get the team to the same, or better, skill level and depth, and to do that those players will have to come via trade.
- paulr

All kinds of players will be available from the rosters of the Oilers, Flames, Sabres, Capitals, Hurricanes, Stars, Predators and a few others.

So who do you give up to shore up the Hawks roster? My guess is Stan doesn't give up much other than a 3rd or 4th rounder because he won't overpay for a UFA and can't take on big money unless he dumps Bickell.

Ummm no
- John Jaeckel

Ummm no
- John Jaeckel

PK aside, Smith has been more productive and his line has been as effectvie.

I will cede your point based upon PK effectiveness last year.

Still do not think the marginal product gives one a superior advantage over the other.

My mistake, Versteeg does replace and is better than Stalberg, but Smith, who has improved and continues to improve, is nowhere near the player Frolik was in any facet of the game and no one has replaced Bolland’s skillset. So let’s concede that Pirri should replace Zus, though I personally believe Nordstrom is the better choice, and let’s assume Bickell regains his form that means the Hawks have 2 very important players (Bolland and Frolik) and 1 somewhat important player (Handzeus) who’s skillsets and importance have not been fully replaced. Meaning the 2013-14 version of the Hawks is not as good as the 2012-13 version of the Hawks while other teams have improved.

So my original argument still stands, if the Hawks’ plan is to retool for another run next year then yes, bring up some young blood from the minors and groom them this year. But if the team’s plan is to take another serious run this year then they need to get the team to the same, or better, skill level and depth, and to do that those players will have to come via trade.
- paulr

You make a compelling case. I just factor in the growth/maturity of core type players and the reality that those other guys played 10 mins/game. The margin diffference to me is not huge. It becomes huge in the case of a key injury, whereas you can slot Bolland in higher and benefit from that experience.

But I do see and understand where you are coming from.

Just for fun.....What could the Hawks deal for Kadri ?

All kinds of players will be available from the rosters of the Oilers, Flames, Sabres, Capitals, Hurricanes, Stars, Predators and a few others.

So who do you give up to shore up the Hawks roster? My guess is Stan doesn't give up much other than a 3rd or 4th rounder because he won't overpay for a UFA and can't take on big money unless he dumps Bickell.
- RickJ

All kinds of players with cap hits at or below $1.14? Otherwise which roster player are out shipping out?

Just for fun.....What could the Hawks deal for Kadri ?
- mrpaulish

Pirri, Smith, and the rights to Lalonde.

Just for fun.....What could the Hawks deal for Kadri ?
- mrpaulish

I don't know if I'd even want him here.

, Smith, and the rights to Lalonde.
- Ogilthorpe2

Yeah, I should have seen that one coming...

Just for fun.....What could the Hawks deal for Kadri ?
- mrpaulish

Brandon Mashinter.

Randy Carlyle loves his tough guys. His 4th line would be Mashinter, Colton Orr and Fraser Maclaren.

And Q would have another guy to hate besides Brandon Pirri and Jeremy Morin.

Brandon Mashinter.

Randy Carlyle loves his tough guys. His 4th line would be Mashinter, Colton Orr and Fraser Maclaren.

And Q would have another guy to hate besides Brandon Pirri and Jeremy Morin.
- RickJ

Just for fun.....What could the Hawks deal for Kadri ?
- mrpaulish

One thing the Hawks have shown they value as much as, or perhaps even more, then speed and skill are cerebral players who can think the game at a high level. Kadri's hockey IQ is not very high and when you factor in low maturity and how emotional he is you wind up with the same problem the Leafs have, the proverbial 'great tools without the toolbox'. Having watched Kadri progress from Junior to the NHL I have not seen him improve the mental aspects of his game to take advantage of those above average skills.

So are the Hawks going to go for it this season. I can't believe they're not. The mantra is to win the darn thing. One Goal right? This is McD we're talking about right?

In regard to several points - Versteeg's problem is the same problem with the 2nd line...again we're trying to put the third line checking center as the skating 2nd line center with Kane. Versteeg checks a lot of boxes for you including grit something Mr. Stalberg didn't have. It's a long season and he's coming off the injury. I'd rather see Steeger up there with Saad and Kane - but then what does that do to your third line. Again Zeus is in the mix here and that's a killer speed wise. I'd love to see him rotated out as so many have stated as the 13th forward. You'll need him in the playoffs. Pirri has the speed to play on that second line, but Q doesn't like his defense enough yet and the kid has hurt his knee which leaves us to bring Morin back up.

I also like Mills who seemed to be fitting in really nicely and got hurt right away. So another possible option but it sounds as though he's having recovery issues as well.

Ben Smith has been a solid player no question and continues to grow - In Frodo though you had a 20 goal scorer who was morphed into a dangerous PK specialist. Fro reinvented his game with the goals not coming for him here. And when he did pot them during the playoffs they were a huge bonus.

Bickell is a big concern - will he find his knees and his mental makeup by the playoffs? Or do you move him? I'm sure the thought is once we get in there at some point you'll see the Toews, Kane, Bickell juggernaut.

I'm still a Bolland more than Bickell fan. I know some folks gave him a hard time last year because of his cap hit and where he was playing and that he was hurt. He still won two Cups here and made key plays throughout the playoffs. Not to mention the series winner against the Bruins.

Or do we see a couple of position players moved and a couple of guys brought in for the Cup run? I think that'll be a lot harder with Stanley's penchant for hanging out those NMCs.

You make a compelling case. I just factor in the growth/maturity of core type players and the reality that those other guys played 10 mins/game. The margin diffference to me is not huge. It becomes huge in the case of a key injury, whereas you can slot Bolland in higher and benefit from that experience.

But I do see and understand where you are coming from.
- TrueGrit

I'm pondering if you are tired of arguing with me, are patronizing me, are mocking me or if you truly do see my point?

When you guys say "I want to see ____ given a chance before Stan pulls a deal" .... you guys do know that by "deal" it's nothing more than a cheap veteran with an expiring contract who has just as much of a chance to play as he does being a healthy scratch?

Doesn't matter if he gives the kids in the minors a shot or not because Stan hasn't, and I don't think he will, make an acquisition that could really be called dynamic.

Come playoff time, the team will be the exact same with likely a 35-year-old forward who provides grit and can win face-offs, but the only thing gone from the organization will be a mid-round draft pick in the upcoming draft.

That 35-year-old may be Handzus 2.0, or Brendan Morrison 2.0.

Regardless, it'll be another snooze fest.
- TommyHawk

Thanks a lot Debbie Downer