Zus def gone per Bobby Mak

Zus def gone per Bobby Mak
- mrpaulish

There go our hopes for a quality second line centre.

I didn't say that either. I said the other teams have the desire to get better, and will.

The path the Hawks are on now is not sustainable absent salary concessions from key players that have to re-sign - namely 19,88, and 20.

The teams I mentioned earlier don't have the depth yet, however not only seemed to give the Hawks fits at times, but have cap space to add the depth they need.

Like I said. The dominance is over with. The rest of the league is catching up, and the cap makes it tough to maneuver in all but very minor ways, unless concessions and significant development of prospects brings roster ready and impactful players to allow the FO to trade costly vets.
- Return of the Roar

Okay I'll play along.......do you think the hawks lack the same desire to win as other teams in the western conference?

Can we look at this roster AND suggest real scenarios?

Bickell-Toews-Hossa
Saad-Shaw-Kane
Sharp-Smith-Versteeg
Bolig-Kruger

So how do the Hawks add at least 2 guys to this lineup....Remembering that Versteeg at 2.2 million isn't getting traded. Too enticing of high reward/low risk to send off.

Where is it coming from? If so, then you aren't plugging in Teuvo or Morin or "Nordy".

I'm curious to see how people make this work.....
- SteveRain

With Shaw and Smith, both of those guys are best played on the wing. However, I wouldn't doubt that both Shaw and Smith spend some time at the #2C spot to start the season.

I'm thinking that Bowman will bring in another bottom 6 center that can help out. Dominic Moore?

I don't know where all the Marcus Kruger hate is coming from?

He's the 2nd best center on the team at this point behind Toews. Kruger was almost 57% at the dot this season, which is a big improvement. As for being "soft," that kid sure takes a lot of shots and gets right back into the play. As for the lack of offense, I'm still waiting to see Kruger get a legit shot at the #2C position. Kruger hasn't played more than a handful of shifts at a time there because Q has no one else to lean on in the shutdown center role.
- EKolb13

I would take a Marcus Kruger type all day long over an Andrew Shaw type.

Move Bollig to Rockford and find two players, preferably one center to fill out that 4th line and strengthen the 3rd line. That is of course without a trade or trades.
- paulr

Is Bollig's new deal 2-way? Not sure.

I would take a Marcus Kruger type all day long over an Andrew Shaw type.
- UnnamedSource

100 %

For you????
- paulr

For what others are touting him to be......yes.

NOT a hockey post, but Tony Gwynn died. Sad

Is Bollig's new deal 2-way? Not sure.
- bwarner929

No. It's a one way deal. Also, you can count on him being on the 4th line next season.

>Hawks have been one of the innovators in how the game is played today -- fast with puck possession
>Think it's fine to adapt to some of what the Kings do, but to be the best you have to go beyond that
>To me, this is also a big offseason for Q & company
>The game is evolving -- wouldn't be surprised to see many, many more playoff shifts next year where more teams are playing as a "unit of five"
>When you play fast and as a unit of five players need to be smart enough to read what is happening
>Any acquisitions need to have high hockey IQ

NOT a hockey post, but Tony Gwynn died. Sad
- eburgio

I just read that. RIP.

I would take a Marcus Kruger type all day long over an Andrew Shaw type.
- UnnamedSource

I agree, if I had to pick between the 2 (hopefully we never do) then I would take Kruger. If we lost either guy right now we'd feel the loss of Kruger a whole lot more.

NOT a hockey post, but Tony Gwynn died. Sad
- eburgio

Bummed. One of the best hitters I saw during my youth......

No. It's a one way deal. Also, you can count on him being on the 4th line next season.
- EKolb13

Didn't think Stan would resign him at $1.25M x 3 to stash him in RFD. He deserves credit - he's worked on his game and has made some progress. Hope this continues so he can play in the playoffs.

No. It's a one way deal. Also, you can count on him being on the 4th line next season.
- EKolb13

I'm sure Bollig will play a bunch next season, but I don't know if he'll play all 82 games. I have nothing specifically to complain about regarding Bollig, I just think there could be better options out there.

I would take a Marcus Kruger type all day long over an Andrew Shaw type.
- UnnamedSource

I would too, but it also doesn't hurt to have a shaw-type player on your team.

Bummed. One of the best hitters I saw during my youth......
- UnnamedSource

He struck out 434 times in his career in over 10,200 plate appearances. Amazing.

I don't know where all the Marcus Kruger hate is coming from?

He's the 2nd best center on the team at this point behind Toews. Kruger was almost 57% at the dot this season, which is a big improvement. As for being "soft," that kid sure takes a lot of shots and gets right back into the play. As for the lack of offense, I'm still waiting to see Kruger get a legit shot at the #2C position. Kruger hasn't played more than a handful of shifts at a time there because Q has no one else to lean on in the shutdown center role.
- EKolb13

I don't disagree on his faceoffs, heart, PK ability, etc. I think he's valuable.

what I will argue that it's one of two things....1. The Hawks don't see him as a #2 because they think he's valuable in that shutdown role, like Bolland before him. Difference is, Bolland still contributed offensively. Kruger hasn't.
2. hawks dont' think he has the skill set and instead keep turning to the saads, shaws, smiths, handuzs of the world instead.

I'm ok giving this guy a shot at 2c to start the year for 15-20 games like they did with Bolland to see if he can that guy, but I will say.....for all the talk from guys on this board about what "could be" with his skill, we haven't seen it and maybe it isn't there when talking about offensively.

I'm sure Bollig will play a bunch next season, but I don't know if he'll play all 82 games. I have nothing specifically to complain about regarding Bollig, I just think there could be better options out there.
- DarthKane

I wouldn't be surprised if Q gave him a little more responsibility next season.

With Shaw and Smith, both of those guys are best played on the wing. However, I wouldn't doubt that both Shaw and Smith spend some time at the #2C spot to start the season.

I'm thinking that Bowman will bring in another bottom 6 center that can help out. Dominic Moore?
- EKolb13

I would love Dominic Moore. That frees up a LOT of holes by addition.

That is a perfect add.

Zus def gone per Bobby Mak
- mrpaulish

Someone in the FO has seen the light. As I said Zus had heart but Quennville overplayed him at the expense of players who needed to develop (as well as Kane) this year.

Hopefully, Bowman can keep these Brunette/Zus types off the roster unless they are depth pickups at the deadline. That removes the option for Q to play them over players who should be getting a chance to overcome their defensive shortcomings or whatever Q does not like - particularly in the 1st half.

Read where Lombardi had to fight Sutter to give Tofoli and Pearson a lengthy shot. Many forget he was also pushing Sutter on Vey and Frattin so T and P were the 2 that stuck. This could be what Q will need to do on Morin or other prospects down the road.

Okay I'll play along.......do you think the hawks lack the same desire to win as other teams in the western conference?
- UnnamedSource

No. They lack the cap space and roster flexibility some of their competitors now have. Their options are limited to raise their game relative to their competition.

See Sharp, Patrick for not enough.
- fattybeef

100% agreed.

I also hear you on the Smith/Shaw winger thoughts. Don't doubt it.

Hawks favored to win 2015 Stanley Cup:

http://www.cbssports.com/...tanley-cup-oddsmakers-say



Would not mind the trend of alternating years with the Kings
- ikeane

I want two in a row!

I agree that Saad is too high a price to pay for Kesler, and also agree that Hammer and Seabs should be untouchable.