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

That is a perfect add.
- SteveRain

Agreed. He is just as good as Zack Smith... I think he will be looking at decent pay day though so probably not happening. I hope the Hawks stay away from B Boyle from the Rags. Looked too slow. Still like the idea of Thompson or Purcell - both are strong skaters. Thompson can hit and is a good PKer.

Frolik going to arbitration but it looks like a formality. He should see a pay day. Good for him!

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

Amazing player. Sad day. Best PURE hitter I ever saw. He was the Greg maddux of hitting. Knew where pitchers weaknesses were and exploited him. He was 10 steps ahead....tireless worker.....great guy. RIP.

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.
- SteveRain

The Hawks don't see him as a #2 because they think he's valuable in that shutdown role...

I don't think it's the point that they don't see him as a #2 center. I think more of the point is that Q couldn't try him there because there is no one else who could play the role of the shut down center.

It's kind of hard to give Kruger a chance there when he can't be pulled away from the job Q needs him at.

Also, it could very well be that this is how they view Kruger in the organization - as a defensive shutdown center. I won't dispute that.

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

That is a perfect add.
- SteveRain

Agreed. And from the looks of things, I would expect Bowman to do do something like this rather then trade for some huge cap hit name too plug in at the #2C spot.

Adding Moore give Q the option of trying Kruger at #2C.

I wouldn't be surprised if Q gave him a little more responsibility next season.
- EKolb13

As long as Bollig can deliver I'm fine with that, I just don't know how much more he can offer.

Agreed. And from the looks of things, I would expect Bowman to do do something like this rather then trade for some huge cap hit name too plug in at the #2C spot.

Adding Moore give Q the option of trying Kruger at #2C.
- EKolb13

I think Moore will stay with the Rangers, but he would be an excellent addition.

The Hawks don't see him as a #2 because they think he's valuable in that shutdown role...

I don't think it's the point that they don't see him as a #2 center. I think more of the point is that Q couldn't try him there because there is no one else who could play the role of the shut down center.

It's kind of hard to give Kruger a chance there when he can't be pulled away from the job Q needs him at.

Also, it could very well be that this is how they view Kruger in the organization - as a defensive shutdown center. I won't dispute that.
- EKolb13

I think that is all they see him as ( a shutdown center).

Kruger deserves a shot but, so far, he has not shown the offensive ability for 2c. Maybe the offense would come if he got 30-40 games with Kane?

Still love Nielson or Eller there - Eller and Kane would light it up - but both deals, like most, have a very slim chance of happening. Particularly Eller.

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.
- Return of the Roar

Good point but when you compare rosters the reason the Hawks lack the cap space is the they already have what other teams are looking for...

Hossa, Toews, Kane, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, Hammer,

Comparing rosters to Dallas, Colorado, Anaheim, etc......once those teams (if they ever do)...fill those needs, they would have the same cap issues the Hawks have.....and how many of those teams have a top 5 minor league system plus a player like Saad who is just starting to realize his potential.

Kruger deserves a shot but, so far, he has not shown the offensive ability for 2c. Maybe the offense would come if he got 30-40 games with Kane?
- tredbrta

Has Kruger ever been put into a consistent situation where he has linemates with offensive ability?

Agreed. And from the looks of things, I would expect Bowman to do do something like this rather then trade for some huge cap hit name too plug in at the #2C spot.

Adding Moore give Q the option of trying Kruger at #2C.
- EKolb13

I've said this time and time and again......the Hawks are more likely to add a 3C and rebuild their bottom 6 and the backend of the blue line than add a high paying 2C.....unless of course his name is Frans Nielsen.

The Hawks don't see him as a #2 because they think he's valuable in that shutdown role...

I don't think it's the point that they don't see him as a #2 center. I think more of the point is that Q couldn't try him there because there is no one else who could play the role of the shut down center.

It's kind of hard to give Kruger a chance there when he can't be pulled away from the job Q needs him at.

Also, it could very well be that this is how they view Kruger in the organization - as a defensive shutdown center. I won't dispute that.
- EKolb13

yeah, I would agree....and I know you are a big Rockford guy so is there down there?

they add Dominic Moore...you slide Kruger up, and now you can put Smith at wing or Shaw at wing. Things start to look a LOT better.

That suggestion, Dominic Moore, is the best one to date that makes sense and is realistic. A breath of fresh air.

Handzus is gone....As much as I ripped the guy he was a nice add and whatever he had left in his career, he gave it all here. His short handed goal against Boston in game 2 I'll always remember.

I wish we could have seen what clown hair Handzus could have given us when he was younger.

Good point but when you compare rosters the reason the Hawks lack the cap space is the they already have what other teams are looking for...

Hossa, Toews, Kane, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, Hammer,

Comparing rosters to Dallas, Colorado, Anaheim, etc......once those teams (if they ever do)...fill those needs, they would have the same cap issues the Hawks have.....and how many of those teams have a top 5 minor league system plus a player like Saad who is just starting to realize his potential.
- UnnamedSource

Can't keep them all and get much better now, unless the prospects bear fruit, which has yet to be seen. And I don't see a path to pay Saad absent concessions from other players.

How other teams manage their cap will determine how much flexibility they may have going forward, so it is not a given that they will face similar constraints.

I think Moore will stay with the Rangers, but he would be an excellent addition.
- DarthKane

He's a UFA July 1st. We'll see if the Rangers re-up him before then.

Ha ha....Nice.

When did I EVER compare TT to Kane?

Did TT stay on this roster like Kane did in 2007-08? Uh....NO. If he were that good woudlnt' they have found a spot for him instead of having almost every guy audition to center for Kane? I bet you printed off that Teuvo time article and have it framed on your wall.

And yes....Kruger needs to score. Is he a good PK and face off guy? Yeah. However, 1 empty net goal is inexcusable for some guy that so many say is such an offensively skilled player.
- SteveRain

If he were that good they would have found a spot? Gee, is every player outside the NHL just not that good then? You didn't compare him to Kane - I did. Why didn't he enter the NHL right away like game? Hmmm, maybe it has something to do with the fact that he's from a completely different culture adapting to a totally new life? No, couldn't be it. He must just stink! Trade him for picks!

I'll just send this by saying I'm glad our GM isn't like many others when it comes to TT. He's a unique talent who a lot of Hawks fans would trade for "size" and "grit".......

Keep telling yourself that Marcus Kruger, our 4C, just *NEEDS* to score....it's nonsense.

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

That is a perfect add.
- SteveRain

Looking at his career stat line......is there a reason that he's been with 10 teams in 10 years or is he just one of those guys that gets moved a lot?

I'm all for increasing roster flexibility with new affordable pieces - just not sure what he brings at 33, average size and not really an offensive threat. 3rd/4th line center with experience and character?

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

If he can't be trusted to play in the playoffs maybe the Hawks have to consider dealing him?

Has Kruger ever been put into a consistent situation where he has linemates with offensive ability?
- EKolb13

No. The first half of next season may be the time to try.

No. The first half of next season may be the time to try.
- tredbrta

The only way that is going to happen is if Q has another center that can do what Kruger does.

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

If he can't be trusted to play in the playoffs maybe the Hawks have to consider dealing him?
- paulr

I don't think Bollig is going anywhere any time soon. There is no real replacement in the system (cue the Mashinter jokes), and guys that can throw down and still be useful don't grow on trees.

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

Very sad indeed.

If he were that good they would have found a spot? Gee, is every player outside the NHL just not that good then? You didn't compare him to Kane - I did. Why didn't he enter the NHL right away like game? Hmmm, maybe it has something to do with the fact that he's from a completely different culture adapting to a totally new life? No, couldn't be it. He must just stink! Trade him for picks!

I'll just send this by saying I'm glad our GM isn't like many others when it comes to TT. He's a unique talent who a lot of Hawks fans would trade for "size" and "grit".......

Keep telling yourself that Marcus Kruger, our 4C, just *NEEDS* to score....it's nonsense.
- HB_Stinks123

2. How do you know he is an unique talent? How? What has he done in the NHL? What has he done outside of the NHL? Again, if he were that good wouldn't they have plugged him in the playoffs or brought him over PRIOR to the playoffs to insert some offense and give you depth? Instead they let him go over seas, where I believe he was sent home from the worlds.

3. his future in the NHL is RW. I'll bet $$ on that. Right now you have Hossa and Kane. So which one of those guys is he taking over for? Hossa is still producing at 35. Dont' see him slowing down for at least 2 years, maybe 3.

4. He is believed to be a similar player to Kane in the sense he needs the puck to create. Ok...so how does he play with Kane, when Kane A PROVEN TOP NHL player needs the puck to create.

5. I'm not writing him off....but I'm not going to burry my head in the sand when he was given a short "audition" didnt' have a good enough complete game to warrant a spot in the lineup when this team was stuggling with injuries and top guys being burnt out, and very could be a product of being over hyped. This kid DID FALL in the draft....maybe he's a steal OR maybe the teams that passed on him were right.

If he can't be trusted to play in the playoffs maybe the Hawks have to consider dealing him?
- paulr

They just re-signed Bollig, I don't see him going anywhere. Over the course of an 82 game regular season Bollig has value, it's not a big deal if he doesn't play much in the post season.

Looking at his career stat line......is there a reason that he's been with 10 teams in 10 years or is he just one of those guys that gets moved a lot?

I'm all for increasing roster flexibility with new affordable pieces - just not sure what he brings at 33, average size and not really an offensive threat. 3rd/4th line center with experience and character?
- bwarner929

He's one of those veterans who is valuable piece to teams who feel they can win.

You said it....he takes over the shutdown role and frees up Kruger to be more of a scoring threat. Right now, the Hawks don't have a Moore type in house, from I can see. That's probably why Kruger hasn't been moved off the checking line.

He's a UFA July 1st. We'll see if the Rangers re-up him before then.
- EKolb13

If he's in a fourth line role, I'd be open to a one year deal. My concern is father time catching up to him like Zus.