Eklund said hawks interested in Ribiero...just what we need to get Kaner back on blow
- EnzoD

yeah, ribero is gone because of party/rule violations.

I agree. I wasn't too strong either way on Kesler, but I would like two real NHL level centers. Not stars, just decent ones, so they can roll four lines. The cap might mean one fewer moves than otherwise, but we'll see what it looks like at puck drop.
- mohel

Agree. That's my worry, that we are slotting third line wingers at L2-C, which hurts our 2nd and 3rd line. I don't think this team NEEDS a stud to add to the studs we have, but I seriously do want a L2-C with Kaner. Imagine what Kane could do with a guy who can carry the puck, protect it along the boards, win board battles, SKATE fast, and distribute? The fact Kane scored what he scored with Zus playing L2-C most of the year is a testament to Kane's brilliance. That guy, for all his supposed faults, deserves a competent, it unspectacular pivot.

BTW-On Ribiero...he's a tool. He was at the hockey rink one time and maybe like 3 or 4 kids wanted to talk to him. He talked, but you could tell he was "put off" by it. His demeanor was very sad. I didn't care to talk to him, because I didn't like the Capitals OR him, but that one moment just struck me as, "he's acting like he's better than he really is."

Plus our boy McNeil. Seems like the perfect year to add some kids to the line up.
- Elbows15

I'd definitely like to see some of the young'ins that are ready start getting some time throughout the season. Pays off in a couple of ways later...fresher team and more proven/known options for playoffs. Thought that was a mistake this past year at least to a degree. There are players further along now for this year.

Well, your "general statement" was pretty over the top, but hey...whatever.
I haven't read the entire board, no clue what was discussed, chose to golf and go to dinner with my wife.
I'm disappointed the hawks didn't improve today, my opinion. Different than yours, but not wrong. Relax
- dpard

Good choice on the dinner and golf. It was over the top, just responding to over the top on the other end of the spectrum. Any fan would rather improve, but my opinion is that the off-season has a long way to go and it is too early to give out grades. Cheers.

I'm not sure it was that disappointing a day. Stan got the guy he wanted in the draft, the Cap number is a bit lower than hoped, and I am looking at how Stan is going to get out of the minor cap issue and improve the team going forward. Getting Kesler today would have been a disaster capwise.

Any fan would rather improve, but my opinion is that the off-season has a long way to go and it is too early to give out grades. Cheers.
- mohel

Not a damn bit of disagreement here. Very valid position. There is still a lot to be done. There was no deadline tonight.

Just remember folks...still plenty of time for Stan to put a real center on the 2nd line...plus didn't kesler almost blow out his knee at the end of the year?

Just remember folks...still plenty of time for Stan to put a real center on the 2nd line...plus didn't kesler almost blow out his knee at the end of the year?
- EnzoD

Kesler is a fantastic player. He will help the Ducks a lot. But he's still a wanker who dives and turtles so we can continue to hate him.

His comment about the Ducks were the team he wanted to go to is a hot steamy, load...he wanted to go there, because that's ultimately where he got dealt.

Well the time has come for the prospects in Rockford to start producing on the NHL level. If TT, McNeil, Dalbeck, Morin or Nordstrom don't start producing its time to get on Stanbo. Aside from Toews and Kaner when has a Hawks first round choice made the bigs......

I agree. I wasn't too strong either way on Kesler, but I would like two real NHL level centers. Not stars, just decent ones, so they can roll four lines. The cap might mean one fewer moves than otherwise, but we'll see what it looks like at puck drop.
- mohel

This - all of it - I can agree with.

The lower cap I too think - cost them one move - but at this point, one move lost can leave a hole that a bunch of Kings could skate thru.

Well the time has come for the prospects in Rockford to start producing on the NHL level. If TT, McNeil, Dalbeck, Morin or Nordstrom don't start producing its time to get on Stanbo. Aside from Toews and Kaner when has a Hawks first round choice made the bigs......
- mmurray892

Good question. Most are out of the system now. Though I am STILL a Danault fan....that kid has a motor that won't quit and the heart of a lion. His skillset isn't top end, but easily good enough to be a capable L3-C.

(frank) him and his mission....he lost out again

Kesler is a fantastic player. He will help the Ducks a lot. But he's still a wanker who dives and turtles so we can continue to hate him.

His comment about the Ducks were the team he wanted to go to is a hot steamy, load...he wanted to go there, because that's ultimately where he got dealt.
- kwolf68

I would have laughed if he said he really wanted to come to Chicago, but Anaheim is a good second choice

Kesler is a fantastic player. He will help the Ducks a lot. But he's still a wanker who dives and turtles so we can continue to hate him.

His comment about the Ducks were the team he wanted to go to is a hot steamy, load...he wanted to go there, because that's ultimately where he got dealt.
- kwolf68

He also hasn't produced at the same level after his surgeries. Could be the team's faltering, but it could also be that he lost something when he hurt that hip and it ain't back. I don't know enough to know that answer, but I think it is a valid question (especially if the cost is that high).

I wonder what the Canucks want for Bonino?

He also hasn't produced at the same level after his surgeries. Could be the team's faltering, but it could also be that he lost something when he hurt that hip and it ain't back. I don't know enough to know that answer, but I think it is a valid question (especially if the cost is that high).
- mohel

Yea, total speculation either way. We'll find out soon enough. He's a dynamo in his own end...I'd rank him Top 5 in the NHL, wins draws and has enough offensive punch to create chances for his wings. He WAS the perfect fit, but the numbers just didn't work out and the Hawks were not prepared to move TT, and I am cool with that.

However, if we bring him in then it not only necessitates the moving of Sharp (which is still possible to happen), but very likely two other players including Oduya...his cap hit with our salary combined with the resources given away was too much and I'm cool with Stan on this.

MY ISSUE with Stan is he even went that direction to begin with. He should tell Kane to relax...he'll get his center, but not one at 5 MILL per.

I wonder what the Canucks want for Bonino?
- wizardofi

He'll, it would probably take someone like a Kesler to get a Bonino.

This - all of it - I can agree with.

The lower cap I too think - cost them one move - but at this point, one move lost can leave a hole that a bunch of Kings could skate thru.
- StLBravesFan

Maybe, Maybe not. Williams will be 35. Gaborik 33 and not playing for a contract. mitchell will be 38. Carter has a history of feet problems. Stoll is 32.

He'll, it would probably take someone like a Kesler to get a Bonino.
- StLBravesFan

I would have laughed if he said he really wanted to come to Chicago, but Anaheim is a good second choice
- wizardofi

Bonino had 49 points last year. Kesler had 43, and 49 in his previous full season. I know he plays defense, but crap. Add in that Bonino has a cap hit of 35 cents for the next three years. I don't see what the Hawks have to match that anyway.

He'll, it would probably take someone like a Kesler to get a Bonino.
- StLBravesFan

Maybe, Maybe not. Williams will be 35. Gaborik 33 and not playing for a contract. mitchell will be 38. Carter has a history of feet problems. Stoll is 32.
- Elbows15

This is a Very underrated comment and one that should be considered. STILL, I think even with Gab playing half speed we still have work to do.

He also hasn't produced at the same level after his surgeries. Could be the team's faltering, but it could also be that he lost something when he hurt that hip and it ain't back. I don't know enough to know that answer, but I think it is a valid question (especially if the cost is that high).
- mohel

Aside from 2 seasons he has produced the same numbers. And he is pretty much an even player. And he is and always will be a me first player.

Yea, total speculation either way. We'll find out soon enough. He's a dynamo in his own end...I'd rank him Top 5 in the NHL, wins draws and has enough offensive punch to create chances for his wings. He WAS the perfect fit, but the numbers just didn't work out and the Hawks were not prepared to move TT, and I am cool with that.

However, if we bring him in then it not only necessitates the moving of Sharp (which is still possible to happen), but very likely two other players including Oduya...his cap hit with our salary combined with the resources given away was too much and I'm cool with Stan on this.

MY ISSUE with Stan is he even went that direction to begin with. He should tell Kane to relax...he'll get his center, but not one at 5 MILL per.
- kwolf68

How do we know he hasn't?

And - how much of the chase for Kesler had to do with Kane: the most prominent top 6 center on the market - an obvious play for a team needing a 2C whether it's star wanted him or not.

I would guess they'll mollify Kane somehow - with a legitimate (but not star-power) 2C, or a plan to solve the problem.

The guys at International Scouting Services say Schmaltz is one of the purely natural skilled athletes in this draft and his skating and offensive tools are elite.

And the guys at Future Considerations say handfuls of nifty tricks to use with the puck on his stick to make opposing players look silly, and is able to locate even the slightest of passing lanes and he can create scoring chances out of seemingly nothing. He is elusive with the puck and has the ability to sneak into open space around the net like an unseen ghost. He is an effective backdoor finisher with a quick wrist shot that he'll get in good position to take.


my point is this I said to your all that this was a draft that dropped dramatically in talent after pick 21....and your team stepped up and moved up into the to 20.

You can feel sorry that you 'terrible hockey team" didn't get you a veteran name you would know. But they didn't sit on their hands.


AND WHEN SCHAMLTZ MET THE PRESS - HE SAID HE GREW UP A BLACKHAWK'S FAN AND WANTED THEM TO SELECT HIM...thatv works for me.

We have Final Four team, are slightly over the Cap and the fan base wants a rabbitt out of the hat and blame management for not proving it.

And at very least that FC evalution wording of effective backdoor finisher should make you smile