Another one people will cringe at is Bollig. But I think he was pretty good in the regular season (not so good in the playoffs). Last year was by far the most hockey he's ever played. He has also worked hard on his game and improved more than most would have guessed.

Bickell will be better, too, I believe. Versteeg, too, although I'm a bit hesitant there. Morin could become like last year's Ben Smith, breaking onto the roster. And I think Nordy could find a place if he throws down a few sandwiches.

But, then again, I'm a unicorn.....
- mohel

I totally agree with Bicks. Take what you can get for Steeger and cut bait.

I totally agree with Bicks. Take what you can get for Steeger and cut bait.
- reeder16

I won't cry if Versteeg goes. If he stays, I think he'll be better than we saw this past season.

Add Leddy: any of the four ready for second-pairing responsibility?

Maybe.
- StLBravesFan

The dmen at Rockford will need to take steps in their development, then they can be re-assessed. None are ready now except Dahlbeck. But maybe Rundblad will not be so bad. He has been a pro for a couple of seasons. Anyone who doesn't play much is not going to look too good. I think you need to,know exactly the thinking and why he left his other teams. You cannot fairly judge any younger player when he gets into a game,once every blue moon.

Go read the trib article ,Stan Bowman is full of sh it when it comes to "believing in the group with in". yeah ok, you almost got bounced by Minni, every time you tryed to check a king , you bounced off like a fly, they are big , fast & can skate with you Stan! as for Sharp, the Kings figured him out, just hit him, put the body on him. Sharp couldn't do di ck against those big King forwards that were putting the body on him. if he had to play against teams like that every nite, he wouldn't get 15 goals a year.
now it's time to hit the dumpsters, Richards, Fiddler, Ville Lieno, some guy named Neilson, ect.
NOW I hope uncle John has him by the nuts and is reading him the act for giving a goof like Bollig the $ he got among other things.
If we are gonna stand pat then Phuck it, I want to see TT, McNeill, & Danault all up here in the Fall, let this be a step back year and let these kids play here then. It beats getting some 35 year old club foot who is washed up.
I hope Kane tells them that he's just gonna play it out & see what happens. he's gotta be pissed like some of the fans right now! nice draft Stan, another little sh lit!
my gut feeling is Brad Richards finds his way here. & if your gonna trade some D, then atleast sign Brooks Orpik to hammer some people and clean up the corners & front of the net. enough with that stick waving poke check crap by our D!

Hey, I said don't read it

I'd like to see him moved tomorrow. Preferably for a young centre, with size who knows where his own end is and can get up and down the ice. I really think there must be one out there.

Any thoughts on moves that might take place tomorrow? Versteeg and Rozy for picks?
- reeder16

I hope something happens. As to what, I have no clue Reeds. I had a thought earlier that maybe they wanted to try for 1st round picks next year and were waiting until after the 1 round this year was over. Not that is makes any sense.

I hope something happens. As to what, I have no clue Reeds. I had a thought earlier that maybe they wanted to try for 1st round picks next year and were waiting until after the 1 round this year was over. Not that is makes any sense.
- Elbows15

Makes sense: stronger draft next year, supposedly. I don't at all claim to have seen these kids play much. The most I've seen of them is usually at the WJHC and most the team is 19 and already drafted.

Go read the trib article ,Stan Bowman is full of sh it when it comes to "believing in the group with in". yeah ok, you almost got bounced by Minni, every time you tryed to check a king , you bounced off like a fly, they are big , fast & can skate with you Stan! as for Sharp, the Kings figured him out, just hit him, put the body on him. Sharp couldn't do di ck against those big King forwards that were putting the body on him. if he had to play against teams like that every nite, he wouldn't get 15 goals a year.
now it's time to hit the dumpsters, Richards, Fiddler, Ville Lieno, some guy named Neilson, ect.
NOW I hope uncle John has him by the nuts and is reading him the act for giving a goof like Bollig the $ he got among other things.
If we are gonna stand pat then Phuck it, I want to see TT, McNeill, & Danault all up here in the Fall, let this be a step back year and let these kids play here then. It beats getting some 35 year old club foot who is washed up.
I hope Kane tells them that he's just gonna play it out & see what happens. he's gotta be pissed like some of the fans right now! nice draft Stan, another little sh lit!
my gut feeling is Brad Richards finds his way here. & if your gonna trade some D, then atleast sign Brooks Orpik to hammer some people and clean up the corners & front of the net. enough with that stick waving poke check crap by our D!
- wonthecup10

Formatting is your friend.

Also, Hawks beat the Wild ib 6, that's not close to being bounced. The games were closer than expected because the Wild are good, but the Hawks still beat them with a game to spare.

All the western teams are big and hit. Sharp plays against them just fine.

I agree about Bollig and the kids, except I don't think it'll be a step back year. I'm optimistic that the kids will step up and fill in nicely.

Orpik is slow, has been injured a lot lately, and had a bad year. He only hits so much because he rarely has the puck. He got exposed in the east, he wouldn't survive the west. No thank you.

Makes sense: stronger draft next year, supposedly. I don't at all claim to have seen these kids play much. The most I've seen of them is usually at the WJHC and most the team is 19 and already drafted.
- reeder16

NcDavis, Eichels and Hanifin are all consider potential franchise players. Something this draft didn't have.

NcDavis, Eichels and Hanifin are all consider potential franchise players. Something this draft didn't have.
- Elbows15

Eichel might be the best of the lot, next year
From what I've heard, this draft will include many solid NHLers, none of which are sure fire to play in the show next year.

NcDavis, Eichels and Hanifin are all consider potential franchise players. Something this draft didn't have.
- Elbows15

This draft has a few players that could be cornerstones for teams, but it was the lack of quality picks past the top 20 or so that separates them from 2015. 2015 has been compared to 2003 in terms of how deep it is.

This draft has a few players that could be cornerstones for teams, but it was the lack of quality picks past the top 20 or so that separates them from 2015. 2015 has been compared to 2003 in terms of how deep it is.
- L_B_R

Any info on Brendan Lemieux, Claude's son? I read that he was interviewed by, of all people, Kris Draper (working for the Wings) during a pre-draft interview.

This draft has a few players that could be cornerstones for teams, but it was the lack of quality picks past the top 20 or so that separates them from 2015. 2015 has been compared to 2003 in terms of how deep it is.
- L_B_R

None of the quality of those 3 though.



Also. From all I read it was really the top 8-9 who had a chance to be top 3. Most are projected as middle 6. time will tell. They are still young kids who can mature or develop later than others.

Formatting is your friend.

Also, Hawks beat the Wild ib 6, that's not close to being bounced. The games were closer than expected because the Wild are good, but the Hawks still beat them with a game to spare.

All the western teams are big and hit. Sharp plays against them just fine.

I agree about Bollig and the kids, except I don't think it'll be a step back year. I'm optimistic that the kids will step up and fill in nicely.

Orpik is slow, has been injured a lot lately, and had a bad year. He only hits so much because he rarely has the puck. He got exposed in the east, he wouldn't survive the west. No thank you.
- L_B_R

you are probably right on some of that, I'm with some of these other guys, "unload Sharp right now while the return is OK. " I don't care for his phony self when behind closed doors he sounds like a Knob.
forgot to add Brian Boyle in that mix also as potential adds. I will be ABSOLUTELY stunned if Bowman finds a way to lose $$ & add Paul Stasny. Start with Sharp, Stasny is 26 & would get Kane 100 points a year. did Sharp even suit up against the Kings? I don't buy the injury crap whe he was "trying to be like MIke" at wrigley field 3 days later.

Eichel might be the best of the lot, next year
From what I've heard, this draft will include many solid NHLers, none of which are sure fire to play in the show next year.
- reeder16

I really like what I have seen of him. You notice him right away.

Formatting is your friend.

Also, Hawks beat the Wild ib 6, that's not close to being bounced. The games were closer than expected because the Wild are good, but the Hawks still beat them with a game to spare.

All the western teams are big and hit. Sharp plays against them just fine.

I agree about Bollig and the kids, except I don't think it'll be a step back year. I'm optimistic that the kids will step up and fill in nicely.

Orpik is slow, has been injured a lot lately, and had a bad year. He only hits so much because he rarely has the puck. He got exposed in the east, he wouldn't survive the west. No thank you.
- L_B_R

Eventually Bowman will have to add some muscle and toughness. He has some prospects who have energy and skill combo but not really mean or tough hombres. Johns is, but plays defense, would be a third pair, and is difficult to project as third pair unless Dahlbeck or someone else turns out very good.

Drafting the last of the skill guys available in round one was not a mistake, worthecup. It was a smart move. Now Bowman will have to add toughness and meanness plus size in the next two seasons. If he doesn't then Chg will get bounced early. After chg looses first or second round next season, some core guy(s) will depart. I bet on Sharp and one of the top three dmen - Keith or Seabrook. Probably Seabrook.

Nice retort. Useless, meaningless...much like what you want this forum to become based on your self-appointed standards.

People who rag people on how they post simply put suck. It's a freaking message board...people are hyped up, fired up, some are drinking, having fun, lashing out, being fans...

It's NOT gonna be a Mensa convention. The sooner folks like you figure it out, then you can actually offer your actual opinions on things (which are very often solid).
- kwolf68

Quite obviously, and too much I'd say. Jesus.

you are probably right on some of that, I'm with some of these other guys, "unload Sharp right now while the return is OK. " I don't care for his phony self when behind closed doors he sounds like a Knob.
forgot to add Brian Boyle in that mix also as potential adds. I will be ABSOLUTELY stunned if Bowman finds a way to lose $$ & add Paul Stasny. Start with Sharp, Stasny is 26 & would get Kane 100 points a year. did Sharp even suit up against the Kings? I don't buy the injury crap whe he was "trying to be like MIke" at wrigley field 3 days later.
- wonthecup10

Trading Patrick Sharp, Nick Leddy and Michal Rozival or Kris Versteeg would free up $10.80 million in cap space. Enough to sign Paul Stastny without giving up any assets and having something like $2.00 million extra in Cap space.

I wouldn't hold my breath though...

‏@MarkLazerus
Joel Quenneville said he has fired goaltender coach Steve Weeks.

@ESPNChiPowers
Quenneville said he could see Morin moving up the ladder on the team next season.
- L_B_R

Shame on Q for playing Morin MORE in the playoffs. Last i'll say on it.

Go read the trib article ,Stan Bowman is full of sh it when it comes to "believing in the group with in". yeah ok, you almost got bounced by Minni, every time you tryed to check a king , you bounced off like a fly, they are big , fast & can skate with you Stan! as for Sharp, the Kings figured him out, just hit him, put the body on him. Sharp couldn't do di ck against those big King forwards that were putting the body on him. if he had to play against teams like that every nite, he wouldn't get 15 goals a year.
now it's time to hit the dumpsters, Richards, Fiddler, Ville Lieno, some guy named Neilson, ect.
NOW I hope uncle John has him by the nuts and is reading him the act for giving a goof like Bollig the $ he got among other things.
If we are gonna stand pat then Phuck it, I want to see TT, McNeill, & Danault all up here in the Fall, let this be a step back year and let these kids play here then. It beats getting some 35 year old club foot who is washed up.
I hope Kane tells them that he's just gonna play it out & see what happens. he's gotta be pissed like some of the fans right now! nice draft Stan, another little sh lit!
my gut feeling is Brad Richards finds his way here. & if your gonna trade some D, then atleast sign Brooks Orpik to hammer some people and clean up the corners & front of the net. enough with that stick waving poke check crap by our D!
- wonthecup10

WTC...you need to realize that nothing any GM says is worth anything. All comments will be cliche ridden, very general, seldom will anything specific be mentioned. The only time the truth might slip out is following a completed deal or at a press conference introducing an acquisition.

I take everyything, any GM says, from any sport with a grain of salt.

I'm not pleased with the current state of affairs, but it could be plenty worse...and has been not too long ago.

Trading Patrick Sharp, Nick Leddy and Michal Rozival or Kris Versteeg would free up $10.80 million in cap space. Enough to sign Paul Stastny without giving up any assets and having something like $2.00 million extra in Cap space.

I wouldn't hold my breath though...
- Hawks82

Would you give them all away for choices after you signed Statsny? Because teams would know why they are available and would not pay much for them. Trading them before you have signed Statsny a really big risk; sure you have that trade all locked up? Trading them to Ottawa, at least some of them? Ottawa has many teams interested in Spezza and if I am Bryan Murray I want someone younger than Sharp.

You're right, do not hold your breathe.

Would you give them all away for choices after you signed Statsny? Because teams would know why they are available and would not pay much for them. Trading them before you have signed Statsny a really big risk. Trading them to Ottawa, at least some of them? Ottawa has many teams interested in Spezza and if I am Bryan I want someone younger than Sharp.

You're right, do not hold your breathe.
- jhawk59

If the Hawks were worried about the cap implications of Kesler's contract, there's no way they're even chatting with Statsny.

Unless some major cap hits are moved no expensive FA's will be visiting the westside.

WTC...you need to realize that nothing any GM says is worth anything. All comments will be cliche ridden, very general, seldom will anything specific be mentioned. The only time the truth might slip out is following a completed deal or at a press conference introducing an acquisition.

I take everyything, any GM says, from any sport with a grain of salt.

I'm not pleased with the current state of affairs, but it could be plenty worse...and has been not too long ago.
- ArlingtonRob

Tell you what, ArlingtonRob, you are absolutely right. But in one situation I might have a tad bit of hope about a prospect. At the annual rookies July camp I would ask if Birch might be brought over for a look now that he has played a season in Sweden. Could there be something a Chg scout saw to bring anew an interest in Birch again. Probably not, but a GM may express a shred of truth in this situation.

Shame on Q for playing Morin MORE in the playoffs. Last i'll say on it.

- philco28

No sense looking back, Morin now has his chance with the big club after 5 years in the marinating sauce. And now they have him under contract for 3 years at under $1M per. (Unfortunately for him that is about $450K less per year than Bollig).

I'm looking for 20-25 goals this year from Jeremy. And if he delivers that, every shill doing TV color commentary will be praising the Hawks and Bowman on their method of developing young players.

If the Hawks were worried about the cap implications of Kesler's contract, there's no way they're even chatting with Statsny.

Unless some major cap hits are moved no expensive FA's will be visiting the westside.
- ArlingtonRob

I doubt the cap implications were a big drawback re Kesler. The Ducks just had something to offer that the Canucks liked better.

And who knows about the cumulative effect that the hip and other surgeries have had on Kesler. Doubt very much he can get back to his 2011 performance level.

Like you, doubt very much that Stastny is on the Hawks radar screen. More likely Dallas, St.Louis, Toronto and others would pay his asking price.

No sense looking back, Morin now has his chance with the big club after 5 years in the marinating sauce. And now they have him under contract for 3 years at under $1M per. (Unfortunately for him that is about $450K less per year than Bollig).

I'm looking for 20-25 goals this year from Jeremy. And if he delivers that, every shill doing TV color commentary will be praising the Hawks and Bowman on their method of developing young players.
- RickJ

Quenneville has opened the door for Morin to stick with the team. It's now up to Morin to understand what's expected of him and play according to those expectations. If he decides to stand around out of position when the opposition has the puck, or vacate his position to make a play, or lose his defensive coverage as he did this past season, he has no one but himself to blame when he is removed from the lineup for someone more willing, or cognizant of playing defensive hockey.