I'd love for TT to slide in to 2C. Not sure that happens next year or at all. He's been good on the wing. I could see Kruger up to 3C and I'm really hoping they find some way to keep Desjardins who is versatile enough to play 4C
- golfbard

Bolland played center at about 180 pounds... what's our boy TT weigh these days? He could certainly beef up a few pounds over the summer. I'd like to see him at 2C as well. Maybe slide Hoss back to 2R to help him along, and move Kane up with Toews again. Who knows, I just hope the kid has a good night and next week we are talking about the finals.

so any RFA qualifying offer this summer gives draft pick compensation for the 2016 draft??
- EnzoD

Blues signed Jordan Schmaltz (Nick's brother) to a 3 year ELC....

http://www.sbncollegehock...an-schmaltz-signs-with-st

They need players for the farm.

Kane trade not happening yet... give it 5 more years in Chicago and one more Cup before he rides into Buffalo as the icing on the cake they will bake in the next 5 years.

Lineup looks fine, but TT moves to L3 and Baun to L4. Get rid of Versteeg!

Methinks Kane still needs a 2C. One or two more years of Richards? Would Stan give him 2 years, 3M each year until that hole can be plugged? He'd have the cash once Bickell, Crawford, Sharp, and (hopefully) Versteeg are gone.

Bickell and Sharp to FLA for that younger defenseman whose name I'm forgetting. Crawford and Versteeg to EDM for Draisatl.
- DMChi2010

Richards has been sufficient as a Cup-Contending team's 2C only bc the best offensive player in the game was on his line all year. He has looked re-energized in these playoffs but another year of wear and tear (especially a Stanley Cup Championship playoff run) and I don' think Brad will have much left in the tank. I hope this offseason nets the Hawks a big, decently skilled NHL ready (or a year away) 2C projected prospect.

Richards has been sufficient as a Cup-Contending team's 2C only bc the best offensive player in the game was on his line all year. He has looked re-energized in these playoffs but another year of wear and tear (especially a Stanley Cup Championship playoff run) and I don' think Brad will have much left in the tank. I hope this offseason nets the Hawks a big, decently skilled NHL ready (or a year away) 2C projected prospect.
- EnzoD

A legitimate 2C prospect that is a year away should be the main goal for the transactions that are going to happen this summer.

http://www.coppernblue.com/2015/5/28/8684555/the-dual-offer-sheet-once-again


I dont think this guy realizes that it will cost over $3.6 mil to sign Saad away from the Hawks..that means that we get their 1st round pick....Saad for McDavid....I love Saader but the frase "generational talent" was never used on Brandon....feel free to sign him after the Hawks Cup win!
- EnzoD

Doug Wilson was totally gutless when he did this how'd that work out for the Sharks?. Nice too how the writer is pinning it on a Tallon blunder...gee who was the cap guru for that team...? In any case Stan and the powers that be made the right choice in keeping Hammer whose been a bargain for this team for what he brings....while we're at it Keith's salary is looking pretty darn good right now as well.

Wonder if we'll see another Hawks goalie heading out to the Sharktank this summer...

Doug Wilson was totally gutless when he did this how'd that work out for the Sharks?. Nice too how the writer is pinning it on a Tallon blunder...gee who was the cap guru for that team...? In any case Stan and the powers that be made the right choice in keeping Hammer whose been a bargain for this team for what he brings....while we're at it Keith's salary is looking pretty darn good right now as well.

Wonder if we'll see another Hawks goalie heading out to the Sharktank this summer...
- DK002

Why was Wilson gutless for signing Hammer?

Doug Wilson was totally gutless when he did this how'd that work out for the Sharks?. Nice too how the writer is pinning it on a Tallon blunder...gee who was the cap guru for that team...? In any case Stan and the powers that be made the right choice in keeping Hammer whose been a bargain for this team for what he brings....while we're at it Keith's salary is looking pretty darn good right now as well.

Wonder if we'll see another Hawks goalie heading out to the Sharktank this summer...
- DK002

Matching Hammer's qualifying offer may have been StanBo's greateast move as GM. The guy is a rock on the back-end and a HUGE reason the Hawks ahve been Top 5 in the NHL in GAA since 2009. Also, I've been dreaming of a 6'2" two-way center with skill to play with Kaner since 2009....hopefully Stan finds one this summer

Why was Wilson gutless for signing Hammer?
- paulr

It was probably his best talent analysis as GM of the Sharks haha...but I understand what he means. You dont see Qualifying Offers very often as it seems to be an "unwritten rule" amongst GM's. Unless the RFA and other team are at odds as far as $/Term..then they are fair game IMO....

I'd love for TT to slide in to 2C. Not sure that happens next year or at all. He's been good on the wing. I could see Kruger up to 3C and I'm really hoping they find some way to keep Desjardins who is versatile enough to play 4C
- golfbard

If they extend Krugs, perhaps they push him to 2C and get surplus value from his deal if he works out there? Could bring back Vermette also and make attempts with TT and Danault there as well. If it's me, I bring back Vermette on a Richards type deal and let Richards walk. Vermette is starting to gel in the system. Move up Krugs to 3C with Shaw kept on his wing and keep TT on Kane's wing as well.

Saad/Toews/Kane
TT/Vermette/Hossa
Panarin/Kruger/Shaw
Baun/Danault/Hartman

Thoughts?

Mercy.........

Duncan Keith is a VERY good defensemen. He's arguably the best in the league, but he is a head and shoulders above everyone else? No. No he isn't. Keith is playing his best right now. However, to just sit here and bash others for suggesting Weber or Doughty is just plain ridiculous.

As far as the kids and Q goes........this just drives me nuts. Somebody else posted a listed of younger players Q played and developed, yet every time a guy like Morin flames out.....it's because q doesn't like kids. Please. Maybe it's because Morin isn't THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!! Before we anoint Klas dahlbeck as the next best thing, lets let him prove that in Phoenix first.......

I thought Danault was OK when he was up earlier this year, but I don't buy he has some motor of a champion or some overzealous compete level. Again........lets let him prove it against the best in the world and not a league that still employs Adam Burish and Ben Eager.

So many want to over promote prospects, and it drives me nuts. They are just that.......prospects. Nobody knows if this Russian kid will be able to snipe like he did in the KHL. TT hasn't exactly lit the NHL on fire.....he's improving but the jury is still out regarding him becoming a BONAFIDE top 6, consistent player.

I don't know what it is about Chicago fans and their want and desire to build up prospects like they are all sure fire HOFs and locks to fill that guy or this guy's role. I rememeber hearing the same thing about Jack Skille prior to the 2010-11 season and how did that turn out? Where is Makarov? Where is that Russian D man they got in the trade for Ladd, Buff, and Sopel?

If they extend Krugs, perhaps they push him to 2C and get surplus value from his deal if he works out there? Could bring back Vermette also and make attempts with TT and Danault there as well. If it's me, I bring back Vermette on a Richards type deal and let Richards walk. Vermette is starting to gel in the system. Move up Krugs to 3C with Shaw kept on his wing and keep TT on Kane's wing as well.

Saad/Toews/Kane
TT/Vermette/Hossa
Panarin/Kruger/Shaw
Baun/Danault/Hartman

Thoughts?
- Assman22

Vermette won't be back. He is going to get paid as the market for forwards is pretty weak. Some team desperate to hit cap floor will throw money at him.

IF Dave Bolland can get a monster deal in UFA so can Vermette.

Kruger can't be your #2 c. His limit is 3c.......if you don't think so......flash back to 2013 when the Hawks finally gave Bolland a shot at 2c and recall how that blew up in their face. Bolland has more skill then Kruger.

Hawks will need to either find a cheap veteran wanting a chance to win like Richards this year OR give it to TT and hope to god he adds some muscle in the offseason .

If they extend Krugs, perhaps they push him to 2C and get surplus value from his deal if he works out there? Could bring back Vermette also and make attempts with TT and Danault there as well. If it's me, I bring back Vermette on a Richards type deal and let Richards walk. Vermette is starting to gel in the system. Move up Krugs to 3C with Shaw kept on his wing and keep TT on Kane's wing as well.

Saad/Toews/Kane
TT/Vermette/Hossa
Panarin/Kruger/Shaw
Baun/Danault/Hartman

Thoughts?
- Assman22

I think Richards has more offensive upside and creativity than Vermette. Plus, Richards is still pulling down plenty of cash from the Rangers buyout and could potentially be cheaper, while Vermette is going to be look for his last big payday and will be priced out of what we can afford.

Replace Hartman with Desjardins, though at 850k. He's been a great pickup.

Why was Wilson gutless for signing Hammer?
- paulr

I agree........he wasn't. Nobody is going to give the hawks a free pass just because they are up against the cap. It won't happen. Throw in Bowman arrogantly stating that offer sheets didn't bother him, and you get that slapped in your face.

I'm telling you now..........I won't be surprised if a team throws a high dollar offer sheet at Saad that they can live with, but in hopes it leads to Kruger becoming available. The longer those 2 go without being resigned........the more sharks will be circling the Hawks boat.

Bowman has done this to himself.........curious to see how he digs himself out of it.

Mercy.........

Duncan Keith is a VERY good defensemen. He's arguably the best in the league, but he is a head and shoulders above everyone else? No. No he isn't. Keith is playing his best right now. However, to just sit here and bash others for suggesting Weber or Doughty is just plain ridiculous.

As far as the kids and Q goes........this just drives me nuts. Somebody else posted a listed of younger players Q played and developed, yet every time a guy like Morin flames out.....it's because q doesn't like kids. Please. Maybe it's because Morin isn't THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!! Before we anoint Klas dahlbeck as the next best thing, lets let him prove that in Phoenix first.......

I thought Danault was OK when he was up earlier this year, but I don't buy he has some motor of a champion or some overzealous compete level. Again........lets let him prove it against the best in the world and not a league that still employs Adam Burish and Ben Eager.

So many want to over promote prospects, and it drives me nuts. They are just that.......prospects. Nobody knows if this Russian kid will be able to snipe like he did in the KHL. TT hasn't exactly lit the NHL on fire.....he's improving but the jury is still out regarding him becoming a BONAFIDE top 6, consistent player.

I don't know what it is about Chicago fans and their want and desire to build up prospects like they are all sure fire HOFs and locks to fill that guy or this guy's role. I rememeber hearing the same thing about Jack Skille prior to the 2010-11 season and how did that turn out? Where is Makarov? Where is that Russian D man they got in the trade for Ladd, Buff, and Sopel?
- SteveRain

It seems to me this absurd idea that Q hates kids or won't work with kids or isn't fair to kids is said by posters who "fell in love" with a prospect and can't understand why that prospect couldn't make the team. In todays age no one is accountable for their actions so any failure must be someones fault. With the exception of Leddy, who was a cap casualty rather than a cut, no one of significant value is on another team after Quenneville gave them a chance.

Mercy.........

Duncan Keith is a VERY good defensemen. He's arguably the best in the league, but he is a head and shoulders above everyone else? No. No he isn't. Keith is playing his best right now. However, to just sit here and bash others for suggesting Weber or Doughty is just plain ridiculous.

As far as the kids and Q goes........this just drives me nuts. Somebody else posted a listed of younger players Q played and developed, yet every time a guy like Morin flames out.....it's because q doesn't like kids. Please. Maybe it's because Morin isn't THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!! Before we anoint Klas dahlbeck as the next best thing, lets let him prove that in Phoenix first.......

I thought Danault was OK when he was up earlier this year, but I don't buy he has some motor of a champion or some overzealous compete level. Again........lets let him prove it against the best in the world and not a league that still employs Adam Burish and Ben Eager.

So many want to over promote prospects, and it drives me nuts. They are just that.......prospects. Nobody knows if this Russian kid will be able to snipe like he did in the KHL. TT hasn't exactly lit the NHL on fire.....he's improving but the jury is still out regarding him becoming a BONAFIDE top 6, consistent player.

I don't know what it is about Chicago fans and their want and desire to build up prospects like they are all sure fire HOFs and locks to fill that guy or this guy's role. I rememeber hearing the same thing about Jack Skille prior to the 2010-11 season and how did that turn out? Where is Makarov? Where is that Russian D man they got in the trade for Ladd, Buff, and Sopel?
- SteveRain

with the bluejackets not so great: 28 gmes, 2 goals and 4 assts with about 7-14 TOI the last 10 games....

with the bluejackets not so great: 28 gmes, 2 goals and 4 assts with about 7-14 TOI the last 10 games....
- bogiedoc

Yet we still hear that he wasn't given a fair shake by Q. Maybe Q was able to make an accurate assessment more quickly than other coaches and GMs?

with the bluejackets not so great: 28 gmes, 2 goals and 4 assts with about 7-14 TOI the last 10 games....
- bogiedoc

While he made the US WC team he also rode pine........a lot.

The kid isn't good and isn't somebody to mourn about it.

Not saying you were, but I saw others mentioning him and I needed to express that he was NOT and is NOT that good.

Mercy.........

Duncan Keith is a VERY good defensemen. He's arguably the best in the league, but he is a head and shoulders above everyone else? No. No he isn't. Keith is playing his best right now. However, to just sit here and bash others for suggesting Weber or Doughty is just plain ridiculous.

As far as the kids and Q goes........this just drives me nuts. Somebody else posted a listed of younger players Q played and developed, yet every time a guy like Morin flames out.....it's because q doesn't like kids. Please. Maybe it's because Morin isn't THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!! Before we anoint Klas dahlbeck as the next best thing, lets let him prove that in Phoenix first.......

I thought Danault was OK when he was up earlier this year, but I don't buy he has some motor of a champion or some overzealous compete level. Again........lets let him prove it against the best in the world and not a league that still employs Adam Burish and Ben Eager.

So many want to over promote prospects, and it drives me nuts. They are just that.......prospects. Nobody knows if this Russian kid will be able to snipe like he did in the KHL. TT hasn't exactly lit the NHL on fire.....he's improving but the jury is still out regarding him becoming a BONAFIDE top 6, consistent player.

I don't know what it is about Chicago fans and their want and desire to build up prospects like they are all sure fire HOFs and locks to fill that guy or this guy's role. I rememeber hearing the same thing about Jack Skille prior to the 2010-11 season and how did that turn out? Where is Makarov? Where is that Russian D man they got in the trade for Ladd, Buff, and Sopel?
- SteveRain

The reason we do is because we need cheap contracts. You are not going to find vets, with their talent ability, anywhere near the same price. Prospects need to be infused in the roster to replace old vets to make a team, a consistent performer, rather than having a 3-6 year span of greatness.

It seems to me this absurd idea that Q hates kids or won't work with kids or isn't fair to kids is said by posters who "fell in love" with a prospect and can't understand why that prospect couldn't make the team. In todays age no one is accountable for their actions so any failure must be someones fault. With the exception of Leddy, who was a cap casualty rather than a cut, no one of significant value is on another team after Quenneville gave them a chance.
- paulr

Agreed. Leddy was the one guy who will be a stable NHL player for a long time. He just wasn't here, and as much as I did LOVE Leddy, I am not sure with Hammer he would have succeeded like Oduya has. Oduya has been very good in this series.

agreed on the prospect love. That's what I am getting at. So many in this town fall in love with all these prospects and I don't know where the overhype comes from, but lets let them get their feet wet before we expect all this greatness.

Look at teuvo. I read he's the next Patrick kane or some lock for top 6 and a sure fire end to the 2c hole for years to come. Ummm........not sure any of that has been proven or solved. Kid is good. Has good vision. However, lets let him produce consistently before we shower him with all these accolades which in turn leads to unrealistic expectations from fans. Case in point...........#TeuvoTime

Mercy.........

Duncan Keith is a VERY good defensemen. He's arguably the best in the league, but he is a head and shoulders above everyone else? No. No he isn't. Keith is playing his best right now. However, to just sit here and bash others for suggesting Weber or Doughty is just plain ridiculous.

As far as the kids and Q goes........this just drives me nuts. Somebody else posted a listed of younger players Q played and developed, yet every time a guy like Morin flames out.....it's because q doesn't like kids. Please. Maybe it's because Morin isn't THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!! Before we anoint Klas dahlbeck as the next best thing, lets let him prove that in Phoenix first.......

I thought Danault was OK when he was up earlier this year, but I don't buy he has some motor of a champion or some overzealous compete level. Again........lets let him prove it against the best in the world and not a league that still employs Adam Burish and Ben Eager.

So many want to over promote prospects, and it drives me nuts. They are just that.......prospects. Nobody knows if this Russian kid will be able to snipe like he did in the KHL. TT hasn't exactly lit the NHL on fire.....he's improving but the jury is still out regarding him becoming a BONAFIDE top 6, consistent player.

I don't know what it is about Chicago fans and their want and desire to build up prospects like they are all sure fire HOFs and locks to fill that guy or this guy's role. I rememeber hearing the same thing about Jack Skille prior to the 2010-11 season and how did that turn out? Where is Makarov? Where is that Russian D man they got in the trade for Ladd, Buff, and Sopel?
- SteveRain

In all fairness, every fan base is like that.

Matching Hammer's qualifying offer may have been StanBo's greateast move as GM. The guy is a rock on the back-end and a HUGE reason the Hawks ahve been Top 5 in the NHL in GAA since 2009. Also, I've been dreaming of a 6'2" two-way center with skill to play with Kaner since 2009....hopefully Stan finds one this summer
- EnzoD

Probably the biggest value in hockey the last 2 years....

The reason we do is because we need cheap contracts. You are not going to find vets, with their talent ability, anywhere near the same price. Prospects need to be infused in the roster to replace old vets to make a team, a consistent performer, rather than having a 3-6 year span of greatness.
- BearsnHawks

I get that and I am ALL FOR prpspects being brought up, but with a conservative approach by the fan base.

That's all I am saying........let these kids PROVE it at the NHL level before they are showered with all this praise.

For every Teuvo, there is Jack Skille and Jeremy Morin.

In all fairness, every fan base is like that.
- howiehandles

Maybe.......but...........

I can name off a TON of Cubs prospects that were overhyped.........The sox fan base loved them some Gordon Beckham.

I am just saying, it makes fans look stupid when they run out and by an authentic Jeremy morin jersey and he doesn't even make it.

Again.......curb the enthusiasm until said prospect backs it up at the parent club level.

I tell all my Cubs buddies, Cubs should trade Javier Baez NOW. He's a lock to be a bust. That guy will strike out 300 times if he ever gets 500-600 MLB at bats

Mercy.........

Duncan Keith is a VERY good defensemen. He's arguably the best in the league, but he is a head and shoulders above everyone else? No. No he isn't. Keith is playing his best right now. However, to just sit here and bash others for suggesting Weber or Doughty is just plain ridiculous.

As far as the kids and Q goes........this just drives me nuts. Somebody else posted a listed of younger players Q played and developed, yet every time a guy like Morin flames out.....it's because q doesn't like kids. Please. Maybe it's because Morin isn't THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!! Before we anoint Klas dahlbeck as the next best thing, lets let him prove that in Phoenix first.......

I thought Danault was OK when he was up earlier this year, but I don't buy he has some motor of a champion or some overzealous compete level. Again........lets let him prove it against the best in the world and not a league that still employs Adam Burish and Ben Eager.

So many want to over promote prospects, and it drives me nuts. They are just that.......prospects. Nobody knows if this Russian kid will be able to snipe like he did in the KHL. TT hasn't exactly lit the NHL on fire.....he's improving but the jury is still out regarding him becoming a BONAFIDE top 6, consistent player.

I don't know what it is about Chicago fans and their want and desire to build up prospects like they are all sure fire HOFs and locks to fill that guy or this guy's role. I rememeber hearing the same thing about Jack Skille prior to the 2010-11 season and how did that turn out? Where is Makarov? Where is that Russian D man they got in the trade for Ladd, Buff, and Sopel?
- SteveRain

Great post. If PD had an elite motor he would be here already like Shaw.

They have a solid group of kids coming from Rockford but lots of work before they are Bollands, Brouwers or Shaws. The free agent signings really help. If 2-3 of the forwards stick here that will be a great success. They NEED at least 2-3 of the d men to pan out. TT is here and looks like a potential star IMO. He needs to keep working. Panarin could project as a solid offensive producer and maybe top 6 - lots of "ifs" with any Russian. Interested in how Jordan Schmaltz develops - could be an indicator of how Nick will do in the pros (even though they play different positions) and Nick looks like a top 6 guy.

The more I have checked/watched on Reilly the more I hope they pull that out and get him. LEAPED from nowhere to a top 10 NCAA prospect and Hobey Baker finalist. Physically developing late but quickly - quick feet and easily could be a top 4 d man. Really hope they get him over the Wild. I am prepared for disappointment though - both with Reilly and Panarin. Also expect a number of these names not to pan out with the Hawks. That is simply reality. What encourages me is the quantity though. Q will have many to choose from.

Matching Hammer's qualifying offer may have been StanBo's greateast move as GM. The guy is a rock on the back-end and a HUGE reason the Hawks ahve been Top 5 in the NHL in GAA since 2009. Also, I've been dreaming of a 6'2" two-way center with skill to play with Kaner since 2009....hopefully Stan finds one this summer
- EnzoD

Agreed.

The Barker for Leddy +Johnsson was a close 2nd.