Here's the thing:

No matter if they fire the coach or retin him, the hard reality is the Cap honeymoon is over on Tavares....and the thing is these kids from Nelson to Strome to Anders Lee haven't taken significant strides upwards, in my humble opinion.
They will dump Kyle Okposo instead of ponying up on him.

And you and I know Matt Martin has played for what seems to be forever for one million a year and is not gonna continue to.
You can argue the overpaid Leddy and Boychuk.

You can also decide if there are impact players in the pipeline who will be able to ascend. (Dal Colle, Josh Ho-Sang, Barzal) but trading for Teravainen at very least assures you HAVE a major league player who has experience in his progress, if not a complete game or high quanity and quality results just yet.

They have Ryan Pulock who looks to get a shot on defense soon and sure,....maybe they don't make the trade.

But if they decide to shake things up, attempting to acquire another high skilled forward who might just get Tavares the puck and starts finishing as his RW might be tempting, right?

I like Harmonic's contract and my only point of my post was so everyone here blabbing on and on, desiring a defensemen could see how little is REALLY available and that what IS available... isn't really the high level of player you want to trade for even IF his cap fits. you want a cap fit that comes with an acesnding younger backliner.
Not a Dougie Hamilton who mIGHT put it in place eventually but already exceeds his worth due to the Cap hit and fat contract you laid out to get him.

My entire point get both Cap Fit and real deal player.
- wiz1901

If this were to get done does Daley then become expendable or overpaid has your 5/6?.

Would the Hawks ever try Hosea on the LW1 and Tt on the right?
Hossa has been around long enough and is wavy enough to slide over I believe

I don't blame Stan for the Saad situation. Saad's camp wouldn't negotiate until the end of the season so there was little Stan could do. But your point is valid, it would be beneficial to re-sign Panarin sooner rather than later.
- DarthKane

You can't really blame Stan for Saad. You can blame Stan if it happens again. If an RFA will not sign or negotiate they have to be moved before the risk of an offer sheet. Use a deadline so you allow the time to get the best return.

Hopefully Bowman learned from the Saad ordeal and signs Panarin this coming offseason to a 3-4 year bridge deal.
- AfroPear

**Fixed my previous response**

He offered Saad a nice bridge deal (but he wanted the big paycheck and went to Columbus instead). It happens. But, I didn't care for how the Saad camp acted surprised the Hakws traded him. They knew the monetary bind the Hawks were in. They used it to leverage the big deal. Saad could have signed the generous bridge deal and re-negotiated. But, so it goes.

**Fixed my previous response**

He offered Saad a nice bridge deal (but he wanted the big paycheck and went to Columbus instead). It happens. But, I didn't care for how the Saad camp acted surprised the Hakws traded him. They knew the monetary bind the Hawks were in. They used it to leverage the big deal. Saad could have signed the generous bridge deal and re-negotiated. But, so it goes.
- Hank3Henshaw

Like you, I was slightly annoyed when Saad said he let his agent handle everything and he was very surprised to be traded. It seemed like there was a bit of a game of chicken and Saad's camp just thought that Stan would blink first and make it work for whatever he was asking.. If it's true that Saad let his agent handle everything, I wonder if he would have agreed to the 5m/year they were willing to give him had he realized the other option was moving to Ohio.

**Fixed my previous response**

He offered Saad a nice bridge deal (but he wanted the big paycheck and went to Columbus instead). It happens. But, I didn't care for how the Saad camp acted surprised the Hakws traded him. They knew the monetary bind the Hawks were in. They used it to leverage the big deal. Saad could have signed the generous bridge deal and re-negotiated. But, so it goes.
- Hank3Henshaw

karma is a B!tch and CBJ isn't seeing the playoffs this year, and probably not for the next few years bc they have ZERO depth on defense. What grinds my gears about Saad discussing the events and how he "wanted to be in Chicago more than anything". He wanted to MAX HIS $$$ and if that was in Chicago, cool. Here is a question for the board, do you think the Hawks would be better off with a hole at 2C and the 20-19-81 line intact? Or do you think the Hawks are better off with AA at 2C and whatever you get out of Dano as a bonus?

karma is a B!tch and CBJ isn't seeing the playoffs this year, and probably not for the next few years bc they have ZERO depth on defense. What grinds my gears about Saad discussing the events and how he "wanted to be in Chicago more than anything". He wanted to MAX HIS $$$ and if that was in Chicago, cool. Here is a question for the board, do you think the Hawks would be better off with a hole at 2C and the 20-19-81 line intact? Or do you think the Hawks are better off with AA at 2C and whatever you get out of Dano as a bonus?
- EnzoD

I think they're better off with AA at 2C plus potential Dano bonus. Panarin is a big factor in this, because AA speaking Russian is huge, and that line has been ridiculous. AA is better than both Richards and Vermette were, IMO, or at least has picked up Q's system much quicker. I think AA's game has complemented Kane really well and that's part of why Kane has been off the charts amazing so far.

19/81 are so talented that I think they will be able to get into gear once they have a LW they can build some chemistry with. It took Saad quite a bit of time before he was clicking with them the way he did in the playoffs. I think there is a much better chance that the Hawks will be able to get a 1LW out of the pieces they currently have (or by trading some of those pieces) than they would have finding a 2C that would make that line the juggernaut it's shaping up to be.

karma is a B!tch and CBJ isn't seeing the playoffs this year, and probably not for the next few years bc they have ZERO depth on defense. What grinds my gears about Saad discussing the events and how he "wanted to be in Chicago more than anything". He wanted to MAX HIS $$$ and if that was in Chicago, cool. Here is a question for the board, do you think the Hawks would be better off with a hole at 2C and the 20-19-81 line intact? Or do you think the Hawks are better off with AA at 2C and whatever you get out of Dano as a bonus?
- EnzoD

>Won't really know until we see what happens in the playoffs
>Saad was a gigantic loss because he was able to find some explosion in his legs when all the other players were gassed after a long shift (for each side) -- especially in the playoffs
>Think that part of Saad's game is not really given the importance it deserves
>Fair to say, that every player that has been given an audition for 1LW, so far, has not delivered what that line needs
>When everyone can see that the Toews line cannot sustain possession or dominate as in year's past -- the whole league can see it, too
>Someone needs to deliver on 1LW -- doesn't look like that player is currently on the roster
>Maybe Uncle Dale would trade Huberdeau (0 goals) and Soupy Campbell for TT, Bickell, and Daley -- with Uncle Dale retaining Soupy $ to match Daley's cap hit

karma is a B!tch and CBJ isn't seeing the playoffs this year, and probably not for the next few years bc they have ZERO depth on defense. What grinds my gears about Saad discussing the events and how he "wanted to be in Chicago more than anything". He wanted to MAX HIS $$$ and if that was in Chicago, cool. Here is a question for the board, do you think the Hawks would be better off with a hole at 2C and the 20-19-81 line intact? Or do you think the Hawks are better off with AA at 2C and whatever you get out of Dano as a bonus?
- EnzoD

If AA makes it thru the year injury free and maintains this level of play thru the playoffs the deal is a win even if Dano doesn't pan out. Based on his injury history that is a big IF.

>Won't really know until we see what happens in the playoffs
>Saad was a gigantic loss because he was able to find some explosion in his legs when all the other players were gassed after a long shift (for each side) -- especially in the playoffs
>Think that part of Saad's game is not really given the importance it deserves
>Fair to say, that every player that has been given an audition for 1LW, so far, has not delivered what that line needs
>When everyone can see that the Toews line cannot sustain possession or dominate as in year's past -- the whole league can see it, too
>Someone needs to deliver on 1LW -- doesn't look like that player is currently on the roster
>Maybe Uncle Dale would trade Huberdeau (0 goals) and Soupy Campbell for TT, Bickell, and Daley -- with Uncle Dale retaining Soupy $ to match Daley's cap hit
- SnapitUpstairs

I'd want Gudbranson. He's a young, big, stay-at-home Defenseman that has a lot of upside. But I know there's no way Uncle Dale moves him. Talon says he sees him as the future captain of the Panthers.

Depends on who they get back, of course, but it seems a little early to give up on a 21 year old with a lot of upside who has struggled for 15 games.

If the return is good enough, sure - but it has to really solve another problem - top 4 defenseman cheap who will be here for a while - if the return doesn't solve a big problem, I'd rather send him to Rockford to see if he can get more LW experience.

Don't forget how he made us smile last year at not-LW.
- StLBravesFan

I think the hawks have their solution to defense in house with TVR, Svedberg and Gustaffson and all they need is experience.
TVR may be a top four defenseman now and Svedberg may have the most upside long term
Just my $.02 and who knows how Daley will turn out

I'd want Gudbranson. He's a young, big, stay-at-home Defenseman that has a lot of upside. But I know there's no way Uncle Dale moves him. Talon says he sees him as the future captain of the Panthers.
- Hank3Henshaw

>Yep, of course, but Dale isn't moving the Big G
>Soupy lives in Chicago area, good guy, would love to play here
>You know what you are getting with Soupy -- whose contract is up
>1st line needs to be fixed

Here's the thing:

No matter if they fire the coach or retin him, the hard reality is the Cap honeymoon is over on Tavares....and the thing is these kids from Nelson to Strome to Anders Lee haven't taken significant strides upwards, in my humble opinion.
They will dump Kyle Okposo instead of ponying up on him.

And you and I know Matt Martin has played for what seems to be forever for one million a year and is not gonna continue to.
You can argue the overpaid Leddy and Boychuk.

You can also decide if there are impact players in the pipeline who will be able to ascend. (Dal Colle, Josh Ho-Sang, Barzal) but trading for Teravainen at very least assures you HAVE a major league player who has experience in his progress, if not a complete game or high quanity and quality results just yet.

They have Ryan Pulock who looks to get a shot on defense soon and sure,....maybe they don't make the trade.

But if they decide to shake things up, attempting to acquire another high skilled forward who might just get Tavares the puck and starts finishing as his RW might be tempting, right?

I like Harmonic's contract and my only point of my post was so everyone here blabbing on and on, desiring a defensemen could see how little is REALLY available and that what IS available... isn't really the high level of player you want to trade for even IF his cap fits. you want a cap fit that comes with an acesnding younger backliner.
Not a Dougie Hamilton who mIGHT put it in place eventually but already exceeds his worth due to the Cap hit and fat contract you laid out to get him.

My entire point get both Cap Fit and real deal player.
- wiz1901

They are also next to last in the league in attendance - only 12,188 per game - small building, yes, but - only 77.1% of capacity.

>Yep, of course, but Dale isn't moving the Big G
>Soupy lives in Chicago area, good guy, would love to play here
- SnapitUpstairs

Snap, AFAIK, Soupy sold his Lincoln Park home and didn't re-buy. I know about the sale as his place isn't too far from where my daughters live. They passed by there all the time when he was a Hawk -- he still owned it for a while after his trade to Florida but he's been gone for about 2 yrs if memory serves me right.

Snap, AFAIK, Soupy sold his Lincoln Park home and didn't re-buy. I know about the sale as his place isn't too far from where my daughters live. They passed by there all the time when he was a Hawk -- he still owned it for a while after his trade to Florida but he's been gone for about 2 yrs if memory serves me right.
- savvyone-1

>Hey Savvy
>Not trying to come across as one-upping you
>But, Soupy now lives 2 blocks from my sister
>Chicago burb

karma is a B!tch and CBJ isn't seeing the playoffs this year, and probably not for the next few years bc they have ZERO depth on defense. What grinds my gears about Saad discussing the events and how he "wanted to be in Chicago more than anything". He wanted to MAX HIS $$$ and if that was in Chicago, cool. Here is a question for the board, do you think the Hawks would be better off with a hole at 2C and the 20-19-81 line intact? Or do you think the Hawks are better off with AA at 2C and whatever you get out of Dano as a bonus?
- EnzoD

Knowing how bad Stan wanted AA, I wonder if they had held on to Saad, could the teams have made some form of deal involving Sharp (and maybe Versteeg?) and some other assets to still get the Big Russkie. That may have allowed them to hang on to Oduya as well ....

Snap, AFAIK, Soupy sold his Lincoln Park home and didn't re-buy. I know about the sale as his place isn't too far from where my daughters live. They passed by there all the time when he was a Hawk -- he still owned it for a while after his trade to Florida but he's been gone for about 2 yrs if memory serves me right.
- savvyone-1

Maybe he moved back to the booming metropolis of Strathroy, Ont. where he was born, population 20000.

Town has produced 7 NHL players and I NHL referee.

I find it very strange that Toews and Hossa haven't been able to get anything going, regardless of who is at LW. Maybe give it a few more games because Hossa just got back from injury, and then see what happens. No disrespect to Saad, but it just seems so strange that those 2 are completely lost without him. You'd think we'd be able to plug in guys of the Shaw/Garbutt-like quality(almost like the Ducks have done with their LWs on the Getzlaf-Perry line over the years) and we'd be just fine with those 2 still there. But haven't seen it yet. Very, VERY odd. Maybe we need to be looking at 19 and 81 to step it up and play better rather than desperately searching for the perfect LW, because IMO Dano, TT, and even Garbutt/Tikhonov should be enough for now as long as they're playing with Toews and Hossa. SHOULD be.

Would the Hawks ever try Hosea on the LW1 and Tt on the right?
Hossa has been around long enough and is wavy enough to slide over I believe
- Abadseed

I've wondered this too. Hossa's hockey instincts are well honed and he could probably play blindfolded. TT seems to need more time learning the game and playing with, and against, the big boys before playing in a way that's unnatural to him. Some people can be thrown in the pool and swim immediately. Some people need floaties for a while.

I find it very strange that Toews and Hossa haven't been able to get anything going, regardless of who is at LW. Maybe give it a few more games because Hossa just got back from injury, and then see what happens. No disrespect to Saad, but it just seems so strange that those 2 are completely lost without him. You'd think we'd be able to plug in guys of the Shaw/Garbutt-like quality(almost like the Ducks have done with their LWs on the Getzlaf-Perry line over the years) and we'd be just fine with those 2 still there. But haven't seen it yet. Very, VERY odd. Maybe we need to be looking at 19 and 81 to step it up and play better rather than desperately searching for the perfect LW, because IMO Dano, TT, and even Garbutt/Tikhonov should be enough for now as long as they're playing with Toews and Hossa. SHOULD be.
- SimpleJack

That's an interesting point, but I wonder if it's not as much who is playing LW with them as it is the rotating cast at that position. I know Q likes to mix things up, but perhaps the top line's play will improve if one particular player is left there for a 5-7 game stretch to get some familiarity and consistency at LW.

>Hey Savvy
>Not trying to come across as one-upping you
>But, Soupy now lives 2 blocks from my sister
>Chicago burb
- SnapitUpstairs

Ha!
Makes sense I guess, I know his wife/her family are from the area.

EDIT: Snap, don't worry about one-upping me -- I knew Soup sold his beautiful home in LP and never heard he bought elsewhere in the area. Guess he got tired of the red light/speed zone cameras and the explosion of tax increase.

If this were to get done does Daley then become expendable or overpaid has your 5/6?.

Would the Hawks ever try Hosea on the LW1 and Tt on the right?
Hossa has been around long enough and is wavy enough to slide over I believe
- Abadseed

Wouldn't see the point in that. Hossa is still one of the elite two way forwards, we should play him to his strength which is RW.

I still don't see why it's an issue to have the top 3 RWs as Hossa, Kane and Teravainen? It's a great idea to transform Dano and TT into LWs but at what cost? I'm all for keeping TT at RW and continuing to try Dano at LW.

Wouldn't see the point in that. Hossa is still one of the elite two way forwards, we should play him to his strength which is RW.

I still don't see why it's an issue to have the top 3 RWs as Hossa, Kane and Teravainen? It's a great idea to transform Dano and TT into LWs but at what cost? I'm all for keeping TT at RW and continuing to try Dano at LW.
- DarthKane

Knowing how bad Stan wanted AA, I wonder if they had held on to Saad, could the teams have made some form of deal involving Sharp (and maybe Versteeg?) and some other assets to still get the Big Russkie. That may have allowed them to hang on to Oduya as well ....
- Hank_Greenberg

I think I remember reading that Stan was already in talks with Columbus on a deal for AA when the Saad talks broke down so he threw him in the discussion and got them to add Dano.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda but, yes, that would have been great.

RIP Allen Toussaint, 77 - one of the greats in the line of New Orleans Jazz/blues/R&B performers, writers, producers, arrangers.

Like you, I was slightly annoyed when Saad said he let his agent handle everything and he was very surprised to be traded. It seemed like there was a bit of a game of chicken and Saad's camp just thought that Stan would blink first and make it work for whatever he was asking.. If it's true that Saad let his agent handle everything, I wonder if he would have agreed to the 5m/year they were willing to give him had he realized the other option was moving to Ohio.
- maria_wyeth

it's hard to turn down 6 years at $6m for 3 years at $5. It COULD have worked out better for him but you never know. He could get injured, the salary cap might stay flat or drop, his development could plateau, or any number of things. But, yeah, Columbus? Fun college town. Not a bad place to be rich and 23 years old.