It could be because so far this season, Versteeg has 32 pts in 55 games, and Kruger, Desjardins, Bickell, Dano, Danault, Mashinter, Sekac, Panik, and Rasmussen have a combined 31 pts in a combined 227 games.
- SimpleJack

Because he plays for a bad team that is currently overacheiving, little to no expectations and their GM has continually said expectations is to stay the course building for the future.

Versteeg also gets top unit PP time and top 6 minutes, something nobody from the hawks you listed above gets.

Also, Q is holding his players to a more defensively responsible system with a team that has championship aspirations NOW.

Versteeg is no longer a player on the rise like he was in 2010. He is known quantity. We dont need a player like him in the bottom 6. We need guys with some phsyicality/checking prowess and defensive responsibility. None of which are Versteegs strong suit. I would rather have the bigger and checking guys like desjardins, kruger, rasmussen, etc over versteeg in the bottom 6

and if people really believe Versteeg is a 1LW option and think we can win the cup with him there, youre likely in for massive disappointment.

We won the cup with Saad on 1LW. a power forward that played a reliable two way game and he had good size/strength. Versteeg shares none of those qualities and makes the top line very easy to match up against, even with Toews and Hossa

The Fourth Period :: Chicago Blackhawks :: Blackhawks looking at Purcell?

Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has already been exploring his options, and those options are expected to grow in the coming days.
"The biggest thing is, you're not quite sure what's available around the league," Bowman told the Chicago Sun-Times. "At this point, there's a lot of clustering in the standings. And in order for trades to happen you have to have teams that are willing to look toward next year."

On team already on that path is the Edmonton Oilers, and according to Le Journal de Montreal, on player Bowman is eyeing is Oilers left wing Teddy Purcell.

Purcell, 30, is in the final year of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

The Oilers reportedly considered signing Purcell to an extension, but the belief is he'll be moved in the next 14 days.

The Blackhawks are also keeping tabs on Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson, who is also set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

86 should be playing there to start. 14 should never be playing in the top 6.
- tboucher77

Why exactly? Not like TT has earned his way there lately.

The Hawks are a faster team than they were at the beginning of the season. If memory serves me right, I don't recall any team beating us in a series due to out hitting us
- MNHawksfan

I think the Hawks are FASTER than the 2015 Cup team-- Richards, Vermette were not swift

The Hawks are a faster team than they were at the beginning of the season. If memory serves me right, I don't recall any team beating us in a series due to out hitting us
- MNHawksfan

Vancouver.. 10-11

Why exactly? Not like TT has earned his way there lately.
- MOhawk

I agree. TT has done nothing to impress this year. Sophmore slump prolly, but Panik is big, hits, has good wheels and decent hands. TT either needs to sit for a bit or I dont know. He has skill, but not the same mind set he had last year in the playoffs.

The Fourth Period :: Chicago Blackhawks :: Blackhawks looking at Purcell?

Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has already been exploring his options, and those options are expected to grow in the coming days.
"The biggest thing is, you're not quite sure what's available around the league," Bowman told the Chicago Sun-Times. "At this point, there's a lot of clustering in the standings. And in order for trades to happen you have to have teams that are willing to look toward next year."

On team already on that path is the Edmonton Oilers, and according to Le Journal de Montreal, on player Bowman is eyeing is Oilers left wing Teddy Purcell.

Purcell, 30, is in the final year of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

The Oilers reportedly considered signing Purcell to an extension, but the belief is he'll be moved in the next 14 days.

The Blackhawks are also keeping tabs on Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson, who is also set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
- walleyeb1

When was this article in Sun Times? I recall Purcell being mentioned a few blogs back-- but then pretty quiet everywhere on him--

Vancouver.. 10-11
- southernhawk

You could argue Phoenix the following year too

They played chicago tight and forechecked the hell out of us.

The defense (oduya especially) really struggles with turnovers caused by the forecheck.

But there were other factors in that series as well such as the Torres hit and Smith being on fire

But it was easily the most perimeter based Chicago team we have ever seen since getting back into the playoffs after the lockout. It was embarassing how nobody would go inside the dots and the Coyotes kept us outside the entire series. While that isnt outhitting per-se, it was being the more physical, tighter checking team that got inside the Hawks heads to stay out

I'm hearing Carolina and Arizona are both interested in the same Hawks players/prospects and that is one reason why a trade hasn't been made yet. Options are being weighed. If I had to take a guess at where things stand in terms of the Hawks interest now i'd say top 5 would be Boedker, Skinner, Hudler, Eriksson, Rask

i just heard from him yesterday, not sure what's up with him. He is a great blogger, BTW
- John Jaeckel

Yes. I miss his blogging. (Can't get enough hocktock.) I liked his podcasts as well. His sidekick "Superstar" sounds just like Chumley from Pawn Stars. (before he lost weight and got new teeth.) Fun stuff. Every time someone mentions Versteeg, I think of him.
If you speak to him again, Tell him he's missed. Thanks J.J.

GO HOCKS!

I think the Hawks are FASTER than the 2015 Cup team-- Richards, Vermette were not swift
- jb3333

But Saad n Sharp were really fast

I'm hearing Carolina and Arizona are both interested in the same Hawks players/prospects and that is one reason why a trade hasn't been made yet. Options are being weighed. If I had to take a guess at where things stand in terms of the Hawks interest now i'd say top 5 would be Boedker, Skinner, Hudler, Eriksson, Rask
- Dabearshawks

Cost is always a factor but this is the guy I would focus on, he helps in the short term and long term.

Purcell, Boeds or Loui fit the bill. All are the rental types, but all bring immediate help to the top 6 LW holes we have. Guess it comes down to how we can get one of them without totally over paying. With all the chatter about the Canes it makes you wonder if Skinner or Rask are the real targets. Let the mayhem begin as the deadline draws near.

When was this article in Sun Times? I recall Purcell being mentioned a few blogs back-- but then pretty quiet everywhere on him--
- jb3333

Lazerus updated it a little and re-ran it yesterday.

I think they need a defenceman with more speed then Grossman
- HamiltonHawk

Wiercoch, Ottawa. Depth defenceman, expiring contract.

Wiercoch, Ottawa. Depth defenceman, expiring contract.
- walter34

Former BCHL defenseman...could be a good depth signing but he's not going to crack the top 4.

I'm hearing Carolina and Arizona are both interested in the same Hawks players/prospects and that is one reason why a trade hasn't been made yet. Options are being weighed. If I had to take a guess at where things stand in terms of the Hawks interest now i'd say top 5 would be Boedker, Skinner, Hudler, Eriksson, Rask
- Dabearshawks

Guessing it's Marko Dano... Boedker, Eriksson, Rask and even Purcell are solid choices

Lazerus updated it a little and re-ran it yesterday.
- walleyeb1

Thanks-- yeah I read Lazerus yesterday-- just haven't heard much about Purcell in some time--

Purcell, Boeds or Loui fit the bill. All are the rental types, but all bring immediate help to the top 6 LW holes we have. Guess it comes down to how we can get one of them without totally over paying. With all the chatter about the Canes it makes you wonder if Skinner or Rask are the real targets. Let the mayhem begin as the deadline draws near.
- z1990z

I'm under the impression that Rask wouldn't be the only Carolina player involved in a trade. He's a center and the Hawks would still need a #1LW. That being said, Boedker and Rask might be a possibility since Rask has a VERY cap friendly contract.

I'm under the impression that Rask wouldn't be the only Carolina player involved in a trade. He's a center and the Hawks would still need a #1LW. That being said, Boedker and Rask might be a possibility since Rask has a VERY cap friendly contract.
- Dabearshawks

Or we will all be wrong and Drouin ends up here. You just never know. There are so many moving parts to the deals. We know this.. Hawks need some help.

I'm under the impression that Rask wouldn't be the only Carolina player involved in a trade. He's a center and the Hawks would still need a #1LW. That being said, Boedker and Rask might be a possibility since Rask has a VERY cap friendly contract.
- Dabearshawks

Instead of acquiring a LW, Stan could acquire a solid centre (i.e. Rask) and move Anisimov to 1LW, where he played part of the time in Columbus.

Instead of acquiring a LW, Stan could acquire a solid centre (i.e. Rask) and move Anisimov to 1LW, where he played part of the time in Columbus.
- DarthKane

I don't see Q breaking up Panarin-Anisimov-Kane anytime soon.

Instead of acquiring a LW, Stan could acquire a solid centre (i.e. Rask) and move Anisimov to 1LW, where he played part of the time in Columbus.
- DarthKane

That works too... can never have enough guys that can play the dot.

I don't see Q breaking up Panarin-Anisimov-Kane anytime soon.
- Dabearshawks

Mark Spector ‏@SportsnetSpec 2h2 hours ago

Russell, Jones, Stajan all scratched for today's #Flames game. That's a combo that makes you wonder what's up.
8 retweets 12 likes

Hmmmm...

Not likely any link to the Hawks, but the wheels may be turning a bit?