Patrick Kane is a different cat so lets not go there with the comparison.

Sorry, I don't view TT as a mistake, he's a developing player who is only 21, small and never going to be Martin Handzel or Bjugstad. So the decision for Bowman is what is of greater value to the team - TT's cheap contract with one year left on it or what he can bring back in trade. I don't like any idea of giving up good young talent to rinse a bad contract like Bickell's down the sink. There are teams out there that need a #2 center - Ottawa for example but are they going to give you Codi Ceci? Is Buffalo going to part with Jake McCabe for a TT?

And we probably wouldn't even be having this discussion if the Hawks had won the series or played any other team in the playoffs than the Blues.
- RickJ

Not singling you out but lets look at this objectively. What has Teuvo actually done at the NHL level to warrant being a good player with a potential to be a VERY, VERY good player? That's where I just can't get past with him.

I look at this way.....You have to deal Saad last summer, and I'm sure Bowman had a few options, probably Pittsburgh for one. Yet, he chose Columbus not only to get a Russian for Panarin but to get Kane a LEGIT #2 center with a decent proven NHL track record and another "hyped" prospect in Dano.

If Bowman truly felt Teuvo was the guy, to arguably help the Hawks max out their investment in their largest offensive asset, Kane, I doubt that deal gets made.

Baring Teuvo being a late bloomer physically, I just don't see how he ever becomes a center you can trust to play in the playoffs. Kruger is small but he busts tail and fights.....I have NEVER seen Teuvo battle in a corner or a the dot and create space for himself, and if it happened it doesn't happen enough. The Hawks own employees question his ablity to get in high traffic scoring places.

Somebody just listed a bunch of smaller guys who battle, and while not every guy is the same, that is a fair physical assessment. My comparison on Kane was go back and look at his frame in 2007 and look now. He added muscle year after year and always went to where was needed to produce.

There is a reason Teuvo fell where he did in the draft because I bet dollars to donuts opposing scouts questioned his long term production at his size/compete level.

To me...he's not untouchable. If they hold on to him for another year for cap purposes great, but he's a 3rd line RW in the NHL and really before the rest fo the league catches on.....his stock right now may never be higher.

"We've got some Swedish defensemen coming over" was all I got. He didn't specify, but since it seemed to be a sure thing, would expect the latter?
- pdx2ord

Just bear in mind, Gustafsson and (I believe) Svedberg were the last "Swedish defenseman" coming over (as free agents). I believe the forgettable Magnus Johansson was before them.

Not singling you out but lets look at this objectively. What has Teuvo actually done at the NHL level to warrant being a good player with a potential to be a VERY, VERY good player? That's where I just can't get past with him.

I look at this way.....You have to deal Saad last summer, and I'm sure Bowman had a few options, probably Pittsburgh for one. Yet, he chose Columbus not only to get a Russian for Panarin but to get Kane a LEGIT #2 center with a decent proven NHL track record and another "hyped" prospect in Dano.

If Bowman truly felt Teuvo was the guy, to arguably help the Hawks max out their investment in their largest offensive asset, Kane, I doubt that deal gets made.

Baring Teuvo being a late bloomer physically, I just don't see how he ever becomes a center you can trust to play in the playoffs. Kruger is small but he busts tail and fights.....I have NEVER seen Teuvo battle in a corner or a the dot and create space for himself, and if it happened it doesn't happen enough. The Hawks own employees question his ablity to get in high traffic scoring places.

Somebody just listed a bunch of smaller guys who battle, and while not every guy is the same, that is a fair physical assessment. My comparison on Kane was go back and look at his frame in 2007 and look now. He added muscle year after year and always went to where was needed to produce.

There is a reason Teuvo fell where he did in the draft because I bet dollars to donuts opposing scouts questioned his long term production at his size/compete level.

To me...he's not untouchable. If they hold on to him for another year for cap purposes great, but he's a 3rd line RW in the NHL and really before the rest fo the league catches on.....his stock right now may never be higher.
- SteveRain

I will offer the fairest assessment of Teuvo as I can.

I believe that with strength comes a certain amount of physical confidence. he needs both. I don't KNOW this, but I have gotten the sense that training is not his favorite activity at this point, and statements like "i don't belong in Rockford because it doesn't suit my styler of play" are very telling as well. Substitute the word "gym" for ""Rockford."

The point is: he can get stronger, but it is up to him. Training has reached the point where there are many places he can go, in Finland or here, and work his ass off all summer, eat right, and max out the genetics god has given him.

Question is, will he?

And then if he does, how much does that translate into more confidence in traffic, with a defender bearing down on him, along the wall.

Some little guys have all kinds of want to: Datsyuk, Kruger, Yvan Cournoyer, St. Louis, Theo. Some never do.

if this team is NOT concerned about the way he plays when the Big Boy pants come out in big games, they are insane. Condemning him at this point might be premature. But concerned is the right place to be, at least.

He actually didn't say that. Just said you hear about players being "irreplaceable" all the time, but you adjust. HE, however, loves Shaw and wants him back.
- pdx2ord

What I heard about Shaw and Kruger from the organization's perspective a few months ago was "not going anywhere." Some of that may depend on Shaw's agent, but he is RFA.

Q presser comments

- No injuries in play affecting playoff roster effectiveness. Healthy squad.
- Close series, division most competitive in the league
- Had all the tools to make the run

No one asked a tough question.....

Ladd:

- At the point in his career where money is not the issue. Wants to play for a winner and offer best situation for his family.

Toews:

- Fatigue not an issue or an excuse, but rest will help he and Hossa
- Most competitive division in the league makes it harder
- Roster movement sapped momentum and impeded chemistry
- Need to make newcomers welcome in the room
- Return of the Roar

Yeah, that was the most interesting comment of the day for me. I shouldn't, but I do, read between the lines when someone usually so PR conscious points out a fault in the inner workings. He, of course, blamed the leadership generically, but I don't think he was talking about just the players. The new team members, like Weise, said enough positive things about the group in the locker room. And, when Daley was talking about moving on, he mentioned not being able to fit into the "system."

I don't believe Q saying no one was injured.

Toews, among others, was definitely playing through something
- maria_wyeth

How would he know? He apparently doesn't talk to them.

JJ,

Your blogs are the main reason I come to this site. I only wish STL had a blogger half as good and committed as you. Great series between 2 bitter rivals. Hopefully the Blues won't have a letdown in the 2nd round. Enjoy your offseason and look forward to reading your blogs next season.

A couple things:

Kruger NMC/NTC clause does not kick in until he gets to his FA year which I think is after year 1 or 2. You cannot have NMC or NTC on RFA I thought I read? If I'm wrong let me know.

Seabs NMC clause kicks in on 7/1 so we should at least have him submit a list. I know it feels tough to do but you cannot have 8 untouchable players. If you do you will ride the titanic all the way down. Also I think you go into the thought that no one is untouchable its all depends on what you can return on either cap space or players. would you rather move shaw and Kuger for 2 2nds or Seabrook for Nurse, and then how would your team look next and for the next 2-3?

People that know more about hockey could maybe comment but How would Hossa transition to D? He is still strong fast and smart. the only thing he has lost is his quick hands and that is not a big part of being a Def? I'm sure it would be a adjustment but Buff has done it. If it was something to think about you would want to consider it right now. So he could work on it over the summer, training camp and early in the season.
- kmw4631

This is awesome, out-of-the-box thinking. He can still kill penalties as it seems scoring short-handed is one of his fortes!

What I heard about Shaw and Kruger from the organization's perspective a few months ago was "not going anywhere." Some of that may depend on Shaw's agent, but he is RFA.
- John Jaeckel

I'm sure interested in seeing how the front office is going to make this work if both of them are staying.

This is awesome, out-of-the-box thinking. He can still kill penalties as it seems scoring short-handed is one of his fortes!
- DMChi2010

Timing, anticipation, and reading plays from the blue line is the hardest thing to do in the NHL.

Hossa is an excellent two way forward but he isnt quite Federov and you dont want him trying to learn a new position at his age and learn to read situations on the fly. As good as his forward mobility is, Id be willing to wager his backwards agility is probably average at best.

You want to be a good defenseman in the NHL? You have to be able to skate like a ballerina in every direction. Most forwards train power skating and balance in one direction 90% of their career, dont underestimate how hard it is to skate backward and cut off angles at top speed with an elite forward charging up ice dangling

Not a realistic option IMO

No way. Buff played both D and F his entire hockey career. You cant take a guy who's been a RW for 30 years and put him on D in the NHL at 37 years old. Bad results would follow. Hossa can play D in his Slovak men's league in 2020

- EnzoD

Did some team use Sergei Federov on D at the end of his career?

Did some team use Sergei Federov on D at the end of his career?
- Bustov22

Maybe on the 18th green in Washington or Columbus??

Anyone have a thought on this? It's draft day 2014 and your drafting for the Hawks, do you take Robby Fabbri or Nick Schmaltz? http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2014e.html

Damn nice NHL rookie season for the 20 yr old Fabbri.
- Mr Ricochet

TT...the same age...his first full season with the hawks (essentially a rookie) same output as Fabbri around 40 points in the same number of games..

BUT its time to throw TT overboard...and this does nothing to resolve the cap problems. yeah he is not the a physical mix it up guy but talent like his can still find a place in this league and excel....will he I don't know and nobody else does here either..

I'm sure interested in seeing how the front office is going to make this work if both of them are staying.
- 333inthe3rd

Core piece leaving, not necessarily this year but next year for sure.

Scotty gave Nik Lidstrom a call and said the Hawks needed him. That's the Swede Stan is referring to.
- stan-ley-cups

I want Ulf Samuelson. He plays with a nasty edge to his game.

I will offer the fairest assessment of Teuvo as I can.

I believe that with strength comes a certain amount of physical confidence. he needs both. I don't KNOW this, but I have gotten the sense that training is not his favorite activity at this point, and statements like "i don't belong in Rockford because it doesn't suit my styler of play" are very telling as well. Substitute the word "gym" for ""Rockford."

The point is: he can get stronger, but it is up to him. Training has reached the point where there are many places he can go, in Finland or here, and work his ass off all summer, eat right, and max out the genetics god has given him.

Question is, will he?

And then if he does, how much does that translate into more confidence in traffic, with a defender bearing down on him, along the wall.

Some little guys have all kinds of want to: Datsyuk, Kruger, Yvan Cournoyer, St. Louis, Theo. Some never do.

if this team is NOT concerned about the way he plays when the Big Boy pants come out in big games, they are insane. Condemning him at this point might be premature. But concerned is the right place to be, at least.
- John Jaeckel

Could be a good time for TT to do his mandatory Finland military duty. Don't they got like a 6-8 week training program? A real tough one? He can come back a lean mean fightin machine!! Queue the Stripes Theme Song!

JJ,

Your blogs are the main reason I come to this site. I only wish STL had a blogger half as good and committed as you. Great series between 2 bitter rivals. Hopefully the Blues won't have a letdown in the 2nd round. Enjoy your offseason and look forward to reading your blogs next season.
- hockeydood

odds are they will...blues won their cup in beating the hawks...hooray...

i suspect blues will be down 2-0 coming back to blues land

Said it before and will say it again. I don't think the Hawks are unhappy with their top 4 D. I expect them to look for depth D and fix the bigger holes which are up front.

They are about to have 1-2 holes in the top 6 forwards again and a few holes in the bottom 6. They don't find a way to get some quality players into those roles, all the #4 D in the world won't help this team.

Even with the top 6 they have, there are issues. AA just seems to get worse at faceoffs. Hossa ain't getting any younger (the decline may get worse)...

Panik had a couple good games, but he isn't yet someone you can say is a lock to play top 6 LW and Stan would need to resign him to a reasonable deal.

I don't think any of the UFA are returning. They will be lacking some scoring punch without some help coming up front. After Kane/Toews/Panarin, who among the forwards is a lock to net 40+ points? AA is borderline, Hossa tough to say if he can bounce back. TT, dunno if he will take the next step. Panik, not likely. There aren't many NHL quality forward prospects that are likely to step in and bring that kind of production. This team, if it wants to be successful will need to find a way to add another legit top 6 forward. Also, they will badly need 1-2 guys that can be effective in a 3rd line role.

odds are they will...blues won their cup in beating the hawks...hooray...

i suspect blues will be down 2-0 coming back to blues land
- bogiedoc

IDK Bogie...the Stars without Seguin are exponentially less dangerous offensively. They struggled to put away a Parise-less Wild club. Blues in 6 and maybe 5 if they play anywhere close to the level they were at in the 1st round.

Maybe on the 18th green in Washington or Columbus??
- EnzoD

Scotty made Federov play D

At least we don't have to worry about players wanting to come here. They are definitely a high-class organization in how they prepare and pamper the players.

Not singling you out but lets look at this objectively. What has Teuvo actually done at the NHL level to warrant being a good player with a potential to be a VERY, VERY good player? That's where I just can't get past with him.

I look at this way.....You have to deal Saad last summer, and I'm sure Bowman had a few options, probably Pittsburgh for one. Yet, he chose Columbus not only to get a Russian for Panarin but to get Kane a LEGIT #2 center with a decent proven NHL track record and another "hyped" prospect in Dano.

If Bowman truly felt Teuvo was the guy, to arguably help the Hawks max out their investment in their largest offensive asset, Kane, I doubt that deal gets made.

Baring Teuvo being a late bloomer physically, I just don't see how he ever becomes a center you can trust to play in the playoffs. Kruger is small but he busts tail and fights.....I have NEVER seen Teuvo battle in a corner or a the dot and create space for himself, and if it happened it doesn't happen enough. The Hawks own employees question his ablity to get in high traffic scoring places.

Somebody just listed a bunch of smaller guys who battle, and while not every guy is the same, that is a fair physical assessment. My comparison on Kane was go back and look at his frame in 2007 and look now. He added muscle year after year and always went to where was needed to produce.

There is a reason Teuvo fell where he did in the draft because I bet dollars to donuts opposing scouts questioned his long term production at his size/compete level.

To me...he's not untouchable. If they hold on to him for another year for cap purposes great, but he's a 3rd line RW in the NHL and really before the rest fo the league catches on.....his stock right now may never be higher.
- SteveRain

Unless they trade Anisimov, TT can't play 2C so that leaves him at 3C but they have $ now tied up in Kruger and a guy who should be on the team in Rasmussen. So I definitely don't consider him as untouchable.

But trading him for virtually nothing just to get rid of Bickell makes me sick thinking about it. That's how you flush the future down the toilet.

And I will say again, its a Stanbo decision. Is TT's cheap contract worth more to the Hawks than his trade value?

And by the way, how much smaller is TT than Claude Giroux? Physically probably not much, compete level wise maybe a whole bunch. If that's the case, they know that for sure behind the dressing room door now and will probably want to move him just like they did with Brandon Pirri.

Vesey is far and away the TOP NCAA free agent with Drake Cagguila behind him. I know we are after Cagguila and it was speculated that Vesey would look at us but he cannot do anything till Aug 15th.

in regard to EURO D free agents:

Linus Hultström, 23 5-11 181(R) SHL had 31 pts 52 games and 12 pts in 8 playoff games.

rumored to be signing with FL but looks like he is weighing his options

Hultström is an offensive defenseman with a good point shot. Excels on the powerplay and likes to join the rush. Skilled passer and overall a creative and smart defenseman. Defensively, there is room for improvement. (EP 2015) - See more at: http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2Fc6z4-zOI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03kEdq48pbc

The Penguins have signed free-agent defenseman Lukas Bengtsson to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Lukas Bengtsson, 22, had seven goals and seven assists in 30 regular-season games with Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League in 2015-16, then added two goals and five assists in 12 playoff games.

Michal Kempny 25 6-0 194 (L) 21pts/59 4/11 in KHL

Nikita Zaitsev 24 6-2 196 (R) KHL 26/46 13/20-rumored to be signing with Toronto.

I will offer the fairest assessment of Teuvo as I can.

I believe that with strength comes a certain amount of physical confidence. he needs both. I don't KNOW this, but I have gotten the sense that training is not his favorite activity at this point, and statements like "i don't belong in Rockford because it doesn't suit my styler of play" are very telling as well. Substitute the word "gym" for ""Rockford."

The point is: he can get stronger, but it is up to him. Training has reached the point where there are many places he can go, in Finland or here, and work his ass off all summer, eat right, and max out the genetics god has given him.

Question is, will he?

And then if he does, how much does that translate into more confidence in traffic, with a defender bearing down on him, along the wall.

Some little guys have all kinds of want to: Datsyuk, Kruger, Yvan Cournoyer, St. Louis, Theo. Some never do.

if this team is NOT concerned about the way he plays when the Big Boy pants come out in big games, they are insane. Condemning him at this point might be premature. But concerned is the right place to be, at least.
- John Jaeckel

I really think the time to actually make a decision on TT is either in training camp this fall, or at the TDL next season. There is no denying that he has a load of talent and keeping him in the organization isn't hurting at his current salary. Move him if he doesn't progress, and let someone else resign him as RFA.

Chris Hine ‏@ChristopherHine 3m3 minutes ago
One of my big takeaways from today (1/2). Fans are crying out for 4th D-man, but Hawks seem satisfied w/ where they're at on the blue line.