Interesting article, but man, stats are tough in the NHL to try to determine each player's contribution to the team. This study gives credit to playmaking by counting primary and secondary "Assists" leading to a shot.

So how is Anisimov so bad? Well, the eye would say that he gets the puck along the boards behind the goal, cycles it back to Kane or Panarin, who then dump it to the D-man on the point, who then probably pass it to another D-man for a shot or back to Kane or Panarin who then shoot from in close near the dots. That would give Anisimov the tertiary assist...

Yet half those shots taken from the point or from Kane or Panarin go in because after cycling the puck, Anisimov goes and screens the crap out of the goalie. Even with this metric, he still doesn't get credit for being quite good at digging pucks out along the boards.
- DMChi2010

A better measure of playmaking is simply assists per game. Which is more valuable the pass that leads to a shot or the pass that leads to a goal.

AA does his job more or less, but he just isn't a play maker. He doesn't get credit for everything his does, but he also has two wingers making him look good. I think it balances out.
- breadbag

He's kind of the perfect center for the two of them. Board battles and most importantly, driving to the net. He gives them time and space to do their thing and he was screening the goalie on a LOT of their goals this year. With two wingers that are elite playmakers he doesn't need to be one himself. The only thing I would even really want him to change is to improve on faceoffs.

Why was Dallas willing to trade Daley? Did they feel Daley was now expendable with Oduya onboard, or was acquiring Sharp that important?
- etchtech

no inside info...just a few simple thoughts:


1. nils needed to upgrade defense; thats not daleys game
2. attractive to deal with 2 years left on his contract
3. had his sights on oduya as that upgrade via UFA
4. stanbow lost all leverage with dumping sharp
5. nils gives stanbow a take it or leave it prop; take daley so i can get your guy

i don't think the hawks wanted to take salary back with dumping sharps deal

So I tried asking last week and it seems to have been deleted. What happened to Mexico? I miss reading his posts.

no inside info...just a few simple thoughts:


1. nils needed to upgrade defense; thats not daleys game
2. attractive to deal with 2 years left on his contract
3. had his sights on oduya as that upgrade via UFA
4. stanbow lost all leverage with dumping sharp
5. nils gives stanbow a take it or leave it prop; take daley so i can get your guy

i don't think the hawks wanted to take salary back with dumping sharps deal
- bogiedoc

Not so sure about that, think they thought originally it was a good deal and had two guys who could help. In the end, I think both would have been better than what the Hawks put on the ice

Daley > Gus, Blad, Rozy, or Sved

Garbutt > Mash, Weise, Fleisch

I would have been happier going into playoffs with an entire season of getting used to each other with;


Ladd Toews Hossa
Bread AA Kane
Panik Danault TT
Shaw Krugs Desi/Garbutt

Keith Seabs
Daley Hammer
TVR Rozy

And had #2 pick in this years draft. This is where you have to move blame off of Stan and hang it on Q. The above lineup is better than what they put on the ice for the playoffs, that's the shame.

So I tried asking last week and it seems to have been deleted. What happened to Mexico? I miss reading his posts.
- lunchbox2111

last I saw, said he was leaving, was arguing with folks and said he didn't want to continue, but may have missed something also.

So I tried asking last week and it seems to have been deleted. What happened to Mexico? I miss reading his posts.
- lunchbox2111

He seems to not like having questions asked - or opposing viewpoints expressed - about his analyses.

Just read an interesting trade proposal from James Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. Shaw for Brandon Davidson, a 24yr old lefty defensemen, 6'2" 210 lbs who had 4 goals and 7 assists in 51 games (+7) for EDM and is cost controlled for the next two years at $1.425m. As much as I love Shaw I think this something worth considering. I don't recall seeing Davidson play against the Hawks. Anyone have any further insight on him?

Just read an interesting trade proposal from James Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. Shaw for Brandon Davidson, a 24yr old lefty defensemen, 6'2" 210 lbs who had 4 goals and 7 assists in 51 games (+7) for EDM and is cost controlled for the next two years at $1.425m. As much as I love Shaw I think this something worth considering. I don't recall seeing Davidson play against the Hawks. Anyone have any further insight on him?
- FourOrr

I don't know if Davidson would be enough but it's a good start to a deal. I'd go with;

Shaw & Svedberg or Gustafsson

for

Maroon and Davidson

This of course, is only IF Shaw has to be dealt.

Next trick for TT.........Tazers right wing, along with..........after........... Wish in 1hand, crap in the other...... That SB some how aquires JVR in a multi player deal with Toronto???????? ....... Then again....... We're talking Stan Bowman........Nah!
- wonthecup10

It's funny how you flip flop like a fish on a pier! Last seasons playoffs you praised Stan for all to see on several different post and this year he's a bum again. This has gone on with you for years... Maybe will pick up some goons this summer and you will be placated for the foreseeable future.....

Just read an interesting trade proposal from James Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. Shaw for Brandon Davidson, a 24yr old lefty defensemen, 6'2" 210 lbs who had 4 goals and 7 assists in 51 games (+7) for EDM and is cost controlled for the next two years at $1.425m. As much as I love Shaw I think this something worth considering. I don't recall seeing Davidson play against the Hawks. Anyone have any further insight on him?
- FourOrr

If I'm Edmonton I look to add a Shaw type. He is the exact type of blood and guts over achiever with a couple cups under his belt to show a uber talented group of under achievers how to win hockey games, how to be a pro.

He wore a C in the WHL. Also would rather not have guys who won sportsmanship awards. http://www.eliteprospects...m/player.php?player=45525

He did skate 19:00 a night while playing 51 games for the Oil. I think this is the kind of under the radar type we see StanBowPops&McD target this summer.

Even back then, for the rumored price of TT and Gus, I was all for that. TT is what he is. I can't see him being able to withstand the physical game, whereas Drouin isn't afraid of that part, even though he's not all that big either. I'm not saying JD is going to be a superstar, I just wouldn't be surprised to see TT bolt to SEL within 5 years, and Drouin being a minimum 50 pt guy. His compete level is what separates the two. After a certain point, his pulling up constantly to avoid taking the body, while getting knocked off the puck is going to become a real liability, and outside of his going to see the Wizard, I don't envision a huge change from him.
- howiehandles

I've sworn off prognostications on TT. From effective shifty high IQ 20 yr old in 2015 playoffs, to complete lack of effort dog for the better part of this season, a position switch to C sees him very effective for 10 or so games back to disappearing for long stretches. .....A total enigma for me.

Drouin was never being moved for TT's or Gus's by Stevie Y. Despite his problems and with the probability that Stamkos would be lost to free agency Stevie Y wanted a #3 pick talent in return. He found no takers and as of today its worked out.... Lets see what the kid does when he becomes a FA when that time comes.

I don't know if Davidson would be enough but it's a good start to a deal. I'd go with;

Shaw & Svedberg or Gustafsson

for

Maroon and Davidson

This of course, is only IF Shaw has to be dealt.
- DarthKane

I like it! I would even consider Shaw and Pokka if EDM wanted Pokka instead.

Negative and positive comments are part of fandom, but there needs to be a balance, whether you're a STH paying a hefty cost or just another guy. The problem I have is there isn't a balance - it is predominantly whining and complaining and if it were fans of a team that hasn't won a Cup in forever, or ever, than I could understand the continuous negativity. But that isn't the situation for Hawks fans. We've been fortunate to win 3 Cups and be extremely competitive most of the other seasons.

The what have you done for me lately crowd whines on.
- EbonyRaptor

I think this year's losing is a harder pill to swallow for Hawks fans than any other. The big roster turnover, players shipped out that some think were better than what was used, players/picks/the future shipped out for players not used culminated by a 1st round exit. Add the club crawls deeper into cap hell and the coach and GM seemingly having cohesion problems and a fan is left with a bad taste from this year and worry over the future.

Nobody who is objective likes whiny fans but this off season I do understand the complaining.

I don't know if Davidson would be enough but it's a good start to a deal. I'd go with;

Shaw & Svedberg or Gustafsson

for

Maroon and Davidson

This of course, is only IF Shaw has to be dealt.
- DarthKane

I admit I didn't see much of Maroon as an Oiler but for the past couple years with ANA I did and he has shown a lot of Bickell in his game before Bick's "problems". Maroon is a beast who slots anywhere from the 1st to 4th lines and gets lost for 10-20 game stretches.

Don't know if it's conditioning or effort but his game is very inconsistent.

It's funny how you flip flop like a fish on a pier! Last seasons playoffs you praised Stan for all to see on several different post and this year he's a bum again. This has gone on with you for years... Maybe will pick up some goons this summer and you will be placated for the foreseeable future.....
- moots

Spoiled maybe, live in the now, the what have you done for me lately,I am with the rest, losing, Johns, Dano and Danault stings a lot. Now we may lose Shaw ans Ladd? Am I supposed to ve happy that we are still a
Stuck with Bickell's contract and watching house league players like 5,52,53,43. & 70 be counted on for prominent roles next year while I write another check for 10 grand come July? I am like some of the rest, you tell me?
Yes also, I am with guys like Vandy and others on this board that feel adding a big tough guy or2that can play meaning
Ful minutes isn't the worst thing in the world instead of these150 peewee's they seem to be targeting, All 4teams left in this years run have a good blend. I am throwing out thoughts like the rest on this board& been following the Hawks since the mid 60's

If I'm Edmonton I look to add a Shaw type. He is the exact type of blood and guts over achiever with a couple cups under his belt to show a uber talented group of under achievers how to win hockey games, how to be a pro.

He wore a C in the WHL. Also would rather not have guys who won sportsmanship awards. http://www.eliteprospects...m/player.php?player=45525

He did skate 19:00 a night while playing 51 games for the Oil. I think this is the kind of under the radar type we see StanBowPops&McD target this summer.
- Mr Ricochet

I don't mind players with sportsmanship qualities as long as they aren't afraid to hit or be hit (as in Rundblad). In fact it may reflect good discipline qualities. Ryan O'Reily being a perfect example as he won the Lady Byng trophy but is no pushover.

@ByScottPowers

Stan Bowman has had talks with Richard Panik and expects to re-sign him

Not so sure about that, think they thought originally it was a good deal and had two guys who could help. In the end, I think both would have been better than what the Hawks put on the ice

Daley > Gus, Blad, Rozy, or Sved

Garbutt > Mash, Weise, Fleisch

I would have been happier going into playoffs with an entire season of getting used to each other with;


Ladd Toews Hossa
Bread AA Kane
Panik Danault TT
Shaw Krugs Desi/Garbutt

Keith Seabs
Daley Hammer
TVR Rozy

And had #2 pick in this years draft. This is where you have to move blame off of Stan and hang it on Q. The above lineup is better than what they put on the ice for the playoffs, that's the shame.
- vabeachbear

Completely agree. Stan and Q REALLY need to get on the same page this summer otherwise I foresee a lot of repeats of that sort of (frank)ery. Not only is the above lineup better than what they went with in the playoffs (not to mention that what Q went with for most of the playoffs wasn't even the best lineup he had available) but the team would also be in better shape for next season

Really?

Panarin may be signed this offseason for all we know. Bowman has mentioned in several interviews that was basically his number 1 priority.
- TTtime

Aaaaaand where does $5 million a year come from to sign him? And sign Shaw at over $2 million per.

Oh, I forgot, Robin Norell is on the way to solve all the defense and cap problems.

I think it would be pretty smart to sign Panarin now. Whether they can, different story. Keeps coming back to dollars and cents.

Glad someone's got all the answers, though. We can all rest easier tonight.

2 million savings this coming year but they have to sign another goalie the year after, Mason would be a UFA, so the cap savings wouldn't be a full 6 million?
- Mr Ricochet

Probably not, a lot would depend. But . . .

The way I see it--Stan is going to need to pull a rabbit out of his hat, this off season. Or, maybe even SEVERAL rabbits.

This team needs one, probably TWO legit defensemen. Maybe Gus will be a #5--one day. Swen? meh. He's got size and reach, but lacks toughness to go along with his size and doesn't always make quick decisions with the puck.

I'm not entirely sold on Panik...good size....good speed....but so far he has the hands of Viktor Stahlberg. So another winger might be needed to play with the captain.

I'm not sold on TT. Granted, he's very good with open ice, makes sweet passes. But, if I see him back away from contact in the corners or along the wall, I may throw something thru my TV. He needs at least 20 pounds. And, I'm not sure he has the frame to add that muscle. His game may be best served in Europe, on the larger ice surface.
If TT can be moved--along with possibly Shaw (tho I HATE to lose Shawzie) for a good young D-man...you gotta do it.

I believe the Seabrook contract will be an anchor on this team in the future. I love Seabs, he's been a warrior, but this team will have an even bigger cap problem in a couple years, with an aging D-man.

if the Hawks are intent on keeping Panarin around the next 5-6 years, like it or not, someone needs to go.

StanBo needs to make a bold move...his two best trade chips, IMO, are TT and Crawford. POSSIBLY Seabrook and Shaw. Given Shaw's style of play and his injury history, it might make sense to make a hockey trade, to keep the Cup window open.

You're not wrong on TT yet, Joe. He's a 21/22 yr old kid who was yo yoed all year. He may end up a bum but way too young to say so at this date......... And there was no way a TT was gonna get you Drouin. IF Stevie Y was gonna move him it would cost a Klingenberg, Gostpierre or Faulk type young dynamic Dman.
- Mr Ricochet

Agreed, but we also don't really know what the market was for Drouin one way or the other. I heard Yzerman asked for TT and Bowman resisted including him. FWIW.

Bowman's been right at times and wrong other times.

The difference now is they didn't win the Cup and everyone can point to mistakes. Kimmo was a big mistake too...But he turned into a feel good story instead.
- Al

Good perspective.

If Daley wins the cup this year and the Norris the next those with a narrative he sucks BEFORE he ever stepped on the ice for the Hawks will still assert Daley is a bum. People see what they want.

As a #4 Dman at 3.3 per the guy is gold!!!
- Mr Ricochet

The "insight du jour" back in November was he sucked.