I'm curious about the potential #1 LW's that we could pair on the first line with Toews and likely Hossa next season.

As much as we would like a legitimate #1 LW who has offensive ability, I think that a more realistic target should be a LW with size who can play in front of the net and can use the body. A player like what Bickell SHOULD have been. That kind of player would help take some of the physical toll off of 19 and allow him to perhaps be a little more offensive-minded this season.

Remember how Pat Maroon was used for the Ducks last playoffs? He played with Getzlaf and Perry on that first line and caused all sorts of fits for the 'Hawks in front of the net (3 goals in the series). He's got two more years at $1.5 million AAV, and think that the Oilers might use him as a trade chip this off-season. That might be a plausible target on the cheap.

I fully expect Shaw to be back with the 'Hawks next season. I think that's Stan's next [and biggest] priority. He has the versatility to play on the top line or on the fourth line. He's the kind of player that Q loves and needs in his lineup. I expect it to somehow be completed.

Maroon - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - AA - Kane
Panik - Kruger - TT
Desjardins - Moose - Shaw

Keith - Seabrook
Kempny - Hammer
TvR - Goose
Svedberg

I'm curious about the potential #1 LW's that we could pair on the first line with Toews and likely Hossa next season.

As much as we would like a legitimate #1 LW who has offensive ability, I think that a more realistic target should be a LW with size who can play in front of the net and can use the body. A player like what Bickell SHOULD have been. That kind of player would help take some of the physical toll off of 19 and allow him to perhaps be a little more offensive-minded this season.

Remember how Pat Maroon was used for the Ducks last playoffs? He played with Getzlaf and Perry on that first line and caused all sorts of fits for the 'Hawks in front of the net (3 goals in the series). He's got two more years at $1.5 million AAV, and think that the Oilers might use him as a trade chip this off-season. That might be a plausible target on the cheap.

I fully expect Shaw to be back with the 'Hawks next season. I think that's Stan's next
- TommyHawk[and biggest] priority. He has the versatility to play on the top line or on the fourth line. He's the kind of player that Q loves and needs in his lineup. I expect it to somehow be completed.

Maroon - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - AA - Kane
Panik - Kruger - TT
Desjardins - Moose - Shaw

Keith - Seabrook
Kempny - Hammer
TvR - Goose
Svedberg

If Shaw can't be re-signed he's the guy I've been hoping Stan gets.

My guess is that Kempny wears Jaroslav Spacek's #6.
- DarthKane

Looks like Kempny will wear #6.

Note: picture borrowed from somebody who posts on the official Blackhawks web site message boards.

Has anyone seen much tape on either of the two guys they signed today?

-Lars Johansson (G) - 28 years old, led Swedish league with 1.74 GAA
-Martin Lundberg (FW) - 25 years old, 13 goals/8 assists in 44 games in Swedish league.

On Johannson, I Certainly don't want to start the whole "now we can trade Crow/Darling" debate; rather, I'm more interested how his skill set will transfer over to NHL? Is he more of a depth signing to add to weak organizational depth, or does he have a legit shot at seeing serious NHL minutes?

In Lundberg, i assume just an ELC that adds depth... Does anyone have any additional insight on his game?

I will be scouring YouTube for some videos when I get home, but curious if anyone has any working knowledge of either and what we can expect?

‏@CapFriendly
#CapFriendly CONFIRMED:
Lars Johansson CHI
1 year / 1 way contract
2016-17 - $575,000

Like the signings today. Eagerly awaiting the cap to be announced for next year. It would be really nice if the Hawks found a way to keep Andrew Ladd, who has openly stated he would like to take a discount to play for the Cup with this team over the next few years. Find a way to get rid of Bickell, and use that salary on Ladd.
- Hawks_49

Love to have Ladd back but what kind of pay will he work for? If it is for 3.5 M let's sign him up tomorrow. If it is 4.5 to 5.5 we woul not be able to sign him.

Love to have Ladd back but what kind of pay will he work for? If it is for 3.5 M let's sign him up tomorrow. If it is 4.5 to 5.5 we woul not be able to sign him.
- spanky

I think it's highly unlikely Ladd will be back, as much as I would like him to return. If Ladd somehow stayed then that would almost certainly mean the end of Shaw. If I had to chose between Shaw and Ladd I think I would choose Shaw (factoring in cap hits).

Anybody got any info on Martin Lundberg?

Anybody got any info on Martin Lundberg?
- cnfan261311

From Eliteprospects.com....

MARTIN LUNDBERG Sweden
Open print friendly window (pop-up) views: 56442

BIRTHYEAR 1990-06-07 BIRTHPLACE Skellefteå, SWE
AGE 25 NATION Sweden
POSITION W/C SHOOTS L
HEIGHT 184 cm / 6'0" WEIGHT 93 kg / 205 lbs
YOUTH TEAM Skellefteå AIK CONTRACT 16/17


Lundberg is a hard worker who can play any forward position. Always plays an aggressive and gritty game, and likes to hit. Skates well, but is limited offensively.
- Elite Prospects, 2011
- See more at: http://www.eliteprospects...7074#sthash.oJvbVVjF.dpuf

Small European decent skater fits the blackhawks mo. Looked him up on YouTube had a nice stand up hit in the neutral zone. Hope he brings that to his game, also he can't fight for poop. I hope we get a big crease clearing dman so opposing players don't take extra swipes at our goalie. Oh the days we had Matt walker or jim vandermeer on the 3rd pairing. There better than svedberg runbald and rozival for sure.

Depth Chart Not Suggested Lines/Pairings:

Panarin-Toews-Kane
??-Anismov-Hossa
Shaw(?)-Kruger-TT
Desi-Rasmussen-Panik

Keith-Hammer
Kempny(?)-Seabs
Gustaffson/Svedberg-TVR

Crow
Darling

The way I see it, if StanBo stands pat, the D-core is only marginally upgraded. Putting all his money on Kempny/TVR at 4D is a very risky play by StanBo. I just don't see Kempny playing with Hammer as it was clear last year that Q wants to use his 2 best defensemen against the opponents top line (Keith+Hammer). It also appears that Q doesn't trust the Keith-Seabs pairing to take on top competition either, for whatever reason. That leaves Kempny or TVR with Seabs. We have all seen the advanced stats of the Seabs-TVR or Seabs-Gustaffson pairings last year and they were BAD. Kempny looks to be a much better skater than TVR but playing on the open ice and against a lower overall talent level in the Worlds doesnt really tell us much.

Also, there is still a gaping hole at LW in the top six. Banking on Panik, Motte, Schmaltz, TT, ect to fill in at 1 or 2LW is simply praying to the hockey gods. If TT were able to handle ANY kind of physical contact and be even somewhat of value around the boards, he might be able to fit into the top six. After this season, and another summer of minimal powerlifting, I dont expect much change in his physicality.

So, going into the year with a roster like this and we are looking at almost the same team that lost in Round 1 (I dont care how close it was. Loss is a loss). I will certainly hope for the best if the roster looks something like this, but I will not be confident that they are equipped to win 16 playoff games. Defense depth, top 6LW, and bottom 6 scoring will be an issue, yet again.

Anyways, lots of summer left and Kempny is a great start for Stan. Maybe Lundberg can be a PK guy on the 4th line.

GO BOLTS!

6 5X5 Goals in 30 games playing 10 minutes per game. in 80 games that would be 16 5X5 goals at 10 minutes. if he bumps to 15 minutes 5x5 in the top 3 lines. that would be 24 5x5 goals in 80 games. So yes I think we hit on him. Plus he has size, and speed and reasonable young plus production. And he was one of our better forwards in the Blues series.
- kmw4631

And to add to your fine work above what is the alternative in a concrete cap world, Hartman, McNeill? They lose Ladd, Weise, maybe Shaw, maybe Fleishman, who knows about Panarin a couple years out, TT is a wild card, Hossa is slowing down on the scoresheet, Denault was moved, no 1st or 2nd rounder this year, no 3rd in 17, no 2nd or 3rd rounder in 18.

They need to stockpile Panik types and hope to hit on one or two.

I know his name has come up here as a potential free agent target, but we can cross him off the list:

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 2h2 hours ago
This one is for Gord, too: BOS and Kevan Miller agree to a four-year, $10 million extension. $2.5M AAV.
- DarthKane

Horrible contract simply cause he gets injured to much almost every time he fights he hurts his shoulder. Good physical player and team guy but 4 years is to long. I would be interested in McQuaid if they wanted to trade him.

Anybody got any info on Martin Lundberg?
- cnfan261311

Also found this on Carl Dahlstrom (he sounds like a Q disciple....)

Carl Dahlstrom
HOMETOWN:
STOCKHOLM SWEDEN
TEAM:
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
CURRENTLY PLAYING IN:
EUROPE
BIRTHDAY:
1995-01-28
POSITION:
D
ELIGIBLE FOR DRAFT:
2013
SHOOTS:
LEFT
DRAFTED:
2013
HEIGHT:
6-4
ACQUIRED:
2ND ROUND (51ST OVERALL), 2013
WEIGHT:
225 LBS.

Dahlstrom is a rangy, stay-at-home defenseman. He is mobile and has a big frame at 6'3, even though he still needs to work on filling it out. The Swedish blueliner is still capable of using his body to move players around, but is generally a player that will maintain his defensive posture rather than chase a big hit. Not a player to push the envelope much offensively, Dahlstrom is nonetheless capable of making a good breakout pass and getting the puck on net. He plays a smart, safe gamewith the puck on his stick, but may not be a player that generates a ton of offense as he transitions to the pro level.

Depth Chart Not Suggested Lines/Pairings:

Panarin-Toews-Kane
??-Anismov-Hossa
Shaw(?)-Kruger-TT
Desi-Rasmussen-Panik

Keith-Hammer
Kempny(?)-Seabs
Gustaffson/Svedberg-TVR

Crow
Darling

The way I see it, if StanBo stands pat, the D-core is only marginally upgraded. Putting all his money on Kempny/TVR at 4D is a very risky play by StanBo. I just don't see Kempny playing with Hammer as it was clear last year that Q wants to use his 2 best defensemen against the opponents top line (Keith+Hammer). It also appears that Q doesn't trust the Keith-Seabs pairing to take on top competition either, for whatever reason. That leaves Kempny or TVR with Seabs. We have all seen the advanced stats of the Seabs-TVR or Seabs-Gustaffson pairings last year and they were BAD. Kempny looks to be a much better skater than TVR but playing on the open ice and against a lower overall talent level in the Worlds doesnt really tell us much.

Also, there is still a gaping hole at LW in the top six. Banking on Panik, Motte, Schmaltz, TT, ect to fill in at 1 or 2LW is simply praying to the hockey gods. If TT were able to handle ANY kind of physical contact and be even somewhat of value around the boards, he might be able to fit into the top six. After this season, and another summer of minimal powerlifting, I dont expect much change in his physicality.

So, going into the year with a roster like this and we are looking at almost the same team that lost in Round 1 (I dont care how close it was. Loss is a loss). I will certainly hope for the best if the roster looks something like this, but I will not be confident that they are equipped to win 16 playoff games. Defense depth, top 6LW, and bottom 6 scoring will be an issue, yet again.

Anyways, lots of summer left and Kempny is a great start for Stan. Maybe Lundberg can be a PK guy on the 4th line.

GO BOLTS!
- EnzoD

Way to small of a lineup and no checkers up front I hope that's not the lineup.

Like the move for immediate help and as JJ mentions the domino effect hopefully sends TVR to the 3rd pairing and I'll add it allows Sved and or Gus to work on their game in Rockford.

Guy has played in all the Czech big tournaments for awhile starting with WJC U-18 and WJC U-20 and has worn a letter a couple times: http://www.eliteprospects...m/player.php?player=18088

Anyone else find StanBow's use of the word sort of twice in describing Kempny's game odd? Is he tempering expectations and if so, why?

He can sort of play a well-rounded game, which I think as a defenseman, you’ve seen our team play a lot, you have to be able to defend for our coaches to be able to rely on you. He’s got that ability to sort of play both ways.”

Depth Chart Not Suggested Lines/Pairings:

Panarin-Toews-Kane
??-Anismov-Hossa
Shaw(?)-Kruger-TT
Desi-Rasmussen-Panik

Keith-Hammer
Kempny(?)-Seabs
Gustaffson/Svedberg-TVR

Crow
Darling

The way I see it, if StanBo stands pat, the D-core is only marginally upgraded. Putting all his money on Kempny/TVR at 4D is a very risky play by StanBo. I just don't see Kempny playing with Hammer as it was clear last year that Q wants to use his 2 best defensemen against the opponents top line (Keith+Hammer). It also appears that Q doesn't trust the Keith-Seabs pairing to take on top competition either, for whatever reason. That leaves Kempny or TVR with Seabs. We have all seen the advanced stats of the Seabs-TVR or Seabs-Gustaffson pairings last year and they were BAD. Kempny looks to be a much better skater than TVR but playing on the open ice and against a lower overall talent level in the Worlds doesnt really tell us much.

Also, there is still a gaping hole at LW in the top six. Banking on Panik, Motte, Schmaltz, TT, ect to fill in at 1 or 2LW is simply praying to the hockey gods. If TT were able to handle ANY kind of physical contact and be even somewhat of value around the boards, he might be able to fit into the top six. After this season, and another summer of minimal powerlifting, I dont expect much change in his physicality.

So, going into the year with a roster like this and we are looking at almost the same team that lost in Round 1 (I dont care how close it was. Loss is a loss). I will certainly hope for the best if the roster looks something like this, but I will not be confident that they are equipped to win 16 playoff games. Defense depth, top 6LW, and bottom 6 scoring will be an issue, yet again.

Anyways, lots of summer left and Kempny is a great start for Stan. Maybe Lundberg can be a PK guy on the 4th line.

GO BOLTS!
- EnzoD

I think you lost me at putting all your money on Kemp and TVR, Let's say Q is still home are in mixed hammer play with Keith. Then he pairs Seabs with Gustavsson again. The second and third line defense is about a Push. he'll just put them out there when he feels best about it . One line is being paid 8 million per year. The other 1.6 . The question anybody else on the board would be which one you think will be better. If we buy out Bicks we may not be able to sign pan, I think we should try to keep Shaw and trade Kruger next year. For all God Bowmans given some teams the deals of a lifetime. One of them that's a year away from needing Space should be at least reasonable with us finally. Give up Hartman and bick for nothing. A team can buy am out and we have to pay them 3 million .

very, very much like the scouting report on Lundberg from 2011: http://www.eliteprospects...om/player.php?player=7074

Lundberg is a hard worker who can play any forward position. Always plays an aggressive and gritty game, and likes to hit. Skates well, but is limited offensively.

His scoring was ok during the regular season but if you look at what he did during the playoffs, it wasn't much. He had 1 assist in the series. And that's really his problem. He completely disappears when the going gets rough. Like JJ said, the guy needs to work out and become stronger.

I do think he played a better defensive game this year and hopefully next year he puts everything together.
- Lido_Shuffle

I think it's early to say he disappears when the going gets rough, he had a good playoffs last year, and really helped in the finals. I think he's just got to take a little juice off his passes, no one can ever handle them.

Thank you and I 100% agree with this and this line of thinking.

yes, the core should come back rested and hopefully put up numbers similar to career averages or slight improvements. I think that's fair to expect

However, to expect UNPROVEN assets to come in and replace proven assets with huge increases on all accounts I just dont' get. From Hartman to Motte to Panik to TVR and so on......a few will surprise, some will be OK, and a few will disappoint.

Seems so many just assume the next wave will have no hiccups in replacing guys and that's a dangerous thing to expect. I just keep pointing back to 2011 when guys like Morin, Skille, etc all were hyped and assumed to be "the next x" and while a few did, many did not.
- SteveRain

Rain, there is a reason Panik was drafted in the 2nd round and a reason he hasn't found any consistency. If he had he wouldn't be a Hawk right now, he'd be too expensive.

We've all seen he can skate, has good size and has bottom 6 hands. I'm certainly optimistic/hopeful he can fill a slot and contribute "somewhere" in the lineup and have the advantage of a full camp with Q.

We need talented guys to compete for spots, we need more Paniks.

Not sure why many have been ragging on Gustafsson.

He was a rookie this past season who had 14 points and was a +11 in exactly half of a season this year. If he would have skated in all 82 games and would have finished with ~25 points, that would have been a pretty solid rookie campaign for a player that skated third-pairing minutes.

Not every rookie is going to have an all-star type campaign. He had a fine season overall. Sure he had his fair share of rookie mistakes, but that's not something that he can't build off of. Look at the growth that TvR had from last season to this season. If we can see something similar of Goose that will go a long way towards stabilizing the back end.

If Kempny lives up to the profile and his work in the KHL translates to the NHL, this defense should be much better heading forward and shouldn't be a concern.

The attention should absolutely turn to finding that first-line winger to play with Toews and provide offense. Can't expect Kane to have another 100+ point campaign to magically carry the offense again.
- TommyHawk

Cuz he was put in a position to fail as a rookie that was up and down in the regular season and inserted in a Game 7 where he didn't belong.

Hopefully the talented kid won't take a step back after how he was used last year. Kid has some skill and upside, hopefully he develops.

Goal overturned in the Tampa-Pittsburgh game, very similar to the one in the Hawks-Blues series. Right call in both instances.

Way to small of a lineup and no checkers up front I hope that's not the lineup.
- vandymeer23

You and me both We will see what StanBo has up his sleeve....

Sweet we got Lumbergh...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVmC0ktznNo
- Beaks99

Ooooooooo . . . yeahhhhhhhhh

Cuz he was put in a position to fail as a rookie that was up and down in the regular season and inserted in a Game 7 where he didn't belong.

Hopefully the talented kid won't take a step back after how he was used last year. Kid has some skill and upside, hopefully he develops.
- Mr Ricochet

No small feat to make the Swedish Wold Championship roster, even with the Playoff dmen and non-participants. He was outstanding before the dreaded "lower body injury". He never regained that 1/2 step and that was the difference in my observation. He lost some of the jump he had that made him successful early on last season.