Other than Kane or Toews, Keith brings back the most. In my opinion anyway.
- 6628

FWIW,

This is mostly my opinion, but some of it is based on things I have heard.

There are things that go on between the team and the players that no one really knows about except a small handful of people and never gets out—until after the fact—especially if/when a "popular" player is traded.

So I can't categorically say anyone is untouchable except maybe Toews.

I can't see them trading Keith. Sure, there is stuff out there about his personality. has been for years. But the guy is close to a generational talent and really is the engine of this team IMO as far as the style of play Q wants up and down the ice.

In my opinion, he (along with Toews) is the least replaceable guy on the team. He will likely anchor Team Canada's blue line in the World Championships. A Norris winning d-man is just that valuable. As is a #1 center with off the charts leadership qualities, top FO guy in the league, plays in all situations. Those guys just don't fall in your lap. And you need those guys to win playoff hockey games.

A high scoring winger? Different story. A guy like Seabrook? Not easily replaced, but . . . A #1 goalie? Ultimately, replaceable.

Contracts and NMCs have to be factored in, but the only guy with a contract that is really hard to deal is . . . Hossa.

Gonna be interesting I think and just as likely nothing significant could happen this summer. But it feels like something is brewing as far as things being explored.

The big questions? Are there dance partners? Are those entities offering up assets that really make sense for the Hawks, i.e., 2-3 promising young players for a highly paid Hawk veteran? Do the Hawks trust their scouting enough to pull the trigger on what will be viewed as a controversial deal? Do the Hawks know some things they don't want the rest of us to know (right now)?

FWIW,

This is mostly my opinion, but some of it is based on things I have heard.

There are things that go on between the team and the players that no one really knows about except a small handful of people and never gets out—until after the fact—especially if/when a "popular" player is traded.

So I can't categorically say anyone is untouchable except maybe Toews.

I can't see them trading Keith. Sure, there is stuff out there about his personality. has been for years. But the guy is close to a generational talent and really is the engine of this team IMO as far as the style of play Q wants up and down the ice.

In my opinion, he (along with Toews) is the least replaceable guy on the team. He will likely anchor Team Canada's blue line in the World Championships. A Norris winning d-man is just that valuable. As is a #1 center with off the charts leadership qualities, top FO guy in the league, plays in all situations. Those guys just don't fall in your lap. And you need those guys to win playoff hockey games.

A high scoring winger? Different story. A guy like Seabrook? Not easily replaced, but . . . A #1 goalie? Ultimately, replaceable.

Contracts and NMCs have to be factored in, but the only guy with a contract that is really hard to deal is . . . Hossa.

Gonna be interesting I think and just as likely nothing significant could happen this summer. But it feels like something is brewing as far as things being explored.

The big questions? Are there dance partners? Are those entities offering up assets that really make sense for the Hawks, i.e., 2-3 promising young players for a highly paid Hawk veteran? Do the Hawks trust their scouting enough to pull the trigger on what will be viewed as a controversial deal? Do the Hawks know some things they don't want the rest of us to know (right now)?
- John Jaeckel

Your post makes sense to me. My question would be if they cook something big up with a player, who probably has some kind of movement clause, will that player agree to go?

Your post makes sense to me. My question would be if they cook something big up with a player, who probably has some kind of movement clause, will that player agree to go?
- 6628

Well, my take on those types of situations is there are a lot of factors that come into play: feelings ("they don't want me here—the other team does want me"), where does the player come from or his wife, endorsement opportunities, agents, and anything a team might be able to use to leverage a player—i.e., certain things the player and the agent don't want getting out. The player might not like some teammates in his current situation, has a best buddy from junior on the other team, Etc., Any or all of those can come into play.

JJ do you think the Hawks will give Kruger more offensive zones starts this year? And/or pair him with wings that have more finishing ability? We have seen glimpses of his passing/set-up ability.

With the depth on this team depleted does Q go to a more traditional 1-4 lines and we see Kruger as the 3C in the traditional sense and then the Hawks roll with a 4th line that sees 7 or 8 mins a night? I can't see how we can have a 1a 1b then a 3rd scoring-ish line and then Line 4 being Kruger's shutdown line. Don't have the players anymore.

Not so much B.S. When the NHL came up with this salary structure back in 2012 - they told teams they didn't think the escalator would even be needed - that the game was growing so well. Five years later - that is laughable.

Their TV deals are a joke, their merchandising sales are down, sponsors are screaming - and the cap stays stagnant.

Teams felt that by the start of next year, the cap should have been closer to 80 million than 70 million - the league definitely miscalculated their profits moving forward.
- dahawks8819

You're right as far as the overall system and the escalator goes, my BS comment was referring reporters selling Daly's comments as a big surprise. When in fact it's the same thing he said back in March. Nothing really new other that the expansion information he shared with regards to waiving the cap floor and ceiling.

"The first round picks this team has traded away is almost as staggering as the horsepoop return they’ve received for them. Joe Thornton for Marco Sturm and Wayne Primeau. Kessel for picks. Blake Wheeler for Boris Valabik and Rich Peverley (sky point). Tyler Seguin (who was a pick in the Kessel trade) for a useful-but-who-gives-a-poop Loui Eriksson, and Dougie Hamilton (also a pick from the Kessel deal) for basically nothing. The pedigree they have shipped elsewhere because of some mythical and elusive notion of grit and leadership is truly amazing"

From McClure at CI about the Bruins, illustrates the dangers of trading guys like Keith...

"The first round picks this team has traded away is almost as staggering as the horsepoop return they’ve received for them. Joe Thornton for Marco Sturm and Wayne Primeau. Kessel for picks. Blake Wheeler for Boris Valabik and Rich Peverley (sky point). Tyler Seguin (who was a pick in the Kessel trade) for a useful-but-who-gives-a-poop Loui Eriksson, and Dougie Hamilton (also a pick from the Kessel deal) for basically nothing. The pedigree they have shipped elsewhere because of some mythical and elusive notion of grit and leadership is truly amazing"

From McClure at CI about the Bruins, illustrates the dangers of trading guys like Keith...
- Sundevil

It's possible but the return would have to be ungodly. Plus I just don't see how the cap numbers would work. The ungodly returns would quickly cost two or three times as much as Keith.
In a non-cap world, sure I could see Keith being moved if the price is right. In this cap world his cap hit is just too good to move considering what he brings. Period. He is the 19th highest paid d-men and is without question one of the top 3 in the league. Look at the guys above him or near him. Tyler Myers makes about the same!!! (link below - just not sure how accurate it is)

http://www.spotrac.com/nh...kings/cap-hit/defenseman/

I know you've likened Keith to Lidstrom. And I tend to agree. I've said several times that I think the Hawks are entering a stint similar to Detroit from 2003-2007. Yzerman, Shanahan, and Fedorov left in those years, but Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and a healthy Franzen came in. 2008-2009 was the last kick at the can while Lidstrom, Draper, Maltby, and Holmstrom were all there. And Lidstrom was 38 or 39 when they won, right?

I was thinking that the next Cup shot for Toews and Kane (and Hammer) might be in a few years when they are 31 or 32 and Keith is 35 or 36. Maybe the Hawks have a few lean years in between but replenish the talent.

Of course, maybe StanBo et al. are looking at the career of former Blackhawks Player Development coach Mike Sullivan, now head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens' D core is Letang-Dumoulin, Lovejoy-Schultz, Maata-Cole. And their goalie had a phenomenal AHL season and has transferred that to the NHL. Yet they've got three heavy hitters in Kessel, Malkin, and Crosby, and all three are on different lines with good role players, all of whom are VERY fast.

Is that the new model? Would seem to also require a new coach...
- DMChi2010

Solid post, DM........ I scratched 25 holes in my head as to who to back in the Finals. To play the Pens was to concede that a patchwork/leaky defense (they have a #1 in Letang and the rest are basically 4-5-6-7 types) but one that could simply push the puck forward to world class skill up front was sufficient. It ain't over yet but I went against everything I ever knew and played the Pens.

You mention a new model, maybe a model based on a guy like Daley who fits into a system of Dmen just pushing the thing forward to world class speed finishers and living with their warts. A system where those kind of Dmen, littered across the Pens starting lineup, are covered defensively by hair on fire speed backchecks by forwards.

People are comparing the Hawk speed game of cup years and the Pens'. Although I agree they both play(ed) with speed IMO the Hawks were much more precise, talented. Watch the Pens and they will often simply just push the thing INTO a couple players in the neutral zone or offensive zone and let their guy win a puck battle at near full speed with support nearby to win a loose puck. ......Both play with speed but the Pens are playing with less precision, they just constantly push the thing forward and try and win puck battles on the fly at warp speed. The Hawks played fast and crisp, tape to tape.

This impossible cap has changed the equation and as some are mentioning maybe the number of high dollar core players has to be reduced and replaced by Daley types. Guys who fit a mold/system in general but don't check as many boxes.

Is that a new model?

I miss MexicoHawk and his insight.

Solid post, DM........ I scratched 25 holes in my head as to who to back in the Finals. To play the Pens was to concede that a patchwork/leaky defense (they have a #1 in Letang and the rest are basically 4-5-6-7 types) but one that could simply push the puck forward to world class skill up front was sufficient. It ain't over yet but I went against everything I ever knew and played the Pens.

You mention a new model, maybe a model based on a guy like Daley who fits into a system of Dmen just pushing the thing forward to world class speed finishers and living with their warts. A system where those kind of Dmen, littered across the Pens starting lineup, are covered defensively by hair on fire speed backchecks by forwards.

People are comparing the Hawk speed game of cup years and the Pens'. Although I agree they both play(ed) with speed IMO the Hawks were much more precise, talented. Watch the Pens and they will often simply just push the thing INTO a couple players in the neutral zone or offensive zone and let their guy win a puck battle at near full speed with support nearby to win a loose puck. ......Both play with speed but the Pens are playing with less precision, they just constantly push the thing forward and try and win puck battles on the fly at warp speed. The Hawks played fast and crisp, tape to tape.

This impossible cap has changed the equation and as some are mentioning maybe the number of high dollar core players has to be reduced and replaced by Daley types. Guys who fit a mold/system in general but don't check as many boxes.

Is that a new model?
- Mr Ricochet

Could be, SJ has a ton of speed too. But those adjustments aren't going to be made with this coaching staff

Solid post, DM........ I scratched 25 holes in my head as to who to back in the Finals. To play the Pens was to concede that a patchwork/leaky defense (they have a #1 in Letang and the rest are basically 4-5-6-7 types) but one that could simply push the puck forward to world class skill up front was sufficient. It ain't over yet but I went against everything I ever knew and played the Pens.

You mention a new model, maybe a model based on a guy like Daley who fits into a system of Dmen just pushing the thing forward to world class speed finishers and living with their warts. A system where those kind of Dmen, littered across the Pens starting lineup, are covered defensively by hair on fire speed backchecks by forwards.

People are comparing the Hawk speed game of cup years and the Pens'. Although I agree they both play(ed) with speed IMO the Hawks were much more precise, talented. Watch the Pens and they will often simply just push the thing INTO a couple players in the neutral zone or offensive zone and let their guy win a puck battle at near full speed with support nearby to win a loose puck. ......Both play with speed but the Pens are playing with less precision, they just constantly push the thing forward and try and win puck battles on the fly at warp speed. The Hawks played fast and crisp, tape to tape.

This impossible cap has changed the equation and as some are mentioning maybe the number of high dollar core players has to be reduced and replaced by Daley types. Guys who fit a mold/system in general but don't check as many boxes.

Is that a new model?
- Mr Ricochet

Is the new model less precision passing type speed game the Hawks use and more of what the Pens are doing? With all the clutching and grabbing allowed it seems maybe the Pens model of bull rush ahead with power and speed might be more effective. Fight through the grabbing and interference with a powerful straight ahead speed attack. It is a lost easier to throw off a precision passing based speed game with subtle interference (not all that subtle really anymore) than it is to throw off the Pens current style.

Hammer #3 overall, eh? Mildly surprised, though I have a hunch why he'd be ahead of DK is strictly the cap re-capture penalty.

I would have guessed: 19 88 2 81 4 22(back to 16?) 7 50.
- blackhawk24

Age is also an consideration.

Is the new model less precision passing type speed game the Hawks use and more of what the Pens are doing? With all the clutching and grabbing allowed it seems maybe the Pens model of bull rush ahead with power and speed might be more effective. Fight through the grabbing and interference with a powerful straight ahead speed attack. It is a lost easier to throw off a precision passing based speed game with subtle interference (not all that subtle really anymore) than it is to throw off the Pens current style.
- bhawks2241

Sorry to be sarcastic-- and this is not directed at you or anyone-- you make a good point about the clutching and grabbing and how to work around that-- which is a shame when you think about it-- lets thwart highly skilled and elite level talent by obstructing them to allow for less talented and boring hockey to prevail--

The new model is whatever whimsy and cockamamy idea strikes Bettman as the way to 'grow the game' -- it reminds me of a floundering product that relies on gimmicks to try to infuse interest-- all the while alienating the core of the business in the loyal fans-- and the essence of the game that is beloved by those fans--

As I said earlier he is destroying teams that excel at development in the name of parity-- while for example a team like Edmonton wallows in long suffering failure -- gets the top draft picks nearly every year-- likely only to lose those players when they have a shot at being good as they can't pay them all under the stifling cap--

The cap system is seriously flawed as is the philosophy of the NHL powers that believe they can alter the rules to create parity like some sort of mite house league in a local park district-- whats next participation trophy ceremony?

That Larry Brooks article in the NY Post is spot on-- Marlowe --thanks for posting that link originally yesterday--

http://nypost.com/2016/06...-wallets-ambitious-teams/

From ESPN Custance's 10 takeaways from the combine column on what he's hearing in Butfalo:

Bickell on the move?

No shock here, but the Blackhawks are trying hard to move Bryan Bickell's contract, a move that wwould help them get a new contract done for restricted free agent Andrew Shaw and maybe even get in on a free agent defenseman like Florida’s Brian Campbell.

The question becomes: Just how badly does GM Stan Bowman want to get it done? It might take including Teuvo Teravainen in a possible deal to get rid of that contract, and that’s not an easy deal to make.

Sorry to be sarcastic-- and this is not directed at you or anyone-- you make a good point about the clutching and grabbing and how to work around that-- which is a shame when you think about it-- lets thwart highly skilled and elite level talent by obstructing them to allow for less talented and boring hockey to prevail--

The new model is whatever whimsy and cockamamy idea strikes Bettman as the way to 'grow the game' -- it reminds me of a floundering product that relies on gimmicks to try to infuse interest-- all the while alienating the core of the business in the loyal fans-- and the essence of the game that is beloved by those fans--

As I said earlier he is destroying teams that excel at development in the name of parity-- while for example a team like Edmonton wallows in long suffering failure -- gets the top draft picks nearly every year-- likely only to lose those players when they have a shot at being good as they can't pay them all under the stifling cap--

The cap system is seriously flawed as is the philosophy of the NHL powers that believe they can alter the rules to create parity like some sort of mite house league in a local park district-- whats next participation trophy ceremony?

That Larry Brooks article in the NY Post is spot on-- Marlowe --thanks for posting that link originally yesterday--

http://nypost.com/2016/06...-wallets-ambitious-teams/
- jb3333

I agree with almost everything you say except I think the Pens high-end skilled guys have adapted and their Coach/GM realized the need for speed and went out and got it. I think this Finals has actually been pretty exciting in terms of game play. The Pens are still playing a very high paced game despite what Bettman has allowed to occur (or wanted to occur) regarding gameplay and officiating. The players that get marginalized are the smaller skilled guys who don't have top end speed. That is why I think the Hawks need to get bigger and faster in their top 9.

That being said. Bettman is an idiot. The definition of insanity is Bettman picture. Make the product better, post-lockout, and then slowly let it decline to the point it marginalizes skilled players. Expand when you should contract and implement a policy where the number one goal is not putting the best product on the ice but rather parity at all costs.

It was in February - when the Hawks were in Boston - and lost I believe the score was 6-1.

Stan Bowman raced down to the locker room to help diffuse it - and Scott Powers reported that the doors were closed to the media for about 45 minutes - 35 more than usual. And when the doors opened, every player was unusually silent.
- dahawks8819

That game was at the UC you are referring to. They came out very flat and got destroyed. I was there.

I have asked about that.

In 2015 when they won the cup, Keith was seeing his son regularly. Now that the divorce is underway, the ex has been screwing with his visitation - and that has been killing him - and it showed in his play - he was definitely distracted.

Not to mention that she is trying to bleed him dry - playing the victim - and he is not completely innocent in all this.

He is from Western Canada - from a small town. People that know him claim that there is something "a little off" about him. But I think it speaks more to where he was raised. People from that part of Canada are not known as "normal" - but I think that's because large parts of that side of the country are very rural.
- dahawks8819

he's extremely intense, as in red @ss intense, and rubs people the wrong way. I have heard that as well.

As far as his innocence goes, not hard for others to draw that line together but heard the same. Kelly Rae was VERY involved with other players wives and driving events, charities. Once that whole thing broke, Hawks very seldom addressed those events or made reference to them on air like they had in the past.

Keith is subject to the same type of recapture penalties that Hossa is, so Keith isn't going anywhere, or at least I'd be surprised as hell if he did.

93joe. Scotty Bowman believes you can win a Cup with excellent defense and decent goaltending. He is not a big believer in paying goalies megabucks.

I bumped into him at the Buffalo airport in 2009 and we chatted while waiting for our flight. At the time, he told me it was a huge mistake to sign Huet. He said the Hawks should have just ridden Khabibulin until the end of his contract then found a goalie after that, but he bemoaned all the money the Team had spent on goaltending.

He also was very critical of Brian Campbell. He said Campbell runs all over the ice out of position and leaves the other 4 guys on the ice standing still because they don't know what he is going to do or where they are going to be. I knew right then and there, Campbell would not be long for the Hawks.

Having said all that, I think Stan will be all ears 3 weeks from tonight at the draft.
Crawford would be a sell high situation. Hawks have no 1st or 2nd rounder. Carolina and Toronto have a boatload of picks. Carolina has a really rice core of 4 young defensemen, so they don't necessarily need a handful of draft picks in 2016, instead they might want a more reliable goalie than UFA Ward. Toronto has a really nice stable of young players but lacks a backstopper. They certainly can afford Crawford and after the Kessel, Winnick and other trades have lots of picks that might interest Stan.
- Omahawk

Very well said.

Believe they signed Huet due to Buln's durability issues. Many believed they could have squeezed into the 8th spot in 2007-08 if he hadn't gotten hurt and they had to ride Lalime. That same mind set is why they countered to Walsh with a 1 yr deal to Havlat after 09 instead of a long term deal that went Hossa's way.

As far as his hatred for Campbell, no question and why anyone thinking he's coming back here is dreaming. There is clip of the Hawks management during game 1 in 2009 vs Van where Campbell makes a glaring mistake and you can see Bowman laying into Tallon and Tallon mouthing "who?" and Bowman saying "Campbell".

From ESPN Custance's 10 takeaways from the combine column on what he's hearing in Butfalo:
- Marlowe

If moving Bickell is going to cost Shaw and possibly TT, ummm no. Just buy the guy out. Moving TT with Bicks to retain Shaw sure. Is Soupy (at this stage in his career) that much of an upgrade over Daley/Ehrhoff? Both Daley and Erhoff have similar games to Soupy. Dont know. Unless the Hawks have someone else in mind trade wise that we are not aware of yet.

I agree with almost everything you say except I think the Pens high-end skilled guys have adapted and their Coach/GM realized the need for speed and went out and got it. I think this Finals has actually been pretty exciting in terms of game play. The Pens are still playing a very high paced game despite what Bettman has allowed to occur (or wanted to occur) regarding gameplay and officiating. The players that get marginalized are the smaller skilled guys who don't have top end speed. That is why I think the Hawks need to get bigger and faster in their top 9.

That being said. Bettman is an idiot. The definition of insanity is Bettman picture. Make the product better, post-lockout, and then slowly let it decline to the point it marginalizes skilled players. Expand when you should contract and implement a policy where the number one goal is not putting the best product on the ice but rather parity at all costs.
- bhawks2241

You are absolutely correct, Bettman is an arrogant idiot. However, all of Bettman's maneuvers have to be approved first by the majority of the owners....Bettman gives them the fodder and the owners decide if there is money to be made from his proposal. I am with you more expansion will dilute the talent. I wouldn't have a problem if Bettman had said the Arizona team will move to LasVegas and the NewJersey team moves to Quebec...that would make sense. It's all about money why the NHL is expanding.

Not so much B.S. When the NHL came up with this salary structure back in 2012 - they told teams they didn't think the escalator would even be needed - that the game was growing so well. Five years later - that is laughable.

Their TV deals are a joke, their merchandising sales are down, sponsors are screaming - and the cap stays stagnant.

Teams felt that by the start of next year, the cap should have been closer to 80 million than 70 million - the league definitely miscalculated their profits moving forward.
- dahawks8819

I don't doubt your knowledge. Commented on that a few days earlier, and to 6628's point there are folks on here who have connections. Fact. People can say what they want but I've met a few of these guys/gals and the proof is in the pudding as they say.

To your point about the NHLPA, no question about this and why I was screaming weeks/months ago that this would be a flat cap and was laughed at. Well.....problem is the stars will get their money, but they make up a very small portion of the union. The union needs levels in contracts and comparables so when everyone complains about "hometown discounts" it rarely happens, and why? Because the agent and player are being pressured by the union to maximize dollars to keep pushing for the future of other guys. So while some guys like a Kruger may take a raw deal to get paid down the line, you can't expect it from all guys, like Shaw to do the same. Or Saad. or Leddy.

So even voting in the 5% escalator the players need to make sure that its' worth it and the union reaps the rewards in player salaries but so many teams are now trying to hover to the mid of the pack and you have very few spending to the max of the cap.

lastly, what I routinely find laughable is when people claim Wirtz loses money on the Hawks. That's 100% propaganda like every other owner does to justify ticket price hikes, etc. The Hawks are raking in HUGE money and Wirtz will only try to show a small loss for tax purposes ON PAPER, but in reality, he's making HUGE money. That's THE reason he hired McDonough who proved he could sell a crap Cubs team on the field and pack an outdated facility by selling the event of being at a cubs game......

You are absolutely correct, Bettman is an arrogant idiot. However, all of Bettman's maneuvers have to be approved first by the majority of the owners....Bettman gives them the fodder and the owners decide if there is money to be made from his proposal. I am with you more expansion will dilute the talent. I wouldn't have a problem if Bettman had said the Arizona team will move to LasVegas and the NewJersey team moves to Quebec...that would make sense. It's all about money why the NHL is expanding.
- spanky

So pardon the lack of knowledge in this area, but how does adding teams help what is already a struggling NHL with money? Expansion drafts strip players from teams that have spent the time drafting and developing them. Just not a fan of team in Vegas. Man I love hockey and the NHL, but Bettman runs the thing like a monkey #&$()@! a football.

Is the new model less precision passing type speed game the Hawks use and more of what the Pens are doing? With all the clutching and grabbing allowed it seems maybe the Pens model of bull rush ahead with power and speed might be more effective. Fight through the grabbing and interference with a powerful straight ahead speed attack. It is a lost easier to throw off a precision passing based speed game with subtle interference (not all that subtle really anymore) than it is to throw off the Pens current style.
- bhawks2241

I just noticed this with the Pens. Seemingly they aren't worried so much about connecting on a pass, not always but a lot, and instead getting it to the farthest teammate up the ice even if he's covered, passing up guys who are open but not as far up the ice. He battles at full speed and support comes and picks up a loose puck at full speed if there is one or the support instead flies forward and with the player originally intended for the pass never really gaining possession pushes/pokes/swats the puck forward in the supports direction and he carries on going forward with his hair on fire. And on and on until they get into the offensive zone.

I found this happened through 3 games, and the semis too, too often for it to be a coincidence. That the Pens aren't worried so much about possession as we know it but pushing/swatting/poking the thing forward at full speed with support until a chance is created or at least to where the puck ends up lost 190-200 ft from their goalie. IMO this is why they have such a shot disparity (125-75 through 3 games?) and their defensemen's weaknesses are less so with the puck always at the other end.

And yes it seems that can be done with less talented players and through obstruction, and with less talented trigger men on the back end.

No doubt speed kills, no doubt obstruction kills speed and it seems the Pens may have found a way around obstruction to a degree. And if they turn it over trying to beat the obstruction with a less precise speed game the puck is 150-200 feet from their goal.

I'm loving the hell out of this series. The Pens' speed game v the Shark's precision talent and IQ. Not as precise and structured as the two differing styles of uber talented Hawks v Kings but fun just the same.

Love the Murray kid. Sooooo in balance he has a chance for any puck.

JJ do you think the Hawks will give Kruger more offensive zones starts this year? And/or pair him with wings that have more finishing ability? We have seen glimpses of his passing/set-up ability.

With the depth on this team depleted does Q go to a more traditional 1-4 lines and we see Kruger as the 3C in the traditional sense and then the Hawks roll with a 4th line that sees 7 or 8 mins a night? I can't see how we can have a 1a 1b then a 3rd scoring-ish line and then Line 4 being Kruger's shutdown line. Don't have the players anymore.
- bhawks2241

Well, in keeping with the theme of Scotty Bowman's influence, Kruger was strongly suggested to the Hawks at the 2009 draft by Scotty Bowman—who'd seen the grades Detroit had on him, when Detroit's scouting in Sweden was head and shoulders above everyone.

Kruger's first full season, they played him at 2C a lot with Hossa on his right flank.

My belief always has been (and remains) that Kruger has some underrated setup skill. I believe the Hawks feel the same. But make no mistake. His primary role is always going to be that of a defensive, shutdown center and PK guy.