Someday Schmaltz could be a more affordable 2nd/3rd line center!!
- Al

Great news! The next step in the plan--- I believe many of us here were debating months ago that essentially Schmaltz would be the replacement for TT if he was moved--

He's 5'11" 180lbs and not a complete pansy like Tuevo. I have watched only a handful of North Dakota games but he was just silky smooth with the puck. He also impressed me at the World Junior Championships this past year. He has a chance of making the team out of camp with his high end puck skill/playmaking, but who knows if he can adjust to the speed/physicality right away...TWT. Someone mentioned it after the Tuevo trade, and I think that was a huge factor in him signing this year and not going back to college.
- EnzoD

UND has him at 6'1

UND has him at 6'1
- Sundevil

Really?? Even better! Teuvo who??

Thanks Chunk. Perhaps I'm wrong - but I have to think that McNeil could turn into a decent bottom six player - at least I hope he's given the chance to prove himself. It would be disappointing to miss entirely on a 1st round pick. We often talk about "all terrain" type of players - seems to me that McNeil is that type of guy?
- Chief4Feathers

Unlike say a Hartman with dumb penalties or a Rundblad with zero compete level, McNeill seems like a player who plays a safe and honest game. He's neither terrible offensively or defensively but he's also not going to be an impact player (at least not right away). Other prospects who have the potential to be impact players could leap frog McNeill again into the Hawks lineup. Motte could be such a player.

One ideal trajectory for McNeill would be one similar to Brouwer who gradually grew to become a 20-20 forward who could play up and down the lineup. Brouwer didn't set the world on fire in his first season but evolved to become a valuable commodity (except in Q's eyes). Brouwer is a hit leader in the NHL so that's one area McNeill doesn't compare as I have heard he doesn't use his big frame enough (at all?) to be a physical force on the ice.

I would like to keep AA since I agree that trading him would create a new hole just to solve a current one. The Hawks tried for so many years to fill that 2C hole and finally did with AA, so why let him go so quickly?

If the NHL handed out points for helping to create a goal other than being the goal scorer or primary or secondary assister, AA would be a 60-70 point player because of his ability to create space for his linemates, set screens, win board battles, etc. Those things don't show up on the score sheet but coaches, scouts, GMs, and astute fans notice them and I imagine are amongst the reasons why Bowman wanted him for years.

Nielsen has been rumored as a potential off-season target. I'd love him in a Hawks sweater. Not sure what it would cost to get him, but having a crew of centers with Toews, AA, Nielsen, and Kruger would be amongst the tops (if not the top) in the league. Plus, AA and Nielsen could alternate between 2C and 3C depending on what Q needs or what line blender setting he has on. They each have skills sets that make them balanced on both sides of the puck.

I know, Nielsen or a 1LW isn't possible without salary going out (i.e. CC) and without knowing the fate of Shaw and Ladd.
- AEL_Fox

Don't know what AAV he'd command but a couple things for sure: CC would have to be traded for just a first rounder, and forget about Ladd. Sure agree on the strength at centre though!

Another thing for sure: Kruger and Desi would certainly form one of the best 4th lines.

Perhaps the amt of crazy money thrown at UFAs this summer will be less and Stan could sign him.

Really?? Even better! Teuvo who??
- EnzoD

Draft profile:

potential, Schmaltz becomes the next Vanek, a player who can score 25 to 30 goals and average a point per game when in his prime. He will thrive on the power play when he has a little more time and space to work his magic with the puck.

Expect Schmaltz to be a top-six forward who can appear in a few All-Star Games and make some jaw-dropping plays to excite fans.

Unlike say a Hartman with dumb penalties or a Rundblad with zero compete level, McNeill seems like a player who plays a safe and honest game. He's neither terrible offensively or defensively but he's also not going to be an impact player (at least not right away). Other prospects who have the potential to be impact players could leap frog McNeill again into the Hawks lineup. Motte could be such a player.

One ideal trajectory for McNeill would be one similar to Brouwer who gradually grew to become a 20-20 forward who could play up and down the lineup. Brouwer didn't set the world on fire in his first season but evolved to become a valuable commodity (except in Q's eyes). Brouwer is a hit leader in the NHL so that's one area McNeill doesn't compare as I have heard he doesn't use his big frame enough (at all?) to be a physical force on the ice.
- AEL_Fox

McNeil simply needs to play some NHL games. Get the kinks worked out.

@craigsmorgan

Source says the Blackhawks have signed North Dakota F Nick Schmaltz. No contract details yet.



Woo hoo!
- DarthKane

Fuxk yea. This is a great start

He's 5'11" 180lbs and not a complete pansy like Tuevo. I have watched only a handful of North Dakota games but he was just silky smooth with the puck. He also impressed me at the World Junior Championships this past year. He has a chance of making the team out of camp with his high end puck skill/playmaking, but who knows if he can adjust to the speed/physicality right away...TWT. Someone mentioned it after the Tuevo trade, and I think that was a huge factor in him signing this year and not going back to college.
- EnzoD

If you had to guess right now, yeah its way early, where would you slot him given today's roster, Shaw stays, Ladd gone.

I would like to keep AA since I agree that trading him would create a new hole just to solve a current one. The Hawks tried for so many years to fill that 2C hole and finally did with AA, so why let him go so quickly?

If the NHL handed out points for helping to create a goal other than being the goal scorer or primary or secondary assister, AA would be a 60-70 point player because of his ability to create space for his linemates, set screens, win board battles, etc. Those things don't show up on the score sheet but coaches, scouts, GMs, and astute fans notice them and I imagine are amongst the reasons why Bowman wanted him for years.

Nielsen has been rumored as a potential off-season target. I'd love him in a Hawks sweater. Not sure what it would cost to get him, but having a crew of centers with Toews, AA, Nielsen, and Kruger would be amongst the tops (if not the top) in the league. Plus, AA and Nielsen could alternate between 2C and 3C depending on what Q needs or what line blender setting he has on. They each have skills sets that make them balanced on both sides of the puck.

I know, Nielsen or a 1LW isn't possible without salary going out (i.e. CC) and without knowing the fate of Shaw and Ladd.
- AEL_Fox

There are a number of reasons to consider-The reason in the mind's of some beside a degree of necessity to trade Crawford is because his replacement is on the roster in Darling.

If Shaw is resigned and Schmaltz can play center that gives the Hawks depth at center along with Kruger. I have liked AA since his NY days but I think he could be more easily dealt than Crawford with little if any money coming back. I don't think there are the same no trade clause restrictions in place with AA and it is much easier to move a $4.5 million cap hit than a $6 million dollar one, especially so if the big money is a goalie.

The Hawks won 3 Cup without a typical 2nd line center, this year they had one and their scoring balance was off and 5 on 5 play was average or below. I would trade AA before dealing Crawford or any other big name to gain cap space.

I'm for a cap, IMO it helps from having a Stienbrenner buy championships. But as the thing is constructed now it's more harmful than helpful.......Simply said if you kill the big markets you kill the sport.

I'm not so much looking for workarounds or loopholes but rules in place where you get rewarded (breaks) for scouting, drafting and developing your own players. At the very minimum that's where reworking the cap should start.

If it takes a stoppage so be it. Support your local USHL, NCAA, Midget, minor pro hockey until they get it fixed and figure out a way to divvy up a couple billion.
- Mr Ricochet

I think this is important--- there should be a distinction between a cap that limits BUYING a championship with unlimited spending for free agents-- and a cap that is flexible to allow for exemptions for home grown drafted developed talent so that a team can re-sign them after the ELC--

It seems to me that a clear strategy has emerged with some GM's that is to capitalize on teams that are spending money and trying to win plus developing young talent-- and when they can't pay those second contracts they swoop in -- very predatory --you could call that a cap loophole-- leveraged by bottom feeding low revenue teams

Is that the goal of the NHL salary cap?

I think Bowman said that the teams who don't have cap issues likely haven't won anything-- and he is right--

At the least some revision of the cap is needed along with a new leader at the helm--

I think this is important--- there should be a distinction between a cap that limits BUYING a championship with unlimited spending for free agents-- and a cap that is flexible to allow for exemptions for home grown drafted developed talent so that a team can re-sign them after the ELC--

It seems to me that a clear strategy has emerged with some GM's that is to capitalize on teams that are spending money and trying to win plus developing young talent-- and when they can't pay those second contracts they swoop in -- very predatory --you could call that a cap loophole-- leveraged by bottom feeding low revenue teams

Is that the goal of the NHL salary cap?

I think Bowman said that the teams who don't have cap issues likely haven't won anything-- and he is right--

At the least some revision of the cap is needed along with a new leader at the helm--
- jb3333

Good post and let me say every other major sport has grown in popularity without being determined teams can't repeat. Great stars sell, great teams sell and vanilla-same ole doesn't.

If you had to guess right now, yeah its way early, where would you slot him given today's roster, Shaw stays, Ladd gone.
- blackhawk24

Just based on his playing style/skill set, if he is going to make the team it will be as a top 6 winger next to either Toews or Anisimov...I would think. I had read that he really focused on being more of a 200ft player last year at UND, but he is made for the Top 6...

He's 5'11" 180lbs and not a complete pansy like Tuevo. I have watched only a handful of North Dakota games but he was just silky smooth with the puck. He also impressed me at the World Junior Championships this past year. He has a chance of making the team out of camp with his high end puck skill/playmaking, but who knows if he can adjust to the speed/physicality right away...TWT. Someone mentioned it after the Tuevo trade, and I think that was a huge factor in him signing this year and not going back to college.
- EnzoD

Where there is smoke there is fire. Did Schmaltz and his agent tell them he wanted to be on the big club or he was going back to college?

I never believe in coincidences, so i'll believe that these two moves were related. I've said while I like Bickell getting moved, would've like better return for TT getting added in.

I've also said I'll wait an judge Stan on his overall moves from now until they break camp and the season starts, not any one in isolation.

Maybe just maybe, Stan has an overall plan that is starting to play out.

Really?? Even better! Teuvo who??
- EnzoD

I still believe Teuvo will be a solid NHLer and he could have done very well here. But signing Schmaltz definitely is a step in the direction of filling the void TT's departure created.

Where there is smoke there is fire. Did Schmaltz and his agent tell them he wanted to be on the big club or he was going back to college?

I never believe in coincidences, so i'll believe that these two moves were related. I've said while I like Bickell getting moved, would've like better return for TT getting added in.

I've also said I'll wait an judge Stan on his overall moves from now until they break camp and the season starts, not any one in isolation.

Maybe just maybe, Stan has an overall plan that is starting to play out.
- vabeachbear

I agree that the trading of Tuevo and the signing of Schmaltz less than 1 week later is NOT a coincidence. As for the Bickell+TT cap dump, when comparing it to the Sharp trade, it looks like an A+, IMO. Low bar, but Stan still had no leverage in moving that dead $4mil....and TT's value was probably a notch or two lower compared to where it was this same time last summer after his solid Playoff run in 2015...

Where there is smoke there is fire. Did Schmaltz and his agent tell them he wanted to be on the big club or he was going back to college?

I never believe in coincidences, so i'll believe that these two moves were related. I've said while I like Bickell getting moved, would've like better return for TT getting added in.

I've also said I'll wait an judge Stan on his overall moves from now until they break camp and the season starts, not any one in isolation.

Maybe just maybe, Stan has an overall plan that is starting to play out.
- vabeachbear

I think TT gets moved anyway, they needed all of Bickell's $$ gone and Bowman doesn't miss an opportunity when a team is $30 mill below the cap floor.

Not trying to prove myself right but Schmaltz signing could allow for Shaw to be back and AA to be dealt.

While Motte put on the stat sheet in the small sample of AHL plays shows one thing, my view from the stands showed a kid with promise who is still a bit lost out on the ice.

I'm not saying that Motte couldn't handle playing in the NHL right away. What I am saying is that he probably needs to spend some time in the A to adjust to the pro game.
- EKB13

This could be true, most prospects do require some transition time. But I was lucky to have Michigan hockey in my DirectTv pack and watched a lot of him. He knows his way around the ice, once he gets past the initial shock of the level of play, I think he'll do ok.

I think TT gets moved anyway, they needed all of Bickell's $$ gone and Bowman doesn't miss an opportunity when a team is $30 mill below the cap floor.

Not trying to prove myself right but Schmaltz signing could allow for Shaw to be back and AA to be dealt.
- Al

Said it a bit earlier, but was just guessing. When debating with myself on moving AA or CC thought AA slot would be harder to fill and CC could fetch more. But if Schmaltz could fill that 2C slot the upcoming year or the year after, you might move AA instead of CC.

Think it would be good for Schmaltz to play wing for a year, but what the hell do I know,? I wouldn't of put Mash on the ice at all last year, or sat Wiesse for most of the playoffs, or made Dano and TT play their weaker positions.......................

I'd like all them to stay, and add...but this team's salary cap is wrecked. Even if they trade CC, they'd still need to find another goalie...if you trade 7 then you need another top pair guy, trade Anisimov you need another center. They don't even really have a L3-C right now.

So trading these guys doesn't free up the same amount of cap space...therefore, I think the Hawks need to move at least two main guys while maybe even letting Shaw walk. And even then you just don't know how that will work out.

IF YOU did this:
-trade Shaw's rights
-trade Kruger or Anisimov
-trade Crawford

This would open up about 10 million to replace the 3 moved. You could get something "similar" to Shaw, but likely not as versatile as Shawzer. If you resign Shaw then I submit he plays Top 6.

Then you have to replace 1 center and your goalie. Unless you have real bargain bin guys in mind, you're looking at 5-7 million, leaving about 3 million which could be used for another D. That is EVEN assuming you could get a center + goalie for 3.5 million per (as that's on the low side, especially for center).

I still think the Hawks need to put their focus on cheap options with high upside...young guys that haven't blossomed yet, aging top prospects, the injury prone. Try to catch lightning in a bottle.

I am not a fan of Bowman, but I am rooting for him big time this Summer and this summer will say a lot about what he can do and has in mind.
- kwolf68

Right on. Turn over every rock on every continent, bring in 100 of em and hope to find a couple useful players or as you mention catch lightning in a bottle on one.

And if they have 20 scouts on the payroll double that number and send em out.

I think TT gets moved anyway, they needed all of Bickell's $$ gone and Bowman doesn't miss an opportunity when a team is $30 mill below the cap floor.

Not trying to prove myself right but Schmaltz signing could allow for Shaw to be back and AA to be dealt.
- Al

If I had to choose between Crawford or AA-- I keep the elite goalie-- every time

I'm not a capologist-- or cap apologist-- but does anyone know if moving AA over Crawford (assuming no money retained or contract coming back) allows for enough cap space to achieve the other needs:

1) Re-sign Shaw
2) Re- sign Panarin (mid season)
3) Add depth on defense

The kicker in all of this discussion is that as Ricochet has said-- its not about getting better but less worse-- and I will add that we wouldn't be talking about these types of moves or criticizing Bowman for the perceived wacky moves-- if the Cap was more flexible for drafted homegrown talent--

I still believe Teuvo will be a solid NHLer and he could have done very well here. But signing Schmaltz definitely is a step in the direction of filling the void TT's departure created.
- DarthKane

This ^

Where there is smoke there is fire. Did Schmaltz and his agent tell them he wanted to be on the big club or he was going back to college?

I never believe in coincidences, so i'll believe that these two moves were related. I've said while I like Bickell getting moved, would've like better return for TT getting added in.

I've also said I'll wait an judge Stan on his overall moves from now until they break camp and the season starts, not any one in isolation.

Maybe just maybe, Stan has an overall plan that is starting to play out.
- vabeachbear

vabeach. I have NOT heard this, but IT IS a trend that is starting to stick and it would not surprise me if this is part of the plan.

The REAL difference between Schmaltz and TT (TO ME at least) is I NEVER ever thought TT had what it took to play center. I DO believe NS can, should and eventually will play center. While TT is a solid defensive player, Schmaltz 200 foot game is very good, and to go along with his strength (despite not being a hulk), vision and playmaking ability he projects as a 2nd line center, but probably not this year.

Perhaps Nick will get a look at L3-C or perhaps they'll slot him at the less demanding wing position for now.

But back to your point, I think this signing does signal than Nick Schmaltz is a real candidate to fill SOME role on the Blackhawks next season.

I still think that if they move a big cotract it'll be CC, but accoring to generalfanager, they have about $6.8M in cap room to sign 5 forwards and 1 D. If Motte, McNeil and Hartman/Baun can be forwards 11-13, and Kempny can be that D-man, they will only have about $3.7 left for Shaw +?. If Shaw wil take a one-year $2.5M bridge, they can sign a veteran for about $1.2M, but will that make them any better than last year? By the end of the year, maybe Motte can be 1/2LW?

Motte/Toews/Hoss
PAK
Panik/Krugs/Shaw
?/Desi/McNeil

Keith/Seabs
Hammer/TVR
Kempny/Gus/Sved

Crow
Darling

If they trade CC, they HAVE to upgrade the D to make up for the downgrade in net, AND they need a solid 1LW. I'm not sure they could get both by trading CC. I hope he stays.
- tvetter

Slow down there, I've seen a lot of Motte and really like him, but if you think he can step in to a 1st or 2nd line spot you're over shooting. He's definitely got a shot at making the team, but in a third or fourth line role.

If he developes into a first or 2nd line player, it'll take a couple years minimum.

I truly believe as great as Kane and Panarin were together this year, Panarin is more of a goal scorer than Toews and should be the#1 LW, Kane AA and ? Will have more success scoring than Toews Hossa and ?, for years Kane has carried the second line because he can offensively. Toews is a great player himself he just has trouble finishing.
- BetweenTheDots

I'd like to see Q give a look at Panarin-Toews (agree with you their skills compliment each other) Kane-AA and Hossa on the 3rd line and fill in as best you can with Panik given first shot at the top 6. The Hawks don't have a top 6 really they have more like a top 4, 4-1/2 including AA and Hossa.