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.
- walleyeb1

Motte is going to make this hockey team in my view. Unlike someone who said "he looked lost" when I watched him he looked ANYTHING but lost. He covered for teammates who lost positioning, was on the first PK unit, was incredible as an F1 forechecker. The guy can play.

And the idea that he scored a lot because he was on such a good line at UM...talk to me about people who couldn't play with Toews? In my view, there is only so far great players can carry a plug. To play with elite talent and produce you have to have some amount of ability yourself.

But you are right, I do not see him in the Top 6 right now.

What I´ve heard is that Schmaltz progressed his two way game a lot last year. I saw him couple of times in U20´s in Finland and he was one of the best USA players out there. I Don´t say he has the potential to be that kind of player but his style reminds me of Jason Spezza.

Motte is going to make this hockey team in my view. Unlike someone who said "he looked lost" when I watched him he looked ANYTHING but lost. He covered for teammates who lost positioning, was on the first PK unit, was incredible as an F1 forechecker. The guy can play.

And the idea that he scored a lot because he was on such a good line at UM...talk to me about people who couldn't play with Toews? In my view, there is only so far great players can carry a plug. To play with elite talent and produce you have to have some amount of ability yourself.

But you are right, I do not see him in the Top 6 right now.
- kwolf68

I thought he was way better than Hinostroza in World Championships. Showed really good work ethic in both ends of the rink. He didn´t look lost there at all imo.

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.
- Al

Can't repeat is pretty strong. The NFL is as close to that as possible. Players are cut left and right. Teams re-tool (except the Bears) on the fly.

The other sports are intrinsically more popular: From following the play on TV, to natural breaks in the play, to near-automatic timeouts. It's like football was invented for TV, yet it proceeded TV by a few decades.

To me it seems the NHL tried to mimic the other leagues and take the next parity step at once. It failed. If I had a choice I would rather see MLBs system, with similar revenue sharing.

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

Very, very, very well said on AA. Add he has some size to go along with the multitude of other non-stat measured qualities this guy brings.

Are you talking about Franz Nielsen? He's a bonafide 2nd line center, 50+ point guy, good on draws, 2nd unit PP and 1st unit PK guy...... Really like his game a lot and think he's waaaaay underrated. Guessing he gets 4.5ish over 5 yrs.

I thought he was way better than Hinostroza in World Championships. Showed really good work ethic in both end of the rink. He didn´t look lost there at all imo.
- MjulQvist

Totally agree. The puck also seemed to "find him". Is he ready for the jump? Maybe, maybe not, but he's a big sleeper for me.

Also think Schmaltz could maybe get his initiation at wing. I do know he lined up some at wing for UND this year. Maybe more situational plays, but he did do it. Could be a way to limit pressure on him as well. However, the moment Nick Schmaltz ends up in Chicago he may well have the 2nd best hands on the team (behind 88 of course).

Motte is going to make this hockey team in my view. Unlike someone who said "he looked lost" when I watched him he looked ANYTHING but lost. He covered for teammates who lost positioning, was on the first PK unit, was incredible as an F1 forechecker. The guy can play.

And the idea that he scored a lot because he was on such a good line at UM...talk to me about people who couldn't play with Toews? In my view, there is only so far great players can carry a plug. To play with elite talent and produce you have to have some amount of ability yourself.

But you are right, I do not see him in the Top 6 right now.
- kwolf68

I tend to agree, Motte has one of those intangibles that can't be taught, you either have it or you don't, the thing Teuvo was missing IMO simple grit kinda like Shaw. He's not afraid to go after the puck on the boards, not worried about taking or dishing out a hit. And when he digs it out he instinctively knows where to go or where to pass it. He's got the potential to develop into a nice all round player.

One more thing, he's the kind of player Q likes. Michigan played a defense first type of game, offense comes from good defense.

- EnzoD

Yo Zo, how often do 26 yr olds hit the market that have 4 40+ goal seasons, including 60 and 51, over 90 points 3 times?

If I'm TB with their group I pass to keep more core players but IMO you'll see a handful of clubs begging him to take 10 mil per on a max term contact. .......This guy can turn a franchise around. What's he worth to a Buffalo, Detroilet or NYI not to mention TOR?

He'll get 10.

Totally agree. The puck also seemed to "find him". Is he ready for the jump? Maybe, maybe not, but he's a big sleeper for me.

Also think Schmaltz could maybe get his initiation at wing. I do know he lined up some at wing for UND this year. Maybe more situational plays, but he did do it. Could be a way to limit pressure on him as well. However, the moment Nick Schmaltz ends up in Chicago he may well have the 2nd best hands on the team (behind 88 of course).
- kwolf68

Panarin says hi!


There are lot of similarities between Teuvo and Nick too. One of them is that Schmaltz is pass first type of player like TT. Really intresting to see how Schmaltz does in the camp.

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.
- walleyeb1

Let's hope he is allowed the time - on the ice and over a consistent, long-enough duration - to make the transition, including some forgiveness for the occasional mistake.

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

I think the NHL should allow teams to match an offer sheet, and have only 50% applied to the cap. This would have allowed the Hawks to keep Saad for approximately $3M AAV, while paying him 6.

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...
- EnzoD

Did he ever play LW at UND?

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

Well said...... A cap should restrict the ability to buy a championship and should not allow a tactic of vulturing (why spend to scout and develop when you can vulture a TT).

Panarin says hi!


There are lot of similarities between Teuvo and Nick too. One of them is that Schmaltz is pass first type of player like TT. Really intresting to see how Schmaltz does in the camp.
- MjulQvist

Where in the top six does he play?

I would think one of the scenarios:

#1 RW, dropping Hossa to 3rd line and playing opposite of Ladd /LW to be named later

#1 LW with Ladd Gone and RW to be named later (Okposo?)

# 1 LW with Hossa at RW and fellow UND alum at center.

#2 C with AA dealt

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--
- jb3333

Is there anyway to sign one of Panarin's linemates from the Worlds? If so, it would make losing AA easier for the Bread Man

I tend to agree, Motte has one of those intangibles that can't be taught, you either have it or you don't, the thing Teuvo was missing IMO simple grit kinda like Shaw. He's not afraid to go after the puck on the boards, not worried about taking or dishing out a hit. And when he digs it out he instinctively knows where to go or where to pass it. He's got the potential to develop into a nice all round player.

One more thing, he's the kind of player Q likes. Michigan played a defense first type of game, offense comes from good defense.
- walleyeb1

Yep, good point. I think initially Motte could be a welcome addition to the PK unit, can probably slot on a fast fore-checking line with a bit of offensive dynamics, offense which I think in time will develop nicely. But for the here and now I think Motte could fit in nicely in a certain role. Ditto for Schmaltz, Hartmann and McNeill in that the role they are asked to play in 2016 may not be the role they eventually end up with because honestly down the road I could see BOTH Schmaltz and Motte as top 6 guys...Schmaltz is a bit closer due to his overall dynamic skill level.

The Hawks have very little left in the system and the D prospects scare the hell out of me, but these are two kids people should be excited about. And like some other teams, the Hawks don't need them to come in and save the day, score 65 points...they just need to fill a role and develop their games.

Where in the top six does he play?

I would think one of the scenarios:

#1 RW, dropping Hossa to 3rd line and playing opposite of Ladd /LW to be named later

#1 LW with Ladd Gone and RW to be named later (Okposo?)

# 1 LW with Hossa at RW and fellow UND alum at center.

#2 C with AA dealt
- ikeane

Next year? Maybe in Rockford..

Yep, good point. I think initially Motte could be a welcome addition to the PK unit, can probably slot on a fast fore-checking line with a bit of offensive dynamics, offense which I think in time will develop nicely. But for the here and now I think Motte could fit in nicely in a certain role. Ditto for Schmaltz, Hartmann and McNeill in that the role they are asked to play in 2016 may not be the role they eventually end up with because honestly down the road I could see BOTH Schmaltz and Motte as top 6 guys...Schmaltz is a bit closer due to his overall dynamic skill level.

The Hawks have very little left in the system and the D prospects scare the hell out of me, but these are two kids people should be excited about. And like some other teams, the Hawks don't need them to come in and save the day, score 65 points...they just need to fill a role and develop their games.
- kwolf68

Exactly!

Exactly!
- MjulQvist

This is how Saad and Shaw got their ticket to Chicago.

Shaw came up was gritty, would fight, worked his tail off on a bottom line role and then eventually we saw him playing some top 6, centering, etc.

Saad came up and started on the third line...skated hard, killed some penalties and then a couple years later he becomes an elite Top line winger. We'll still miss that guy badly. But it is what it is.

Same with the other guys...come in, cut your teeth killing penalties, playing 3rd or 4th line role, work your game and one day you may be rolling on a line with Pat Kane or Jon Toews. Not a bad gig if you can get it.

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.......................
- vabeachbear

Bear, IMO moving AA not ever seeing Schmaltz in a Hawks jersey is a big risk as far as depth at center, throughout the whole organIzation. ..... As solid as Schmaltz may become expecting him to be an NHL 2C in year one with zero pro experience is unrealistic IMO.

But if they do resign Shaw and move AA at least you have a realistic, though flawed, replacement at 2C. I like you thoughts of trying Schmaltz at wing and see what you have. ...... Realistically I think Motte has a better chance of playing for Q this year. and contributing, than does Schmaltz.

Whether or not if Schmaltz plays for the big club or not this year his signing his huge. We were a year away from worrying he'd pull a Hayes and lose him for a 2nd round pick. .......Big day for the organIzation.

Well said...... A cap should restrict the ability to buy a championship and should not allow a tactic of vulturing (why spend to scout and develop when you can vulture a TT).
- Mr Ricochet

This exactly---

I don't think any Hawk fan wanted to lose these drafted players:

1) Bufyglien
2) Saad
3) Teuvo


Among others that have been listed here-- but IMO these are the big three that are serious casualties of the cap-- and would look great still in the Indianhead sweater--

Well said...... A cap should restrict the ability to buy a championship and should not allow a tactic of vulturing (why spend to scout and develop when you can vulture a TT).
- Mr Ricochet

Vulture....hmmmm. Carolina took advantage of a Bowman tactical error.

Bowman made mistakes. Not moving Bickell last off season snowballed to the Sharp fiasco, and finally this move.

A great idea thrown around on the cap is being able to keep home grown players with cap flexibility.

I vote for the MLB model including the revenue sharing. Except teams on the take have to prove they are putting the money into the roster, minor league system, coaching, scouting, etc.

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--
- jb3333

Hockey logic says to me it is easier to trade a 2nd line center at $4.5 without taking money back than a $6 million goalie.

Is there anyway to sign one of Panarin's linemates from the Worlds? If so, it would make losing AA easier for the Bread Man
- tvetter

Believe I read that they both decided to re-up in Russia for another year for more money. 'Tis too bad. Hopefully, Panarin can keep lobbying them all year and they'll opt for the NHL next.

Can't repeat is pretty strong. The NFL is as close to that as possible. Players are cut left and right. Teams re-tool (except the Bears) on the fly.

The other sports are intrinsically more popular: From following the play on TV, to natural breaks in the play, to near-automatic timeouts. It's like football was invented for TV, yet it proceeded TV by a few decades.

To me it seems the NHL tried to mimic the other leagues and take the next parity step at once. It failed. If I had a choice I would rather see MLBs system, with similar revenue sharing.
- blackhawk24

The NHL has more limited choices and if teams can't repeat so be it. But to have a Commissioner trumpet the fact it is basically impossible to repeat and drone on about parity is exactly the wrong track to be on.