This is why he belongs here in Chicago. Forget trading him, his work ethic is epic, I wish a certain superstar LW would take his training more seriously instead getting into trouble every other year.

Panarin > Kane


- gifman

You mean the guy who's PPG totals have increased the last 3 years? The guy who was once a scrawny 165lbs with not a care in the world for defense, and is now a solid 185lbs and responsible in his own zone? The guy who has improved his shot and is now just as lethal a finisher as he is a playmaker? The guy who won the Art Ross trophy and should win the Hart as MVP of the entire league? The former #1 overall pick, Calder Trophy winner, Conn Smythe winner with over 100 points in 100 playoff games? The guy who is on pace to be the GOAT for American hockey players when he hangs up his skates? Panarin, with his 1 season of NHL hockey after being undrafted, is better than Patrick Kane???? That's comedy gold.

BTW, Kane is a RW

Should be a very interesting week/weekend in the hockey world. Big trades coming, maybe even involving StanBo? I think the Hawks should go defense unless a highly rated Forward falls in the draft. They have no depth in the system on D and The Big 3 are all getting older...
- EnzoD

Gut feeling tells me something big is about to happen. With Panarins impending raise and an aging core, somethings gotta give. Couple that with Stan waiting too long last year at this time and some questionable moves at the deadline, seems to be a little more pressure. Swung and missed last year and gave up a lot.

You mean the guy who's PPG totals have increased the last 3 years? The guy who was once a scrawny 165lbs with not a care in the world for defense, and is now a solid 185lbs and responsible in his own zone? The guy who has improved his shot and is now just as lethal a finisher as he is a playmaker? The guy who won the Art Ross trophy and should win the Hart as MVP of the entire league? The former #1 overall pick, Calder Trophy winner, Conn Smythe winner with over 100 points in 100 playoff games? The guy who is on pace to be the GOAT for American hockey players when he hangs up his skates? Panarin, with his 1 season of NHL hockey after being undrafted, is better than Patrick Kane???? That's comedy gold.

BTW, Kane is a RW
- EnzoD

Panarin plays 200ft not 100 ft like Kane. Panarin IMHO is the better hockey player not to mention better off ice personality. Or do you want to wait until yet another incident with Kane arises?

Panarin plays 200ft not 100 ft like Kane. Panarin IMHO is the better hockey player not to mention better off ice personality. Or do you want to wait until yet another incident with Kane arises?



- gifman

Seriously dude?

Ha, JJ. Difference between the numbers "doesn't matter", but in the same single sentence you say the difference may be Shaw. Most folks here would define that difference as "matters".
- Cmonalready

Filed under: ok, whatever.

Point is, it DOESN'T REALLY MATTER after a certain point: they can't keep everyone and sign Panarin

Speaking of the 1st line, several on here said they hoped Toews took the opportunity this summer to work on his fundamentals. He posted this today, indicating he's at what looks to be an intense cross-fit training gym (even if he does make it sound like a cult

https://twitter.com/Jonat...status/745034531632144388

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG5QV9nx7k3/
- pdx2ord

Toews typically is an absolute monster in the gym in the offseason. He has a freakishly strong core and lower body. Hossa also hits it hard and can bury guys 10-15 years his junior. Keith is pretty much legendary. Any more, you have to pay the price in the offseason as well. The big thing for all these guys is stay out of the bars get in bed by 10:30, rest AND rebuild.

Wasn't Mikkal Boedker a potential target for left wing at the trade deadline? He's a UFA on 7/1 and I haven't read anything indicating Colorado is trying to lock him up? Guy is fast and might be a cheaper option than Ladd or others recently suggested?
- Chief4Feathers

Someone will throw some $$ at Boedker on 7/1.

Maybe Hossa will remember how to lift the puck next season. 5-hole on every shot didn't work so well last year....I have faith that the Hockey Demi-God known as Marian Hossa will pot 20 goals again this year.



- EnzoD

I'd lay money, in fact

This is why he belongs here in Chicago. Forget trading him, his work ethic is epic, I wish a certain superstar LW would take his training more seriously instead getting into trouble every other year.

Panarin > Kane


- gifman

I don't know that I go that far, LOL.

BUT, Panarin>>Saad.

Funny all the people falling all over themselves for Steve Stamkos right now, to me, that is sort of a comparable for Panarin. Stammer is the better pure scorer/shooter, but Panarin is a better passer and stickhandler.

And Panarin is going to get better, especially as he gains confidence in his surroundings and the new language. Kid works very, very hard and wants to be great.

You do not simply trade Artemi Panarin. And you find a way to pay him and lock him up long-term. He is a star and the kind of star you want to build around.

He just never makes his linemates much better and doest;t really get them the puck...

...when I read the posts I feel like I am in two worlds...the ONE that reads the CAP and says we can't keep all of what we have already....and another world of fans who think there is STILL CAP space to add...UFAs, and not the bargain rack ones that will come for under a million...
- wiz1901

So true Wiz been thinking/saying thing Even if we were able to trade Crawford we can't bring salery back. We just have to hope to hit home run with cheap cheap UFA's. Even if we somehow found enough space to sign a Ladd this year what about next year when Breadman needs a new contract, then we're back in the same situation again. Don't think the cap will go up much next year either.

Panarin plays 200ft not 100 ft like Kane. Panarin IMHO is the better hockey player not to mention better off ice personality. Or do you want to wait until yet another incident with Kane arises?



- gifman

As of now Kane is a better player than Panarin. Period. Not even debatable. Panarin is also not a 200ft player, he may make a pretty backcheck now and then but his defensive zone coverage is meh.

If your questioning off ice work ethic maybe question Toews not Kanes. We have seen Toews plateau. Kane on the other hand has gotten better every offseason. He puts tons of work in during the offseason. He is a solid 185lbs, guys has some traps on him. You can tell he does his olympic lifts. He also skates all summer if I am not mistaken.

I don't know that I go that far, LOL.

BUT, Panarin>>Saad.

Funny all the people falling all over themselves for Steve Stamkos right now, to me, that is sort of a comparable for Panarin. Stammer is the better pure scorer/shooter, but Panarin is a better passer and stickhandler.

And Panarin is going to get better, especially as he gains confidence in his surroundings and the new language. Kid works very, very hard and wants to be great.

You do not simply trade Artemi Panarin. And you find a way to pay him and lock him up long-term. He is a star and the kind of star you want to build around.
- John Jaeckel

I agree JJ. I really want to see him and Kane on separate lines. As Panarin's game grows he will become even more dynamic of a player. They need to be allowed to do their thing on their own lines. You can still keep them on PP 1 and watch them make magic.

I think Panarin's finishing ability would be perfect on Toews LW. His play making will also open up the ice for Toews. You won't see guys draped all over Toews back if Panarin is out there too.

As of now Kane is a better player than Panarin. Period. Not even debatable. Panarin is also not a 200ft player, he may make a pretty backcheck now and then but his defensive zone coverage is meh.

If your questioning off ice work ethic maybe question Toews not Kanes. We have seen Toews plateau. Kane on the other hand has gotten better every offseason. He puts tons of work in during the offseason. He is a solid 185lbs, guys has some traps on him. You can tell he does his olympic lifts. He also skates all summer if I am not mistaken.
- bhawks2241

Hahahaha. That was pretty funny.

Toews' work ethic is what other players strive for. Don't stir a pot that's empty.

I agree JJ. I really want to see him and Kane on separate lines. As Panarin's game grows he will become even more dynamic of a player. They need to be allowed to do their thing on their own lines. You can still keep them on PP 1 and watch them make magic.

I think Panarin's finishing ability would be perfect on Toews LW. His play making will also open up the ice for Toews. You won't see guys draped all over Toews back if Panarin is out there too.
- bhawks2241

Panarin-Toews-Hossa
Panik- Anisimov- Kane

#1LW filled, and we all know kane can drag some crap around on his opposite wing and be fine *cough* versteeg *cough*

Gut feeling tells me something big is about to happen. With Panarins impending raise and an aging core, somethings gotta give. Couple that with Stan waiting too long last year at this time and some questionable moves at the deadline, seems to be a little more pressure. Swung and missed last year and gave up a lot.
- walter34

Assuming they pretty much know where the cap is gonna settle, I think it all comes down to Shaw.

Will he accept a hometown bridge deal like Kruger did last summer. If he does, then that is another variable the Hawks have nailed down.

At that point, the question becomes, how do the Hawks fill out the rest of the roster.

I have heard the mantra, "hockey minds will prevail" (or similar) many times the last few weeks as though saying it means the big bad cap monster will go away. I guess the validity of that statement depends on how you apply it.

You can't have it both ways. On the one hand, if you say hockey minds will prevail means the Hawks will keep "Crow," "Shawzer," sign Panarin and maybe sign Ladd, then you are also saying that means the Hawks will play 4-5 rookies from Rockford and/or Sweden.

But the Hawks "hockey minds," no matter what the pr minds spin it as after the fact, know that is a recipe for disaster.

Hockey Mind 1A, Joel Quenneville, KNOWS he will not win a lot of hockey games with two kids fresh out of college hockey, Erik Gustafsson and the Jolly Green Giant, nor their 170 pound wood nymph rookie Swedish mini-meatball buddies.

Point being, the Hawks may just have to do the surgical "subtract so you can add" move vis a vis another veteran contract. Anyway, that's what I hear they have been exploring for at least 18 months in advance of this summer—and that was before they realized the opportunity and cost of Panarin.

Again, It seems like Shaw is the domino that has to fall first. If the Hawks make some kind of trade that subtracts cap room, BEFORE there is a deal is announced for Shaw, then it looks good that Shaw is returning.

If nothing changes cap-wise in the next week or so, then I put the odds at 65-35 Shaw is gone.

Hahahaha. That was pretty funny.

Toews' work ethic is what other players strive for. Don't stir a pot that's empty.
- Hawks_49

Not stirring a pot. I think Toews admitted last season he didn't really start training until August. I am also not questioning his work ethic, the dude is built like a brick, as someone who is a pretty big fitness person it is clear Toews puts his time in the weight room, but training also doesn't just involve weight room sessions. Skill development is also a big part. We have seen Kane become a lethal sniper. Can you tell me what part of Toews offensive game has improved the last 2-3 years?

Assuming they pretty much know where the cap is gonna settle, I think it all comes down to Shaw.

Will he accept a hometown bridge deal like Kruger did last summer. If he does, then that is another variable the Hawks have nailed down.

At that point, the question becomes, how do the Hawks fill out the rest of the roster.

I have heard the mantra, "hockey minds will prevail" (or similar) many times the last few weeks as though saying it means the big bad cap monster will go away. I guess the validity of that statement depends on how you apply it.

You can't have it both ways. On the one hand, if you say hockey minds will prevail means the Hawks will keep "Crow," "Shawzer," sign Panarin and maybe sign Ladd, then you are also saying that means the Hawks will play 4-5 rookies from Rockford and/or Sweden.

But the Hawks "hockey minds," no matter what the pr minds spin it as after the fact, know that is a recipe for disaster.

Hockey Mind 1A, Joel Quenneville, KNOWS he will not win a lot of hockey games with two kids fresh out of college hockey, Erik Gustafsson and the Jolly Green Giant, nor their 170 pound wood nymph rookie Swedish mini-meatball buddies.

Point being, the Hawks may just have to do the surgical "subtract so you can add" move vis a vis another veteran contract. Anyway, that's what I hear they have been exploring for at least 18 months in advance of this summer—and that was before they realized the opportunity and cost of Panarin.

Again, It seems like Shaw is the domino that has to fall first. If the Hawks make some kind of trade that subtracts cap room, BEFORE there is a deal is announced for Shaw, then it looks good that Shaw is returning.

If nothing changes cap-wise in the next week or so, then I put the odds at 65-35 Shaw is gone.
- John Jaeckel

A bridge deal for Shaw just kicks the can down the road a season. I really don't understand the Hawks plans if they do this. Next season you have to pay Shaw and Panarin??? No way you can sign both next season unless you move a big salary. Then maybe. So then it is an empty promise to Shaw or you lose Panarin next offseason or move a big salary and every GM will know your up against it and you will have a Sharp 2.0 on your hands.

The more I look at this cap situation the more I realize how much trouble the Hawks are really in. It is either go with several young guys and watch Q implode or fill in the league minimum vets. The bottom 6 will look like 2011. Pisanis and Jake Dowells of the NHL

Assuming they pretty much know where the cap is gonna settle, I think it all comes down to Shaw.

Will he accept a hometown bridge deal like Kruger did last summer. If he does, then that is another variable the Hawks have nailed down.

At that point, the question becomes, how do the Hawks fill out the rest of the roster.

I have heard the mantra, "hockey minds will prevail" (or similar) many times the last few weeks as though saying it means the big bad cap monster will go away. I guess the validity of that statement depends on how you apply it.

You can't have it both ways. On the one hand, if you say hockey minds will prevail means the Hawks will keep "Crow," "Shawzer," sign Panarin and maybe sign Ladd, then you are also saying that means the Hawks will play 4-5 rookies from Rockford and/or Sweden.

But the Hawks "hockey minds," no matter what the pr minds spin it as after the fact, know that is a recipe for disaster.

Hockey Mind 1A, Joel Quenneville, KNOWS he will not win a lot of hockey games with two kids fresh out of college hockey, Erik Gustafsson and the Jolly Green Giant, nor their 170 pound wood nymph rookie Swedish mini-meatball buddies.

Point being, the Hawks may just have to do the surgical "subtract so you can add" move vis a vis another veteran contract. Anyway, that's what I hear they have been exploring for at least 18 months in advance of this summer—and that was before they realized the opportunity and cost of Panarin.

Again, It seems like Shaw is the domino that has to fall first. If the Hawks make some kind of trade that subtracts cap room, BEFORE there is a deal is announced for Shaw, then it looks good that Shaw is returning.

If nothing changes cap-wise in the next week or so, then I put the odds at 65-35 Shaw is gone.
- John Jaeckel

What are the chances that Bowman turned down a deal from Toronto for Crawford that Anahein accepted for Anderson? They wouldn't have gone to Crawford asking for approval until something was final.

If they don't clear more space this summer (probably by July 1), I fear they lose Panarin next summer AND lose Shaw AND wind up with the rookies and Swedes you note above - I fear it would be very hard to make a good cap clearing move under pressure next summer.

- DarthKane

I heard Sabres where the #2 option the other day—have not heard anything since.

Apparently the Leafs WERE in the market for a goalie and willing to commit to $5.5 million a year. So that tells me they likely did at least talk to the Hawks about Crawford.

All I know is, I saw Freddy Andersen EPICLY melt down in the WCF in 2015—and get totally outplayed by Crawford. But Leaf fans are probably too busy planning their parade to consider that.
- John Jaeckel

Really? Was that necessary.

Current management seems to be at least trying to get the franchise on the right track. Leafs fans are finally excited about that. I would think a guy writing for a team that has won a few cups recently would be somewhat more magnanimous.

Not stirring a pot. I think Toews admitted last season he didn't really start training until August. I am also not questioning his work ethic, the dude is built like a brick, as someone who is a pretty big fitness person it is clear Toews puts his time in the weight room, but training also doesn't just involve weight room sessions. Skill development is also a big part. We have seen Kane become a lethal sniper. Can you tell me what part of Toews offensive game has improved the last 2-3 years?
- bhawks2241

If your questioning off ice work ethic maybe question Toews not Kanes.

1. You definitely questioned his work ethic.


2. Toews is a player that focuses just as much on defensive skills as offensive skills. Completely different style of player than Kane, and their focus on improvement is in different areas. Toews still scored 28 goals this year on a line that he basically had to carry by himself, and he was one of the top defensive forwards in hockey again, and was the best faceoff man in the league.

His offensive skill and stats will likely never reach Kane's level, and that's okay. Kane will never be a great defensive forward, and that's okay.

Questioning the work either one of them put into their game is just ridiculous, to be honest.

What are the chances that Bowman turned down a deal from Toronto for Crawford that Anahein accepted for Anderson? They wouldn't have gone to Crawford asking for approval until something was final.

If they don't clear more space this summer (probably by July 1), I fear they lose Panarin next summer AND lose Shaw AND wind up with the rookies and Swedes you note above - I fear it would be very hard to make a good cap clearing move under pressure next summer.
- StLBravesFan

Possible I suppose, although I think Chicago would have taken those picks for Crawford no? Do you think the return will be better than that if he is traded.

More likely the age difference was a factor as the Leafs are still at the beginning of pretty much a total tear down and rebuild.

Not stirring a pot. I think Toews admitted last season he didn't really start training until August. I am also not questioning his work ethic, the dude is built like a brick, as someone who is a pretty big fitness person it is clear Toews puts his time in the weight room, but training also doesn't just involve weight room sessions. Skill development is also a big part. We have seen Kane become a lethal sniper. Can you tell me what part of Toews offensive game has improved the last 2-3 years?
- bhawks2241

I am really starting to think maybe these guys should be spending a couple months off. Toews has played a F of a lot of hockey. Probably a good idea to give his body a rest.

Really? Was that necessary.

Current management seems to be at least trying to get the franchise on the right track. Leafs fans are finally excited about that. I would think a guy writing for a team that has won a few cups recently would be somewhat more magnanimous.
- Aetherial

His post was a reaction to a couple of leaf fans that were saying that there was "no way" Toronto would have any interest in trading for Crawford, especially at his cap number. They just gave a lesser goalie close to the same money.

His post was a reaction to a couple of leaf fans that were saying that there was "no way" Toronto would have any interest in trading for Crawford, especially at his cap number. They just gave a lesser goalie close to the same money.
- Chunk

Wayyyy lessserrr