I think the way things are with the cap, they'd be better off viewing Panarin and Panik as the 2 top 6 LWs, and trying to fill in the 3 spots on the 3rd line instead.

IMO the top 6 is set with:

Panarin-AA-Kane
Panik-Toews-Hossa

4th line would be nice with Desi, Kruger, and Moose/Lundberg/Hartman/Motte

Gotta find some 3rd line scoring IMO, and for as cheap as possible. I think we can expect Schmaltz to maybe take one of those spots, but the other 2 are big question marks.

I think if we go after a true 1LW there won't be any way to make things fit with the extra 3rd liners needed and an extra defenseman(maybe Campbell).
- SimpleJack

AGREE--- I gotta think there will be some bargains out there for bottom 6 forwards--- -- Colbourne, Stempniak, Chimera, Matthias, Tlusty, Stewart, Smith-Pelley, Sceviour??? some old some young

Thats just scraping for a deal-- there are lots of experienced players out there who will be lucky to get deals this year--

So I was at work tonight anything happen in the NHL today?
wow can'tbelieve Iit , crazy stuff .Have aa lot of posts to catch up on.

Now that you mention it I remember the eggshells line. If he doesn't want to get jerQued around I wouldn't blame him.
- 6628

All I know for sure is Campbell was the whipping boy for fans. On opening night in 2010 when introduced, he got booed.

So I was at work tonight anything happen in the NHL today?
wow can'tbelieve Iit , crazy stuff .Have aa lot of posts to catch up on.
- HamiltonHawk

Under statements on both accounts!

All I know for sure is Campbell was the whipping boy for fans. On opening night in 2010 when introduced, he got booed.
- Al

That pretty silver Cup cures a lot of things....

Didn't Campbell play for Lindy Ruff in Buffalo ....it may come down to that relationship versus his relationship with Q

Can a player like Toews slide a couple of mil under the table to a player he wants on the team to circumvent the cap? Same goes for an Endorsement or is this against the CBA?

Tongue in cheek of course

AGREE--- I gotta think there will be some bargains out there for bottom 6 forwards--- -- Colbourne, Stempniak, Chimera, Matthias, Tlusty, Stewart, Smith-Pelley, Sceviour??? some old some young

Thats just scraping for a deal-- there are lots of experienced players out there who will be lucky to get deals this year--
- jb3333

Stempniak or Colbourne would be good on the third line. Stemps put up 50+ points last season. Colbourne, close to 50 points.

I think Panik should be given a couple looks in the top 6, but with his style, he is probably best at 3LW. A top flight left wing is a must for this team to do well in the playoffs.

If one of the bigger salaries are moved, say AA, then there is arguably enough money to sign a LW and Campbell, and possibly some depth guys.

[quote=SimpleJack]I think the way things are with the cap, they'd be better off viewing Panarin and Panik as the 2 top 6 LWs, and trying to fill in the 3 spots on the 3rd line instead.

IMO the top 6 is set with:

Panarin-AA-Kane
Panik-Toews-Hossa

4th line would be nice with Desi, Kruger, and Moose/Lundberg/Hartman/Motte

Gotta find some 3rd line scoring IMO, and for as cheap as possible. I think we can expect Schmaltz to maybe take one of those spots, but the other 2 are big question marks.

Agree and I think it is the way the Stan views things and therefore
1.AA stays
2.They try and sign Campbell
3.They see how the Rookies play
4.Make a deal at the Deadline when the Cap Hit is reduced

First of all, all indications are Vesey plays out east with either Boston or Buffalo. Plus he can't be signed before Aug 15th which means if the Hawks pin their hopes on him and then don't get him all the other options will probably be picked over by then.

Second, Shipachyov is not a guarantee to be a good player in the NHL. Unlike Panarin, Ship is a finesse player who may not adjust to the NHL style of play very quickly, if ever. Added to that is the talk on the street that Montreal was his preferred destination so even if he comes over, there's nothing I've seen that he would consider signing with the Hawks, especially if money is an issue which it probably is.

Third, with cap hits and retained and buried and overage - the Hawks salary cap is at $66.6M which is for 9 forwards, 6 d-man and the 2 goalies. That leaves $6.4M for 6 players (5 if they go with a 22 man roster). If they give Campbell or a top-6 LW anything over $2M, the rest of the roster will need to be filled by players making less than $1M.

I know JJ and lots of others have prioritized top-6 LW, but I think it's more important to solidify the d-corps with Campbell than it is to acquire a LW for the type of cap space they have remaining. In other words, Campbell at $2M will benefit the team more than a LW they can get for $2M. Additionally, Campbell has supposedly stated he would take a 1-year deal which is important to minimize the contracts carrying over to 2017/18 when Panarin's new contract will begin.
- EbonyRaptor

I personally would like the Hawks to sign Shipachyov, but your comments about him are spot on. He's not a known quantity as far as play in the NHL. I would argue the same could be said about Vesey. I'm in the minority here, but I don't understand all of the love for Vesey and automatically penciling him in as 1LW or 2LW (not picking on you ER, but just a general comment about many posts on this blog about Vesey being a high priority). Yes, Vesey could come as advertised. But he could also be the next Drew LeBlanc. Or somewhere in the middle like Kevin Hayes or Justin Schultz, i.e. a serviceable NHL player who was over-hyped and has delivered less-than-desirable productivity so far in their young careers.

And count me in as a fan who supports the notion that signing Campbell will really solidify the blueline with the starting 6 being him, Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Kempny, and TVR (or Moore if the TVR-Moore trade rumor actually goes through). The 7th spot would then be a rotation of Gustafsson, Svedberg, Pokka, and Forsling.

Got to disagree by adding Tyler Motte to that equation and I'm not dreaming. I watched a bunch of Michigan games this year and Motte's the real deal. I'd compare him more to a Shaw with better natural scoring instincts. Not saying he'd be ready to immediately step in, but I'd bet he'd bring more production than TT did in his first year.
- walleyeb1

I could see Motte playing a similar game as Shaw just with more offensive upside. Walleye, does Motte keep his head on straight compared to Shaw, i.e. not take dumb or inopportune penalties?

Stupid reason to want a certain player to make the team, but I'm rooting for Motte to make the Hawks lineup at some point this season or next. My wife and brother are both Michigan alums. Ironically, I went to Ohio State for grad school. College Game Day is a loud, fun time.

He can be a linchpin in a 'Hawks defence, or he can be a decent defenceman in an overall defence that will at times resemble a sieve. His choice. He knows the 'Hawks situation. He knows a lot of players and already won here. Hope he "chooses wisely".
- blackhawk24

Or he want to retire and live in Chicago to make his wife happy and Rocky has a position for him in the organization in the ofrm of a gentleman's agreement

Not trying to bite on you but why does everyone keep saying we need a 1LW? We have one his name is Panarin and he was top 10 in scoring this year. We need a competent 2LW who can score say 20 goals. You can say 72 plays on the 2nd line but face it he's a 1LW and will get paid like one. We need a legit 2LW.
- tyweb69

Question: what dictates which line is 1L and which one is 2L? It seems like the center depth chart dictates which line is which. If Toews is our best center, then whatever line he leads seems to be 1L. AA is currently or next best center so he is the 2L anchor. However, Panarin and Kane are our top LW and RW. So if they flanked our 2LC (AA), then the Panarin-AA-Kane line should be our top line, no?

At the end of the day, what many fans care about more is that the top 2 lines are equally strong where it's essentially "pick your poison" and leads to match-up problems for the opposing team. I believe that is what most everyone is pushing for.

I could see Motte playing a similar game as Shaw just with more offensive upside. Walleye, does Motte keep his head on straight compared to Shaw, i.e. not take dumb or inopportune penalties?

Stupid reason to want a certain player to make the team, but I'm rooting for Motte to make the Hawks lineup at some point this season or next. My wife and brother are both Michigan alums. Ironically, I went to Ohio State for grad school. College Game Day is a loud, fun time.
- AEL_Fox

Motte and Shaw are two different types of players. Motte has more offense to his game. Better skater. Slightly bigger weight wise. Not physical but not shy either, if that makes sense. Probably a better player in his own end then Shaw was at the same stage.

Interestingly, For all the pub Vesey is getting, Motte's numbers at comparable ages are very simiiar. Motte also has more international experience including the last WC which did have plenty of NHL'er in it and he played fairly well. Was on the Us top PK unit.

I personally would like the Hawks to sign Shipachyov, but your comments about him are spot on. He's not a known quantity as far as play in the NHL. I would argue the same could be said about Vesey. I'm in the minority here, but I don't understand all of the love for Vesey and automatically penciling him in as 1LW or 2LW (not picking on you ER, but just a general comment about many posts on this blog about Vesey being a high priority). Yes, Vesey could come as advertised. But he could also be the next Drew LeBlanc. Or somewhere in the middle like Kevin Hayes or Justin Schultz, i.e. a serviceable NHL player who was over-hyped and has delivered less-than-desirable productivity so far in their young careers.

And count me in as a fan who supports the notion that signing Campbell will really solidify the blueline with the starting 6 being him, Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Kempny, and TVR (or Moore if the TVR-Moore trade rumor actually goes through). The 7th spot would then be a rotation of Gustafsson, Svedberg, Pokka, and Forsling.
- AEL_Fox

Tend to agree with you across the board here.

There is always a rush to copycat what the last Cup finalists did to advance. This year it was speed speed speed. But one team had timelier goaltending than the other (Murray), and the other team lost an important forechecker from their top six (Hertl), making that line invisible.

Hence the belief that a "cheap goalie" can get you enough, and a focus on forwards over defense is the new ticket to success.

I take my chances with a blueline that can skate AND pass the puck out, and a goalie tandem that could arguably be better than any the Hawks have had since the early 90s, and put the onus on SB to fill the other holes, and ultimately Q to coach up any rookies that get the call up.

Rest will help the core. I still think Lundberg and Kempny will surprise people. They are not rookies. They have seasoning and experience. That really means only a couple of forward spots are vacant. Worst case is you try Panik up front for a while and coach him up. You call up Hartman, Motte...maybe McNeill, put together a coached up fourth line, and give it until TDL time. Unless SB has any aces in the hole prior to the start of the season.

Developing players has to be a part of the success formula, as we now know the reality of the cap world places hard limits on what can be accomplished in retention of talent as well as free agent acquisition. Q no longer has the luxury of demanding a full squad of top shelf talent at each and every position.

Question: what dictates which line is 1L and which one is 2L? It seems like the center depth chart dictates which line is which. If Toews is our best center, then whatever line he leads seems to be 1L. AA is currently or next best center so he is the 2L anchor. However, Panarin and Kane are our top LW and RW. So if they flanked our 2LC (AA), then the Panarin-AA-Kane line should be our top line, no?

At the end of the day, what many fans care about more is that the top 2 lines are equally strong where it's essentially "pick your poison" and leads to match-up problems for the opposing team. I believe that is what most everyone is pushing for.
- AEL_Fox

IMO, the important thing is to get the most out of the top players. Too much time of Hossa/Toews was wasted because they often didn't have someone solid to play with or if just kept changing too often. Call them a 5th line for all it matters, just need someone that can make the line click. It can't be stressed enough that this team can't rely on Kane and Crawford to get them there again. Not saying Kane and Crawford can't play well again, but don't hang all your (Not saying you personally) hopes on them having a career year again. An injury or slump could put the Hawks on the outside looking in.

Motte and Shaw are two different types of players. Motte has more offense to his game. Better skater. Slightly bigger weight wise. Not physical but not shy either, if that makes sense. Probably a better player in his own end then Shaw was at the same stage.

Interestingly, For all the pub Vesey is getting, Motte's numbers at comparable ages are very simiiar. Motte also has more international experience including the last WC which did have plenty of NHL'er in it and he played fairly well. Was on the Us top PK unit.
- TTtime

Thanks for the insights on Motte. Very favorable scouting report. Doesn't necessarily mean he's a lock to make the Hawks at any point, but he has a strong resume to build upon (at least as far as collegiate and international stages).

I take my chances with a blueline that can skate AND pass the puck out, and a goalie tandem that could arguably be better than any the Hawks have had since the early 90s, and put the onus on SB to fill the other holes, and ultimately Q to coach up any rookies that get the call up.
- Return of the Roar

I am a firm believer of defense wins championships, and not just helping the goalie keep the puck out of the net, but just as you described it: skating and passing the puck out of the zone. This is where Campbell could really be the linchpin for the d-corps.

Rest will help the core. I still think Lundberg and Kempny will surprise people. They are not rookies. They have seasoning and experience.
- Return of the Roar

At first read, my original comment sounds hypocritical, but your comment here helps to clarify my point about Shipachyov and Vesey. Shipachyov, Lundberg, and Kempny are unknown quantities as far as NHL experience; however, they are known quantities when you consider all elite leagues in the world. Their track record in these elite leagues and international play are what makes them hot commodities in the eyes of NHL GMs (maybe not Lundberg necessarily but definitely Shipachyov and Kempny).

In comparison, though, college hockey is not an elite league hence my caution with Vesey and even our very own Schmaltz and Motte as well as with Caggiula when many NHL teams were coveting him after UND won the national title. I really do hope Schmaltz and Motte eventually become top-9 forwards within a few years, but ripping up college hockey doesn't always have a strong correlation to NHL success. And if they bust out of the gate flying and show decent consistency, then that would be icing on the cake.

IMO, the important thing is to get the most out of the top players. Too much time of Hossa/Toews was wasted because they often didn't have someone solid to play with or if just kept changing too often. Call them a 5th line for all it matters, just need someone that can make the line click. It can't be stressed enough that this team can't rely on Kane and Crawford to get them there again. Not saying Kane and Crawford can't play well again, but don't hang all your (Not saying you personally) hopes on them having a career year again. An injury or slump could put the Hawks on the outside looking in.
- breadbag

Agreed. Having the depth to roll 4 solid lines is the way to go. Couple that with a defense where all 6 blueliners can skate and pass out of the zone, that's a recipe for championship-caliber hockey.

Agreed. Having the depth to roll 4 solid lines is the way to go. Couple that with a defense where all 6 blueliners can skate and pass out of the zone, that's a recipe for championship-caliber hockey.
- AEL_Fox

You hit on one of the biggest issues the team has had, which is getting from D to O and getting through the neutral zone with possession of the puck. They've had less guys that can just skate the puck out of danger like Campbell or Leddy. They also haven't had the same speed on the wings (especially the left side where Sharp/Saad played) This season if seemed like they gave up the puck in the middle a lot more than typical and it resulted in extended time defending. They tried to adjust with the delayed entry and 84 drop passes in the middle of the ice a game, but it results in less speed and attack in transition.

I´m ok with Campbell if he comes with cheap one year contract. Problem is that from last two years this team has lost Saad, Sharp, Shaw, Teravainen etc. from offense and now there is no one who could fill that void. It is guite clear that Ladd and Weise won´t be back. Thank god for Panarin but Hawks are really thin at wing. And when they don´t have much cap room to go with Hawks are forced have those with ELC´s in the opening roster.

I saw an interesting fact on Twitter. yesterday, 26 years ago Montreal traded Chris Chelios to the Blackhawks. Yesterday 26 years later they traded Subban to Nashville. two big-name defenseman traded on the same day 26 years apart

I was thinking 2 years for about $4.5 mill but...
Still think there needs to be another deal....But Campbell would help the defense a great deal.

If Campbell really wants to come here he will unless they r offering half the money Dallas is...
- Al

This is sort of in line with what I have heard, including last night.

I saw an interesting fact on Twitter. yesterday, 26 years ago Montreal traded Chris Chelios to the Blackhawks. Yesterday 26 years later they traded Subban to Nashville. two big-name defenseman traded on the same day 26 years apart
- ikeane

Probably not an anniversary Habs fans want to talk about. That said, as much as I love PK, Weber is a stud. Yea, older but he's a better shutdown guy than PK. It's not AS HORRIBLE as Habs fans are thinking it is. With Price in net and Weber on the ice for 30 minutes you better not get behind that team.

That said, Nashville is pretty damn gutsy. Trading Seth Jones, trading Shea Weber. With PK and Josi on their blueline they are going to be a very tough team to deal with. If they can add another scoring forward I see them as the top team in the Central next year, by far.

Habs get cap space, and a shutdown guy. Preds get a dynamic young talent injecting more into their ability to drive the puck. This may turn out to be a decent hockey trade from both sides.

Now the Taylor Hall trade.

I am a firm believer of defense wins championships, and not just helping the goalie keep the puck out of the net, but just as you described it: skating and passing the puck out of the zone. This is where Campbell could really be the linchpin for the d-corps.


At first read, my original comment sounds hypocritical, but your comment here helps to clarify my point about Shipachyov and Vesey. Shipachyov, Lundberg, and Kempny are unknown quantities as far as NHL experience; however, they are known quantities when you consider all elite leagues in the world. Their track record in these elite leagues and international play are what makes them hot commodities in the eyes of NHL GMs (maybe not Lundberg necessarily but definitely Shipachyov and Kempny).

In comparison, though, college hockey is not an elite league hence my caution with Vesey and even our very own Schmaltz and Motte as well as with Caggiula when many NHL teams were coveting him after UND won the national title. I really do hope Schmaltz and Motte eventually become top-9 forwards within a few years, but ripping up college hockey doesn't always have a strong correlation to NHL success. And if they bust out of the gate flying and show decent consistency, then that would be icing on the cake.
- AEL_Fox

DING DING DING DING

Two words: Drew LeBlahhhhhhhhh (remember when McD was on tape, raving about his "youtubes"? Comedy Gold, Jerry!)

Welcome aboard, Fox.

So would you be happy with a Soupy signing and a Vesey signing?
- onehundredlevel

Ehhhhhh . . . mehhhhhh . . . . It really all depends on how ready Vesey would be to play and contribute on the first line, which would be asking a lot.

Let me also add, I have not heard anything beyond a vague whisper that Shipachyov can possibly evencome over, or that the Hawks have any inside track on Vesey.