I hear ya with only playing 44 games with the big club however, he is 26 years old. A little wiser than a 18-19 year old.
- TyCamScore

Agreed, not all rookies are the same. A 23-24-25 yr old rookie isn't the same as a 20 yr old rookie and some guys like Rasmussen played 5-6 yrs pro overseas. In the hard cap world these older "rookies" from overseas that have 4-5 yrs pro experience are very attractive.

I've been a fan of Rasmussen since his first shift. Liked his size right away and as I watched him he showed solid IQ . But last year with the Hawks he showed a more dynamic step/burst and seemed better with the puck on his stick. Showed a heavy shot as well.

I was always a fan but much much more after his time with the Hawks last year. With only 9:00 average TOI in a 4th line role in 44 games he put up 4 goals, 5 assists and was a plus NINE.

I think he might be the surprise of this year. He has upside, more than most think. I don't think a 3rd line look as the season progresses is out of the question MAYBE even a look with Kane and Panarin in an in game Q blender.

Aren't we focusing too much on the amount of holes rookies would fill instead of thinking we have up to 10 players that are going to fight it out for 2-3 spots? Competition is good. Brings out the best (or worst) in players. AND, if one player wins the spot and struggles (see: Baun, Kyle), then there's another player right behind him.

We shouldn't pencil any of the young guys in for the year...pencil them in for October.

Without any additional moves I would see 3 potential vacancies:

1. 1LW or 2C (depending on where Anisimov plays)
2. 3RW or 3LW (assuming Hossa as 1RW and Panik is on the 3rd line)
3. 4C

I would think that between Rasmussen, Lundberg and McNeill there is a good chance that 2 of these guys can fill voids #2 and #3. They wouldn't need to produce high offensive number, just be solid 2 way forwards. I don't think it's a stretch to think that is realistic.

I'm not sure how void #1 gets filled.
- DarthKane

I honestly do not share the pessimism of some posters for the upcoming season.

The blue line and goaltending for the upcoming season is likely the best group they have had since 2010. This will be a tough team to score against, and they now have some legit skate it out AND pass it out options on the transition.

The bottom six may also be a pleasant surprise. Lundberg gives you experience, a bit of sandpaper, and the Desi-like versatility to play center or wing. I think at least one of the kids will rise to the occasion to contribute in the bottom six.

As for the top six - I'm not as pessimistic here either. Let's be honest - they still have five top six forwards that range from above average to HOF level play.

I have a hard time believing that having only two young guys crack the lineup on this team is in any way fatal to being a contender. It also appears to me that the only team that got measurably better in the West was Nashville (qualified by Rinne playing up to his par), while most of the rest got worse.

With only a couple of million in space, at best a sub $1MM D guy or two and a bunch of undersized fatally flawed middling to lower level draft picks as trade chips, we aren't going to see any veteran additions at 1LW or 2LW that play like Saad and get paid like Panik for only one year get added any time soon.

Pass on Richards at 2C. He is not the grinder net front kind of guy that AA gave 72 and 88. He is an above the circles vision passer. That 72-88 pairing already has that in spades.
- Return of the Roar

Well said, except I think if Richards were added his best position would be at wing not center. Much less skating involved and he might have enough left to help skating 13-14 minutes a game to add some depth scoring.

Agreed, not all rookies are the same. A 23-24-25 yr old rookie isn't the same as a 20 yr old rookie and some guys like Rasmussen played 5-6 yrs pro overseas. In the hard cap world these older "rookies" from overseas that have 4-5 yrs pro experience are very attractive.

I've been a fan of Rasmussen since his first shift. Liked his size right away and as I watched him he showed solid IQ . But last year with the Hawks he showed a more dynamic step/burst and seemed better with the puck on his stick. Showed a heavy shot as well.

I was always a fan but much much more after his time with the Hawks last year. With only 9:00 average TOI in a 4th line role in 44 games he put up 4 goals, 5 assists and was a plus NINE.

I think he might be the surprise of this year. He has upside, more than most think. I don't think a 3rd line look as the season progresses is out of the question MAYBE even a look with Kane and Panarin in an in game Q blender.
- Mr Ricochet

I don't mind Rasmussen, but I think given his age and experience, he is at the point in his development where what you see is what you get. I think he is a no frills 4C that can use his size well and create some space. Just my opinion but I don't think he breaks out to be much more than he already is.

I don't mind Rasmussen, but I think given his age and experience, he is at the point in his development where what you see is what you get. I think he is a no frills 4C that can use his size well and create some space. Just my opinion but I don't think he breaks out to be much more than he already is.
- breadbag

Rasmussen has never been a high points guy and as you mention it's doubtful he busts out now. No doubt he has a defensive mindset, he'll never cheat to the offensive side, but think he has more offensive upside than he's shown numbers wise.

An Anisimov type contribution is what a very top ceiling would be. Big body around the net and along the boards, better skater-more burst than AA, win puck battles, 30+ points.

My thoughts on the lineup being:

Panik and Hos on the "top line" with Toews to start the year. Not saying this is an end all solution, but figuring based on some semblance of play together to end the year this is a start.

Line "2" stays the same - thought it may not be the worst to break this up if nothing else but to cool Pan's points to be outside the top-10 (j/k, don't kill me). I do think that part of his getting into the top-10 last year and triggering bonuses was injuries to other players (McDavid, Seguin) so he may put up the same numbers but not hit his bonuses.

I think Hino gets a shot out of camp for the 3rd line. Reason being he's put in a season in the A (compared to Schmaltz and Motte), so he's better positioned for a full year. Hartman falls under this category as well. Not saying those two can't put on a show this fall and make the team, but let them get some time at the step between NCAA and the show, against a higher quality of competition there first. If they are on a tear, bring them up mid-season.

Not sure which line for Krugs and Ras, but think those are the bottom 6 C's one way or another. Desi and Tootoo on 4th, putting in a few mins a game would rather put Ras there than Kruger.

D is locked and loaded. Kempny can play, Rosival rotating in and TvR in a role with less on his shoulders night in and night out. They can at least comfortably handle some increased mins and rest the top-4.

Let's get it going...

(JR for zhamnov still makes me sick as well.)

I do disagree with one thing in the write-up, sir. If's and when's and but's is all that pittsburgh had this year... they had rob scuderi at the beginning of their year...
they fired their head coach- mid-year! their $6MIL goalie gets hurt...

If the lightning is in the bottle again, the core of 19,88,72,2,7,4,30 is better than the core of Crosby, letang, malkin, kessel... so that trophy still can return here once or twice.
- RedFeather

Putting the 3 cups to 2 argument aside, because the Pens had the worst injury luck in the entire league the past 10 years, why do you feel that's true?

I agree on the D being a substantial upgrade over last year. No question which should take pressure off of 50/33.

I beg to differ upfront. I see 4 top 6 players and while I love Hossa the fact that you are hearing legit whispers of accepting a new role and being a bottom 6 player tells me coaching and office personnel feel his offensive game is starting to slow down. He can easily be as good if nto better then what Modano was in the bottom 6 in the twilight of his career. However, expecting to Hossa to bang in 30 isn't happening anymore IMO

From there, I have concerns about 5 on 5 scoring. They lacked this last year and subtracting proven NHL parts and substituting as of NOW with unproven assets doesn't fix that problem. You are also banking on continued progress by Panik, Kruger giving you legit scoring depth centering the 3rd line, Hossa bouncing back somewhat, Toews bouncing back, and 15/88/72 continuing their magic.

I just feel this team will have difficulty scoring against the cream of the crop in the league. Lets hope they can find the next Saad in Schmaltz or Motte or somebody.

I am not saying they will be a fringe playoff team, but I just don't see the love of being true contender unless you get a lot of on the fly fixes which could happen, but that's too many IFs for me to buy in as of today. I think they are a 3rd place central team, and a dangerous out, but not as formidable as they were in the past.

I agree on the D being a substantial upgrade over last year. No question which should take pressure off of 50/33.

I beg to differ upfront. I see 4 top 6 players and while I love Hossa the fact that you are hearing legit whispers of accepting a new role and being a bottom 6 player tells me coaching and office personnel feel his offensive game is starting to slow down. He can easily be as good if nto better then what Modano was in the bottom 6 in the twilight of his career. However, expecting to Hossa to bang in 30 isn't happening anymore IMO

From there, I have concerns about 5 on 5 scoring. They lacked this last year and subtracting proven NHL parts and substituting as of NOW with unproven assets doesn't fix that problem. You are also banking on continued progress by Panik, Kruger giving you legit scoring depth centering the 3rd line, Hossa bouncing back somewhat, Toews bouncing back, and 15/88/72 continuing their magic.

I just feel this team will have difficulty scoring against the cream of the crop in the league. Lets hope they can find the next Saad in Schmaltz or Motte or somebody.

I am not saying they will be a fringe playoff team, but I just don't see the love of being true contender unless you get a lot of on the fly fixes which could happen, but that's too many IFs for me to buy in as of today. I think they are a 3rd place central team, and a dangerous out, but not as formidable as they were in the past.
- SteveRain

Hossa may not be a 1RW this year. But Kane and Hossa are two very good right wings. There are not many other teams with a 2RW as good as Hossa. He is still a very respectable top 6 (and when he scores 50+ points this year even you will agree).

Rasmussen has never been a high points guy and as you mention it's doubtful he busts out now. No doubt he has a defensive mindset, he'll never cheat to the offensive side, but think he has more offensive upside than he's shown numbers wise.
- Mr Ricochet

I agree with your perspective on Rasmussen. With that said, he's best suited to play on the 4th line ideally as a center but can play wing if needed given the versatility of other 4th liners like Desjardins and Lundberg. We don't need the 4th line to be offensively productive. Instead, we need them to be able to shut down the other team, agitate a bit (or a lot), and play mistake-free hockey. This is where players like Rasmussen, Desjardins, and Lundberg fit the bill since they are in their mid-20s and have several years of pro hockey under their belts (NHL + Swedish elite leagues).

I agree on the D being a substantial upgrade over last year. No question which should take pressure off of 50/33.

I beg to differ upfront. I see 4 top 6 players and while I love Hossa the fact that you are hearing legit whispers of accepting a new role and being a bottom 6 player tells me coaching and office personnel feel his offensive game is starting to slow down. He can easily be as good if nto better then what Modano was in the bottom 6 in the twilight of his career. However, expecting to Hossa to bang in 30 isn't happening anymore IMO

From there, I have concerns about 5 on 5 scoring. They lacked this last year and subtracting proven NHL parts and substituting as of NOW with unproven assets doesn't fix that problem. You are also banking on continued progress by Panik, Kruger giving you legit scoring depth centering the 3rd line, Hossa bouncing back somewhat, Toews bouncing back, and 15/88/72 continuing their magic.

I just feel this team will have difficulty scoring against the cream of the crop in the league. Lets hope they can find the next Saad in Schmaltz or Motte or somebody.

I am not saying they will be a fringe playoff team, but I just don't see the love of being true contender unless you get a lot of on the fly fixes which could happen, but that's too many IFs for me to buy in as of today. I think they are a 3rd place central team, and a dangerous out, but not as formidable as they were in the past.
- SteveRain

Hey Rainman agree on this - the defense is much improved. I think Soupy may be the biggest bargain of the summer. He was still playing top minutes last season and I believe led dmen in +/-. Kempny was another big add as well. We all know this team needed a #4 last season and didn't have it, but now the defense is your biggest strength.

The big question is scoring depth and quite a bit was lost here in the last couple months. And while they may be forced to put some kids in I'd still like to see them sign Hudler. I think Vesey is going to the Bruins...so the other question out there is what they'll be able to do at the TDL with the Rockford cupboard a little more bare after the moves they've made the last couple of seasons.

Should be interesting to see what they do here if anything before camp starts.

Hossa may not be a 1RW this year. But Kane and Hossa are two very good right wings. There are not many other teams with a 2RW as good as Hossa. He is still a very respectable top 6 (and when he scores 50+ points this year even you will agree).
- -Doh-

I would agree on 50....see what happens.

I agree with your perspective on Rasmussen. With that said, he's best suited to play on the 4th line ideally as a center but can play wing if needed given the versatility of other 4th liners like Desjardins and Lundberg. We don't need the 4th line to be offensively productive. Instead, we need them to be able to shut down the other team, agitate a bit (or a lot), and play mistake-free hockey. This is where players like Rasmussen, Desjardins, and Lundberg fit the bill since they are in their mid-20s and have several years of pro hockey under their belts (NHL + Swedish elite leagues).
- AEL_Fox

His Hero Chart confirms the eye test that he's first rate on the defensive side of the puck and lacking in most aspect offensively: http://ownthepuck.blogspot.ca/

But his usage is such that offensively he won't have much chance to succeed. The eye test tells me there's more offensive upside there to go along with a first rate defensive game. With the Hawks probably looking for more offense I wouldn't be surprised he sees chances higher than the 4th line.....

And ye, IMO he's more a contributer as a centerman.

Hey Rainman agree on this - the defense is much improved. I think Soupy may be the biggest bargain of the summer. He was still playing top minutes last season and I believe led dmen in +/-. Kempny was another big add as well. We all know this team needed a #4 last season and didn't have it, but now the defense is your biggest strength.

The big question is scoring depth and quite a bit was lost here in the last couple months. And while they may be forced to put some kids in I'd still like to see them sign Hudler. I think Vesey is going to the Bruins...so the other question out there is what they'll be able to do at the TDL with the Rockford cupboard a little more bare after the moves they've made the last couple of seasons.

Should be interesting to see what they do here if anything before camp starts.
- DK002

agreed 100%

The depth scoring isn't there.

So while I agree the hawks core players > Pittsburgh core players, the depth is a major advantage to Pittsburgh.

Depth wins cups.....

I think Shea is good, not the end-all-be-all Defenseman, though. I think he's pumped up a lot for two major reasons:

1. His shot (which has taken on an almost-Herculean status over the years from announcers pumping it up so much)
2. He's one of the last of his kind: big, strong, stay-at-home D man

But when it comes down to the big PK/Weber trade, PK is the superior Defenseman and all-around player in my opinion.
- Hank3Henshaw

PK is superior over Weber? All around player?? That sounds insane....but like you said. In my opinion, I just don't see it.

agreed 100%

The depth scoring isn't there.

So while I agree the hawks core players > Pittsburgh core players, the depth is a major advantage to Pittsburgh.

Depth wins cups.....
- SteveRain

The season hasn't started yet.

Some of these guys might turn into scorers or depth guys, you never know.

Just have to wait for the season to start.

The season hasn't started yet.

Some of these guys might turn into scorers or depth guys, you never know.

Just have to wait for the season to start.
- Hank3Henshaw

I don't disagree but in fairness you go off of track record and these guys have non. So while yes, Panarin hit, doesn't mean they all will. That's all I am saying.

I think the negative reaction is to assume NON will hit. The optimistic reaction is to say they ALL will hit.

I fall in between those 2 segments.

Nice write up JJ! Wouldnt you say that a pick up of Richards allows the Hawks to possibly bulk the depth at the center ice position? Having Toews-AA-Richy-Kruger makes the hawks very strong down the middle. Takes a little bit of weight off filling the flanks.

I don't disagree but in fairness you go off of track record and these guys have non. So while yes, Panarin hit, doesn't mean they all will. That's all I am saying.

I think the negative reaction is to assume NON will hit. The optimistic reaction is to say they ALL will hit.

I fall in between those 2 segments.
- SteveRain

Understandable.

Hope you didn't think I attacking your statement.

I was just saying that some of these guys might catch on and develop. But it's really 50/50. Like you said, some work out, some don't--track record is what you base it off of.

Thought the same, but if he can win draws and dig pucks out the corner for PK and AP, then they'll have no problem.
- TyCamScore

The issue is Kruger's contract is for his defensive value. He won't be getting the majority of starts in the d-zone starts between Panarin and Kane. So what value does he bring as a offensive 2C? and who fills his defensive assignments?

Toew's line? I don't like that option at all that line does enough heavy work as is and Hossa and Toews have a lot of miles on them.

Kruger at 2C is not a good idea in my opinion. His value is as a shutdown center. You're going to move him to 2C and ask him to do something totally different. Who is going to take over his roll in the bottom 6? I do not want either of those bottom 2 lines being the shutdown line.

Understandable.

Hope you didn't think I attacking your statement.

I was just saying that some of these guys might catch on and develop. But it's really 50/50. Like you said, some work out, some don't--track record is what you base it off of.
- Hank3Henshaw

Not at all.....I actually get a little excited seeing some of these kids play and just that. Not having them overhyped or pushed down our throat.

I do hope some hit......I like Hartman's game and hope he can flourish.

Should be a fun year....and I give Bowman a TON of credit if he does decide to go the younger route and not pull a Kenny Williams and try to patch holes with aging veterans.

Not at all.....I actually get a little excited seeing some of these kids play and just that. Not having them overhyped or pushed down our throat.

I do hope some hit......I like Hartman's game and hope he can flourish.

Should be a fun year....and I give Bowman a TON of credit if he does decide to go the younger route and not pull a Kenny Williams and try to patch holes with aging veterans.
- SteveRain

Not just Bowman: Rocky is the deciding factor, I would think.

What is it - $2MM per play-off game?

He doesn't like missing out on many of those.

Not at all.....I actually get a little excited seeing some of these kids play and just that. Not having them overhyped or pushed down our throat.

I do hope some hit......I like Hartman's game and hope he can flourish.

Should be a fun year....and I give Bowman a TON of credit if he does decide to go the younger route and not pull a Kenny Williams and try to patch holes with aging veterans.
- SteveRain

I agree. At some point, they have to promote the young guys and see what you have. This season seems like a perfect opportunity to do just that

The issue is Kruger's contract is for his defensive value. He won't be getting the majority of starts in the d-zone starts between Panarin and Kane. So what value does he bring as a offensive 2C? and who fills his defensive assignments?

Toew's line? I don't like that option at all that line does enough heavy work as is and Hossa and Toews have a lot of miles on them.

Kruger at 2C is not a good idea in my opinion. His value is as a shutdown center. You're going to move him to 2C and ask him to do something totally different. Who is going to take over his roll in the bottom 6? I do not want either of those bottom 2 lines being the shutdown line.
- bhawks2241

2C > 3/4C. Having a hole at one of your bottom C's is a better problem to have than a hole at 2C.

I believe he has some untapped offensive potential. He will never be a goal scorer, but if you watch him from his Sweden days, you can definitely see some playmaking ability. Q has put him there for a few games over the past couple seasons, might be worth a try. If it works out, he becomes an underpaid 2C.