Hypothetical here:

Would you guys be down with bumping the PAK line up to be the #1 and make the Toews line #2?
- Hank3Henshaw

I don't even know what this means? Let's say we call the Toews line #4. Would a "#4" Toews line get less ice time, less offensive zone draws than a "#1" Toews line? Does the opponent put out a lesser defensive unit against Toews because we label his line as "#4"?

Sutter to Doughty: "get in there, Toews and Hossa are on the ice".
Doughty: "Duh, coach...Whatcha thinking? That's not their 1st line any more. They say Toews/Hossa is their 4th line. I'm waiting for Mashinter/Tootoo/Rasmussen. That's their #1 line now".

(sorry for the exceedingly snarky...bored at work. Please take it as an attempt at mid-afternoon humor)

You and I had as many goals in the NHL as Kruger did last year

Kruger-Toews-Hossa makes Toews and his linemates the highest paid "checking-line" in NHL History. Pass....
- EnzoD

I think Toews would implode if Q did that. 150 PIMS

I think Toews would implode if Q did that. 150 PIMS
- bhawks2241

What about Mashinter and his "deterrence"?

http://regressing.deadspi...pecialists-don-1442618145

What about Mashinter and his "deterrence"?

http://regressing.deadspi...pecialists-don-1442618145
- EnzoD

His deterrence was available but unfortunately is was never able to catch up.

In all seriousness, while Hudler is less than an "ideal" 1LW, he would add skill, playmaking and puck possession and NHL Playoff EXPERIENCE to the Top 9 Forwards. A combination of Kane, Toews, Panarin, Hossa, Anisimov, Hudler would be one of the best Top 6 forward groups in the league. Then if any of the rookies show they can contribute this year, Hudler can slot in on Line 3 and provide even more scoring depth. Combine that forward group with (arguably) the most complete 6 man defense group in the league, and there is a reason that I put $$$ on the Hawks at 6-1 in Vegas last weekend.

I truly think Hudler can be had for 1 yr $1.5mil-2mil. Why hasn't he signed yet when he is 1 year removed from a 77 point season? One of two reasons, IMO. 1) He is holding out for more money based on his 14/15 77 point season or 2) He is holding out to sign with a contender (like the Hawks?) who are asking him to wait for...something? Just odd that he is still available. He is smallish and not-physical, but would take a lot of pressure off Schmaltz, Motte, Hartman, ect....


EDIT: After the horse and pony show that Mike Reilly ran StanBo (and us fans) through last summer, I am not optimistic on the signing of Jimmy Vesey. I will be very excited if it happens, but I'm not holding my breath. Reilly went home and it seems like Vesey will be staying on the East Coast (My money is still on Buffalo with Boston a close second)

In all seriousness, while Hudler is less than an "ideal" 1LW, he would add skill, playmaking and puck possession and NHL Playoff EXPERIENCE to the Top 9 Forwards. A combination of Kane, Toews, Panarin, Hossa, Anisimov, Hudler would be one of the best Top 6 forward groups in the league. Then if any of the rookies show they can contribute this year, Hudler can slot in on Line 3 and provide even more scoring depth. Combine that forward group with (arguably) the most complete 6 man defense group in the league, and there is a reason that I put $$$ on the Hawks at 6-1 in Vegas last weekend.

I truly think Hudler can be had for 1 yr $1.5mil-2mil. Why hasn't he signed yet when he is 1 year removed from a 77 point season? One of two reasons, IMO. 1) He is holding out for more money based on his 14/15 77 point season or 2) He is holding out to sign with a contender (like the Hawks?) who are asking him to wait for...something? Just odd that he is still available. He is smallish and not-physical, but would take a lot of pressure off Schmaltz, Motte, Hartman, ect....


EDIT: After the horse and pony show that Mike Reilly ran StanBo (and us fans) through last summer, I am not optimistic on the signing of Jimmy Vesey. I will be very excited if it happens, but I'm not holding my breath. Reilly went home and it seems like Vesey will be staying on the East Coast (My money is still on Buffalo with Boston a close second)
- EnzoD

Hudler would add quality proven NHL scoring. Something this team needs. Scoring depth. The Hawks are paper thin in actual quality scoring depth. One injury to the top 6 would be devastating. The Hawks have 5 forwards on the team that have cracked 30 pts in the NHL. Think about that for a minute or two.

In all seriousness, while Hudler is less than an "ideal" 1LW, he would add skill, playmaking and puck possession and NHL Playoff EXPERIENCE to the Top 9 Forwards. A combination of Kane, Toews, Panarin, Hossa, Anisimov, Hudler would be one of the best Top 6 forward groups in the league. Then if any of the rookies show they can contribute this year, Hudler can slot in on Line 3 and provide even more scoring depth. Combine that forward group with (arguably) the most complete 6 man defense group in the league, and there is a reason that I put $$$ on the Hawks at 6-1 in Vegas last weekend.

I truly think Hudler can be had for 1 yr $1.5mil-2mil. Why hasn't he signed yet when he is 1 year removed from a 77 point season? One of two reasons, IMO. 1) He is holding out for more money based on his 14/15 77 point season or 2) He is holding out to sign with a contender (like the Hawks?) who are asking him to wait for...something? Just odd that he is still available. He is smallish and not-physical, but would take a lot of pressure off Schmaltz, Motte, Hartman, ect....
- EnzoD

From what I know Hudler is a RW, but I'm not sure if he could play LW.

Hudler has playoff experience, but I wouldn't view him as a playoff performer. 1 assist in 6 games last playoffs. 8 points in the playoffs prior (ok, that's decent). But Hudler hasn't gone deep into the playoffs since 07/08 and 08/09 with Detroit.

If Hudler can be had for 1 year and $1.5 million then sign him up. But I would think he'd want (and get) more than that. The one year part is reasonable, but my guess is that he signs for around $3 million.

I can see the "sub par" Kruger and Hossa as Toews wings...
- wiz1901

I see this as <1% chance of happening.
Who would take up Krugers defensive role?
You moan often when posters move up Panik to L1.
You think Kruger can score more?
Or, are you thinking Toews becomes more of a defensive player and not expected to score at all?
I don't see it but I have been wrong before

Hudler would add quality proven NHL scoring. Something this team needs. Scoring depth. The Hawks are paper thin in actual quality scoring depth. One injury to the top 6 would be devastating. The Hawks have 5 forwards on the team that have cracked 30 pts in the NHL. Think about that for a minute or two.

- bhawks2241

Gunna need 50+ points from 2 + 7 this year and hopefully 40 from Soupy. Ten Goals each from Keith, Seabs + Soupy on the backend would offset the severe lack of NHL scoring depth at forward. Should be interesting.....is it Training Camp yet?! This is the WORST time of the year for sports' fans

From what I know Hudler is a RW, but I'm not sure if he could play LW.

Hudler has playoff experience, but I wouldn't view him as a playoff performer. 1 assist in 6 games last playoffs. 8 points in the playoffs prior (ok, that's decent). But Hudler hasn't gone deep into the playoffs since 07/08 and 08/09 with Detroit.

If Hudler can be had for 1 year and $1.5 million then sign him up. But I would think he'd want (and get) more than that. The one year part is reasonable, but my guess is that he signs for around $3 million.
- DarthKane

Teddy Purcell is a comparable and he only got 1yr at $1.5mil with LA. Maybe Hudler and his Agent are going to wait all the way until Training Camp when GM's realize that "the kids" aren't ready for The Show and will pony up an extra mil or two in AAV to add Hudlers veteran scoring depth to the Top 9? Or, maybe he is waiting to see what the Hawks do? IDK, but Eklund said Hudler will be signing soon. Take that for what it's worth, but I dont see Jiri waiting until after the Vesey sweepstakes to sign....

Gunna need 50+ points from 2 + 7 this year and hopefully 40 from Soupy. Ten Goals each from Keith, Seabs + Soupy on the backend would offset the severe lack of NHL scoring depth at forward. Should be interesting.....is it Training Camp yet?! This is the WORST time of the year for sports' fans
- EnzoD

The '15 cup team had 10 guys who put up 30 pt NHL seasons. That is where my concern comes from. We have half that number on this current roster.

From what I know Hudler is a RW, but I'm not sure if he could play LW.

Hudler has playoff experience, but I wouldn't view him as a playoff performer. 1 assist in 6 games last playoffs. 8 points in the playoffs prior (ok, that's decent). But Hudler hasn't gone deep into the playoffs since 07/08 and 08/09 with Detroit.

If Hudler can be had for 1 year and $1.5 million then sign him up. But I would think he'd want (and get) more than that. The one year part is reasonable, but my guess is that he signs for around $3 million.
- DarthKane

While we do have cap space, have to remember some of the bonuses for Pan, Campbell and Kempny that are all but guaranteed except for the big $1.725mil for Pan, which is questionable he hits it. Even if he repeats the same year, I still feel that other forwards who got hurt would have easily passed him up (McDavid, Seguin for sure).

Have to think that is partly in Stan's mind as he doesn't want to decimate next year's cap again with overages. If Pan his his Schedule B, it is what it is, but being able to have the space to cover their games played bonus would be helpful in leaving some wiggle room with the roster next offseason when more decisions will be made.

On SCH they were speculating the Hawks may be on of 4 teams talking to Vrbata, thoughts? He is a RW, so say he and Vesey flank JT

Gunna need 50+ points from 2 + 7 this year and hopefully 40 from Soupy. Ten Goals each from Keith, Seabs + Soupy on the backend would offset the severe lack of NHL scoring depth at forward. Should be interesting.....is it Training Camp yet?! This is the WORST time of the year for sports' fans
- EnzoD

From my perspective, Keith is the only one likely to crack 50 points. Seabrook in the 40-point range and Campbell in the 30-point range, especially with better defensemen depth this season and ability to spread out minutes. All other blueliners will likely be around 20 points on the high end unless Kempny can deliver the offense and get to the 30-40 range.

As far as goal scoring, Keith and Seabrook are the only ones who I think can score double-digit goals (i.e. low teens). Campbell hasn't been a goal scorer, at least during his first stint with the Hawks and with the Panthers. I'm guessing 7-8 goals from him.

On SCH they were speculating the Hawks may be on of 4 teams talking to Vrbata, thoughts? He is a RW, so say he and Vesey flank JT
- Sundevil

JT will have sometin to say about that, like A) when did we get Vesey &B) Vrbata......umm no thank you.

Be great if Bowman lands Vesey, that willbe a plum and how bout just letting the kids compete in camp,maybe even the first few games, see what ya got. Said it before, aside from the next 2prize babies, I'm really pullin for McNeill and Hartman to get a shot, a legit shot that is.along with potting a few goals ,I hope Q let's them play to their strengths and drill a few people , put some opponents on their heels, they'll have TooToo backing them up if needed, so what if they tread water the first 20 games or so as long as they show signs of gelling and promise, look at the Pens, Rust, Sheary and Khunackl. , but going back to my original thought, the key is landing the kid from Boston.

On SCH they were speculating the Hawks may be on of 4 teams talking to Vrbata, thoughts? He is a RW, so say he and Vesey flank JT
- Sundevil

I would rather take my chances with a rookie than sign Barbara. Not a fan.

I believe that the reality is that any rookies who make the team will fall between two extremes and not be either extreme: major flop (i.e. can't keep up with the play, making mistake after mistake, stupid penalties) on one end and Panarin-like stats as a first-year player on the other end. Q and his coaching staff can sniff out the flops from a mile away and wouldn't let them lace up, then expect Bowman to send them back down to Rockford so Dent and his staff can develop them more. And it would be unrealistic to think that every rookie will be bluechippers from the start. We shouldn't expect the rookies to be elite players. Instead, we can temper our expectations by expecting them to play sound two-way hockey, help drive possession, and be consistent regardless of point totals.

IMHO, possibly a more accurate question to ask is what should we expect to be reasonable productivity for us to be happy from a Schmaltz or Motte or Hartman or McNeill (I'm leaving Vesey out since he's not even in the system). For example, it would be unrealistic to expect or want Schmaltz to be a 70-point player in his rookie year like Panarin. Being a 0.5 PPG player (give or take) would be a good first year for him especially if he starts on the 3rd line. Someone like Motte, Hartman, or McNeill: 20-25 or even 30 points is possible depending on what line they play on and if they play more than half the season.

Someone said it in another post, sooner or later we have to start playing rookies. It's better to ease them in now when the core is as strong as it may ever be who can help support them on and off the ice. And it's better to play rookies who will be playing support roles rather than expected to be the top players like when the core used to be the likes of Arnason, Bell, Calder, Ruutu, and McCarthy.

I agree with JJ's premise that a Cup is likely out of reach if we regularly see 2-3 rookies dress at the beginning of the season.
- phantasmo

The cup is never won at the beginning of the season!

Play some rookies--see what they can or can't do and make necessary adjustments. It's the team that you ice at playoff time that will determine if you're a cup contender.

And it's better to play rookies who will be playing support roles rather than expected to be the top players like when the core used to be the likes of Arnason, Bell, Calder, Ruutu, and McCarthy.
- AEL_Fox

I was a big fan of Arnason and Calder as a younger lad. Also Tony Amonte was my guy. Just shows what I had to choose from as a youth hockey player in Chicago in the late 90s and early 2000s! Hawks could use Kyle Calder of 05/06 this year Also Tyler Arnason was a former 7th rounder who had a few solid years on some of the worst teams in Blackhawks' history. My youth was filled with garbage Blackhawks' hockey

Also, just looked it up and Mark Bell played 12 RS and 7 playoff games in the DEL in 15/16

Does Tanguay have anything in the tank?

Does Tanguay have anything in the tank?
- hockey nut 28

Two reasons why I doubt it:

(1) I don't think he hope that anyone still out there - Richards? Hudler? - will still be there in 4 weeks

(2) Vesey may be a better prospect than, say, Schmaltz or Motte or put-your-own-favorite-name in there, but he's still a prospect - a college player who has not played one minute with or against professionals; I doubt that Bowman is counting on Vesey for solving any problems at a championship level this year. (Perhaps that should be "HOPE he isn't".)
- StLBravesFan

Yeah, it'd be great to get him but it only improves the Blackhawks' cup chances a little bit.

It seems like the Blackhawks are in a wait and see mode for the first half of the season, regardless of if they sign Hudler or Richards now. If they are in playoff contention at the deadline, they'll probably try to make some moves somehow. If they are a bubble team or out of the playoff hunt, I'd expect to see some veterans get moved like Crawford. That might open up some cap space to add some talent on the forward lines.

I know there is some urgency to figure out the line up for the regular season, I would consider this off season a success if they can sign Panarin to an extension, Darling too.

Yeah, it'd be great to get him but it only improves the Blackhawks' cup chances a little bit.

It seems like the Blackhawks are in a wait and see mode for the first half of the season, regardless of if they sign Hudler or Richards now. If they are in playoff contention at the deadline, they'll probably try to make some moves somehow. If they are a bubble team or out of the playoff hunt, I'd expect to see some veterans get moved like Crawford. That might open up some cap space to add some talent on the forward lines.

I know there is some urgency to figure out the line up for the regular season, I would consider this off season a success if they can sign Panarin to an extension, Darling too.
- matt_ahrens

I wouldn't hold your breath on Panarin. His agent (and probably Artemi himself) have looked at the NHL.com stats page and seen his name above everyone that just signed (or already makes) over $6mil+ AAV. He is clearly looking for fair market value for his services. Everyone else on the roster has gotten PAID IN FULL by Bowman, why shouldnt he? FFS the 4 point man just got a $3.1mil AAV. Correct me if my math is wrong, but Panarin had 19X as many points as Kruger. Yes, yes, points aren't everything, but last time I checked, whoever scores the most goals wins the game. 72 puts the puck in the back of the net, or makes it easy for his linemates to do so. He WILL get minimum $6mil AAV, and I'm willing to bet on that.

I agree with you and last year at the end of the year he also started to play with a more physical edge. I think he will be a regular this year at center
- molly2522

I was never happy to watch Moose lose his ice time lastseason as h3 seemed to be coming into his own.

I wouldn't hold your breath on Panarin. His agent (and probably Artemi himself) have looked at the NHL.com stats page and seen his name above everyone that just signed for $6mil+ this summer. He is clearly looking for fair market value for his services. Everyone else on the roster has gotten PAID IN FULL by Bowman, why shouldnt he? FFS the 4 point man just got a $3.1mil AAV. Correct me if my math is wrong, but Panarin had 19X as many points as Kruger. Yes, yes, points aren't everything, but last time I checked, whoever scores the most goals wins the game. 72 puts the puck in the back of the net, or makes it easy for his linemates to do so. He WILL get over $6mil AAV, and I'm willing to bet on that.
- EnzoD

If that is what it takes to sign him, sign him now. If he makes it to next summer unsigned, he could get even more than that. Yes, it'll mean Stan needs to shed salary again next summer but maybe that means Crawford gets traded at the deadline.