I think that Stan needs to bring 5 very important pieces to the table when he meets with Vesey tomorrow. Toews who is a respected leader and the captain as well as having made the jump from college hockey to the NHL. The second is Patrick Kane. Items 3 through 5 are the cup rings from the last three cups. Microphone drop. If they still strike out after that there is hudler as a plan B

I think that Stan needs to bring 5 very important pieces to the table when he meets with Vesey tomorrow. Toews who is a respected leader and the captain as well as having made the jump from college hockey to the NHL. The second is Patrick Kane. Items 3 through 5 are the cup rings from the last three cups. Microphone drop. If they still strike out after that there is hudler as a plan B
- ikeane

The actual game he got kicked out, Ehrhoff saw time up and down the pairs, PK, and PP. He seemed to forget how to hockey. Took at least 2 slappers to clear from behind the red line drawing unnecessary icings.
- JRoenick97

So he played two game that Keith wasn't in, okay. Ehrhoff still didn't play top line minutes (deployed in the NZ mostly against middle QOC) and he spent most of his time with TVR and a bit with Rozsival. He did get way way more PP TOI, but he didn't play on the PK at all (he was the only defensemen who didn't that game, actually).

Looking at the game log, looks like Hjammer is the one that got shuffled all around, which makes sense considering Seabrook was sick that game too. TVR ended up with the most ev and overall TOI + second most PK TOI, so he ate some of Keith's deployment.

I don't actually disagree with your assessment of Ehrhoff, btw. He was fine as a 3rd pair guy in the limited amount he played with the Hawks, but he looked lost at times whenever he was asked to play a bit more.

Edit to add: Every time I look back at game logs and stats, it just further emphasizes how important the big 3D have been for the Hawks. They can go down one for a short time, but it's hard, and 2 of 3 is pretty impossible.

So he played two game that Keith wasn't in, okay. Ehrhoff still didn't play top line minutes (deployed in the NZ mostly against middle QOC) and he spent most of his time with TVR and a bit with Rozsival. He did get way way more PP TOI, but he didn't play on the PK at all (he was the only defensemen who didn't that game, actually).

Looking at the game log, looks like Hjammer is the one that got shuffled all around, which makes sense considering Seabrook was sick that game too. TVR ended up with the most ev and overall TOI + second most PK TOI, so he ate some of Keith's deployment.

I don't actually disagree with your assessment of Ehrhoff, btw. He was fine as a 3rd pair guy in the limited amount he played with the Hawks, but he looked lost at times whenever he was asked to play a bit more.
- L_B_R

Yes, I was just referring to the time he got more minutes that I specifically remember. He always looked solid, but really couldn't handle more when it came down to it. Unfortunate for a guy who isn't all that old and used to be solid.

Yes, I was just referring to the time he got more minutes that I specifically remember. He always looked solid, but really couldn't handle more when it came down to it. Unfortunate for a guy who isn't all that old and used to be solid.
- JRoenick97

Darryl Sutter didn't think so and he was desperate for a defenceman and opted for Scuderi in the end. And then Q had a look and decided to go with Rundblad and Svedburg in Game 7 vs the Blues. That's about all anybody needs to know about what Erhoff had left at the NHL level.

And if they don't get Vesey it's not like the Hawks struck out in free agency - they signed a pretty highly sought after Kempny.
- EbonyRaptor

There's also a huge hole at 1LW. Without that, playoff hopes seem pretty dim. However, I am thrilled we signed two new defensemen.

There's also a huge hole at 1LW. Without that, playoff hopes seem pretty dim. However, I am thrilled we signed two new defensemen.
- 93Joe

Maybe they stand pat and trade for another "Ladd" at the trade deadline for that 1L hole. With the upgraded "D" it could work out just fine.

Maybe they stand pat and trade for another "Ladd" at the trade deadline for that 1L hole. With the upgraded "D" it could work out just fine.
- onehundredlevel

No money for that

Maybe they stand pat and trade for another "Ladd" at the trade deadline for that 1L hole. With the upgraded "D" it could work out just fine.
- onehundredlevel

No money for that
- mrpaulish

I don't think you're correct. I think there IS more money available at the trade deadline. If the Hawks have $1.5m of space available today, then when they hit the TDL at about the 2/3 point of the season, that $1.5m is required to pay for the acquired player's 1/3 of a season only. So $1.5m available today buys a $4.5m TDL acquisition. I'm pretty sure that's exactly how they got Ladd.

(my numbers are just for example, I'm sure the $1.5m and 1/3 are not completely accurate)

No money for that
- mrpaulish

Ever lesser quality prospects. That's why a Vesey signing is important. Can be a key cog for at least two years and Stan can further build up the ML system in '17. Add in the fact the '17 draft is here so I imagine the 'Hawks would want max picks in their home arena.

Vesey won't be making any decision until Friday at the earliest.

IF Vesey signs somewhere else then the next logical step would be to make a run at Hudler. My assumption is that he's waiting to see where Vesey lands before committing to a team, considering he hasn't signed somewhere already.
- roots_gamble

Roots, that's what we think it should be,but I don't think Jonathen Toews will settle for that.he already has Hossa ,I would think he adamantly made it known at the end of the season meeting that he won't settle for another patch job this season. Hudler and Hossa at this stage of their careers are nice 3rd line players for Kruger in a perfect world, that is what some are trying to find out, what willToews accept. He went from mid 80's in points down to what,58 last season. He's not happy about that. Sharp, Saad and Toews don't sound so bad now, does it?

Vesey won't be making any decision until Friday at the earliest.
- walleyeb1

Is that a gut feeling? I Honestly I hope his decision comes sooner than later so done with waiting. At least Stan & Co can move to plan B...whatever it may be.

Vesey won't be making any decision until Friday at the earliest.
- walleyeb1

Not surprsing. He'll need time to speak with each club and make a decision. When Kevin Hayes became a free agent he didn't sign until August 20th.

Is that a gut feeling? I Honestly I hope his decision comes sooner than later so done with waiting. At least Stan & Co can move to plan B...whatever it may be.
- BGKarras

http://www.prohockeyrumor...cted-decision-before.html

Maybe they stand pat and trade for another "Ladd" at the trade deadline for that 1L hole. With the upgraded "D" it could work out just fine.
- onehundredlevel

Very possibly. Wouldn't surprise me. Looking back, Toews said his line was never able to build chemistry due to fluctuations. Who plays 1LW? Takes time to build chemistry. And if they pull another "Ladd" out, is the TDL to playoffs enough time to build a consistent line? I think these are good questions. I've never played or know the game as some may first hand, but I think they need to build a consistent line through the season and not in the last 15-20 games. Just my opinion.

Still think Chicago lands Vesey.

Maybe they stand pat and trade for another "Ladd" at the trade deadline for that 1L hole. With the upgraded "D" it could work out just fine.
- onehundredlevel

No money for that
- mrpaulish

I don't think you're correct. I think there IS more money available at the trade deadline. If the Hawks have $1.5m of space available today, then when they hit the TDL at about the 2/3 point of the season, that $1.5m is required to pay for the acquired player's 1/3 of a season only. So $1.5m available today buys a $4.5m TDL acquisition. I'm pretty sure that's exactly how they got Ladd.

(my numbers are just for example, I'm sure the $1.5m and 1/3 are not completely accurate)
- Cmonalready

I had that thought before and someone corrected me that the cap is not prorated, it's use it or lose it. In other words, $5m in cap space at the beginning of the season that never gets filled, can be used for a $5m per year player midseason, not a $10m per year player.

http://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2016/08/expected-decision-before.html
- walleyeb1

The hype is excruciating!!

I don't blame the kid for taking his time -- he's in the catbird seat. Still, no matter what team he ends up with, managing expectations will be a challenge.

Maybe they stand pat and trade for another "Ladd" at the trade deadline for that 1L hole. With the upgraded "D" it could work out just fine.
- onehundredlevel

No money for that
- mrpaulish

I don't think you're correct. I think there IS more money available at the trade deadline. If the Hawks have $1.5m of space available today, then when they hit the TDL at about the 2/3 point of the season, that $1.5m is required to pay for the acquired player's 1/3 of a season only. So $1.5m available today buys a $4.5m TDL acquisition. I'm pretty sure that's exactly how they got Ladd.

(my numbers are just for example, I'm sure the $1.5m and 1/3 are not completely accurate)
- Cmonalready

Sorry baller , thats not how it works. The Cap space in the NHL is always listed at AAV . For example If the Hawks have 2 million available at the trade dead line thats 2 Million AAV . So a 2m annual salary is all that can be added.

http://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2016/08/expected-decision-before.html
- walleyeb1

Thanks man I didn't see this

The hype is excruciating!!

I don't blame the kid for taking his time -- he's in the catbird seat. Still, no matter what team he ends up with, managing expectations will be a challenge.
- Hank_Greenberg

Of all the teams mentioned, pressure will be least with the 'Hawks. With some of his other choices, he will be expected to hit the ground running and immediately produce. Chicago has by far, the most stars on its team.

And Soupy.
- JRoenick97

Good point. I was just thinking of guys starting their NHL careers.

Maybe they stand pat and trade for another "Ladd" at the trade deadline for that 1L hole. With the upgraded "D" it could work out just fine.
- onehundredlevel

How often do TDL deals work, in any sport?

Once for the Hawks, with Vermette and Desjardins - after some soul searching - minor deals - certainly not last year, I don't recall any important moves in 2013 or 2010....

If in October, you haven't put together a team you think can get to the finals, you can't count on February maneuvering to get it done.

Just wondering, Eli, you probably know.

After all this Grath talk I just tried to go to his Corner and I got a message LOCKED.

Q: Was it locked to me?

Q: Is it JUST me?

Q: did he not like something I posted that questioned his expertise?

Maybe I should be honored....

or is he just shut down to do another revisionsist history edit?