St. Louis is going to blow this year. Book it .

Dallas is a year older and still weak on D.

I like the Hawks and Nashville to be 1 and 2 , even with the Hawks holes at foreard their D corps is very very very good and Crawford is the best goalie in the division. Hawks will win a ton of 2 to 1 games this year.

Now as far as the playoffs go , cant see the Hawks winning 4 series with this group of forwards. However they could win a series or 2 with their D and G alone.

Cant wait
- mrpaulish

Why?

They did exactly what most opposing fans said they needed to do. Dump Backes. Remember, he was the captain and the Blues were never going anywhere with him as their captain....

Why?

They did exactly what most opposing fans said they needed to do. Dump Backes. Remember, he was the captain and the Blues were never going anywhere with him as their captain....
- carcus

Because I said so duhhhhhh.

Plus Hitch is still there on a 1 year deal right ? The players will fully be tuning him out by January.

Played against Andy Hilbert in Johnnies elite league !

Great reference JJ!

With Jurco, it's debatable, probably not—except he is bigger, as fast or faster and more mature physically, and has more experience than the Wonder Smurfs.

Pulkinen is also on the small side, but he has been dramatically more productive in the AHL than Hinostroza has been (for example). He has legitimate top 6 winger skill. AND, he has a LOT more pro experience than our prospects. Pulkinen is also one of those guys who can play either wing position.

If you could get him from Detroit for TVR and Forsling today, IMO, you do it in a heartbeat. And maybe Forsling ends up being a better NHL player than Pulkinen, maybe, possibly, doesn't matter. You need a top 6 winger today, for this season.

They did NOT go after Vesey because they thought they had that position filled with what they have.
- John Jaeckel

Not a big Jurco fan to be honest. Tatar and Pulkinnen seem to have higher "upside." I think Detroit would do TVR for Pulkinnen straight up. They need RHD men badly.

Because I said so duhhhhhh.

Plus Hitch is still there on a 1 year deal right ? The players will fully be tuning him out by January.
- mrpaulish

He has been in one year deals the past couple years....

6 players on long term deals costing $45m against the cap. Lot of comparisons of Penguins and Hawks. Maybe the answer for the Hawks is to go expensive rather than cheap. If a Phil Kessel ($7.8m cap hit) was available how could the Hawks pull off the deal? Perhaps Rick Nash?

I know it probably sounds bizarre but figuring out how to do another big contract might be the best option. People will say it is impossible...I think it can be done.
- spatso

I think the Hawks are going to be really skeptical about big contracts in the future. They most likely feel they have given too many out for too long of term. Panarin will probably be the last big contract they do for a while. However, I do think Rick Nash would really enjoy playing on JT's LW. Maybe they would be able rekindle that Vancouver 2010 Olympic chemistry

Not a big Jurco fan to be honest. Tatar and Pulkinnen seem to have higher "upside." I think Detroit would do TVR for Pulkinnen straight up. They need RHD men badly.
- 93Joe

I was in love with Jurco during his draft year. Now, not so much.

I would believe that Tartar isn't going anywhere. As for Pulkinen, the kid can fire the puck, but can't do the physical work that Toews and Hossa would need.

As much as I've soured on Jurco, honestly I wouldn't be afraid to give him a shot. I believe that Detroit wouldn't mind moving him at a fairly cheap cost. He's said that Hossa was his hero growing up. Perhaps a change of scenery and playing with Hossa might be enough motivation?

Why?

They did exactly what most opposing fans said they needed to do. Dump Backes. Remember, he was the captain and the Blues were never going anywhere with him as their captain....
- carcus

I'm happy that Backes is out of the conference.

Mr. Crabby Pants has arrived to give a reality check along with a slap.

Paul Bittner was a good junior player who so far hasn’t project to a good pro player.

Jacob de La Rose is a developing player, but don’t we have are OWN developing players coming to camp? And I don’t think teams are simply giving them away as the season started.

Maybe, just maybe, in a playoff push at the deadline teams trade prospects to get giant vet playoff fills, not now. This is the time of hope.

Guys that will be available are the ones that after camp, haven’t been able to crack the parent club lineup and are past their window that allows them to simply “return to the farm.”
Guys that CAN be lost by claims from other NHL clubs, well, they might be offered around, but remember, they ween’t able to make that teams final roster.
Andreas Athanasiou played on two of the strongest London Knights teams ever, before being trade to Barrie. (He and San Jose’s Chris Tierney were delegated to support roles around Max Domi, Vladislav Namestnikov, Bo Horvat, Seth Griffith, Jared Knight, Greg McKegg, and big Austin Watson who still hasn’t cracked the Pred’s lineup permanently.)
The speed he has was evident there, but there seems to always be the same problem I tend to perseverate on: he has trouble receiving, handling and advancing the puck at the speed rate he was able to move.
But the Wings are gonna be very hesitant to move a speedy guy, because guys do improve around game. Athanasiou is better defensively than while a junior, do there is no rush to unload him, or any wing for TvR unless injuries hit their backline.
Their defense does need a shot in the arm, new blood, but if they are exiling forward prospects they might as well think bigger in Trouba, and trade the Jets a couple more forwards they don't have room to play!

Think about how Bowman was active in acquiring forwards to audition, and they HAD NHL experience…they came and went when they didn’t click with the system, the linemates, etc.
Anyway we are not talking so much about trying to poach a developing guy to help us in the future. We are talking about filling a high end starting NHL position with a guy you has played there so we don’t have to light candles that our farm hands fail to meet expectations before playoff time.

I just don’t think this is the time you fill or attempt to fill that need.

And anytime a fan of ANY team suggests their HOME team give three lesser-lights for one stronger evolved lighthouse (eg. 3 for 1 trade), you show your immaturity of the process.
The only teams giving away talent for lesser lights are the one like the Hawks who simply are “Cap-captive.”

Plus 2 million in Texas is a lot more than 2 mollion in Chicago and Vancouver.
- mrpaulish[/img]

No doubt and I think Houston has a larger population than Chicago now....Lower cost of living and more jobs.

No doubt and I think Houston has a larger population than Chicago now....Lower cost of living and more jobs.
- Al

He got signed by the Aeros?

I do agree.
Hudler is visiting for a year, not buying a house, ranch or Chewy Mexican chain restaurant...he is getting an apartment and moving on after the year.

It is cheaper in Dallas Fort worth if you know how to budget your money.

Why?

They did exactly what most opposing fans said they needed to do. Dump Backes. Remember, he was the captain and the Blues were never going anywhere with him as their captain....
- carcus

I don't normally disagree with Paulish, but I think you might be more right than wrong. Backes was one of those who could give it but not take it kind of guys, and you don't need that in a captain. If nothing else I think the Blues shed a bit of an anchor. They might surprise, it's up to them.

Well,

Hammer's a lefty, Pokka's a righty.

Hammer has an unorthodox, flailing all over skating style, but actually above average speed and quickness. Pokka has some skating issues, and that alone basically means he'll not be a regular top 4 guy. Not in where the NHL is going.

I know Pokka can mix it up a bit too, and Hammer is no longer really "known" for that. He has been coached up in Chicago to not go for the big hit like he used to. But every once in a while in the playoffs, he will absolutely destroy someone.

So as for the reports, Chunk, caveat emptor. They used to also compare the "Great" Klas Dahlbeck to Hjalmarsson too.

You remember him? He was the last Pokka/Forsling.

Just like TT was the last Schmaltz.

Point being, sometimes, occasionally if not rarely, as with a kid like Saad, those comparisons to great NHL players are warranted. But that is the exception, rather than the rule. It really is—not just in my opinion, but the statistics bear it out.

For every Saad, there's a Rob Schrempf, a Nikita Filatov, a Jack Skille, a Kyle Beach, a Sam Gagner. All guys projected for stardom.

Pfffffffffft.

So when I hear the oft-repeated mantra that it's "desperate" to deal one of our "prized prospects" for a missing piece that might get this team to the Cup Finals, I shake my head.
- John Jaeckel

Ah yes, Klas Dahlbeck... We barely knew ye. And Clendening, and Stanton, and Olsen, and McCarthy, and Paliotta. Makes you long for the days of Pavel Vorobiev no?

There really is no consistent predictor of NHL success. Having never been directly involved in the game I was hoping the scouting reports would possibly provide some insight, but even they have to weighed with the situation, coaching style,and other prospects.

I don't normally disagree with Paulish, but I think you might be more right than wrong. Backes was one of those who could give it but not take it kind of guys, and you don't need that in a captain. If nothing else I think the Blues shed a bit of an anchor. They might surprise, it's up to them.
- 6628

I agree Carcus. Matt Paulish hate has invaded his treasoning patterns.

There is everything to like about the Blues , their re-adding Vladimír Sobotka and the advancing youngsters.Brodziak can move to wing.

Hutton is a downgrade as a back up, but that is reality.

Good emerging prospects in the system.

I think they are solid

Mr. Crabby Pants has arrived to give a reality check along with a slap.

Paul Bittner was a good junior player who so far hasn’t project to a good pro player.

Jacob de La Rose is a developing player, but don’t we have are OWN developing players coming to camp? And I don’t think teams are simply giving them away as the season started.

Maybe, just maybe, in a playoff push at the deadline teams trade prospects to get giant vet playoff fills, not now. This is the time of hope.

Guys that will be available are the ones that after camp, haven’t been able to crack the parent club lineup and are past their window that allows them to simply “return to the farm.”
Guys that CAN be lost by claims from other NHL clubs, well, they might be offered around, but remember, they ween’t able to make that teams final roster.
Andreas Athanasiou played on two of the strongest London Knights teams ever, before being trade to Barrie. (He and San Jose’s Chris Tierney were delegated to support roles around Max Domi, Vladislav Namestnikov, Bo Horvat, Seth Griffith, Jared Knight, Greg McKegg, and big Austin Watson who still hasn’t cracked the Pred’s lineup permanently.)
The speed he has was evident there, but there seems to always be the same problem I tend to perseverate on: he has trouble receiving, handling and advancing the puck at the speed rate he was able to move.
But the Wings are gonna be very hesitant to move a speedy guy, because guys do improve around game. Athanasiou is better defensively than while a junior, do there is no rush to unload him, or any wing for TvR unless injuries hit their backline.
Their defense does need a shot in the arm, new blood, but if they are exiling forward prospects they might as well think bigger in Trouba, and trade the Jets a couple more forwards they don't have room to play!

Think about how Bowman was active in acquiring forwards to audition, and they HAD NHL experience…they came and went when they didn’t click with the system, the linemates, etc.
Anyway we are not talking so much about trying to poach a developing guy to help us in the future. We are talking about filling a high end starting NHL position with a guy you has played there so we don’t have to light candles that our farm hands fail to meet expectations before playoff time.

I just don’t think this is the time you fill or attempt to fill that need.

And anytime a fan of ANY team suggests their HOME team give three lesser-lights for one stronger evolved lighthouse (eg. 3 for 1 trade), you show your immaturity of the process.
The only teams giving away talent for lesser lights are the one like the Hawks who simply are “Cap-captive.”
- wiz1901

Agreed, pencilling in a Stanley Cup championship lineup on paper in August is meaningless. Can't fill all roster holes before training camp.

But Q's Mixmaster will be set on extra high beginning in October because he knows falling way behind early in the Central Div where 5 teams could make the playoffs is a big problem when Jan/Feb rolls around.

With Jurco, it's debatable, probably not—except he is bigger, as fast or faster and more mature physically, and has more experience than the Wonder Smurfs.

Pulkinen is also on the small side, but he has been dramatically more productive in the AHL than Hinostroza has been (for example). He has legitimate top 6 winger skill. AND, he has a LOT more pro experience than our prospects. Pulkinen is also one of those guys who can play either wing position.

If you could get him from Detroit for TVR and Forsling today, IMO, you do it in a heartbeat. And maybe Forsling ends up being a better NHL player than Pulkinen, maybe, possibly, doesn't matter. You need a top 6 winger today, for this season.

They did NOT go after Vesey because they thought they had that position filled with what they have.
- John Jaeckel

Who would be your 5-6 pair? Because Rozival might last all of a month playing everyday. And what if Kempny doesn't pan out? TVR is exactly what you want in his role and the Hawks have had difficulty finding reliable defensive depth each year and you've seen how this trickles down to the rest of the defense. So I'm not seeing why we are so eager to trade him.

Who would be your 5-6 pair? Because Rozival might last all of a month playing everyday. And what if Kempny doesn't pan out? TVR is exactly what you want in his role and the Hawks have had difficulty finding reliable defensive depth each year and you've seen how this trickles down to the rest of the defense. So I'm not seeing why we are so eager to trade him.
- busmaster

I do not get why everyone is keen on trading TVR. He, after Oduya left, was by far the defensman blocking the most shots on a team, and doing for under 1 mln contract.
Is it because he is one of the few remaining players on roster with reasonable cost compared to their play (in addition to few other players such as Keith,Hammer, Panarin and Kane) and other teams will not be interested in any other players on Blackhawks roster due to their cost compared to what they produce?

Dallas signs Hudler; 1 YR, $2M

Hawks didn't want to spend the $2M

I agree Carcus. Matt Paulish hate has invaded his treasoning patterns.

There is everything to like about the Blues , their re-adding Vladimír Sobotka and the advancing youngsters.Brodziak can move to wing.

Hutton is a downgrade as a back up, but that is reality.

Good emerging prospects in the system.

I think they are solid
- wiz1901

Yes Billy, 6628, Carc ,


I just feel like the Blues are one of those teams this season that look good on paper but will barley make the playoffs if at all.

Dallas signs Hudler; 1 YR, $2M

Hawks didn't want to spend the $2M
- Hank3Henshaw

and the back up plan is.... Pirri? Haha

No doubt and I think Houston has a larger population than Chicago now....Lower cost of living and more jobs.
- Al

No State Income Tax

Why?

They did exactly what most opposing fans said they needed to do. Dump Backes. Remember, he was the captain and the Blues were never going anywhere with him as their captain....
- carcus

I think the Blues young players learned a lot last year about what it takes to compete for the cup. It hurts to say it but I believe they are going to come out hungrier and more focused.

He got signed by the Aeros?

I do agree.
Hudler is visiting for a year, not buying a house, ranch or Chewy Mexican chain restaurant...he is getting an apartment and moving on after the year.

It is cheaper in Dallas Fort worth if you know how to budget your money.
- wiz1901

lol.....It's about money much of the time or relationships-No State income tax in Texas either.

Chicago isn't Xanadu to everyone.

Mr. Crabby Pants has arrived to give a reality check along with a slap.

Paul Bittner was a good junior player who so far hasn’t project to a good pro player.

Jacob de La Rose is a developing player, but don’t we have are OWN developing players coming to camp? And I don’t think teams are simply giving them away as the season started.

Maybe, just maybe, in a playoff push at the deadline teams trade prospects to get giant vet playoff fills, not now. This is the time of hope.

Guys that will be available are the ones that after camp, haven’t been able to crack the parent club lineup and are past their window that allows them to simply “return to the farm.”
Guys that CAN be lost by claims from other NHL clubs, well, they might be offered around, but remember, they ween’t able to make that teams final roster.
Andreas Athanasiou played on two of the strongest London Knights teams ever, before being trade to Barrie. (He and San Jose’s Chris Tierney were delegated to support roles around Max Domi, Vladislav Namestnikov, Bo Horvat, Seth Griffith, Jared Knight, Greg McKegg, and big Austin Watson who still hasn’t cracked the Pred’s lineup permanently.)
The speed he has was evident there, but there seems to always be the same problem I tend to perseverate on: he has trouble receiving, handling and advancing the puck at the speed rate he was able to move.
But the Wings are gonna be very hesitant to move a speedy guy, because guys do improve around game. Athanasiou is better defensively than while a junior, do there is no rush to unload him, or any wing for TvR unless injuries hit their backline.
Their defense does need a shot in the arm, new blood, but if they are exiling forward prospects they might as well think bigger in Trouba, and trade the Jets a couple more forwards they don't have room to play!

Think about how Bowman was active in acquiring forwards to audition, and they HAD NHL experience…they came and went when they didn’t click with the system, the linemates, etc.
Anyway we are not talking so much about trying to poach a developing guy to help us in the future. We are talking about filling a high end starting NHL position with a guy you has played there so we don’t have to light candles that our farm hands fail to meet expectations before playoff time.

I just don’t think this is the time you fill or attempt to fill that need.

And anytime a fan of ANY team suggests their HOME team give three lesser-lights for one stronger evolved lighthouse (eg. 3 for 1 trade), you show your immaturity of the process.
The only teams giving away talent for lesser lights are the one like the Hawks who simply are “Cap-captive.”
- wiz1901

All very good points. I dont really dis-agree with any of it. and really wasnt suggesting 3-1 for Bittner or JDLR (only 3-1 for AA in my mind).

I guess the point of my post was simply more that there are options out there if the move needs to be made. The move doesnt need to be made today by any means. Maybe Motte/Schmaltz do pan out. Maybe they slide in and make us all forget about ever having an issue with LW1.

But if November comes around , Kempny is fine on 3rd line and we have 1 Fwd line doing all the offensive duties and need someone who can be auditioned in LW2? Is trading a TvR for Athanasiou plausible... sure it is. its a POSSIBLE solution. Would I prefer a Vet who has top 6 experience... SURE I WOULD. but can you name a top 6 Fwd on the market today who Stan could go get? I cant. Hudler was the closest thing, and we missed on that.

But, come 60 days from now, if Motte/Hino/Schmaltz/Hartman are all treding water... stan will have options like moving a TvR for a FWD who could project to be an improvement to our roster.

JJ--

So now that Dallas signed Hudler, what do you think the Hawks plan is now? Promote someone from the Rock, or look for a trade?