Ahhh, I will respectfully demur, AC.

Late in playoff games, taking defensive zone draws, shutting down a Tyler Johnson or a Ryan Getzlaff, I would take Kruger over Hudler+Pirri x 2. Who in that context are pretty much just "guys."

Meh, Hudler, could def add something, and IMO Dallas got a crazy good deal on him. Pirri? Pffffffft.
- John Jaeckel

I should have rephrased my point as I too would rather have Kruger than both of Pirri or Hudler, but my point is that Kruger's contract was/is a a miscalculation by Stan Bowman and has and possibly will continue to strap the Hawks moving forward. I love my shutdown guys too but as you so often point out JJ, 5 on 5 scoring success eluded the Hawks last year as well as possession numbers and in today's cap $3M x 3per for what Kruger brings may not have been the best play. If they love him that much give him a year or two more term at $2M Per.

I should have rephrased my point as I too would rather have Kruger than both of Pirri or Hudler, but my point is that Kruger's contract was/is a a miscalculation by Stan Bowman and has and possibly will continue to strap the Hawks moving forward. I love my shutdown guys too but as you so often point out JJ, 5 on 5 scoring success eluded the Hawks last year as well as possession numbers and in today's cap $3M x 3per for what Kruger brings may not have been the best play. If they love him that much give him a year or two more term at $2M Per.
- acmidd28

Danault would have resigned for cheaper. The problem is they think Kruger is a much better player, and he is.

I should have rephrased my point as I too would rather have Kruger than both of Pirri or Hudler, but my point is that Kruger's contract was/is a a miscalculation by Stan Bowman and has and possibly will continue to strap the Hawks moving forward. I love my shutdown guys too but as you so often point out JJ, 5 on 5 scoring success eluded the Hawks last year as well as possession numbers and in today's cap $3M x 3per for what Kruger brings may not have been the best play. If they love him that much give him a year or two more term at $2M Per.
- acmidd28

I love what Kruger brings ,he had a off year last year but would expect a bounce back this year . Always remember how much he aggravated ANA and a big goal in the final against Boston . He is a playoff must on this team . I think his contract is fine and he prove his loyalty to the organization .

By about Oct 15, the great coach Vigneault will have seen all he needs to see of Pirri in his own zone and will lock him in the press box without a key or send him to the Connecticut Whale or whoever their AHL team is, never to be seen again.

Q probably just sent AV a good luck with that one message.
- RickJ

With so many teams looking for goal-scorers, its pretty telling that he signed so cheap and so late. He can't do anything else but he does put the puck in the net.

there is definitely something off with him.

Honestly no clue...

But if he misses time in camp and preseason that would be cause for concern.

If it was only a meniscus tear it should be good by then, or probably now.
- Al

It very likely could be fine right now, but he wanted a good excuse to rest up instead of playing in the world cup.

What salary could SB dump on Phoenix for Lawson Krouse? ....... THAT is exactly the type player/ prospect we could use. Hmmmmm wonder why Dale traded him., prolly to dump Bollands salary,just like Teuvo and Bickell.

Is he? Not sure where this is confirmed where he's a solid FO guy - EK you might now better than anyone.

I've seen McNeill 6+ times play live and not once has he played C, always on the RW.

Not disputing it... just wondering where this info of his faceoff prowess is coming from.
- TyCamScore

From junior. But even on the World Junior team, he played wing on 3rd 4th lines and did take faceoffs when the primary was thrown out.

From junior. But even on the World Junior team, he played wing on 3rd 4th lines and did take faceoffs when the primary was thrown out.
- wiz1901

He was considered a C when he was drafted, wasn't he? I can't remember..

Im just happy the Canucks have never won.
- mrpaulish

Agreed. And please add the blows to that list. Thank You!

He was considered a C when he was drafted, wasn't he? I can't remember..
- breadbag

Your correct. #18 in 2011 as a C.

I was reading that magazine recently too and saw that (at least according to their depth chart), the Predators top 6 are:

Forsberg - Johansen - Neal
Wilson - Fisher - Smith

That 1st line is lethal, but their 2nd line seems like a 3rd line. The reason I bring this up is because of the prediction of the Predators placing higher than the Hawks in the standings. I would argue our goalie is stronger and blueliners are at least on par with theirs if not better assuming Kempny plays as advertised and TVR continues to get better in year 3.

Then if you compare top 6, even with our hole at 1LW (or 2LW if we consider Panarin 1LW), the Hawks are way stronger. Wilson had a great playoff series against us in 2015, but has played average or below since then. Fisher is declining. Smith is the only one who I'd want if we could have a forward on their team other than Forsberg, Johansen, and Neal.

As for a bottom 6 comparison, I don't know enough about their bottom 6 players but I would for now say it could be a wash.

Overall, are the Predators a stronger team than the Hawks? They could very well be once the season plays out, but on paper the Hawks seem stronger (again even with our 1LW hole).
- AEL_Fox

Nashville has the best defense in the NHL by far. Little weak on offense, but their defense is far better than the hawks. they would be an elite team if rinne hadn't turned into a bum.

Is there a pattern here?

Toews skipping out of a lot of offseason stuff. Keith demurring on the World Cup to spare his knee (and maybe get a little more rest).

Could be coincidence and should be taken at face value. Could also be these guys wanted (as I have heard for a while) a full summer of rest and rehab (finally).

Honestly, I would love it if the war horses (Keith, Toews, Hossa, Hammer—the guys whose bodies haven take a prolonged pounding the last several seasons) ALL laid out of the WC.
- John Jaeckel

If the big boys want the summer off then that's what they get. The core have given everything to this team and their countries over the past several years. I don't think any of us can question their commitment to the Blackhawks. In the long run, this is a good thing.

Nashville has the best defense in the NHL by far. Little weak on offense, but their defense is far better than the hawks. they would be an elite team if rinne hadn't turned into a bum.
- sditulli

Nashville's top-4 d-men are very good, but far better then the Hawks - I disagree.

Josi-Subban
Ekholm-Ellis

versus

Keith-Seabrook
Campbell-Hjalmarsson

As for the bottom guys - if Kempny turns out as expected I think the Hawks are better.

Y.Weber / Bitetto / Carle

Versus

Kempny / TvR / Rozsival

Nash is a good two-way player and has had some chemistry playing with Toews in tournaments. In the long run its easier to find someone to take D-Zone FO and kill penalties than put the puck in the net consistently. Cheaper moving forward. Nash also is a pretty good PK'er.

For all the griping about Seabrook and TVR, Hjalmarsson was complete dog crap all last year. The worse part is the effect he has on Keith and his usage. Keith is the engine that drives the Hawks' offense.
- TTtime

I actually like Nash fine, and think he'd be a Sharp-type player that could do very well on Toews' wing (though I don't think they've played together as much as you think - like they did little to none in the past Olympics).

I'm just saying I would never throw in Hjammer in a deal for Nash because that's just moving the hole in the roster around, and then also throw in another good defensive forward. Hjammer did not have his best season last year (outside of Kane's line, who did?), but that's because he and Keith are not super compatible - Hjammer doesn't help Keith's offense, but Keith means Hjammer isn't in a full shutdown role in which he shines. That pairing is a miscue on Q's part. The defense is the deepest it's been in years, and outside of some of the young guys possibly being in a trade package, it shouldn't be touched imo. It certainly shouldn't be the youngest of the core defensemen on a sweet deal.

If you were just talking Kruger being the trade piece, then sure - but the Rangers wouldn't ever do that deal without something significant coming back too. The Rangers would also need to retain about half Nash's salary, and that plus Kruger's cap hit, wouldn't make it much of a win for the Rangers since they have a few RFAs coming up next year, including Zibanejad. They'd be better off waiting until around the TDL to off-load Nash, if they even need to anymore.

The Hawks don't have or shouldn't be willing to give up what the Rangers would want in a trade to get Nash. The only thing that would be in their favor is that Nash has a NTC with a list of 12 teams and he's likely only going to have contenders on there like the Hawks, but it's still an unlikely thing to ever happen.

Pirri is literally the anti-Kruger. No defense at all. Hudler isn't comparable as a player either. Krugs contract is partially inflated because he gave the club a break in 2015 and took a 1 year low ball offer for cap reasons. It's not nearly as bad as everyone thinks.
- JRoenick97

It isn't a bad contract at all...Kruger is a top 5 3rd L center in the NHL. How many lines has his line shut down the last two times the Hawks won the Cup? And people complain about his 3.08 cap hit...really??

Here is an important lesson for everyone:

https://www.nhl.com/black...cy/t-277437096/c-44587403


Sometimes all you need is a chance (+right players around you and a coach) to emerge. And no I´m not saying there is another Larmer coming out but you never know if you don´t give a chance. So before we judge young players in good or bad let see what they got.

Here is a important lesson for everyone:

https://www.nhl.com/black...cy/t-277437096/c-44587403


Sometimes all you need is a chance (+right players around you and a coach) to emerge. And no I´m not saying there is another Larmer coming out but you never know if you don´t give a chance. So before we judge young players in good or bad let see what they got.
- MjulQvist

Exactly.

I see the lack of depth at forward like everyone else but , im sure the Blackhawks internally are saying

"ok boys heres hows it goes , we're going to win games 2-1 , go ahead and work lets go..."

Exactly.

I see the lack of depth at forward like everyone else but , im sure the Blackhawks internally are saying

"ok boys heres hows it goes , we're going to win games 2-1 , go ahead and work lets go..."
- mrpaulish

Better figure on playing Darling in 40 games: Crawford will be a nervous wreck by February.

A lot of pressure on the goalie.

Better figure on playing Darling in 40 games: Crawford will be a nervous wreck by February.

A lot of pressure on the goalie.
- StLBravesFan

I think Crawford is aloof enough for that not to be such an issue. But I think it would be good for both if Darling got maybe 30-35 games, barring injury of course. It's a team game, include everyone during the regular season.

Here is a important lesson for everyone:

https://www.nhl.com/black...cy/t-277437096/c-44587403


Sometimes all you need is a chance (+right players around you and a coach) to emerge. And no I´m not saying there is another Larmer coming out but you never know if you don´t give a chance. So before we judge young players in good or bad let see what they got.
- MjulQvist

Guy is a hall of famer. Savvy would have nowhere near the assist total he has without Larmer. If Toews had a snipe LW with a touch like Larmer it wouldn't be fair.

Exactly.

I see the lack of depth at forward like everyone else but , im sure the Blackhawks internally are saying

"ok boys heres hows it goes , we're going to win games 2-1 , go ahead and work lets go..."
- mrpaulish

Agreed. BUT, this defence is wayyyyyy improved over last years. It is the perfect opportunity for the Hawks to do what they seldom do, and that is let a couple young guys go at it for 20-30 games and try to grow at the NHL level while they play.

We have been such a solid, deep, developed forward group this last 6-7 years that we forget most NHL teams regularly play 2-3 new guys just because they have to.

For the first time in ages, we are finding ourselves in that situation. I know "Q" doesn't like that and would rather a war-tested veteran, but sometimes these young guys can bring more upside and energy in the long run.

With these 7 D-men in the fold, I think we are OK. Give 2-3 guys out of the Hartman, McNeill, Schmaltz, Hinostroza & Motte group a long look....maybe there is a keeper or two there, if not....with Crawford...that "D"...and Toews, Kane, Panarin up front.....we should STILL be a playoff team with plenty of time to fill a forward spot at the deadline 6 months from now.

I am liking out lineup just fine. Could use improvement up front, but many other teams in the league wish they had our worries!!!!

Agreed. BUT, this defence is wayyyyyy improved over last years. It is the perfect opportunity for the Hawks to do what they seldom do, and that is let a couple young guys go at it for 20-30 games and try to grow at the NHL level while they play.

We have been such a solid, deep, developed forward group this last 6-7 years that we forget most NHL teams regularly play 2-3 new guys just because they have to.

For the first time in ages, we are finding ourselves in that situation. I know "Q" doesn't like that and would rather a war-tested veteran, but sometimes these young guys can bring more upside and energy in the long run.

With these 7 D-men in the fold, I think we are OK. Give 2-3 guys out of the Hartman, O'Neil, Schmaltz, Hinostroza & Motte group a long look....maybe there is a keeper or two there, if not....with Crawford...that "D"...and Toews, Kane, Panarin up front.....we should STILL be a playoff team with plenty of time to fill a forward spot at the deadline 6 months from now.

I am liking out lineup just fine. Could use improvement up front, but many other teams in the league wish they had our worries!!!!
- hawk35

The Hawks hiding thus guy? Who's O'Neil? Jeff?

The Hawks hiding thus guy? Who's O'Neil? Jeff?
- TyCamScore

Sorry, typo. McNeill. fixed.

I actually like Nash fine, and think he'd be a Sharp-type player that could do very well on Toews' wing (though I don't think they've played together as much as you think - like they did little to none in the past Olympics).

I'm just saying I would never throw in Hjammer in a deal for Nash because that's just moving the hole in the roster around, and then also throw in another good defensive forward. Hjammer did not have his best season last year (outside of Kane's line, who did?), but that's because he and Keith are not super compatible - Hjammer doesn't help Keith's offense, but Keith means Hjammer isn't in a full shutdown role in which he shines. That pairing is a miscue on Q's part. The defense is the deepest it's been in years, and outside of some of the young guys possibly being in a trade package, it shouldn't be touched imo. It certainly shouldn't be the youngest of the core defensemen on a sweet deal.

If you were just talking Kruger being the trade piece, then sure - but the Rangers wouldn't ever do that deal without something significant coming back too. The Rangers would also need to retain about half Nash's salary, and that plus Kruger's cap hit, wouldn't make it much of a win for the Rangers since they have a few RFAs coming up next year, including Zibanejad. They'd be better off waiting until around the TDL to off-load Nash, if they even need to anymore.

The Hawks don't have or shouldn't be willing to give up what the Rangers would want in a trade to get Nash. The only thing that would be in their favor is that Nash has a NTC with a list of 12 teams and he's likely only going to have contenders on there like the Hawks, but it's still an unlikely thing to ever happen.
- L_B_R

I wonder that after this season, if Kempny does well or miraculously exceeds expectations, does that make someone on the defense expendable next summer?

I wonder that after this season, if Kempny does well or miraculously exceeds expectations, does that make someone on the defense expendable next summer?
- 93Joe

Also, If Kempny succeeds...Keith, Campbell, Hammer and Seabrook all play close to their historic pretty-high levels and TVR holds his own....well, at the deadline or mid-season, we may find ourselves in a position to deal something from the back end along with a forward prospect or two, and turn it into a proven Top-six LW.

Our defense, if everything plays out OK, makes our competitiveness now as well as our options going forward very intriging indeed!!!