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

Where to begin?

1. I would get pretty excited to have Rick Nash—even with a possible deterioration in his skills—in a Hawk sweater this year. It would be a significant add.

2. The issue is the salary. How do you fit $7.8 million in? OK, the Rangers eat half his salary—makes sense to US, but maybe not to them.

Trade Hjalmarsson and Kruger? Oooooo-kayyyyyyy.

I think all "he sucks, he's fallen off a cliff" narrative should be tabled until at least 1/3 of the way through this upcoming season, because there is some evidence/innuendo/common sense behind the narrative that guys like Toews, Hjalmarsson, Seabrook, Hossa suffered last year from a lot of cumulative fatigue and nagging injuries from a long and brutal playoff run in 2015, then a bunch of obligatory summer "events," no rest, no rehab, no training and then back at hockey. And no one on the Hawk blue line really got in a groove last year in part because of the clown show auditions that went on there after losing Oduya. Same thing on Toews' line minus Saad.

The same kind of clown show auditions that some are encouraging among the forwards this year. Although that may just happen by necessity and the salary cap.

3. It's real easy to say yeah, trade Kruger, we can replace defensive zone face-offs for less money. Meh, yeah, but not that much money, maybe $500K a year. And that also assumes that defensive zone draws are all Kruger does. And that, also, would be kind of ignorant.

4. The "implication" that TVR has taken a bunch of criticism and Hjalmarsson deserves it more is somewhere between silly and just baseless. I guess you can only say TVR has been "dogged" if you STILL are trying to perpetuate the fantasy that he is some kind of stud defenseman. He has positives. A good share of them. But he has a couple of limitations that make him, at best really, a solid #5. Anyone criticizing him beyond THAT, probably isn't being fair. But what some of us thought about TVR, as far as his limitations, were exposed by the Blues big fast, forwards.


You trade Kruger and Hjalmarsson, this team is seriously impaired defensively. And no, neither is easily replaced, if at all.

Agree but the only Hawk dman who was better last year than the year before was TVR.
- Al

True, coincidence that he was the one who didn't play much of the previous year and the playoffs—i.e., way more rested and ready?

Would Pirri have been a consideration for 1st line LW?
- index92002

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, no.

Therein lies one of the major reasons they lost to the Blues. Elliot forgetting he was Elliot also helped.
- TTtime

TVR was a human turnstile against the Blues, he was backed in behind Crawford every time the Blues entered the red zone. Please.

He wasn't the only breakdown, but his "improvement" was not a positive factor either.

Time to accept the fact that TVR's mobility issues somewhat limit how you can use him and against which players in big game situations. Simply put, he's not a top 4 defenseman on a top team.

Seabrook was banged up in a big way...Keith wasn't Keith much of the time since his knee injury. Hammer was off much of the year....And they still went to 7 with the Blues

But the D wasn't good enough and for the first time in playoffs the big 3 looked spent.
Also...Teams that are basically scoring with only 1 line don't last long in the playoffs.
- Al

DING DING DING DING

Any concern about Keith's knee going into this season - considering he backed off the World Cup?
- StLBravesFan

Agreed with Al, hard to say and I have heard nothing on it.

Gotta sort of go down the checklist. He was playing on it at the end of the season, did not have reconstruction in the offseason. Could there be a degenerative condition there? Kind of unusual as far as knees, especially in a guy who does not have a history of knee issues or surgeries.

So what scant evidence there is, or what evidence there isn't, suggests he'll be OK.

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
- EbonyRaptor

Tough call there. NSH D is good and YOUNG. Hawks D is good but getting long in the tooth. I think if the Hawks have some health this year, then the two defenses are about a push. Which is really testament to how good Nashville has become.

And I agree Kempny is the x-factor—if he really is Oduya 2.0 by the end of the regular season-and everyone else is relatively healthy—the Hawk D is scary good and deep going in to the playoffs.

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

Seabrook was very terrible (well Seabs with anyone but Keith anyway). Especially considering he got a massive deal until the end of time.

Actually, Keiths stats were pretty incredible last year if you take that all into account. Meaning his 5v5 shot differential fancy stuff and even his 5v5 scoring was close to pace with 09-10. He had an excellent year believe it or not. 43 over 67 games on a team that couldn't score. He plays 82 and hes over 50 for sure and sets a career high.

The problem was; I think Hammer had a significant shoulder injury that he played through and the Seabs + TVR combo was a nightmare and the third pairing was even worse.

Campbell is going to solve all kinds of problems in terms of exiting the zone and taking pressure off whomever isnt playing with Keith. With that flexibility you could see Keith put up a career high and win another Norris this year, especially if that pairing gets minutes with the super PAK line. Like, +60 points.

edit: ALSO last year Keith did have more D zone starts as a percentage 5v5 than he has so with the summer off and not doing the dumb world cup he should do some serious damage. Career year and another Norris, calling it now.

@RUSProspects tweeted (and @HawksBreakdowb retweeted):
Dmitriy Osipov (@WHLGiants) is expected to attend #Blackhawks training camp.

Wiz - got anything on his guy?

JJ, good analysis on TVR. He had a horrible start to the Blues series, the Backes game winner in the first game, roughly -5 through the first four games. Q loves his "active stick" and short passes to the forwards, but playing him 25 mins a night as a number 4 was a recipe for disaster for all to see.

I agree that with Campbell in the top 4 this year and potentially Kempny at 5, TVR might be a nice trade chip to have, in the event the Hawks struggle to score goals and Stan can find a "hockey trade" to make if need be after say game 25.

Reminds me a bit of 2010 when he moved Vandermeer for Eager just before the Christmas trade freeze. With Gusty, Sved, Rozy, Pokka all capable of being #6, this bears worth watching develop.

@RUSProspects tweeted (and @HawksBreakdowb retweeted):
Dmitriy Osipov (@WHLGiants) is expected to attend #Blackhawks training camp.

Wiz - got anything on his guy?
- Marlowe

Well, based on this, not so impressive.

CAREER STATISTICS Use/Embed statistics RSS feed
SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP G A TP PIM +/-
2013-14 Vancouver Giants WHL 54 3 0 3 48 -16
2014-15 Vancouver Giants WHL 71 1 11 12 65 -16
2015-16 Vancouver Giants WHL 72 2 10 12 102 -23

But #'s don't always tell the whole story

Well, based on this, not so impressive.

CAREER STATISTICS Use/Embed statistics RSS feed
SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP G A TP PIM +/-
2013-14 Vancouver Giants WHL 54 3 0 3 48 -16
2014-15 Vancouver Giants WHL 71 1 11 12 65 -16
2015-16 Vancouver Giants WHL 72 2 10 12 102 -23

But #'s don't always tell the whole story
- powerenforcer

Another Dman, but 6'3" tall and last weight I saw was 2013 (190 lbs).

I'm looking at the roster of years past, to me they kind of filled the hole of Saad with AA, and Panarin for Sharp.

Also the 3 previous years the Hawks played 65 playoff games, more than any other team, I think the Rangers come in 2nd at 56.

I think when Q came out and said we need a couple of forwards during the season, he could see Hossa and Toews giving their all but we're burnt out, that's why there have been no Toews or Hossa sightings this summer.

The most glaring thing I notice is Oduya being gone, Daley not fitting in, and the compound effect of defenseman not capable of playing top 4 minutes.

As I've heard so many times and agree with, it's so hard to repeat. Have to say pushing the Blues to game 7 is a testament to the core players and playing as a team considering they only had 3 defenseman.

Another Dman, but 6'3" tall and last weight I saw was 2013 (190 lbs).
- Marlowe

Looking at adding a D man? Maybe one of Pokka, Sveaty, TVR, or Forsburg is on the move??

I'm looking at the roster of years past, to me they kind of filled the hole of Saad with AA, and Panarin for Sharp.

Also the 3 previous years the Hawks played 65 playoff games, more than any other team, I think the Rangers come in 2nd at 56.

I think when Q came out and said we need a couple of forwards during the season, he could see Hossa and Toews giving their all but we're burnt out, that's why there have been no Toews or Hossa sightings this summer.

The most glaring thing I notice is Oduya being gone, Daley not fitting in, and the compound effect of defenseman not capable of playing top 4 minutes.

As I've heard so many times and agree with, it's so hard to repeat. Have to say pushing the Blues to game 7 is a testament to the core players and playing as a team considering they only had 3 defenseman.
- BetweenTheDots

This to me was the most important takeaway in assessing the Hawks struggles last season. Hitch knew the Hawks were razor thin on lower line defensive depth and anytime TVR or Svedberg were out there, the Blues were easily able to pressure our D into turning over the puck and scoring.

After the defense, I think fatigue also played a huge role. I think after a certain point in the season the team was pushing forward on willpower alone. The core looked gassed every night.

Also those who want to trade Kruger and Hammer for Nash or any other top 6 forward depth, thanks but no thanks. The team was fairly stacked at forward last year even without Sharp and Saad, and they still got creamed. The common denominator in all the Hawks' Cup years was a strong D. I think Bowman addressed that issue this offseason really well. I'd look for the Hawks quick transition game to return.

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.
- John Jaeckel

Great update and all seems to be consistent with the discussions we have had these past few days post Vesey/Hudler.

It will be very interesting to see what happens as training camp nears. Perhaps the TvR chip has more value if a veteran d-man is injured on another team? Stan could have a couple of offers on the table, the price might just be too high at the moment.

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
- EbonyRaptor

And no one in the Nashville group has even made a SCF yet. Pretty long history of making early exits. They haven't been there, haven't done it. I'll believe them when they accomplish something.

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.
- John Jaeckel

Interesting, and yes they need to plug that hole at LW.
BTW on that suggestion from people wanting to trade Hammer need to get their head examined....how bout never. Moving forward I see CC, Seabs and eventually Hossa as trade chips, whether we like it not one if those will happen. I'm fine with that if the chips coming back are of quality and tyounger ort cheaper. Until the cap rises we will be in a pickel as JJ stated.

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.
- John Jaeckel

I guess Hudler didn't like the idea of making only $525K more than Mashinter. Not much of an offer if Stanbo really wanted him (which I don't think they did).

There will be some forwards around near the end of training camp as teams look to get under the cap and have to expo waivers. Or guys available via trade - Tampa Bay and Detroit come to mind.

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.
- John Jaeckel

With the additions of Soup and Kempny, the TVR shopping makes sense. Especially if Kempny eventually earns a top 4 role during this season, giving them 5 genuine top 4 d-men.
Meanwhile, they have 5 of the necessary top 6 forwards on hand. And plenty of talent to fill the 3rd and 4th lines.
All in all, this year's starting roster looks better to my eyes than last year's.

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.
- John Jaeckel

Great work as always, JJ.

Vesey not wanting to go to where's there's "pressure" is quite telling, and certainly not the mindset of a champion. Good luck with the New York media and fans if he struggles ....

I guess Hudler didn't like the idea of making only $525K more than Mashinter. Not much of an offer if Stanbo really wanted him (which I don't think they did).

There will be some forwards around near the end of training camp as teams look to get under the cap and have to expo waivers. Or guys available via trade - Tampa Bay and Detroit come to mind.
- RickJ

I agree. No need to panic (Panik?) -- Stan can work the phones, let's see how training camp shakes out, and see who becomes available as the season starts.

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.
- John Jaeckel

The Vesey decision process turned out to be a real dissapointment-- in terms of him actually being concerned about pressure and being able to deliver with future HOF players--- add to that his even considering the whispers from poophead Hayes-- and it doesn't appear to me to be the choice process of a winner-- maybe the Vesey decision is actually a good thing for the Hawks-- time will tell--

Just got a fairly lengthy update:

- Hudler was offered 1 yr. @ $1.25 million
- Vesey chose New York primarily because he felt there would be less pressure vs. Chicago where he would have been plugged in as 1LW and might have struggled, also he and Hudler had big concerns about any subsequent Hawk contracts—AND he did take to heart negative info. from his buddy, Captain Stairwell
- The "youth movement" stuff is mostly PR for now—Hawks were counting on getting either Vesey or Hudler, know they are in a pickle
- TVR is primary trade chip, Hawks are "scrambling" while sending out "we're not worried" PR vibes
- Expect the Hawks to place a bit more emphasis on "finding" some answer via veteran PTO

I heard a name elsewhere last night (as a suggested possibility), was intriguing, I have asked about it, will report what I hear back.
- John Jaeckel

Scott Hartnell JJ?? Toews should be happy with that for a season, buys them time to find the next Saad / Secord!