I know a knock on Bowman is that he can take too long to make decisions then ultimately shoot himself in the foot by missing out on certain players because other GMs act faster. We've seen this with free agents. If he waits too long, he may also miss out on PTOs worth pursuing. Since they're low risk with variable reward, hand out PTOs now and worry later if they'll actually pan out.
- AEL_Fox

He may have offered some, guys don't have to take them. We'll never know if they didn't.

I know a knock on Bowman is that he can take too long to make decisions then ultimately shoot himself in the foot by missing out on certain players because other GMs act faster. We've seen this with free agents. If he waits too long, he may also miss out on PTOs worth pursuing. Since they're low risk with variable reward, hand out PTOs now and worry later if they'll actually pan out.
- AEL_Fox

In reality none of the PTOs will make a significant impact, but they can act as a good insurance policy.

Korpikoski would be a solid candidate for a PTO contract, he can play both wings and spend time on the PK.

Steve Downie could be another interesting PTO candidate. Like Korpikoski he cap play both wings, although he may not as as versatile overall. Last year was a bad year for Downie, but he been a 25 - 30 point bottom 6 forward before that.

I know a knock on Bowman is that he can take too long to make decisions then ultimately shoot himself in the foot by missing out on certain players because other GMs act faster. We've seen this with free agents. If he waits too long, he may also miss out on PTOs worth pursuing. Since they're low risk with variable reward, hand out PTOs now and worry later if they'll actually pan out.
- AEL_Fox

Are we certain that Stan hasn't already reached out to several veteran FAs regarding PTOs? I assume that several teams are taking fliers on the same people. My suspicion is that the players and respective agents are evaluating the roster of the NHL teams.

My sense of the PTO pool is that many of these are ...ahem..."seasoned" (has-been, desperating hanging on at NHL-level) players jockeying for a roster spot, usually fourth line energy guys. The Hawks' whiffs on #1LW have been for playmaking/scoring/sniping players. Potential FAs may see the recent roster signings/resignings (Tootoo, Lundberg, Mash, McNeill, etc.) and see that a lot of the 4-line spots are accounted for.

No matter the case, my sense is that Stan and the scouting crew are looking for a certain profile to add to the potential rotation and that some sort of trade may be necessary at this stage in the offseason process.

He may have offered some, guys don't have to take them. We'll never know if they didn't.
- JRoenick97

Good point.

I think at this point the front office is managing fan expectations by laying low on other options like PTOs, possible trades, etc. while playing up the "kids will play" angle because if those options don't turn up anything then the kids will truly have to play. Smart from a business stand-point but can be frustrating at times to die-hard fans.

Nah.
But you know Enzo, over here, we're just 2 know-nothing-about-hockey morons.

- savvyone-1

Just for perspective sake in evaluating Leddy. Most condemned him to the trash heap of NHL defenseman, but for a moment, consider, age wise, he is entering the 2008-2009 season of Duncan Keith, where arguably, Keith took a huge step in becoming an elite defensemen in the NHL/World.

This is not to say that Leddy will be Keith or Leddy=>Keith, it is simply eliminating the static analysis of a player and making it more dynamic.

At the same age, Leddy has almost 2 more full seasons of experience.

Just something to think about.....if you like to think.....

instead of offering guys PTO why not Offer them league min deals to the top 2-3 guys and tell them they have a chance to make the hawks out of camp and if not they will have to goto Rockford and play and will get called up due to injury or playoffs? Look at hedja or Lubo last year they would have probably been better then Gus or Bladder or Sved in the playoffs once Roz went down. I know most don't want to play in Rockford but it is a steady pay check and a chance to play in Chicago and be on a playoff roster. Maybe a few guys that were hurt last year Jiri Thusty. the only issue is the 50 contract that they hawks are not close on and the $575K of his contract.

I would do Thusty, Fleshmen and Seidenberg.

Just for perspective sake in evaluating Leddy. Most condemned him to the trash heap of NHL defenseman, but for a moment, consider, age wise, he is entering the 2008-2009 season of Duncan Keith, where arguably, Keith took a huge step in becoming an elite defensemen in the NHL/World.

This is not to say that Leddy will be Keith or Leddy=>Keith, it is simply eliminating the static analysis of a player and making it more dynamic.

At the same age, Leddy has almost 2 more full seasons of experience.

Just something to think about.....if you like to think.....
- TrueGrit

Nobody said that, the consensus was that Leddy was not good enough to keep over Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson given the limited cap space. The decision to keep those three and trade Leddy is still the right choice.

Regarding your Keith comparison, you do make a fair point. However, back in Keith's early years the Hawks could afford to be patient because there were no cap issues plus the stage of the team's overall development allowed them wait for Keith to develop.

Leddy is a good defenseman, but he was just another salary cap victim in Chicago.

instead of offering guys PTO why not Offer them league min deals to the top 2-3 guys and tell them they have a chance to make the hawks out of camp and if not they will have to goto Rockford and play and will get called up due to injury or playoffs? Look at hedja or Lubo last year they would have probably been better then Gus or Bladder or Sved in the playoffs once Roz went down. I know most don't want to play in Rockford but it is a steady pay check and a chance to play in Chicago and be on a playoff roster. Maybe a few guys that were hurt last year Jiri Thusty. the only issue is the 50 contract that they hawks are not close on and the $575K of his contract.

I would do Thusty, Fleshmen and Seidenberg.
- kmw4631

Unless some of these guys want more than the league minimum. Chicago is in a good position contract-wise, they have only 43 of the maximum 50 allowed contracts.

I know Stan gets grief for waiting too long to make moves sometimes. But if Stan goes the route you're suggesting he'll get a better deal in September versus July.

O I am not hearing anything in terms of Hawks inviting vets in for a PTO. They are still preaching, the "we are going to give our kids the chance ".
- Omahawk

It's difficult to hear anything when the team organization are still on vacation...even the janitorial staff cannot be insiders at this moment in time...

ESPN put out there top 120 prospects and the hawks all in all did OK. they were rated 20 out of 30 overall. with Pokka as ready as he could be for the NHL, I think I would move him or TVR for a LW that is either on a ELC or on a bridge deal if a guy can be found that they think is NHL ready. I'm not sure he is out there.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/i...ton-matthews-patrik-laine


- kmw4631

Quick reactions to these scouting reports.

47. Alex DeBrincat, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-7 | Wt: 163 | 2015-16 team: Erie (OHL)
Previous ranking: Not eligible

The diminutive Alex DeBrincat has been one of the top scorers in the CHL the past two seasons. He's a highly skilled winger who shows above-average to high-end speed, puck skills, vision and finishing skill. DeBrincat is constantly buzzing around the ice making all sorts of offensive plays. His elite hockey sense allows him to be in the right place and control the puck with confidence. In terms of the negatives, DeBrincat is very small, but he has a real tenacity to his game.

SOUNDS LIKE: A poor man's Theo Fleury


66. Gustav Forsling, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183 | 2015-16 team: Linkoping (SHL)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

Forsling was one of the best teenagers in the SHL this past season and was very good at the WJC as well. He isn't incredibly fast, but his mobility is above average, with quick footwork. Forsling is a very skilled and intelligent puck mover who quarterbacks a power play with the best of them. His body is lean, and he isn't the best when it comes to winning battles on defense. That's the area that needs the most improvement at this point.

SOUNDS LIKEe: maybe a slightly more mobile . . . David Rundblad. I will just say these speed deficiencies tend to be more noticeable and magnified in the NHL versus the SEL.


77. Ville Pokka, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 22 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 214 | 2015-16 team: Rockford (AHL)
Previous ranking: 64

One of the top defensemen in the AHL this past season, Pokka got an invite to the world championship for Finland (and subsequently the World Cup) where he was solid. He's not the biggest or fastest player, but his great two-way hockey sense makes him a legit prospect. He moves the puck efficiently, he doesn't hurt his team, and he's capable defensively.

SOUNDS LIKE: Maybe a smarter version of . . . James Wisniewski


85. Nick Schmaltz, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 181 | 2015-16 team: U. of North Dakota (NCHC)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

I still don't know exactly what to make of Nick Schmaltz. There are times where I love watching him. He's an elite passer who can make really difficult plays seem easy and dominate the puck. While he has improved his play away from the puck during his time at North Dakota, even showing the ability during under-20 international play to be an OK penalty killer, he sometimes shows the same old bad tendencies, such as not engaging his checks. He has played well, but you know that he could get to that higher level and simply hasn't done it yet.

SOUNDS A LOT LIKE: (wait for it)

Teuvo Teravainen

Quick reactions to these scouting reports.

47. Alex DeBrincat, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-7 | Wt: 163 | 2015-16 team: Erie (OHL)
Previous ranking: Not eligible

The diminutive Alex DeBrincat has been one of the top scorers in the CHL the past two seasons. He's a highly skilled winger who shows above-average to high-end speed, puck skills, vision and finishing skill. DeBrincat is constantly buzzing around the ice making all sorts of offensive plays. His elite hockey sense allows him to be in the right place and control the puck with confidence. In terms of the negatives, DeBrincat is very small, but he has a real tenacity to his game.

SOUNDS LIKE: A poor man's Theo Fleury


66. Gustav Forsling, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183 | 2015-16 team: Linkoping (SHL)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

Forsling was one of the best teenagers in the SHL this past season and was very good at the WJC as well. He isn't incredibly fast, but his mobility is above average, with quick footwork. Forsling is a very skilled and intelligent puck mover who quarterbacks a power play with the best of them. His body is lean, and he isn't the best when it comes to winning battles on defense. That's the area that needs the most improvement at this point.

SOUNDS LIKEe: maybe a slightly more mobile . . . David Rundblad. I will just say these speed deficiencies tend to be more noticeable and magnified in the NHL versus the SEL.


77. Ville Pokka, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 22 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 214 | 2015-16 team: Rockford (AHL)
Previous ranking: 64

One of the top defensemen in the AHL this past season, Pokka got an invite to the world championship for Finland (and subsequently the World Cup) where he was solid. He's not the biggest or fastest player, but his great two-way hockey sense makes him a legit prospect. He moves the puck efficiently, he doesn't hurt his team, and he's capable defensively.

SOUNDS LIKE: Maybe a smarter version of . . . James Wisniewski


85. Nick Schmaltz, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 181 | 2015-16 team: U. of North Dakota (NCHC)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

I still don't know exactly what to make of Nick Schmaltz. There are times where I love watching him. He's an elite passer who can make really difficult plays seem easy and dominate the puck. While he has improved his play away from the puck during his time at North Dakota, even showing the ability during under-20 international play to be an OK penalty killer, he sometimes shows the same old bad tendencies, such as not engaging his checks. He has played well, but you know that he could get to that higher level and simply hasn't done it yet.

SOUNDS A LOT LIKE: (wait for it)

Teuvo Teravainen
- John Jaeckel

Funny, that's exactly what popped into my pea brain as well...

Time for a new thread, I suggest:

X 19 X
X X 88
X X X
X X X

X X
X X
X X

X
X

Fill in all blanks and discuss
- riozzo

No, it must be this:

X X X
X X X
X X 81
X X X
16

ranking 18-19 year olds is not a exact science in any sport. You are going to be to high or to low on some players. a 100 scouts missed on SAAD and Colton Parayko. that does not mean they should all be disregarded. I was curious to see where a unbiased person would rank our prospects compared to 29 other teams.
- kmw4631

You are preaching to the choir brother.

In my 2011 mock draft
www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2011/s/

I had Saader going 25 overall to Toronto.

At the start of that year he was a top five but his groin injury and slow recovering is what soured folks on him.

and with Colton Parayko he didn't even make my top 210 because he seemed so far away from getting his ability to stop - start up to snuff and the fact so many of the bigger guys simply don't get their alla round co-ordination and speed close to being able to win an NHL job.
As I said about the hawks newest signee,Dmitry Osipov, these guys can progress, but it is a matter of so many thinsg falling in place.

http://www.draftsite.com/...yer/colton-parayko/19450/

No, it must be this:

X X X
X X X
X X 81
X X X
16
- John Jaeckel

Toews is also the second line center.. Can't forget that.

You are preaching to the choir brother.

In my 2011 mock draft
www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2011/s/

I had Saader going 25 overall to Toronto.

At the start of that year he was a top five but his groin injury and slow recovering is what soured folks on him.

and with Colton Parayko he didn't even make my top 210 because he seemed so far away from getting his ability to stop - start up to snuff and the fact so many of the bigger guys simply don't get their alla round co-ordination and speed close to being able to win an NHL job.
As I said about the hawks newest signee,Dmitry Osipov, these guys can progress, but it is a matter of so many thinsg falling in place.

http://www.draftsite.com/...yer/colton-parayko/19450/
- wiz1901

Was Osipov signed or just invited to training camp?

You are preaching to the choir brother.

In my 2011 mock draft
www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2011/s/

I had Saader going 25 overall to Toronto.

At the start of that year he was a top five but his groin injury and slow recovering is what soured folks on him.

and with Colton Parayko he didn't even make my top 210 because he seemed so far away from getting his ability to stop - start up to snuff and the fact so many of the bigger guys simply don't get their alla round co-ordination and speed close to being able to win an NHL job.
As I said about the hawks newest signee,Dmitry Osipov, these guys can progress, but it is a matter of so many thinsg falling in place.

http://www.draftsite.com/...yer/colton-parayko/19450/
- wiz1901

Thanks for sharing your mock draft sites in this thread and past ones. Can you imagine if your 2011 mock draft were true: we'd have Toews and Scheifele is our top 2 centers. McNeill would have gone earlier to Dallas and Danault fell to the 2nd round.

No, it must be this:

X X X
X X X
X X 81
X X X
16
- John Jaeckel

I'm just hoping we don't have to see 53 anywhere on that list.

Quick reactions to these scouting reports.

47. Alex DeBrincat, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-7 | Wt: 163 | 2015-16 team: Erie (OHL)
Previous ranking: Not eligible

The diminutive Alex DeBrincat has been one of the top scorers in the CHL the past two seasons. He's a highly skilled winger who shows above-average to high-end speed, puck skills, vision and finishing skill. DeBrincat is constantly buzzing around the ice making all sorts of offensive plays. His elite hockey sense allows him to be in the right place and control the puck with confidence. In terms of the negatives, DeBrincat is very small, but he has a real tenacity to his game.

SOUNDS LIKE: A poor man's Theo Fleury


66. Gustav Forsling, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183 | 2015-16 team: Linkoping (SHL)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

Forsling was one of the best teenagers in the SHL this past season and was very good at the WJC as well. He isn't incredibly fast, but his mobility is above average, with quick footwork. Forsling is a very skilled and intelligent puck mover who quarterbacks a power play with the best of them. His body is lean, and he isn't the best when it comes to winning battles on defense. That's the area that needs the most improvement at this point.

SOUNDS LIKEe: maybe a slightly more mobile . . . David Rundblad. I will just say these speed deficiencies tend to be more noticeable and magnified in the NHL versus the SEL.


77. Ville Pokka, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 22 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 214 | 2015-16 team: Rockford (AHL)
Previous ranking: 64

One of the top defensemen in the AHL this past season, Pokka got an invite to the world championship for Finland (and subsequently the World Cup) where he was solid. He's not the biggest or fastest player, but his great two-way hockey sense makes him a legit prospect. He moves the puck efficiently, he doesn't hurt his team, and he's capable defensively.

SOUNDS LIKE: Maybe a smarter version of . . . James Wisniewski


85. Nick Schmaltz, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 181 | 2015-16 team: U. of North Dakota (NCHC)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

I still don't know exactly what to make of Nick Schmaltz. There are times where I love watching him. He's an elite passer who can make really difficult plays seem easy and dominate the puck. While he has improved his play away from the puck during his time at North Dakota, even showing the ability during under-20 international play to be an OK penalty killer, he sometimes shows the same old bad tendencies, such as not engaging his checks. He has played well, but you know that he could get to that higher level and simply hasn't done it yet.

SOUNDS A LOT LIKE: (wait for it)

Teuvo Teravainen
- John Jaeckel

I'll take that-- comparison to TT. But at 6' 1" and 181 pounds he's already 20 pounds bigger than TT will ever be...plus he has room to fill out.

No, it must be this:

X X X
X X X
X X 81
X X X
16
- John Jaeckel

hmm, you've got Kruger on defense... most intriguing, ha!

I was curious to see where a unbiased person would rank our prospects compared to 29 other teams.
- kmw4631

To me all the rankings have heavy undertones in regards to teams that pick early being more wealthy.
Teams that trade away first rounders get delegated, because all these "rankers" simply haven't invested a farction of the time necessary to get tru upsdie opions on the non first rounders.

Let's say Schmaltz is a huge NHL success, you think those rankers are going to take that in account and re-rank the next season, to take that in account?

Everybody would say that the Dallas Stars have a strong upsdie of possiblr NHL defenseman. That would mean a higher rank, even if when all is said and done only one becomes a top four defender.

Teams who have picked a half dozen players in the top ten is gonna get the rankers to rate your farm higher, but they may be a handful of flops.

I think Winnipeg has the best stable of nhl possible pros.
Most rankers would only say that after one or two become huge impact players, not a dozen pros that help you...
and I always wonder a dozen pros can make yoou strong to trade for higher end players, but getting a real implact guy is always more important, IF THEY PAN out.

Tricky question, all around.

Was Osipov signed or just invited to training camp?
- DarthKane

Your leading the witness (me):

yeah signed to invite

My point is you access and have a leg up if you think the late bloomers are long term value to keep...

Quick reactions to these scouting reports.

47. Alex DeBrincat, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-7 | Wt: 163 | 2015-16 team: Erie (OHL)
Previous ranking: Not eligible

The diminutive Alex DeBrincat has been one of the top scorers in the CHL the past two seasons. He's a highly skilled winger who shows above-average to high-end speed, puck skills, vision and finishing skill. DeBrincat is constantly buzzing around the ice making all sorts of offensive plays. His elite hockey sense allows him to be in the right place and control the puck with confidence. In terms of the negatives, DeBrincat is very small, but he has a real tenacity to his game.

SOUNDS LIKE: A poor man's Theo Fleury


66. Gustav Forsling, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183 | 2015-16 team: Linkoping (SHL)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

Forsling was one of the best teenagers in the SHL this past season and was very good at the WJC as well. He isn't incredibly fast, but his mobility is above average, with quick footwork. Forsling is a very skilled and intelligent puck mover who quarterbacks a power play with the best of them. His body is lean, and he isn't the best when it comes to winning battles on defense. That's the area that needs the most improvement at this point.

SOUNDS LIKEe: maybe a slightly more mobile . . . David Rundblad. I will just say these speed deficiencies tend to be more noticeable and magnified in the NHL versus the SEL.


77. Ville Pokka, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 22 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 214 | 2015-16 team: Rockford (AHL)
Previous ranking: 64

One of the top defensemen in the AHL this past season, Pokka got an invite to the world championship for Finland (and subsequently the World Cup) where he was solid. He's not the biggest or fastest player, but his great two-way hockey sense makes him a legit prospect. He moves the puck efficiently, he doesn't hurt his team, and he's capable defensively.

SOUNDS LIKE: Maybe a smarter version of . . . James Wisniewski


85. Nick Schmaltz, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 181 | 2015-16 team: U. of North Dakota (NCHC)
Previous ranking: Not ranked

I still don't know exactly what to make of Nick Schmaltz. There are times where I love watching him. He's an elite passer who can make really difficult plays seem easy and dominate the puck. While he has improved his play away from the puck during his time at North Dakota, even showing the ability during under-20 international play to be an OK penalty killer, he sometimes shows the same old bad tendencies, such as not engaging his checks. He has played well, but you know that he could get to that higher level and simply hasn't done it yet.

SOUNDS A LOT LIKE: (wait for it)

Teuvo Teravainen
- John Jaeckel

Wouldn't say TT ever "dominated the puck". His puck possession skills were pretty meh. Some similar traits but I wouldn't say he is TT 2.0. I certainly hope not anyway bc the Hawks kind of need Schmaltz to add a little 5 0n 5 scoring punch to the bottom 6.

Nobody said that, the consensus was that Leddy was not good enough to keep over Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson given the limited cap space. The decision to keep those three and trade Leddy is still the right choice.

Regarding your Keith comparison, you do make a fair point. However, back in Keith's early years the Hawks could afford to be patient because there were no cap issues plus the stage of the team's overall development allowed them wait for Keith to develop.

Leddy is a good defenseman, but he was just another salary cap victim in Chicago.
- DarthKane

Your last sentence says it all. Along with the patience statement.

However, many believe(d) Leddy was a bust etc... Not saying you, but many.....

Your leading the witness (me):

yeah signed to invite

My point is you access and have a leg up if you think the late bloomers are long term value to keep...
- wiz1901

My sources have WIZ getting a PTO......

Q likes his experience......

JJ, do you know Bucci? #CawlidgeHawkey