I say put Kruger there and let desi center the 3 line
- southernhawk

Assuming Krüger finally put on those 20 lbs this off season, maybe this is the answer.

Proof? The Great Panik's production in the AHL, or Kruger playing with Desi and Rasmussen and Mashinter?
- John Jaeckel

i don't think we can say either way that Kruger would or wouldn't be able to put up points. He's never really had the opportunity to showcase those skills given what he is asked to do.

Maybe we all just reserve judgement until they try it with some competent offensive players. I personally think his offensive skills are comparable to AA's, but he's simply not as big a body.

The good thing is, Q listens to me all the time so I'm sure this will happen...

Exactly what that line or a Toews/Kane line needs. And I think we can all agree that this player won't be a prototypical LW1, that person is just not here. But maybe, just maybe, someone can set their sights on a simple and supportive role and it may work out for Q.

Barring any notable additions, who on the roster can attempt to live up to that role?

Panik - might have the best skillset to succeed in a puck retrieval and cycle game. He's fast and physical enough to get in the zone first. Now, if he finds a little finishing jam in during the season, he may work.

Anisimov - if he's moved up, is he fast enough? He's damn good at protecting, cycling and finishing.

Hartman - here's one... I would have thought the Hawks brass might have told Dent to try him out at LW in RFD. I know he was a C/RW coming up and has primarily played RW in the AHL but they did tell him to work on his board game, he's got some speed and lots of grit. The dumb penalties will keep him on a short leash regardless of what line, but it would be magnified in the top 6. Eli, can you confirm if Hartman has ever been tried on the left side in RFD?

McNeill - also a C/RW but might have a shot to get a look their. I still feel he's not a "Q" guy and will not have a long look but hopefully comes in and surprises. The guy has paid his dues. Not sur eif he's quick enough for the top 6, but has the tools to play 2-way and solid along the boards.

Motte - granted I have not watched a lot of him, but if he can use his speed to get in the zone, use his stocky frame to be physically adept... if it's Toews and Kane, he may have an addition in the top 6. He'll have to win hearts of the coaching staff in training camp though.

Lundberg - never seen him play and it sounds like he has 0 finishing skills, but sounds like a fast, gritty player that may get the Ryan Garbutt look in the top 6 if Q fancies him.
- TyCamScore

I believe that we'd be better moving AA to 1LW and plug McNeill at 2C. If McNeill can win draws and get in front of the net, those wingers can work their magic. Kane has made "lesser" centers work. And now with Panarin on the other side, all they need is someone to win the draw. There doesn't seem to be an end-all solution to 1LW in the system at this time unless someone rips their jersey off and we see a large, red "S".

I believe that we'd be better moving AA to 1LW and plug McNeill at 2C.
- Matt_Foleys_bro

If that's the case, this team is in deep poop.

I believe that we'd be better moving AA to 1LW and plug McNeill at 2C. If McNeill can win draws and get in front of the net, those wingers can work their magic. Kane has made "lesser" centers work. And now with Panarin on the other side, all they need is someone to win the draw. There doesn't seem to be an end-all solution to 1LW in the system at this time unless someone rips their jersey off and we see a large, red "S".
- Matt_Foleys_bro

I am routing for McNeill but not sure he lands anywhere close to 2C... that's just my opinion. Think he'll have to have an outstanding camp just to make the bottom 6.

Schmaltz has a better chance if AA moves wing IMO.

If that's the case, this team is in deep poop.
- EKB13

Without a trade, I'm afraid that's where we are. Sorry, just can't get off the McNeill bandwagon. Looking for his lightning in a bottle moment! Really can't see putting Kruger at 2C and breaking up the 3rd line. Crappy domino effect....

Without a trade, I'm afraid that's where we are. Sorry, just can't get off the McNeill bandwagon. Looking for his lightning in a bottle moment! Really can't see putting Kruger at 2C and breaking up the 3rd line. Crappy domino effect....
- Matt_Foleys_bro

I'm not seeing Kruger as the #2C either. Problem is that McNeill (at least at this point) is a bottom 6 player, and judging by where he was slotted in Rockford last season, my guess would be that he will be contending for the #4C job in camp.

Honestly, my guess would be is that the P-A-K line will be left in tact, and Panik will get first crack at LW with Toews/Hossa. Unless Schmaltz and Motte have an impressive camp. Further, I would not be shocked if Motte got a look with Toews/Hossa by mid-season.

From reading the tea leaves, I believe that the organization has a defenseman they can afford to part with. I'm thinking that one of TvR or Svedberg gets flipped eventually for a candidate who might be able to skate with Toews/Hossa, and Bowman is waiting for a team in need during pre-season.

In sum, start lighting candles that one (or a few) of the other 29 NHL teams have a D-man or two that suffer an injury, thus giving Bowman some leverage in a trade.

I am routing for McNeill but not sure he lands anywhere close to 2C... that's just my opinion. Think he'll have to have an outstanding camp just to make the bottom 6.

Schmaltz has a better chance if AA moves wing IMO.
- TyCamScore

I wouldn't doubt that this might be tried at some point.

I'm not seeing Kruger as the #2C either. Problem is that McNeill (at least at this point) is a bottom 6 player, and judging by where he was slotted in Rockford last season, my guess would be that he will be contending for the #4C job in camp.

Honestly, my guess would be is that the P-A-K line will be left in tact, and Panik will get first crack at LW with Toews/Hossa. Unless Schmaltz and Motte have an impressive camp. Further, I would not be shocked if Motte got a look with Toews/Hossa by mid-season.

From reading the tea leaves, I believe that the organization has a defenseman they can afford to part with. I'm thinking that one of TvR or Svedberg gets flipped eventually for a candidate who might be able to skate with Toews/Hossa, and Bowman is waiting for a team in need during pre-season.

In sum, start lighting candles that one (or a few) of the other 29 NHL teams have a D-man or two that suffer an injury, thus giving Bowman some leverage in a trade.
- EKB13

Does a 5/6/7 defenseman (or both) really get you a viable winger who can slot top-6 and return the Toews/Hossa line to prominence?

I'm not seeing Kruger as the #2C either. Problem is that McNeill (at least at this point) is a bottom 6 player, and judging by where he was slotted in Rockford last season, my guess would be that he will be contending for the #4C job in camp.

Honestly, my guess would be is that the P-A-K line will be left in tact, and Panik will get first crack at LW with Toews/Hossa. Unless Schmaltz and Motte have an impressive camp. Further, I would not be shocked if Motte got a look with Toews/Hossa by mid-season.

From reading the tea leaves, I believe that the organization has a defenseman they can afford to part with. I'm thinking that one of TvR or Svedberg gets flipped eventually for a candidate who might be able to skate with Toews/Hossa, and Bowman is waiting for a team in need during pre-season.

In sum, start lighting candles that one (or a few) of the other 29 NHL teams have a D-man or two that suffer an injury, thus giving Bowman some leverage in a trade.
- EKB13

Thanks for the insight on McNeill. I would love to see the lines stay together and just fill the 1LW with TBD. I'm not one for screwing with the lines although we have seen Q do it time and again. I'm with you on the rest too! Not that I'm wishing for injuries, but here's to lighting the first candle....

Agreed.

And you can even move Kane himself inside. Especially with that Russian kid on the left wing.
- John Jaeckel

Or this

AA Toews Hossa
Panarin Kane X
Panik Kruger TooToo
Desi Mash X

That's an option...All I know for sure is Toews/Hossa need someone to be 1st into the zone and capture the puck. As much as Q was questioned about putting Shaw there-That's the skill set he had.
- Al

Laugh all you want boys and girls. If all they need is a guy with a little straight line speed to hound the puck for 19&81, run a D man while he's at it, and go to the net after he does it then they have a guy coming to camp on a PTO that might fill a hole until they can find a real LW. Tootoo, provided he takes direction and keeps his cool. I seem to recall Carbomb holdinig his own. At least until he went boom. Being that this could be his last chance he might surprise. I'd try this before I blew out some more prospects and picks.

Does a 5/6/7 defenseman (or both) really get you a viable winger who can slot top-6 and return the Toews/Hossa line to prominence?
- StLBravesFan

Slim chances. However, is there anything on the roster now that looks any better?

Or this

AA Toews Hossa
Panarin Kane X
Panik Kruger TooToo
Desi Mash X
- Fistafury17

No...

AA Toews Hossa

Panarin Kruger Kane

Panik. Desjardin McNeil

Tootoo Moose Hartman

Laugh all you want boys and girls. If all they need is a guy with a little straight line speed to hound the puck for 19&81, run a D man while he's at it, and go to the net after he does it then they have a guy coming to camp on a PTO that might fill a hole until they can find a real LW. Tootoo, provided he takes direction and keeps his cool. I seem to recall Carbomb holdinig his own. At least until he went boom. Being that this could be his last chance he might surprise. I'd try this before I blew out some more prospects and picks.
- 6628

Interesting angle.

I'm sure there will be a handful of guys getting a look with Toews/Hossa.

Interesting angle.

I'm sure there will be a handful of guys getting a look with Toews/Hossa.
- EKB13

Hey Eli, I'm not betting on it. But I think Q ought to try it. My guess is that Panik can be intimidated a bit easier than Tootoo. Just as long as all those friggin train whistles don't show up at the UC like they did in Nashville when he was there. Funny at first but if got old real quick.

Laugh all you want boys and girls. If all they need is a guy with a little straight line speed to hound the puck for 19&81, run a D man while he's at it, and go to the net after he does it then they have a guy coming to camp on a PTO that might fill a hole until they can find a real LW. Tootoo, provided he takes direction and keeps his cool. I seem to recall Carbomb holdinig his own. At least until he went boom. Being that this could be his last chance he might surprise. I'd try this before I blew out some more prospects and picks.
- 6628

Carcillo actually had a decent amount of skill when he wasn't being a complete idiot. TooToo not so much.

Interesting piece written by Crosby about how he pulled out of his slump and what motivates him.

http://www.si.com/thecaul...urgh-penguins-stanley-cup

Proof? The Great Panik's production in the AHL, or Kruger playing with Desi and Rasmussen and Mashinter?
- John Jaeckel

100% agree with you JJ, none of those rookies are making the top two lines and Panik is nothing more than a Sept call up that strung together a few good games and you got some guys ready to hand him a 6 year 30 million dollar contract, Hossa's replacement, and all the other bull crap that's been posted here.
You told these guys more than once, it's gonna be a rough year, Q ain't standing for kids on the top 2lines, There is a reason that the front office hold the jobs they have , they have a plan, unlike some here that believe any crap thesehockey writers spit out starting with Lazerus, probably doesn't even know what Hockey Skates look like, and Kuc, he's too busyfollowin Tracy around let alone knowing the game. This city misses guys like Tim Sassone and Mike Spellman! Adam Jahns did a good job before he was re assigned also.

100% agree with you JJ, none of those rookies are making the top two lines and Panik is nothing more than a Sept call up that strung together a few good games and you got some guys ready to hand him a 6 year 30 million dollar contract, Hossa's replacement, and all the other bull crap that's been posted here.
You told these guys more than once, it's gonna be a rough year, Q ain't standing for kids on the top 2lines, There is a reason that the front office hold the jobs they have , they have a plan, unlike some here that believe any crap thesehockey writers spit out starting with Lazerus, probably doesn't even know what Hockey Skates look like, and Kuc, he's too busyfollowin Tracy around let alone knowing the game. This city misses guys like Tim Sassone and Mike Spellman! Adam Jahns did a good job before he was re assigned also.
- wonthecup10

Scott Powers wasn't initially a hockey guy, but over the past 3-4 years, he has caught himself up big time. He really does his research, on all of his stories. He will report on what the Hawks front office says, he takes a professional approach, and doesn't put his views into the stories unless he has data to back it up. He also isn't a Hawks mouthpiece. He goes to Rockford and Hawks games to get an idea of what the team has and is. He even goes over to Europe and Russia to see upcoming Hawk players or big tournaments.

I initially didn't like him and felt ESPN just promoted him because he was the next guy up (after Rodgers took over the Cubs beat) but he has worked his butt off to catch up. Especially after ESPN cut his Blackhawks hockey position from their repitoire. He now does some great work for theathletic.

Also, does anyone know what happened to hockeysfuture.com? They haven't had a new story since the end of June.

I'm not seeing Kruger as the #2C either. Problem is that McNeill (at least at this point) is a bottom 6 player, and judging by where he was slotted in Rockford last season, my guess would be that he will be contending for the #4C job in camp.
- EKB13

Serious question (no sarcasm or snark), but what do you mean exactly about this? When you said "judging by where he was slotted in Rockford," does this mean McNeill played bottom 6 for the Icehogs? I thought he played top 6. Just looking for clarification given that I am not fortunate enough to take in Icehog games and I can only glean so much from AHL box scores.

Honestly, my guess would be is that the P-A-K line will be left in tact, and Panik will get first crack at LW with Toews/Hossa. Unless Schmaltz and Motte have an impressive camp. Further, I would not be shocked if Motte got a look with Toews/Hossa by mid-season.
- EKB13

What you shared here is on my point with how I think the season will start with Toews playing with Panik and Hossa and Anisimov playing with Panarin and Kane.

Then as the season progresses, Motte will be tested out at 1LW. Motte could break onto the 1st line earlier if he has such an outstanding camp that it would be a mistake to not slot him at 1LW right away.

As for Schmaltz, if he were to earn a spot in the top 6, I think it would be best if he and Kane didn't play on the same line as they are both playmakers. However, while it would be nice for Toews and Hossa to have a playmaker, Schmaltz doesn't exactly fit the mold of "first one in the zone to retrieve the puck" that has been sorely missed since Saad was traded. Instead, Schmaltz seems more like a puck carrier who will bring the puck into the zone himself, set-up, and wait for a pass to a teammate driving to the net. On the one hand, having that wouldn't be bad if Toews and Hossa played with someone like Schmaltz because Hossa has the motor, acumen, and strength to be "first one in the zone to retrieve the puck." On the other hand, how good is Schmaltz at the cycling game? Again, he seems more like a playmaker who needs to set-up and maintain possession of the puck to make plays rather than someone who will grind it out in the boards and slot to generate chances.

From reading the tea leaves, I believe that the organization has a defenseman they can afford to part with. I'm thinking that one of TvR or Svedberg gets flipped eventually for a candidate who might be able to skate with Toews/Hossa, and Bowman is waiting for a team in need during pre-season.
- EKB13

In one of his recent blogs, Eklund did start off by reminding readers of the significance of October 4, 2014, which is when the Hawks traded Leddy (and the Bruins traded Boychuk) to the Islanders. So a trade right before the season starts is not foreign land for Bowman and something he isn't shy to do. Will van Riemsdyk or Svedberg have a similar fate as Leddy? Difference is the Hawks this year need someone in return who can step in now to play, preferably top 6. When Leddy was traded, they didn't need a plug-n-play option and got prospects instead (Pokka and two others who are no longer in the system).

Also, does anyone know what happened to hockeysfuture.com? They haven't had a new story since the end of June.
- BearsnHawks

officially shut down since 7/1. Don't know any more than that.

Also, does anyone know what happened to hockeysfuture.com? They haven't had a new story since the end of June.
- BearsnHawks

If you're looking for a hockey website that is still running but constantly behind in reporting news, go to thefourthperiod.com. Their accuracy can be off, too. For a Vesey article, they had a picture of another Harvard student.

100% agree with you JJ, none of those rookies are making the top two lines and Panik is nothing more than a Sept call up that strung together a few good games and you got some guys ready to hand him a 6 year 30 million dollar contract, Hossa's replacement, and all the other bull crap that's been posted here.
You told these guys more than once, it's gonna be a rough year, Q ain't standing for kids on the top 2lines, There is a reason that the front office hold the jobs they have , they have a plan, unlike some here that believe any crap thesehockey writers spit out starting with Lazerus, probably doesn't even know what Hockey Skates look like, and Kuc, he's too busyfollowin Tracy around let alone knowing the game. This city misses guys like Tim Sassone and Mike Spellman! Adam Jahns did a good job before he was re assigned also.
- wonthecup10

I wonder how anyone who makes it real with their reporting magically gets re-assigned these days.