This is what I am hoping for. If there is a fear that the bottom 6 won't generate a lot of offense, then they need to do the opposite and keep the other team from scoring by playing solid defense and agitating the crap out of them. If the bottom 6 can do that without taking dumb penalties, then that's a plus for the team. Timely goals and opportunistic goals will make this a bigger plus.
- AEL_Fox

That is true for sure. It would be great to have the bottom 6 trusted to play D in any situation. Much like previous years for example, where Q had no problem putting them out there to defend a lead late in a game. The lack of offense will only hurt if the top 6 end up firing on 3-4 cylinders again.

That is true for sure. It would be great to have the bottom 6 trusted to play D in any situation. Much like previous years for example, where Q had no problem putting them out there to defend a lead late in a game. The lack of offense will only hurt if the top 6 end up firing on 3-4 cylinders again.
- breadbag

Well, not completely accurate - Q has always trusted his checking line to play D in any situation (Kruger, Bolland lines), but since like 2011/12, the offensive '3rd' line has been very sheltered for a reason. It's not like Stalberg was ever out much in the DZ - Q didn't even deploy Vermette's there ever for the short time they were together in 2015 (but he seemed to have something again Vermette's style or game).

It's a great idea, just not one that's typical in terms of both bottom lines.

McNeill spent almost the entirety of last season playing center. I don't have the stats, but from my seat in Rockford, he (and Dowell) were the two guys taking the important draws last season. Further, McNeill appeared to win more draws then he lost.
- EKB13

Thankfully we have you Eli. I wasn't aware.

Definitely a versatile FWD, however I'm scared for MM as I have a feeling he could be Q's new whipping boy.

I've always been a fan, I'm routing for him.

Can't believe some are still trying to force the "Hossa on the third line narrative" so some guy, the best of whom had 25 goals in Rockford last year, can take his place in the Top 6.

You have to admire the persistence, if not the "logic."

Again, it would be great if some 21 year old stepped up and showed he is a better two-way player than a first ballot hall of famer, admittedly coming off a bad year.

But . . . again . . . Hossa's LINE sucked last year, as did his 28 year old center, because they were missing a bona fide top 6 LW. And they still are. So let's fill that job with a Clearasil Kid, AND let's move Hossa down, and fill his job with one, too!

Someone please explain to me how this makes any sense whatsoever. Please. My brain is starting to hurt.
- John Jaeckel

Toews is paid $10.5 mil to carry a line, not depend on a HOF RW(Hossa) and All-Star LW's (Sharp+Saad). The reason that the 1LW was a revolving door of Bottom 6 talent is bc Captain Serious is the Co-highest paid player in the NHL. With the Hawks' top heavy cap structure, cheap vets or kids on an ELC is all Stan can afford. So make it work 19. Ironic that the first year without Sharp or Saad on his line, and an aging Hossa, Toews' line took a HUGE step back in possession and production....hmmmmm

Rags reportedly looking to trade for Defensemen.

How about Nash to fill that LW spot in exchange for some defensive prospects? Even though the Hawks are already thin on them...

Would you take the gamble?

Rags reportedly looking to trade for Defensemen.

How about Nash to fill that LW spot in exchange for some defensive prospects? Even though the Hawks are already thin on them...

Would you take the gamble?
- Hank3Henshaw

Nash makes $9.5 mil so if Stan can make the money work, of course. I don't see how the Cap math works out....

Nash makes $9.5 mil so if Stan can make the money work, of course. I don't see how the Cap math works out....
- EnzoD

I forgot how astronomical his contract was...

Nash makes $9.5 mil so if Stan can make the money work, of course. I don't see how the Cap math works out....
- EnzoD

Nash makes 7.8M. Kruger and Hjalmarsson would do it.

Well, not completely accurate - Q has always trusted his checking line to play D in any situation (Kruger, Bolland lines), but since like 2011/12, the offensive '3rd' line has been very sheltered for a reason. It's not like Stalberg was ever out much in the DZ - Q didn't even deploy Vermette's there ever for the short time they were together in 2015 (but he seemed to have something again Vermette's style or game).

It's a great idea, just not one that's typical in terms of both bottom lines.
- L_B_R

Well you are right, I didn't mean specifically all players in the bottom 6 and every year, but more that the Hawks have had the luxury of putting out bottom 6 guys in these situations more than most teams. Q (rightly so) doesn't just trust anyone defensively, so it would be great to have some real solid defensive options.

Toews is paid $10.5 mil to carry a line, not depend on a HOF RW(Hossa) and All-Star LW's (Sharp+Saad). The reason that the 1LW was a revolving door of Bottom 6 talent is bc Captain Serious is the Co-highest paid player in the NHL. With the Hawks' top heavy cap structure, cheap vets or kids on an ELC is all Stan can afford. So make it work 19. Ironic that the first year without Sharp or Saad on his line, and an aging Hossa, Toews' line took a HUGE step back in possession and production....hmmmmm
- EnzoD

He def had an off-year. Looking for him to have a serious bounceback and with his personality and character, I can guarantee watching his lil buddy Kaner win all that hardware lit a competitive fire deep down.

Rags reportedly looking to trade for Defensemen.

How about Nash to fill that LW spot in exchange for some defensive prospects? Even though the Hawks are already thin on them...

Would you take the gamble?
- Hank3Henshaw

Sure they are because after McD the rest of them are a whole collection of yeeessh.

Toews is paid $10.5 mil to carry a line, not depend on a HOF RW(Hossa) and All-Star LW's (Sharp+Saad). The reason that the 1LW was a revolving door of Bottom 6 talent is bc Captain Serious is the Co-highest paid player in the NHL. With the Hawks' top heavy cap structure, cheap vets or kids on an ELC is all Stan can afford. So make it work 19. Ironic that the first year without Sharp or Saad on his line, and an aging Hossa, Toews' line took a HUGE step back in possession and production....hmmmmm
- EnzoD

Well, he, himself, didn't lose much in the way of production. Same goal total and 8 less assists. It can be argued that the assist were due to less talent on his left side.

Thankfully we have you Eli. I wasn't aware.

Definitely a versatile FWD, however I'm scared for MM as I have a feeling he could be Q's new whipping boy.

I've always been a fan, I'm routing for him.
- TyCamScore

You're welcome. Always a pleasure to see you posting, Ty!

Nash makes $9.5 mil so if Stan can make the money work, of course. I don't see how the Cap math works out....
- EnzoD

Nash at 50% retained for Kruger would work.

Well, he, himself, didn't lose much in the way of production. Same goal total and 8 less assists. It can be argued that the assist were due to less talent on his left side.
- JRoenick97

He also didn't spend much time on the PP with Kane last season.

Well you are right, I didn't mean specifically all players in the bottom 6 and every year, but more that the Hawks have had the luxury of putting out bottom 6 guys in these situations more than most teams. Q (rightly so) doesn't just trust anyone defensively, so it would be great to have some real solid defensive options.
- breadbag

He has plenty of defensive options for the bottom 6. The unknown is finding that bottom 6 line that gets sheltered and can produce offensively going into this season.

Well, he, himself, didn't lose much in the way of production. Same goal total and 8 less assists. It can be argued that the assist were due to less talent on his left side.
- JRoenick97

I think the assists definitely dropped because of lack of finish on both wings last year. The one concern some folks had, is that 5v5 scoring in general was down to Toews. He did make of the difference on the PP and in OT, but would be good to see his line bounce back 5v5.

Toews points per 60 5v5

12/13 (lockout year) - 3.3
12/14 - 2.3
14/15 - 2.2
15/16 - 1.6

This last season was the only time he had a year under 2.1 in his career.

You're welcome. Always a pleasure to see you posting, Ty!
- EKB13

Always reading... been pretty swamped over here (now with a little one on the go) but will try to step up my posting game.

He also didn't spend much time on the PP with Kane last season.
- TTtime

I think that is a case of that Panarin-AA-Kane line just being too good offensively. Hard to break up a good thing.

Always reading... been pretty swamped over here (now with a little one on the go) but will try to step up my posting game.
- TyCamScore

Same here. I've been hit and miss all summer. Graduation, new house, interview rodeo, chasing deadbeats...never a dull moment.

I think that is a case of that Panarin-AA-Kane line just being too good offensively. Hard to break up a good thing.
- breadbag

True. Just was pointing out another factor that Toews' number might have been a bit "off" last season.

I think the assists definitely dropped because of lack of finish on both wings last year. The one concern some folks had, is that 5v5 scoring in general was down to Toews. He did make of the difference on the PP and in OT, but would be good to see his line bounce back 5v5.

Toews points per 60 5v5

12/13 (lockout year) - 3.3
12/14 - 2.3
14/15 - 2.2
15/16 - 1.6

This last season was the only time he had a year under 2.1 in his career.
- breadbag

Same for Hossa, points per 60:

12/13 - 2.1
13/14 - 2.1
14/15 - 2.0
15/16 - 1.2

So the two of them -

12/13 - 5.4
13/14 - 4.4
14/15 - 4.2
15/16 - 2.8

What about trading for someone like Josh Levio to compete for a LW spot. He is going to have to pass thru waivers and its only 50/50 he makes the team. he probably gets claimed by someone before the hawks. he has shown to be a good goal scorer and has a friendly salary. Hartman, Mcneal, Schmaltz are all better on the RW I thought I read. we are not going to be able to get a true top 6 LW but even if we get a Bottom 6 LW that can score goals and give him a shot on the 1 or 2nd line that just means Panik is probably sitting at the 3LW.

Nash at 50% retained for Kruger would work.
- kmw4631

"Rags reportedly looking to trade for Defensemen"

You can't (and shouldn't) judge anyone on their first NHL game. I have no idea how well McNeill will do in camp and if/when he makes the team. But he is somewhat tested and known, based on 2+ productive seasons in the AHL, where he also does some things that don't make the scoresheet.
- John Jaeckel

Hawks picked him ahead of picking Philip Danault, so he should have the tools. Does he have the intangibles is the question?