Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 4m4 minutes ago
Marcus Kruger expects to play Sunday for Sweden.
- pdx2ord

That is good news. Some weird report out of Sweden was suggesting it is a long term injury.

‏@MarkLazerus
Marian Hossa obviously enjoys playing with Jonathan Toews the most, but is expecting to and happy to play with Marcus Kruger at times, also.
- DarthKane

That is surprising to me.

I don't think fatty meant that even though that was how it sounded.

We can all fall in lockstep with the party line on the upcoming "youth fest," but . . .

having struck out in addressing top 6 LW this summer, the Hawks have to be back to at least considering the options as far as who they can deal in order to create cap space and bring the missing piece(s) back.

You can say that the Hawks can't afford to part with Kruger or Crawford, but after them, you don't have a lot of tradeable pieces that both create cap space and bring back real value in trade and can conceivably be somewhat replaced with what you have. And between those two, the arrow points a lot more strongly to Crawford.

Same deal, though, would the improved D be improved enough to mitigate the drop off from Crawford to Darling or Goalie X?
- John Jaeckel

But Bowman won't take the risk of trading Crawford for a fringe piece or 3rd line player....And it isn't happening anytime this season because he would lose the room.

Crawford was the main reason the Hawks won one if not both of the last two Cups....The players know that as well.

Now, that's not to say Crawford will never be dealt but Darling will have to be given the opportunity to play a lot of games this season and do very well. Where I sit unless Crawford is injured for quite awhile I wouldn't bet both will happen.

If I were the GM, AA would have been dealt this summer and both Shaw and Kruger would still be here...So what do I know.

Every season since 2010 Hawks have a had at least one hole-But now they have the same hole as last season plus the void that Shaw leaves as well.

‏@MarkLazerus
Marian Hossa obviously enjoys playing with Jonathan Toews the most, but is expecting to and happy to play with Marcus Kruger at times, also.
- DarthKane

Really think that having 3 "core duos" on the top 3 lines makes a lot of sense, especially with a number of new faces, instead of putting 3 of the returning forwards (Toews, Kane, Hossa, Panarin, AA, Kruger) on one line.

To me, something like:

XXXX-Toews-Kane (19 and 88 as the two drivers of that line)
Panarin-AA-XXXX (72 and 15 as the two drivers of that line)
XXXX-Kruger-Hossa (16 and 81 as the two drivers of that line)
4th line

makes a lot of sense this year. But we'll see what Q does.

You had Bickell doing his thing in the playoff and Saad and Sharp and Shaw and a 3 year younger Hossa. Definitely and offensive dynamo compared to our current group of forwards. Also first in goals for that year. Had 9 guys score 10 pts in those playoffs. Shaw had 9 and a baby Saad had 6.

This teams forward depth is not close to the '13 cup. Don't undersell the '13 teams depth.
- bhawks2241

True, but I'm also not saying the forward depth of this team is better than the one in '13.

We had all the forward depth in the world in last year's playoffs, and we still lost. Defense wins championships above all else.

Really think that having 3 "core duos" on the top 3 lines makes a lot of sense, especially with a number of new faces, instead of putting 3 of the returning forwards (Toews, Kane, Hossa, Panarin, AA, Kruger) on one line.

To me, something like:

XXXX-Toews-Kane (19 and 88 as the two drivers of that line)
Panarin-AA-XXXX (72 and 15 as the two drivers of that line)
XXXX-Kruger-Hossa (16 and 81 as the two drivers of that line)
4th line

makes a lot of sense this year. But we'll see what Q does.
- Hawksfan37

This is definitely one way to create more balance throughout the lineup. It's not a fool-proof solution, breaking up 72/15/88 is a risk and Hossa is still the second best RW on the team so taking him out of the top 6 is a risk. I think it would be worth a try, at least at the beginning of the season.

7F: Toews, Kane, Panarin, Hoss, Anisimov, Kruger, ???

3D: Keith, Seabrook, Hammer

Exempt from expansion/expiring contracts:
Kempney, Campbell, Schmaltz etc

Swapping TVR/D depth for another F in which we can protect would be perfect.

(I believe Panarin is exempt as well, but even with having to protect him, we still have another spot for whichever F we trade for)
- Slofire94

Panarin is exempt just as anyone who Debuted last year is.

True, but I'm also not saying the forward depth of this team is better than the one in '13.

We had all the forward depth in the world in last year's playoffs, and we still lost. Defense wins championships above all else.
- teh_HAWKZ

Being able to effectively transition from defense to offense and playing at a relentless pace wins. The 10, 13 (and 14) Hawks did this very well. The 15 team not at that same level but they were insanely deep up the middle of the ice and had 3 lines with some kind of goal scorer and a 4th that tirelessly pursued the puck.

Last year they couldn't get out of their own zone and chased and chased and chased. Aside from Keith and whomever happened to be his partner, they were pinned in and beaten on and Crawford bailed them out.

Campbell fixes an awful lot of that. If Kempny can make a stretch pass consistently on the third pairing getting cush match ups then oooooooh boy.

This is definitely one way to create more balance throughout the lineup. It's not a fool-proof solution, breaking up 72/15/88 is a risk and Hossa is still the second best RW on the team so taking him out of the top 6 is a risk. I think it would be worth a try, at least at the beginning of the season.
- DarthKane

Could always have kane do every other shift with 72/15 in the third if we are down. He did just put up his highest ATOI last year, and with the nice long break this summer he could be up for doing it again.

Could always have kane do every other shift with 72/15 in the third if we are down. He did just put up his highest ATOI last year, and with the nice long break this summer he could be up for doing it again.
- the_dough_boy

Plus there's always the nuclear option of 72-19-88 when the game is on the line.

Plus there's always the nuclear option of 53-19-88 when the game is on the line.
- DarthKane

Fixed it for you ....

Being able to effectively transition from defense to offense and playing at a relentless pace wins. The 10, 13 (and 14) Hawks did this very well. The 15 team not at that same level but they were insanely deep up the middle of the ice and had 3 lines with some kind of goal scorer and a 4th that tirelessly pursued the puck.

Last year they couldn't get out of their own zone and chased and chased and chased. Aside from Keith and whomever happened to be his partner, they were pinned in and beaten on and Crawford bailed them out.

Campbell fixes an awful lot of that. If Kempny can make a stretch pass consistently on the third pairing getting cush match ups then oooooooh boy.
- fattybeef

The passing wasn't as good from anyone on the back end as in the past except for Seabrook. TVR wasn't an issue but no one filled the Oduya void-while Daley was here he was an awful passer. Hammer had his worst season that I can recall and Keith didn't look the same and was run down by the time the playoffs were here.

I agree Campbell should help a lot, but some of the blame does fall on the forwards as well.

On paper this is the best Hawks defense in the last 10 years, actually a lot longer than that.

The passing wasn't as good from anyone on the back end as in the past except for Seabrook. TVR wasn't an issue but no one filled the Oduya void-while Daley was here he was an awful passer. Hammer had his worst season that I can recall and Keith didn't look the same and was run down by the time the playoffs were here.

I agree Campbell should help a lot, but some of the blame does fall on the forwards as well.

On paper this is the best Hawks defense in the last 10 years, actually a lot longer than that.
- Al

Lots of "ifs" there (and I know you said "on paper"):

IF Kempny is the real deal - seems to be - but Dano seemed to be before he showed up, so did Tetavainen before he came over....

IF Campbell can take up where he left off here several years ago....

IF Keith doesn't lose much time and can be fully healed rather quickly....

‏@ArponBasu
Vadim Shipachev confirms he will complete his contract in the KHL and consider a move to NHL next season. Said 3-5 teams expressed interest.

Lots of "ifs" there (and I know you said "on paper"):

IF Kempny is the real deal - seems to be - but Dano seemed to be before he showed up, so did Tetavainen before he came over....

IF Campbell can take up where he left off here several years ago....

IF Keith doesn't lose much time and can be fully healed rather quickly....
- StLBravesFan

To be honest in my view anything good from Kempney is ++
I am counting on Campbell being close to what he was last year, if so that's big, and Keith being healthy for the majority of the season.

Like I mentioned on the radio-If Keith has other issues like more than age appropriate arthritis or something else going on-all bets off. A meniscus tear for someone his age isn't normally a big problem...So maybe there is more going on with his knee...For now I won't assume there is.

‏@ArponBasu
Vadim Shipachev confirms he will complete his contract in the KHL and consider a move to NHL next season. Said 3-5 teams expressed interest.
- DarthKane

Hey DK...

How bout this for a top 6

72 19 81
15 16 88 or will it be

14 19 81
72 15 88 Just dont think Q will break up the Kane line.

Looking forward to the competition in preseason this year thought we might of had a vet or two more on ptos. Will Hartman and McNeil both play to there potential and play with a physical edge. Will Lundberg be a good banger opposite tootoo. Does mashinter try to do his job and be a actual enforcer or will he be invisible and get sent to rockford. Looking forward to the preseason. Besides team usa vs Canada the world cup has been a snooze fest even though I heard Russia Canada was good.

The passing wasn't as good from anyone on the back end as in the past except for Seabrook. TVR wasn't an issue but no one filled the Oduya void-while Daley was here he was an awful passer. Hammer had his worst season that I can recall and Keith didn't look the same and was run down by the time the playoffs were here.

I agree Campbell should help a lot, but some of the blame does fall on the forwards as well.

On paper this is the best Hawks defense in the last 10 years, actually a lot longer than that.
- Al

Even if we can't fill that 1LW, this team should be better than last year. No reason to think Crawford wouldn't be close to last year. Like you said, the D on paper looks to be better than it has in awhile. A more talented and rested D will move the puck out of the D-zone quicker, which will have a domino effect on everything else. Again, passing can't be worse than last year.

We did lose some talent up front, but you have to figure Toews and Hossa will be better. Period. Maybe there's a 1LW waiting to be found!?!?!? Can the "2nd" line perform close to last year? Again, no reason to think they can't. Then we have to hope that the kids and other parts can form responsible 3rd and 4th line combos. Rest for the core should show itself this year. Then that G.D. world cup....

Then you still have some money left and you can possibly make a big enough splash at the TDL to shore up weak spot(s) and then hold on for the ride! Optimist view.

so this asinine myth that Duncan Keith had an off year last year needs to stop immediately. He had one of the best years of his career.

His PPG was the third highest of his career. He had more D zone starts than any time in his career. By a significant margin. Yet he still drove play and at the second highest level of his career relative to his teammates.

All things considered, he had an exceptional season. He was tremendous in the STL series. Again.

Seabrook was awful with any defender not named Keith and was consistently beat around the boards with out someone faster to play safety for him. TVR was over matched in many situations and is atrocious with the puck on the back of his blade.

With the group they have back there he could put up +70 points this year and win another Norris because that's how that stupid award works.

Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 9m9 minutes ago
Asked Stan Bowman if there's a possibility Duncan Keith wouldn't be ready for regular season: "I don't know how to answer that."
#Blackhawks


Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 11m11 minutes ago
Stan Bowman on Duncan Keith: "He'll be ready when he is ready. But its nothing that we're alarmed about."

#Blackhawks
- DarthKane

His injury/recovery could very well be worse than expected, but the timing of this makes me think that this is posturing to increase the value of our "available defenseman".

Any of you all STH for the Hawks? Us Blues STH have the privilege of paying full price for 2 home pre-season games where 1/3 to 1/2 of the NHL roster will still be at #WCOH2016. Of course, would still have been a poor value even if WCOH was not going on.
- Jason Millen

Same bow crap with us also, 3pre season games full price and they won't let us sell them on the Tix exchange for half price. I ve been in the game since 72-73, I've about had my run , minus the 3cups ,don't like the direction the game is going, pretty close to being on the good by list and watching at home.
A couple of non play off seasons in a row for me will just about seal it. We've lost too many good players because of the hard cap. Should be a soft cap plus a luxury tax, I am sure Rocky would pay it with packed houses every night! No way I stay for another re build at these prices.

Good catch DK on the Shipachyov information. Food for thought, he will be 30 years old next summer. Not old per se, maybe even just fine for the Hawks year to year strategy.

Also, if Kevin Hayes truly is such a huge influence on Jimmy Vesey, one would hope that Panerin would be the same for Shipachyov. He has put up very impressive numbers for his KHL team, you would think centering Panerin would appeal to him.

Hey DK...

How bout this for a top 6

72 19 81
15 16 88 or will it be

14 19 81
72 15 88 Just dont think Q will break up the Kane line.
- z1990z

If they move Kruger up to the top 6, I can't see him centering AA and Kane. IMO they would have to move AA to 1LW. 15, 16, 88 would really hamstring Kane, because neither AA or Kruger have a ton of offensive ability. Plus, they kind of play the same game. This would still leave us with only one real scoring threat, it would just shift from Kane's line to Toews' line.

‏@MarkLazerus
Marian Hossa obviously enjoys playing with Jonathan Toews the most, but is expecting to and happy to play with Marcus Kruger at times, also.
- DarthKane

I have zero problem with that.

I also, in theory, can roll with:

XX-19-88
72-15-XX
XX-16-81

BUT, that comes back to the now age-old question. Who are those XX's and can they do the jobs assigned?

If I were Q, assuming I was starting with that, and with the "assets" currently available, I would go with Panik with Toews and Kane. With 19 and 88, you know that line won't suck anyway. Just hope Panik can create some space and be disruptive and not explode with the puck on his blade.

I would try Schmaltz with Panarin and AA. RW is his natural wing, his playmaking could—could theoretically—complement Panarin nicely. Who knows he might be better than AA in the dot (it's possible) and could bump him out of there in some situations.

And I would try either Motte or McNeill (or both) on Kruger's left side.

I would do so with some trepidation and the big worry would be Motte and Schmaltz being able to hack it over 200 feet against the best players int he world.

But it's worth a try in the absence of better options.

Good catch DK on the Shipachyov information. Food for thought, he will be 30 years old next summer. Not old per se, maybe even just fine for the Hawks year to year strategy.

Also, if Kevin Hayes truly is such a huge influence on Jimmy Vesey, one would hope that Panerin would be the same for Shipachyov. He has put up very impressive numbers for his KHL team, you would think centering Panerin would appeal to him.
- Omahawk

Hopefully Panarin is still Hawks property next year?