I agree--trading Seabrook--is the wiser choice. Seabrook's contract will be like an anchor on this team in the near future.
Trading Seabrook at the TDL would be seen as a "white flag" by the fans....but some GM might overpay for him.

I'm not sure trading Crawford is the best chose. Darling is a free agent, and can sign anywhere--and some GM WILL overpay for Darling.

On the other hand, Crawford will probably return at least a mid range first round pick. But, if you move Crawford and Darling doesn't resign and leaves for free agency, you have no quality goaltender signed for next season.
- tompo1015

Totally disagree on your "white flag" theory. I don't think there's anybody out here who would not accept a deal that moves one or 2 of the core to get younger, faster, and solve the current cap hell that SB has gotten us into........with the exception I'd say of Kane or Panarin. They are the only untouchables. That's just my opinion and obviously many disagree here.
Everybody else in that core group can be had for the right price... IMO.

Hanzal or Zack Smith fit that bill - outlined in your first paragraph. Big guys who can take draws and play C/W. God-willing won't cost say, Hartman, Forsling, Kempny...
- 93Joe

At some point Stan has to hang on to some rookies and let them develop. I would certainly keep the three you mentioned, but I would be willing to part with Motte and Hinostroza if the return was decent.

Seabs for Sharp and Oduya. (They want crow, though.)

GO HOCKS
- hocktock

I'd do this trade.

- Oduya knows the system and could partner with Hammer again as a shut down pairing. The Swedes would be happy he's back.
- Losing Seabs would hurt in the locker room and on the ice where he's often been paired with younger left shooting defensemen that past couple of seasons.
- Upgrades LW and reunites the Sharp - Toews - Hossa line that's been effective in the past. Depending on how he's coming along with his recovery from concussion, he's probably a better option than Vanek. Not the big speedy Saad replacement but definitely an upgrade.
- Moves a big contract, which should solve the cap crunch for next season
- Might/could bring back Oduya and Sharp on discounted contracts next year

Eric Lear @BHTVeric

#Blackhawks lines: Hartman-Toews-Panik, Panarin-Anismiov-Kane, Hinostroza-Kero-Hossa, Desjardins-Rasmussen-Schmaltz.

Eric Lear @BHTVeric

#Blackhawks lines: Hartman-Toews-Panik, Panarin-Anismiov-Kane, Hinostroza-Kero-Hossa, Desjardins-Rasmussen-Schmaltz.
- jt19

Q (aka "Shuffleupagus") strikes again!

I'd do this trade.

- Oduya knows the system and could partner with Hammer again as a shut down pairing. The Swedes would be happy he's back.
- Losing Seabs would hurt in the locker room and on the ice where he's often been paired with younger left shooting defensemen that past couple of seasons.
- Upgrades LW and reunites the Sharp - Toews - Hossa line that's been effective in the past. Depending on how he's coming along with his recovery from concussion, he's probably a better option than Vanek. Not the big speedy Saad replacement but definitely an upgrade.
- Moves a big contract, which should solve the cap crunch for next season
- Might/could bring back Oduya and Sharp on discounted contracts next year
- matt_ahrens

Um.... does anyone remember what Sharp was like before we traded him? He's old and getting older. He's not the two way player he once was. He was playing 3rd line minutes for us. Oduya isn't a spring chicken either. Hard pass.

Totally disagree on your "white flag" theory. I don't think there's anybody out here who would not accept a deal that moves one or 2 of the core to get younger, faster, and solve the current cap hell that SB has gotten us into........with the exception I'd say of Kane or Panarin. They are the only untouchables. That's just my opinion and obviously many disagree here.
Everybody else in that core group can be had for the right price... IMO.
- Hawkytalk

Oh, I'm not disagreeing with you. I think it would be SMART to move a guy like Seabrook, if you can get a GM to overpay.
I simply think the causal fanbase will see it badly. Most guys here (some) are pretty intelligent when it comes to the game. The causal fan, ain't.

Agree again--the only guys on this team that, IMO, should be untouchable, is Kane and Breadsticks....maybe Keith and Hammer. But those last two would be available, in my book, for the right deal. However, I'm not a big fan of trading proven Dmen.

Eric Lear @BHTVeric

#Blackhawks lines: Hartman-Toews-Panik, Panarin-Anismiov-Kane, Hinostroza-Kero-Hossa, Desjardins-Rasmussen-Schmaltz.
- jt19

That's not a Stanley cup contending forward group. 7 forwards with 1 full season or less of NHL experience

Of the UFA/RFA crowd, the only forward I like is Martin Hanzal. Dude can play C and LW and is a beast. Vanek ...I think the expiration date has long since passed. Anyone else is too expensive or not an upgrade to what they have now.

My money is on Russian imports to address the top six issue. Maybe Tkachyov...but his contract does not expire in the KHL until 4/30/17. Shipachyov likely a re-sign by SKA - they are already talking extension to stay in KHL.

TVR won't be traded as he is one of the few players that can be left eligible for the expansion draft - something the Hawks are struggling with right now.
- Return of the Roar

I'd like to see him C the 3rd line and have Kruger on the 4th. That's some strength up the middle. He's a big body and that would help in the playoffs. Still need a LW then and maybe more F depth. Maybe the Russians could help with that.

Of the UFA/RFA crowd, the only forward I like is Martin Hanzal. Dude can play C and LW and is a beast. Vanek ...I think the expiration date has long since passed. Anyone else is too expensive or not an upgrade to what they have now.

My money is on Russian imports to address the top six issue. Maybe Tkachyov...but his contract does not expire in the KHL until 4/30/17. Shipachyov likely a re-sign by SKA - they are already talking extension to stay in KHL.

TVR won't be traded as he is one of the few players that can be left eligible for the expansion draft - something the Hawks are struggling with right now.
- Return of the Roar

As far as the expansion draft, i would wonder if something like the Ladd deal would resolve that. I will preface this by saying these are deals to make a point, not true suggestions. Send Seabs to say the Jets for Stafford and trouba, expose stafford and use the protected slot to save someone without a NMC. Or Seabs to Isles for Hamonic and Bailey.

Same basic principal....just my $0.02

As far as the expansion draft, i would wonder if something like the Ladd deal would resolve that. I will preface this by saying these are deals to make a point, not true suggestions. Send Seabs to say the Jets for Stafford and trouba, expose stafford and use the protected slot to save someone without a NMC. Or Seabs to Isles for Hamonic and Bailey.

Same basic principal....just my $0.02
- ikeane

I don't think Stafford qualifies for the minimum expansion draft requirements since he is a pending UFA.

Please let's not bring back old Hawks. Not to be pessimistic but I don't believe this a Stanley Cup team . No more getting ride of young players .
Kevin Hayes
TT
Daniault
Johns
Saad
Dano
Raanta
Nillison

That's alot of young players that have left. Not all successful
But that's alot of youth that for the most part we have nothing to show for

Please let's not bring back old Hawks. Not to be pessimistic but I don't believe this a Stanley Cup team . No more getting ride of young players .
Kevin Hayes
TT
Daniault
Johns
Saad
Dano
Raanta
Nillison

That's alot of young players that have left. Not all successful
But that's alot of youth that for the most part we have nothing to show for
- HamiltonHawk

Except 3 cups in the past 7 years. Man, we're a spoiled bunch.

Here are some of the names I'd think the Hawks may consider if they become available. Some teams are still in the race, but a bad week or two could change things fast. Not really in any special order, but the Hawks could use the forward help.

Vanek - 2.6 mil - Putting up nearly a point per game with Detroit right now. No brainer I think if you can him for the right price.

Vrbata - 1 mil - Far and away leading Arizona in scoring, while he isn't the complete package he gets a lot of pucks on net and can play with skilled forwards. Easy to fit under the cap.

Eaves - 1 mil - Having a decent year (15 goals and 9 assists) and can play both wings. Not a star, but a guy that can easily play in that 2nd to 3rd line wing spot, assuming Dallas falls a bit more in the Race.

Zack Smith - 1.887 mil - would be a good guy to tackle a C spot in the lower lines, especially if Kruger isn't ready to go or has setbacks.

PA Paranteau - 1.25 mil Cheap price tag and likely will be available, but not the best option. He is capable of adding a bit of offensive talent.

Versteeg - 950K The Flames are hanging in for now, but if that changes he could become available. Cheap contract and a known commodity with the Hawks. Has had some good chemistry with Kane before.

Korpikoski - 1 mil - If Dallas slides, he could be an okay depth pickup. Not really a top 6 guy, but maybe to help add experience to the 4th line.

Doan - 3.876 mil - A bit pricey and on the decline, but I wouldn't say impossible.

Stafford - 4.35 mil - High cap hit and likely would need salary retained, but I don't think his price should be too high. He isn't having a great year, but could bounce back with a change of scene.

The Hawks aren't likely to go after more D, but if they ended up moving someone in a larger trade, Seinenberg would maybe be a decent pickup to fill the hole. The guy is 3rd in icetime for the Islanders, making 1 million per year on an expiring contract.

Here are some of the names I'd think the Hawks may consider if they become available. Some teams are still in the race, but a bad week or two could change things fast. Not really in any special order, but the Hawks could use the forward help.

Vanek - 2.6 mil - Putting up nearly a point per game with Detroit right now. No brainer I think if you can him for the right price.

Vrbata - 1 mil - Far and away leading Arizona in scoring, while he isn't the complete package he gets a lot of pucks on net and can play with skilled forwards. Easy to fit under the cap.

Eaves - 1 mil - Having a decent year (15 goals and 9 assists) and can play both wings. Not a star, but a guy that can easily play in that 2nd to 3rd line wing spot, assuming Dallas falls a bit more in the Race.

Zack Smith - 1.887 mil - would be a good guy to tackle a C spot in the lower lines, especially if Kruger isn't ready to go or has setbacks.

PA Paranteau - 1.25 mil Cheap price tag and likely will be available, but not the best option. He is capable of adding a bit of offensive talent.

Versteeg - 950K The Flames are hanging in for now, but if that changes he could become available. Cheap contract and a known commodity with the Hawks. Has had some good chemistry with Kane before.

Korpikoski - 1 mil - If Dallas slides, he could be an okay depth pickup. Not really a top 6 guy, but maybe to help add experience to the 4th line.

Doan - 3.876 mil - A bit pricey and on the decline, but I wouldn't say impossible.

Stafford - 4.35 mil - High cap hit and likely would need salary retained, but I don't think his price should be too high. He isn't having a great year, but could bounce back with a change of scene.

The Hawks aren't likely to go after more D, but if they ended up moving someone in a larger trade, Seinenberg would maybe be a decent pickup to fill the hole. The guy is 3rd in icetime for the Islanders, making 1 million per year on an expiring contract.
- breadbag

Nice list. Thanks. What do you think about Martin Hanzel and the Blackhawks? Too expensive? And what about the possibility of adding some Russians this year?

Q (aka "Shuffleupagus") strikes again!
- DarthKane

And, henceforth he shall be known

At some point Stan has to hang on to some rookies and let them develop. I would certainly keep the three you mentioned, but I would be willing to part with Motte and Hinostroza if the return was decent.
- DarthKane

Call me crazy and my insight is VERY limited from the small sample size we have seen, Schmaltz would be expendable in my book.

(Hides behind cover)

Nice list. Thanks. What do you think about Martin Hanzel and the Blackhawks? Too expensive? And what about the possibility of adding some Russians this year?
- matt_ahrens

Probably worth considering Hanzel. My list wasn't complete, just some I was throwing out there. There are some options out of Russia, but I think the risk there is bring in someone to NA and putting too much pressure on them going into the playoffs. Probably a safer bet to get an established NHL player, but who knows what Stan is cooking. He seems to usually do what few people expect or see coming.

Call me crazy and my insight is VERY limited from the small sample size we have seen, Schmaltz would be expendable in my book.

(Hides behind cover)


- 93Joe

He is our only Forward prospect that at this point projects as possible a top 6. So if you are going top 3 and bunch of grinders in the bottom 9 I would agree. he is our best passing prospect and was the best player in Rockford in his 10 game stint.

He is our only Forward prospect that at this point projects as possible a top 6. So if you are going top 3 and bunch of grinders in the bottom 9 I would agree. he is our best passing prospect and was the best player in Rockford in his 10 game stint.
- kmw4631

I'm with you there. I think there is good potential in him and he is only halfway into his first pro season. If he hasn't progressed in 2 more years, then that becomes a different story.

Eric Lear @BHTVeric

#Blackhawks lines: Hartman-Toews-Panik, Panarin-Anismiov-Kane, Hinostroza-Kero-Hossa, Desjardins-Rasmussen-Schmaltz.
- jt19

Soooo, does that make Toews our 1C or 3C?

Nice list. Thanks. What do you think about Martin Hanzel and the Blackhawks? Too expensive? And what about the possibility of adding some Russians this year?
- matt_ahrens

Sign Brad Richards off the couch for only $$$? With that being said, I like Hanzal too

Soooo, does that make Toews our 1C or 3C?
- conwell

3C. They're giving him first line minutes to showcase him for a trade.

Off topic but will take any input. Me, and five buddies, are going to Boston for the game this Friday night. Will be there Friday through Monday morning. Any thoughts on good eats or bars? We will be there for the AFC Championship on Sunday so our fear is the bars will be mobbed. Anything in Boston that is a must see? Taking a tour of Fenway on Saturday. Also the Sam Adams brewery on Saturday.

Please let's not bring back old Hawks. Not to be pessimistic but I don't believe this a Stanley Cup team . No more getting ride of young players .
Kevin Hayes
TT
Daniault
Johns
Saad
Dano
Raanta
Nillison

That's alot of young players that have left. Not all successful
But that's alot of youth that for the most part we have nothing to show for
- HamiltonHawk

Kevin Hayes chose not to sign.

Danault I'd love to have back.

Johns is decent, but our D is solid right now.

Saad is obvious, but we'd still have a 2C hole with no AA.

Dano did nothing of note is is pretty average.

Raanta is great, but so is Darling. Couldn't have both.

Nillison was never coming here with our goalies.