Probably coincidence, COL's not going anywhere this year so losing their #1 for the season means next to nothing
- John Jaeckel

True -I wasn't thinking about that.....

JJ, I believe your re-engineering on the horizon forecast. The West has changed to the point that Minnesota and San Jose are probably teams that the Hawks couldn't beat in a playoff series and Edmonton isn't far behind, especially if they can acquire some goaltending and defensive depth. And you can add Winnipeg to that mix eventually with all of their young developing players and possibly going for a high end coach.

On the other hand, nobody would be terribly surprised if the Hawks with a couple of tweaks and some luck came out of the West this year for one last shot at a Cup.
- RickJ

every year they compete- and that is while continuously losing players each off-season due to salary cap implications. one thing I really give the Hawks front office a lot of credit for is being able to evaluate their talent and move the right pieces when that time is ready. if the hawks have to move crawford and or seabrook, i will have full confidence in the front office with that decision as they will have a plan to keep the hawks competing for the next few years, or through the toews/kane contract's.

while they might be playing average hockey right now, I still think they have another gear that they will take their game to when the post season starts. their core has shown that year after year after year. I bet every team in the western conference still believes that if they want to win the cup, they have to go through Chicago. what teams should be worried about is if the Hawks do make the right moves to compliment what they have now. if they can add a 1LW and get another depth forward, they have to become the favorites out of the west. stanley cup aren't won for being the best team after 82 games. it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.

every year they compete- and that is while continuously losing players each off-season due to salary cap implications. one thing I really give the Hawks front office a lot of credit for is being able to evaluate their talent and move the right pieces when that time is ready. if the hawks have to move crawford and or seabrook, i will have full confidence in the front office with that decision as they will have a plan to keep the hawks competing for the next few years, or through the toews/kane contract's.

while they might be playing average hockey right now, I still think they have another gear that they will take their game to when the post season starts. their core has shown that year after year after year. I bet every team in the western conference still believes that if they want to win the cup, they have to go through Chicago. what teams should be worried about is if the Hawks do make the right moves to compliment what they have now. if they can add a 1LW and get another depth forward, they have to become the favorites out of the west. stanley cup aren't won for being the best team after 82 games. it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.
- frafra

Unfortunately, that's what was supposed to happen last year. Got that 1LW, and depth, but it didn't work out. They do have another gear, but they can't wait until the playoffs start to shift into it. The sooner they can get a LW to compliment Toews, the better. That way the chemistry can build in time for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, that's what was supposed to happen last year. Got that 1LW, and depth, but it didn't work out. They do have another gear, but they can't wait until the playoffs start to shift into it. The sooner they can get a LW to compliment Toews, the better. That way the chemistry can build in time for the playoffs.
- CanOCorn

They had forward depth, not defensive depth. Hitch knew that and capitalized every time one of Gus, Sved, TvR were on the ice. And yet the Hawks still took the best Blues team to 7.

That's why I do believe the Hawks have that other gear people are mentioning. It's really tough to knock them out in a best of 7.

Unfortunately, that's what was supposed to happen last year. Got that 1LW, and depth, but it didn't work out. They do have another gear, but they can't wait until the playoffs start to shift into it. The sooner they can get a LW to compliment Toews, the better. That way the chemistry can build in time for the playoffs.
- CanOCorn

i totally agree with you. i love corey crawford, but if they feel they can move him now for not just cap space, but also a valuable player back in return, I would hope they would do it. I only use Crawford's name because of JJ's prior blogs where he hints that the Hawks value a quality blue line and feel confident they can compete with any goaltender if they have a good team in front of him. i also personally like scott darling and think he is and could be a great goalie. I remember the days where I couldn't stand corey crawford and thought he sucked, but he truly has worked and grown into a top caliber goalie in the NHL- might as well trade when the stock is high.

Unfortunately, that's what was supposed to happen last year. Got that 1LW, and depth, but it didn't work out. They do have another gear, but they can't wait until the playoffs start to shift into it. The sooner they can get a LW to compliment Toews, the better. That way the chemistry can build in time for the playoffs.
- CanOCorn

Still, last season could have worked out better. It wasn't that the Hawks didn't have a good roster and depth. What I think a lot of people struggle with is that you can have a legitimate cup contending team and still fail to win. Last year the Hawks and the Blues were two strong teams that were faced off in Round 1. Hawks had enough players to go far last year, but they didn't execute well enough. Kane/Toews missed some golden chances, the team took some rather poorly timed penalties that Stl made them pay for.

There are a lot of factors that go into when they should pull the trigger. The pro-rated cap space is a big factor for the Hawks. Sure, we'd love to see them make all the deals they need right now and they get a roll down the stretch, but at the end of the day, it will be the playoffs that matter. Just gotta trust that the GM is doing what he can with the situation and discussions and offers, etc..

every year they compete- and that is while continuously losing players each off-season due to salary cap implications. one thing I really give the Hawks front office a lot of credit for is being able to evaluate their talent and move the right pieces when that time is ready. if the hawks have to move crawford and or seabrook, i will have full confidence in the front office with that decision as they will have a plan to keep the hawks competing for the next few years, or through the toews/kane contract's.

while they might be playing average hockey right now, I still think they have another gear that they will take their game to when the post season starts. their core has shown that year after year after year. I bet every team in the western conference still believes that if they want to win the cup, they have to go through Chicago. what teams should be worried about is if the Hawks do make the right moves to compliment what they have now. if they can add a 1LW and get another depth forward, they have to become the favorites out of the west. stanley cup aren't won for being the best team after 82 games. it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.
- frafra

You would get an argument from some people but the Hawks have never really given a player away in trade that blossomed into a real star or top line player. That speaks to their acumen in evaluating skilled talent. Many are called, much fewer are chosen to play with the big club for very long unless they are very good and dedicated to winning.

For sure, the Cap has forced them into some moves they didn't want to make but that's life in the NHL. The only real criticism should probably be directed at overpaying when the salary cap flat lined.

They had forward depth, not defensive depth. Hitch knew that and capitalized every time one of Gus, Sved, TvR were on the ice. And yet the Hawks still took the best Blues team to 7.

That's why I do believe the Hawks have that other gear people are mentioning. It's really tough to knock them out in a best of 7.
- teh_HAWKZ

it is ridiculous the resiliency they have shown in past years during series. 2011, knocked out in 7 games. 2014, knocked out in 7 games. 2016, knocked out in 7 games. don't get me wrong, some of those teams weren't anywhere close to being as talented as their three cup teams...but they are always dangerous because they don't panic and believe that they can win in any situation, against anybody.

on a side note, unless the hawks had no other choice but to move seabrook to edmonton for cap space...that is a team I would not want a player with his leadership abilities to go to. that team needs a player like brent seabrook. the guy is a flat out winner- like the rest of their core. even though he physically isn't as good as he was years ago, he brings things to a team that aren't noticed on the stat sheets.

You would get an argument from some people but the Hawks have never really given a player away in trade that blossomed into a real star or top line player. That speaks to their acumen in evaluating skilled talent. Many are called, much fewer are chosen to play with the big club for very long unless they are very good and dedicated to winning.

For sure, the Cap has forced them into some moves they didn't want to make but that's life in the NHL. The only real criticism should probably be directed at overpaying when the salary cap flat lined.
- RickJ

i def. agree with you about the overpaying part. but I guess that's also the other part of the price of success. if the cap doesn't remain stagnant the last few years, toews/kane/seabrooks contracts might not look nearly as crippling to the team. i also always remind myself, if any of these players hit the open market, where and what do they get paid? all three of those players would have a line of teams requesting their service.

it is ridiculous the resiliency they have shown in past years during series. 2011, knocked out in 7 games. 2014, knocked out in 7 games. 2016, knocked out in 7 games. don't get me wrong, some of those teams weren't anywhere close to being as talented as their three cup teams...but they are always dangerous because they don't panic and believe that they can win in any situation, against anybody.

on a side note, unless the hawks had no other choice but to move seabrook to edmonton for cap space...that is a team I would not want a player with his leadership abilities to go to. that team needs a player like brent seabrook. the guy is a flat out winner- like the rest of their core. even though he physically isn't as good as he was years ago, he brings things to a team that aren't noticed on the stat sheets.
- frafra

I also fear that if goes to his hometown Vancouver club, they will also improve dramatically with his leadership.

it is ridiculous the resiliency they have shown in past years during series. 2011, knocked out in 7 games. 2014, knocked out in 7 games. 2016, knocked out in 7 games. don't get me wrong, some of those teams weren't anywhere close to being as talented as their three cup teams...but they are always dangerous because they don't panic and believe that they can win in any situation, against anybody.

on a side note, unless the hawks had no other choice but to move seabrook to edmonton for cap space...that is a team I would not want a player with his leadership abilities to go to. that team needs a player like brent seabrook. the guy is a flat out winner- like the rest of their core. even though he physically isn't as good as he was years ago, he brings things to a team that aren't noticed on the stat sheets.
- frafra

Agreed all around. I don't know what Bowman has up his sleeve for the TDL, but it should be an interesting next few weeks.

I also fear that if goes to his hometown Vancouver club, they will also improve dramatically with his leadership.
- powerenforcer

Edmonton especially scares me because of connor mcdavid. that kid is flat out frightening. he's a manchild.

and honestly...like crosby...like toews...he's destined to win. it is only a matter of time. matthews is another with toronto.

Edmonton especially scares me because of connor mcdavid. that kid is flat out frightening. he's a manchild.

and honestly...like crosby...like toews...he's destined to win. it is only a matter of time. matthews is another with toronto.
- frafra

Did you watch the Oiler - Ducks game last night? The Oilcans looked pretty damn good, especially Leon Draisatl playing with McDavid. Intermission discussion on what its going to take to resign those 2 guys - most agreed $12M for McDavid and $6M for Draisatll.

And they are already laying out big bucks to Eberle, Nugent Hopkins, Lucic and Sekera. So, for all of those who criticize the Stanbo salary madness, the Oil got cap issues on the near horizon and they haven't even made the playoffs once yet.

And a further thought, how are they going to fit Seabrook into that group - its a pipe dream.

Edmonton especially scares me because of connor mcdavid. that kid is flat out frightening. he's a manchild.

and honestly...like crosby...like toews...he's destined to win. it is only a matter of time. matthews is another with toronto.
- frafra

That's why you need a guy like Kruger. Shut down center!

That's why you need a guy like Kruger. Shut down center!
- stan-ley-cups

Or Ryan Kesler who spent most of the night holding McDavid.

That's why you need a guy like Kruger. Shut down center!
- stan-ley-cups

i know kruger is a hot topic of debate on these blogs...but i personally think he is worth the money he is paid. he allows Q the luxury of being able to get match ups in playoff games because of his ability to play against opponents top lines. i know the hawks penalty kill has been rough this year....and thankfully it has leveled off since its horrid start...but he is arguably their most important penalty killer along with #4. i just look at last year when he got injured and the hit their PK took. he wins faceoff's, can match up with other teams top lines in the playoffs, and is arguably their best penalty killer. sure would scoring be a nice bonus? of course. but again, not everything is about scoring. the hawks have plenty of guys who can put the puck in the net. for a defense first team, kruger is essential.

Still, last season could have worked out better. It wasn't that the Hawks didn't have a good roster and depth. What I think a lot of people struggle with is that you can have a legitimate cup contending team and still fail to win. Last year the Hawks and the Blues were two strong teams that were faced off in Round 1. Hawks had enough players to go far last year, but they didn't execute well enough. Kane/Toews missed some golden chances, the team took some rather poorly timed penalties that Stl made them pay for.

There are a lot of factors that go into when they should pull the trigger. The pro-rated cap space is a big factor for the Hawks. Sure, we'd love to see them make all the deals they need right now and they get a roll down the stretch, but at the end of the day, it will be the playoffs that matter. Just gotta trust that the GM is doing what he can with the situation and discussions and offers, etc..
- breadbag

I basically agree, but you have to admit that after the top 3, last year's Hawk's defenders were swiss cheese. In hindsight I think even Bowman would now admit that he should have gone after a top 4 defender instead of Weiss and Fleischmann.

What would Iginla cost? Push Hartman to his natural LW

I basically agree, but you have to admit that after the top 3, last year's Hawk's defenders were swiss cheese. In hindsight I think even Bowman would now admit that he should have gone after a top 4 defender instead of Weiss and Fleischmann.
- -Doh-

Bowman did go after a top 4 defender before he looked into Weise/Flash. The market was extremely limited, but we know Chicago went fairly deep into discussion with Vancouver over Hamhuis. The ask was apparently too much (TT, 1st, ++), and Hamhuis ended up deciding he wasn't going to waive his NMC anyway (def not for Boston, Dallas, but rumor was he decided ultimately to not at all for family reasons).

Weise/Flash seemed to be the back-up plan when they couldn't get another/better defender.

I basically agree, but you have to admit that after the top 3, last year's Hawk's defenders were swiss cheese. In hindsight I think even Bowman would now admit that he should have gone after a top 4 defender instead of Weiss and Fleischmann.
- -Doh-

If I remember correctly, he tried. Hamhuis didn't want to come here (and arguably isn't a top 4). I thought there was another one that didn't work out.

And Bread...the Hawks have been around long enough to know that the most important thing is to get into the playoffs, after that, it's a new season. But, last year, they couldn't turn it on. They peaked during the win streak. Look at CBJ now. They've been .500 since the streak ended. Still a good team and they still might do some damage in teh playoffs.

I still have faith in the 'hawks. But, they need to elevate their game as they prepare for the playoffs. They are playing the fewest or close to the fewest games in the second half, which could help their health. We'll see.

What would Iginla cost? Push Hartman to his natural LW
- Assman22

Hartman is a right wing and has been playing LW. Acquiring Iginla would do nothing for Hartman. Also, Iginla is pretty done so I would hope they wouldn't waste any good assets on him + he'd take up the bulk of the cap space available so he'd be the primary move. He doesn't help the Hawks enough (or at all) to be able to compete this year.

Hartman is a right wing and has been playing LW. Acquiring Iginla would do nothing for Hartman. Also, Iginla is pretty done so I would hope they wouldn't waste any good assets on him + he'd take up the bulk of the cap space available so he'd be the primary move. He doesn't help the Hawks enough (or at all) to be able to compete this year.
- L_B_R

Yes I think you're right. NHL.com has him listed as LW but the rest have him RW. Eklund says Avs would cover the max salary allowed to move him

Yes I think you're right. NHL.com has him listed as LW but the rest have him RW. Eklund says Avs would cover the max salary allowed to move him
- Assman22

Yes, I'd assumed that the only way any team could get Ignila is if Colorado retained half. Chicago currently will have about $3.3m prorated space at the TDL - Iginla at half off is still about $2.7m. And again, Iginla is not worth whatever assets would be needed to acquire him / get the Avs to eat cap. Unless it's a low round pick, it's seems like a silly move.

The 'destined to win' thing seems more likely to be a narrative from the NHL. I take it then by logical extension, that Ovechkin is not destined to win a Stanley Cup simply because he hasn't at this point yet?

Or it might be that he mentally checks out quite often, and has been prone to fits when all he cares about is scoring but not a lot else.

Say what one will about +/- as a stat - but once you go to minus 30 something in a season, and have the ice time that that guy logs, it is a bit more relevant.

Sure - I know, that is just one guy, but then again, who is to say at this point what some of these recent additions to the league will turn out to be? 'Who' are they, in effect? Wait and see.

i know kruger is a hot topic of debate on these blogs...but i personally think he is worth the money he is paid. he allows Q the luxury of being able to get match ups in playoff games because of his ability to play against opponents top lines. i know the hawks penalty kill has been rough this year....and thankfully it has leveled off since its horrid start...but he is arguably their most important penalty killer along with #4. i just look at last year when he got injured and the hit their PK took. he wins faceoff's, can match up with other teams top lines in the playoffs, and is arguably their best penalty killer. sure would scoring be a nice bonus? of course. but again, not everything is about scoring. the hawks have plenty of guys who can put the puck in the net. for a defense first team, kruger is essential.
- frafra

The problem I have with this notion is it's the same excuse why Toews doesn't produce as much offensively because he's always out against the other teams top line and playing a defensive first role. If Kruger is so valuable and does that then Toews can't have that as an excuse. If Toews is still doing most of the heavy lifting then Kruger isn't as valuable as he's made out to be. I'll add that Kruger should be doing it all season long not just come playoff time.