Probably wise to save posts like these til next month. Things may, uh, change.
- John Jaeckel

Sure they might. Doesn't change the fact that as things stand at the moment, Kruger will be exposed. And that they currently need at least another forward if they want to protect Hartman.

Is he that big? The TB website lists him at 6' 188lbs. That's a big difference..
- airmidget1

He's more like the listed size. Sort of Tony Amonte-ish. Also is Czech, not Slovak.

Sure they might. Doesn't change the fact that as things stand at the moment, Kruger will be exposed. And that they currently need at least another forward if they want to protect Hartman.
- TTtime

Sure, and the makeup of the roster, number and identities of exposable players will likely change.

I think most would agree Duchene is a better player than Palat. But he also cost almost another $3M of cap space which means the Kruger would probably need to be part of a deal to acquire Duchene where Kruger would not have to be dealt in a deal to Acquire Palat.

Therefore, my question is which is the better overall deal for the Hawks - Duchene and losing Kruger OR Palat and keeping Kruger?
- EbonyRaptor

IMO.....Duchene...if you can afford him.

He's more like the listed size. Sort of Tony Amonte-ish. Also is Czech, not Slovak.
- John Jaeckel

Ya I thought I had seen a player profile online of him at 6'2" 210 lbs but I think a lot of things that aren't always accurate LOL. Either way, he is a solid Top 6 200ft wing that plays a heavy game and has some skill, too. He'd be a great long term addition to the Top 6 but not sure how the $$$ would work out....

They have both made mistakes this season but they have different roles. Hammer blocks they shots, Keith is more offensive. For the money they are both keepers and I don't think can be compared.

GH
- hocktock

One comparable is both are very good defenders in space. Like, very, very good. Another is both are highly competitive individuals who elevate their games in the playoffs.

One thing that's pretty remarkable is that Hjalmarsson plays on his off side—and claims he prefers to.

Either way, the Hawks love Hjalmarsson, as much as they do Keith—if not even slightly more so.

He's more like the listed size. Sort of Tony Amonte-ish. Also is Czech, not Slovak.
- John Jaeckel

Like current Tony A. size? Hope not with the extra lbs. Tony A. has put on over the years!

One comparable is both are very good defenders in space. Like, very, very good. Another is both are highly competitive individuals who elevate their games in the playoffs.

One thing that's pretty remarkable is that Hjalmarsson plays on his off side—and claims he prefers to.

Either way, the Hawks love Hjalmarsson, as much as they do Keith—if not even slightly more so.
- John Jaeckel

Based on all the names we have heard possilbly linked to the Hawks, Palat would be my pick. Hes a perfect fit for the Hawks and would look pretty darn good next to 19.

Like current Tony A. size? Hope not with the extra lbs. Tony A. has put on over the years!
- Beaks99

Haha, no.

Sure, and the makeup of the roster, number and identities of exposable players will likely change.
- John Jaeckel

Can't see it being either Duchene or Palat. There are other teams that have better assets that meet Col/TB needs.

Ana.Nash/Minny all have the depth of D-men that the Avs need. All 3 of those teams have NHL D-men they are going to lose for nothing.

Same applies to TB to an extent. Tor may be a place for them to get some up front players that are cheaper for TB over the next couple of seasons.

Like current Tony A. size? Hope not with the extra lbs. Tony A. has put on over the years!
- Beaks99

Nothing like Keith Tkachuk, when they showed him at the Winter Classic I would have never guessed it was him. I think he is now twice his original playing weight.

Just my thinking. Palat is easier to keep beyond 2018, true left winger, probably takes less to get him now too.
- John Jaeckel

As sexy as it would be to have Duchene in the Hawks lineup, I think I'd rather go with Palat because he meets the need without costing as much in assets and cap.

I'm not sure Desi would agree to goto Rockford all year. He can probably get a NHL job. tootoo should take the $950 and run. The best he could get next year is probably a non guaranteed tryout.
- kmw4631

Yes, high demand for Desi and his 1 assist, no speed, no hit, talent.

As sexy as it would be to have Duchene in the Hawks lineup, I think I'd rather go with Palat because he meets the need without costing as much in assets and cap.
- EbonyRaptor

I want someone to go to CapFriendly, add Palat at 4.0 million per year for two years, keep the same flat 73 million cap space, add in Panarins bonus, not trade any of our NTC/NMC guys and see how that works out for you.

And I can answer that now: it doesn't work out for you.

The NHL has a hard salary cap guys...ain't gonna happen.

Can't see it being either Duchene or Palat. There are other teams that have better assets that meet Col/TB needs.

Ana.Nash/Minny all have the depth of D-men that the Avs need. All 3 of those teams have NHL D-men they are going to lose for nothing.

Same applies to TB to an extent. Tor may be a place for them to get some up front players that are cheaper for TB over the next couple of seasons.
- TTtime

I saw that Carolina was in play and that Justin Faulk was a possibility. That right there is more than we can offer, unless Sakic values prospects more or CAR is being too stubborn.

I want someone to go to CapFriendly, add Palat at 4.0 million per year for two years, keep the same flat 73 million cap space, add in Panarins bonus, not trade any of our NTC/NMC guys and see how that works out for you.

And I can answer that now: it doesn't work out for you.

The NHL has a hard salary cap guys...ain't gonna happen.
- onehundredlevel

but if you cut away Kruger via trade or Vegas...

NHLnetwork on XM was talking last week about the unrest in Montreal and that Carey Price might not choose to resign there. If (and a HUGE IF) he does not, I would think Crow would love the chance to be there... #pipedream #probablynochance #interestingconversationonradio

RumorBreak @RumorBreak
6m

#BREAKING - Bruins and Avs in deep talks once again. Landeskog for Zboril+Beleskey is what is being discussed.

RumorBreak @RumorBreak
6m

#BREAKING - Bruins and Avs in deep talks once again. Landeskog for Zboril+Beleskey is what is being discussed.
- jt19

Sakic was in person talking with the Bruins last night

but if you cut away Kruger via trade or Vegas...
- JRoenick97

No doubt...you would have to lose Krugers contract either via trade or Vegas....and that still might now get you close. I tried it. I called up all the minors guys. I even moved the cap up to 74.5 million. Panarin's POSSIBLE bonus was not even included. I had a roster of 20 with $700,000 left...and no backup goalie as I forgot to add that in. So say roster of 21 at zero cap space for the back up goalie signing. It means no Panik, Rasmussen, Kempny and Campbell back. If the cap stays flat and Panarin hits the bonus that eats into the 3.3 million we lose by trading/Vegasing Kruger.

It's an almost impossible endeavor. You would be gutting a lot for Palat.

RumorBreak @RumorBreak
6m

#BREAKING - Bruins and Avs in deep talks once again. Landeskog for Zboril+Beleskey is what is being discussed.
- jt19

is this the phony or the somewhat legit guy>

I can never tell this time of year.

Can't see it being either Duchene or Palat. There are other teams that have better assets that meet Col/TB needs.

Ana.Nash/Minny all have the depth of D-men that the Avs need. All 3 of those teams have NHL D-men they are going to lose for nothing.

Same applies to TB to an extent. Tor may be a place for them to get some up front players that are cheaper for TB over the next couple of seasons.
- TTtime

How many times does J.j have to tell you about the Kruger-Landescog (sp ) connection or the fact that whats his name loves forsling? These are the intangibles that may work in ur favor. It's all conjecture at this point. To me, It's a small rebuild insofar as the consideration should be for the next couple of years.

Build it Stanislov. We will come. (Sp )

GH

Sakic was in person talking with the Bruins last night
- mrpaulish

I'm of the opinion that Bostons g.m. is teeched in the head. 3 first round picks and all off the board, eh? He just might do anything. Maybe we could get Machant on cappy Taaves lw.

GH

I want someone to go to CapFriendly, add Palat at 4.0 million per year for two years, keep the same flat 73 million cap space, add in Panarins bonus, not trade any of our NTC/NMC guys and see how that works out for you.

And I can answer that now: it doesn't work out for you.

The NHL has a hard salary cap guys...ain't gonna happen.
- onehundredlevel

Scroll back.

So here's another little tidbit. The Hawks have talked to Darling's agent about an extension. Do you really think they're wasting their time (and his) talking about something that's $2-3 million below his market value?

You want to make an argument based on math. Use ALL the possible math then.

And no, I don't want to get into a debate over whether acquiring Palat (or Duchene) negates trading Crawford or not. That's not the point. The point is, there's a short term need—and more ways than you are willing to concede long term to make the $$ work.

So EASY to say they WON'T make a bigger move like that—because in all likelihood, they won't. It's safe.

But the "logic" that they won't because they "can't" has all kinds of holes in it.

They can. Will they? Remains to be seen.

is this the phony or the somewhat legit guy>

I can never tell this time of year.
- SteveRain

I know that guy (Michael Grosso) he has more legit info. than most. I just don't think the Avs want to deal Landeskog. Then again, everything's negotiable.