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

I don't know whether his calculation had Kruger factored one way or the other. But yeah, if not, that's another factor.

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
- jt19

Do we get Pacioretty back in return?

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.
- John Jaeckel

On a positive note the expansion draft should be interesting.

7 F, 3 D, 1 G will likely be their way instead of 8 skaters and a goalie

7 F: 15,19,88,81
3D: 2, 4, 7
1G: 50 OR 33

So if you add in 38, you have 2 more spots but have to expose to 2 Fs. Assuming they extend Rasmussen, he will be exposed (RFA) and then you have Panik at RFA

So to keep 14, 16, and 38 Bowman would have to require an eligible F who is signed for next year. he still has to find an eligible goalie to expose.

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

Your opinion. You don't know any better than anyone what other teams are offering or what's being asked.

You don't even know what the Hawks might be offering.

I've heard some things but I don't know 100% for sure. I'm not sitting in the situation room, nor are you or anyone on TSN.

I know this, the entity who told me about the Hawks interest in Duchene and Palat IS closer to it. Proven.

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
- hocktock

Wow. Happy hour started early Hock?! Good for you, I'm jealous amigo

On a positive note the expansion draft should be interesting.

7 F, 3 D, 1 G will likely be their way instead of 8 skaters and a goalie

7 F: 15,19,88,81
3D: 2, 4, 7
1G: 50 OR 33

So if you add in 38, you have 2 more spots but have to expose to 2 Fs. Assuming they extend Rasmussen, he will be exposed (RFA) and then you have Panik at RFA

So to keep 14, 16, and 38 Bowman would have to require an eligible F who is signed for next year. he still has to find an eligible goalie to expose.
- SteveRain

It should be interesting for sure. I am still going to wait to even speculate til after 3/1. I am at least 90% certain the roster will be different at that point. if the Hawks make two NHL level transactions, which is what they typically do at this time of year, it could have serious impact on the expansion picture.

It should be interesting for sure. I am still going to wait to even speculate til after 3/1. I am at least 90% certain the roster will be different at that point. if the Hawks make two NHL level transitions, which is what they typically do at this time of year, it could have serious impact on the expansion picture.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed.

Nobody ever sees the Hawks coming this time of year or on major UFAs since Bowman took over........

Another tell of that Bowman speak was "wide open Western Conference" and "not factoring on one dominant team"

The Metro will be a meat grinder like the central was last year. The Caps are no lock to make it out of the 1st round let alone the 2nd.

Agreed.

Nobody ever sees the Hawks coming this time of year or on major UFAs since Bowman took over........

Another tell of that Bowman speak was "wide open Western Conference" and "not factoring on one dominant team"

The Metro will be a meat grinder like the central was last year. The Caps are no lock to make it out of the 1st round let alone the 2nd.
- SteveRain

This

Feeling very optimistic(more so than usual) about the direction this team is headed as the playoffs approach, and here is why:

Toews and Keith are both showing signs of returning to form as of late. I think we're seeing the core hit their stride.

Panarin-Anisimov-Kane continues to be force.

Young forwards are all looking good. Schmaltz since his most recent call up has been very impressive playing with Toews and and Panik. But the one that really stands out is Hartman. He's already looking as good if not better than Shaw and for a fraction of the price.

More depth on the blue line 1-6 than they've had in the past few seasons. The "big 3" of Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson don't have to play as many minutes, and the unit as a whole is very mobile and excellent in transition.

Overall team speed is as good as its been since the 2012/13 season.

They have cap space, they have some pieces to move, and as we've seen the past few years they will not hesitate to pull the trigger on a TDL deal to further upgrade their forward depth. So essentially the roster as it is now has the potential to become even better when the playoffs roll around(as is the case with many contenders).

Keith hands down has the best/quickest stick defensively in the game

Hjarlmarsson makes his share of boneheaded plays/giveaways in his own zone
- PatShart

Every "elite" defenseman makes mistakes. Name one that you haven't seen make a poor pass, a boneheaded play, or get walked once in a while. Take whomever you think is the best, whether its Weber, Karlsson, Keith, Subban, Chara, Lidstrom, etc, etc. All of them will err occasionally.

Hjalmarsson is the best one-on-one defender on the Hawks, Seabrook has the best offensive package, and Keith is the best overall.

Every "elite" defenseman makes mistakes. Name one that you haven't seen make a poor pass, a boneheaded play, or get walked once in a while. Take whomever you think is the best, whether its Weber, Karlsson, Keith, Subban, Chara, Lidstrom, etc, etc. All of them will err occasionally.

Hjalmarsson is the best one-on-one defender on the Hawks, Seabrook has the best offensive package, and Keith is the best overall.
- TheTrob

Agreed.

THIS.

Every "elite" defenseman makes mistakes. Name one that you haven't seen make a poor pass, a boneheaded play, or get walked once in a while. Take whomever you think is the best, whether its Weber, Karlsson, Keith, Subban, Chara, Lidstrom, etc, etc. All of them will err occasionally.

Hjalmarsson is the best one-on-one defender on the Hawks, Seabrook has the best offensive package, and Keith is the best overall.
- TheTrob

Watch one period of Senators hockey and you'll scratch your head wondering how "4th Forward" Erik Karlsson ever won the Norris Trophy....

Watch one period of Senators hockey and you'll scratch your head wondering how "4th Forward" Erik Karlsson ever won the Norris Trophy....
- EnzoD

Unfortunately we all know why, it is because the Norris trophy more times than not is given to the Defenseman with the most points who is not a complete dumpster fire in their own end. Probably why you will see Burns win it this year.

Unfortunately we all know why, it is because the Norris trophy more times than not is given to the Defenseman with the most points who is not a complete dumpster fire in their own end. Probably why you will see Burns win it this year.
- TheTrob

I'll give him that he has somewhat... again somewhat - improved his defensive zone play. But he is very much still an offensive defenseman.

I could live with a trade for Oduya. Up front let the Kids play.

Any interest in E. Kane LW With Toews & Panik?

Do we get Pacioretty back in return?
- Assman22

Price

Unfortunately we all know why, it is because the Norris trophy more times than not is given to the Defenseman with the most points who is not a complete dumpster fire in their own end. Probably why you will see Burns win it this year.
- TheTrob

Yeah, it is combination scoring/perception award.

I could live with a trade for Oduya. Up front let the Kids play.

Any interest in E. Kane LW With Toews & Panik?
- Colbyboy

I think McD would have a stroke.

Been seeing some talk about Shaw and mention of him on Twitter with people looking back to his trade from Chicago. I think the Hawks made the right move, considering the money Shaw got (wasn't it like 3.9 x 6 years). They couldn't afford him and got Debrincat and Krys in return. Good move by Stan I think.

I think McD would have a stroke.
- 93Joe

Evander Kane has cleaned up his act ....

He's a power Left Winger that can score and grind. Buff wasn't exactly a PR Dream either. Think we need some snarl this off season against the Blows

Been seeing some talk about Shaw and mention of him on Twitter with people looking back to his trade from Chicago. I think the Hawks made the right move, considering the money Shaw got (wasn't it like 3.9 x 6 years). They couldn't afford him and got Debrincat and Krys in return. Good move by Stan I think.
- breadbag

Excellent move.

Almost Patriots Way esque , trade em a year early ,get a better return.

Shaw is a qarrior but there are always Warrior types.

Been seeing some talk about Shaw and mention of him on Twitter with people looking back to his trade from Chicago. I think the Hawks made the right move, considering the money Shaw got (wasn't it like 3.9 x 6 years). They couldn't afford him and got Debrincat and Krys in return. Good move by Stan I think.
- breadbag

Shaw's been a bust in Montreal. Poor man's Brad Marchand. Dumb penalties at the wrong time night after night.

Feeling very optimistic(more so than usual) about the direction this team is headed as the playoffs approach, and here is why:

Toews and Keith are both showing signs of returning to form as of late. I think we're seeing the core hit their stride.

Panarin-Anisimov-Kane continues to be force.

Young forwards are all looking good. Schmaltz since his most recent call up has been very impressive playing with Toews and and Panik. But the one that really stands out is Hartman. He's already looking as good if not better than Shaw and for a fraction of the price.

More depth on the blue line 1-6 than they've had in the past few seasons. The "big 3" of Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson don't have to play as many minutes, and the unit as a whole is very mobile and excellent in transition.

Overall team speed is as good as its been since the 2012/13 season.

They have cap space, they have some pieces to move, and as we've seen the past few years they will not hesitate to pull the trigger on a TDL deal to further upgrade their forward depth. So essentially the roster as it is now has the potential to become even better when the playoffs roll around(as is the case with many contenders).
- SimpleJack

I've been very impressed with Hartman this year. I did not expect the maturity or production that he's demonstrating. FWIW, here is how he's comparing to Shaw this year:

Shaw: GP: 47; G:7; A:12; +/-: 5; PM: 95 (leads team) ATOI: 14:39
Hartman: GP: 52; G: 13; A:10; +/-: 9; PM: 36 (leads team); ATOI: 12:27

Salary:
Shaw: $3,900,000
Hartman: $863,333

That's working out.

Agreed.

Nobody ever sees the Hawks coming this time of year or on major UFAs since Bowman took over........

Another tell of that Bowman speak was "wide open Western Conference" and "not factoring on one dominant team"

The Metro will be a meat grinder like the central was last year. The Caps are no lock to make it out of the 1st round let alone the 2nd.
- SteveRain

Hey Rainman...hope you're well. I hope Stan gets us that forward and I wouldn't be upset about getting a dman either. I'm intrigued about Oduya...don't know if that would work moneywise or not. Plus he's been hurt...he does know the system and could slide back in with Hammer.

As you mention the East is stronger this year - particularly the Metro, but only one team is coming out of the Wales Conference. Caps/Pens/Rags/Jackets etc...The Caps look great right now, but its not April yet.

Wondering if we're better off with Nashville or the Blues. I can't see us catching the Wild, but who knows where we end up at the TDL.

Hey Rainman...hope you're well. I hope Stan gets us that forward and I wouldn't be upset about getting a dman either. I'm intrigued about Oduya...don't know if that would work moneywise or not. Plus he's been hurt...he does know the system and could slide back in with Hammer.

As you mention the East is stronger this year - particularly the Metro, but only one team is coming out of the Wales Conference. Caps/Pens/Rags/Jackets etc...The Caps look great right now, but its not April yet.

Wondering if we're better off with Nashville or the Blues. I can't see us catching the Wild, but who knows where we end up at the TDL.
- DK002

Blues still worry me -- while their goaltending is certainly a question mark, they have Tarasenko, and it seems the Hawks just don't have anyone who can control him.