The Chicago Blackhawks have no plans to trade any of their key rookies before the trade deadline, reports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. GM Stan Bowman specifically mentioned Ryan Hartman, Nick Schmaltz, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Tanner Kero, with Friedman reporting, “At the very least, Bowman said none of them are getting traded.”

Stan playing it coy this year.

“We traded for Andrew Ladd last year because we needed a bigger piece,” Bowman said. “I don’t think we need to do that this year.”

The Chicago Blackhawks have no plans to trade any of their key rookies before the trade deadline, reports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. GM Stan Bowman specifically mentioned Ryan Hartman, Nick Schmaltz, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Tanner Kero, with Friedman reporting, “At the very least, Bowman said none of them are getting traded.”
- walleyeb1

The interesting one here is Kero, who has sky rocketed up Qs approval list.

I still think they make a trade. how big? Who knows, but besides lining Rocky's wallet, and getting the kids some playing time, banking that 477K in cap space this week can't be overlooked.

I think a veteran D man OR veteran F who can play PK is my guess.

I don't doubt they are looking long and hard at everyone that John has mentioned but the draft variable may nix any of those possibilities.

but besides lining Rocky's wallet
- SteveRain

Is that what happens? Genuinely curious. When a team is under the cap, does the surplus go right back into the owner's "piggy bank"?

Is that what happens? Genuinely curious. When a team is under the cap, does the surplus go right back into the owner's "piggy bank"?
- kinigitt

Every team has an internal budget so whatever is saved, isn't spent.........

Is that what happens? Genuinely curious. When a team is under the cap, does the surplus go right back into the owner's "piggy bank"?
- kinigitt

Every team has an internal budget so whatever is saved, isn't spent.........

Who really thinks the team as constructed is better in 7 games than Pittsburgh or Washington?

Or even Minnesota or San Jose?

They would have to beat at least two of those teams in 7-game series.

I don't. Literally no one in hockey outside the Hawk fanbase does.

More importantly, I don't think the Hawks coaching staff and FO do either, in spite of Stanley's public statements (which is PROBABLY all bargaining positioning).

The goal is not to get to the second round and wait and see how good Nick Schmaltz ends up being.

It's to win Stanley Cups while you still have a productive 2,4,7,15,72,81,88 in the primes of their careers. Period.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl4uUikZzA8

let me know if this works? I could not get it to play on my computer but I did on my phone.
- kmw4631

The link works. Thanks!

Stan playing it coy this year.

“We traded for Andrew Ladd last year because we needed a bigger piece,” Bowman said. “I don’t think we need to do that this year.”
- walleyeb1

I'm fascinated by the negotiating strategy here. What does Stan do? Maybe he talks to teams about a lesser player and sells them on way too many assets for that deal and then tries to up the payback? Try to uncover what the other team is trying to do - time frame, positions, player profile, etc. - without giving away too much of what the Blackhawks want to do (even though everyone pretty much knows it is a top 6 LW, maybe some C and D depth, etc.) Whatever it is, I hope it works.

Who really thinks the team as constructed is better in 7 games than Pittsburgh or Washington?

Or even Minnesota or San Jose?

They would have to beat at least two of those teams in 7-game series.

I don't. Literally no one in hockey outside the Hawk fanbase does.

More importantly, I don't think the Hawks coaching staff and FO do either, in spite of Stanley's public statements (which is PROBABLY all bargaining positioning).

The goal is not to get to the second round and wait and see how good Nick Schmaltz ends up being.

It's to win Stanley Cups while you still have a productive 2,4,7,15,72,81,88 in the primes of their careers. Period.
- John Jaeckel

This team is trending the right way and 19 and 2 appear to be turning the corner on whatever injury they were working through. We still need another top 6'ish LW to work with Toews. Someone that has been through the war and knows what to expect come playoff time. Of the three youngsters (Schmaltz, Hartman and Hino) playing, I see Hartman being ready to handle the playoffs. Not sure about Schmaltz and Hino. Not saying they cant, but its a giant ?.

Still think we end up trading with the Wings.. (Vanek/Tatar)

Every team has an internal budget so whatever is saved, isn't spent.........
- SteveRain

Straightforward enough thanks

Straightforward enough thanks
- kinigitt

Wasn't trying to be a d with that post.

Wirtz has spent a lot to pay guys off the roster (Huet, Bickell, etc) so I'm not taking a shot at him for banking some money where he can.

I just think the reasoning for the cap space is 55% getting the young kids ice time during the "break" and 45% saving the cap space.

Who really thinks the team as constructed is better in 7 games than Pittsburgh or Washington?

Or even Minnesota or San Jose?

They would have to beat at least two of those teams in 7-game series.

I don't. Literally no one in hockey outside the Hawk fanbase does.

More importantly, I don't think the Hawks coaching staff and FO do either, in spite of Stanley's public statements (which is PROBABLY all bargaining positioning).

The goal is not to get to the second round and wait and see how good Nick Schmaltz ends up being.

It's to win Stanley Cups while you still have a productive 2,4,7,15,72,81,88 in the primes of their careers. Period.
- John Jaeckel

I will say this.....Washington's path will be extremely hard. They will face either Pittsburgh or Columbus in round 2, assuming they beat WC, and then probably Montreal in the conference final. Not a sure bet.

Washington is deep. No question. Better then the Hawks.

As far as the rest goes......1lw is no question their glaring hole. Will Bowman pay the market price for it? Remains to be seen. he would be a fool to think it's not a huge issue going into the "real season". Now can they get away with 1lw if they add another PROVEN veteran depth guy and/or another veteran D man? Maybe.

I do agree with that the west is WIDE open. Right now Minnesota would face LA and Quick will be back for the playoffs. Wild are no sure bet to knock off LA, as the Hawks aren't for winning 16 playoff games.

Bettman has gotten what he wanted. This league is wide open and while the Capitals look dynamic and SHOULD win it all, doesn't mean they WILL as we all know in 2010 Hawks got a lucky no call on the boot for Hossa, a shorty for Kane vs Preds in game 6, a 7 game war with Wings in 13, and a 7 game war with the Ducks in 15.....Do the Hawks win those 2 series in 13/15 without having won the cup previously? Unsure, but the Caps will be tested and as of now they have no history to show they can overcome the adversity when it matters most.

Another good post from The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3...rade-talk-around-the-nhl/

Sometimes Stan's comments are just Stan's comments. It could be bargaining and positioning or it just could be the direction they are going. Like in the off season when he said the Hawks were going into the season looking for depth from the young players within the system. While they did explore some options to improve the team, they did pretty much what Stan said.

I think it all comes down to what deals fall into their lap. Stan may be a bit more gun shy to go after rentals after how he paid the price year year and the Hawks dropped in round 1. Things can change in a heartbeat and the Hawks could be a broken collarbone or torn knee away from suddenly making a deal.

The Hawks seem fairly happy with their rookies right now. We didn't see much activity on the Rockford shuttle like many predicted this year, which I think says a lot.

I remember in 2010...a lot of people were jumping up and down swearing the Hawks had no chance at a cup if they didn't get a goalie at the TDL. The situation might be a bit different now, but just have to trust the GM is going to usually make the better decision on when to trade or when not to. There are probably a lot of deals to be made that weaken the team by solving the 2LW problem. The team always has some holes or perceived holes and the proof will be in how they play in the playoffs.

Another good post from The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3...rade-talk-around-the-nhl/
- jt19

THis raises a point about the Hawks trade possibilities. If you're moving someone, let's say Kruger, who are you then exposing to Vegas?You want to protect Hartman, but you have to expose 2 F's with 40 games of NHL experience AND under contract. Kruger is one of them. Hartman, TVR are the others. Not sure about Kero since it's technically his third season as he played 6 AHL games in 14-15, so that probably doesn't meet eligibility, and that's assuming he plays all the rest of the games this year (He needs 22 more, there are 25 more). Any trade has to take in to account who they are exposing, and could cost them Hartman in the off-season.

THis raises a point about the Hawks trade possibilities. If you're moving someone, let's say Kruger, who are you then exposing to Vegas?You want to protect Hartman, but you have to expose 2 F's with 40 games of NHL experience AND under contract. Kruger is one of them. Hartman, TVR are the others. Not sure about Kero since it's technically his third season as he played 6 AHL games in 14-15, so that probably doesn't meet eligibility, and that's assuming he plays all the rest of the games this year (He needs 22 more, there are 25 more). Any trade has to take in to account who they are exposing, and could cost them Hartman in the off-season.
- JRoenick97

i think many teams will be making "depth" moves just to be compliant with the expansion draft, but also, many other big names might not go anywhere.

The interesting one here is Kero, who has sky rocketed up Qs approval list.

I still think they make a trade. how big? Who knows, but besides lining Rocky's wallet, and getting the kids some playing time, banking that 477K in cap space this week can't be overlooked.

I think a veteran D man OR veteran F who can play PK is my guess.

I don't doubt they are looking long and hard at everyone that John has mentioned but the draft variable may nix any of those possibilities.
- SteveRain

The cap space if not used at the TDL can be used to pay this year's bonuses (Campbell/Breadman). So that would in essence free up cap space for the off season / next season.

Another good post from The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3...rade-talk-around-the-nhl/
- jt19

this is why I think Forsling could have more value then you think. With only 3 D between roster players and young propsects signed 2 years ago or more. I would say 20 + teams best player they are going to expose is going to be a D, which should drive up Forslings value I would think.

JJ - my point was, they need a 4D and offensive help (Oduya is an option, if he gets healthy, Eaves is a good price and fits the forward slot).

Still, i like Boyle/Palat... but that doesnt allow any D help.

Lots to consider. Lots of options.
- jt19

Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh

I think they get by with what they have. If Keith can't skate 30 anyway it doesn't matter.

I think one of the kids not named TVR steps up in a meaningful way and Campbell may be pacing himself not dissimilar to how Richards did.

Who really thinks the team as constructed is better in 7 games than Pittsburgh or Washington?

Or even Minnesota or San Jose?

They would have to beat at least two of those teams in 7-game series.

I don't. Literally no one in hockey outside the Hawk fanbase does.

More importantly, I don't think the Hawks coaching staff and FO do either, in spite of Stanley's public statements (which is PROBABLY all bargaining positioning).

The goal is not to get to the second round and wait and see how good Nick Schmaltz ends up being.

It's to win Stanley Cups while you still have a productive 2,4,7,15,72,81,88 in the primes of their careers. Period.
- John Jaeckel

Lol Minnesota - its tough for me to take them seriously in the post season. The Bruce factor. And its Minnesota. Whose going to score the big goal for them? They're probably about even with San Jose. If only because they're deeper on the blue line.

I think with a faster team with more players with NHL experience in Washington and Pitt could be an issue when they get there but if the game is open and hardware is on the line I dunno.

A NHL body somewhere ought to be added. Even if its just a pro who can be a pro and eat 12 minutes.

I will say this.....Washington's path will be extremely hard. They will face either Pittsburgh or Columbus in round 2, assuming they beat WC, and then probably Montreal in the conference final. Not a sure bet.

Washington is deep. No question. Better then the Hawks.

As far as the rest goes......1lw is no question their glaring hole. Will Bowman pay the market price for it? Remains to be seen. he would be a fool to think it's not a huge issue going into the "real season". Now can they get away with 1lw if they add another PROVEN veteran depth guy and/or another veteran D man? Maybe.

I do agree with that the west is WIDE open. Right now Minnesota would face LA and Quick will be back for the playoffs. Wild are no sure bet to knock off LA, as the Hawks aren't for winning 16 playoff games.

Bettman has gotten what he wanted. This league is wide open and while the Capitals look dynamic and SHOULD win it all, doesn't mean they WILL as we all know in 2010 Hawks got a lucky no call on the boot for Hossa, a shorty for Kane vs Preds in game 6, a 7 game war with Wings in 13, and a 7 game war with the Ducks in 15.....Do the Hawks win those 2 series in 13/15 without having won the cup previously? Unsure, but the Caps will be tested and as of now they have no history to show they can overcome the adversity when it matters most.
- SteveRain

Every year since 2008 or so it seems like it was Washington's year. They still have nothing to show for it. Yes, they're scoring a poop ton and giving up zilch, but Washington have had DOMINATING seasons like this before. Remember the year Mike Green had 30 goals?

You're right, though. They have a long journey and some steep competition ahead of them when the playoffs arrive. We'll see if THIS is the year for them.

I believe Oduya snapped his ankle and was on a 6-8 week recovery timetable. Hard pass, given how Nill stole StanBo's lunch money in the Sharp fiasco. The price would be high and Oduya has been on IR more than he's been on the ice this season.
- EnzoD

Don't rule out Bowman's innate ability to deal, nae overpay, for a 3 wheel shopping cart at the deadline. Timmonen anyone?

Wow Montreal fired Michel Therrien and hired Claude Julien.