Thanks for all the rumor updates JJ. I know it must be getting crazy with the speculation out there.

Holding out hope that the Hawks can land Palat, Duchene, Langenskog or Tatar.

The second tier of Hanzel, Nyquist, Boyle and some other are OK, but not huge pieces and if Hawks can't land the first group, I hope they don't overpay for these middle guys. One of their good young prospects and a 2nd rounder is plenty, not more.

For the "Dud" group....Iginla, Vanek, Doan, etc....only if it cost next to nothing. None of the better prospects and no 1st rounders. I wouldn't include Hartman, Forsling, Schmaltz, DeBrincat in a trade for these guys....not even just one of them.

I trust Bowman will be going after the impact guys mentioned in the first group. And I know at the deadline Teams try to get the moon....so I don't blame him for maybe not landing one of the "studs"....My fear, I guess is he misses out on all the main guys and then feels he HAS to grab an Iginla or Vanek.....at the cost of too much....yup....THAT is what scares me....a lot!!!



- hawk35

Avs are not dealing Landeskog as I hear it.

For the record, Ondrej Palat is a 60 point a year player (in 75-80 games) who is +77 over parts of five seasons. And a natural left wing.

Duchene's body of work and skills speak for themselves.

The Hawks are not trading Niklas Hjalmarsson for either of them (or anybody), as much as some keep "theorizing" that as though it's somehow an incontrovertible fact.

Take the time to look at the Hawks' contracts—not to mention the overall logical disconnect of dealing a core piece to get better for a Cup run this year—you'll pretty quickly realize who they can trade and who they can't.

And that adding a player like either mentioned above would probably only help the Hawks—if Bowman can pull it off.

Retaliation-- again-- on a Minny player--- lets not pretend-- the Wild play on the edge-- I recall that Keith was slew footed by that genius Coyle--prior to Keiths retaliation-- Looked like Spurgeon cross checked Nyquist from behind into the boards-- which he retaliated for-- BTW Nyquist didnt have the puck--

And remember the '21 slashes' the Wild hacked on Johnny Gaudreau-- resulting in a broken finger and significant missed time --

http://www.sbnation.com/n...ferees-treliving-unicorns

Maybe if the refs called the game more tightly-- especially the vicious cross checks wielded by so many defenseman-- the retaliation wouldn't occur--- I'm NOT saying its justified to hit someone in the head with your stick--
- jb3333

Not only that, but was cross-checked across the face too. Both infractions missed!

FWIW....the wild picked up their first of 3 games in hand vs the hawks this week with a win 6-3 over the hapless redwings

Any idea what the Hawks are looking for in a Desi deal JJ? Would think he could head to the Yotes for Connauton. Send em Pokka too for a pick.

For the record, Ondrej Palat is a 60 point a year player (in 75-80 games) who is +77 over parts of five seasons. And a natural left wing.

Duchene's body of work and skills speak for themselves.

The Hawks are not trading Niklas Hjalmarsson for either of them (or anybody), as much as some keep "theorizing" that as though it's somehow an incontrovertible fact.

Take the time to look at the Hawks' contracts—not to mention the overall logical disconnect of dealing a core piece to get better for a Cup run this year—you'll pretty quickly realize who they can trade and who they can't.

And that adding a player like either mentioned above would probably only help the Hawks—if Bowman can pull it off.
- John Jaeckel

Two weeks ago Seabs would have been high on the list to go. His 11 save performance shows his continued value.
hard to get rid of anybody in the core leading up to a playoff run because of the experience and familiarity. If Darling signs, I see Crow moved this offseason. I see a lot of people heading for the ledge with a comment, but I remind everyone of how wonderful Niemi was and CC couldnt fill his skates. Sometimes these tough choices work out. In Stan we trust.

Retaliation-- again-- on a Minny player--- lets not pretend-- the Wild play on the edge-- I recall that Keith was slew footed by that genius Coyle--prior to Keiths retaliation-- Looked like Spurgeon cross checked Nyquist from behind into the boards-- which he retaliated for-- BTW Nyquist didnt have the puck--

And remember the '21 slashes' the Wild hacked on Johnny Gaudreau-- resulting in a broken finger and significant missed time --

http://www.sbnation.com/n...ferees-treliving-unicorns

Maybe if the refs called the game more tightly-- especially the vicious cross checks wielded by so many defenseman-- the retaliation wouldn't occur--- I'm NOT saying its justified to hit someone in the head with your stick--
- jb3333

God forbid the league tell the officials to crack down on the cross-checking. Since we don't have cross-checking in golf, I can't speak from experience but I would think of ALL the infractions in hockey the ONE that seems to p*ss off a player the most and leads to a reaction without thinking (like today's) is the cross-check.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem like its ever going to happen. If multiple concussions and a season or two worth of lost games for Crosby and other stars that put butts in the seats wouldn't get the geniuses that run the league to clean it up, nothing short of a player dying on the ice or losing an eye will.

Really a shame since its the greatest game in the world when its played by the greatest athletes in the world without the garbage.

Watching the Islanders/Avs game. Wow, Colorado is terrible.

Palat 49 games 11 G 16 A 18 min TOI $3.3 mil cap hit RFA after this season
Hartman 52 Games 14 G 10 A 12 min TOI $863.000 cap hit RFA after next season.

I am not saying we should or should not trade one for the other. I am suggesting Palat could be a rental, his numbers are only a little better than Hartman and Palat is playing 50% more minutes per game.

I am still among the people that feel unless you get Duchene or Landeskog you are not improving the team that much.

Sharp - No
Tatar or Nyquist - No
Hanzal or Boyle - No

Of course if you get them for almost nothing (Pokka/McNeil and a 3rd rounder and their team retains the max on his salary) you do it. But other than that I say GO BIG or don't go.

I am liking Kero, Hartman, Moose, Panik, Schmaltz, Forsling, Kempny more and more. The average cap hit for these 7 players. $710,357. (Yep Bowman is a real "dummy"). I would be just how good these kids could be.

Any idea what the Hawks are looking for in a Desi deal JJ? Would think he could head to the Yotes for Connauton. Send em Pokka too for a pick.
- ikeane

By himself I think Desi would get you a 7th round pick. He is an UFA after this season. Pokka would get you about the same. He is an RFA after this season.

For the record, Ondrej Palat is a 60 point a year player (in 75-80 games) who is +77 over parts of five seasons. And a natural left wing.

Duchene's body of work and skills speak for themselves.

The Hawks are not trading Niklas Hjalmarsson for either of them (or anybody), as much as some keep "theorizing" that as though it's somehow an incontrovertible fact.

Take the time to look at the Hawks' contracts—not to mention the overall logical disconnect of dealing a core piece to get better for a Cup run this year—you'll pretty quickly realize who they can trade and who they can't.

And that adding a player like either mentioned above would probably only help the Hawks—if Bowman can pull it off.
- John Jaeckel

Actually Palat has averaged 73 games, 18 goals, 36 assists, 54 points over last 3 full seasons, playing a lot of that time with Kucherov and Johnson, and two minutes+ on the powerplay.

Panik?
- DarthKane

Duh...went blank there haha

PAK
Schmaltz - Toews-Panik
Hartman - Kero - Hossa
Moose - Kruger - Hino

I would like to see Hossa play more with Kero. I think the 3rd line would generate more offense. They would be a tough matchup for other teams 3rd lines.

Actually Palat has averaged 73 games, 18 goals, 36 assists, 54 points over last 3 full seasons, playing a lot of that time with Kucherov and Johnson, and two minutes+ on the powerplay.
- -Doh-

Ive had Bishop in fantasy for the last 3 years, so I have watched a ton of those Lightning games you speak of. Numbers are what numbers are, but as we all know they don't tell the whole story. Right now today, Palat is far superior to anyone player on the Hawks that plays LW except of course for the guy that wears 72.

No I would not just throw away these kids that have made strides this year to acquire him, but he would be a huge get. Would be worth every penny of 4 mil for an extension.

1. Duchene
2. Palat
3. Nobody that puts us over the top for a cup run IMO but one of the Detroit guys not named Vanek would be nice. Not great, but nice.

If JVR ever became available then he would be an over the top type of guy too

Watching the Islanders/Avs game. Wow, Colorado is terrible.
- DarthKane

The Habs haven't been much better lately. Bergevin gonna be swinging away in the trade market soon.

Palat 49 games 11 G 16 A 18 min TOI $3.3 mil cap hit RFA after this season
Hartman 52 Games 14 G 10 A 12 min TOI $863.000 cap hit RFA after next season.

I am not saying we should or should not trade one for the other. I am suggesting Palat could be a rental, his numbers are only a little better than Hartman and Palat is playing 50% more minutes per game.

I am still among the people that feel unless you get Duchene or Landeskog you are not improving the team that much.

Sharp - No
Tatar or Nyquist - No
Hanzal or Boyle - No

Of course if you get them for almost nothing (Pokka/McNeil and a 3rd rounder and their team retains the max on his salary) you do it. But other than that I say GO BIG or don't go.

I am liking Kero, Hartman, Moose, Panik, Schmaltz, Forsling, Kempny more and more. The average cap hit for these 7 players. $710,357. (Yep Bowman is a real "dummy"). I would be just how good these kids could be.
- -Doh-

spot on

every team wants the world hawks should stand pat they have a nice mixture without giving away their future . and their still in the window.

We are beginning to see the payoff with Q letting the young guys play through the ups/downs. This will be huge come playoff time. Now the big question will be this.. will the young guys be able to handle the pressure of the playoffs??

Dont want to lose Hartman or Schmaltz for a rental. Id rather see a guy like Sharp/Tatar come back then spend big in terms of assets for a guy we may not be able to keep.
- z1990z

Agree! I'd be ok if one of them (+ other assets obviously) were traded for a top 6 LW who was signed for a few more years, but not for a rental. I wouldn't trade both of them unless it was for two players with more term.

If Kruger is included in the deal for that top 6 LW, then I think you need to replace him with Hanzal or Boyle or another bottom 6 C.

Peter Budaj has 7 shutouts. Jeez...

For the record, Ondrej Palat is a 60 point a year player (in 75-80 games) who is +77 over parts of five seasons. And a natural left wing.

Duchene's body of work and skills speak for themselves.

The Hawks are not trading Niklas Hjalmarsson for either of them (or anybody), as much as some keep "theorizing" that as though it's somehow an incontrovertible fact.

Take the time to look at the Hawks' contracts—not to mention the overall logical disconnect of dealing a core piece to get better for a Cup run this year—you'll pretty quickly realize who they can trade and who they can't.

And that adding a player like either mentioned above would probably only help the Hawks—if Bowman can pull it off.
- John Jaeckel

I just see no way whatsoever that we get Duchene and his existing contract....or the RFA Palat that we won't be able to afford next year. To get either one we have to deal Kruger this year. So we would lose Kruger for the stretch run than lose either Duchene or Palat in the offseason. It just does not add up. I can see the Hawks dealing for a Vanek type forward....and by that I mean a UFA to be who we have no intention of resigning. I can also see the Hawks getting a 4-6 type D-Man who is also a UFA and who we will not sign back. If Oduya was healthy I would guess him...especially after Dallas lost tonight. But Oduya will need to play in a few games before the trade deadline in order for anyone to deal for him. Also, Hawks won't do a trade anytime soon as they are attempting to maximize as much salary cap space as possbile....which is really smart and the only way to go about this. So we sill have about 16 days to keep going over the same stuff.

Ive had Bishop in fantasy for the last 3 years, so I have watched a ton of those Lightning games you speak of. Numbers are what numbers are, but as we all know they don't tell the whole story. Right now today, Palat is far superior to anyone player on the Hawks that plays LW except of course for the guy that wears 72.

No I would not just throw away these kids that have made strides this year to acquire him, but he would be a huge get. Would be worth every penny of 4 mil for an extension.
- yobwoc03

We are exceptionally cash strapped as it is. We may get Palat (though I highly, highly, highly doubt it)....but have no chance or resigning him unless you trade a ton of high salaried guys. And that is not happening because most of them have some type of no trade/no move clauses.

God forbid the league tell the officials to crack down on the cross-checking. Since we don't have cross-checking in golf, I can't speak from experience but I would think of ALL the infractions in hockey the ONE that seems to p*ss off a player the most and leads to a reaction without thinking (like today's) is the cross-check.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem like its ever going to happen. If multiple concussions and a season or two worth of lost games for Crosby and other stars that put butts in the seats wouldn't get the geniuses that run the league to clean it up, nothing short of a player dying on the ice or losing an eye will.

Really a shame since its the greatest game in the world when its played by the greatest athletes in the world without the garbage.
- ILGolfer

agree...players take way to much liberty with the cross check esp around the crease..

a shot like that to the lower back is not only painful but throws you off balanced and your usually blindsided with that hit and can't prepare for that...

for gawd sake its using a stick as a weapon...it needs to be consistantly enforced

I am betting the deal to be done is already a done deal - merely waiting for the cap space to be created.

My gut tells me it is Palat + Boyle for Kruger and a youngin or two TBD not named Hartman or Fortin.

You make that deal because it makes the team a top to bottom threat to win it all.

Worry about this year this year, and next year next year.

my 2 cents on a trade...and it may not be worth that much

I don't see anyway the hawks get net improved with any trade if any current top 12 roster player has to go in return; esp if its a rental..

but stanbow knows helluva lot more than any of us...he could pull another rabbit out of a hat...but it may be an expensive rabbit...