Any move bringing Vanek, Ignila, Vrbata or Eaves over is nowhere near enough to put this team in a measurably better position than they are now.

Not buying that SB is standing pat, or settling for dumpster diving. If he does that, as a fan, I would rather see him do nothing. At least no move equals no loss of current players.

A high quality player/rental is going to cost something of value in exchange. Too bad no one is buying goalies - no market at all. All points to Kruger plus another roster player and/or good prospect having to go the other way for anyone making more than $4mm.

They aren't going to get Palat for any combo of Desi, Gus, etc.

So that said, if you can get Palat and Boyle for Kruger, Hartman and/or Forsling, and/or a pick, you do it.
- Return of the Roar

No way I would give Hartman as part of a deal for Palat and or Boyle.

I know he is not "The Answer". And does nothing to fill our LW or 5-6 def needs.....but, as a depth move how y'all feel about Patrick Eaves?

I like his over all game, and he checks a lot of boxes for us:
- 6 foot and 200 pounds.....solid body
- Cost only $1 million a year, Cap friendly
- plays a responsible game
- at 32, not yet "over the hill"....but has experience
- can play on any of the top 3 lines and not hurt you too much

Any fit there you think?????

No way I would give Hartman as part of a deal for Palat and or Boyle.
- HamiltonHawk

Not for Boyle I wouldn't....but Palat....ya, I would.

I know he is not "The Answer". And does nothing to fill our LW or 5-6 def needs.....but, as a depth move how y'all feel about Patrick Eaves?

I like his over all game, and he checks a lot of boxes for us:
- 6 foot and 200 pounds.....solid body
- Cost only $1 million a year, Cap friendly
- plays a responsible game
- at 32, not yet "over the hill"....but has experience
- can play on any of the top 3 lines and not hurt you too much

Any fit there you think?????
- hawk35

He's been a hawk killer for the past few seasons. I don't see much not to like. Why is he so cheap though?

Haven't watched him much aside from stars hawks games.

He's been a hawk killer for the past few seasons. I don't see much not to like. Why is he so cheap though?

Haven't watched him much aside from stars hawks games.
- kinigitt

Beat me to this quote. But how on earth could he do as much damage for the hawks as he's done opposing them? Not sure it's possible. Reminds me of Valeri Komensky (sp?) from the Avs not that long ago.

No way I would give Hartman as part of a deal for Palat and or Boyle.
- HamiltonHawk

Hartman is more geared to and built for playoff style hockey. Schmaltz, as we have seen can be contact adverse. Don't get me wrong, I think Schmaltz had some great vision and skill and I like the way he is improving so far.. but for THIS year, Hartman is the more experienced and has a nose for the net. You keep these type of players. Include Schmaltz in a deal for Palat. No way of knowing how he will handle a seven game series against Anaheim or San Jose or St. Louis. To play devil's advocate, we don't know with Hartman either, but he has shown he can agitate and stand up for himself and teammates.

In my humble opinion, these truths are self-eviden:

Scouts and GMs are at various games all year long.
Does any one REALLY think teams make these trades based on 2 or 3 live views of a guy? That yays or nays the guy?

This trade deadline will have deals but the the contending teams are going to asked for BIG returns...lots of prospects and picks because so many past trade deadlines have been high priced markets.

The way I see it is the Ducks and the Hurricane have a stable of defenseman prospect that haven't even played NHL games and also young ones that have potential to be second pair guys or be NHL contributors In a third pair.

Not gonna start naming names b/c I won't insult your ability to look it up.

To me, this gives them a chance to deal from that strength and get an established pro forward that makes them better in future seasons. (Again not naming names, you know whose established record and abilities have extended use in the top six.)

Sure, many teams would love to add a young elite potential guy.
And sure any jagudi can match team needs to desirable returns, but most of these discussions are so unlikely and not worthy of discussing.

And to actual be specific on another discussion that I don't simply understand is the idea Tampa Bay (who knew the Stamkos injury set them back yet another year) are in some crucial situation RIGHT now when they know Bishop is leaving - one way or another- that they trade Palat to the Hawks for some futures package.

Sure TB's CAP crunch dilemma is a future certainty, but I can't see them renting Shattenkirk, unless they are planning to sign him, and that is not a feasible option for that upcoming cap crunch.

TB wants to try and keep that team as intact as they can for when Stamkos is healthy, and sure eventually they will decide if it is Tyler Johnson or Palat is the casualty, but not now.

I pull what's left of my hair out when I see many posting these hawk potential trades for guys who IF YOU TRADE FOR THEM YOU WANNA KEEP THEM, as they are not rent them type guys.

The bigger names the trade rumor sites are bandying may get traded to teams with cap space but they are few and do any of you really think prior to expansion, playoff teams are going to trade players of their current rosters who helped get them this far this year?

As I said yesterday the concussed Patrick Sharp will be who teams are competing to acquire, and he has final say,on where he wants to potentially go back on IR with, if he gets hurt on the way to Lord Stanley's Cup

I am also amazed at the people here thinking Dallas will be doing the Hawks any favors. After Nill crowed about stealing Johns away in the Sharp deal, I would not be surprised if there is a bridge burned there.
- dahawks8819

Fair point, but he's still going to be considerably cheaper than many of the other names that get discussed regularly. If he truly is that coveted, I'm surprised that he was never extended. Not like Dallas has a cap crunch to worry about right now.

The premium for trading within the division was also mentioned on here. I would think there is some truth to that, but I seem to see eastern division teams trading with each other often enough, so I wonder if the premium for intradivision trades is overstated?

Fair point, but he's still going to be considerably cheaper than many of the other names that get discussed regularly. If he truly is that coveted, I'm surprised that he was never extended. Not like Dallas has a cap crunch to worry about right now.

The premium for trading within the division was also mentioned on here. I would think there is some truth to that, but I seem to see eastern division teams trading with each other often enough, so I wonder if the premium for intradivision trades is overstated?
- 333inthe3rd

My guess is, any GM has an idea of worth for each player. If it's worth it, they will make the deal. If not, they won't. Doesn't really matter who the trade partner is, unless they are fighting for the same playoff spot.

Just moved to Dallas in September and on my drive home from a beer league game, the Stars postgame spoke for about 25 minutes on rumors linking the Stars and hawks. One was about the interest level in Sharp. But they did mention that Eaves was really the most attractive for the current cap situation. I have seen a lot of Eaves out here and he would slide in nicely and give us depth. He would not be a top 6 add.

Just moved to Dallas in September and on my drive home from a beer league game, the Stars postgame spoke for about 25 minutes on rumors linking the Stars and hawks. One was about the interest level in Sharp. But they did mention that Eaves was really the most attractive for the current cap situation. I have seen a lot of Eaves out here and he would slide in nicely and give us depth. He would not be a top 6 add.
- nickmo2699

Given that he has been playing with Benn and Seguin, it seems possible for him to play that role here, no? Admittedly I haven't watched him play that much. Seems he has often been hurt during his career.

Given that he has been playing with Benn and Seguin, it seems possible for him to play that role here, no? Admittedly I haven't watched him play that much. Seems he has often been hurt during his career.
- 333inthe3rd

My question would be....should he be playing with Benn and Seguin, or is this part of the reason those guy have scored less this year because they are playing with a guy who really shouldn't be on the top line? I mean should the Hawks try to emulate the top line of a team that is likely missing the playoffs? Is Eaves in the top 6 a recipe for success? I think the guy is good for 3rd line, so maybe if the price is cheap, but I wouldn't pay much for him IMO.

Who has the scoop on Hayden, any chance him signing before June together a few games in here? Would rather see that then dumpster diving, Wiz hit the nail on the head. I am one that pined for Duchene, but if Stan's not at the table.......Oh well.

Fair point, but he's still going to be considerably cheaper than many of the other names that get discussed regularly. If he truly is that coveted, I'm surprised that he was never extended. Not like Dallas has a cap crunch to worry about right now.

The premium for trading within the division was also mentioned on here. I would think there is some truth to that, but I seem to see eastern division teams trading with each other often enough, so I wonder if the premium for intradivision trades is overstated?
- 333inthe3rd

One of the points the guy made was about flapping jaws about winning the Sharp trade having a negative effect and I agree with him(her). That changes things.

My question would be....should he be playing with Benn and Seguin, or is this part of the reason those guy have scored less this year because they are playing with a guy who really shouldn't be on the top line? I mean should the Hawks try to emulate the top line of a team that is likely missing the playoffs? Is Eaves in the top 6 a recipe for success? I think the guy is good for 3rd line, so maybe if the price is cheap, but I wouldn't pay much for him IMO.
- breadbag

I still haven't forgotten the hat trick he had against the Hawks last year. As for this year, I think they have bigger problems than who plays with Benn and Seguin. He did play on the third line with Detroit, iirc, but then he was often hurt during his time there.

The first question is whether he would be an upgrade at 1LW over the current options in the system. The second question is how does he figure into the whole cost/benefit matrix vis a vis other 1LW trade options.

Some good points here...we'll see what Stan is able to end up doing.

Palat/Tatar would be a really nice add...but can they hang onto said player.

Eaves would be a nice add on a cheap contract. And would that allow them to add someone like Hanzal as well if cap space?

Sharp is an interesting idea...wonder if McD might push for this as a pr move. Sharp has been putting the puck in the net since he came back from the concussion last month. I think he ends up in Montreal...

should get really interesting in the next week here...

I still haven't forgotten the hat trick he had against the Hawks last year. As for this year, I think they have bigger problems than who plays with Benn and Seguin. He did play on the third line with Detroit, iirc, but then he was often hurt during his time there.

The first question is whether he would be an upgrade at 1LW over the current options in the system. The second question is how does he figure into the whole cost/benefit matrix vis a vis other 1LW trade options.
- 333inthe3rd

I'm sure the Hawks are looking for a winger with scoring ability than can bolster the offence.

But I'm equally sure that they are looking at the even bigger picture - as in do we have enough up the middle of the ice and on D to compete with Minny in a 7 game series. Can our group handle Staal, Koivu, Coyle and Haula over a series and can our existing D group deal with all their big forwards or do we need to add back there?

He's been a hawk killer for the past few seasons. I don't see much not to like. Why is he so cheap though?

Haven't watched him much aside from stars hawks games.
- kinigitt

This is the first season I remember him scoring goals, ever.

He's always just been a guy, solid, not spectacular but good depth player. This year he's scoring a bunch though.

If there is no legitimate top six addition to the roster, there is no point making any deals.

Where does the team need help? A board battle winning top six LW (who hopefully has a shot at re-signing) and another guy who can win face offs. Only that scenario allows guys like Schmaltz, Hartman and Panik (should they be able to keep them all) to slot down to where they belong on the bottom six.

With two legit scoring lines, the forecheck and match ups that come from that take the pressure off of the D, in the hope there is more O zone play and less D zone play.

Strengthened bottom six allows for one of those lines to score, and one to shut down other teams' top line.

Rolling four good lines......

What LW from other teams fit the bill? Palat, Drouin.

Conversely, which ones don't? The second question is easier to answer - Vanek, Iginla, Sharp. Too many miles on them all.

Who are good and inexpensive depth bottom six face off guys? Boyle, Hanzal, Ott

Who are your true trade chips? Kruger, Desi, Motte, Panik, Forsling, Schmaltz, Hartman, anyone else in the minor system, and your draft picks.

This is where SB earns his money. The tale will be told at the TDL. You either get the right pieces, or you take your marbles home and build for next year.

Some good points here...we'll see what Stan is able to end up doing.

Palat/Tatar would be a really nice add...but can they hang onto said player.

Eaves would be a nice add on a cheap contract. And would that allow them to add someone like Hanzal as well if cap space?

Sharp is an interesting idea...wonder if McD might push for this as a pr move. Sharp has been putting the puck in the net since he came back from the concussion last month. I think he ends up in Montreal...

should get really interesting in the next week here...
- DK002

Agreed, Sharpie is Montreal bound. I'd rather have him than Vanek, Iggy, or the other geezers. Nill will fleece Bergevin for Sharp as he knows Bergevin is on the hot seat. Question is: what would Nill want for Oduya/Eaves? And would StanBo be able to do another deal with Nill given what happened last time?

If there is no legitimate top six addition to the roster, there is no point making any deals.

Where does the team need help? A board battle winning top six LW (who hopefully has a shot at re-signing) and another guy who can win face offs. Only that scenario allows guys like Schmaltz, Hartman and Panik (should they be able to keep them all) to slot down to where they belong on the bottom six.

With two legit scoring lines, the forecheck and match ups that come from that take the pressure off of the D, in the hope there is more O zone play and less D zone play.

Strengthened bottom six allows for one of those lines to score, and one to shut down other teams' top line.

Rolling four good lines......

What LW from other teams fit the bill? Palat, Drouin.

Conversely, which ones don't? The second question is easier to answer - Vanek, Iginla, Sharp. Too many miles on them all.

Who are good and inexpensive depth bottom six face off guys? Boyle, Hanzal, Ott

Who are your true trade chips? Kruger, Desi, Motte, Panik, Forsling, Schmaltz, Hartman, anyone else in the minor system, and your draft picks.

This is where SB earns his money. The tale will be told at the TDL. You either get the right pieces, or you take your marbles home and build for next year.
- Return of the Roar

Solid post. Four good lines that can be rolled, apply a forecheck, and can compete defensively is key. Agree on Palat and Drouin... both are having respectable seasons. I wonder if Yzerman is contemplating on who to keep. Palat? Johnson? Drouin? I would like to think Drouin is a talent they would like to keep. Drouin is young and Palat is still a pretty young guy who competes. Curious if Scotty is conversing with Yzerman. If Bowman Sr pays a visit to some TB games then I think something might be up.

Heard a lot late yesterday night: new blog coming in 5.

from mark lazerus:

After hitting a home run with Antoine Vermette in 2015 and swinging and missing with Andrew Ladd, Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann in 2016, Stan Bowman has said repeatedly that he doesn’t expect to make any big trades before the March 1 deadline. As Joel Quenneville always says, we’ll see. But while Hawks fans dream of a Patrick Sharp reunion, or of an entirely unrealistic deal to land Colorado’s Matt Duchene, the best option is Dallas’ Patrick Eaves. The 32-year-old veteran winger is having a career season with 21 goals and 14 assists in 57 games. And he’s on a one-year contract at a bargain salary of $1 million, which even the Hawks could afford.

Eaves might not be a splashy pick-up, but the Hawks probably wouldn’t have to give up a first-round pick or a super-high-end prospect for him, and he could be the kind of sneaky, low-risk addition that puts them over the top, like Michal Handzus was in 2013. And he already comes with a built-in playoff beard.
- onehundredlevel

I take nothing seriously from Lazeurs a Hawks organization @ss kisser.

Sorry......

I'm sure the Hawks are looking for a winger with scoring ability than can bolster the offence.

But I'm equally sure that they are looking at the even bigger picture - as in do we have enough up the middle of the ice and on D to compete with Minny in a 7 game series. Can our group handle Staal, Koivu, Coyle and Haula over a series and can our existing D group deal with all their big forwards or do we need to add back there?
- RickJ

I have said on here that the Hawks have a greater need for a 4D. No disagreement here. This team has missed Oduya more than anybody who is gone from 2015, imho.

I am also amazed at the people here thinking Dallas will be doing the Hawks any favors. After Nill crowed about stealing Johns away in the Sharp deal, I would not be surprised if there is a bridge burned there.
- dahawks8819

Q
1) stealing Johns away.
Isn't part of the Stars fall from grace b/c they handed the defense over to the youngsters and lowering the Cap with veteran defenders sent packing.
How did Johns work out?
1 B) if the Hawks had KEPT Johns where would he be NOW?
Would he be on our preseason protected list before the Las Vegas Expansion draft?
Would have taken us past St. Louis in last years playoff?

I don't actually remember a Jim Nill quote about fleecing StanBo...it is tough to burn bridges that way.

And to me, the real fail was Daley being unable to fit and do what he was asked snide he hawk attack, and maybe underneath things we don't know.

2) Sharp can nix many teams with his modified trade clause...so the Stars have his list of ten possible destinations and though I think he gets interest, they may just give him his wish in terms of that if they see no future extensions or use in him.

Think about that....by next season, the Stars have the only player left from the deal if infamy...johns who will be an RFA looking for mega bucks and not bridge money.

Inagree that the Stars may yet gain by getting something for Sharp....but I simply see the move by a playoff club is chancy b/c Sharpie may be one hit IR...teams gonna get in a bidding war for that type guy?