Morning John...intrigued about the possibility of Filppula who I believe you mentioned yesterday as someone they should look at but hadn't heard anything on yet.
- DK002

If Stan is facing cap crunch cuts this summer, not sure how he fits $5 mil in for a 3rd liner unless AA moves to #1 LW and Flippula takes #2 center. No way TB retains salary with Johnson needing a new deal. Like the player, not the cap hit.

More sanity, please. This all day.

And thank you, Rico.
- John Jaeckel

It's a valid concern and some of us discussed it yesterday. It is a concern for all the rookies. Hartman and Kero have the most "experience" considering their time in the A. But they haven't seen NHL playoff hockey. A different and more grueling journey. Adding another center/wing will help for sure. If it is a Fillpula or Hanzal, it creates center depth and allows the possibility of flipping some guys to the wing who may be weaker on the draw.

Val Fillpula would be a solid add. He would always line up against Toews and..... do pretty well at being a shutdown center.

It's a valid concern and some of us discussed it yesterday. It is a concern for all the rookies. Hartman and Kero have the most "experience" considering their time in the A. But they haven't seen NHL playoff hockey. A different and more grueling journey. Adding another center/wing will help for sure. If it is a Fillpula or Hanzal, it creates center depth and allows the possibility of flipping some guys to the wing who may be weaker on the draw.

Val Fillpula would be a solid add. He would always line up against Toews and..... do pretty well at being a shutdown center.
- 93Joe

Bottom line, the playoffs are a physical and psychological war of attrition. Mental and physical toughness are at a premium. Pretty plays and learning on the job don't really have a place, or just not bloody much.

Even veteran players will make mistakes and/or get beaten down over the grind of up to 28 games against the best competition in the world, all highly motivated.

This is why a handful of games in February prove next to nothing about how well a kid just out of college or Sweden will respond when the poop gets thick, the bruises accumulate and legs get tired in May.

Think back to game 7 of the first round in 2011. The Hawks fought back in that series from down 3-1 against the eventual conference champions, they got an OT in Game 7 on the road. It was a tough, tough series.

Chris Campoli, who had some experience, makes a mental error, boom, the Hawks are on the golf course.

Of all the rookies, the two guys who concern me least in that context are Hartman and Kempny, because both are mature physically and seem to dish it out as much as absorb it. And Kempny does worry me on the mental side.

Despite the hype, Schmaltz is still learning and his game marginalizes along the wall and in tighter checking. Which he will see a lot more of in the playoffs.

This is why . . . adding a veteran forward who could potentially play alongside Toews still makes a ton of sense. Even if Schmaltz ends up being the next Bobby Hull at LW in the playoffs, you have a place for this forward on your "third" line, making that line better.

And if adding that guy helps win a fourth Cup, I wouldn't give rat's ass if it cost Tyler Motte, or Forsling, or even Schmaltz himself. After Keith and Hossa are gone, Cups will be much harder to come by.

What I hear people saying is the "chemistry" is so good right now, a trade might "upset it"—like the chemistry is SO good it guarantees a Cup.

As good as this team is playing lately, it is not as good as the '10 team or the '13 team. '15 is debatable. Bear in mind, more miles since then on the core, no Saad.

And watch Washington and Pittsburgh play and then come and tell me (not you specifically Joe) how a handful of good games means the Hawks walk over those teams.

Bottom line, the playoffs are a physical and psychological war of attrition. Mental and physical toughness are at a premium. Pretty plays and learning on the job don't really have a place, or just not bloody much.

Even veteran players will make mistakes and/or get beaten down over the grind of up to 28 games against the best competition in the world, all highly motivated.

This is why a handful of games in February prove next to nothing about how well a kid just out of college or Sweden will respond when the poop gets thick, the bruises accumulate and legs get tired in May.

Think back to game 7 of the first round in 2011. The Hawks fought back in that series from down 3-1 against the eventual conference champions, they got an OT in Game 7 on the road. It was a tough, tough series.



Chris Campoli, who had some experience, makes a mental error, boom, the Hawks are on the golf course.

Of all the rookies, the two guys who concern me least in that context are Hartman and Kempny, because both are mature physically and seem to dish it out as much as absorb it. And Kempny does worry me on the mental side.

Despite the hype, Schmaltz is still learning and his game marginalizes along the wall and in tighter checking. Which he will see a lot more of in the playoffs.

This is why . . . adding a veteran forward who could potentially play alongside Toews still makes a ton of sense. Even if Schmaltz ends up being the next Bobby Hull at LW in the playoffs, you have a place for this forward on your "third" line, making that line better.

And if adding that guy helps win a fourth Cup, I wouldn't give rat's ass if it cost Tyler Motte, or Forsling, or even Schmaltz himself. After Keith and Hossa are gone, Cups will be much harder to come by.

What I hear people saying is the "chemistry" is so good right now, a trade might "upset it"—like the chemistry is SO good it guarantees a Cup.

As good as this team is playing lately, it is not as good as the '10 team or the '13 team. '15 is debatable. Bear in mind, more miles since then on the core, no Saad.

And watch Washington and Pittsburgh play and then come and tell me (not you specifically Joe) how a handful of good games means the Hawks walk over those teams.
- John Jaeckel

I don't think any of the possible TDL pickups that you've mentioned "guarantee" a Cup either.

And Chris Campoli was in his 6th NHL year when he was traded to the Hawks. I guess in his case, the experience that you value so highly didn't mean much.

I value experience, but not at the expense of messing with what the Hawks have been building all year. The Pens rookies were a key ingredient in winning the Cup last year, just as the Hawks rookies have been an important component of their much improved play over the last six weeks. Do you want to ignore Toews' statements concerning the need for stability, and the benefits of getting used to playing with the same line mates? Or ignore his praise of Schmaltz and Panik, the latter being someone you consistently denigrated as being nothing more than a bottom six player?

I always maintained that Toews diminished play earlier this year, and in the last half of last year, was due to an injury, and not because of who his wingers were. Looks like I was right.

Flippula would be nice but 5 million I don't think will work, besides I don't think Tampa going to give up on making the playoffs. The Flyers I would have to think have to start considering being sellers now. Does anyone think there is players on the Flyers that the Hawks would be interested in for this year's playoffs ? Players they realistically have a chance to get.

Flippula would be nice but 5 million I don't think will work, besides I don't think Tampa going to give up on making the playoffs. The Flyers I would have to think have to start considering being sellers now. Does anyone think there is players on the Flyers that the Hawks would be interested in for this year's playoffs ? Players they realistically have a chance to get.
- HamiltonHawk

I don't know any of their young guys but you may be able to get Matt Read for super cheap. He's had a couple 20 goal seasons, maybe a change of scenery would do him good.

I don't think any of the possible TDL pickups that you've mentioned guarantee a Cup either.
- BMWChiFan

We could be gifted McDavid and Karlsson by bettman taking their current cap hits and replacing them with league minimum just because, and that still wouldn't guarantee a cup.


The point is to improve your chances. Risking something as fragile as what this team wide chemistry is, instead of adding another more capable body into the lineup, isnt the best route to have the best chance.

The hawks have welcomed a good to great asset (or multiple) every year they won the cup, and they had stronger teams than this years hawks in 10, 13, and 15 if you didn't know.

@nhlupdate (Brennan Klak) On @TSN1260, @DarrenDreger says he feels like John Chayka has a bit of an appetite to get some of his moves done before next week. #Coyotes

I don't think any of the possible TDL pickups that you've mentioned guarantee a Cup either.
- BMWChiFan

I think that's the difference this year over prior TDLs. You would have to look at previous Cup winning teams and what they needed over what they got. Lower line C and depth on the blue line. Zus, Vermette, needed. Timmonen, not needed, but maybe was used for TT (didn't work). Those were the pick=ups that were ultimately needed.

This year, if you consider 1LW to be the biggest hole, who are you going to get that fits under the cap AND is being shopped AND doesn't require an arm and a leg to acquire. Also, this year, the 'hawks have invested much more time in the rookies than in the past. Look who they dealt...the closest one to as much NHL time is Danault. Other than that, they were pieces who had cups of coffee in the show.

Of course the FO wants to win another Cup, but investment in a player's development is a big deal and it would have to be a blockbuster and a near lock to win the SC to trade some of the kids.

Someone mentionned it in the last thread but I would love to see Stan get John Michell from the Avs. Solid at the dot, can fill a 4th line spot. Added center depth and should not cost a ton.

Bottom line, the playoffs are a physical and psychological war of attrition. Mental and physical toughness are at a premium. Pretty plays and learning on the job don't really have a place, or just not bloody much.

Even veteran players will make mistakes and/or get beaten down over the grind of up to 28 games against the best competition in the world, all highly motivated.

This is why a handful of games in February prove next to nothing about how well a kid just out of college or Sweden will respond when the poop gets thick, the bruises accumulate and legs get tired in May.

Think back to game 7 of the first round in 2011. The Hawks fought back in that series from down 3-1 against the eventual conference champions, they got an OT in Game 7 on the road. It was a tough, tough series.

Chris Campoli, who had some experience, makes a mental error, boom, the Hawks are on the golf course.

Of all the rookies, the two guys who concern me least in that context are Hartman and Kempny, because both are mature physically and seem to dish it out as much as absorb it. And Kempny does worry me on the mental side.

Despite the hype, Schmaltz is still learning and his game marginalizes along the wall and in tighter checking. Which he will see a lot more of in the playoffs.

This is why . . . adding a veteran forward who could potentially play alongside Toews still makes a ton of sense. Even if Schmaltz ends up being the next Bobby Hull at LW in the playoffs, you have a place for this forward on your "third" line, making that line better.

And if adding that guy helps win a fourth Cup, I wouldn't give rat's ass if it cost Tyler Motte, or Forsling, or even Schmaltz himself. After Keith and Hossa are gone, Cups will be much harder to come by.

What I hear people saying is the "chemistry" is so good right now, a trade might "upset it"—like the chemistry is SO good it guarantees a Cup.

As good as this team is playing lately, it is not as good as the '10 team or the '13 team. '15 is debatable. Bear in mind, more miles since then on the core, no Saad.

And watch Washington and Pittsburgh play and then come and tell me (not you specifically Joe) how a handful of good games means the Hawks walk over those teams.
- John Jaeckel

A good thorough post JJ.

I still think a Palat or Hanzal addition puts this team at the cusp... And IF they make it to cup final against, say, Pittsburgh or Washington, a vet forward who plays a STRONG two way game is pivotal. Especially if your lining up against Crosby, Malkin, the HBK line, Backstrom, OV, Kuznetsov, etc. A two way top 9 guy is needed for the competition and speed.

Bottom line, the playoffs are a physical and psychological war of attrition. Mental and physical toughness are at a premium. Pretty plays and learning on the job don't really have a place, or just not bloody much.

Even veteran players will make mistakes and/or get beaten down over the grind of up to 28 games against the best competition in the world, all highly motivated.

This is why a handful of games in February prove next to nothing about how well a kid just out of college or Sweden will respond when the poop gets thick, the bruises accumulate and legs get tired in May.

Think back to game 7 of the first round in 2011. The Hawks fought back in that series from down 3-1 against the eventual conference champions, they got an OT in Game 7 on the road. It was a tough, tough series.

Chris Campoli, who had some experience, makes a mental error, boom, the Hawks are on the golf course.

Of all the rookies, the two guys who concern me least in that context are Hartman and Kempny, because both are mature physically and seem to dish it out as much as absorb it. And Kempny does worry me on the mental side.

Despite the hype, Schmaltz is still learning and his game marginalizes along the wall and in tighter checking. Which he will see a lot more of in the playoffs.

This is why . . . adding a veteran forward who could potentially play alongside Toews still makes a ton of sense. Even if Schmaltz ends up being the next Bobby Hull at LW in the playoffs, you have a place for this forward on your "third" line, making that line better.

And if adding that guy helps win a fourth Cup, I wouldn't give rat's ass if it cost Tyler Motte, or Forsling, or even Schmaltz himself. After Keith and Hossa are gone, Cups will be much harder to come by.

What I hear people saying is the "chemistry" is so good right now, a trade might "upset it"—like the chemistry is SO good it guarantees a Cup.

As good as this team is playing lately, it is not as good as the '10 team or the '13 team. '15 is debatable. Bear in mind, more miles since then on the core, no Saad.

And watch Washington and Pittsburgh play and then come and tell me (not you specifically Joe) how a handful of good games means the Hawks walk over those teams.
- John Jaeckel

When you say people, do you means sources or the random poster here JJ?

Chemistry is why I would like to see Tatar in the Indianhead sweater personally.

Chicago BlackhawksVerified account‏@NHLBlackhawks 1m1 minute ago
More
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with goaltender Jeff Glass on a two-year contract that runs through the 2017-18 season.

So....this means.....

I don't think any of the possible TDL pickups that you've mentioned "guarantee" a Cup either.

And Chris Campoli was in his 6th NHL year when he was traded to the Hawks. I guess in his case, the experience that you value so highly didn't mean much.

I value experience, but not at the expense of messing with what the Hawks have been building all year. The Pens rookies were a key ingredient in winning the Cup last year, just as the Hawks rookies have been an important component of their much improved play over the last six weeks. Do you want to ignore Toews' statements concerning the need for stability, and the benefits of getting used to playing with the same line mates? Or ignore his praise of Schmaltz and Panik, the latter being someone you consistently denigrated as being nothing more than a bottom six player?

I always maintained that Toews diminished play earlier this year, and in the last half of last year, was due to an injury, and not because of who his wingers were. Looks like I was right.
- BMWChiFan

Apparently, you're the one who's always right then. See how that works? Congrats.

From the top.

Adding a winger, the right winger, doesn't guarantee a Cup (you're right again!), but it certainly likely improves the odds. I won't waste the keystrokes explaining the "attrition" and nature of the playoffs again. It's common sense, and math.Oh, and by the way, the possibility of a Toews injury is something I've been talking about here for a couple of years, along with the line mate issue. Funny, people closer to the truth than you or I have told me Toews himself has not been all that pleased with his line mates. But what does he know?

Panik likely is a bottom 6 player on most teams, all else being equal and over the course of his career. Can he fill in a top 6 role playing with an elite or near elite center man, sure. As can a lot of players, like say a Patrick Eaves. See where that goes?

Go over on some other boards and provide your rationalized case for Richard Paniuk as a consistent top 6 winger in the NHL—see what kind of response you get.

I'm really not interested in playing gotcha with you either. This can all be debated all day.

And I'm not "denigrating" anyone either. I try to be realistic and fair, even if that disrupts maybe a more storybook ending some would like to see happen. You don't like it? Fine. Don't make it personal.

Chicago BlackhawksVerified account‏@NHLBlackhawks 1m1 minute ago
More
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with goaltender Jeff Glass on a two-year contract that runs through the 2017-18 season.

So....this means.....
- BURDA13

Who Jeff Glass ?

When you say people, do you means sources or the random poster here JJ?

Chemistry is why I would like to see Tatar in the Indianhead sweater personally.
- ikeane

Random posters. Sources I talk to, as of this writing, all say the Hawks are exploring deals, primarily for left wings.

If/when they tell me the hawks are standing pat, or zeroing in on something, I will pass it along. That's what I do.

I think that's the difference this year over prior TDLs. You would have to look at previous Cup winning teams and what they needed over what they got. Lower line C and depth on the blue line. Zus, Vermette, needed. Timmonen, not needed, but maybe was used for TT (didn't work). Those were the pick=ups that were ultimately needed.

This year, if you consider 1LW to be the biggest hole, who are you going to get that fits under the cap AND is being shopped AND doesn't require an arm and a leg to acquire. Also, this year, the 'hawks have invested much more time in the rookies than in the past. Look who they dealt...the closest one to as much NHL time is Danault. Other than that, they were pieces who had cups of coffee in the show.

Of course the FO wants to win another Cup, but investment in a player's development is a big deal and it would have to be a blockbuster and a near lock to win the SC to trade some of the kids.
- CanOCorn

Agree. And don't forget the Cup window remains open at least for a few more years after this year. Even if they don't win it this year (and I'm not saying that they won't or that they will), it will be nice to have young, cost-controlled players like Schmaltz, Hartman, and Kero, who have gone through the Cup wars to contribute in the future.

Agree. And don't forget the Cup window remains open at least for a few more years after this year. Even if they don't win it this year (and I'm not saying that they won't or that they will), it will be nice to have young, cost-controlled players like Schmaltz, Hartman, and Kero, who have gone through the Cup wars to contribute in the future.
- BMWChiFan

And there I agree with you—but do you need ALL of them—possibly at the expense of an upgrade this year?

I think that's a really fair question. I will also remind you this same debate has gone on here the last two deadlines, and what did the Hawks do?

Apparently, you're the one who's always right then. See how that works? Congrats.

From the top.

Adding a winger, the right winger, doesn't guarantee a Cup (you're right again!), but it certainly likely improves the odds. I won't waste the keystrokes explaining the "attrition" and nature of the playoffs again. It's common sense, and math.Oh, and by the way, the possibility of a Toews injury is something I've been talking about here for a couple of years, along with the line mate issue. Funny, people closer to the truth than you or I have told me Toews himself has not been all that pleased with his line mates. But what does he know?

Panik likely is a bottom 6 player on most teams, all else being equal and over the course of his career. Can he fill in a top 6 role playing with an elite or near elite center man, sure. As can a lot of players, like say a Patrick Eaves. See where that goes?

Go over on some other boards and provide your rationalized case for Richard Paniuk as a consistent top 6 winger in the NHL—see what kind of response you get.

I'm really not interested in playing gotcha with you either. This can all be debated all day.

And I'm not "denigrating" anyone either. I try to be realistic and fair, even if that disrupts maybe a more storybook ending some would like to see happen. You don't like it? Fine. Don't make it personal.
- John Jaeckel

I don't claim to be always right, although sometimes you do. And I didn't, and don't, make it personal. Just an honest disagreement with you.

I don't claim to be always right, although sometimes you do. And I didn't, and don't, make it personal. Just an honest disagreement with you.
- BMWChiFan

Show me the actual quote or even implication where I've said I'm always right. And I think you need to do so now. Not your opinion or that of one of your "buddies."

Hainsey to the Pens for a 2nd +

Hainsey to the Pens for a 2nd +
- ChicagoDave

Hmmm, as I said to someone a while ago, I think this DL is going to be one of those where 1-2 moves triggers a lot of activity all of a sudden, teams waiting to see what others do, and for the market to define.

Chicago BlackhawksVerified account‏@NHLBlackhawks 1m1 minute ago
More
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with goaltender Jeff Glass on a two-year contract that runs through the 2017-18 season.

So....this means.....
- BURDA13

This means that Crawford will be traded for glorious cap space. #fact

This means that Crawford will be traded for glorious cap space. #fact
- DarthKane

One of the best prospects in the league.

You keep citing what Bowman says in the media as proof of what he'll do. It may be. It may not be—as history proves.

The other issue is, if he does follow through exactly on what he says, is it the right thing to do?

Stan (and Scotty) Bowman are notorious for setting expectations low in the media and with fans. It makes life a lot easier down the line. Don't you even suspect that's just bargaining?

Let me ask you, Wally, if Bowman does nothing, because that seems to be what you're advocating—no?), how sure are you this team, as composed, wins a Cup?

And if Bowman's goal is not to win a Cup, but instead " to hold on to and "build around" the likes of Schmaltz, Hinostroza, Motte, Forsling and Panik, he should probably be fired. On the spot.

His roster and a whole poop ton of money Rocky Wirtz is spending this year, and every year as long as the "core is intact, is built to win Cups.
- John Jaeckel

I'm crushed, devastated I tell you.