Does anybody know what the scoop is on Kruger not taking draws? I know he's had a wrist problem but I'm wondering how far off he is from a full recovery so he can resume taking face offs.

Acquiring a 3C who can also play on the PK makes a boat load of sense. It would improve the team's depth and take some pressure off Toews and Hossa on the PK. I still stand by my idea of getting Boyle from Tampa, he'd be a perfect fit for that role. Plus he has significant playoff experience.
- DarthKane

Im all for Boyle... adds some needed size/grit.

Ehhh, could be. But honestly, I was more of the mind that a big time left winger was what Toews needed to elevate his game. Toews elevated his game mostly by himself—got healthy. Take him out of that equation, those other guys regress somewhat.

I DO think he and Panik especially have some nice chemistry. And def Schmaltz has stepped up since coming back from the Rock.

Don't get me wrong, I think there's some truth to what you say as far as Schmaltz stepping up. Not sure if his long-term potential is even as a left wing. But he's definitely doing the job right now.
- John Jaeckel

Maybe I'm drinking the Kool aid but I look at Teows and Panik at there best when they are grinding, one timing and getting in front of the Net. So adding a guy that can control the puck and create space and lanes with his hands is a really good fit. if you vanek-teows-panik then you have all guys that want to get in front of the net so you become a dump and chase 1st line (that should be a 3rd line). Yes maybe you could move Schmaltz to RW and move Panik down to 3rd line. More then anything else Teows wants to play with the same guys for the rest of the season and playoffs so he knows where they are at there best at on the ice so he can let them do what they do best, And teows can settle into his role. the last year and 1/2 I think he was just Tired of not knowing what he needed to do for his line to be good. IE trying to do to much and he just does not have the skill level to do that.

Great point, Joe. Don't kid yourself. Schmaltz is going to be TARGETED in the playoffs.
Let's not put him in the HOF just yet.
- John Jaeckel

I'm not trying to correct anyone or say their opinion is bullpoop. It's just that this is a first year player, who we have seen get intimidated earlier in the season. Space and time gets a lot more smaller in the playoffs. Guys like Burns, Bieksa, Parayko, Pietrangelo,Subban, Josi, Ekholm are no slouches and will exploit him.

I was having a good and constructive discussion last with BMW, Darth and a couple of other board guys last night (great input and knowledge guys, btw). It's just important to realize that there are going to be quite a few rookies in the lineup and none have seen playoff hockey. The ones I'm least concerned about is Hartman and Kero because they have the most experience and can play a gritty game.

Does anybody know what the scoop is on Kruger not taking draws? I know he's had a wrist problem but I'm wondering how far off he is from a full recovery so he can resume taking face offs.
- Lido_Shuffle

Only his doctor knows for sure. Maybe time, maybe another surgery in the offseason. And yes, those questions, unless the Hawks could provide rock-solid medical assurance to another team would negatively affect his trade value.

What about a bottom 6 like this?

Hartman-Kruger-Hossa
Rasmussen-Kero-Hinostroza

That 4th line may not generate a ton of offense, but I think the 3rd line would while still being defensively responsible. I don't know. Maybe we shouldn't break up the "kids" line...

I think we'd all like to see Kruger score more, and as such, maybe he is MARGINALLY overpaid.

His ability defensively—against top players of good teams—and what he's shown in the playoffs makes those who relentlessly slag him just look like they don't understand the overall game very well.
- John Jaeckel

I haven't been a Kruger basher and I very much appreciate the aspects of Kruger's game that you have so often championed ... but he is not the same player at this time. I don't mind the offensive ineptitude, but part of his game included winning draws and elevating the Hawks PK from awful to good or in past seasons from good to very good. It's probably an injury but he doesn't even take draws anymore. If Kruger can't be the stellar PK guy who wins draws - than he isn't nearly as valuable and that $3.1M cap hit is a lot harder to take.

I'm not trying to correct anyone or say their opinion is bullpoop. It's just that this is a first year player, who we have seen get intimidated earlier in the season. Space and time gets a lot more smaller in the playoffs. Guys like Burns, Bieksa, Parayko, Pietrangelo,Subban, Josi, Ekholm are no slouches and will exploit him.

I was having a good and constructive discussion last with BMW, Darth and a couple of other board guys last night (great input and knowledge guys). It's just important to realize that there are going to be quite a few rookies in the lineup and none have seen playoff hockey. The ones I'm least concerned about is Hartman and Kero because they have the most experience and can play a gritty game.
- 93Joe

Totally completely agree. Playoff hockey is a different animal.

And believe me, Schmaltz especially will have a target on his back for physical abuse, just like TT did. That is in no way to assume he will respond (or not) similarly. In fact, I think he's tougher than TT quite frankly.

All that said, the rough going is where he tends to disappear a bit. He gets beaten along the wall a lot. His game is at its best with time and space. Just the two things that go bye bye to a large degree in playoff games.

I'm not trying to correct anyone or say their opinion is bullpoop. It's just that this is a first year player, who we have seen get intimidated earlier in the season. Space and time gets a lot more smaller in the playoffs. Guys like Burns, Bieksa, Parayko, Pietrangelo,Subban, Josi, Ekholm are no slouches and will exploit him.

I was having a good and constructive discussion last with BMW, Darth and a couple of other board guys last night (great input and knowledge guys). It's just important to realize that there are going to be quite a few rookies in the lineup and none have seen playoff hockey. The ones I'm least concerned about is Hartman and Kero because they have the most experience and can play a gritty game.
- 93Joe

When the Kings won the Cup in '14, they had alot of youngsters playing earlier in the year. That playing time paid off big come playoff time. I see a similar thing this year with Schmaltz and Hartman. 8 looks pretty good with 19 at the moment.

I haven't been a Kruger basher and I very much appreciate the aspects of Kruger's game that you have so often championed ... but he is not the same player at this time. I don't mind the offensive ineptitude, but part of his game included winning draws and elevating the Hawks PK from awful to good or in past seasons from good to very good. It's probably an injury but he doesn't even take draws anymore. If Kruger can't be the stellar PK guy who wins draws - than he isn't nearly as valuable and that $3.1M cap hit is a lot harder to take.
- EbonyRaptor

The draws are a huge issue, agreed. I think he's actually not the problem with the PK at all.

I think we'd all like to see Kruger score more, and as such, maybe he is MARGINALLY overpaid.

His ability defensively—against top players of good teams—and what he's shown in the playoffs makes those who relentlessly slag him just look like they don't understand the overall game very well.
- John Jaeckel

Scotty Bowman knows a thing or two about what type of role payers are required to win Cups (multiple) He relied on a number of under the radar defensive specialists on those legendary Habs Cup runs--- Kruger fits that profile (along with Hossa)

As does Fillipula-- who I think might have been a Scotty drafted player with the Red Wings--

The draws are a huge issue, agreed. I think he's actually not the problem with the PK at all.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed. The PK problems go wayyyy beyond just Marcus Kruger.

Totally completely agree. Playoff hockey is a different animal.

And believe me, Schmaltz especially will have a target on his back for physical abuse, just like TT did. That is in no way to assume he will respond (or not) similarly. In fact, I think he's tougher than TT quite frankly.

All that said, the rough going is where he tends to disappear a bit. He gets beaten along the wall a lot. His game is at its best with time and space. Just the two things that go bye bye to a large degree in playoff games.
- John Jaeckel

Good points JJ.

That's where a guy like Palat, Hanzal, Val Fillpula can help a lot because they play down-low, go to the net, two way games.

When the Kings won the Cup in '14, they had alot of youngsters playing earlier in the year. That playing time paid off big come playoff time. I see a similar thing this year with Schmaltz and Hartman. 8 looks pretty good with 19 at the moment.
- z1990z

No doubt man. Pearson played about a fourth of the season and Toffoli played almost the whole season. But these are guys that marinated for some time. Again, I'm not knocking Schmaltz at all. He is exceeding expectations right now. I'm hoping we can have a result like "That 70's Line" in 2014 except with Schmaltz-Toews-Panik

The way the Hawks are playing right now, which to me ladders back a great deal to #19, and the kids (Hartman, Panik, Schmaltz—and bear in mind, as I said this summer, Panik and Hartman had PRO EXPERIENCE) being able to step up with his resurgence, I think shifts the trade scenarios and takes a lot of pressure off Stanley.
- John Jaeckel

I agree. I am still not totally convinced this team is as strong or deep as the Pens (if healthy) or Capitals, but I do think they have to be a favorite to get out of the West. And in a 1 series match anything can happen and I like the pedigree of the Hawks.

No doubt man. Pearson played about a fourth of the season and Toffoli played almost the whole season. But these are guys that marinated for some time. Again, I'm not knocking Schmaltz at all. He is exceeding expectations right now. I'm hoping we can have a result like "That 70's Line" in 2014 except with Schmaltz-Toews-Panik
- 93Joe

I get the vibe that the Hawks arent considered a threat with the media loved Caps and Wild getting all the headlines. Last nights game was flag plant type of game for the Hawks. It was the we are not going away statement to the NHL. Just need a little more help on the wing.

Totally completely agree. Playoff hockey is a different animal.

And believe me, Schmaltz especially will have a target on his back for physical abuse, just like TT did. That is in no way to assume he will respond (or not) similarly. In fact, I think he's tougher than TT quite frankly.

All that said, the rough going is where he tends to disappear a bit. He gets beaten along the wall a lot. His game is at its best with time and space. Just the two things that go bye bye to a large degree in playoff games.
- John Jaeckel

He has worked on his board battles a lot, it would seem. He goes hard in to them now. He even won a couple last night for some good setups. Before his AHL stint, he was avoiding those. Hopefully he can learn on the fly when it comes to the playoffs. Having Toews and Panik on his line, 2 guys that don't shy away form anything, should help too.

Totally completely agree. Playoff hockey is a different animal.

And believe me, Schmaltz especially will have a target on his back for physical abuse, just like TT did. That is in no way to assume he will respond (or not) similarly. In fact, I think he's tougher than TT quite frankly.

All that said, the rough going is where he tends to disappear a bit. He gets beaten along the wall a lot. His game is at its best with time and space. Just the two things that go bye bye to a large degree in playoff games.
- John Jaeckel

He's definitely responded better to pressure along the wall and escaping into danger areas in the o-zone. 50/50 pucks in the d-zone? Not so much.

I agree that in the playoffs his game could be less effective. I could definitely see Hartman and him switching spots/minutes in the lineup for this reason. I also think that guys like Desi and Tootoo will get some starts (to the dismay of this board) because they have a bit more grit against teams that bring the body.

- DarthKane

I'd be on-board w/ the Hawks standing pat at the deadline, because I think it's become pretty clear they can hang w/ any team in the West in a 7-game series. While I'm certainly not going to call them a "lock" to make the finals, I also think it'd be foolish to think they can't make a finals run as-is.

With the amount of new faces on the roster to start the year, there were clear growing pains; however, I am not going to ignore the fact that the step into the NHL is incredibly challenging and it has taken some time for the new bodies to adjust and team chemistry to be built. The team is finding its stride and I LOVE that they are able to roll 4 lines effectively... I think THAT is the key to a deep run by the Hawks moreso than finding another big $$$ contract. That 4th line looks to be the real deal and will be a serious weapon for Q come playoff time... the third line can be a defensive powerhouse and while they may not light the world on fire w/ goals, they can effectively shut down opponents' top lines... of course PAK is a solid line and should continue to remain dangerous (Panarin is fine... he's doing a lot of the right things out there and just isn't finding the net right now... hockey can be a streaky game and I fully expect him to be a force come playoff time)... and Of course the first line has looked solid and Toews looks comfortable. Since coming back from Rockford Schmaltz has looked like a new player and I really like him on Toews' flank, and Panik has been great as the season has moved along. For his contract, Panik has been a home run in my opinion... yes... you will get a howler from him here and there (missed open nets, healing a one-timer...etc) but you also get a guy who opens things up w/ his motor and consistently puts himself in the right spot to make plays. There are still many 'raw' aspects of his game but given his improvement I think it's clear he's putting in the work and that in and of itself can be infectious for the rest of the room...

Ultimately, I think the only downfall of such a young group is the lack of playoff hockey experience, but I'm also a believer in trial by fire and the best way to truly see how deep you are is in the playoffs. The Hawks have 4 solid lines and the question on playoff effectiveness of the Hawks youngsters will always be there until we see them in action... let's answer those questions this year, and let that set the tone for any offseason moves once we truly know where we stand.

I would be ok w/ a depth addition at the deadline, but I would be cautious of making it at the expense of a current roster player... hockey is a streaky game and the Hawks have found a sweet spot w/ their lineup and I would be nervous shaking that up too much; however, there is not a player in Rockford I would have a second thought of trading if a nice depth piece became available... nothing that would shake up the status quo much, but moreso shore up the depth. As fun as it would be to see another superstar/elite talent on Toews' line, if it comes at the cost of a roster player I'm a hard pass... 4 good lines rolling (PAK being elite and #1 being strong) > 2 elite lines and limited depth come playoff time, IMO

Wow... just went through this and sorry for the crazy long rant. Said my piece haha.

Don't touch lines 1, 2, and 4. Our 4th line right now is the perfect combination of speed and energy with a little bit of skill and goalscoring mixed in. Love it.

All we need is another defensively sound LW to play with Kruger and Hossa that can also score and be dangerous offensively. So something like this:

Schmaltz-Toews-Panik
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Palat-Kruger-Hossa
Hinostroza-Kero-Hartman

Another great write up JJ . This is getting fun. Love reading everyone's opinion and find mine changing all the time after reading JJ blog or opinions posted . I know the fourth line is doing great but what about moving Hartman up to play play with Hossa for more offence. A third line center may be what's need most now. Asking alOT but would still like a big gritty forward for depth and another defenceman as well if we can get on the cheap. Cause as we know there will be injuries on a long playoff run. With the way the Hawks are playing SB will not have to over pay for players

I see everyone everywhere bandying about names of prospective gets,but EVERYThing depends upon which teams keep winning and which ones crap the bed, because teams who have a decent chance of squeaking in by weekend wins are NOT gonna start trading even their ufas unless there press box or farm has fair equal ability, and if that was the case, why have they waited this long?
In the East, Carolina, Detroit, New Jersey, Buffalo have to know they're done.
And the Tampa, Philly teams must think they are close to waving white flags, but just like none of us truly knowing what the hawk's staff values each youngster and vet, these teams probably already know which unsigned guys they will try to bring back and which guys with longer them deals they want to get out from under.

I just question how many available guys are replacements that upgrade THIS present hawk team, which derives strength with an entire team of, smart high Hockey IQs, tremendous quick hands that can precisely move the puck on to the next globetrotter, outstanding wall battlers who unearth pucks advance pucks, terrific overall quickness (even in the guys that need a step or two to get going), all sandwiched around a core of elite attackers.

Sure, it is very tough to think they would at this juncture try and secure another younger skilled forward who they would attempt to shoehorn and keep in their tight Cap scheme, but for the most part, that will cost established roster guys and futures of some form. I simply don't see the staff and GM deciding a Kruger, or Desi are easily replaceable with their playoff bound team....they KNOW what they have there, good bad indifferent, and might think they know how an outsider melds, but still a bit of uncertainty.

Yesterday I posted I guess they might look for more defense depth, but that was less my opinion as their past practice. I think they only way this happens is if they are totally insecure with Kempny and Forsling, and I see both in the future plans, don't underestimate a qualitative jump from rookie Forsling because when he finally is comfortable shooting,look out. He will continue to get stronger and aware inside his size to play the NHL back line too.

So, to me, if you want to stress an area where they might want to make a lower cost addition, it would be in the form of a heavy center-wing but that guy has got to have hands and ability to get going (tell you what: it is difficult to argue the NHL has slow players anymore), and who relishes in throwing the body making contact without hurting with pims.

Brian Boyle fits the bill.He more physical and agile than he is billed. Is over 50% in his face off duty. (If they are out, GM Stevie Y is going to shed one of Jason Garrison and former first rounder Brayden Coburn to keep the front line intact and find puck moving defenders to fill the bottom end in his cap crush trades)...To think Palat gets traded at the deadline is not in their plan....look for the design of if the trade Tyler Johnson or Val Filppula to come at a later date, as Palat is. Great fit there up and down the line up.

Steve Ott. (Cough) - when he plays he goes through the wall for his team.

Just think in terms of playoffs....is a former scorer gonna waltz onto the Toews line,click and SCORE? The playoffs are where even more defensive "funneling" to the wall happens. Is a Vrbata, Vanek or even a dirty area meat n potatoes player like Patrick Eaves a remedy? He has like 16 assist with that career high 21 goals, and a minus ten +/-......
My point is more the asking price (because the better future UFAs are going to get bigger returns...teams will drive the price of Hanzal up.)

Some teams that are out will be early buying with the hopes they can long term sign some of the guys on the market to fill needs.

Most teams probably they are happy waiting to see how the Las Vegas expansion pans out, because you don't want to toliet flush your players and prospects for a guy who I simply close in ability to what you have.

The band aids out there will come at too high a price and I feel less teams will hold back until the draft(s) and then start fill in their teams around the stagnant Cap and how they can exchange assets to fortify areas of long term need, not now.

I see everyone everywhere bandying about names of prospective gets,but EVERYThing depends upon which teams keep winning and which ones crap the bed, because teams who have a decent chance of squeaking in by weekend wins are NOT gonna start trading even their upas unless there press box or farm has fair equal ability, and if that was the case, why have they waited this long?
In the East, Carolina, Detroit, New Jersey, Buffalo have to know they're done.
And the Tampa, Philly teams must think they are close to waving white flags, but just like none of us truly knowing what the hawk's staff values each youngster and vet, these teams probably already know which unsigned guys they will try to bring back and which guys with longer them deals they want to get out from under.

I just question how many available guys are replacements that upgrade THIS present hawk team, which derives strength with an entire team of, smart high Hockey IQs, tremendous quick hands that can precisely move the puck on to the next globetrotter, outstanding wall battlers who unearth pucks advance pucks, terrific overall quickness (even in the guys that need a step or two to get going), all sandwiched around a core of elite attackers.

Sure, it is very tough to think they would at this juncture try and secure another younger skilled forward who they would attempt to shoehorn and keep in their tight Cap scheme, but for the most part, that will cost established roster guys and futures of some form. I simply don't see the staff and GM deciding a Kruger, or Desi are easily replaceable with their playoff bound team....they KNOW what they have there, good bad indifferent, and might think they know how an outsider melds, but still a bit of uncertainty.

Yesterday I posted I guess they might look for more defense depth, but that was less my opinion as their past practice. I think they only way this happens is if they are totally insecure with Kempny and Forsling, and I see both in the future plans, don't underestimate a qualitative jump from rookie Forsling because when he finally is comfortable shooting look out. He will continue to get stronger and aware inside his size to play the NHL back line too.

So, to me, if you want to stress an area where they might want to make a lower cost addition, it would be in the form of a heavy center-wing but that guy has got to have hands and ability to get going (tell you what: it is difficult to argue the NHL has slow players anymore), and who relishes in throwing the body making contact without hurting with pins.

Brian Boyle fits the bill.He more physical and agile than he is billed. (If they are out, GM Stevie Y is going to shed one of Jason Garrison and former first rounder Brayden Coburn to keep the front line intact and find puck moving defenders to fill the bottom end in his cap crush trades)...To think Palat gets traded at the deadline is not in their plan....look for the design of if the trade Tyler Johnson or Val Filppula to come at a later date, as Palat is. Great fit there up and down the line up.

Steve Ott. (Cough) - when he plays he goes through the wall for his team.

Just think in terms of playoffs....is a former scorer gonna waltz onto the Toews line,click and SCORE? The playoffs are where even more defensive "funneling" to the wall happens. Is a Vrbata, Vanek or even a dirty area meat n potatoes player like Patrick Eaves a remedy? He has like 16 assist with that career high 21 goals, and a minus ten +/-......
My point is more the asking price (because the better future UFAs are going to get bigger returns...teams will drive the price of Hanzal up.)

Some teams that are out will be early buying with the hopes they can long term sign some of the guys on the market to fill needs.

Most teams probably they are happy waiting to see how the Las Vegas expansion pans out, because you don't want to toliet flush your players and prospects for a guy who I simply close in ability to what you have.

The band aids out there will come at too high a price and I feel less teams will hold back until the draft(s) and then start fill in their teams around the stagnant Cap and how they can exchange assets to fortify areas of long term need, not now.
- wiz1901

Good post Wiz. Well reasoned, supported and articulated.

The draws are a huge issue, agreed. I think he's actually not the problem with the PK at all.
- John Jaeckel

I didn't mean to imply he wasn't good on the PK anymore - only that step-1 of a successful PK is winning the draw and since he doesn't take draws anymore he is not as valuable.