Kruger is on a hot streak! Seriously, who are the Hawks going to have to add as a sweetener to move him and his $3M cap hit this summer?
- BMWChiFan

Too bad they already dumped the Great TT to move Bickell, eh?

JJ, you are absolutely right on all your points. One thing I will say in addition to results matter is...experience matters.

There are a lot of rookies and 2nd years on this team, BUT...there are also a lot of vets that have gone through the grind.

My point is: I'd put my money on the 'hawks vets carrying this team to the cup before any of the Eastern conference teams minus the Penguins BECAUSE they've done it before.

Is this the year we get the Kid vs Captain matchup? If I were in Vegas, that's where my money would go.
- CanOCorn

Evidently not. Or some individuals are taking some things too personally. Dunno.

Often, the best trades are the ones you don't make. Handzal is a loser. So is Duchene. So glad we didn't waste cost-controlled, talented young players on either of them.
- BMWChiFan

Also where does the Great Jurco fit into this logic?

Lemme guess, the Hawks were "after him for six weeks" to add a contract to expose at the the deadline!

No "losers" here!!!!! Everything else is "fake news."

As for the Kruger haters: I believe it was SCH that mentioned that the Avs had a total of ZERO SOG while Kruger was on the ice.

While he's definitely had his ups and downs this season especially, and this is the Avs we are talking about...ZERO SOG is why you have a guy like Kruger.

IMHO:
1) Kruger is not a total liability like Bickell was last summer. He has some value, though his contract is about $1m too much for his level of play.
2) Expansion draft. Will Vegas value a veteran experienced, shut down, 3rd/4th line center that is normally strong at the dot and on the pk with a $3mil price tag for the next 2 years to mentor and instill a winning culture on a brand new team?
3) What is the going prices in free agency for a 3rd /4th line center with traits mentioned above.
4) My guess is that if you just trade him you get a 6th or 7th. If you add in a "B" level prospect (Dahlstrom, Svedburg) maybe a 4th or 5th. If you add a better prospect (Hino, Motte) you could get a 2nd or 3rd.
- -Doh-

This rings of "truth."

FWIW, from the department of what some would call "fake news," George McPhee was highly interested in trading for Kruger a few years back, before he had the 2 Cup Rings.

All that said, there may be a surprise (or two) as to who the Hawks leave exposed and who they don't.

As for the Kruger haters: I believe it was SCH that mentioned that the Avs had a total of ZERO SOG while Kruger was on the ice.

While he's definitely had his ups and downs this season especially, and this is the Avs we are talking about...ZERO SOG is why you have a guy like Kruger.
- CanOCorn

No, he never scores, he has no other value.

Seriously, yes, as has been said here many times, his defensive ability is why he's on the ice and on the team. And is there value to such thing as a purely defensive forward (especially a center)? Most NHL GMs would tell you, yes. If not all of them.

Is he worth $3 million in that role? That is open for valid debate.

As for the Kruger haters: I believe it was SCH that mentioned that the Avs had a total of ZERO SOG while Kruger was on the ice.

While he's definitely had his ups and downs this season especially, and this is the Avs we are talking about...ZERO SOG is why you have a guy like Kruger.
- CanOCorn

I don't hate Kruger, I hate his inflated contract on this team, given what he brings to the ice. He is an exceptional defender, and there is no debate on that fact. But there is no offense there and when AA is making only $1.25 more, I think that speaks for itself. There is a reason that Kero and Schmaltz were placed between 72+88 instead of Kruger with AA out. He is and will be a crucial piece on this Roster as they go for a 4th Cup. It should be interesting to see if what Wiz was saying regarding the other GM's whining about the Cap. If the Cap is increased maybe the Hawks can afford to keep Kruger??

I don't hate Kruger, I hate his inflated contract on this team, given what he brings to the ice. He is an exceptional defender, and there is no debate on that fact. But there is no offense there and when AA is making only $1.25 more, I think that speaks for itself. There is a reason that Kero and Schmaltz were placed between 72+88 instead of Kruger with AA out. He is and will be a crucial piece on this Roster as they go for a 4th Cup. It should be interesting to see if what Wiz was saying regarding the other GM's whining about the Cap. If the Cap is increased maybe the Hawks can afford to keep Kruger??
- EnzoD

Dunno, if I had to bet Kruger is likely gone this summer, his wrist injury may force the Hawks' hand regardless of $$.

All that said, I am personally VERY HAPPY he brings what he can do to the Hawk lineup in these playoffs. He has shown his value many times in the postseason in many ways.

1) debatable
2) incorrect

You almost sound like the Hawks' interest in these players were made-up fantasies (who am I kidding, that's exactly where you're going. Ehhh, no. Whatever.)

When in fact, the same GM who has accumulated all the amazing top shelf, cost-controlled young talent you speak of was highly interested in both those "losers" at this recent trade deadline.

Believe what you want. It's still definitely a free country as far as that goes.

Beyond that, glad to have the "Duchene is a loser" debate all day long, here or anywhere. Love to hear the actual scouting that draws you to that conclusion.
- John Jaeckel

There are people who think Duchene is a bum and loser? Wow what a wild world we live in now

Seems a bit snippy in here today.

Also where does the Great Jurco fit into this logic?

Lemme guess, the Hawks were "after him for six weeks" to add a contract to expose at the the deadline!

No "losers" here!!!!! Everything else is "fake news."
- John Jaeckel

Sarcasm and arguing aside, I am interested to see how Jurco's situation will end up. While he hasn't been overwhelming he's played a lot better since returning to the line-up. I don't expect much of anything from Jurco this season, but it will be interesting to see if he can be a quality depth forward next year.

No, he never scores, he has no other value.

Seriously, yes, as has been said here many times, his defensive ability is why he's on the ice and on the team. And is there value to such thing as a purely defensive forward (especially a center)? Most NHL GMs would tell you, yes. If not all of them.

Is he worth $3 million in that role? That is open for valid debate.
- John Jaeckel

Different era completely, but once upon a time there was this defensive center who didn't score much at all playing for the Montreal Canadiens in their mid-70's heyday. His name was Doug Jarvis. The Coach way back then is connected now to the Blackhawks. He seemed to think Jarvis was a very important part of his team and played him extensively in on ice situations that called for his skill set.

But of course that was long ago before the expertise of amateur capologists and fantasy league players shed light on the really important aspects of the game.

There are people who think Duchene is a bum and loser? Wow what a wild world we live in now
- DDM-Coga

I'd take him on my team any day DDM.

Seems a bit snippy in here today.
- BlazinMike

Winning on a regular basis tends to have that effect.

Tough crowd today JJ.

There are people who think Duchene is a bum and loser? Wow what a wild world we live in now
- DDM-Coga

Duchy is Minus 31 and I don't think he possessed the puck for more than 15 seconds throughout the entire game last night. He also has maybe 3 hockey points in his last 20 games...what would you call that type of performance?

From previous blog and an entry by Hank Greenberg:

Totally agree. There are certainly reasons for optimism, but the playoffs are a war, and health, depth and goaltending are usually the difference between advancing and hitting the links. The Hawks certainly have the goaltending -- health and sufficient depth remain to be seen.

If they play their game, the Hawks are likely to come out of the West. But they are certainly capable of losing to any of the other playoff teams, particularly if they stay on the outside and don't get traffic in front of the net.

Either way, the most fun time of the year is right around the corner. Love the NHL playoffs!

Spot on Hank, its a war of attrition and bounce here or a bounce there and BAM, an 8th seed beats a #1 seed.

Different era completely, but once upon a time there was this defensive center who didn't score much at all playing for the Montreal Canadiens in their mid-70's heyday. His name was Doug Jarvis. The Coach way back then is connected now to the Blackhawks. He seemed to think Jarvis was a very important part of his team and played him extensively in on ice situations that called for his skill set.

But of course that was long ago before the expertise of amateur capologists and fantasy league players shed light on the really important aspects of the game.
- RickJ

Rick...well played.

Duchy is Minus 31 and I don't think he possessed the puck for more than 15 seconds throughout the entire game last night. He also has maybe 3 hockey points in his last 20 games...what would you call that type of performance?
- EnzoD

A very narrow minded analysis of a talent player. You dont look at a guy like him in a vacuum by cherry picking 20 some games during a season that he is on one of the worst teams in hockey history.

Its clear to the Avs fandom that Dutchy is hurting, what I mean is this trade talk has really taken his toll on him. I think he was set on moving on at the deadline, all the signs were pointing there, and this process isnt over from him. His childhood team growing up was the Avs and his hero was Sakic. His heart isnt in it anymore.

I love that guy, but its time for him to move on too, he needs to be excited and have an opportunity to win. If he plays at the World this spring he is going to be lighting it up.

I don't think Hayden has unseated Schmaltz form 1LW as soon as Arty is back. STP line was on fire for a good run there. Hayden can stil be effective on that HOssa Kruger line by throwing hits and going to the net. Hossa is no bum.

I'd take him on my team any day DDM.
- ILGolfer

I want that boy to win and get his cup, but I would feel dirty with him on the hawks and torturing the Avs fans

Duchy is Minus 31 and I don't think he possessed the puck for more than 15 seconds throughout the entire game last night. He also has maybe 3 hockey points in his last 20 games...what would you call that type of performance?
- EnzoD

Can't argue with your numbers Enzo but on a team that is -96 overall and according to a lot of metrics the worst single team so far in the salary cap era don't you think mentally he's checked out and with that his performance has gone south?

After all, he's only human and when your season's been over for 2 months, maybe its hard to muster up 100% of the needed enthusiasm to play every night. I know I hard a hard time playing the last 9 holes of a tournament that I was going to miss the cut in and not make a dime.

I did not watch the game. I did see Jurco with 16:14 (same as Hartman) of ice time with 4 hits, 2SOG and 1 BS, Tootoo with only 7 shifts (4:48) and Des 9 shifts (5:35). was the 4th line just bad or Was Kruger line pretty good? I'm Curious to see what happens when Hossa comes back. and of course what happens when AA comes back.

I want that boy to win and get his cup, but I would feel dirty with him on the hawks and torturing the Avs fans
- DDM-Coga

Come on DDM, I know that I and a bunch of us here would send you a year's supply of Gino's East pizza to ease your pain!!

Different era completely, but once upon a time there was this defensive center who didn't score much at all playing for the Montreal Canadiens in their mid-70's heyday. His name was Doug Jarvis. The Coach way back then is connected now to the Blackhawks. He seemed to think Jarvis was a very important part of his team and played him extensively in on ice situations that called for his skill set.

But of course that was long ago before the expertise of amateur capologists and fantasy league players shed light on the really important aspects of the game.
- RickJ

Don't forget modern hockey. Jarvis and whoever that coach is are relics of a bygone era. Modern hockey and really fast skating not defense, win Cups.