Somehow we have to get Boudreau's 30 second news conference from yesterday. Just heard a snippet of it, his answer to a question......"you're assuming we're a good team".

Seabrook would have to waive a full NMC to go there. I don't see that.
- John Jaeckel

No one with a NMC is going to waive to go to a Stan Kronke-owned team.

Respect the refs.

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

Toootally agree.

No, I didn't say anything about whether or not the Hawks had discussions regarding Handzal and Duchene -- I only said I'm glad we didn't waste young talent to get them.

Did you wake up on the wrong side of bed today, JJ? Sorry I think Kruger is overrated and overpriced. Sorry I think your incessant clamoring for a 1LW failed to recognize that young players on the roster could fill the role once they gained some experience. Sorry that you minimized Panik's talents as well until you finally couldn't ignore them any longer. So you can keep on touting Kruger even though he's no longer able to take face-offs, has largely been replaced by Kero on the PK, and is a black hole offensively. He was acceptable at a $1.5M cap hit, not at $3M.
- BMWChiFan

You know Kruger is 27/55 in his last 5 games and has been above 50% in 3 of those past 5, right? He can take draws just fine.

IF Sakic would have eaten 1/2 of Duchenes salary you give up Hartman and make that trade.
- Sn1362

Absolutely yes. However Duchene's $6M cap hit even at 50% would not fit in the Hawks Cap space. More salary then just Hartman's would have had to go to Colorado - like Maybe Kruger's $3.1M.

But if the trade somehow fit under the Hawks Cap - heck ya Duchene would be worth it. He is on a whole other level than Hartman (and I'm very pleased with Hartman). Not only is Duchene an elite skater and scorer, he is great at faceoffs which is sorely lacking on the Hawks.

Yes, JJ....gotta get your digs in at those who were critical of Jonathan Toews 40 point pace through the 2016 Calendar year. It's your blog, do what you want. I find it counterproductive as NOBODY called him a "bum", but simply an under-performer. He is and will continue to be the Co-Highest Paid Player in the NHL. Nobody is happier than I that he has been playing at a high level the last 2 months. However, he was playing below the standards that his contract dictates for 1.5 seasons. So, you are entitled to throw shade or mock those of us that criticized 19's play, but it does not negate the facts of the matter that while he wasn't playing like a "Bum", he was also far from playing like a $10.5million dollar man. Whatever, he's been great as have Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane. Hawks, barring another injury and even without their 2C, are the team to beat in the West.
- EnzoD

Toews clearly didn't play up to his standards during that year and a half period. However, I always thought it was because of an injury, and it looks like that was the problem.

No, I didn't say anything about whether or not the Hawks had discussions regarding Handzal and Duchene -- I only said I'm glad we didn't waste young talent to get them.

Did you wake up on the wrong side of bed today, JJ? Sorry I think Kruger is overrated and overpriced. Sorry I think your incessant clamoring for a 1LW failed to recognize that young players on the roster could fill the role once they gained some experience. Sorry that you minimized Panik's talents as well until you finally couldn't ignore them any longer. So you can keep on touting Kruger even though he's no longer able to take face-offs, has largely been replaced by Kero on the PK, and is a black hole offensively. He was acceptable at a $1.5M cap hit, not at $3M.
- BMWChiFan

Actually, feeling great. Thanks.

Not sure there's a debate about Kruger. Pretty sure EVERYONE agrees we'd feel better if he were paid less.

My actual response to what you actually said was about the declaration that Hanzal and Duchene (especially) are losers.

And pointing out that the same GM who gathered all the cost-controlled talent also had a more than passing interest in those guys you called losers.

So maybe I didn't make that quite clear enough . . . or you didn't get enough sleep(?)

Like I said before, I can talk about that all day.

Somehow we have to get Boudreau's 30 second news conference from yesterday. Just heard a snippet of it, his answer to a question......"you're assuming we're a good team".
- ILGolfer

I hope the Wild have a doctor close by at all times because Boudreau's fat red face looked like it was going to explode. Seriously his blood pressure has to be dangerously high.

No one with a NMC is going to waive to go to a Stan Kronke-owned team.
- BMWChiFan

Agreed. Not happening.

And quite honestly, not saying I hear about every Hawk trade discussion, but of the ones I do hear about, I never hear Seabrook's name mentioned.

As excited a we all are about Hayden is may be a tad early to anoint him the new 1LW. If he keeps playing well he'll get a few more games to provide he belongs so fingers corssed.

However, if Hayden can remain at 1LW (because he actually earns it) and Schmaltz moves to 3C with Hossa and Hartman that could be a huge win.
- DarthKane

I wouldn't be too surprised to see them keep Schmaltz at 2C. That line has been very creative and dangerous with #8 between 72 and 88. I'd like to see him win more draws, but he makes plays with the puck that AA doesn't. What if the Hawks put AA with Hossa and Hartman or they could even play AA on the Wing with Kruger and Hossa.

I guess time will tell and only Q knows what will come out his blender when the time comes, but the Hawks have some options, especially if Hayden can stick.

You know Kruger is 27/55 in his last 5 games and has been above 50% in 3 of those past 5, right? He can take draws just fine.
- JRoenick97

As much as—hopefully—a 3-game snapshot is indicative of where he will be the rest of the way, yes.

I did find it telling that as much as many of us, myself included, highlighted the need to acquire a secondary FO option, in the end, Bowman didn't seem to feel it was THAT important, and Kruger was taking draws the very next game after the DL.

Toootally agree.
- hocktock

That Duchene is a loser? Really?

As much as—hopefully—a 3-game snapshot is indicative of where he will be the rest of the way, yes.

I did find it telling that as much as many of us, myself included, highlighted the need to acquire a secondary FO option, in the end, Bowman didn't seem to feel it was THAT important, and Kruger was taking draws the very next game after the DL.
- John Jaeckel

I was doing some digging. He's also 4th in the league in shorthanded FO percentage in the D zone, and only 1 of 6 players who are above 50% across the league in that stat. What Kruger brings to the team is hard to quantify.

Hawks will be in trouble if Seabrook has to be traded this summer....who replaces him?
- EnzoD

Uh, yeah. That's why he's most likely not going anywhere.

I was doing some digging. He's also 4th in the league in shorthanded FO percentage in the D zone, and only 1 of 6 players who are above 50% across the league in that stat. What Kruger brings to the team is hard to quantify.
- JRoenick97

(slow clap)

I hear ya, I just hope he is 100% in the hands and wrists or close to it on April 1.

I wouldn't be too surprised to see them keep Schmaltz at 2C. That line has been very creative and dangerous with #8 between 72 and 88. I'd like to see him win more draws, but he makes plays with the puck that AA doesn't. What if the Hawks put AA with Hossa and Hartman or they could even play AA on the Wing with Kruger and Hossa.

I guess time will tell and only Q knows what will come out his blender when the time comes, but the Hawks have some options, especially if Hayden can stick.
- breadbag

Listen, I like Schmaltz, but more for what he will be in the next couple of years than for what he is today. Is he better centering that line than AA? I don't think so. And AA has lots of intangibles Schmaltz doesn't come playoff time (size, experience, etc)

I was doing some digging. He's also 4th in the league in shorthanded FO percentage in the D zone, and only 1 of 6 players who are above 50% across the league in that stat. What Kruger brings to the team is hard to quantify.
- JRoenick97

Very! It is hard to put a price tag on it and everyone will have a different opinion. Kruger is at his best when he has linemates that can apply a lot of forecheck pressure and the group can try to knock some pucks free and create a little havoc. That is how 95% of Krugers offense has been generated in his career. Create a broken play, drive the net, battle and fight for space.

Uh, yeah. That's why he's most likely not going anywhere.
- John Jaeckel

Agree JJ, and unless they get a crazy offer or their collective backs are against the wall, the Blackhawks of the Rocky/Bowman era don't get rid of loyal foot soldiers who helped fill the coffers/stands/trophy case. And in Seebs situation, realistically the 2nd captain of this team for quite awhile who's been a stand up guy in the community too.

Yeah, I hear ya. I get a little nervous when things seem to be going too good. Like I don't want to look directly at the object for fear I will see it it more air and less solid ... if that makes sense.

I am also in the camp who thinks Anisimov should be re-inserted back between Panarin and Kane and then make an assessment on what to do with Schmaltz. If Hayden is still playing well enough to stay with Toews - than yeah move Schmaltz to 3C for a very nice 38-8-81 line.
- EbonyRaptor

We'd finally have a 'Crazy 8s' line!

Listen, I like Schmaltz, but more for what he will be in the next couple of years than for what he is today. Is he better centering that line than AA? I don't think so. And AA has lots of intangibles Schmaltz doesn't come playoff time (size, experience, etc)
- John Jaeckel

There are still certain things he has done better than AA in the last 2 months. Not saying straight up that this is a "who is better" debate or that #8 is a better overall player, but AA can probably be more effective on a 3rd line that plays physical shutdown than Schmaltz can. Meanwhile the second line is pretty darn dangerous with #8 or #15 on it. Both guys backcheck well and have been stealing pucks and sending plays the other way. AA might just slide back into that 2C hole, but it still wouldn't surprise me if #8 stays there if the strong play of that line continues.

We'd finally have a 'Crazy 8s' line!
- DarthKane

I'd like to give that line a few games for sure.

The Kruger bashing goes on waaay too much if you ask me....
Check and see how many of his zone starts are in the O zone and in the D zone...
And then check and see where he ends up playing most of the time... He almost always starts in the D zone and almost always ends up in the O zone...he might not always score or assist on a goal, but at least he keeps the other team away from his goalie.

There are still certain things he has done better than AA in the last 2 months. Not saying straight up that this is a "who is better" debate or that #8 is a better overall player, but AA can probably be more effective on a 3rd line that plays physical shutdown than Schmaltz can. Meanwhile the second line is pretty darn dangerous with #8 or #15 on it. Both guys backcheck well and have been stealing pucks and sending plays the other way. AA might just slide back into that 2C hole, but it still wouldn't surprise me if #8 stays there if the strong play of that line continues.
- breadbag

One huge plus of AA there for me is how good he is around and in ftont of the net and creating space for the other two.

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

exactly

He is a perfect shutdown center...The Blackhawks should not trade this guy while he is still in his prime