Assuming everyone is healthy, here is my proposed playoff lines:

Hartman Toews Panik

Panarin Anisimov Kane

Hayden Schmaltz Hossa

Des Jardins Kruger TooToo


Keith Seabrook
Oduya Hjarlmarsson
Kempny TVR ( Q will play Campbell though )

100% speculation on my part, as I said. I am simply thinking back to when I had a Grade 1 sprain of my MCL and the level of pain was nowhere near what 15 showed in Montreal. Time will tell and lets hope for the best.
- EnzoD

Perhaps you are just tougher than AA...........#Russianwimp ....sorry watching too much CNN.

Players signed by Stan Bowman that I believe should be paid about $1m less than their current salary:
Toews
Kane
Seabrook
Crawford
Kruger
Runblad
- Cmonalready

There was also Bickell and Anisimov got 500k more... but he also held firm on Saad negotiations and got a very good return for his rights only hours before offersheets were going to roll in, got Kruger to sign a 1.5 year 1mil deal when the Hawks were in a big time pinch, Hammer signed a 4.1mil contract when he could have got anywhere from 5 to 5.5 elsewhere and he got Panarin HERE and then later signed to bridge deal when you could hear the rest of the league backing up the Brinks trucks. So I guess you gotta take the good with the bad...

Does anyone actually expect 15 to be back in the lineup for Game 1 of the Playoffs? I'd think he suffered a Grade 2 Sprain/Strain and is more in a 6 week timetable, but i dont have the MRI in front of me.... It would be great to have a healthy and rested Big Art come Round 1, but I'm not sure I see it happening. What date does Round 1 start?
- EnzoD

I keep seeing people repeat this "6 weeks" nonsense.

The timetable given was THREE TO FOUR WEEKS

Why would they say that if it was actually going to be 6 weeks?

I'd expect him back in time for game 1.

Sorry to pick on you, its not just you I've read multiple people saying 6 weeks. I don't get where that's coming from. Chances are its not that bad of a sprain if they projected 3-4 weeks.

Assuming everyone is healthy, here is my proposed playoff lines:

Hartman Toews Panik

Panarin Anisimov Kane

Hayden Schmaltz Hossa

Des Jardins Kruger TooToo


Keith Seabrook
Oduya Hjarlmarsson
Kempny TVR ( Q will play Campbell though )
- Gary0301

If Hayden keeps this up i really like the idea of keeping him with Toews and Panik

That gives you this set-up for the 2nd and 3rd lines:

Hartman/Panarin-Schmaltz-Kane/Hossa
Panarin/Hartman-Anisimov-Hossa/Kane

Kero-Kruger-Jurco would be my 4th line but i wouldn't mind your suggestion as well. Desi and Tootoo are other options for 4th line LW and RW.

Every time we start this "Is Freddie worth his $3m salary", I need to provide the context. His salary for debate purposes is $2.65m. Recall he helped out the team by taking a $1.5m contract in 2015/16. Helped the Hawks out of a jamb getting under the cap for 2015 start of season. He took great risk, as an injury would have cost him millions. Then he was rewarded with a 3 year, $9+m deal. His true contract, absent the nice thing he did for Hawks, was 4 years, $10.5m. $2.6m average. Don't penalize him for having taken one for the team in 2015/16.
- Cmonalready

I don't think anyone is penalizing him and right now his cap hit is what it is, just over 3 million. Yeah, he took a cheaper one year deal but he still has to live up to his current contract. He did the Hawks a favor, but it was still the best deal for himself to set himself up for a longer contract. His current contract is his current contract and the AAV is 9.25 million dollars over 3 years. He might be worth every penny under certain circumstances, but the question is can the Hawks afford to pay someone in his role the money he makes, or can they save some cash by getting someone who plays nearly as well for 1/3 of the cost.

I keep seeing people repeat this "6 weeks" nonsense.

The timetable given was THREE TO FOUR WEEKS

Why would they say that if it was actually going to be 6 weeks?

I'd expect him back in time for game 1.

Sorry to pick on you, its not just you I've read multiple people saying 6 weeks. I don't get where that's coming from. Chances are its not that bad of a sprain if they projected 3-4 weeks.
- SimpleJack

It has been written here by other people that the medical staff will almost always call the return date as been later as opposed to sooner.Kane came back sooner with his collarbone so I prefer to speculate along those lines......right or wrong we will see. :thumbsup

Still not convinced they can beat the Caps. Yeah, I know the Caps haven't done a thing in the playoffs, but that team is pretty stacked. That being said, things started clicking once the kids upped their games and went from trying to keep up, to playing their game.

I don't think anyone is penalizing him and right now his cap hit is what it is, just over 3 million. Yeah, he took a cheaper one year deal but he still has to live up to his current contract. He did the Hawks a favor, but it was still the best deal for himself to set himself up for a longer contract. His current contract is his current contract and the AAV is 9.25 million dollars over 3 years. He might be worth every penny under certain circumstances, but the question is can the Hawks afford to pay someone in his role the money he makes, or can they save some cash by getting someone who plays nearly as well for 1/3 of the cost.
- breadbag

Well they probably had that guy in Danault and chose to move him out, mainly because Kruger is the better hockey player overall (or was prior to injuries).

I just don't see the angst, the Hawks have 15 guys (not including Panarin) making under $1.0M / year. Considering where the team sits in the standings, that's pretty damn good player acquisition and development and cap management considering where the team sits in the standings. But instead of recognizing that, everybody wants to crush the little Kruger ladybug with a sledge hammer.

Every year there is going to be a couple of guys moved out, its the Bill Belichek NHL style way. Kruger may be next; Hossa may hang them up and asked to be bought out rather than play for a million per for the next 4 seasons; who knows with Darling. Bowman will figure it out.

And then the weeping and remorse will start when those new names are added to the list that includes Sharp, Saad, Buff, Bolland, Versteeg and Ladd.

Aint gonna be no Shane Doan/Jerome Iginla type celebrations around Chicago honouring long time service while the team sinks in the standings.

Well they probably had that guy in Danault and chose to move him out, mainly because Kruger is the better hockey player overall (or was prior to injuries).

I just don't see the angst, the Hawks have 15 guys (not including Panarin) making under $1.0M / year. Considering where the team sits in the standings, that's pretty damn good player acquisition and development and cap management considering where the team sits in the standings. But instead of recognizing that, everybody wants to crush the little Kruger ladybug with a sledge hammer.

Every year there is going to be a couple of guys moved out, its the Bill Belichek NHL style way. Kruger may be next; Hossa may hang them up and asked to be bought out rather than play for a million per for the next 4 seasons; who knows with Darling. Bowman will figure it out.

And then the weeping and remorse will start when those new names are added to the list that includes Sharp, Saad, Buff, Bolland, Versteeg and Ladd.

Aint gonna be no Shane Doan/Jerome Iginla type celebrations around Chicago honouring long time service while the team sinks in the standings.
- RickJ

That's gold Rick...gold!!!

Still not convinced they can beat the Caps. Yeah, I know the Caps haven't done a thing in the playoffs, but that team is pretty stacked. That being said, things started clicking once the kids upped their games and went from trying to keep up, to playing their game.
- howiehandles

Yea. Their the only team I'm worried about. I can see the boys beating everyone else in a series. Perhaps that's why we need to play em. TO PROVE THE HOCKS ARE THE BEST EVER!!!!

GO HOCKS!!!!!

Players signed by Stan Bowman that I believe should be paid about $1m less than their current salary:
Toews
Kane
Seabrook
Crawford
Kruger
Runblad
- Cmonalready

Don't forget Scuderi....

My address is in Denver, CO now so the Avs are my 3rd team (Hawks > Jackets (OSU alum) > Avs)! I think Sakic should be on a short leash, but his playing career pedigree will allow him a couple more chances at making this team competitive again.
- EnzoD

You have a talent like Duchesne you have to be patient and trade him when you can get an up and coming already in NHL dman. No other trade makes sense because it is gambling you get a player back whom could become equal in a value for value equation.

I would concentrate on determining if there is a dman worth taking with their early choice. As Pulford said about Roenick (JR) nobody is pulling his chain in a trade offer.

You see how Edmonton has started to turn it around. It is not just McDavid in. It is Larson and Sekera on defense. A semblance of defense, a good coach, McDavid centerpiece of offense. Similar script for Avalanche or Sakic gets canned. Just my 2cents.

You have a talent like Duchesne you have to be patient and trade him when you can get an up and coming already in NHL dman. No other trade makes sense because it is gambling you get a player back whom could become equal in a value for value equation.

I would concentrate on determining if there is a dman worth taking with their early choice. As Pulford said about Roenick (JR) nobody is pulling his chain in a trade offer.

You see how Edmonton has started to turn it around. It is not just McDavid in. It is Larson and Sekera on defense. A semblance of defense, a good coach, McDavid centerpiece of offense. Similar script for Avalanche or Sakic gets canned. Just my 2cents.
- jhawk59

Edmonton is a horrible example.

They lucked out getting the #1 overall pick while having the 3rd worst record, securing the generational talent in McDavid to build your franchise around for the next 10+ years. And that's on top of having the 3rd overall pick the year before (Draisaitl).

They have continually made horrible decisions in Edmonton:

- Committing huge money to Lucic
- Trading Hall for Larsson
- Holding onto RNH for too long rather than moving him, and now he doesn't have nearly as much value as he once did
- Didn't move Eberle when they had a chance, and his game has regressed the past two seasons
- Failing to develop Yakupov (yes, it's their fault for how they utilized him)
--- That's two 1st overall picks ^
- Failed to develop Schultz who has now blossomed into a top-pairing d-man and dark-horse Norris candidate in Pittsburgh
- Darnell Nurse was the #7 overall pick a couple years ago, and he still is very young, but he's not exactly developing either.

Can you imagine where this team would be without McDavid? He should be a LOCK for the Hart. Without him, once again, they likely pick in the top-3 in June. They have a good foundation to build around (McDavid, Draisaitl, Klefbom, Talbot), but man ... I don't think their management is to credit for how this team has improved this season, and they certainly aren't a team to "model after" - unless that model is to lose every season in the hopes of securing enough top overall picks where hopefully one of them is an elite player to build around.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-trade-tree-leafs-helped-build-blackhawks/

Thank you Toronto.
- -Doh-

THAT is one serious summary. That guy may have a migraine compiling all that info. Wow!

Still not convinced they can beat the Caps. Yeah, I know the Caps haven't done a thing in the playoffs, but that team is pretty stacked. That being said, things started clicking once the kids upped their games and went from trying to keep up, to playing their game.
- howiehandles

You eluded to it but until the Caps can win 8 playoff games, they are the Ducks of the Eastern conference and thats probably an insult tonthe Ducks who have a Cup win in their existence.

Lightning fast, high end scoring touch, 55%+ in the dot and can play the wing, too. He is in a bad situation, because you're right, he was shopped and shopped hard.

Let's please stop with this Duchene is a loser nonsense. I have heard some hints he's maybe not the most likable guy in the dressing room (though they are vague). I do also know Toews personally lobbied for the Hawks to get him after playing with him in the WC.

You are also right, conversely, Sakic never seriously entertained moving Landeskog, because at this point, he doesn't want to.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, don't be surprised if that gets re visited this summer. For right now what Q has with Toews and Panik seams to be working. But in the bigger picture Matt Duchene would look awful good with those 2. I like Nick Schmaultz progress but I'm not drinking the F'N " Scotch" that Q found Toews a permanent LW.
John, you probably know from your guys ,the deadline that just past, the players that were changing hands ( Hartman not part of it) had Colorado ate some doe, Duchene's a Hawk. I think that one will definitely be re visited this summer, especially with one of the most influentially powerful players in the whole game lobbying for him personally. In the mean time,get ready to enjoy the ride. I'm liking Hayden , Panik is a keeper,and Schmaultz is turning into a nice player!

Edmonton is a horrible example.

They lucked out getting the #1 overall pick while having the 3rd worst record, securing the generational talent in McDavid to build your franchise around for the next 10+ years. And that's on top of having the 3rd overall pick the year before (Draisaitl).

They have continually made horrible decisions in Edmonton:

- Committing huge money to Lucic
- Trading Hall for Larsson
- Holding onto RNH for too long rather than moving him, and now he doesn't have nearly as much value as he once did
- Didn't move Eberle when they had a chance, and his game has regressed the past two seasons
- Failing to develop Yakupov (yes, it's their fault for how they utilized him)
--- That's two 1st overall picks ^
- Failed to develop Schultz who has now blossomed into a top-pairing d-man and dark-horse Norris candidate in Pittsburgh
- Darnell Nurse was the #7 overall pick a couple years ago, and he still is very young, but he's not exactly developing either.

Can you imagine where this team would be without McDavid? He should be a LOCK for the Hart. Without him, once again, they likely pick in the top-3 in June. They have a good foundation to build around (McDavid, Draisaitl, Klefbom, Talbot), but man ... I don't think their management is to credit for how this team has improved this season, and they certainly aren't a team to "model after" - unless that model is to lose every season in the hopes of securing enough top overall picks where hopefully one of them is an elite player to build around.
- TommyHawk

I thought I was clear how Edmonton went after dmen when acquired Sekera and Larson. I never applauded nor said anything about their horrendous drafting of all those centers....none whom could lead them like McDavid. I will add, T Hall is a player I always thought should never be traded......Maybe he is not that player you want so badly on your team any longer......Maybe he just needs a better team and to not be injured so much....still he had to go when Larson was the return.....Edmonton needed Larson more because they were woefully weak on the blueline. So in a roundabout way I am just saying trade one good forward for one good dman IF you can pull it off. Sure a bit of a projection Larson would work out.

So now I suggest Colorado tries their darned best to move Duchesne for a dman. Start adding young dmen with some nhl experience already as Edmonton did with Sekera and Larson

Like I said you are 100% correct about the remainder of Edmonton's draft report card on first round selections. Oh I will be curious exactly how steady, defensively, Nurse could become. He has attributes but I wouldn't bet the house that he becomes steady eddy.

I thought I was clear how Edmonton went after dmen when acquired Sekera and Larson. I never applauded nor said anything about their horrendous drafting of all those centers....none whom could lead them like McDavid. I will add, T Hall is a player I always thought should never be traded......Maybe he is not that player you want so badly on your team any longer......Maybe he just needs a better team and to not be injured so much....still he had to go when Larson was the return.....Edmonton needed Larson more because they were woefully weak on the blueline. So in a roundabout way I am just saying trade one good forward for one good dman IF you can pull it off. Sure a bit of a projection Larson would work out.

So now I suggest Colorado tries their darned best to move Duchesne for a dman. Start adding young dmen with some nhl experience already as Edmonton did with Sekera and Larson

Like I said you are 100% correct about the remainder of Edmonton's draft report card on first round selections. Oh I will be curious exactly how steady, defensively, Nurse could become. He has attributes but I wouldn't bet the house that he becomes steady eddy.
- jhawk59

Add: going back to your break down of Edmonton's poor management - yes there have been some serious consequences and Eberle is someone who shouldn't be floundering. Edmonton fans got used to being jubilant in the Gretzky era but now even with some positive developments there are plenty of reasons to cry out, mercy, please, better management please. I can hear the voice of Hawk Harrelson, white Sox baseball, saying "mercy"

Add: going back to your break down of Edmonton's poor management - yes there have been some serious consequences and Eberle is someone who shouldn't be floundering. Edmonton fans got used to being jubilant in the Gtetzky era but now even with some positive developments there are plenty of reasons to cry out, mercy, please, better management please. I can hear the voice of Hawk Harrelson, white Sox baseball, saying "mercy"
- jhawk59

I thought I was clear how Edmonton went after dmen when acquired Sekera and Larson. I never applauded nor said anything about their horrendous drafting of all those centers....none whom could lead them like McDavid. I will add, T Hall is a player I always thought should never be traded......Maybe he is not that player you want so badly on your team any longer......Maybe he just needs a better team and to not be injured so much....still he had to go when Larson was the return.....Edmonton needed Larson more because they were woefully weak on the blueline. So in a roundabout way I am just saying trade one good forward for one good dman IF you can pull it off. Sure a bit of a projection Larson would work out.

So now I suggest Colorado tries their darned best to move Duchesne for a dman. Start adding young dmen with some nhl experience already as Edmonton did with Sekera and Larson

Like I said you are 100% correct about the remainder of Edmonton's draft report card on first round selections. Oh I will be curious exactly how steady, defensively, Nurse could become. He has attributes but I wouldn't bet the house that he becomes steady eddy.
- jhawk59

Sorry, didn't wanna seem as if I was jumping all over your reasoning. Just disagreed with the notion that Edmonton is building their team the right way defensively (that's how I interpreted the post). As far as trading forwards for defense-men, it's virtually impossible. It's extremely rare to see a team give up a top-pairing d-man in trade. They are almost always homegrown. Teams simply don't let their talented d-men go. Most recent trade I can think of was the Seth Jones deal, but the Jackets got a 22-year-old coming off a 70+ point campaign. Rare trade either way. For the Oilers to get that top-pairing d-man they've coveted for I don't even know how long, they'll have to develop one from within their system (through draft), or somehow pry a highly touted minor league d-man (and those usually aren't readily available).

For a player like Duchene who is obviously very talented, still in his prime, and a versatile forward, I think the Avs could definitely get a pretty good deal. But I don't think ANY team in the NHL will be willing to part with a core, top-pair type defensive piece to do so. Those players are valued higher in my opinion.

Could a trade like the Taylor Hall one work for the Avs? Sure. But I think that the Avs would be getting the short end of the stick like the Oilers did. They wouldn't be getting back equal value. That's why I think they have to take the best deal possible (best value) rather than try to target a specific need. I think they'd be better off re-stocking their farm system with defensive prospects via draft, trading vets, etc. rather than trying to trade Dutch for one.

I thought I was clear how Edmonton went after dmen when acquired Sekera and Larson. I never applauded nor said anything about their horrendous drafting of all those centers....none whom could lead them like McDavid. I will add, T Hall is a player I always thought should never be traded......Maybe he is not that player you want so badly on your team any longer......Maybe he just needs a better team and to not be injured so much....still he had to go when Larson was the return.....Edmonton needed Larson more because they were woefully weak on the blueline. So in a roundabout way I am just saying trade one good forward for one good dman IF you can pull it off. Sure a bit of a projection Larson would work out.

So now I suggest Colorado tries their darned best to move Duchesne for a dman. Start adding young dmen with some nhl experience already as Edmonton did with Sekera and Larson

Like I said you are 100% correct about the remainder of Edmonton's draft report card on first round selections. Oh I will be curious exactly how steady, defensively, Nurse could become. He has attributes but I wouldn't bet the house that he becomes steady eddy.
- jhawk59

From what I've seen from him, I don't think he turns into anything more than a #4 d-man at best. Then again, I haven't seen MUCH from him.

Man 'o man...are the Kings dead or what?

That club needs dismantling.

Still not convinced they can beat the Caps. Yeah, I know the Caps haven't done a thing in the playoffs, but that team is pretty stacked. That being said, things started clicking once the kids upped their games and went from trying to keep up, to playing their game.
- howiehandles

I would not discount the Penguins. They look like the same team we saw last year, but score even more.

I would not discount the Penguins. They look like the same team we saw last year, but score even more.
- etchtech

I agree. If they get good goaltending, they will be a tough out.

Meanwhile, the Pacific has gotten very interesting. With the Sharks slumping and Calgary on fire, any one of the top four teams could win that division.