That is a great article. I am not coming out and saying to trade Panarin, I was just throwing it out to see what either Hawks fans have to say about it. I am sure if his buddies both sign in Vegas he would love to go and play with them and if the right players are offered than why not. If you can get two good young players at 3 million, rather than one at 6 million it is worth looking at. Panarin is easily worth 6 million a year for what he brings to the table on a team that isn't cap strapped.
- scott.jackson

The hawks ahve to first decide what type of game they will play, Heavy like the Ducks,Blues, fast like the preds, or skilled, then cobble a line up along those lines.

Per source Vegas is after Evgeni Dadonov too, deal can be signed soon

4 is not a top pair guy. Q's miscasting of players and their roles on the blue line set the whole squad back a lot.

Too many left hand shots on D. Imbalance there means at least one guy plays out of position. Should have kept 2/7 together at minimum.
- Return of the Roar

Yep......... we have all been saying that for 2 years now, but Quenneville insisted on keeping 2 and 4 together. Their shifts at times were so brutal at times it was laughable, but he never changed, until this year, and only occasionally. In my opinion, this Cup window that everybody keeps referering to is over........ unless 2 or 3 of this core get moved. I blame Quenneville for these past 2 years of 1st round beatings, and Bowman for what's ahead......... defintite middle of the pack teams that could miss the playoffs without significant changes. I am thankful for the 3 Cups, they were a blast, but now it's time to put a team together that is younger, faster, bigger, and competes game in and game out...... that means body checks, relentless forechecking, clear the crease dmen, forwards that aren't afraid to go to the net, special teams that are aggressive, and teammates that will stick up for each other.

The order of priority is TEAM, TEAMMATE, SELF !!
Learn for those who preach that....... and WIN.

That is a great article. I am not coming out and saying to trade Panarin, I was just throwing it out to see what either Hawks fans have to say about it. I am sure if his buddies both sign in Vegas he would love to go and play with them and if the right players are offered than why not. If you can get two good young players at 3 million, rather than one at 6 million it is worth looking at. Panarin is easily worth 6 million a year for what he brings to the table on a team that isn't cap strapped.
- scott.jackson

Agreed......... we have to STOP blaming Panarin for the poor play and efforts of
2,4,7,88,and 19. They are the CORE that make all the money, and they have failed 2 years in a row.
Panarin is young and fast and what this team needs moving forward. Trading him would be a mistake unless Bowman would WIN a trade..........and that hasn't happenend in a long long time.

The Hawks need major changes in their defensive and PK system and strategy.. Bowman saw it and Q did not. Hence the Kitchen firing.

The defensive personnel needs some major changes.

Keith is not going anywhere.

We can argue about Seabs play and value all day long. But he is a right side defender and the Hawks have no one better.

Hjalmarsson needs to play the left side. He is a good stay at home defender but contributes very little offensively, especially playing the right point.

Kempny and Forsling are our future on our left side or trade chips.

TVR, a right side defender, is ok at best. But with no other right side defenders he is needed. If he is taken in the expansion draft the Hawks need to add two right side defenders.

Rosi is a right side player and could be kept as a 7th or 8th defender

Pokka (RFA), Gus, will be given a look, but are at best bottom pairing players right now.

Hjalmarsson, Kempny and Forsling have some trade value. One of them need to go maybe in combination with other prospects and picks to get a #1 or #2 left side defender. For cap purposes I would mover Hjalmarsson.

I would think the Hawks would draft a right side defender in round 1 or 2.

Keith and Seabs
Kempny or Forsling and ????
Kempny or Forsling and - TVR
Gus - Rosi
- -Doh-

Good analysis
Would prefer Oduya or Campbell over Rosi

Agreed......... we have to STOP blaming Panarin for the poor play and efforts of
2,4,7,88,and 19. They are the CORE that make all the money, and they have failed 2 years in a row.
Panarin is young and fast and what this team needs moving forward. Trading him would be a mistake unless Bowman would WIN a trade..........and that hasn't happenend in a long long time.
- Hawkytalk

Panik for Morin?

Yep......... we have all been saying that for 2 years now, but Quenneville insisted on keeping 2 and 4 together. Their shifts at times were so brutal at times it was laughable, but he never changed, until this year, and only occasionally. In my opinion, this Cup window that everybody keeps referering to is over........ unless 2 or 3 of this core get moved. I blame Quenneville for these past 2 years of 1st round beatings, and Bowman for what's ahead......... defintite middle of the pack teams that could miss the playoffs without significant changes. I am thankful for the 3 Cups, they were a blast, but now it's time to put a team together that is younger, faster, bigger, and competes game in and game out...... that means body checks, relentless forechecking, clear the crease dmen, forwards that aren't afraid to go to the net, special teams that are aggressive, and teammates that will stick up for each other.

The order of priority is TEAM, TEAMMATE, SELF !!
Learn for those who preach that....... and WIN.
- Hawkytalk

Good News:
I think the model for the Hawks based on their core is Nashville, especially if they knock off the Blues.

Bad News:
Not sure this fan base has the patience to see it through.

That is a great article. I am not coming out and saying to trade Panarin, I was just throwing it out to see what either Hawks fans have to say about it. I am sure if his buddies both sign in Vegas he would love to go and play with them and if the right players are offered than why not. If you can get two good young players at 3 million, rather than one at 6 million it is worth looking at. Panarin is easily worth 6 million a year for what he brings to the table on a team that isn't cap strapped.
- scott.jackson

Timing just happened to be that I saw your ideas and that article popped into my Twitter feed and there was a relation.

My first thought when I saw Ship was going to LV, was "wonder if Stan would trade Seabrook to them for him? Get the band back together?" Now that Dadonov is also likely headed there, probably not.

Totally agree. This defense has been the weakness for the past 2 years now.
They allow almost 40 shots a game and if it weren't for Crawford and Darling with all the goalie wins, this team might have missed the playoffs. At one time I counted 7 goalie wins and then decided to stop counting because it was becoming the norm. They can move any of the big 3 as far as I'm concerned to get picks and younger, however, we all know that won't or can't happen because of the NMC's ( except 4 ) issued by Bowman. So now he's stuck on trying to move forward's that don't have them. Again........... "One Mess" !!
- Hawkytalk

Must respectfully disagree...after Hoss, the hellacious backcheck is largely gone with the absence of Messers. Shaw, Bickell and Sharp. An effective hellacious backcheck is an absolute necessity for any team who dreams of hoisting the Cup.
a.) it makes for a good all-around defense, and;
b.) it's contagious (young players catch on pretty quick in this aspect of the playoff game) and pretty soon the only goals against are of the fluke variety.
Team defense wins championships. Period.

Agreed......... we have to STOP blaming Panarin for the poor play and efforts of
2,4,7,88,and 19. They are the CORE that make all the money, and they have failed 2 years in a row.
Panarin is young and fast and what this team needs moving forward. Trading him would be a mistake unless Bowman would WIN a trade..........and that hasn't happenend in a long long time.
- Hawkytalk

Most of Stan's trades recently have been driven by the cap and not hockey trades. Morin for Panik (as somebody else pointed out) is a good example of a hockey trade, it that was always a low risk move. Deadline deals are always high risk, this years was fine as Stan just gave up a 4th. Last year's sucked but the year before worked out well.

Although the deals were over 2 years ago Smith for Desjardins and Clendening for Forsling seemed to work out nicely.

has there any word on the 6 5 220 centerman the hawks wete interested in and when he will make his decision, the last I heard it was the red wings or hawks. Someone mention what type of team the hawks want to be if somehow they can put together a team simular to 2010 team thsts what the hawks should try to be s team that can any way. To do that there defense need s to get better need anothet physical d man and a puck moving d man who can rush the puck up the ice and push back the other teams d. A top lw 2 centers that can win faceoffs 50% or more and speed and size on the wings to get in on the forecheck and the willingness to go the front of the net and stay there. So essentially the hawks need a byfulin a leddy on d a sadd a sharp a shaw eager madden vermettel and a ladd type players. So bowman has his work cut out for him a puck moving d man and forwards with size and speed that play with an edge and nastiness should the first priority

Darling signs 4 x $4.4MM per with Carolina

Hi JJ
Great read
Question for you and others
If you could sign either JO or BC (same salary) which one ? or neither ?
for the role or 6th or 7th D
Just wanted your opinion
Thank you

Must respectfully disagree...after Hoss, the hellacious backcheck is largely gone with the absence of Messers. Shaw, Bickell and Sharp. An effective hellacious backcheck is an absolute necessity for any team who dreams of hoisting the Cup.
a.) it makes for a good all-around defense, and;
b.) it's contagious (young players catch on pretty quick in this aspect of the playoff game) and pretty soon the only goals against are of the fluke variety.
Team defense wins championships. Period.
- 35Tony0

Excellent points. It's the team defensive scheme - or lack thereof - that has been the culprit of the downward trend. Forechecking requires commitment and tenacity of the players - and insistence and accountability from the coaching staff. Unfortunately, the success of the last few years has ushered in complacency and entitlement in its place.

Maybe the narrative of him really wanting to stay here was overblown? Maybe our dressing room isn't as much fun anymore? Or, he just knew he would have to leave after talking to team/Crawford? Or, he is saying all the right things after joining a new team?

Regardless of the backstory, I'm very happy for him.

John Dietz‏ @johndietzdh
Scott Darling said he talked with Joakim Nordstrom and Bryan Bickell about what Carolina was like. "It put my mind at ease."

Scott Darling on Carolina: "I'm really excited about the team that's there, and I've heard nothing but great things."

Darling on what Nordstrom/Bickell told him: "They said everything's first class, it's a great way of life and they love living in Carolina."

Carolina Hurricanes‏Verified account @NHLCanes
Darling: "I was super excited when the trade happened. It was my goal the whole time to sign with Carolina."

The audio of his conference call with the media on his new contract: http://downloads.hurrican...dio1617/darling050617.mp3

Hi JJ
Great read
Question for you and others
If you could sign either JO or BC (same salary) which one ? or neither ?
for the role or 6th or 7th D
Just wanted your opinion
Thank you
- CTblackhawkfan

Neither for me. They need to get younger and faster on the back end, not older and slower. Maybe JO was still hurt for the duration, but he sure wasn't good in his brief second stint here. Campbell without speed is just small and soft and not very good in his own end. A full season of Kempny, Gustafsson or Forsling (and dealing with the inevitable mistakes) would have been more productive going forward- 20/20 hindsight I know.

Based on the last couple of years, if anyone calls Stan dangling former Hawks at the TDL, he needs to just hang up.

Maybe the narrative of him really wanting to stay here was overblown? Maybe our dressing room isn't as much fun anymore? Or, he just knew he would have to leave after talking to team/Crawford? Or, he is saying all the right things after joining a new team?

Regardless of the backstory, I'm very happy for him.

John Dietz‏ @johndietzdh
Scott Darling said he talked with Joakim Nordstrom and Bryan Bickell about what Carolina was like. "It put my mind at ease."

Scott Darling on Carolina: "I'm really excited about the team that's there, and I've heard nothing but great things."

Darling on what Nordstrom/Bickell told him: "They said everything's first class, it's a great way of life and they love living in Carolina."

Carolina Hurricanes‏Verified account @NHLCanes
Darling: "I was super excited when the trade happened. It was my goal the whole time to sign with Carolina."

The audio of his conference call with the media on his new contract: http://downloads.hurrican...dio1617/darling050617.mp3
- pdx2ord

I would expect Darling to say that if I were the Canes FO...

I would expect Darling to say that if I were the Canes FO...
- riozzo

Exactly

Had forgotten his first visit to the AHL was the Checkers, so he has some experience with the org.

Good analysis
Would prefer Oduya or Campbell over Rosi
- Colbyboy

Would prefer neither. Oduya is done. Pains me to say it but its the reality. He wasn't good in Dallas and it wasn't a mirage. Campbell has never been great in his own zone and he took that to another level this season. He was all over his own zone and I lost track of how many times he left his partner scrambling to try to cover both sides of the ice.

I would expect Darling to say that if I were the Canes FO...
- riozzo

Why wouldn't he be excited? The Canes made that trade with one intention. To sign Darling and make him their starter. It was in all likelihood the one team where Darling is walking in as the clear cut starter. Ward has sucked for years and Lack in nothing but a journeyman back-up at this point.

Neither for me. They need to get younger and faster on the back end, not older and slower. Maybe JO was still hurt for the duration, but he sure wasn't good in his brief second stint here. Campbell without speed is just small and soft and not very good in his own end. A full season of Kempny, Gustafsson or Forsling (and dealing with the inevitable mistakes) would have been more productive going forward- 20/20 hindsight I know.

Based on the last couple of years, if anyone calls Stan dangling former Hawks at the TDL, he needs to just hang up.
- Davewn

Unless its Versteeg.

Unless its Versteeg.
- TTtime

Third time's the charm

Wow, talk about a choke job.

The Oilers were up 3-0 with 3:15 left in the third period.

This game is now going to overtime.
- TommyHawk

kesler sprawls in the crease with the puck no theres and then accidentally on purpose bumps and pushes talbot

that is blantant goalie int....but this is a clown shoes league with clowns for refs who rarely ever get GInt right let alone all the issues with coaches challenge offsides..

yet the oil still blew the lead

It would be poetic justice.....I just reported him/her.
- 17SEC

You guys are so so sensitive. A little remark on your aging D got you all shook him. Will save a yellow towel for you. All the crap you have posted on Nashville though the years. Trashville.....inbreeding...all the uneducated remark..Nashville and it Metropolitan area is so much nicer than Chicago, warmer, cleaner,more green, less crime, less taxes. I guess that's why we have to work to keep the red out, people wanting to get the heck out of Chicago.

You are so lucky. You get to watch games with no pressure. We have to sweat this series out. And no matter what happens the Nashville Predators swept you. 4-0. No goals at home. Very, very sweet.

The Ducks were gifted a win last night but are looking really good right now. And, most of their contributors are back next year. If the Ducks go all the way this year, they have a good chance to repeat.

It's interesting to look at the salary distribution of the Ducks versus the Blackhawks. Start with the salaries of the top two guys on each club and the Ducks are $4.1m cheaper than the Blackhawks. That has a major impact further down the roster. Check this out:

Forwards making $3m or more: Ducks 6; Blackhawks 5
Forwards making between $1.5m and $2m: Ducks 2; Blackhawks 0
Defensemen making $3.5m or more: Ducks 5, Blackhawks 4 (Dallas retained 1/2 JO)
Goalies total: Ducks $6.45m; Blackhawks $6.58m (wash)

The elephant in the room for the Blackhawks remains the overpay for the top two players. And, as JJ pointed out, the tendency by Stan to overpay for just about all of the extensions (AA, Kruger, Seabrook, maybe Panarin.)

As the core ages, the talent needs more distribution throughout the roster. It's true that salary doesn't always equal skill, but it should be a good proxy most of the time unless guys are on their ELCs or have something left in the tank at the end of their careers.