If the Preds keep Crosby and Malkin in check tonight and win again I see them winning the Cup in 6.

Does this take the sting out of the First Round loss for Chicago?

It does for me.

If the Preds keep Crosby and Malkin in check tonight and win again I see them winning the Cup in 6.

Does this take the sting out of the First Round loss for Chicago?

It does for me.
- Colbyboy

I understand your perspective, but I personally never understood it. Why would it be any better it the team we lost to win some the cup? To me that just screams that it was an even more glaring lost opportunity.

That said, I'm also someone who doesn't think you can call it a "successful" season unless you win the cup. You may have improved over a previous season (better record, deeper in the playoffs, etc.), but it still wasn't successful.

Thanks for your honesty. Strong trust between you and your source means we get more info.
- powerenforcer

Thx,

I'm going to be extra careful what I go out with this summer because there is simply a lot of stuff out there that is hard to tease apart into valid and conjecture, and the Hawks are, from all I hear, working on a lot of things in a fluid state.

Plus, the more conversations I report, the more I get accused by a couple of other bloggers of throwing a bowl of spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks.

Which is both untrue and unfair, but it is what it is, too. Meh.

Hey peoples,

Can we dispense with the name-calling toward individuals we disagree with? Please. (and thx)
- John Jaeckel

Agree, I am getting my feelings hurt. Especially when JJ bans me


You are going to miss Darling more than you can imagine - having an uncertain back up is incredibly stressful.

Agree, I am getting my feelings hurt. Especially when JJ bans me


You are going to miss Darling more than you can imagine - having an uncertain back up is incredibly stressful.
- VopatsRash

1) I don't ban anybody
2) Peoples get themselves banned
3) Read more, say less.

New article from Powers: https://theathletic.com/6...teams-draft-day-strategy/

New article from Powers: https://theathletic.com/6...teams-draft-day-strategy/
- jt19

Cpoy and paste it here. Wont come up

I would!

But you know my thinking is this summer needs to be about addressing the cap situation and getting younger, but at least somewhat proven NHL players in return.

And that I am not as high overall on as many prospects as some are.

I tend to like those guys who have shown something at least on the NHL, or failing that at least the AHL level.

To me, Schmaltz is the best of what I would call the "prospects," and although Hartman is really past that point, I think Schmaltz may have the higher upside.

All that said, Hartman is a more complete NHL player today, and that's the thing about upside. Tom Poti had a lot of upside. Right?

The other thing, and some may not like this or will disagree, the only prospect, in my humble opinion, the Hawks should be holding onto with a vise-like grip right now would be a "can't miss blue chipper"- think a top 5 draft pick with obvious high NHL ability.

And I don't think they have any of those. Some have elevated DeBrincat to that level but I don't think his skill set (overall) screams NHL star right now anyway. He has some hands, desire and a GREAT release on his shot. But there are some areas where he is kind of more average or needs work.

IMO, also, I think they have 3-5 prospects that other GMs would see as something they'd like to have and would give up something significant for (as part of a package): Schmaltz, Forsling, Debrincat, maybe Hayden, maybe Fortin. And I think if the Hawks get anything of significance done this summer, 1-2 of those guys will be somewhere else when the dust settles.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks JJ. I really appreciate both your insights and your honesty and credibility when reporting possible moves with the Hawks. If you are OK with this possible move then that gets me excited as to what might happen. If we can make a value for value trade that addresses, say, our need for a top 6 LW with some cost certainty while shedding some cap space then I am all for it. I do also think the Hawks need to get a lot more sand paper type players ( bigger and faster too) on the lower lines given how far the NHL has moved toward the clutch and grab hockey we have seen the past couple of years.

If the Preds keep Crosby and Malkin in check tonight and win again I see them winning the Cup in 6.

Does this take the sting out of the First Round loss for Chicago?

It does for me.
- Colbyboy

It does not for me. No dog in the Stanley Cup Fight... I compartmentalize that the hawks lost in 4 and looked bad doing it.

Cpoy and paste it here. Wont come up
- mrpaulish

You need to subscribe to read the article.

It does not for me. No dog in the Stanley Cup Fight... I compartmentalize that the hawks lost in 4 and looked bad doing it.
- riozzo

Agreed. Just get this poop over asap and lets see if Bowman has any creativity and see if stubborn ass Q changes enough to win a playoff series.

Agreed. Just get this poop over asap and lets see if Bowman has any creativity and see if stubborn ass Q changes enough to win a playoff series.
- mrpaulish

Clearly, StanBo needs a short term strategy to be relevant again for the McMarketing Machine. In my profession I am compensated for both short and long term results. Things like 3 & 5 year plans, execution, etc.

Looking long term, how do the rules work for rights to players and College, specifically is their an age cutoff or some other less risky group of players to select from so the Hayes of the world do not further water down your efforts?

I would want to try to avoid the Super Buddy recruiting system if at all possible. Since most top flight programs are based east or in MN, the hawks then have a recruiting disadvantage with their own selections.

Thanks for the latest update JJ. We do need to get younger and more balanced. Prospects are coin flips. If one of them brings back needed pieces, do it. Would like to hang on to Schmaltz, Hartman and Kempny. If Kruger goes, I would have no problem with Moose taking the #4 C and Kero taking the #3 C.

New article from Powers: https://theathletic.com/6...teams-draft-day-strategy/
- jt19

Does anyone know if the UC will be a "sell-out" for the draft?

It would be embarrassing if they couldn't at least fill the part of the stadium open for seating.

Does anyone know if the UC will be a "sell-out" for the draft?

It would be embarrassing if they couldn't at least fill the part of the stadium open for seating.
- StLBravesFan

I think it's only the 300 level. 100 level is for mucky-mucks. 200 level might be VIP and families.

I think it's only the 300 level. 100 level is for mucky-mucks. 200 level might be VIP and families.
- 6628

I believe Families will be in the 100 level - you always see "hugs" before the draftees' go down for their sweater. You can buy 200 level on Stubhub for 34.00

I believe Families will be in the 100 level - you always see "hugs" before the draftees' go down for their sweater. You can buy 200 level on Stubhub for 34.00
- riozzo

Thanks for helping me out there.

Agree, I am getting my feelings hurt. Especially when JJ bans me


You are going to miss Darling more than you can imagine - having an uncertain back up is incredibly stressful.
- VopatsRash

JJ didn't ban you, I did. Do you have any questions about that?

Oh Snap.

I didn't say traded. And it appears that one fizzled. Lots going on though (heard yesterday) and at least 2 core guys being discussed.
- John Jaeckel

So JJ is this where we're still at, talking a lot but nothing imminent around these parameters?




"Just heard form a proven source I have not heard from in some time:

Their opinion, based on what they hear at this time:

2,4,19,72 and 88 not going anywhere.

Pretty much everyone else, to varying degrees, is possible.

My editorial comment:

Hossa, Crawford and Seabrook are each and all less likely, albeit for different reasons (recapture penalties, limited NTC and NMC, respectively). But I would not rule out any of them completely.

To me, this points to Anisimov, Kruger, Panik, Kempny, youngsters with upside (like Hartman and Schmaltz), TVR and prospects. Anisimov and Kruger provide some cap relief, the rest would be sweeteners and/or value for value chips."

So JJ is this where we're still at, talking a lot but nothing imminent around these parameters?




"Just heard form a proven source I have not heard from in some time:

Their opinion, based on what they hear at this time:

2,4,19,72 and 88 not going anywhere.

Pretty much everyone else, to varying degrees, is possible.

My editorial comment:

Hossa, Crawford and Seabrook are each and all less likely, albeit for different reasons (recapture penalties, limited NTC and NMC, respectively). But I would not rule out any of them completely.

To me, this points to Anisimov, Kruger, Panik, Kempny, youngsters with upside (like Hartman and Schmaltz), TVR and prospects. Anisimov and Kruger provide some cap relief, the rest would be sweeteners and/or value for value chips."
- walleyeb1

Wonder what comes of all this?? Does Stan have it in him to make that big trade that no doubt will not be popular? I see 7 was not on the "Protected List". Would take a good up/coming youngster to trade 7. His contract is an anchor.