Not sure it's possible to judge Murphy...a 24yo defender...based on his time on that declining mess of a club in AZ.

Sometimes you gotta trust the front office..and it may seem crazy, but 3 cups has me trusting SB and Co.
- ArlingtonRob

Agreed. Hjalmarsson is a warrior and we all love the guy, moving has I'm was a bold move and I think the return is solid. In all likelihood Murphy hasn't hit his prime, hopefully Ulfie can help bring him along quicker.

People will appreciate these deals this season and even more in 2 years when you the Hawks still have Saad and they're not overpaying to keep Hjalmarsson.

I am curious what the story is behind Q's absence tonight. Was he upset? Was he sick? Did he have another commitment? Did he have something happen in his personal life? Will he be around tomorrow? What's the scoop?

Fans grow too attached to their heroes and reputations generally outlive a players actual abilities. Can't keep 'em forever or the club will fade fast into mediocrity.

Better to trade a guy a bit too early, rather than too late.

Especially in a hard cap league.
- ArlingtonRob

Bill Walsh felt the same way regarding a player's talent. Move em' out a year early before it's a year too late.

Are you for real? I wish there was a way to pick a poster that you could remove from reading. You are number 1 on list.
- scott.jackson

I don't know. Poster on here stated yesterday that the cost for Panarin should be 3 first rounders, 1-2 D Men, and 2 cost controlled forwards!

I wish Stan could have gotten another NHL ready player in the deal but then again I don't know what the market was for Panarin.

Hopefully Stan has another move or 2 to pull off like 1 year of E. Kane. 2 Power Forwards like Saad and E. Kane on the top w lines would be very potent and open up a lot of ice for 88 & 19.

Agreed. Hjalmarsson is a warrior and we all love the guy, moving has I'm was a bold move and I think the return is solid. In all likelihood Murphy hasn't hit his prime, hopefully Ulfie can help bring him along quicker.

People will appreciate these deals this season and even more in 2 years when you the Hawks still have Saad and they're not overpaying to keep Hjalmarsson.
- DarthKane

Murphy has a long history representing the USA internationally and served as Captain at the 2017 World Championships.

I think they have at D (maybe this year changes that). This is over 7 years. He's maybe hitting on 1 a year and only Saad was blueChip.

That said, Hartman has me excited. I am still not quite sold on Schmatlz, despite the OBVIOUS talent. And I LOVE DeBrincat. My older son attended school in Erie last year and we got to see some Otters games, that kid can freaking play. He is electric. Can he survive NHL hockey? I bet he can.

I have also been on the Hayden bandwagon for a couple years now, if he can get his skating down he COULD be a top 6 winger in my view. Skating keeps him as a lower 6 prospect.

Fortin I have no opinion on at this time, but he comes with raves.
- kwolf68

Good to hear on DeBrincat and I'm hoping he turns out to be a steal. I liked Motte, pretty sure you did too, so hopefully the G they picked up from CBJ is decent.

The article in the Athletic looked at the 10 teams that have picked in the lower end of rounds: Pens, Caps, Rags, Bruins, Blues, etc.

It was basically saying other than the Pens, since Bowman's been GM, the Hawks have more NHL games played by draft picks. It did mention that they haven't had as many stars or dynamic plaers per se as some but that they were still managing to find NHL talent...think I paraphrased correctly.

Fans grow too attached to their heroes and reputations generally outlive a players actual abilities. Can't keep 'em forever or the club will fade fast into mediocrity.

Better to trade a guy a bit too early, rather than too late.

Especially in a hard cap league.
- ArlingtonRob

See one Patrick sharp

I don't know. Poster on here stated yesterday that the cost for Panarin should be 3 first rounders, 1-2 D Men, and 2 cost controlled forwards!

I wish Stan could have gotten another NHL ready player in the deal but then again I don't know what the market was for Panarin.

Hopefully Stan has another move or 2 to pull off like 1 year of E. Kane. 2 Power Forwards like Saad and E. Kane on the top w lines would be very potent and open up a lot of ice for 88 & 19.
- Tuke17

That was from Vegas -and it was all about forcing an overpay on their part if they were serious about wanting him, seeing as they had little to anything else to offer -plus was based upon being a salary dump: not a hockey trade.

Kevin Weekes tweeted that Q wasn't consulted on the trades and therefore a no show.

Kevin Weekes tweeted that Q wasn't consulted on the trades and therefore a no show.
- Colbyboy

IF true....and that's a huge IF....whoa!!!!

Kevin Weekes tweeted that Q wasn't consulted on the trades and therefore a no show.
- Colbyboy

Don't think that was confirmed, but one can see how it was an emotional day for Q.

From Kevin Weekes:

I'm hearing the friction & heat being turned up internally w @NHLBlackhawks moves today -was Quenneville consulted/approve of them ? @NHL .

Don't think that was confirmed, but one can see how it was an emotional day for Q.

From Kevin Weekes:

I'm hearing the friction & heat being turned up internally w @NHLBlackhawks moves today -was Quenneville consulted/approve of them ? @NHL .
- TyCamScore

Not good if true. I am fine with the trades, but you gotta consult the coach. He has a better view and feel of the situation. I'd be shocked if he would be mad about the Saad deal, but I could see him being pissed about losing Hammer.

Kevin Weekes tweeted that Q wasn't consulted on the trades and therefore a no show.
- Colbyboy

Now more than ever it is Bowman's ship so he should not feel one iota any questions or strife . WITH ANYoNE ever becomes problematic. Fact is - no clash because that only detracts and puts too much attention on Bowman. It is for Biwman to man up and if someone -player, coach doesn't find a common ground with Stan, hasta la vista, baby. This team will sail on what the GM provides. It has to be that way, or Bowman has no b*lls and should resign.

These moves point in the right direction. They make the team tougher to olay against, a more offensively capable team altigether.. Shortcoming defensively with Murphy and any kids is going to be addressed by Samuelson. Will have to live with the result, which may not be so bad, anyway.

I am not meaning to be in any way condescending towards Q. This is just the way it now has to work if Stan wants to take a step forward. Btw I wonder how Dineen and Q now get along. Perhaps Q does not detest Him [img][/img]

I know the moves that Bowman made the last couple days caused a whole lot of mixed emotions with the fan base. People get attached to the guys wearing the jersey. What I saw last year was the Hawks failing the eye test. Their possession numbers were terrible, and they got out shot most games. When you are playing Buffalo, and it's their 3rd game in 4 nights, you can overcome that. But, it really was an impact in the playoffs. A possession team can't have their offensive players spent entire shifts chasing the puck. You know things are desperate when you see 88 throwing the body around.

IMO that is the emphasis of these moves. #4 was fantastic from the blue line in protecting his own zone. However, he was not the guy you wanted to lead the break out of the zone, and in the last couple years his clearing passes were not making it out of the zone either. I never liked how much he used his backhand in that situation.

Panarin was a cold, stone sniper. No doubt about it. Deadly on the PP. His offense will be missed. Kane can elevate anybody's game though, and some lucky LW is going to see his numbers spike. Saad is back to help Toews. Yes, Toews makes a lot of money, but he gets pounded a lot. If he has wingers that grind in the corners, it will reduce some of the wear and tear he takes.

IF true....and that's a huge IF....whoa!!!!
- ILGolfer

Should make today more interesting...wonder if Q will be there today with the brass? It was bad optics that he wasn't there last night - I mean for christsake even Rocky was at the table with the brass and the scouts.

At the same time Q's won you three Cups - so I can see where he'd be a bit pissed off, especially regarding Hammer.

So I guess Q made his point...should be an interesting day for sure.

Hoping Bowman and company can get some more moves done today.

We'll see how it shakes out...

whats the pk gonna be like? Hammer Hossa and most likely Kruger lost. Saad to replace Hossa but who replaces 4 and 16?

Hammer will play into his 30s, but he is a taking constant punishment in the DZ because of relentless forecheck and his ability to block shots. He has been pounded for 8-9 years now. He was never a really fast skater anyway as he relied on superior instincts, feel and gile. As the feet slow down and the body wears, his game will tail off fast. NO, I didn't want to trade him, but this was probably a good time to trade him. If he's still playing at this same level in 3 years I'd be shocked. I think his game will regress quickly and word is he HATED this trade so now you have the emotional baggage of playing for a perennial loser that probably won't have him rushing to do 2x the off season workouts.
- kwolf68

If his game does regress because of being in AZ, they can trade for him at the 2019 TDL for a Dahlbeck clone and 1st and revive his career.

Not good if true. I am fine with the trades, but you gotta consult the coach. He has a better view and feel of the situation. I'd be shocked if he would be mad about the Saad deal, but I could see him being pissed about losing Hammer.
- kwolf68

Interesting to see if any of the beat writers ask about the incident today - apparently, none did yesterday.

Fortin signed after a tryout...some others traded away (Danault, Teravainen), one who decided to sign elsewhere after college (Hayes). Was reading an article in the Athletic the other day and the Hawks haven't drafted all that poorly actually.
- HawkintheD

I'd consider it a over the top weekend if Stan found some way to reverse his other big mistake and get Danault back

I'd consider it a over the top weekend if Stan found some way to reverse his other big mistake and get Danault back
- vabeachbear

Hey Beach...don't think that's in the cards, but who knows...wondering if Hammer should have been moved as part of a bigger deal. As Stanley points out - lot of holes on the PK now.

Anyone know what time they start this morning with the 2nd round? Haven't turned on the TV yet....lol...900am central just checked...also they've got the Hawks special inside the Hawks draft on NHL network right now...interesting piece saw it yesterday on CSN Chicago.

Anyone else wondering why the Hawks didn't draft Klim Kostin? Risk/reward seems like he might be worth it. Reminds me of Saad based on the injury dropping him out of the top 10... but he also supposedly has an attitude. Maybe the Blues think Tarasenko will keep him in line.
- tredbrta

Few pages ago, and from last night;

Only guy drafted last night who had a 3.5 rating in "hockey sense" by central scouting is my guess.

Hey Beach...don't think that's in the cards, but who knows...wondering if Hammer should have been moved as part of a bigger deal. As Stanley points out - lot of holes on the PK now.

Anyone know what time they start this morning with the 2nd round? Haven't turned on the TV yet....lol...900am central just checked...also they've got the Hawks special inside the Hawks draft on NHL network right now...interesting piece saw it yesterday on CSN Chicago.
- DK002

10 am here in the east. 9 Central.

If his game does regress because of being in AZ, they can trade for him at the 2019 TDL for a Dahlbeck clone and 1st and revive his career.
- vabeachbear

Seriousky though if you scrutinize the Arizona model NOW and FORWARD whomever the ciach their young GM has set the menu and it is dynamic skating, skilled puck mover featured per pairing. Hjalmarsson is complementary in one pair.

A favorite if wiz, OEL is the Karlson offensive force or threat extraordinaire. Last year's rookie, Chychryn (sic) shows the ability although not the same numbers that you get from OEL

Not unless hammer and wife is unhappy is he coming back here.

If Doan has anything left then he might be good on pp as a board man and net front presence. The salary cap is tight, so a low salary would be offered if Doan did come here in search of that hallowed Cup to spill the alcohol after a dustinged career.

Not sure how much its been on before, but this morning I watched the Blackhawks "On the Clock" on NHL Network.

There were a couple things I picked up on;

1. Mark Kelley was the star of the show, I know he's in charge, but he was the Star, and portrayed as one. Its a Blackhawks production, so I think you can assume he's pretty secure in his job. 3 or 4 of the scouts were the highlighted, I'd say these were his guys. Interesting that they all were GMs of lower league teams before being hired by the Hawks as scouts.

2. They showed flashes quick 2 to 3 secs clips of the Memorial cup in the story. Showed 3 players mostly, Noel, Debrincat, and Raddysh. I found this interesting as they only signed Raddysh a few days ago. That production had to be done before they signed him. They must have known then they were signing him.

3. They showed 4 or 5 would be draftees, all were guys drafted in the 10 picks or so they picked. Kind of thinking they picked them as they thought one of them would have fallen to them.

Very professional thing. Great set up at the JW Marriot for the pre combine internal meeting.

One thing you always have to say, since Rocky took over and hired McD, organization and they way they do things is first class, and no money spared.

It would be interesting to see what that process was like under dollar Bill.

Seriousky though if you scrutinize the Arizona model NOW and FORWARD whomever the ciach their young GM has set the menu and it is dynamic skating, skilled puck mover featured per pairing. Hjalmarsson is complementary in one pair.

A favorite if wiz, OEL is the Karlson offensive force or threat extraordinaire. Last year's rookie, Chychryn (sic) shows the ability although not the same numbers that you get from OEL

Not unless hammer and wife is unhappy is he coming back here.

If Doan has anything left then he might be good on pp as a board man and net front presence. The salary cap is tight, so a low salary would be offered if Doan did come here in search of that hallowed Cup to spill the alcohol after a dustinged career.
- jhawk59

Don't kid yourself, he is upset, its been reported a 100 times yesterday. He and his wife love Chicago, he has always said so going back to why he signed for a lower number than he could have gotten elsewhere.

Oduya, Campbell, its happened before.