So much worse now than last year. Serious questions if you make the playoffs.

Depending on the Hawks' cap position after likely trading AA and Kruger, who should we target in free agency? I would like to see them make a move at Thornton, Boyle, Vanek and/or Polak

Oh, oh. Troll alert.

Depending on the Hawks' cap position after likely trading AA and Kruger, who should we target in free agency? I would like to see them make a move at Thornton, Boyle, Vanek and/or Polak
- tvetter

Boyle.

Polak a few years ago, not now anymore.

So much worse now than last year. Serious questions if you make the playoffs.
- VopatsRash

How's your second place trophy?

Pick is in Ian Mitchell - Right shot Dman

Who knows a lot about Ian Mitchell?

What stood out to me was 5-11, 173.

Hammy is 30 and has played big time hard minutes over 623 regular-season games and another 128 playoff games.

1,155 shots since the 2009-10 season. Only five other players have blocked as many in that span.

And his play dropped off the last 2 years; a stud dman and great guy

Again the hawks get 5 years of cost control with Murphy; 6 years younger.

is it a 1:1 in terms of experience and performance...of course not; but the hawks needed to get younger and take the risk that a guy like this develops to the next level
- bogiedoc

I didn't see a drop in his physical capabilities. Many have commented about his increase in d-zone "errors" - which I acknowledge - but I also would argue that the entire team regressed in defensive execution. Breaking the o-zone cycle, exiting the d-zone, the stretch pass... it all diminished over the last two seasons.

If someone has some statistical work to show the individual drop in Hammer's play - I'm open to the education. But citing his age and blocked shots doesn't settle the debate - at least not for me.

Oh, oh. Troll alert.
- blackhawk24

Yeah the Desitin must have worn off

I didn't see a drop in his physical capabilities. Many have commented about his increase in d-zone "errors" - which I acknowledge - but I also would argue that the entire team regressed in defensive execution. Breaking the o-zone cycle, exiting the d-zone, the stretch pass... it all diminished over the last two seasons.

If someone has some statistical work to show the individual drop in Hammer's play - I'm open to the education. But citing his age and blocked shots doesn't settle the debate - at least not for me.
- Chief4Feathers

I think its more people trying to rationalize

Yeah the Desitin must have worn off
- riozzo

Who knows a lot about Ian Mitchell?

What stood out to me was 5-11, 173.
- blackhawk24

Stanbow loves him some smurfs...

First, thank you JJ for the time you spend writing these well written blogs. Love reading them and the responses they generate.

I would like to believe a year from now we will be discussing how much Stan won these trades yesterday. Saad and Panarin will equal each other out when comparing overall value. If the other three Murphy, Dauphin, Forsberg all develop more this year then these will be looked at as good trades by Stan.

I dont think the drama that E. Kane brings with him would be good for Chicago, I would rather see Neal on the left wing of Kane.
- Rtoppel

Stan went bold yesterday - good for him - Hawks needed strong action to change the pattern of the past two seasons.

Don't stop now - keep taking neasured chances - nothing is guaranteed, but being aggressive can get them back to the top (or, to be sure, blow up in their faces).

If the on-ice evaluation is that the other Kane can be an important factor in the recovery, time to take the chance.

Just IMO, of course.

Goaltending weaker. Less scoring. Defence weaker. Tougher and harder to play against. You think that adds up to being better? No wonder your coach walked out.

Boyle.

Polak a few years ago, not now anymore.
- blackhawk24

I was thinking of him for depth, as well as someone to help Kempny and Rutta. Plus, he should be cheap coming back from the leg injury.

I would take a chance on Kane , two left wings with the size and speed of Saad and Kane would change the dynamic of the Hawks. He only has a year left on his contract so he will be on his best behavior. I also read that he has improved his off ice attiude. Hey if you can get Delauris (sic) thrown in bonus

So much worse now than last year. Serious questions if you make the playoffs.
- VopatsRash

Hello Rash! How are you my friend? Still putting out that negative Karma? Remember what I told you about that? Bad boys and girls just get lumps of coal in their stockings - and opposing teams skating with the Cup on their home ice.

So be a nice boy.

JJ, thanks for all the info. As usual, you basically hit the nail on the head. Great job.

I'm good with the moves so far and understand they weren't made for right now, but for 2 years from now. Would not have gotten back as much for a 32-year old Hammer.

Looking forward to seeing what other pieces they can get for Kruger and maybe AA. EK would be good I think. He has grit like Shaw. They definitely missed that aspect in tight games where a body in front of the goalie leads to the winning goal.

Q is at the 'Hawk table today.

I think its more people trying to rationalize
- riozzo

It is......BS. We could easily see how a portion of his play was affected with JO gone after the '15 cup. I am also a firm believer that while Duncs is the defencive engine, I would have preferred to see him and Hammer on separate pairings more often.

All said, the 'Hawks sold high on hammer. And when I mentioned Stan is better managing the cap now, on another blog, one of the typical smart-ass posters, fedstammer, had to once again show his ignorance by not acknowledging the contract terms for the two principal players in this trade.

Hello Rash! How are you my friend? Still putting out that negative Karma? Remember what I told you about that? Bad boys and girls just get lumps of coal in their stockings - and opposing teams skating with the Cup on their home ice.

So be a nice boy.
- Chief4Feathers

Nashville won't make it out of the west next year. Great Cinderella story, but I guess Rash can get outside and do some noodling!!

I was thinking of him for depth, as well as someone to help Kempny and Rutta. Plus, he should be cheap coming back from the leg injury.
- tvetter

A #6/#7, and cheap? OK. Good point.

Hello Rash! How are you my friend? Still putting out that negative Karma? Remember what I told you about that? Bad boys and girls just get lumps of coal in their stockings - and opposing teams skating with the Cup on their home ice.

So be a nice boy.
- Chief4Feathers

I was there to watch Pittsburgh get the cup, and thought about our rash when Sid took it from Bettman!

Calgary just traded for Hamonic...

Hamonic to Cgy, details TBD.