how so?
- TTtime

Sorry, yard duty.

Olomouc has a strong program - preaches D first. Kid is not finished growing. I know someone who came up through that program who continues to follow his club and he says he hears good things about his upside.

Who knows a lot about Ian Mitchell?

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

Using the google machine, he's a college bound (U of Denver) Canadian kid who was playing, and excelling in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. The AJHL is in the Canadian Junior A circuit which is a level that allows Canadian kids the option of moving to the NCAA in the states.

Just turned 18, right handed shooting defenseman, still needs to develop physically. Sounds like a typical Hawks pick...College bound player with upside that we can all watch develop, and the Hawks control for years.

http://thehockeywriters.c...l-draft-prospect-profile/

Don t think Louis or hino are going to be on the hawks roster anytime soon i ll sacrifice some speed for size grit and physical play lindberg can skate pretty well so can Thompson ans wiggles e.kane hayden and deslauria balances out the line up with big forwards who can play that physical style
- Scott1977

Yesterday's trades were to transition to a younger, cost controlled roster. Better to allow younger names like Vinny, Hartman and Hayden see if they can solidify their spots the first half of the year than give Q more vets in the twilight of their careers to overuse. His comments and attitude yesterday were borderline childish. Apparently, he wants a roster of 35 year old plus players and has problems understanding how the cap works.

--You aren't replacing what Hossa gave you on or off the ice. That's just all understand that. Can't do anything about his skin disorder and I wish 81 the best. Greatest two way forward I ever saw play, and arguably the classiest person to play for the Hawks. Never heard squat about this guy complaining, etc. First class individual.

--Don't like the Hammer deal. You just gave up your BEST defensive defensemen and replaced him with size and a hope that a new change of scenery works for him. He was horrid in Arizona. Younger, cheaper....great but will be Johnny Oduya 2.0 or David Rundblad 2.0? Now you have Keith, Seabrook and 4 guys you wish and hope develop......that's a LOT to ask for a coaching staff to deal with...Frolsing, Ratta, Kempny, Murphy are ALL projects. No doubting that.

--Don't mind the Saad deal. No question here they missed his presence and the fact you have to trade to get a 1 lw and steal from your best offensive asset to help 19 get going....is disappointing. Your projected top 6 of 14-19-20 and 8-15-88 is nothing to be overly excited for.

I view these moves as long term cost cutting moves due to term and clauses given out that basically pigeon holed the organization.

It's still early in the offseason but A LOT less left to be done....Saad vs Panarin is more of a lateral move....Panarin better skilled player, Saad more complete of a 200 ft player.....No question 4 is 100 times the player Murphy is. So as of no you are a weaker team then April, again.......very early in the offseason with I'm sure moves to be made via trades as I dont' see the cap space to sign anyone worth a hoot if the plan is to place Hossa on LTIR after season begins.

Younger, bigger....no question.......better? NO.
- SteveRain

Breathe.....

No way they go into the season with 2, 7 and a ton of unknown.

Breathe.....

No way they go into the season with 2, 7 and a ton of unknown.
- blackhawk24

Scouting departments aren't supposed to allow rosters to have a "ton of unknown". They canned Kitchen and hired Ulf for a reason. It is time to start fostering talent on defense. If Q decides to treat Murphy, Kempny, Ruuta, Forsling et al... like garbage he is probably gone. Hate to see it happen but Q needs to get with the cap era.

Scouting departments aren't supposed to allow rosters to have a "ton of unknown". They canned Kitchen and hired Ulf for a reason. It is time to start fostering talent on defense. If Q decides to treat Murphy, Kempny, Ruuta, Forsling et al... like garbage he is probably gone. Hate to see it happen but Q needs to get with the cap era.
- tredbrta

That said, you're comfortable with this defence? I'd like to see a proven guy there just so there isn't a ton of pressure on the young guys, hence increased reliance (TOI) on 2 & 7.

Couple things over the past few days:

1. Great to have Saad back. Hopefully this turns Toews back to his usual self. Now, call me crazy, but I believe Panik can be a 30-30 guy playing consistently with Saad and Toews. That first line is going to be absolutely nasty to play against.

2. Anisimov and Kruger are going to be the next ones to be traded. AA to Buffalo for a retained contract of Evander Kane. If Kane can be had for 4mil, i'll take it. PKane needs some sandpaper on his line to help reduce the amount of hits and cheapshots he'll take. Kruger could be an excellent fit in Carolina as they love Centers with a good faceoff percentage and pk skills..(see McClement, who is a UFA, and Staal)..Kruger with a 2018 3rd for a 2018 2nd.

3. Dauphin and Forsberg. Great assets for the future, but they shouldn't be regulars next year, at least to start the year. Dauphin should be in Rockford working on his faceoff percentage and his PK role as he apparently will be the future heir apparent to Marcus Kruger. Forsberg also needs to start off as the #1 in Rockford. Super raw, I don't think he's ready to take on the strong Central Division just yet. However, he could be resigned for 800k for 2 years and then go from there. Jhonas Enroth can be signed to a minimum dollar 2-way 'prove it' deal as the #2 behind Crawford.

4. DeBrincat and Fortin shouldn't be regulars to start in Chicago next year, let alone bottom-6 regulars. Give them both a full year in the AHL to get them accustomed to nhl-style hockey. They will be solid contributors on the left side of the forward group, just not next year.

5. We need size, grittiness, and a high faceoff percentage from our Centers...we do that by signing the likes of Martin Hanzal and Jay McClement. Hanzal steps in AA's spot as the #2 and McClement steps in the Kruger role and fills the #4 Center slot. Kero stays on as the 3rd line center. I believe Nick Schmaltz is not ready to take over the #2 center role just yet. Another year on the 3rd line with Kero is the way to go, but give Schmaltz the first chance to take over in a center role if an injury were to occur.

Saad-Toews-Panik
Kane-Hanzal-Kane
Schmaltz-Kero-Hartman
Hinostroza-McClement-Hayden/Tootoo

Keith-Murphy
Forsling-Seabs
Kempny-Rutta

Crow
Enroth/Forsberg

https://capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/372603 for reference.

Gary "Shecky" Bettman seems to love being MC. Catch the comment to Kane and Toews at the end about how they will now enjoy road trips referring to Vegas.

https://www.nhl.com/video...up/t-288687876/c-52326903

Ok fair points on deslausri and thompson just using them as examples of a projected lineup.
Instead of those 2 who would better fits? Also i was going through the ufa list of rw and lw. does anybody have info on a brian perlin from boston he id 25 rw 6 2 200 plus

That said, you're comfortable with this defence? I'd like to see a proven guy there just so there isn't a ton of pressure on the young guys, hence increased reliance (TOI) on 2 & 7.
- blackhawk24

If they could add another solid vet at a decent cost but I would want someone under 30 who can eat minutes and not a lot of names out there like that. Hard to do. I wouldn't want a name like Hainsey unless they were taking Rosi's spot.

I'm hoping that Ulf signals a shift towards getting these younger guys a serious chance to develop. They will make mistakes and it will cost them games but that has to be expected. Better to learn who has it in the first half of the season. There is no question this is now a transition year and it will be a huge surprise if they have the best record in the west again. However, if you see some of last year's crop take the next step and add a few pleasant surprises (Debrincat and one of the new d signings would be nice.) you can probably make a splash in the playoffs and set up for 19. If Q has guys like Rosi and Campbell taking mins from guys who need TOI to develop you're setting up for another fall.

Well played sir...gave me quite a chuckle...
- DK002

Oh so THAT is a trophy case.

Could also serve as some team cupboard which is barren.

I think Chicago has some pieces, just not sure how valuable sime may become....in that cupboard.

If a couple are any good, there could,be some trophies found there

To Nashville: again
BUT your team will be in the running too.

Gary "Shecky" Bettman seems to love being MC. Catch the comment to Kane and Toews at the end about how they will now enjoy road trips referring to Vegas.

https://www.nhl.com/video...up/t-288687876/c-52326903
- riozzo

Being married for over 30 years, my hearing has been able to naturally filter out certain sounds, specifically voices. Whenever I see that clown, this filter clicks on.

Either that or I was enjoying the presence of 19 & 88, culminated by Kaner saying he was a couple picks higher than Jonny.

Couple things over the past few days:

1. Great to have Saad back. Hopefully this turns Toews back to his usual self. Now, call me crazy, but I believe Panik can be a 30-30 guy playing consistently with Saad and Toews. That first line is going to be absolutely nasty to play against.

2. Anisimov and Kruger are going to be the next ones to be traded. AA to Buffalo for a retained contract of Evander Kane. If Kane can be had for 4mil, i'll take it. PKane needs some sandpaper on his line to help reduce the amount of hits and cheapshots he'll take. Kruger could be an excellent fit in Carolina as they love Centers with a good faceoff percentage and pk skills..(see McClement, who is a UFA, and Staal)..Kruger with a 2018 3rd for a 2018 2nd.

3. Dauphin and Forsberg. Great assets for the future, but they shouldn't be regulars next year, at least to start the year. Dauphin should be in Rockford working on his faceoff percentage and his PK role as he apparently will be the future heir apparent to Marcus Kruger. Forsberg also needs to start off as the #1 in Rockford. Super raw, I don't think he's ready to take on the strong Central Division just yet. However, he could be resigned for 800k for 2 years and then go from there. Jhonas Enroth can be signed to a minimum dollar 2-way 'prove it' deal as the #2 behind Crawford.

4. DeBrincat and Fortin shouldn't be regulars to start in Chicago next year, let alone bottom-6 regulars. Give them both a full year in the AHL to get them accustomed to nhl-style hockey. They will be solid contributors on the left side of the forward group, just not next year.

5. We need size, grittiness, and a high faceoff percentage from our Centers...we do that by signing the likes of Martin Hanzal and Jay McClement. Hanzal steps in AA's spot as the #2 and McClement steps in the Kruger role and fills the #4 Center slot. Kero stays on as the 3rd line center. I believe Nick Schmaltz is not ready to take over the #2 center role just yet. Another year on the 3rd line with Kero is the way to go, but give Schmaltz the first chance to take over in a center role if an injury were to occur.

Saad-Toews-Panik
Kane-Hanzal-Kane
Schmaltz-Kero-Hartman
Hinostroza-McClement-Hayden/Tootoo

Keith-Murphy
Forsling-Seabs
Kempny-Rutta

Crow
Enroth/Forsberg

https://capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/372603 for reference.
- chitownfan92

I feel a lot more comfortable having the young players rotating down (particularly the scandis) with Colliton in Rockford over Dent. Should be a far better environment there this year based on what I've read/heard of him.

Forsberg did just win the Calder Cup and was apparently the work horse for that team. He got some NHL time last year and didn't do well so probably better to get him exposed and coached at the NHL level to settle in and get comfortable. Age and AHL time say he needs to take the next step soon.

I feel a lot more comfortable having the young players rotating down (particularly the scandis) with Colliton in Rockford over Dent. Should be a far better environment there this year based on what I've read/heard of him.

Forsberg did just win the Calder Cup and was apparently the work horse for that team. He got some NHL time last year and didn't do well so probably better to get him exposed and coached at the NHL level to settle in and get comfortable. Age and AHL time say he needs to take the next step soon.
- tredbrta

I think too much emphasis is put on the guy in the pipes during the cup. Yes, Darling bailed out the team in 15'. One goalie win is expected, after that team D must be spot on.

Some Past winners:
06 Cam Ward
07 Jean-Sebastian Giguere
08 Chris Osgood
09 Marc-Andre Fleury
10 Antti Niemi

Not sure if there is one HOF vote in the bunch. It matter more that your guy gets hot and team D keeps the puck outside. Matters less that he is an all world guy.

After all how many cups to the ilk of Hank, Price, and Holtby have?

I think too much emphasis is put on the guy in the pipes during the cup. Yes, Darling bailed out the team in 15'. One goalie win is expected, after that team D must be spot on.

Some Past winners:
06 Cam Ward
07 Jean-Sebastian Giguere
08 Chris Osgood
09 Marc-Andre Fleury
10 Antti Niemi

Not sure if there is one HOF vote in the bunch. It matter more that your guy gets hot and team D keeps the puck outside. Matters less that he is an all world guy.

After all how many cups to the ilk of Hank, Price, and Holtby have?
- riozzo

Get another goalie in there to compete at camp for Crow's backup.

Think MAF will get a few votes, don't ya think?

And yes, stud goalie doesn't mean cup. Though I was happier than a pig in poop when Nemo absolutely slammed the door against the big fish in 2010.

Oh, and all of us know the 'Hawks were following the Wings blueprint until Crow hit it big time in '13 and should have won the Conn Smythe.

Get another goalie in there to compete at camp for Crow's backup.

Think MAF will get a few votes, don't ya think?

And yes, stud goalie doesn't mean cup. Though I was happier than a pig in poop when Nemo absolutely slammed the door against the big fish in 2010.

Oh, and all of us know the 'Hawks were following the Wings blueprint until Crow hit it big time in '13 and should have won the Conn Smythe.
- blackhawk24

I don't . . .

I thought I read about a week ago that the Hawks were around $3M over the cap. I'm not sure if that was before or after the official announcement that the Cap is going to be $75M. Even so, the Hawks are over the Cap - either around $3M or around $1.5M. The Saad/Panarin trade is a wash regarding the Cap and the Hjalmarsson/Murphy trade only reduces the Hawks Cap hit by less then $0.5M ... so they're still over the Cap.

The rumored trade of Kruger will eliminate his $3.1M from the Cap but there has to be a player added in his roster spot so the very most the Hawks will net in Cap space reduction is less than $2.5M. That should get them under the Cap, but not by much ... and certainly not by enough to acquire Duchene or Galchenyuk.

Therefore, unless Stan pulls off something totally unforeseen, he will need to trade Kruger and Anisimov to have the Cap space to acquire one of these players being discussed - E.Kane, Duchene, Galchenyuk, Neal.

And then there is the d-corps ... is Keith, Seabrook and Murphy a good enough top-3 to support a bottom-3 of Kempny, Forsling, Ruuta and Rozsival. Yikes!
- EbonyRaptor

Laurent Dauphin is a center. They acquired him to play. I believe they see him/will groom him as Kruger 2.0

Dunno about you all but Im not overly worried about the D. Murphy is a monster stay at home D and will be fine. Kempny and Rutta both have skill and were sought after players. Forsling is up and coming. Can see either Soup or JO coming back on a very cheap deal. D will be fine.

Get the forwards worked out. Its a team game. 5 playing together. Look at Pitt! No real stars on the blue line, but they played like a group possessed 5 on 5.
- z1990z

If Rutta atarts in Chicago, pretty much guaranteed 5-7 is Forsling, Rutta and Rozy, especially w Kempny around who still is basically FOB

Rather keep Krugs in this scenario. Jurco, Schmaltz, Hayden all can play LW. Hartman is better on RW imo and didn't adjust too well to LW. If AA is moved to Buffalo for EK/50% retained salary and they retain Krugs, then Jumbo won't fit in the cap. Schmaltz would have to play up to 2C.
Saad/Toews/Panik
Kane/Schmaltz/Kane
Jurco/Kruger/Hartman
Hayden/Kero/Tootoo or Wingels
- Assman22

Dauphin

Have now seen at least three days of people rationalizing getting Evander Kane, based on mistaken belief that he has "straightened himself out" or that "our locker room full of leaders will keep him under control." Maybe the latter is true if his issues were general a-holery to his fellow teammates or sleeping in and missing practice. They aren't. He has now, while in Buffalo, established what seems to be a pattern of violence toward women (a sexual assault allegation and an assault allegation). That is not something locker room leadership is going to "cure" nor is it something he is unlikely to repeat. in fact, if the allegations were true, it's very likely he will.

I posted links on one of the last two blogs to the two news stories about the accusations and his arrest and charges. If you care, they are easy to find in google.

Maybe you don't give a crap if he does those things, but I have to imagine the Blackhawks front office is quite leery following the Summer 2015 nightmare. There have to be LW options out there now or by trade deadline that are better risks.

JJ any chance we could see a Marcus Krugar for Marc Methot trade ?

He's a 21 yr old playing against quite a few 17-18 yr olds. Look at his numbers when he was that age. Still a nice get, don't misunderstand. Just a bit of context as to his numbers: http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=205556
- Mr Ricochet

THIS

Maybe a Nate Schmidt type? Schmidt came on physically in college. Raddysh in the O. Raddysh just didn't have the legs at 18-19.
- tredbrta

Schmidt is on Hawks wish list, FWIW

--You aren't replacing what Hossa gave you on or off the ice. That's just all understand that. Can't do anything about his skin disorder and I wish 81 the best. Greatest two way forward I ever saw play, and arguably the classiest person to play for the Hawks. Never heard squat about this guy complaining, etc. First class individual.

--Don't like the Hammer deal. You just gave up your BEST defensive defensemen and replaced him with size and a hope that a new change of scenery works for him. He was horrid in Arizona. Younger, cheaper....great but will be Johnny Oduya 2.0 or David Rundblad 2.0? Now you have Keith, Seabrook and 4 guys you wish and hope develop......that's a LOT to ask for a coaching staff to deal with...Frolsing, Ratta, Kempny, Murphy are ALL projects. No doubting that.

--Don't mind the Saad deal. No question here they missed his presence and the fact you have to trade to get a 1 lw and steal from your best offensive asset to help 19 get going....is disappointing. Your projected top 6 of 14-19-20 and 8-15-88 is nothing to be overly excited for.

I view these moves as long term cost cutting moves due to term and clauses given out that basically pigeon holed the organization.

It's still early in the offseason but A LOT less left to be done....Saad vs Panarin is more of a lateral move....Panarin better skilled player, Saad more complete of a 200 ft player.....No question 4 is 100 times the player Murphy is. So as of no you are a weaker team then April, again.......very early in the offseason with I'm sure moves to be made via trades as I dont' see the cap space to sign anyone worth a hoot if the plan is to place Hossa on LTIR after season begins.

Younger, bigger....no question.......better? NO.
- SteveRain

Younger, bigger, FASTER

Dauphin and Saad can fly, Murphy is faster than Hammer

JJ any chance we could see a Marcus Krugar for Marc Methot trade ?
- 9Blackhawks9

Wasn't TVR held out as bait so that VGK would also take MK's cap hit off their hands (I feel like I'm talking in code)?

Weren't they otherwise going to protect TVR?

If the deal is off, is it at VGK's instigation, or CBH's?