I think the Hawks need a couple more moves at the bottom end.
1. I don't see them going into the season w so little experience at #4D. Roght now, they are Seab/Dunc/Murphy, then Kempny/Rutta/Rockford. I see them adding some experience at 4th D, like an Oduya or Campbell, then letting the youngsters rotate in at 5/6D.
2. They've weakened themselves significantly at C w loss of Krug, and possibly AA. Like JJ keeps pounding, they need a 2nd reliable faceoff guy. Some vet to play 3rd/4th line, but be a FO option beyond Toews.
Both of these separate from any AA trade or other moves.

I know JJ listed him...but I just don't see Kruger being a big loss. Due to the Cap we knew a long time ago he was going. He can be replaced. Hoss, Hammer, Panarin...sure. But we got Saad for Panarin and I am fine with that for sure. I love Hammer...so losing him hurts a bit...but I want to reserve judgement on that until I see Connor Murphy play. The really big thing will be what we get for Hoss's LTIR space. To me, it seems our forward lines are okay right now. Schmaltz likely at 2LW (for time being anyway). And Bowman has signed low cost vets to handle the bottom two lines. I really think the Hoss LTIR should go to upgrading our 3-4 d-men. After all...we have some very good forwards in the minors to plug in....not sure we have that with young d-men.

Why would you think that was a given? Reports were of them exploring the option, not that it was definitely going to happen. The Hawks have only two proven centers at the moment.
- L_B_R

I think you can see where this is heading - Toews and AA as the veteran centers; Dauphin, Schmaltz, Kero as the favourites for the other 2 spots; Hayden, Wingels and maybe a rookie that surprises big time in camp and makes the team....

Whether that's by design or not, there isn't much left that's better to obtain in the FA market.

1. It is incomprehensible that the NHL did not have a decision on Hossa and the LTIR before July 1. That puts the Hawks at a competitive disadvantage for free agency and possible trades. How is that legal under the NHL bylaws? Furthermore, how can the Hawks not have a problem with that?

2. The cap situation is still present even if Hossa goes on LTIR. Anisimov needs to be traded for the Hawks to get better. They need a 2LW or 2C, depending on the deal and they need another D. Without both, I think this team will have a very rough year unless lightning in a bottle comes in the form of Patrick Sharp, and no one wants to depend on that.

3. Without a trade of Anisimov and Hossa to LTIR or trade, what are the options? Jokinen at C or LW? Franson at D? We can do better. I would be in favor of Jokinen more as a depth signing but the Hawks have more work to do first.

Why would you think that was a given? Reports were of them exploring the option, not that it was definitely going to happen. The Hawks have only two proven centers at the moment.
- L_B_R

Understood, but weird that would even explore the idea if what you say is true that indeed they only have two proven centres.....just odd, and yeah yeah I know its just rumours but stange that a lot of chatter on something that was never going to happen.

thanks for the update JJ. Whereabouts in Michigan do you go? It's one of my favorite places to vacation and we typically head up to mackinac island late summer/early fall.
- blackhawks30

South Haven

Curious...does a NMC/NTC get voided upon a trade? Kruger no longer has NTC?
Have the hawks cleared up their NTC/NMC mess a bit by trading Hammer for Murphy? (Panarin didn't have NMC or NTC, so no gain there?
- Cmonalready

Basically, however I believe the player/agent can try to negotiate that with the new team.

According to Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland, recently bought out winger Jussi Jokinen is close to a deal with a Western Conference team. Strickland doesn’t clarify which team, but many would likely see the former 30-goal man as a potential low-risk/high-reward option next season. Jokinen was bought out on June 30th by the Florida Panthers, making him an unrestricted free agent.

According to Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland, recently bought out winger Jussi Jokinen is close to a deal with a Western Conference team. Strickland doesn’t clarify which team, but many would likely see the former 30-goal man as a potential low-risk/high-reward option next season. Jokinen was bought out on June 30th by the Florida Panthers, making him an unrestricted free agent.
- walleyeb1

60 points just two years ago. Left wing. Hmmm.

Great write up JJ as always.

I agree that Bowman can't make a move until the Hossa thing gets resolved. The question is, what's his next priority ? We're still lacking another top 6 winger, a center that wins draws, and a #4 dman ( if Murphy isn't the guy).
I don't believe,as you suggest, that this team is any better, in fact, may be worse than before the moves. Younger and faster is good, cap compliant is good, but is management going to happy with just that ?? As a STH, at least 2 more moves have to be made this summer.......... and I'm hoping that one of them is NOT the additon of Jerome Iginla. Seriously ?????? What't the point of that ?
IMO it's stil AA or Seabrook that has to go to make the changes needed...ie Galchenyuk or E Kane, etc. The current top 6 still has a glaring hole.
What is next ?
- Hawkytalk

I HOPE THIS ANSWERS A LOT OF THE QUESTIONS HERE:

Personally, I identify three needs (that I do believe the team would like to address):

1) top 6 LW
2) depth D, preferably right side
3) secondary/d-zone face-off option

I have been told all indicators are that Hossa WILL be granted LTIR status. So the Hawks will get that cap relief either 10/1—or earlier—if they can trade the deal to a floor team.

The sooner that cap space becomes available, the sooner the Hawks can make some decisions and act on it while players are available. In theory, you can add guys between 10/1 and 3/1, but it gets logistically harder and usually means overpaying as a buyer before the deadline.

I think the Hawks are hoping to address all three areas this summer yet. In the back of their minds they may be hoping they catch lightning in a bottle with Sharp—but they are probably also being realistic in terms of their expectations as to what he can give over 82 games and the playoffs.

I would not rule out Campbell, especially, returning on a league minimum deal—if all else fails. Bear in mind also, Rozy is signed for this year, so all the lineup projections out there with Rutta inserted? Ehhhh, maybe, but we have no idea how ready he is to play in North America.

My strong belief is Q is looking for some continuity and familiarity now, in light of all the changes. So don't assume Rozy is gone. We know the "Top 4," barring a big change, is Keith-Murphy, Kempny-Seabrook. Pretty much bet on that. But after that, hard to say with any certainty except, at minimum, Rozy is probably #6 or #7 on the depth chart.

The deal with Carolina I heard rumored makes a ton of sense. The Hawks ship Hossa's deal, a pick and a prospect to CAR for the cap relief and some asset that maybe checks one of the boxes above (not top 6 LW however, but I guess you never know).

Hawks will address some or all of the holes above. Only question is when and how. It looks bleak right now, but they aren't done if you consider they can even fill a hole or two after 10/1.

Pretty sure Galchenyuk is a RFA for all the years of his current contract, so he was ineligible for a NTC/NMC for the whole thing. It did not eat into any of his UFA years.
- L_B_R

No, he did a 3 year ELC and 2 year 2.8 AAV and now a 3 year 4.9 so the last year he is FA. you are only RFA for years 1-7.

I think you can see where this is heading - Toews and AA as the veteran centers; Dauphin, Schmaltz, Kero as the favourites for the other 2 spots; Hayden, Wingels and maybe a rookie that surprises big time in camp and makes the team....

Whether that's by design or not, there isn't much left that's better to obtain in the FA market.
- RickJ

I just want to add to your solid observations. I believe that you will concur with what I mention below.

* If you trade AS, we are too weak at center. Now if you receive another center in return, what blemish(es) does the newbie Have? Because....the perfect center or great top line center is not going to be traded by any team more than likely. And even if that ideal center became available, whom do we have in they want? Seriously, be there GM. Why trade with Chicago?

* If we stop complaining about AA shortcoming, then we realize he actually is a fairly good center. Has some size and does a lot of good things when with Kane.

* Team - wide improvement: not only when Toews and Keith are healthy, but the reward in Samuelson instruction upon the entire defensemen. Style of play. Confidance and know how among Murphy and a couple of kids. This might be the right time, right place for Murphy to turn the corner and become a good dman. The former US Developmental Team player was a sight to see with his skill. Sure, he can evolve here....but let's not however go overboard.

* The young kids in Rockford, maybe Sikura later on. I expect if a talented prospect is working at his game in Rockford and Bowman likes some things in their game - but knows they still are a work in progress - yes then a prospect gets a few games in the big show. They go back to Rockford hungry and with a better AHL roster and teacher coach. There is no way to gauge how 3-4 forwards may progress and whether their value increases as trade chips. Wait and see. They have to adapt to the pro game. And perhaps Baun is an energy guy who gets a look.

* I am not as confidant in Berube and Forsberg being sharp if Crawfird is an iron horse. Darling was usually adequate to good in that role.

According to Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland, recently bought out winger Jussi Jokinen is close to a deal with a Western Conference team. Strickland doesn’t clarify which team, but many would likely see the former 30-goal man as a potential low-risk/high-reward option next season. Jokinen was bought out on June 30th by the Florida Panthers, making him an unrestricted free agent.
- walleyeb1

Hockey Reference shows him career over 50% FOW.

HockeyDB shows him career over 50% FOW.
- HawksHype

better option than 42% for Galchenyk

Iggy is done, anyone who watched any Avs/Kings games last year saw that.

Bergevin loses his job after this season if the Habs don't make it to the finals. He bet on himself by mortgaging the future (Subban, Segachev, Boulieau, Eller, Kassian) to win now.

He already fired the scapegoat coach (which I agree with), but if he ditches Galchenyuk he'd better get a massive return.

I think it's time to let some of theses play in their natural spots and see what they can do.

The goal is obviously to be competitive Playoff team that can Contend for a Cup, but we're in the vicious circle right now of forcing guys to play in spots they really aren't likely to succeed in due to the need to plug holes we have. If we seriously want to win another Cup at some point during Kane and Toews prime before Keith has lost "it", Seabrook is past his best years as well (he's still a Top 4 D-Man but the salary seems to be why people hate on him; that and his play has suffered from playing with subpar D-Men), and Crawford's contract is up and we need to look to Forsberg or whoever as the next Goalie for us then we need to DEVELOP our guys properly and put them in roles that will help them succeed.

I would like to see guys like Schmaltz, Hartman, Kero, Hayden, Vinnie, Rutta, Forsling, etc. whoever you wanna see that has a real shot at making an impact THIS year for us whether they start in Chicago or Rockford be put in positions to succeed with what their skill set plays too. I think that's why we're seeing Stan and Co. go out and sign some veterans on the cheap so they can plug them in areas we need help at (i.e. LW which was a blackhole for us last year) who can start the season and be given a chance to do well while easing the kids into their natural roles.

This next year might be rough for us. I'm not gonna go as far as to say we won't make the Playoffs or anything like that. With a Core of Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Saad, and Crawford in place we should be able to get one of the 8 spots in the West but it's not gonna be a dominate team for us. This is all about getting pieces in place for the next Stanley Cup run in a year or two.

Carolina has some decent size Dmen... even their prospects. I think JJ is right hinting that there will be defensive help coming from CAR IF it happens.

better option than 42% for Galchenyk
- jt19

While it would be a great add I can't see the Habs moving Galchenyk now. Every interview I've read after he signed indicates he's excited to be there and anticipates playing with Drouin. Also with Radulov gone the Habs will need scoring.

I want to be on record stating it doesnt seem to require much sweetener to get a cap floor team to take on a $5.25m cap hit carrying a $1m payment. Seems to me WE should be getting the sweetener. But my prediction is just a teeny bit of sweetener will need to be stirred into a Hossa deal by Hawks.

Iggy is done, anyone who watched any Avs/Kings games last year saw that.

Bergevin loses his job after this season if the Habs don't make it to the finals. He bet on himself by mortgaging the future (Subban, Segachev, Boulieau, Eller, Kassian) to win now.

He already fired the scapegoat coach (which I agree with), but if he ditches Galchenyuk he'd better get a massive return.
- ObeseOprah

Not sure where the Iginla rumor is coming from. Heard yesterday the only way the Hawks consider him is a camp PTO.

I want to be on record stating it doesnt seem to require much sweetener to get a cap floor team to take on a $5.25m cap hit carrying a $1m payment. Seems to me WE should be getting the sweetener. But my prediction is just a teeny bit of sweetener will need to be stirred into a Hossa deal by Hawks.
- Cmonalready

Ya, I get that it helps the floor team with THEIR cap issue and the cap hit/salary side is highly beneficial in that regard.

Just telling you what I am hearing, and that I think the Hawks would like to get a useful piece back. That will cost something. Also remains to be seen in the end, how much cap hit help a given floor team will need.

Not sure where the Iginla rumor is coming from. Heard yesterday the only way the Hawks consider him is a camp PTO.
- John Jaeckel

Good, John , I posted Iheard some talk at a Cub game, not the main source though but rather probably drunken beer talk among guys arm chairing the line up. Had to find something else to talk about while watching theo throw the season away every time he trots Butler, Montgomery or even Lackey out there.

I HOPE THIS ANSWERS A LOT OF THE QUESTIONS HERE:

Personally, I identify three needs (that I do believe the team would like to address):

1) top 6 LW
2) depth D, preferably right side
3) secondary/d-zone face-off option

I have been told all indicators are that Hossa WILL be granted LTIR status. So the Hawks will get that cap relief either 10/1—or earlier—if they can trade the deal to a floor team.

The sooner that cap space becomes available, the sooner the Hawks can make some decisions and act on it while players are available. In theory, you can add guys between 10/1 and 3/1, but it gets logistically harder and usually means overpaying as a buyer before the deadline.

I think the Hawks are hoping to address all three areas this summer yet. In the back of their minds they may be hoping they catch lightning in a bottle with Sharp—but they are probably also being realistic in terms of their expectations as to what he can give over 82 games and the playoffs.

I would not rule out Campbell, especially, returning on a league minimum deal—if all else fails. Bear in mind also, Rozy is signed for this year, so all the lineup projections out there with Rutta inserted? Ehhhh, maybe, but we have no idea how ready he is to play in North America.

My strong belief is Q is looking for some continuity and familiarity now, in light of all the changes. So don't assume Rozy is gone. We know the "Top 4," barring a big change, is Keith-Murphy, Kempny-Seabrook. Pretty much bet on that. But after that, hard to say with any certainty except, at minimum, Rozy is probably #6 or #7 on the depth chart.

The deal with Carolina I heard rumored makes a ton of sense. The Hawks ship Hossa's deal, a pick and a prospect to CAR for the cap relief and some asset that maybe checks one of the boxes above (not top 6 LW however, but I guess you never know).

Hawks will address some or all of the holes above. Only question is when and how. It looks bleak right now, but they aren't done if you consider they can even fill a hole or two after 10/1.
- John Jaeckel

How about trading Galechenyk for Artie and signing Iginla?

I know JJ listed him...but I just don't see Kruger being a big loss. Due to the Cap we knew a long time ago he was going. He can be replaced. Hoss, Hammer, Panarin...sure. But we got Saad for Panarin and I am fine with that for sure. I love Hammer...so losing him hurts a bit...but I want to reserve judgement on that until I see Connor Murphy play. The really big thing will be what we get for Hoss's LTIR space. To me, it seems our forward lines are okay right now. Schmaltz likely at 2LW (for time being anyway). And Bowman has signed low cost vets to handle the bottom two lines. I really think the Hoss LTIR should go to upgrading our 3-4 d-men. After all...we have some very good forwards in the minors to plug in....not sure we have that with young d-men.
- onehundredlevel

Sure. Anyone can. And, in theory, anyone can be "replaced."

But who's the available/obtainable "replacement?" Not for his "offensive production," but the actual value/role he fulfilled?

How about trading Galechenyk for Artie and signing Iginla?
- hawk66

Galchenyuk is a nice LW who could fill in sometimes as a C. Great to get him.

I fail to see how Iginla really helps this team, except as a lower line RW who can barely get up and down the ice anymore. Maybe on the power play I guess but it just seems like a square peg for the round holes where the Hawks have needs.