Although his skating was exposed in the SCF in 2016, having Polak as a 6th defenseman would be nice as to having some sandpaper on the blue line. Coach Q likes those types looking at Walker, Boynton and Brookbank.
- Popsghostly

I would go for that as 6D/7D. Hey Sopel could do it, right? Both guys decent hockey IQ, like Rozy was. And in the instances of Sopel and Rozy, Q knew what he had. Good sandpaper comment too.

If you want more confirmation that the marketing machine is revving up, Tommy Hawk was on my wife's Metra this morning, handing out Hawk jerseys (sticker price $215!) to the commuters. My wife got a Kaner jersey, as we didn't have that one yet.

As for the theory of STH leaving Chicago, makes some sense. Boomers are retiring, and often they go to warmer climates after that. That means tickets to Hawks/Coyotes games there should be even more expensive.
- 333inthe3rd

They're trying to give the rest of the Reebok jerseys away one would think to make room for the new Adidas product. I mentioned it a couple weeks back too that it was interesting that at the convention the Hawks were all still wearing their Reebok sweaters.

As far as the team - 19's cap hit is a killer if he doesn't start producing some major offense. I think Saad will be great and a help to Toews but at the same time when you've got to trade for a guy to help the guy making 10.5m score that's a problem. I certainly hope 19 gets his game back this year to the level that we're hoping for.

Meanwhile the debate can continue, but they need both another quality defenseman and another power forward if they're going to go anywhere this year. Or can more of the kids take that next step.

In the debate between the Hawks needing wingers vs dman, I'd argue that the Hawks are going to wait and see a bit more about what they have. There is absolutely no reason why they need to rush. The Hossa situation will likely need to be resolved first.
The picture about where they need to add will become clearer.

While the wishlist might contain 4D and 2LW, it could be that they will add a C that can win draws as well. They could end up looking for a RW also, depending on how well Panik can deliver compared to last season. With Hossa gone there isn't great depth on RW anymore after Kane.

If StanBo adds a legit 18-20 minute NHL #4 Dman, the Hawks have as good a shot at a Cup as any team. If they don't add a Dman to slot Forsling and Kempny appropriately (on the 3rd pair), I foresee a team fighting for a playoff spot all year.
- EnzoD

Definitely needs to add a defenseman. The question is what's available early in the season and the price.

There's a school of thought that he can wait til the TDL, but if the team starts slow and falls behind, he will have less and less leverage as time goes on.

So who's gonna be available early on who fits that bill.

I have a hunch which way the team will go—and that is they will grab a depth guy with some experience and versatility (ie, can play both sides). Three names I would watch there:

Jon Merrill
Nate Schmidt
(remember also VGK owe the Hawks "considerations" for Kruger)
TVR

OR, they will go with a surprise move for a really young guy to develop on the third pair who is ready to play defensively, but may not be much of a force up the ice at this point. Colorado has a few guys who fit that description In Anton Lindholm (who I know the Hawks like), Chris Bigras and Andrei Mironov.

To me, they need to add a guy who can defend (now) and skate. And if it costs you Forsling in return, so be it. Unless Forsling takes a major step up this year, I'm not sure the hawks have the luxury of letting him learn to defend on the job in the NHL.

But let's say the cap hit for that guy is not huge, so SB saves some money, but he's tuightened up the D a bit, THEN maybe he has the luxury of adding yet another piece as the deadline draws near. Maybe a faceoff guy.

There is a lot to like IMO about a lot of the work Bowman did this offseason. it's the unfinished business I think that is cause for concern. But he will have opportunity to address that with Hossa's $$$.

I would go for that as 6D/7D. Hey Sopel could do it, right? Both guys decent hockey IQ, like Rozy was. And in the instances of Sopel and Rozy, Q knew what he had. Good sandpaper comment too.
- blackhawk24

I can see them bringing in Mark Stuart as a PTO. In fact, while I have not heard his name specifically, I would not be surprised at all to see that.

Will Butcher To Meet With Buffalo, New Jersey, Vegas

https://www.prohockeyrumo...alo-new-jersey-vegas.html

And before everyone says Stuart is done, the other option is Rozy or some guy who's never played in North America.

I don't even know if Stuart is completely healthy either. I just know he will likely be a PTO somewhere and the Hawks have had interest in him in the past for what he does (block shots, grinding away in the corners)

Most goals from 2006 Draft

Kessel - 296
Toews - 272
Marchand - 192
Backstrom - 188
J Staal - 187
Little - 184
Lucic - 182
Giroux - 180

Leading scorers from 2006 Draft pts

Backstrom - 728
Kessel - 649
Toews - 622
Giroux - 575
Lucic - 447
J Staal - 436
Little - 432
Okposo - 414

So what does our lineup/pairings look like as of today?

Interesting read on Will Butcher:

http://www.denverpost.com...eject-colorado-avalanche/

Definitely needs to add a defenseman. The question is what's available early in the season and the price.

There's a school of thought that he can wait til the TDL, but if the team starts slow and falls behind, he will have less and less leverage as time goes on.

So who's gonna be available early on who fits that bill.

I have a hunch which way the team will go—and that is they will grab a depth guy with some experience and versatility (ie, can play both sides). Three names I would watch there:

Jon Merrill
Nate Schmidt
(remember also VGK owe the Hawks "considerations" for Kruger)
TVR

OR, they will go with a surprise move for a really young guy to develop on the third pair who is ready to play defensively, but may not be much of a force up the ice at this point. Colorado has a few guys who fit that description In Anton Lindholm (who I know the Hawks like), Chris Bigras and Andrei Mironov.

To me, they need to add a guy who can defend (now) and skate. And if it costs you Forsling in return, so be it. Unless Forsling takes a major step up this year, I'm not sure the hawks have the luxury of letting him learn to defend on the job in the NHL.

But let's say the cap hit for that guy is not huge, so SB saves some money, but he's tuightened up the D a bit, THEN maybe he has the luxury of adding yet another piece as the deadline draws near. Maybe a faceoff guy.

There is a lot to like IMO about a lot of the work Bowman did this offseason. it's the unfinished business I think that is cause for concern. But he will have opportunity to address that with Hossa's $$$.
- John Jaeckel

The latter scenario would be ideal, especially if Dauphin does not pan out. Merrill has always been solid in the limited NHL games I've seen him play. Schmidt was probably the Capitals best Dman in the playoffs this year. Great skater and can play 200feet. John Moore as a Chicago kid would be an option. Whatever Bowman does, when you look around the league, there may not be a year where it's more wide open as far as Cup Contenders. Washington's roster was gutted, Penguins lost some key pieces, and Nashville looks like the clear West favorite after their additions. Beyond Nashville, everyone else had minor moves, with the Hawks as a major exception with their substantial roster changes. Wingels-Schmaltz-Hartman is a very interesting 3rd line option, and overall Q has TONS of combinations to try with the Top 3 Forward lines. I know I sound like a broken record, but the Defense as currenlty composed is a fan's prayer as far as being Cup Contending. You have praised Kempny, and I'm hopeful he can be a 18+ minute Dman in the NHL, but he simply has not shown me enough to think that is a sure thing. Add a legit Dman and the Hawks are a lock for the playoffs and then anything can happen....

But that would be the price for a young guy with Top Pairing upside like my new favorite American Dman....Jacob Trouba. Some of the names on Vegas would be significantly cheaper to acquire, I'd guess.
- EnzoD

Is anyone sold on Debrincat? I know this guy was a scoring machine, but it scares me that he was left off of the US World Junior team. They didn't like something??

In regards to marketing dinero, I don't think Chicago has too much to worry about there. I still remember a conversation my brother had with 3 very pretty girls as we were walking in for the WCF, he asked if they were from Chicago and they said no, they were from San Diego. Puzzled, he asked why they were Blackhawks fans? They said they weren't, they were Ducks fans but they thought the Hawks jerseys were cool. If they don't screw with the logo, they'll have a steady income stream!
BTW, I STILL can't figure out the Hjalmarsson trade.

Definitely needs to add a defenseman. The question is what's available early in the season and the price.

There's a school of thought that he can wait til the TDL, but if the team starts slow and falls behind, he will have less and less leverage as time goes on.

So who's gonna be available early on who fits that bill.

I have a hunch which way the team will go—and that is they will grab a depth guy with some experience and versatility (ie, can play both sides). Three names I would watch there:

Jon Merrill
Nate Schmidt
(remember also VGK owe the Hawks "considerations" for Kruger)
TVR

- John Jaeckel

The Vegas Golden Knights now have 11 rearguards under one-way NHL contracts. Only one, Shea Theodore, is exempt from waivers. Jon Merrill, Griffin Reinhart and Brad Hunt could hit the waiver wire. GM George McPhee is waiting until training camp/preseason in hopes a rival club or two becomes desperate for blueline help. Merrill, Reinhart or Hunt could be trade candidates. McPhee could also peddle Clayton Stoner or Luca Sbisa, but it seems reasonable that the others are not being sent eslewhere,
I don’t think Jason Garrison will be shopped, and Schmidt and Theodore aren’t available and I can also see McPhee sticking with Colin Miller and Brayden McNabb, because their price tags and long term "use' to them is strong. Garrison as an example leader for the rest.
I guess I don't see Merrill with as much upside as the rest of you - I really think he may be put on waviers because he hasn't grown into an NHLer, and Reinhart is a big bloodlines finesse defender who is so far from graduating to a NHL defender who can defend...heck, Forsling has more presence of my mind in the defensive zone, whether it really showed that well, he can claim played better than this kid, he certainly is closer.

OR, they will go with a surprise move for a really young guy to develop on the third pair who is ready to play defensively, but may not be much of a force up the ice at this point. Colorado has a few guys who fit that description In Anton Lindholm (who I know the Hawks like), Chris Bigras and Andrei Mironov.

To me, they need to add a guy who can defend (now) and skate. And if it costs you Forsling in return, so be it. Unless Forsling takes a major step up this year, I'm not sure the hawks have the luxury of letting him learn to defend on the job in the NHL.

- John Jaeckel

While playing for Russia I always thought this kid was the Russian Keith magnuson, in that he was such a fierce, intense competitor...and sure the Avs signed him and he is over the water, but he hasn't seen AHL game less a NHL one from the ice.
If he is ready, why would they trade him?
same with Chris Bigras who I don't think IS ready, but if he was why let he go?
Or Anton Lindholm?

...and all this talk about getting a #4 defender last time I looked, most get paid far too handsome if they have been around, so that is why JJ is flying under the radar with these possibles...

But let's say the cap hit for that guy is not huge, so SB saves some money, but he's tuightened up the D a bit, THEN maybe he has the luxury of adding yet another piece as the deadline draws near. Maybe a faceoff guy.
- John Jaeckel

Let's say the Cap hit is large - like a vet who instantly makes the Hawks better....they are gonna need the deal to include their trade partner to eat a chunk of salary.

You are correct, most teams have holes they aim to fill. How Stan.addresses the perceived holes in the roster is quite interesting.

You cannot count or expect Sikula to take a roster spot. You feel it is likely, but then does that mean do not trade for a top six forward. Your answer depends upon if you use cap relief money from the Hossa savings, to acquire a dman. I do not want to go overboard and say that I totally expect.Samuelson will help turn the corner for one of the kids. The young kids may be a season long improvement scenario especially as they gain confidance and apply what Samuelson teaches. This probably holds true for a Ruuta and, especially, Kempny.

Forsling may or may not need more AHL time. Snuggerud probably is going to play here maybe this season. With Snuggerud you do not rush him one iota because you have Gustafsson and maybe you even give Dahlgren a look. Pokka is a mystery: he is the most AHL experienced. I will predict that neither Pokka or Svedberg is sticking around long term. They simply never showed enough promise to elicit a greater look. And I say this well aware that in the past Q has not been a fan of long.trials. I would bet some team would love to grab Svedberg for a on the cheap acquisition and see if they can live with his slowness should he be their 6th or extra dman.

I expect Bowman wants to see how well Toews lasts and dies not want to part ways with assets it would take for Duchesne or any center. That there is a bidding war for Duchesne only sours my desire to see him here. Beside this or maybe it is of greater importance....is the shakines of this defense.

I do say that Q will let his worry on this position be known. Maybe he too goes to McDonough, or just communicates with Stan. I bet Stan has already told Q, I want to 1) see how you like some kids by the end of the exhibition season; 2) Because of the salary cap we are looking hard at the matriculation of a kid on defense (so you should look hard at the development of kids under Samuelson tutelage); and 3) the Hossa savings does not mean that he [Bowman] instantly is able or willing to obtain a veteran dman.

Oh btw what's up - anything - with future considerations as it relates to TVR and Krueger moving along.

Update on Roman Polak's injury and free agency.

https://www.hockeyfeed.co...-s-injury-and-free-agency

The only person in Chicago talking about him is BarstoolChief. Here's what he said on twitter:

Based on conversations that I have had about Will Butcher with people I would say that the Blackhawks are NOT a favorite to sign him. "Long shot" per a source.

https://twitter.com/Barst...status/897165698623000577
https://twitter.com/Barst...status/897230662587101184

Also, tomorrow is the day Butcher can sign, not today. NHL teams hold NCAA players' rights "through and including" Aug. 15 so midnight tonight is the first time other teams can express interest.
- L_B_R

I haven't heard anything on Butcher since I broke the Hawks interest in him. Before Barstool Chief.

Just sayin'.

The Vegas Golden Knights now have 11 rearguards under one-way NHL contracts. Only one, Shea Theodore, is exempt from waivers. Jon Merrill, Griffin Reinhart and Brad Hunt could hit the waiver wire. GM George McPhee is waiting until training camp/preseason in hopes a rival club or two becomes desperate for blueline help. Merrill, Reinhart or Hunt could be trade candidates. McPhee could also peddle Clayton Stoner or Luca Sbisa, but it seems reasonable that the others are not being sent eslewhere,
I don’t think Jason Garrison will be shopped, and Schmidt and Theodore aren’t available and I can also see McPhee sticking with Colin Miller and Brayden McNabb, because their price tags and long term "use' to them is strong. Garrison as an example leader for the rest.
I guess I don't see Merrill with as much upside as the rest of you - I really think he may be put on waviers because he hasn't grown into an NHLer, and Reinhart is a big bloodlines finesse defender who is so far from graduating to a NHL defender who can defend...heck, Forsling has more presence of my mind in the defensive zone, whether it really showed that well, he can claim played better than this kid, he certainly is closer.




While playing for Russia I always thought this kid was the Russian Keith magnuson, in that he was such a fierce, intense competitor...and sure the Avs signed him and he is over the water, but he hasn't seen AHL game less a NHL one from the ice.
If he is ready, why would they trade him?
same with Chris Bigras who I don't think IS ready, but if he was why let he go?
Or Anton Lindholm?

...and all this talk about getting a #4 defender last time I looked, most get paid far too handsome if they have been around, so that is why JJ is flying under the radar with these possibles...



Let's say the Cap hit is large - like a vet who instantly makes the Hawks better....they are gonna need the deal to include their trade partner to eat a chunk of salary.
- wiz1901

\

You're right Bill. Why even bother discussing trades? I mean, why even do them? LOL

If a guy is good, he will never be traded, because no price is high enough.

poop, HB should just close up shop and all the rest of the rumor guys too. We can just automate the 30 GM positions too while we're at it.

(I kid)

(hint: teams make deals because of what's offered, and Lindholm at least, looks ready BTW)

You're right Bill. Why even bother discussing trades? I mean, why even do them? LOL

If a guy is good, he will never be traded, because no price is high enough.

poop, HB should just close up shop and all the rest of the rumor guys too. We can just automate the 30 GM positions too while we're at it.

(I kid)

(hint: teams make deals because of what's offered, and Lindholm at least, looks ready BTW)
- John Jaeckel

know you are kidding, but Colorado must be feeling pressure on the Duchene front and they KNOW their dee has to improve and they have THREE guys back there, Erik johnson overpriced for 5 + years, Tyson Barrie overpriced at defensive liability, and Mark freakin' Barberio....so unless they are looking for Rockford quantities (or Forsling, wouldn't they be looking at bringing in those kids if they cannot get a NHL ready defender from someone for Duchene.

So make trades but sometimes there is a bit more than naming the farm guy acquistitions that are part of a weakened teams prospect / future pool.

(hint: teams make deals because of what's offered, and Lindholm at least, looks ready BTW)
- John Jaeckel

He looks four pounds lighter than Forsling (same height) and less defensively aware to me, for what it is worth....and a minus 18 in the AHL, but I wont hold that against him.

Andrei Mironov, the Red Magnuson, I like.

Update on Roman Polak's injury and free agency.

https://www.hockeyfeed.co...-s-injury-and-free-agency
- walleyeb1

I would bring both Franson and Polak in, one is LD one RD. Send Roz to the AHL. Assuming they would both sign for $800K Franson was middle of a bad buffalo D and Polak was 2nd on TOR in +- at +10 and played nearly 24 minutes in 1st playoff game. Polak could start the year on IR. I think both in 6/7 role is probably good for them. the reality is Q is only going to like one them if history is true.

Keith LD
SEABS RD
MUR RD
KEMPNY LD
RUTTA RD
FRANSON LD
POLAK RD

I just think getting a true upgrade over one of those guys in the top 4 is going to cost so much that I would rather use it to get a top 6 LW.

I haven't heard anything on Butcher since I broke the Hawks interest in him. Before Barstool Chief.

Just sayin'.

- John Jaeckel

My comment was just about 'recent' talking about about him - like last two days or so.

My comment was just about 'recent' talking about about Will Butcher - like last two days or so.
- L_B_R

He'll start with the defenseman starved bottom teams like NJ, and see if the not only burn off a year of the deal but promise immediate insertion....and then court the better clubs close to home like the wild and Blackhawks...

If StanBo adds a legit 18-20 minute NHL #4 Dman, the Hawks have as good a shot at a Cup as any team. If they don't add a Dman to slot Forsling and Kempny appropriately (on the 3rd pair), I foresee a team fighting for a playoff spot all year.
- EnzoD

It would not surprise me if Stan already has an agreement on a trade or FA signing that will take place on the 2nd day of the season for a Dman. (Beauchemin?)

It would not surprise me if Stan already has an agreement on a trade or FA signing that will take place on the 2nd day of the season for a Dman. (Beauchemin?)
- -Doh-

i think so too, but not him....