Toews was down a whole 8 points from 2014-15. I was talking specifically about line 2. My point is Kane will still score at the same rate he always has, and only 2015-16 did he have a significant jump. The added points form Saad will be a balancer. 4D is much more of a question mark.
- JRoenick97

Well I hope you're right and I'm wrong then. Kane is a year older and may need a top
LW to be as creative and productive as he's been. Many keep saying that Kane will produce no matter who's on his line. Sooner or later that may change, I just don't want it to be this year with a "weak" LW with him. He's not 23 anymore and a decline in any sort (like 19) would be disastrous. The window is still open. Can we really expect Schmaltz to dig into corners and win board battles ? Heck, with Anisimov as his center, puck possession is already an issue starting from the dot. I still would love to see EK on that 2nd line.....as long as he doesn't cost too much.....and his focus is in the right place.

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.
- wiz1901

Lindholm is a very good skater, defense first, but can do things both ways because of the mobility and he's physical/aggressive. He is solid at his size/physically mature/tough "as nails.".

I know the Hawks were interested in him at the deadline this year, really interesting because now I wonder if they weren't already anticipating that they would move Hjalmarsson.

Colorado is pretty high on him too, especially after he played a handful of games with them. So, yeah, that means they might not want to trade him. I would throw the -19 at San Antonio out, doesn't seem to have bothered the parent club when they brought him up last year.

But maybe when they have an excess of more defense-minded guys (like Bigras and I guess Mironov), they might feel the need to add a more up ice kind of guy like Forsling or Kempny instead. That's how a lot of deals get done..

Dunno. I just think a kid like Lindholm (particularly) would be a nice development piece—possibly at the NHL level for a Hawk team that does not seem to have any young Niklas Hjalmarssons around or on the horizon. Hawks seem to have a lot of guys who can really lug the puck uo ice and shoot (Forsling, Jokiharju, Kempny) but not any rock solid defenders..

Boomers have been retiring for years (since 2008). More recently --- and a Hawks potential fall magnifies this --- is IL as a whole had more folks move out of state per capita, than any other state. Another poster jokingly mentioned the pop tax. That is a symptom of a much greater fiscal issue. Even where I live in McHenry County, the push for greater revenue flow than previous years has amped up. Some folks like me won't stay. As much as I love my home, I can get another one in TX.
- blackhawk24

Retirees from cold climates often move where it is warm, regardless of the political climate they leave behind. Given the swelling number of this age demographic, and that this is where a lot of the wealth (aka STH base) is, expect more until the rate of retirement abates. I grew up in Phoenix. I saw the other side of the migration pattern, and played plenty of rounds of golf with Midwest retirees. I could also say that UHaul ranked Chicago second for inbound moves last year, political climate be damned, but that is more likely the future STH base, not today's. Nobody loves the politics here, but it isn't the major cause of outflows here.

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

I know, no worries.

At this point, more than a few people have legit sources, including no doubt the person in question.

It's just that certain "rumor guys "out there seem to want the world to believe that they're the only ones who ever break anything or that no one else has legit sources. Which is asinine. And untrue.

Not mentioning any names.

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.
- DK002

I hadn't thought about the brand switch. Interesting.

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.
- wiz1901

Lindholm>>>defensively than Forsling. Defense is really his calling card.

Again, I would throw out the -18 in San Antonio.

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.
- breadbag

Like I said, there's a good probability that they will get off to a rough start, and that wait and see approach will put Bowman at a big disadvantage psychologically/in terms of trade leverage.

They start pretty good, different story.

He may not want to wait. When he waits too long, he usually gets screwed.

Lindholm is a very good skater, defense first, but can do things both ways because of the mobility and he's physical/aggressive. He is solid at his size/physically mature/tough "as nails.".

I know the Hawks were interested in him at the deadline this year, really interesting because now I wonder if they weren't already anticipating that they would move Hjalmarsson.

Colorado is pretty high on him too, especially after he played a handful of games with them. So, yeah, that means they might not want to trade him. I would throw the -19 at San Antonio out, doesn't seem to have bothered the parent club when they brought him up last year.

But maybe when they have an excess of more defense-minded guys (like Bigras and I guess Mironov), they might feel the need to add a more up ice kind of guy like Forsling or Kempny instead. That's how a lot of deals get done..

Dunno. I just think a kid like Lindholm (particularly) would be a nice development piece—possibly at the NHL level for a Hawk team that does not seem to have any young Niklas Hjalmarssons around or on the horizon. Hawks seem to have a lot of guys who can really lug the puck uo ice and shoot (Forsling, Jokiharju, Kempny) but not any rock solid defenders..
- John Jaeckel

Bednar and Pratt love Lindholm, hes not flashy but he just plays a very solid and safe game. Thats part of the reason why Avs havent signed any UFAs. Right now they are going with a Top 6 in Johnson, Zads, Barberio, Barrie, Lindholm and Mirinov. Might not look sexy on paper but its damn mobile

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.
- wiz1901

Nah....Avs dont have any pressure. They arent trying to be good over night, resetting this thing 3 years down the line. They arent gong to give away duchene now bc people dont think they have any Dmen signed to fill their roster (they do)

With Makar, Timmins, and Meloche as the new wave of D prospects, with Mirinov, Lindholm, Bigras makign the jump now. They are letting their kids play and develop.

Johnson is good when Healthy and Barrie needs Johnson in the line up to be effective. One one or the other are out, they struggle. Barberio is solid 3rd pairing guy and Zads is a roller coaster ride but hes still a physical beast back there who can skate really well for his size.

Avs D is actually probably the least concerning thing for them, Have some good D prospects in the system and want to give some of their home grown stock a chance.

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.
- wiz1901

Avs wont trade mironov, he was Zadorovs D partner on Russians WJC team
There is a good chance they are partnered together at some point again.

Vegas is going to lose a Dman via waiver wire if they dont move someone for cheap soon, I hoep the Avs go hunting if they do, Hawks should do the same bc Reinhart or Merrill might be exposed with how they have managed their roster this offseason

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.
- wiz1901

Any relation to Boris??

Any relation to Boris??
- Abadseed

nope

Retirees from cold climates often move where it is warm, regardless of the political climate they leave behind. Given the swelling number of this age demographic, and that this is where a lot of the wealth (aka STH base) is, expect more until the rate of retirement abates. I grew up in Phoenix. I saw the other side of the migration pattern, and played plenty of rounds of golf with Midwest retirees. I could also say that UHaul ranked Chicago second for inbound moves last year, political climate be damned, but that is more likely the future STH base, not today's.
Nobody loves the politics here, but it isn't the major cause of outflows here.
- 333inthe3rd

Yeah, NY to FL, IL to AZ...seems like that's been forever.

Not sure how many boomers are leaving the STH base. But boomers are near the peak of retirement if we believe the birth years are 1946-1964. Don't think CY16 is out yet so it is likely 2015 that saw IL as the highest move out rate than any other state. Report I saw in Crain's spitballed a number of reasons. Don't believe Cubs WS drought was one of them.

The wealth level statement does make a lot of sense though. I sure can say that ticket prices climbed at a greater rate than my salary in my time as a STH.

Like I said, there's a good probability that they will get off to a rough start, and that wait and see approach will put Bowman at a big disadvantage psychologically/in terms of trade leverage.

They start pretty good, different story.

He may not want to wait. When he waits too long, he usually gets screwed.
- John Jaeckel

Wait and see appears very risky for a mgmt team looking to get back to champion level.

Well I hope you're right and I'm wrong then. Kane is a year older and may need a top
LW to be as creative and productive as he's been. Many keep saying that Kane will produce no matter who's on his line. Sooner or later that may change, I just don't want it to be this year with a "weak" LW with him. He's not 23 anymore and a decline in any sort (like 19) would be disastrous. The window is still open. Can we really expect Schmaltz to dig into corners and win board battles ? Heck, with Anisimov as his center, puck possession is already an issue starting from the dot. I still would love to see EK on that 2nd line.....as long as he doesn't cost too much.....and his focus is in the right place.
- Hawkytalk

Jfyi Kane topped the league for forwards in terms of 5v5 possession time the last two season as well according to Sportlogiq. He's pretty much been top 5 his whole NHL career and top 3 since 2013, no matter his center. His shot metric possession seems to mostly be impacted by factors such as zone deployment and QOC.

If it takes until the 2018-19 season for a true cup contender, it will also be due to getting rid of Crawford's $6M, and possibly Seabrooks deal also. This can happen if things tank this season early enough for the Hawks to become sellers.

But maybe when they have an excess of more defense-minded guys (like Bigras and I guess Mironov), they might feel the need to add a more up ice kind of guy like Forsling or Kempny instead. That's how a lot of deals get done..

Dunno. I just think a kid like Lindholm (particularly) would be a nice development piece—possibly at the NHL level for a Hawk team that does not seem to have any young Niklas Hjalmarssons around or on the horizon. Hawks seem to have a lot of guys who can really lug the puck uo ice and shoot (Forsling, Jokiharju, Kempny) but not any rock solid defenders..
- John Jaeckel

Yes, I understand the essence behind that type of trade. Kempny is gonna look for a raise and with UFA status provides little security for Avs. An injured Jokiharju gets you nothng so that again leaves Forsling.

I did not go to a game last year and one or two the year before because it costs a bunch of monies and the actual games were less than entertaining.

When the Hossa monies free up they have some flexibility, maybe a deal is already in place.

The first month of the schedule is not really forgiving so you gotta wonder at what point they push the panic button.

Pitt, CBJ, Leafs, Montreal, Minny, Preds, Blues, Oilers, Arizona, Vegas, Preds, Colorado

They could start the season 1-7 or 2-6 with a loser point or two and it wouldn't be terribly surprising if they're not somewhat decent out the gate or Crawford gets off to a slow start. That in itself would be kind of entertaining just to see Chicago fans lose their minds in that special way they do.

They have to be shooting for .500 out of October and hopefully have a solid November as that is a bit of a lighter month.

If it takes until the 2018-19 season for a true cup contender, it will also be due to getting rid of Crawford's $6M, and possibly Seabrooks deal also. This can happen if things tank this season early enough for the Hawks to become sellers.
- RaleighHawk

The only way they're sellers, and even then it's a long shot tbh, is if they have an injury riddled season. How many teams have been able to be sellers one deadline and then be a true cup contender a season later anyway?

What is the story with Pat Foley being let go?

It is funny that this topic had come up, myself, I have been a season ticket holder since 1972, actually saw Bobby Hall Tony Esposito in Keith Magnuson and Stan Mikita and Jim Pepin and some of the other beloved BLACKHAWKS of our childhood play on a regular basis, I enjoyed the Secord Savard Larmer, Manson,era, along with The Probert, Chelios, Roenick, Belfour etc. era, I stayed through the lien times and thoroughly enjoyed these three Stanley cups, but I have to say that I too had received all of them calls and information, and I have got to say that if I am unable to sell a number of games that I need to , in order to still to be able to afford these tickets, then I am going to also be on the goodbye list after this year, or possibly downsizing to a nine or 21 game plan, the hard part about that is all the friendships and years of enjoying everybody's company in our section . I think Mcdonough did the same thing here that he did over at Wrigley Field, he priced the average family man right out of the game, while catering to the young single deep pocketed fan, I used to go to about 20 to 30 cub games for years but now can only do a handful because of the steep prices, which is why I am not buying the fact that they will start another season with four or five on knowns slotted for prominent roles, the minute they find out where they stand with Hossa'smoney I think they will make a trade for a significant piece.Quennvillewill not stand for another bull crap season, neither will Bowman, and you guys that are sliding guys like schmaltz and Debrincat and a lot of those unknown defenseman into this year's lineup, that's just what will happen and you will see even more heads roll next season, I think some guys are overthinking this roster strategy, plain and simple the minute they find out monies available they're making a trade for either a top for defenseman or another winger, and some of these young guys that are prospects will be going the other way , That's what I see happening.

http://puckinhostile.blog...shoutcast-episode-88.html

Me, Gate, Matt Zawaski, Patrick Stankus. Audio mayhem.

What is the story with Pat Foley being let go?
- hockey nut 28

Again.....???

It looks like Will butcher and his reps are going to take up to the next to weeks to choose an NHL team...

Hey John,

Good stuff as usual and I have heard the same, but from those who usually sell about 1/2 their games. Tickets have been up for sale for awhile, but one person told me he has only sold one game.

At some point this was going to happen, but the Hawks don't want the slack demand to come all at once. The red flag was up for me when the TV #'s were reported to be down 22% from the peak.

You can justify a dip, but this organization is built on 21,000+ to be there every night. Even if the tickets are sold but only 18-19k fans show up that is a significant loss of revenue.

The script is there for all to see-Watch the lower bowl, when those seats stay empty, and season ticket holders can't give them away, trouble follows. That's what the front office is hoping won't happen.