Heh.

I think everyone is aware I'd love for us to pick up one of the young Vegas d-men, and they have a surplus of LD which is now the weakness for the Hawks since they're filled out 3-4 on the right (depending on if they sign Franson), so I could see it potentially working out. Maybe. It just won't have anything to do with future considerations - a trade with Vegas will still cost assets. And then it wouldn't be to move those then for Duchene, if only because the Hawks need more established players on defense than at forward it seems.
- L_B_R

I will respectfully agree to disagree. Not seeing 88's line having more than one entry and done threat if we are counting on Schmaltz and ADB to be his linemates.

The two top lines must have grit, skill, AND speed to be deep enough to score goals consistently.

We arent getting a top four D guy from anyone - less of them available than forwards.

- L_B_R

couldn't have said it better

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/hurricanes
Carolina's 6 defensemen listed right now, have a TOTAL AAV of just under 9M this year. Two ex hawks. (TVR and Klas Dahlbeck)
PK Subban's AAV is 9M this year.

How does everyone have the bottom 6 spelling out? I like Sharp-AA-Hartman as a line. That could be a really good line. 4th line is harder to lay out for me. You've got Hayden pushing for a spot, which I think he's earned. Kero, Dauphin, and Kampf have all played well, but you've also got Wingels and Bouma who signed earlier and aren't waiver exempt. I'd like to see some combo of Kero-Kampf-Dauphin, but they are technically all centers, and 2 are basically rookies. Kampf and Dauphin have shown they hard to play against and tenacious. I haven't seen anything out of Bouma that warrants him staying on the team except the contract he signed. Wingels has been nursing an injury recovery, so it's hard to say. I think Tootoo stays based on what the team and Q have said about him. So, it's basically 3 of Hayden, Kampf, Kero, Dauphin, Wingels and Bouma if they give ADB a shot on line 2. If they send ADB to the rock, then I think Hayden slides to line 3, Sharp to 2, and then it's 3 of 5 of those guys.
- JRoenick97

In a previous reply to your comment, I only talked about the 4th line but had some thoughts about the 3rd line since you asked for others' thoughts about the bottom 6 (well more so all 4 forward lines).

I think the pivotal factor is whether DeBrincat makes the team or not. If he does, then he's the 2LW with Schmaltz and Kane. He could possibly be the 1LW with Toews and Panik if there is better balance with putting Saad on a line with Schmaltz and Kane so he can be the one to provide net front presence, dig pucks out from the boards, etc. Having DeBrincat in the top 6 would then allow for a 3rd line of Sharp, Anisimov, and Hartman as you are suggesting.

However, if DeBrincat doesn't make the team, then I imagine these are the forward lines:

Saad - Toews - Panik
Sharp/Hayden/Jurco - Schmaltz - Kane
Sharp/Hayden/Jurco - Anisimov - Hartman
Bouma - Kero - Wingels
Extra forward: Tootoo

(Again, I'm not enamored with that 4th line but think that is how reality will play out with Q making the final cuts.)

Ideally I would like Sharp as 3LW to provide more balance across the first 3 lines. My guess is that in the scenario with DeBrincat starting in Rockford, Sharp begins the season as 2LW but will eventually bump down to 3LW as either:

a) Hayden gains more experience to play top 6
b) Jurco finally proves his worth and the light turns on for him to put his talent on display more consistently and reliably
c) DeBrincat gets called up
d) Another prospect like Fortin gets called up
e) Or another LW gets brought into the fold via the LTIR scenario

I will respectfully agree to disagree. Not seeing 88's line having more than one entry and done threat if we are counting on Schmaltz and ADB to be his linemates.

The two top lines must have grit, skill, AND speed to be deep enough to score goals consistently.

We arent getting a top four D guy from anyone - less of them available than forwards.
- Return of the Roar

Agree.
Agree
Agreed.

Trump said they should be fired--for a silent protest. That's wrong.

I'd favor ending the national anthem at sporting events. We don't have the anthem played at other entertainment events, why sporting events.
- tompo1015

No, he didn't. He was speaking to his crowd and said, "wouldn't you like to see it." Purposely misqouted, imo, so that he can be called a racist. Again.

Yea. Stop with the anthem. Change all team names to numbers and make it a no check league. Trophies for everyone. Gender neutral. No skill needed, players picked from the public by lottery. Skate if you can. Not really necessary. There, now we're all equal. So happy.

All problems fixed.

Enzo , why post a staged picture of A bunch of hired thugs waking with Nazi flags? These clowns were recruited via CraigList by Soros who by the way also sponsors The "Black Matter groups. The majority of these protesters from both sides were dropped off two blocks from the start of the March by chartered buses with their clubs, flags and posters. This was a staged event made for TV. It's crazy what is going on in the worl!

Now about the NFL. About ten years ago you would not have seen any players on the field during the playing of NATIONAL ANTHEM on TV because the NFL had a rule that required all teams to stay in the locker rooms until after the completion of the anthem. Our U.S. GOVERNMENT payed a yearly fee to all the NFL teams for the right to make it mandatory that all NFL teams will be on the fields during the playing of the NATIONAL ANTHEM. The reason supposedly was it was good PR for recruiting for the armed forces.
We can eliminate all these problems on the field during the playing of the anthem by just keep all players in the locker room until it is finished. It' s no big deal to go back to the past procedures and eliminate all this chaos and keep the owners from getting any more money. Those owners are a bunch of hypocrites and will sell their soul to make more money....enough said!
- spanky

No, he didn't. He was speaking to his crowd and said, "wouldn't you like to see it." Purposely misqouted, imo, so that he can be called a racist. Again.

Yea. Stop with the anthem. Change all team names to numbers and make it a no check league. Trophies for everyone. Gender neutral. No skill needed, players picked from the public by lottery. Skate if you can. Not really necessary. There, now we're all equal. So happy.

All problems fixed.
- hocktock

Ahh yes he did. Here is his exact Twitter comment after the rally:

"If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect. ... our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!"

Otherwise, NOTHING in your words has a damn thing to do with the issue, just seems a chance to build a straw man based on nebulous cliches, including some good ole' fashioned red baiting (everyone is equal? LOL...yes that's exactly what this issue is about )

In the end I don't know if Trump is racist, but that entire first amendment thing is gonna be a real problem. The US government, and he is part of that Government, has NO BUSINESS interjecting against constitutionally protected speech. If an owner of a team wishes to place rules, fine, but the government stays the fook out of it....I am always told how right wingers love the constitution.... i guess its respect with their exception.

Ahh yes he did. Here is his exact Twitter comment after the rally:

"If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect. ... our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!"

Otherwise, NOTHING in your words has a damn thing to do with what these players are protesting. You got all the right-wing cliches in though, including some good ole' fashioned red baiting (everyone is equal? LOL)
- kwolf68

They are protesting nothing. This whole thing is a joke. The issue was settled in the 1860's.
People are to stupid to be free.

Yea stupid.

They are protesting nothing. This whole thing is a joke. People are to stupid to be free.

Yea stupid.
- hocktock

I've always found your hockey posts exhibited your stupidity. Your political posts confirm just how stupid you are.

They are protesting nothing. This whole thing is a joke. People are to stupid to be free.

Yea stupid.
- hocktock

I told my wife last night I think people up in arms about these protests have hostility for what is being protested and it's not just the anthem. You have validated that contention.

They are protesting what they see as police brutality. If its really happening (and I am not saying it isn't given the videos I've seen) then it's a legitimate discussion to have. Or maybe we should bow to the police state.

I told my wife last night I think people up in arms about these protests have hostility for what is being protested and it's not just the anthem. You have validated that contention.

They are protesting what they see as police brutality. If its really happening (and I am not saying it isn't given the videos I've seen) then it's a legitimate discussion to have. Or maybe we should bow to the police state.
- kwolf68

Yea. Only against blacks. Cause everyone is racist.

I don't care anymore.

I've always found your hockey posts exhibited your stupidity. Your political posts confirm just how stupid you are.
- BMWChiFan

Thank you.

Yea. Only against blacks. Cause everyone is racist. Last I checked, more whites were killed by cops than blacks.
- hocktock

No one said "everyone" is a racist. Quit begging the question. If cops are gunning down unarmed white people then the cops should be held accountable. Are they? Quit reciting stats and provide anecdotal evidence. Show me a video of a white person shot in cold blood by police officers.

Cops who shoot ANYONE period without just cause should be removed from their post and possibly brought up on charges. Had these officers been held accountable you probably wouldn't see any protests. Root out the rogue, thug cops and get back to "protecting and serving" and not "bullying and intimidating" and this problem vanishes.

It seems that to some cops are sacrosanct. They can do no wrong and any critique of them is met with scorn and ridicule. That's a joke. What happened to the party of Personal Responsibility? Did it fall into the sewage with their abridged version of the Constitution?

I will respectfully agree to disagree. Not seeing 88's line having more than one entry and done threat if we are counting on Schmaltz and ADB to be his linemates.

The two top lines must have grit, skill, AND speed to be deep enough to score goals consistently.

We arent getting a top four D guy from anyone - less of them available than forwards.
- Return of the Roar

What are you disagreeing with? My comment had nothing to do with a line of Debrincat-Schmaltz-Kane. I'm actually not one of those that thinks that line will work long-term either, though just to note those guys have had some of the highest shot attempts and on goal through the pre-season. I'd prefer Sharp or possibly Hayden (if he really can skate with top 6 players) up there tbh.

I told my wife last night I think people up in arms about these protests have hostility for what is being protested and it's not just the anthem. You have validated that contention.

They are protesting what they see as police brutality. If its really happening (and I am not saying it isn't given the videos I've seen) then it's a legitimate discussion to have. Or maybe we should bow to the police state.
- kwolf68

Well that is quite a generalization. Didn't the Steelers offensive tackle, who is a veteran and minority say he did not like Kapernick kneeling during the anthem but that he fully supported and believed in his cause?

I can understand why people are upset about players not standing. It does not make them racist or bigoted nor does it make me racist or bigoted. I also understand why players are protesting. Police brutality in certain cases is real. I don't think there is any debating that. It is just a matter of extent.

One guy on hockeybuzz should not be validating your contentions....

Can we just talk about hockey? Sports are supposed to give everyday people an escape from reality and the grind of everyday life. If I wanted to listen to people shout from their corners about political views and how wrong and stupid the other-side is I would turn on Fox News of MSNBC.

What are you disagreeing with? My comment had nothing to do with a line of Debrincat-Schmaltz-Kane. I'm actually not one of those that thinks that line will work long-term either, though just to note those guys have had some of the highest shot attempts and on goal through the pre-season. I'd prefer Sharp or possibly Hayden (if he really can skate with top 6 players) up there tbh.
- L_B_R

I for one am very excited about Schmaltz. Long powerful stride and the hands/IQ. I think he really starts putting it together this year. He plays long too with his stick. Similar to Hossa. He is not the best defensively yet but you can see him disrupting plays on the backcheck and with is reach.

My concern is how he responds once teams take some runs at him and connect. You know that will come once he starts producing during the regular season. A potential good playmaking 2C for the Hawks should scare other WC teams.

No, he didn't. He was speaking to his crowd and said, "wouldn't you like to see it." Purposely misqouted, imo, so that he can be called a racist. Again.

Yea. Stop with the anthem. Change all team names to numbers and make it a no check league. Trophies for everyone. Gender neutral. No skill needed, players picked from the public by lottery. Skate if you can. Not really necessary. There, now we're all equal. So happy.

All problems fixed.
- hocktock

Spin job.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/hurricanes
Carolina's 6 defensemen listed right now, have a TOTAL AAV of just under 9M this year. Two ex hawks. (TVR and Klas Dahlbeck)
PK Subban's AAV is 9M this year.


- Slofire94

Yeah, but Nashville's defense core is still had at a pretty great price imo. The rest of the top 4 come in at under $4m each for at least 2 more years: Josi at $4m for 3 more years, Ekholm for $3.75m for 5 more years, Ellis for $2.5m for 2 more years. So they can afford to have a $9m d-man when the rest are bargains.

Yeah, but Nashville's defense core is still had at a pretty great price imo. The rest of the top 4 come in at under $4m each for at least 2 more years: Josi at $4m for 3 more years, Ekholm for $3.75m for 5 more years, Ellis for $2.5m for 2 more years. So they can afford to have a $9m d-man when the rest are bargains.
- L_B_R

Oh, completely agreed. I was more making a comparison of Subbans value, vs an entire blueline on "one of deeper young up and coming bluelines in the NHL" to show the value of drafting well.
Regardless of what team Subban was on.

Well that is quite a generalization. Didn't the Steelers offensive tackle, who is a veteran and minority say he did not like Kapernick kneeling during the anthem but that he fully supported and believed in his cause?

I can understand why people are upset about players not standing. It does not make them racist or bigoted nor does it make me racist or bigoted. I also understand why players are protesting. Police brutality in certain cases is real. I don't think there is any debating that. It is just a matter of extent.

One guy on hockeybuzz should not be validating your contentions....

Can we just talk about hockey? Sports are supposed to give everyday people an escape from reality and the grind of everyday life. If I wanted to listen to people shout from their corners about political views and how wrong and stupid the other-side is I would turn on Fox News of MSNBC.
- bhawks2241

I meant to say SOME who oppose. Yes some people don't like it because they believe you should stand for the anthem and that's the be all end all of it.

If sports stars want to take political stands thats fine by me. Why should they be told to "shut up and play" yet the executive of Exxon not only can speak to issues, but actually has the power to change policy to benefit his company. This is a double standard.

If Curt Shilling or Kid Rock want to take up right wing causes that's great...if Adam Ference or Michael Stipe want to take up left wing causes that's also great. I think a plurality of opinions and ideas actually represents that flag pretty well.

I meant to say SOME who oppose. Yes some people don't like it because they believe you should stand for the anthem and that's the be all end all of it.

If sports stars want to take political stands thats fine by me. Why should they be told to "shut up and play" yet the executive of Exxon not only can speak to issues, but actually has the power to change policy to benefit his company. This is a double standard.

If Curt Shilling or Kid Rock want to take up right wing causes that's great...if Adam Ference or Michael Stipe want to take up left wing causes that's also great. I think a plurality of opinions and ideas actually represents that flag pretty well.
- kwolf68

I don't have a problem with athletes taking political stands. Nor did I say players should shut up and play. You really like taking peoples words to the extreme. You again are making generalizations. How do you know most people who oppose it have an issue with what is actually being protested?

I for one don't want to sit and watch it all day Sunday during a football game. Just like if hockey players started taking political stands, and it garnered national attention, I would not want to sit through a Hawks game having to listen to it.

Part of the issue is the networks beating it to death during games. Talk about it pre and post game fine. Just don't want to hear it during the live broadcast repeatedly. During a live game I am there to watch the game not listen to a political discourse. There is nothing wrong with that preference and I am sure I am not the only one with that viewpoint.

I'd much rather discuss Nick Schmaltz on this blog than politics. Although, I imagine we would have a good discussion about politics. You seem very articulate and not someone who is just going to shout out talking points.

So tired of politics dominating media everywhere you turn.
This blog site was one of the few escapes I had interacting with the outside world.

WAS.

Well that is quite a generalization. Didn't the Steelers offensive tackle, who is a veteran and minority say he did not like Kapernick kneeling during the anthem but that he fully supported and believed in his cause?

I can understand why people are upset about players not standing. It does not make them racist or bigoted nor does it make me racist or bigoted. I also understand why players are protesting. Police brutality in certain cases is real. I don't think there is any debating that. It is just a matter of extent.

One guy on hockeybuzz should not be validating your contentions....

Can we just talk about hockey? Sports are supposed to give everyday people an escape from reality and the grind of everyday life. If I wanted to listen to people shout from their corners about political views and how wrong and stupid the other-side is I would turn on Fox News of MSNBC.
- bhawks2241

I think that's a good stance to take: that you may not agree with the timing or place of the protest but believe that the person has the absolute right to protest in this manner (as long as their employers allows it). Pretty simple.

My biggest issue with those who think they should stop is that they either don't know or are ignoring the roots of Kaepernick's choice to kneel. He originally was going to sit, but felt it wasn't how he wanted to convey his message. Do you know who gave him the idea to kneel? Former Army Green Beret Nate Boyer.

From Kaepernick about talking to Boyer: “We were talking to him about how can we get the message back on track and not take away from the military, not take away from pride in our country but keep the focus on what the issues really are. As we talked about it, we came up with taking a knee because there are issues that still need to be addressed and there was also a way to show more respect for the men and women that fight for this country.”

So again, I can see how people wouldn't like when the protest is happening, but it seems disingenuous to keep pushing the narrative that Kaepernick is out to be disrespectful to the military or flag.