The new #5 looks just as bad as the old #5. Can we bring back Steve Smith? I think that he would be better.
- Dieselhead

He hasn't reached that level yet, but he doesn't look good to me.

Hayden may well earn himself a spot on the top 6 if ADB doesn't make it. Hayden would be a perfect fit w/ Schmaltz and Kane.

Gus is not ready no. Agree on Osterle. I think he has been solid. He seems very confident and poised with his first pass, a key to the Hawks game.
- kwolf68

I've always been hesitant about putting Hayden in the top 6 because of his skating, and while he's most definitely improved a lot the last two years, it is still a concern. However, I think his shot and general hockey IQ might mean it's possible. I'd also enjoy him on a Bolland-esque checking line with Anisimov-Hartman.

Forsling is having some rough breaks but it's easy to see he's got the most potential of all the young guys, so it's hard - Rockford for some more time is usually not a bad idea, especially with the new coaching staff down there, but it may be that the only place he can learn to get over those mistakes is in the NHL. Him being waiver exempt may make the decision for him, though.

I've always been hesitant about putting Hayden in the top 6 because of his skating, and while he's most definitely improved a lot the last two years, it is still a concern. However, I think his shot and general hockey IQ might mean it's possible. I'd also enjoy him on a Bolland-esque checking line with Anisimov-Hartman.

Forsling is having some rough breaks but it's easy to see he's got the most potential of all the young guys, so it's hard - Rockford for some more time is usually not a bad idea, especially with the new coaching staff down there, but it may be that the only place he can learn to get over those mistakes is in the NHL. Him being waiver exempt may make the decision for him, though.
- L_B_R

Skating was always my concern, but I am not seeing that as of much of an issue this year. Appears the kid worked on that part of his game over the last year. You gotta admit having a guy like that on the line with 88 and 8 would be awesome. A big body who can hit, create space and get to the front of the net. If his speed and skill translate that's an interesting line. Would like Q to roll it one more game. ADB is playing solid tonight so I guess that's still a possibility.

Skating was always my concern, but I am not seeing that as of much of an issue this year. Appears the kid worked on that part of his game over the last year. You gotta admit having a guy like that on the line with 88 and 8 would be awesome. A big body who can hit, create space and get to the front of the net. If his speed and skill translate that's an interesting line. Would like Q to roll it one more game. ADB is playing solid tonight so I guess that's still a possibility.
- kwolf68

He's a lot smoother this year and it's obvious that he's been working on skating as been asked. I do love when a player is given specific feedback of areas to improve and they accomplish it. It's be great to see him get a shot in the top 6 because it's impossible to know if it'll work until it's tried.

Garbage penalty.

That might have punched Oesterle's ticket to Rockford.

That might have punched Oesterle's ticket to Rockford.
- walleyeb1

If one mistake means a player is in Rockford, then half the team would be there after the last game including several vets.

that was a helluva sequence by the hawks and subban shut the door up close 4x

malcom certainly looks like his brother behind that mask...

Gus with a nice play after a poor read by Murphy (going for the hit, completely misreading where the puck was).

tough night at the office for gust and forsling...

cant see how jurco makes this roster...

i think franson gets a contract...experience counts

Hayden may well earn himself a spot on the top 6 if ADB doesn't make it. Hayden would be a perfect fit w/ Schmaltz and Kane.

Gus is not ready no. Agree on Osterle. I think he has been solid. He seems very confident and poised with his first pass, a key to the Hawks game.
- kwolf68

Personally, I was just thinking that if ADB doesn't make it, maybe Sharp will slide up and Hayden/Hartman will be the wingers for AA. I'm still thinking probably Oesterle, Rutta, Forsling will round out the 5-6-7 D. (not necessarily in that order. )

Personally, I was just thinking that if ADB doesn't make it, maybe Sharp will slide up and Hayden/Hartman will be the wingers for AA. I'm still thinking probably Oesterle, Rutta, Forsling will round out the 5-6-7 D. (not necessarily in that order. )
- breadbag

Rutta has been one of the four best.

Rutta has been one of the four best.
- kwolf68

I really like how he plays so far and seems like a solid skater.

If one mistake means a player is in Rockford, then half the team would be there after the last game including several vets.
- L_B_R

Ok fine give him one more game.

Not enough to draw a real conclusion from, but it is interesting to note, the Hawks were 58-53% on faceoffs each of their preseason games so far. Maybe the new rules will help them win a few more draws...

tough night at the office for gust and forsling...

cant see how jurco makes this roster...

i think franson gets a contract...experience counts
- bogiedoc

There are many prospects on defense and Colliton will likely try to give all a fair amount of playing time. I like what Rick said about playing Forsling a lot. Gus was in that role last year. Press and Raydish, Dahlstrom, Norell - could havee a lot of ability their blue line.

On Jurco: I wouldn't bet on Bowman parting ways with him yet. Jurco will play himself into a regular role or else then Stan has to make a decision.

At this point with the young dman, and especially Murphy frankly not looking too good, Franson experience does, indeed, count. Much as fans here might question the moves, Franson has a role until someone can supplant him

Oesterle you didn't mention, but at least to start season he is probably ahead among others...
.Oesterle and MAYBE Pokke if he has another strong game. Gus is falling short to these guys. It remains to be seen if Q keeps Svedberg in the pressbox

tough night at the office for gust and forsling...

cant see how jurco makes this roster...

i think franson gets a contract...experience counts
- bogiedoc

Outside of his shot, Franson has been meh to bad so far. I got back and forth on him but it still really comes down to his cap hit.

Hayden certainly making a case for himself on making the club. Ruta might be the most consistent defenseman this preseason ... solid once again. Debrinkat should get some Rockford time - did Schmaltz some good last year. Great goal scoring potential but if he is not on the score sheet, he is not doing too many other things. Forsling ... turn overs will certainly hurt in making the team. Gustafson, nice set up on Saad's goal tonight

malcom certainly looks like his brother behind that mask...
- bogiedoc

Bogie its Malcolm...I hate when people forget the second L...

Outside of his shot, Franson has been meh to bad so far. I got back and forth on him but it still really comes down to his cap hit.
- L_B_R

What you are seeing is what you would/will be getting out of Franson. He's a 5/6 Dman on a weaker NHL team. The money doesn't matter that much in the evaluation, he's either good enough to help this team on the ice or he isn't. If its the latter, cut him loose and look for somebody better.

Bogie its Malcolm...I hate when people forget the second L...
- DK002

aww cmon DK it's a blog post with fast typing...not frickn graduate thesis...

What you are seeing is what you would/will be getting out of Franson. He's a 5/6 Dman on a weaker NHL team. The money doesn't matter that much in the evaluation, he's either good enough to help this team on the ice or he isn't. If its the latter, cut him loose and look for somebody better.
- RickJ

Not sure about the rest but I like the cutting him part. Guy takes up residence in the corner.

There are many prospects on defense and Colliton will likely try to give all a fair amount of playing time. I like what Rick said about playing Forsling a lot. Gus was in that role last year. Press and Raydish, Dahlstrom, Norell - could havee a lot of ability their blue line.

On Jurco: I wouldn't bet on Bowman parting ways with him yet. Jurco will play himself into a regular role or else then Stan has to make a decision.

At this point with the young dman, and especially Murphy frankly not looking too good, Franson experience does, indeed, count. Much as fans here might question the moves, Franson has a role until someone can supplant him

Oesterle you didn't mention, but at least to start season he is probably ahead among others...
.Oesterle and MAYBE Pokke if he has another strong game. Gus is falling short to these guys. It remains to be seen if Q keeps Svedberg in the pressbox
- jhawk59

Svedberg was sent down. Seems like Oesterle has a good chance to stick as that 3rd LD.

Our D is a huge area of concern entering the season and it will kill any chances we have of a Cup run if there aren't any changes/upgrades. From the looks of it Forsling has been unable to take his game to another level, and that's bad news because I sensed that a lot of people were banking on that happening. Ruuta looks okay, but neither he or Kempny are a legit #4 let alone legit #3, at least not proven yet. Murphy? meh...

We MUST make a move, whether it involves getting cap space from Hossa going on LTIR or not. Gotta do something to upgrade that area of the roster. I think our forwards and goaltending are in great shape and if we solve the D issues we'll have as good of a chance as anyone to win it all. But right now that's a MAJOR "if"...