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"...
- SimpleJack

This is a leading reason why I'm in the camp that if there is LTIR cap space being freed up soon, then Bowman needs to pursue a top-4 defenseman and not Duchene or other top-6 forward. Yes, the Hawks could use another veteran offensive forward, but the more urgent need is on the blueline.

There are just more forwards in camp right now who are making strong cases for the final spots up front (i.e. Hayden, DeBrincat, Hinostroza, Kampf, Dauphin) but few if any defensemen who are making strong cases for the final spots on the back end (i.e Rutta seems to be the only one who is noticeably making a positive impact, possibly Oesterle but not as much as Rutta).

Does anyone know why Noel is still listed on the training camp roster even though he's been injured since the prospect tournament? One would think he would have been reassigned to Rockford even before camp started. No chance he would have even competed for a spot. His priority is to heal up, rehab, and prepare to develop with the Hogs.

There must be a reason for that because I recall this happening twice in the past prior training camps where a prospect is already injured yet is listed on the roster but doesn't get reassigned until like a week before the regular season begins.

This is a leading reason why I'm in the camp that if there is LTIR cap space being freed up soon, then Bowman needs to pursue a top-4 defenseman and not Duchene or other top-6 forward. Yes, the Hawks could use another veteran offensive forward, but the more urgent need is on the blueline.

There are just more forwards in camp right now who are making strong cases for the final spots up front (i.e. Hayden, DeBrincat, Hinostroza, Kampf, Dauphin) but few if any defensemen who are making strong cases for the final spots on the back end (i.e Rutta seems to be the only one who is noticeably making a positive impact, possibly Oesterle but not as much as Rutta).
- AEL_Fox

I myself have contemplated adding Duchene just because it looks so sexy on paper...but I totally agree, the addition MUST be a defenseman, and preferably a damn good one.

I myself have contemplated adding Duchene just because it looks so sexy on paper...but I totally agree, the addition MUST be a defenseman, and preferably a damn good one.
- SimpleJack

You people keep talking about getting a top 4 defenseman - it's NOT going to happen - and two reasons:

1) Most teams don't have four good defenseman - and the few who do aren't giving them up, and

2) The Hawks don't have anything they would want to trade if one were available.

So please stop talking about acquiring one just because there may be cap space available. By the time the season starts, those d-men available will not be better than what we currently have - and certainly not worth paying. SMH

I myself have contemplated adding Duchene just because it looks so sexy on paper...but I totally agree, the addition MUST be a defenseman, and preferably a damn good one.
- SimpleJack

I hate to sound like a broken record...buttttt I've been saying it since the day they traded Hammer that a 18+ minute quality NHL Dman was priority #1 with Hossa's cap space. That was my opinion when I thought Conner Murphy might actually be good. He is not bad -you can see the skating, shooting and physical talent- however, his decision making, as well as his puck movement in transition, is a big work in progress through the small preseason sample size. LOTS of quality depth forwards in the mix for the Top 12 come Game 1..much less quality Defense options..here is what I'd do to start the year if I'm Quenneville.

Saad-Toews-Panik
Hayden-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Kampf-Kero-Dauphin

Keith-Murphy
Rutta-Seabrook
Kempny-Franson

Crawford
Forsberg (subconsciously typed Darling at first lol)

That 4th line is the ultimate checking line with all 3 guys that can skate well, play PK, and win faceoffs. Vinny has been flying around the ice all preseason, but he doesnt kill penalties and there are better finishers to play with 8+88. Vinny is a solid depth player without a spot in the lineup, IMO.

You people keep talking about getting a top 4 defenseman - it's NOT going to happen - and two reasons:

1) Most teams don't have four good defenseman - and the few who do aren't giving them up, and

2) The Hawks don't have anything they would want to trade if one were available.

So please stop talking about acquiring one just because there may be cap space available. By the time the season starts, those d-men available will not be better than what we currently have - and certainly not worth paying. SMH

- dahawks8819

Not true

You people keep talking about getting a top 4 defenseman - it's NOT going to happen - and two reasons:

1) Most teams don't have four good defenseman - and the few who do aren't giving them up, and

2) The Hawks don't have anything they would want to trade if one were available.

So please stop talking about acquiring one just because there may be cap space available. By the time the season starts, those d-men available will not be better than what we currently have - and certainly not worth paying. SMH

- dahawks8819

I would wager that you are correct.

So I am hoping Ruuta and Kempny ascend.

Roster moves to save some marginal dman from waiver claim may result in Ruuta temporary demotion, Tr Murray theorized on post game. I am in favor of his continual development at the NHL level, however, since he is good enough now. Ruuta certainly is better than Svedberg, Gus, probably Pokka. And obviously Forsling needs to play a lot in Rockford.

Osterling is an interesting player more for what he can offer than are his weaknesses. I might want him as depth; give him more looks in preseason. Ditto that for Pokka. With Pokka, I believe his strength has to be crisp puck movement and plays well enough defensively.

I do really believe eventually Snuggerud finds a home on third pair. Press and Krys are intriguing members on the blue line yet that - - if it happens - is down the road. Same with Jokihara.

Not true
- SimpleJack

For the sake of argument - in a league with a shortage of quality top 4 d-men, who would you say is availabe, and what would it take to acquire them??

I would wager that you are correct.

So I am hoping Ruuta and Kempny ascend.

Roster moves to save some marginal dman from waiver claim may result in Ruuta temporary demotion, Tr Murray theorized on post game. I am in favor of his continual development at the NHL level, however, since he is good enough now. Ruuta certainly is better than Svedberg, Gus, probably Pokka. And obviously Forsling needs to play a lot in Rockford.

Osterling is an interesting player more for what he can offer than are his weaknesses. I might want him as depth; give him more looks in preseason. Ditto that for Pokka. With Pokka, I believe his strength has to be crisp puck movement and plays well enough defensively.

I do really believe eventually Snuggerud finds a home on third pair. Press and Krys are intriguing members on the blue line yet that - - if it happens - is down the road. Same with Jokihara.
- jhawk59

While it's fun to speculate on what might be 3-4 years from now, what everyone here needs to realize is with the dollars spent on the current roster, this management firmly believes it is still in their contender window. The four players you mentioned may one day develop and be true NHL defenders, but by that time, the window will be closed - and it may be decades before it opens again.

For the sake of argument - in a league with a shortage of quality top 4 d-men, who would you say is availabe, and what would it take to acquire them??
- dahawks8819

Probably DeBrincat/Hartman+Forsling/Pokka or something like that. And I can't think off the top of my head but there's gotta be SOMEONE out there better than Murphy/Kempny that we can go after if we clear up a bunch of cap space.

Probably DeBrincat/Hartman+Forsling/Pokka or something like that. And I can't think off the top of my head but there's gotta be SOMEONE out there better than Murphy/Kempny that we can go after if we clear up a bunch of cap space.
- SimpleJack

Give Colorado 3or 4 of any combo under 6 feet tall for Duchene and Tyson Barrie!

Hard to believe that the league is pissing off it’s only US network TV partner, but:

NBC and NBCSN won’t telecast any NHL games during the Olympics, and they are reportedly pissed that the league wouldn’t let its stars take part in the winter games.

Also - Olympics get better ratings than hockey.

When I watch a prospect I try to forget what round they were drafted in or where they are from. Forget the hype, forget the name on the sweater, just watch them play.
And what I've noticed as definitive so far is:
-- 12 knows how to play. He needs time to figure out how to play against men that he'll never be able to overpower and that's what Rockford is for. But he'll be back. Kid can get open and snipe and that you can't teach.
--With 40, while I don't think he's going to be the hard guy some people want him to be, but his size and IQ will allow him to be a productive middle line player sooner than later.
--And 64 is a keeper. I would have 12 watch him. That guy fleeced a bruin of the puck a few times last night without overpowering anyone. Just subtle positioning of his body. If 12 learns what 64 is good at then look out.
--42 is the future PP point man and is going to cripple someone with that shot. But at 5 on 5 he is going to need to be sheltered. Should go to the Hogs again starting this season.
--At some point when you have has 42's ability to shoot, 12's ability to snipe at the circles, and 20 & 40's ablity to go to the net the PP should be a strength and not a mystery.
-- spare goalie might be ok, but I wouldn't expect the production out of the position that Darling provided. A straight butterfly goalie is going to put pressure on the defense to cover the angles near the net on rebounds. Couple that with a young player on each D pairing and that will be an area for concern. Darling used to sneak looks at the slot and weak side so he had a clue of what was coming if a pass got through and he was athletic and big enough to make a play on a back door setup. Hawks are going to miss Hammer, but I think they miss Darling more.

Drop the puck and game on.

Hard to believe that the league is pissing off it’s only US network TV partner, but:

NBC and NBCSN won’t telecast any NHL games during the Olympics, and they are reportedly pissed that the league wouldn’t let its stars take part in the winter games.

Also - Olympics get better ratings than hockey.
- StLBravesFan

Great observation, and Ed Snider isn't around to bail the NHL out anymore.

Probably DeBrincat/Hartman+Forsling/Pokka or something like that. And I can't think off the top of my head but there's gotta be SOMEONE out there better than Murphy/Kempny that we can go after if we clear up a bunch of cap space.
- SimpleJack

Timing can mean a lot in the ability to complete a trade. The penchant to do something has to be measured by the fairness in a trade.

Upon the start of another season some teams may decide to go with a younger player on defense, so you have to be quick to seize the moment. Certainly there are a few things which come into consideration when you ascribe value to this defenseman. Is the #4 dman closer to performing like a #3 or #5 dman on your team. Being a #4 means this player comes with some warts, otherwise he could be higher rated.

I would hesitate on bringing in this dman because I believe many teams would pursue him and a shrewd GM would take a bounty for him. A handsome bounty.

Meanwhile with Samuelson' guidancde I do you have an inkling that Ruuta could be that d man? You may want to save Hossa and Roxy $ elsewhere ..

Great observation, and Ed Snider isn't around to bail the NHL out anymore.
- 6628

TBF, I got it from Phil Rosenthal’s “On Media” column in today’s Tribune.

Managed to watch the 1st period and partial 2nd last night. Not impressed with a lot of guys.

Murphy looks like he's struggling.
Forsling was bad.
Rutta was acting like what have I go myself into? Give me a D partner who knows something.
Forwards knocked off the puck constantly.
Buoma skates fast to the area where the puck was.
Jurco will not be Hossa 2.0 or even Panik 2.0. I don't think you'll have to worry about a waiver claim for him.

Oesrtle had 9 shifts and less than 5 minutes of TOI. Injured?

When I watch a prospect I try to forget what round they were drafted in or where they are from. Forget the hype, forget the name on the sweater, just watch them play.
And what I've noticed as definitive so far is:
-- 12 knows how to play. He needs time to figure out how to play against men that he'll never be able to overpower and that's what Rockford is for. But he'll be back. Kid can get open and snipe and that you can't teach.
--With 40, while I don't think he's going to be the hard guy some people want him to be, but his size and IQ will allow him to be a productive middle line player sooner than later.
--And 64 is a keeper. I would have 12 watch him. That guy fleeced a bruin of the puck a few times last night without overpowering anyone. Just subtle positioning of his body. If 12 learns what 64 is good at then look out.
--42 is the future PP point man and is going to cripple someone with that shot. But at 5 on 5 he is going to need to be sheltered. Should go to the Hogs again starting this season.
--At some point when you have has 42's ability to shoot, 12's ability to snipe at the circles, and 20 & 40's ablity to go to the net the PP should be a strength and not a mystery.
-- spare goalie might be ok, but I wouldn't expect the production out of the position that Darling provided. A straight butterfly goalie is going to put pressure on the defense to cover the angles near the net on rebounds. Couple that with a young player on each D pairing and that will be an area for concern. Darling used to sneak looks at the slot and weak side so he had a clue of what was coming if a pass got through and he was athletic and big enough to make a play on a back door setup. Hawks are going to miss Hammer, but I think they miss Darling more.

Drop the puck and game on.
- 6628

Some fans want to barter andADB would supposedly be part of a package

But if I am a rival GM right now I do not place great value on ADB. Give him some time at Rockford and a taste of the NHL perhaps later this season. His value only goes up.

Managed to watch the 1st period and partial 2nd last night. Not impressed with a lot of guys.

Murphy looks like he's struggling.
Forsling was bad.
Rutta was acting like what have I go myself into? Give me a D partner who knows something.
Forwards knocked off the puck constantly.
Buoma skates fast to the area where the puck was.
Jurco will not be Hossa 2.0 or even Panik 2.0. I don't think you'll have to worry about a waiver claim for him.

Oesrtle had 9 shifts and less than 5 minutes of TOI. Injured?
- Rota's Rooter

Hockey IQ is a real thing. And your line perfectly describes the lack of it.

You people keep talking about getting a top 4 defenseman - it's NOT going to happen - and two reasons:

1) Most teams don't have four good defenseman - and the few who do aren't giving them up, and

2) The Hawks don't have anything they would want to trade if one were available.

So please stop talking about acquiring one just because there may be cap space available. By the time the season starts, those d-men available will not be better than what we currently have - and certainly not worth paying. SMH

- dahawks8819

Saved me saying the same
Top 4 DMen don't grow on trees

Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Kempny, Franson, Rutta, Oesterle, Forsling, Gustafsson is not great defensively. They will lose you some games early in the year. But they also will win you some games due to their offensive skills. I would give them (and Ulfie) 10 to 20 games to sort things out before making a major move. I would not be in a rush to spend the Hossa/Rosi LTIR money or to trade ADB for a 2LW or #4 defender. Leave yourself some flexibility to make a move between Christmas and the TDL. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make.

Man, I like Kampf as 4C. He's looked solid as hell. I like Kero too, but I am not sure where him, Kampf, and Dauphin can co-exist.
- JRoenick97

This. Big thing with Kampf is to this point he is winning draws and playing a very heady style of hockey.

Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Kempny, Franson, Rutta, Oesterle, Forsling, Gustafsson is not great defensively. They will lose you some games early in the year. But they also will win you some games due to their offensive skills. I would give them (and Ulfie) 10 to 20 games to sort things out before making a major move. I would not be in a rush to spend the Hossa/Rosi LTIR money or to trade ADB for a 2LW or #4 defender. Leave yourself some flexibility to make a move between Christmas and the TDL. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make.
- -Doh-

Agreed. We have made moves for defencemen before -moves for defencemen that were available for a reason.

Let's work with what we have. I do not understand the negativity directed toward Murphy and Franson (provided he is signed on the cheap). They give us what we have been lacking -size on defence and snarl in the case of the former.
Last year we were owned in the creases at both ends of the rink. I like what I have watched from Hayden, Saad and Murphy. We need more of this to succeed in playoff hockey.

Full disclosure have not watch any preseason games. From what I'm reading here and what I've read at the time of the trade from other posters the Murphy for Hammer trade was a total high jack by the Coyotes. That Murphy was not very good. Hope this is wrong. I'm hoping SB doesn't decide because he brought them in Wingles, Bouma , Franson, get a spot when they don't ddeserve it. I like thatthey brought them in to push others for a spot , but I don't want to see Bouma over Hayden , Wingles over Hino or Dauphin ect just because they are veterans and Bowman brought them in.

I hate to sound like a broken record...buttttt I've been saying it since the day they traded Hammer that a 18+ minute quality NHL Dman was priority #1 with Hossa's cap space. That was my opinion when I thought Conner Murphy might actually be good. He is not bad -you can see the skating, shooting and physical talent- however, his decision making, as well as his puck movement in transition, is a big work in progress through the small preseason sample size. LOTS of quality depth forwards in the mix for the Top 12 come Game 1..much less quality Defense options..here is what I'd do to start the year if I'm Quenneville.

Saad-Toews-Panik
Hayden-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Kampf-Kero-Dauphin

Keith-Murphy
Rutta-Seabrook
Kempny-Franson

Crawford
Forsberg (subconsciously typed Darling at first lol)

That 4th line is the ultimate checking line with all 3 guys that can skate well, play PK, and win faceoffs. Vinny has been flying around the ice all preseason, but he doesnt kill penalties and there are better finishers to play with 8+88. Vinny is a solid depth player without a spot in the lineup, IMO.
- EnzoD

The only thing I would do differently is swap Kero for Wingels..... after all, they didn't sign Wingels to warm the bench of play in Rockford and his game has value.