Spending the last several days with my old DVR before I have to give it up and lose a lot of good old games. Just rewatched game 7 of the WCF against the duck in which the hawks blew out to a 4-0 lead. No one us going to convince me that Toews wasn’t a different man such a short time ago: much better posture and noticeably bulkier in upper body and butt. Maybe it was bulkier equipment,but his whole demeanor on the ice was stronger. And, boy, was it sweet watching Hossa do his Hossa thing on both sides of the rink.......seems like so, so long ago!

Sticking with the Ottawa theme, when you talk about dealing Brent Seabrook, based on age, $ and term, a deal that would make sense would be:

Seabrook for Bobby Ryan

Would I do it? No. But trading Seabrook (6.875 until 23-24) for Ryan (7.25 until 21-22) is the type of swap you would be looking at. So be careful with all of the "trade Seabs now" talk because you may wake up and end up with Ryan.

I think Ryan is an ok player but he would be the ultimate whipping boy here in Chicago. He make 7M+ and has 1G and 8 A.
- Justin Lowe

Pass on Ryan.
But I've read that Mike Hoffman might be available. If he is he'd be a guy to look at.

Seabrook might waive for Edmonton.

Love Toews but wondering if it would help to make his line #2 and let the Kane line play against the top line.

Also - let Sharp take more draws - I don’t know the percentages but the eye test says he wins a lot of draws

Toews must have been a draw cheater in past seasons because it seems he gets tossed 50% of the time
Followed by 30 seconds of whining
- Colbyboy

IMO, we see it on the road when the opposition puts their top line out against Kane's line it usually means Kane's line is defending and it isn't pretty.

Recent Example: Washington put their top line against Kane's line and we saw that line get a ton of scoring chances against the Hawks (and a few goals)

Kane, to his credit has made a few nice defensive plays in the last handful of games, but his defensive commitment this season has been inconsistent. Overall, he is at his best when he can focus on the one thing he really gets paid for and can be put in a position to produce offense.

funny how things winsock here depending on winning or losing 2-3 games...now we are getting the more positive vibs and spin...

>>>they beat a couple of bottom dwelllers by a combined 2 goals on the strength of the 4th line and who else but #50<<<
>>>finally got a lead in regulation in period 21 after 20 STRT with out a lead<<<

whoohoo...away we go...


they have won 5 games vs WC teams in 15 games: AZ 2x, wild, depleted ducks, and OT over the preds 2-1

vs the blues, stars 2x, aves, preds 2x, edm, wild 1x, kings, knights = 0 wins and never lead in any of those games...

so when they start looking competitive and winning some low scoring vs these teams ...then there just might be something to talk about

Sticking with the Ottawa theme, when you talk about dealing Brent Seabrook, based on age, $ and term, a deal that would make sense would be:

Seabrook for Bobby Ryan

Would I do it? No. But trading Seabrook (6.875 until 23-24) for Ryan (7.25 until 21-22) is the type of swap you would be looking at. So be careful with all of the "trade Seabs now" talk because you may wake up and end up with Ryan.

I think Ryan is an ok player but he would be the ultimate whipping boy here in Chicago. He make 7M+ and has 1G and 8 A.
- Justin Lowe

Justin I mention this before about seabrook bad contract for bad contract say he would waive his no movement clause say to Edmonton for luci or Vancouver for eirkison. Another option maybe for the hawks is to retain 2 million of his contract then it might be easier to make a trade but only until his last 2 years because I believe that's when is nmt ends. Hawks still would gain $4.8 million in cap space per year so its not horrible idead but another option. Seabrook does seem to be playing better of late so lets see where the hawks are come TDL.

Justin I mention this before about seabrook bad contract for bad contract say he would waive his no movement clause say to Edmonton for luci or Vancouver for eirkison. Another option maybe for the hawks is to retain 2 million of his contract then it might be easier to make a trade but only until his last 2 years because I believe that's when is nmt ends. Hawks still would gain $4.8 million in cap space per year so its not horrible idead but another option. Seabrook does seem to be playing better of late so lets see where the hawks are come TDL.
- Scott1977

Realistically. ......last in the division until they figure out how to beat those teams... that won't happen until Q is replaced.
New Voice = New Attitude

There are definitely some signs that this Hawks team is better than there record would indicate, but they have just failed to rise to the occasion against good teams. Finding a spark on the PP and getting some better backup goal tending wouldn't hurt.

In General, a bit more offensive spark would go a long way because this team is not giving up too many goals when Crawford is playing. Only 1 win in 8 starts for Anton Forsberg 1-4-3 record ain't great.
- breadbag

How much of this was really Forsbergs fault though? There were a couple of games where he wasn't very good, but for the rest, he was very solid, and just didn't get goal support. That's why I think if they can start producing goals more consistently, they will end up winning a lot more games. I think it will come, just a bit more time...

Realistically. ......last in the division until they figure out how to beat those teams... that won't happen until Q is replaced.
New Voice = New Attitude
- Hawkytalk

Yes sir, they are just hanging around, trying to maintain.500 with this cast

More young talent, not just a change behind the bench. A new voice grumbles while new ways prevail and the pp ...well some of past culprits mumble.

Bowman hits a HR with a first round selection. The Kane line need be scoring lots. I won't predict face off acumen but oh that would be nice. What about Kampf, Highmore, Fortin. More likely a third line or a new law firm with such name

Lots also of speed gifted defensemen prospects is a big plus.

Turning the corner. Oh btw Forsberg is ok. Not a bucket list..i'm mailing these gift requests to Santa

Justin I mention this before about seabrook bad contract for bad contract say he would waive his no movement clause say to Edmonton for luci or Vancouver for eirkison. Another option maybe for the hawks is to retain 2 million of his contract then it might be easier to make a trade but only until his last 2 years because I believe that's when is nmt ends. Hawks still would gain $4.8 million in cap space per year so its not horrible idead but another option. Seabrook does seem to be playing better of late so lets see where the hawks are come TDL.
- Scott1977

Yep - you're on to something. These are the types of deals that would have to be made.

Do they make the Hawks better? Without adding another defenceman, no.

The problem is, the Hawks are not a team that will retain money and they really aren't in a position anymore to toss on an Alex Debrincat or Dylan Sikura prospect for something to take their problem contracts. The Hawks will need those young players more than ever moving forward.

If Seabrook is dealt, I don't think it's until the summer. Then again, I think it's going to be difficult to deal him at all.

They may have something in Forsling and Rutta. So expect those guys to re-up (Forsling maybe on a longer contract like 4-5 years after July 1st 2018). Then they may have the luxury of those 2 guys on "cheaper" deals to average out the $$ on this defence.

NEW BLOG ladies and gents: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=89554

Some fun Dale Tallon reminiscing in here.