Thanks! I stand corrected.

Still think it would have made sense to play him vs. Minnesota.

Not sure the plan for Jurco. Just think when you get a giy called up, you should try to get him in.

Same goes for Gustafsson.
- Justin Lowe

I agree completely. They need to figure out what they have with these guys and if they are keeping them in the system, they need to give them a shot at playing in the NHL if the GM thinks they've earned it.

A reward for their hard work in Rockford - a higher pay cheque.

The team needs a 13th forward, Jurco is a cheaper option than Hayden. However, I'm not sure they can bank cap space. I don't think you can bank cap space as a result of LTIR (Hossa).
- DarthKane

Actually both are paid the same regardless of where thet play.

Yea, right after I wrote the first post that thought ran into my head.

Can I go hide now?
- powerenforcer

FWIW, I concur with your take on the appearance of it

More importantly Darth.... this is great news for us! Wanna head down to the states? ha.
- Justin Lowe

Exactly....it makes my trips to Seattle more worth while.

Actually both are paid the same regardless of where thet play.
- eagle50

Correct about Jurco but Gus is on a 2-way deal - $650,000 / $200,000.

@jaeckel

Heard this AM the Hawks have inquired recently about Vancouver D Michael del Zotto. $3 mil AAV thru next season. Not sure what the Hawks would offer.
- JRoenick97

In line with what I heard about the Hawks still wanting that fringe top-4 dman.

Del Zotto fits into that, Ian Cole, Ben Hutton, David Schlemko, Thomas Hickey... those type of guys.


I'm just hoping it's a calculated move for beyond this season and isn't a desperation move so Stan can say "we made moves, we tried and just feel short" narrative at the end of the year.

In line with what I heard about the Hawks still wanting that fringe top-4 dman.

Del Zotto fits into that, Ian Cole, Ben Hutton, David Schlemko, Thomas Hickey... those type of guys.


I'm just hoping it's a calculated move for beyond this season and isn't a desperation move so Stan can say "we made moves, we tried and just feel short" narrative at the end of the year.
- Justin Lowe

I don't think this is the circumstance per se, but isn't Vancouver close to Seabs hometown? Are they sending him packing? Would he waive?

Oh god....hopefully this is not true, Del Zotto is terrible.
- DarthKane

What if Seabs landed him? Hometown boy going home, hmmmm

I agree about Dineen and Q. I am willing to wait for the season to play out before I feel 100% certain that Q should move along. I respect his accomplishments but wonder if it is he some veterans MAY be tuning out. It could be just an attitude thing only or in addition to Q's ways. It gets dicey when you factor in the behind the scenes animosity between Q & Bowman which we hear whispers unsubstantiated in the press on a yearly basis.

I would bet that Q leaves, Bowman stays for now. Bowman has to do a good selling job which comforts some playoff revenue loss in McDonough and I would guess his daily plied, rubber stamp owner.
- jhawk59

I tend to agree I’d actually be surprised if any coaching changes occur before the end of the season.

As far as Samuelsson I think he’s trying to implement a defensive system that requires the forwards to buy in and be fully committed. They really need to play D and get back quickly. He wants his Dmen to be able to make quick decisions given multiple options and complete fast transition passes.

I’m not sure the coaching staff are all on the same page. Too many times the Dmen have limited options or worse yet only bad options for passing and transitioning quickly out of our end.

This is what I believe he wants to do, but again I don’t know if he’s able to make those type of decisions, or worse is being undercut. Anyhow here’s what he’s trying to do:

https://youtu.be/YmagU3ZwGyU

I don't think this is the circumstance per se, but isn't Vancouver close to Seabs hometown? Are they sending him packing? Would he waive?
- JRoenick97

Good thought but I don't see it happening.

Not unless the Hawks take a bad contract with them and add in a prospect. That bad contract is Loui Eriksson who has fallen off a cliff since going to Vancouver.

So if you're ok with:

Seabs + Hartman for Eriksson and Del Zotto .... or something like that. Then sure, it could happen.

I would pass though.

Have to agree here. Look what he's gotten out of Rutta and Oesterle, who had played next no NHL games before this year. He's also made Forsling look like Lidstrom at times which is amazing for a 21 year old. Ulf's system is built on speed and quick first passes to get out of trouble. Murphy has adapted well after looking lost for a few weeks. The only one who isn't adapting is Seabs. I think that 50% not being in shape and 50% new system. Seabs was never a quick first pass guy, he is a possession and stretch pass guy. He's making a lot of unforced errors trying to get that quick first pass. I hope he comes around, but it may not be until next year. He's been noticeably more aggressive in the offensive zone since his benching.

To say Ulf has been a disaster is willfully putting your head in the sand. It's almost a fully new d-core. Outside of Keith and Seabs, no other d-man has even a season of games played with the Hawks. Ulf is doing great. Dineen is my weak link. He runs the PP and nothing has changed. Why hasn't Hayden seen any PP time in a league where traffic scores goals?

Q is an amazing coach, but sometimes even the best coaches lose their luster with one team. He could be Scotty Bowman himself, but if the players don't respond anymore, you gotta start fresh. Nashville kept Trotz for many years and even though they loved him, they fired him. Now they are contenders and Trotz is doing well in Washington.

I'm not saying we need to fire anyone, but it's possible we don't make the playoffs and a change might be good. A team with this much talent shouldn't be losing 4-0 to the kids in Detroit.
- JRoenick97

Excellent points throughout.

Correct about Jurco but Gus is on a 2-way deal - $650,000 / $200,000.
- DarthKane

I stand corrected.

I tend to agree I’d actually be surprised if any coaching changes occur before the end of the season.

As far as Samuelsson I think he’s trying to implement a defensive system that requires the forwards to buy in and be fully committed. They really need to play D and get back quickly. He wants his Dmen to be able to make quick decisions given multiple options and complete fast transition passes.

I’m not sure the coaching staff are all on the same page. Too many times the Dmen have limited options or worse yet only bad options for passing and transitioning quickly out of our end.

This is what I believe he wants to do, but again I don’t know if he’s able to make those type of decisions, or worse is being undercut. Anyhow here’s what he’s trying to do:

https://youtu.be/YmagU3ZwGyU
- walleyeb1

This is what I was going to bring up RE: Coaching.

Sure, Ulf runs the D/PK and Dineen is F/PP... but at the end of the day it's Q who has the final word.

I can't confirm, but I think this is the kind of stuff that Dineen mentioned on his way out. I believe Kitchen and Q were in their own world, and Kevin was on the sidelines.

Same thing happened with poor Mike Haviland in 2012.

I bet a young forward that is NHL ready (Hartman, for example) or two good prospects would be going that way.
- kwolf68

If so then just terrible. I would fire Bowman for bring so stupid. We have enough offensive dmen now and flush with this type in the system. On the other hand Hartman could help bring that mean dman or tough forward center WHOM YOU NEED TO WIN PLAYOFF GAMES. Del Zotto just takes an asset away which we could use as a bargaining chip elsewhere.

I tend to agree I’d actually be surprised if any coaching changes occur before the end of the season.

As far as Samuelsson I think he’s trying to implement a defensive system that requires the forwards to buy in and be fully committed. They really need to play D and get back quickly. He wants his Dmen to be able to make quick decisions given multiple options and complete fast transition passes.

I’m not sure the coaching staff are all on the same page. Too many times the Dmen have limited options or worse yet only bad options for passing and transitioning quickly out of our end.

This is what I believe he wants to do, but again I don’t know if he’s able to make those type of decisions, or worse is being undercut. Anyhow here’s what he’s trying to do:

https://youtu.be/YmagU3ZwGyU
- walleyeb1

Yes. That is what Ssmuelson preaches.

If so then just terrible. I would fire Bowman for bring so stupid. We have enough offensive dmen now and flush with this type in the system. On the other hand Hartman could help bring that mean dman or tough forward center WHOM YOU NEED TO WIN PLAYOFF GAMES. Del Zotto just takes an asset away which we could use as a bargaining chip elsewhere.
- jhawk59

Yes DelZotto reminds me of Oesterle in playing style. Offense first, defense optional, and not physical at all. Hard Pass on Del Zotto, IMO.

Re: Del Zotto - didn't he get a lot of press/notoriety a few seasons ago for aggressively pursuing...uh..."relationships" with porn stars? How is that going to gel with McD's preferred family-friendly image for the Hawks?

What if Seabs landed him? Hometown boy going home, hmmmm
- ikeane

I don't see Vancouver wanting Seabrook or Seabrook wanting Vancouver.

I really don't put any stock into a player wanting to play for his home town. Seabrook has spent his entire career in Chicago, it's just as much home a BC for him.

Maybe UFAs who don't have much to choose from will look to play for their home town, but I don't think it's a deciding factor anymore.

I most certainly have not given up on this team, ton of hockey to be played . I do believe coach Q and his constant shuffling of players is a huge road block to this teams success .His moves most time make little sense ,and his stubbornness with game plan and use of players is madding . The team has come out and played some outstanding hockey at times, then reverted back to I don't care attitude just day's later . This to me shows a team that is making it very evident the coach and coaches have very little to do with what is happening on the ice . A fresh voice behind the bench coming out of the break would be great , but I sure don't see that happening . If they Go into the ditch they might as well step on the pedal and go big , may get a lottery ball to fall right .

.Don't get me wrong Stan is not totally innocent in this ,but I believe he has done his best to bring players in and coach Q has fought him on most or all decisions.

I Hope we come out flying after the break ,get AA and Crow back and make some noise come playoff time .But with Coach Q back there rearranging seats every time the music stops it will be tough ...GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Del Zotto - didn't he get a lot of press/notoriety a few seasons ago for aggressively pursuing...uh..."relationships" with porn stars? How is that going to gel with McD's preferred family-friendly image for the Hawks?
- Larmer

I believe they prefer the term "adult film actress" I have not heard about this, but I'm googling it now! Regardless of this nonsense, I just don't think he is the type of Dman the Hawks need. Forsling, Oesterle, and even Rutta play a very similar style being good skaters and not physical. I'd love to find a Dman with the size/physicality of Murphy but a better skater. They need to find a young Seabrook type, which is easier said than done.....oh wait, Stephen Johns was EXACTLY that type of player and probably a better skater than Seabs in his prime. He's playing every night in Dallas and always impresses me when I watch him play. 5 goals and a +9 , 51.1 CF and just under 18 minutes TOI for Johns this year in Dallas and he LOVES to take the body. Would've been a nice player to have.....

In line with what I heard about the Hawks still wanting that fringe top-4 dman.

Del Zotto fits into that, Ian Cole, Ben Hutton, David Schlemko, Thomas Hickey... those type of guys.


I'm just hoping it's a calculated move for beyond this season and isn't a desperation move so Stan can say "we made moves, we tried and just feel short" narrative at the end of the year.
- Justin Lowe

Hutton would be a great add! Hits like a ton of bricks, can skate and will fight if need be. Schlemko was someone that I thought would have been a great fit after watching him with Phoenix. He has great hands and can quarterback a PP. Both would be great moves!

Hutton would be a great add! Hits like a ton of bricks, can skate and will fight if need be. Schlemko was someone that I thought would have been a great fit after watching him with Phoenix. He has great hands and can quarterback a PP. Both would be great moves!
- nickmo2699

If Stan is looking at Vancouver then Tanev is the guy to look at. He'd be a good Hjalmarsson replacement.

I don't see anyone wanting Seabrook or Seabrook wanting Vancouver.

I really don't put any stock into a player wanting to play for his home town. Seabrook has spent his entire career in Chicago, it's just as much home a BC for him.

Maybe UFAs who don't have much to choose from will look to play for their home town, but I don't think it's a deciding factor anymore.
- DarthKane

Fixed. I mean really, the guy is playing at a 6D level and has another 6 years at a Top 10 in the NHL Cap Hit for defenseman. If it took Tuevo to shed Bickell's contract for only 2 years at $4mil, it's going to take Debrincat or several draft picks to shed even close to Seabrook's full cap hit.

RE: Evander Kane pricetag... Darren Dreger confirmed Botterill is looking for:

"They want a roster player in addition to the other three assets for Evander Kane, a pending unrestricted free agent."


That's a lot but someone will probably pay close to that leading up to the deadline. Buffalo needs a lot of help and cannot mess up a trade with their biggest tradeable asset right now.

Yes DelZotto reminds me of Oesterle in playing style. Offense first, defense optional, and not physical at all. Hard Pass on Del Zotto, IMO.
- EnzoD

Oesterle has played very well, especially at $650K per. Great find. As good or better than Del Zotto.

The only reason they would want Del Zotto is that it might be a way to dump another salary in trade that they don't like.

But if Bowman really wants Q and the whole coaching staff to up and quit, he should make a couple of trades and add Jake Gardiner, Del Zotto and Tyson Barrie to the defence and pair one of them with Kempny. Q's head would explode right on the bench.