What would you expect to get for a defenseman that doesn't play regularly and is a pending UFA?

You want Anisimov traded for a first who may have an impact by 2021 when Kane is 34???? Not going to happen.
- DarthKane

I was serious when I said it's a decent trade considering usage/talent/UFA status. However, it is not a trade that will have much, if any, impact on the direction of this bottom dwelling team. When he makes a good "hockey trade" or dumps a bad contract to gain Salary Cap flexibility to add to the team in Free Agency, I will actually be impressed.

Hartman for Morrissey!
- DarthKane

RE: Hartman.

I have heard his name out there dating back to last year, but I didn't trust the source.

Looks like there's more smoke around him.

I wouldn't be overly surprised if he was moved, however, if he was the Hawks know they will have to replace his grit. Plus he's still very raw and has solid upside. They also really like the chemisty they are building off of in the dressing room with those young guys with Hartman, Hinostroza, Schmaltz, Hayden, etc.

I did hear he was asked lately (during those press box visits) to amp up his physicality; now I'm not sure if that was to showcase that to other teams or for because the Hawks need it in the worst way.

Also, not 100% on the source, but it's very plausible: the other thing I have heard was that the Hawks were trying him out to be a Centre possibly to showcase that to other teams.

I was serious when I said it's a decent trade considering usage/talent/UFA status. However, it is not a trade that will have much, if any, impact on the direction of this bottom dwelling team. When he makes a good "hockey trade" or dumps a bad contract to gain Salary Cap flexibility to add to the team in Free Agency, I will actually be impressed.
- EnzoD

Well my friend, if "if's" and buts were candy and nuts...

I was serious when I said it's a decent trade considering usage/talent/UFA status. However, it is not a trade that will have much, if any, impact on the direction of this bottom dwelling team. When he makes a good "hockey trade" or dumps a bad contract to gain Salary Cap flexibility to add to the team in Free Agency, I will actually be impressed.
- EnzoD

You're right, odds of a third round pick amounting to anything are slim. But I'd rather have the pick than let Kempny walk for nothing.

Kempny was ok, but he's not really any better than anyone else on the roster. Hoepfully Stan starts selling off more spare parts.

RE: Hartman.

I have heard his name out there dating back to last year, but I didn't trust the source.

Looks like there's more smoke around him.

I wouldn't be overly surprised if he was moved, however, if he was the Hawks know they will have to replace his grit. Plus he's still very raw and has solid upside. They also really like the chemisty they are building off of in the dressing room with those young guys with Hartman, Hinostroza, Schmaltz, Hayden, etc.

I did hear he was asked lately (during those press box visits) to amp up his physicality; now I'm not sure if that was to showcase that to other teams or for because the Hawks need it in the worst way.

Also, not 100% on the source, but it's very plausible: the other thing I have heard was that the Hawks were trying him out to be a Centre possibly to showcase that to other teams.
- Justin Lowe

If the Hawks trade a young forward for a young defenseman my guess is that it would be Hartman. I don't see Stan trading DeBrincat or Schmaltz, after that Hartman probably brings back the best return. I'd prefer that Stan finds a way to keep Hartman, but he'll have to give up talent to get talent.

3rd round pick is a decent haul for Stan. Hopefully he can keep accumulating draft pick capital.

I’m curious about AA’s value, however. Remember when Hanzal was dealt from the Coyotes to the Wild at the deadline last year? He fetched a 1st, a 2nd, a conditional pick, and a prospect.

At the time, Hanzal had 16 goals (26 points) in 51 games.
At this time, AA has 15 goals (22 points) in 49 games.

Granted last year was a weak deadline where there wasn’t much available, and he was an expiring contract, but I wonder if AA has even more value than that considering he’s locked in at a reasonable clip, and is a year younger than Hanzal was.

Now of course, Hanzal wins FO at a 55% clip while AA is at 46%, but they both have similar body-types and slot in best as 3C’s.

Given the amount of bigger names available at this year, AA won’t fetch as much attention as Hanzal did, but I think it would be fair for Stan to at least seek a similar haul as Chayka did.

Not sure if he can pull it off, but if the Hawks have to throw in Bouma as well to sweeten the deal as the Coyotes did with White, then I think it COULD entice a team looking to upgrade its depth.

Unlikely being on IR.
- savvyone-1

Rutta is slated to come off the IR shortly it sounds like.

He may end up sticking around on a short-term contract. I think after being scratched more frequently his stock went down.

Then again, he's a RHD and so wouldn't be surprised to see him and Franson gaining interest this week.

If the Hawks trade a young forward for a young defenseman my guess is that it would be Hartman. I don't see Stan trading DeBrincat or Schmaltz, after that Hartman probably brings back the best return. I'd prefer that Stan finds a way to keep Hartman, but he'll have to give up talent to get talent.
- DarthKane

Agreed.

If Hartman does go, Stan better be grabbing a young D with top 4 potential in return.

Really?

(frank)ing Blowman gives up 2 -- TWO 2nd round picks for a (frank)ing washed up 40 yr old guy with blood cots and can only get a 3rd round pick for Kempny????

Q and Blowman both need to go. Not on the same page, that is certain.

Sure hope Kempny turns into a top 4 for the Caps.
- savvyone-1

Wait til the Yotes move Hammer for a first and prospect...Bowman needs to go bu-bye...While Murphy gets you what exactly in a trade...

3rd round pick is a decent haul for Stan. Hopefully he can keep accumulating draft pick capital.

I’m curious about AA’s value, however. Remember when Hanzal was dealt from the Coyotes to the Wild at the deadline last year? He fetched a 1st, a 2nd, a conditional pick, and a prospect.

At the time, Hanzal had 16 goals (26 points) in 51 games.
At this time, AA has 15 goals (22 points) in 49 games.

Granted last year was a weak deadline where there wasn’t much available, and he was an expiring contract, but I wonder if AA has even more value than that considering he’s locked in at a reasonable clip, and is a year younger than Hanzal was.

Now of course, Hanzal wins FO at a 55% clip while AA is at 46%, but they both have similar body-types and slot in best as 3C’s.

Given the amount of bigger names available at this year, AA won’t fetch as much attention as Hanzal did, but I think it would be fair for Stan to at least seek a similar haul as Chayka did.

Not sure if he can pull it off, but if the Hawks have to throw in Bouma as well to sweeten the deal as the Coyotes did with White, then I think it COULD entice a team looking to upgrade its depth.
- TommyHawk

I don't think we can view a potential Anisimov trade in the same regard as Hanzal or other typical TDL deals. AA still have term on his contract, that changes the complexity of the deal. Plus, GMs seem to be scared off from paying high rental prices this year because of guys like Hanzal and Boedker who bombed with their new teams. That could be just posturing though.

RE: Hartman.

I have heard his name out there dating back to last year, but I didn't trust the source.

Looks like there's more smoke around him.

I wouldn't be overly surprised if he was moved, however, if he was the Hawks know they will have to replace his grit. Plus he's still very raw and has solid upside. They also really like the chemisty they are building off of in the dressing room with those young guys with Hartman, Hinostroza, Schmaltz, Hayden, etc.

I did hear he was asked lately (during those press box visits) to amp up his physicality; now I'm not sure if that was to showcase that to other teams or for because the Hawks need it in the worst way.

Also, not 100% on the source, but it's very plausible: the other thing I have heard was that the Hawks were trying him out to be a Centre possibly to showcase that to other teams.
- Justin Lowe

Maybe a trade with the jets has Brendan Lemieux coming back as part of it? Lemieux and Comrie or petan possibly?

When he's healthy, there's still a week until the TDL.

Edit: with Rutta on the IR the Hawks have 6 active d-men. Either Rutta comes off IR soon or somebody gets recalled.
- DarthKane

My guess would be Wingels is the next to go.

My expectation was for Stan to let Kempny walk as a UFA....you need to significantly lower your expectations for StanBo and he may actually meet them from time to time You can ask some of the StanBo fan club here how low their expectations are for advice on this matter. Apparently, constructing a team that falls from 1st in the West to dead last in the Central and a Lottery team gets and "Acceptable" grade from some here.
- EnzoD

Hardly. But I'm also willing to give credit where credit is due for filling in the gaps and winning two more Cups which weren't guaranteed after first round outs in 2011 and 2012.

I would think you'd hardly be surprised at the collapse since you were a little ahead of everyone predicting it before the 2015 playoffs began.

Maybe a trade with the jets has Brendan Lemieux coming back as part of it? Lemieux and Comrie or petan possibly?
- Ross77

Hawks don't need a player like Petan with all the undersized skill guys they currently have. Hawks need big bodies and especially need Top 4 D or Center prospects with size.

Maybe a trade with the jets has Brendan Lemieux coming back as part of it? Lemieux and Comrie or petan possibly?
- Ross77

Possibly. I don't think the Jets want to mess up a good thing right now so you would think it would be prospects/picks.

I don't see the fit to be honest.

Maybe a trade with the jets has Brendan Lemieux coming back as part of it? Lemieux and Comrie or petan possibly?
- Ross77

Stan would need to land a defenseman. Lemieux hasn't been able to crack the Jets lineup, I'd pass. If a forward is coming back I'd look at Armia.

I don't think we can view a potential Anisimov trade in the same regard as Hanzal or other typical TDL deals. AA still have term on his contract, that changes the complexity of the deal. Plus, GMs seem to be scared off from paying high rental prices this year because of guys like Hanzal and Boedker who bombed with their new teams. That could be just posturing though.
- DarthKane

That might be even MORE enticing for a GM, though. If a player is under contract, he has a chance to regain that prior form they acquired him for. It’s flipping the script. Rather than getting a rental, you get a player on a good cap hit/term. AA isn’t an albatross and you know exactly what you’re getting. That safer investment might be the preferred route than gambling on a rental who walks at the end of the year after struggling with his new team (like Boedkker and Hanzal).

Scouting the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers …

Jesse Montano: Scouts listed to attend yesterday’s Avalanche-Oilers game: Vegas Golden Knights (2), St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks.

That might be even MORE enticing for a GM, though. If a player is under contract, he has a chance to regain that prior form they acquired him for. It’s flipping the script. Rather than getting a rental, you get a player on a good cap hit/term. AA isn’t an albatross and you know exactly what you’re getting. That safer investment might be the preferred route than gambling on a rental who walks at the end of the year after struggling with his new team (like Boedkker and Hanzal).
- TommyHawk

True, but my point would be that a trade involving Anisimov would be more of a hockey trade than a TDL deal. Stan would likely be taking a contract back, it wouldn't just be picks/prospects.

That might be even MORE enticing for a GM, though. If a player is under contract, he has a chance to regain that prior form they acquired him for. It’s flipping the script. Rather than getting a rental, you get a player on a good cap hit/term. AA isn’t an albatross and you know exactly what you’re getting. That safer investment might be the preferred route than gambling on a rental who walks at the end of the year after struggling with his new team (like Boedkker and Hanzal).
- TommyHawk

Agree. AA has been a decent player/contributor no matter where he's played.

Scouting the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets …

Mark Scheig: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Penguins-Blue Jackets game: Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa Senators, and Chicago Blackhawks.

Scouting the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets …

Mark Scheig: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Penguins-Blue Jackets game: Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa Senators, and Chicago Blackhawks.
- walleyeb1

Tis that time of year....lots of scouts all over the place.

Right away I thought, if a third 2018 for Kempny, what is a reasonable expectation for other third pair calibre dmen like Gustafsson and Oesterle in particular

I tend to want to retain Rutta only because I think he could be effective on a third pair with a responsible tough partner, like Murphy. Although Rutta is not physical, I would keep him as depth over Oesterle. While I like the offensive instinct and his game, overall from defensive point of view, Oesterle just seems too clueless. Maybe it is just that he is more natural or comfortable if he is not paired with an offensive dman who likes to take chances at both ends of the ice, namely, Keith

Gustafsson an AHL all star but just not enough special ability to offset his frail frame. You can actually find a nice skill within skill set for Oesterle, Gustafsson, or Dahlstrom. None ever likely to be anything beyond depth or third pair. So whomever Bowman finds a take for, all is well with the transaction.

The other point worth noting comes to pass after Justin mentions heavily scouting Europe/Sweden.

You can bet our scouts have a very firm line on two of our drafts, Carlsson and Tuulola. Could both have a higher ceiling than the third pair type Bowman has been showcasing? Maybe. Don't know yet enough about Tuolola development but am encouraged after Mr Richochet provided that nice link recently. And Carlsson, pegged a possible shutdown defender who can skate like crazy, sounds like a player you want to see asap.

You probably see them in rookies camp in July. The Blackhawks, with Samuelson still here, will likely get a good idea of their capability in his push the puck, quick reaction at speed, keep movement into offensive zone. That and good stick. Everyone of course is big on gap control; Blackhawks have also been adamant about how playing off correct side in one on one engagement.

If you noticed that I omitted three names, there are reasons why. Murphy should stay and see if he can establish himself as a third pair. I would like to see that happen but Q has to go. Really says a lot if one season after acquisition Murphy is moved. He is the only physical guy beside Seabrook!

Mitchell, Hillman and Krys are very green. Kyrs needs to work on things, as does Snuggerud. Mitchell and Hillman only freshmen collegiate so should not rush them.

3rd round pick is a decent haul for Stan. Hopefully he can keep accumulating draft pick capital.

I’m curious about AA’s value, however. Remember when Hanzal was dealt from the Coyotes to the Wild at the deadline last year? He fetched a 1st, a 2nd, a conditional pick, and a prospect.

At the time, Hanzal had 16 goals (26 points) in 51 games.
At this time, AA has 15 goals (22 points) in 49 games.

Granted last year was a weak deadline where there wasn’t much available, and he was an expiring contract, but I wonder if AA has even more value than that considering he’s locked in at a reasonable clip, and is a year younger than Hanzal was.

Now of course, Hanzal wins FO at a 55% clip while AA is at 46%, but they both have similar body-types and slot in best as 3C’s.

Given the amount of bigger names available at this year, AA won’t fetch as much attention as Hanzal did, but I think it would be fair for Stan to at least seek a similar haul as Chayka did.

Not sure if he can pull it off, but if the Hawks have to throw in Bouma as well to sweeten the deal as the Coyotes did with White, then I think it COULD entice a team looking to upgrade its depth.
- TommyHawk

I wonder is Stan seeking the same kind of deal for AA .. if he’s trading him at all that Ducks gave Jersey for Rico & Blandisi?

Tanner is busy lamenting the fact the Caps didn't acquire the "far superior Cody Franson". If Stan had any type of negotiating skill it should have been Kempny and Franson for both Caps' 3rd rounders.