Hey Beav,
No idea, just a lucky guess.
- djd

Hey there DJ,

As you are very aware of this. Two answers are completely out to lunch. One answer is close to being right. Which leaves the correct answer.

Multi choice test answering 101..

We need a 2nd line centre and the options are really dwindling. 2 realistic options and signing Mueller (UFA) or trading for Gagner (Edmonton). Neither is perfect and comes with risk, but they both have the possibility to do well.
- DarthKane

+1. One of these options needs to happen. A second line C could really flourish with the Hawks because of the potential W that u get to play with. Who wouldn't want to play with Kane, sharp, hossa etc..

We need a 2nd line centre and the options are really dwindling. 2 realistic options and signing Mueller (UFA) or trading for Gagner (Edmonton). Neither is perfect and comes with risk, but they both have the possibility to do well.
- DarthKane

The idea of Gagner scares me. Outside of two games (Hawks and Wings) the guy was marginal all year. He's small. Doesn't win draws. But like you said, options are dwindling. I think the hawks would have to overpay to get a legit 2nd line center. That's why a guy like Ott, or Gaustad, would've been a good addition. Both win faceoffs, add grit, create space. Perhaps not ideal 2C, but serviceable.

No.. I had to do it..
- pri$ey

I agree, you'd have to think there are several trades brewing with many teams involved. Teams won't know which players, or if, they're parting with players. Consequently, they don't know what holes need to be filled yet? Makes sense to me.
- djd

I look no further than the Sharks in this argument. I'm in their backyard and after they got bounced, there was all sorts of talk about trading Doug Murray, and Marleau and Niemi, but nothing has happened...yet. Marleau is the same player today than he was in April, perhaps more so now. So I have to think a lot of teams are having discussions about this/that player.

From HockeyyInsiderr this morning:

"Working on Habs update right now. Hearing talks with Blackhawks intensifying. More to come."
- BDT36

This guy must get his insider info from Eklund.

What's up fellas? Just got out of class, did I miss anything?

What's up fellas? Just got out of class, did I miss anything?
- EKolb13

Not a thing Ek!

I look no further than the Sharks in this argument. I'm in their backyard and after they got bounced, there was all sorts of talk about trading Doug Murray, and Marleau and Niemi, but nothing has happened...yet. Marleau is the same player today than he was in April, perhaps more so now. So I have to think a lot of teams are having discussions about this/that player.
- eburgio

Sharks are in big time on Nash trade talks aren't they?

Doug Wilson must be on his last gasp as GM. Every year he seems to make noteworthy changes but still falls short. Sad to see that team getting a half step slower and a year older each year. Their window has passed. I think this is what upsets most of us here. There's a window of opportunity that is slipping away because the GM overvalues his players, undervalues others, and suffers from analysis paralysis.

The idea of Gagner scares me. Outside of two games (Hawks and Wings) the guy was marginal all year. He's small. Doesn't win draws. But like you said, options are dwindling. I think the hawks would have to overpay to get a legit 2nd line center. That's why a guy like Ott, or Gaustad, would've been a good addition. Both win faceoffs, add grit, create space. Perhaps not ideal 2C, but serviceable.
- eburgio

neither ott nor gaustad can or will play 2nd line center. They're great players and they do bring what you mentioned. But neither is capable of being a 2nd line center.

That's exactly who ott was traded for-dal traded Ribiero (who would've been a nice fit for us) and needed a natural 1 or 2 center to replace him. So they traded a bottom 6 fwd (albeit a very good one) and a big bodied dman (although a very bad one) for Roy-a legit 2C...who also would've been a nice fit here.

Hey there DJ,

As you are very aware of this. Two answers are completely out to lunch. One answer is close to being right. Which leaves the correct answer.

Multi choice test answering 101..
- Beaver-Warrior

Anyone going to the prospects camp ?

The idea of Gagner scares me. Outside of two games (Hawks and Wings) the guy was marginal all year. He's small. Doesn't win draws. But like you said, options are dwindling. I think the hawks would have to overpay to get a legit 2nd line center. That's why a guy like Ott, or Gaustad, would've been a good addition. Both win faceoffs, add grit, create space. Perhaps not ideal 2C, but serviceable.
- eburgio

I just dont see another option, other than:
1. Kane or Sharp playing C
2. Bolland moving to 2 line C and Kruger going #3

At least Gagne is familiar with Kane and they put up a ton of points together. Maybe have Carcillo play with them or sign Winnick.

We need a 2nd line centre and the options are really dwindling. 2 realistic options and signing Mueller (UFA) or trading for Gagner (Edmonton). Neither is perfect and comes with risk, but they both have the possibility to do well.
- DarthKane

This kinda goes back to what StanBo said after the season. Are any of these guys-Ggner, Ott, Roy, ribiero, Mueller,etc better than Kane at 2C? Why not let Kane center Sharp and Hossa- and go get someone REAL to play with Toews (Doan?, Nash?). A line of Toews, Stalberg, Nash followed by a Kane/Hoss/ Sharp sounds kinda nice, dont it?

The line combos arent important. If Kane can play center-our options at finding a legit top line winger become more plausible. (FRANK) GAGNE.

I just dont see another option, other than:
1. Kane or Sharp playing C
2. Bolland moving to 2 line C and Kruger going #3

At least Gagne is familiar with Kane and they put up a ton of points together. Maybe have Carcillo play with them or sign Winnick.
- Boisy12

I don't see Sharp moving to center, unless its due to injuries, or as a last resort.

To start, I'm sure it will be a mix of Kane and Kruger, then Bolland if the Hawks are mired in a losing streak. I can't see Q trying to move Bolland out of the #3 slot. It may take a different head coach for Bolland to get a serious look as the #2 center.

Jesse being Jesse again...

Jesse Rogers‏@ESPNChiHawks

Fit isnt there dont think RT @mguz1987: @ESPNChiHawks do we have any interest in Doan?


I say FU Jesse !! Doan would be perfect in Chicago , wtf is he talking about ??

I underlined the line that spoke volumes to me.

Good luck Hawk fans.... I think you guys will need it
- moylander

Yea it's tough to do. This is the cap era and building through free agency ain't gonna work.

A free agent when a hole can be filled, a trade when a hole can be filled and keep the talent pipeline full and producing NHL players.

No silver bullet.

Just like the Flyers. They got skunked on Parise/Suter and lost out on Carle. So they fill the bottom of the D rotation through free agency and unless they can make a trade they'll go with their kids.

And I agree. No need to wreck the roster going for Nash. If by some chance Doan says yes, great. If not let the kids play.

Jesse being Jesse again...

Jesse Rogers‏@ESPNChiHawks

Fit isnt there dont think RT @mguz1987: @ESPNChiHawks do we have any interest in Doan?


I say FU Jesse !! Doan would be perfect in Chicago , wtf is he talking about ??
- mrpaulish

Higher insight from Jesse? Just like his "Staal trade proposal/overpayment."

That guy is really making himself out to be a total jackass.

Higher insight from Jesse? Just like his "Staal trade proposal/overpayment."

That guy is really making himself out to be a total jackass.
- EKolb13

I used to hate him when he was on the radio doing post game.