I've told you before, I think they are good deals too. I wont argue that.

But tell yourself anything you want to make it feel better, the Kings won the Cup with Richards and Carter.. Something Holmgren couldn't get them to do.

You can go on about your beloved Flyers all you want, in my eyes, they need to win a Cup or all these trades/moves will go down as something nobody really remembers.
- pri$ey

They won the cup with hexy and Stevens, Williams and gagne as well.... what's your point. We didn't even trade carter to LA. Columbus did. Richie and carter were not captain and alt cpts.... don't act like that was the only reason LA won... they were a part of the reason. LA won because management took risks trading for Richie before the season to plug their 2c hole.... they again took a risk dealing for carter at the tdl to help muster up some scoring. That's great management at work. They saw gaping holes on the team and fixed them with the right players. Thta s what the flyers are doing, that's what the kings did, and that's what SB should be doing. That's the point.

Like I say above, I have not heard this specifically, but it would not surprise me at all if someone hasn't told Bowman and the P.R. machine to cool it on Saad.

If I were Jonathan Toews, Seabrook and some other guys getting ready to lay my blood on the line for this logo, I would be getting real tried of that whole thing. And I have heard that there is a great deal of impatience and frustration among some of the NHL level players with the quick default to prospects and rookies in lieu of NHL experienced help.
- John Jaeckel

As a born and raised South Sider, I had always hoped that some of your marketing department influence was overstated. Nothing against you at all. However, anyone with objective optics can not deny the nonsense. My lifes travels have put me close to professional baseball for a long time. There can be no doubt that the BS has got to just annoy the shart out of the players.

Maybe because I admittedly was on hockey sobatical during the early 2000's I don't understand, but Chicago sports fans do not need marketing. They just need workman like effort. We do not need to be spoon fed.

Anyways, way to be too spot on. The way Saad interviewed in that prospects camp just stunk of arrogance and stupidity. Looks like Saad is beleiving the hype being placed on him. He interviews like AROD, and has not done anything yet. Somebody to tell that kid to be humble and soft spoken until he actually proves something.

The fact that Shaw, Bollig and Hayes were somewhat successful when called up simply buys Blowman more time to sit on his hands. Saad and Leddy should be offered around the league for the right price. I watched Saad very closely and nothing and I mean NOTHING jumped off the screen at me. He is mediocre and doing big things in the OHL is not the NHL. I really think Hayes will surprise a lot of people. He has shown some great hands in around the net and I think if his game is fine tuned and he can be relied on in his own end look out.
- nickmo2699

I know JJ has his reservations about Hayes because of his skating but I like him like you do. Big body that can create some havoc in front of the net and can hit some people creating space - he just has something the Hawks don't have much of - size. I think a guy like Mayers could help this kid out alot in his development.

I know JJ has his reservations about Hayes because of his skating but I like him like you do. Big body that can create some havoc in front of the net and can hit some people creating space - he just has something the Hawks don't have much of - size. I think a guy like Mayers could help this kid out alot in his development.
- RickJ

The biggest issue from what I have heard from those who watched Hayes in Rockford is...

Hayes seems to have to force the physsicality.. If he can make crash and bang more a part of his game on a regular basis he could be very effective.

Sometimes that element takes years to develop or never seems to come on a consistent basis....ie Bryan Bickell.

As a born and raised South Sider, I had always hoped that some of your marketing department influence was overstated. Nothing against you at all. However, anyone with objective optics can not deny the nonsense. My lifes travels have put me close to professional baseball for a long time. There can be no doubt that the BS has got to just annoy the shart out of the players.

Maybe because I admittedly was on hockey sobatical during the early 2000's I don't understand, but Chicago sports fans do not need marketing. They just need workman like effort. We do not need to be spoon fed.

Anyways, way to be too spot on. The way Saad interviewed in that prospects camp just stunk of arrogance and stupidity. Looks like Saad is beleiving the hype being placed on him. He interviews like AROD, and has not done anything yet. Somebody to tell that kid to be humble and soft spoken until he actually proves something.
- TrueGrit

Who cares what he sounds like in an interview? Inevitably he will get hammered by somebody like Clutterbuck, Chris Neil, Barrett Jackman or Douglas Murray with a "welcome to the National Hockey League son" comment. His NHL career will start at the point he gets challenged. Until then, he's just a prospect.

I know JJ has his reservations about Hayes because of his skating but I like him like you do. Big body that can create some havoc in front of the net and can hit some people creating space - he just has something the Hawks don't have much of - size. I think a guy like Mayers could help this kid out alot in his development.
- RickJ

If he can skate well enough to keep up in a top 6 role, he could have the biggest (pun intended) impact of all the prospects currently "on the radar". He could be the Brouwer replacement as long as Q doesn't hate him too. Then again, I may be, kinda, sorta, probably am...grasping at straws here.

If he can skate well enough to keep up in a top 6 role, he could have the biggest (pun intended) impact of all the prospects currently "on the radar". He could be the Brouwer replacement as long as Q doesn't hate him too. Then again, I may be, kinda, sorta, probably am...grasping at straws here.
- Ogilthorpe2

Not good enough for Top 6 IMO. His value is on the 4th line and maybe some time on the PP in front of the net.

When I think of Hayes I'm looking for what Jordan Nolan and Dwight King did for LA in the playoffs.

Not good enough for Top 6 IMO. His value is on the 4th line and maybe some time on the PP in front of the net.

When I think of Hayes I'm looking for what Jordan Nolan and Dwight King did for LA in the playoffs.
- RickJ

Problem with that is, the bottom 6 is already crowded with more experienced/more mature players.

When you say not good enough for top 6 are speaking about just his skating, or his overall talent level?

When I think of Hayes I'm looking for what Jordan Nolan and Dwight King did for LA in the playoffs.
- RickJ

Don't think he has that kind of mentality. These guys come knowing their role and have the mental makeup to fulfill it.

I see Hayes' skills as a top 6 power forward guy if he's useful at the NHL level. He has a nose for the net and a shot to get pucks in it. Kid has a good feel, and although he's not the best skater he's at least average in close quarters and has a long reach. Nice attributes for play along the wall and 10-12 feet near the crease.

2-3 years at the AHL level and I like this kids future.

Who cares what he sounds like in an interview? Inevitably he will get hammered by somebody like Clutterbuck, Chris Neil, Barrett Jackman or Douglas Murray with a "welcome to the National Hockey League son" comment. His NHL career will start at the point he gets challenged. Until then, he's just a prospect.
- RickJ

The mouth is often a window to the soul..or a the hollow place between ones ears.

I will pick up Kane's bar tab for a month, if going forward he does not pep rally the fans after he is the number 1 star after the game. God that is a symptom of something UNSOUTHSIDE like.

I hope Saad becomes a stud. I have just seen too many young athletes sound like Reed Rothchild and Dirk Diggler from Boogie Nights....not very stimulating...

If he can skate well enough to keep up in a top 6 role, he could have the biggest (pun intended) impact of all the prospects currently "on the radar". He could be the Brouwer replacement as long as Q doesn't hate him too. Then again, I may be, kinda, sorta, probably am...grasping at straws here.
- Ogilthorpe2

I like Morin's chances best this year as a "physical forward" who can play in the NHL.

Not good enough for Top 6 IMO. His value is on the 4th line and maybe some time on the PP in front of the net.

When I think of Hayes I'm hoping for what Jordan Nolan and Dwight King did for LA in the playoffs.
- RickJ

Fixed.

I agree with Ricochet. He doesn't seem to have the same mentality. Has been a scorer his who career til now, might not have the physical ability to just be that in the NHL.

Also, the kid seems very weak on his skates. Half the time when he does hit someone, he goes down too.

I like Morin's chances best this year as a "physical forward" who can play in the NHL.
- John Jaeckel

Are you thinking his concussion issues are not going to be anything to concern with going forward?

I sure hope he can stick and provide some "power" to the forward position.

Not good enough for Top 6 IMO. His value is on the 4th line and maybe some time on the PP in front of the net.

When I think of Hayes I'm looking for what Jordan Nolan and Dwight King did for LA in the playoffs.
- RickJ

Hayes has nice hands remember there was a time when Shaw got his call up that he and Hayes were the hottest 2 on the ice if he bangs and improves his foot work he could replace carcillo in the top 6.

FOR ELI


What did you think of Morin last year? He didn't light it up scoring 40 pts/69 GP. But plus 9 on a kind of bad team and 122 PIM.

Are you thinking his concussion issues are not going to be anything to concern with going forward?

I sure hope he can stick and provide some "power" to the forward position.
- powerenforcer

Valid question. BUT . . . 120+ PIM as a rookie pro last year at Rockford in 69 games tells me it's probably no more an issue for him than anyone else going forward.

I know the Hawks were still high on him as of last Spring. Was told specifically not to count him out as a guy in the team's future by someone who would know.

And I NEVER heard his name is trade packages.

Hayes has nice hands remember there was a time when Shaw got his call up that he and Hayes were the hottest 2 on the ice if he bangs and improves his foot work he could replace carcillo in the top 6.
- southernhawk

Hayes is a lot like Brunette, good and bad, but might not actually have quite Bruno's hands. Brunette can really dish it and Hayes is a black hole. One thing I have seen Hayes do that is impressive is use his body to shield and hold the puck, a lot like Big Buff did when he played W. He can be a force doing that but the question is the other 185 feet of ice.

Are you thinking his concussion issues are not going to be anything to concern with going forward?

I sure hope he can stick and provide some "power" to the forward position.
- powerenforcer

While he's not as big, sometimes he reminded me of Brouwer on the ice. In some ways very similar players, though Morin might have a little more as a passer.

I'm reeally hoping Morin can show something at camp. Those injuries really hurt him. I remember him blocking that shot. You figure the marketing people would push him since he was the main piece we got back for Buff. I also think Saad makes the team. Not at center, though. We really need to trade for one

I'm reeally hoping Morin can show something at camp. Those injuries really hurt him. I remember him blocking that shot. You figure the marketing people would push him since he was the main piece we got back for Buff. I also think Saad makes the team. Not at center, though. We really need to trade for one
- tomcat24

I still cant beliieve that the Hawks have not traded Hammer for a center . There has to be a match here somewhere right ?

Good morning everyone.

Eli - how many Hogs games do you attend a year?

I still cant beliieve that the Hawks have not traded Hammer for a center . There has to be a match here somewhere right ?

Good morning everyone.
- mrpaulish

Good morning mrP

I still cant beliieve that the Hawks have not traded Hammer for a center . There has to be a match here somewhere right ?

Good morning everyone.
- mrpaulish

It appears that ship has sailed, either due to a lack of interest from other teams, or Stan's hesitancy to pull the trigger for fear of getting fleeced. On one hand you read Hammer for Zack Smith or Gagner, then if you read the beat writers, there's talk of Hammer for a 3rd round pick. If it's the latter, which I don't fully believe, perhaps other GM's are trying to make Stan uncomfortable.

Hayes is a lot like Brunette, good and bad, but might not actually have quite Bruno's hands. Brunette can really dish it and Hayes is a black hole. One thing I have seen Hayes do that is impressive is use his body to shield and hold the puck, a lot like Big Buff did when he played W. He can be a force doing that but the question is the other 185 feet of ice.
- John Jaeckel

I like Hayes but like a couple of the others needs more seasoning...but w/ the GM who no one wants to deal w/ I can't see that happening ie having a roster w/ more veteran depth.

You mentioned Morin...I'm really interested to see what he's got now based on his PIMs at the Rock last season. I'm hopeful he's added more of an physical side/edge to his game.

Of course neither are centermen...

While he's not as big, sometimes he reminded me of Brouwer on the ice. In some ways very similar players, though Morin might have a little more as a passer.
- John Jaeckel

He sure does play the game like Brouwer in that physicality is a part of his game. Neither knows no other way to play....Both will drop em too but don't seek a fight either. Both play with energy and some grit and forecheck well.

As you mention he's not nearly as stout as Brouwer but he has an NHL shot and fine offensive instincts, which Brouwer lacks in. Better skater than Brouwer too, IMO.