John Jaeckel: Defense And Rumors On Ice

Brassard would be a great fit on this team. He was their most dangerous player against the Hawks on Sunday.

The ice at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto is considered one of the best and it too is a large multi use facility. I was at the UC last year to see a game and I have been to the ACC many times and the difference I found is the ACC is colder in the stands. The UC is warm. Is it because Chicagoans are more warm blooded or is it because the temperature in the building is higher? Montreal is another arena that is colder inside however it isn't as multi use as the other two.

I like Brassard's game, but at $3.2M for another year after this? Plus he may be he only guy worse at the dot than Kruger and Bolland.

I like Brassard's game, but at $3.2M for another year after this? Plus he may be he only guy worse at the dot than Kruger and Bolland.
- Kentxo

I'd like to see him playing on the left side with Toews and Hossa. Something needs to kickstart that line.

What would the Jackets be looking to get back in a deal involving
Bressard?

terrific insights.....I still don't understand everyone's fascination with Saad which is not to say that he looks like he could develop into a nice player but what left wing on our team couldn't be successful playing on a line with 2 world class guys on both ends of the ice

Other than the fact that there is not much reason to change when on top, why not take a look at Bickell moving up into that slot.......he's much improved and significantly more consistant -----just asking

they have the luxury of taking a look at a couple of things as there is little reason to strive for the Presidnet's trophy

I like Brassard's game, but at $3.2M for another year after this? Plus he may be he only guy worse at the dot than Kruger and Bolland.
- Kentxo

If "we" get a center, I want one who can win faceoffs, otherwise, why make the deal? As you stated, we already have mediocre faceoff guys.

I'm ok with Brassard, as long as we dont' overpay.

I'd like to see him playing on the left side with Toews and Hossa. Something needs to kickstart that line.
- paulr

Yeah, Saad needs to be on the 3rd or 4th line. Wouldn't mind him on the third, where his speed would be an asset, and maybe he'd learn a thing or two about busting your butt from Frolik or Kruger. Not a punishment, but other than his speed, and usually his effort, he doesn't bring anything to the 1st line IMO.

The top line either needs a big body in front of the net, or someone who can work better with Hoss and Toews, passing wise especially.

What would the Jackets be looking to get back in a deal involving
Bressard?
- jhawk159

The Blue Jacket Killer himself would surely be on their radar. Mr. Stalberg would be tough to see go the other way in a trade but I feel like he will be dealt by the year's end if they look to improve for the playoffs.

JJ - could these talks with the BJs just be a feeler to all teams by new GM, Jarmo Kekalainen? I'm assuming he wants to put his stamp on this team soon than later.

Yeah, Saad needs to be on the 3rd or 4th line. Wouldn't mind him on the third, where his speed would be an asset, and maybe he'd learn a thing or two about busting your butt from Frolik or Kruger. Not a punishment, but other than his speed, and usually his effort, he doesn't bring anything to the 1st line IMO.

The top line either needs a big body in front of the net, or someone who can work better with Hoss and Toews, passing wise especially.
- howiehandles

There is nothing at all wrong with a player, especially a young one, learning to play on the defensive side of the puck. Look no further than Hossa and Toews who are just as good without the puck as they are with it. That said, Saad has played a pretty good two way game considering his experience level. Still that line isn't producing offensively as expected and maybe the issue is Saad?

The ice at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto is considered one of the best and it too is a large multi use facility. I was at the UC last year to see a game and I have been to the ACC many times and the difference I found is the ACC is colder in the stands. The UC is warm. Is it because Chicagoans are more warm blooded or is it because the temperature in the building is higher? Montreal is another arena that is colder inside however it isn't as multi use as the other two.
- paulr

The ACC is colder in the stands because of all the wienerish suits who fill the lower bowl

The Blue Jacket Killer himself would surely be on their radar. Mr. Stalberg would be tough to see go the other way in a trade but I feel like he will be dealt by the year's end if they look to improve for the playoffs.

JJ - could these talks with the BJs just be a feeler to all teams by new GM, Jarmo Kekalainen? I'm assuming he wants to put his stamp on this team soon than later.
- TyCamScore

The Hawks will have to pay through the nose for Brassard, I'm not sure Stalberg alone would close the deal. I'm sure Kekalainen will have his eye on a certain Finnish forward in the Hawks pipeline.

So two of the Blues better players McDonald and Steen were both injured in practice yesterday. McDonald had to be helped off the ice after colliding with Sobotka and apparently Steen had his helmet come off during a puck battle and left practice as well, guess we will find out more about the severity of Steen's injury today but those are two huge losses for the Blues if they don't dress tomorrow night.

So two of the Blues better players McDonald and Steen were both injured in practice yesterday. McDonald had to be helped off the ice after colliding with Sobotka and apparently Steen had his helmet come off during a puck battle and left practice as well, guess we will find out more about the severity of Steen's injury today but those are two huge losses for the Blues if they don't dress tomorrow night.
- Ballam

Wow - Hitch runs a tough practice!

Wow - Hitch runs a tough practice!
- TyCamScore

Yeah I knew he was going to be running some hard practices in preparation for the game on Thursday but they might be overdoing it lolz

What about the Hawks scouts that were following Ottaw and Toronto around ?

I like Brassard's game, but at $3.2M for another year after this? Plus he may be he only guy worse at the dot than Kruger and Bolland.
- Kentxo

I think Brassard can improve in the circle and playing with the 'hawk frontline might help him thrive.

I really realy think just like in the year the hawks were fortunate to win the Cup, they are not trading guys playing now.

But, on the other hand you acquire a player at that salary he must play (and depending upon your health at centr he does) and you basically are just putting another player in the pressbox.

JJ mnetioned to me and I agree that Brassard can play handle the puck at high speed, and while he isn't the banger everyone here is looking for, it would be a big add to fortify the center position.

With that said, Montador's salary when activated is only $ 450,000 less than Brassard deal which extends for another year.
that clearly doesn;t take in the Cap shrink we will see for next year.

I am just saying iwth the injuries, Columbus needs more hungry forwards and defenseman who can help NOW, and provide competition so a lareg group fights for the job security and NHL contract handsomely provides.

As I said yesterday Columbus has called out brassard and others saying we need you to score.

They also need new blood that can play now.
Boone Jenner is a great tough c/w who is getting really close, but if they were to identify players they really thought could play and compete for jobs and they presently played on Rockford, that might be the injection they need.

They rushed big centre Ryan Johanssen, chicag steel defender john Moore was asked for too much too soon...and as I keep drumming when so many of you say bring em up bringem up, these kids may have lost confidnence and need to keep a positive attitude.

I just know Columbus is going to make a knee-jerk deal of Brassard for Rockford maybe babies...

Brassard fits the forward in our line-up.
but what if you could pluck Johanssen?
You would wait for help on the hawk end of the deal.

But saying that would a Ben Smith and half of the vet icehogs really be waht they might be looking for?

Remember also they will be in another division next year...

What would the Jackets be looking to get back in a deal involving
Bressard?
- jhawk159

I would guess Stalberg is a definite, but I would think that they would look at Pirri. JJ has said a lot of teams in the league still hold Pirri in high regard moreso than the Hawks perhaps. Stalberg and Pirri for Brassard....upgrades 2nd line, drops Bolland back to his right fulplace on the 3rd, and moves Shaw to 3rd line RW. Only reservation I would have with this is the $3.2 cap hit with the cap going down after the season.

What about the Hawks scouts that were following Ottaw and Toronto around ?
- mrpaulish

Stalberg for Smith?

Makes sense for both teams. Ottawa gets a more dynamic offensive player and the Blackhawks get a 3/4c who can win faceoffs and work the PK.

In regards to Brassard...meh. Not enough of an upgrade and his cap hit isn't great. Rather just keep Kruger at 2c than trade players for Brassard.

What about the Hawks scouts that were following Ottaw and Toronto around ?
- mrpaulish

Visiting family...

JJ nice writeup and I would add the significant improvement of nick h this year is also a big part of defense beingas good as it is
Last year i expected nick's play to belike it is now and was starting to think his past success was a result of being paired with campbell. I am happy to see him turn it around this year

terrific insights.....I still don't understand everyone's fascination with Saad which is not to say that he looks like he could develop into a nice player but what left wing on our team couldn't be successful playing on a line with 2 world class guys on both ends of the ice

Other than the fact that there is not much reason to change when on top, why not take a look at Bickell moving up into that slot.......he's much improved and significantly more consistant -----just asking

they have the luxury of taking a look at a couple of things as there is little reason to strive for the Presidnet's trophy
- nellie

Bickell get my vote for first line

I think if sStalberg is going to Columbus it will be on draftday.
...and that's based on his negotiators and Bowman being too far apart for him to stay.

I would love to see vet Rockford players and Stalberg go for one of the three first rounders in this draft.

ALL are gonna great oppostunities to steal a star.

I truly doubt they will trade them...

Throw in our number from next year....
(I am so greedy I am not giving up the Hawks 2013 draft pick in a trade/switch of picks...but being the typical homer trader, I am trying to get one of theirs!

Visiting family...
- wiz1901

Damn... Its not even the holidays ! Slackers......