John Jaeckel: Here Come The 2013-14 Hawks

First!

I they stay healthy they will make another run to the cup. Much like the Kings in 2012 they have all the parts. Injuries stymied the Kings last year but lets see if the Hawks have the depth if that occurs.

Now I would think that Ben Smith should be skating a regular shift. At least that's what I'd prefer to see....perhaps on the 4th line?

Gorilla Salad and B-52 both on the 4th line?

That just might be enough for Handzus to retire by November.

Now I would think that Ben Smith should be skating a regular shift. At least that's what I'd prefer to see....perhaps on the 4th line?

Gorilla Salad and B-52 both on the 4th line?

That just might be enough for Handzus to retire by November.
- ArlingtonRob

True, Smith is definitely in the mix. Just forgot to include him. He's in that Morin/Hayes group.

Could Tervainen be a dark horse to make the team? I'm guessing he's probably a year or two away.

True, Smith is definitely in the mix. Just forgot to include him. He's in that Morin/Hayes group.
- John Jaeckel

I really believe Smith ends up being a regular on either the 3rd or 4th line.

What about Shaw? Does Q take him out of playing center altogether?

Could Tervainen be a dark horse to make the team? I'm guessing he's probably a year or two away.
- tazer2013

I remember reading somewhere (it may have been here in the thread) that Teravainen was going to be in Finland this season and jump the pond next season.

True, Smith is definitely in the mix. Just forgot to include him. He's in that Morin/Hayes group.
- John Jaeckel

I think Smith's in the mix, too. Also guessing that most games will see either Bollig or Carcillo sit and one of the "in the mix" guys will be on the fourth. If Carcillo returns to full physical form - quite possible - he and Bollig would be an interesting pair on the fourth (especially against the Blues).

damn you guys have a deep team...

well trade you Desharnais, best 2C in the league!!!
straight up for Saad, bargain of the century!

damn you guys have a deep team...

well trade you Desharnais, best 2C in the league!!!
straight up for Saad, bargain of the century!
- Jaciems

No.

I too think Ben Smith will be playing a more regular position on the 4th line. Maybe even centering it on the days Handzus gets off. And he will get several games off. He was a curious re-sign. But so few dollars I suppose it doesn't matter. But it would be cool to see a Smith-Morin-Bollig 4th line for the occasional game or two.

Wouldn't surprise me to see Carcillo traded in training camp to a team where he can get more ice time.

I really believe Smith ends up being a regular on either the 3rd or 4th line.

What about Shaw? Does Q take him out of playing center altogether?
- EKolb13

I prefer Shaw playing at centre. He plays well either on the wing or down the middle but I think he is just a bit better at centre.

I'd like to see Carcillo dealt for another defensive 4C type forward. I know we'll need some toughness in the new division, but I think Bollig is up for the task and he could provide other value to the team too.

The second line center seems to be a preoccupation of this board, I mean the Hawks won two cups where this concern was constantly raised. If Pirri doesn’t work out and if Shaw or Kruger aren’t ready Kane and or Sharp can fill in at center and be joined by Saad until that elusive 2C arrives in Chicago.

Bolland has been replaced with two similar, less expensive players, Shaw and Kruger with Danault on the way. I never considered Saad as Stalberg’s replacement but that is a great call with the upside being Saad has the top 6 potential Stalberg never did. Replacing Frolick as a 4th line player may not be doable with the current Hawk players but as a penalty killer I think the obvious guy is Shaw. He skates nearly as well as Frolick, he has every bit as much energy, he is close in terms of hockey IQ, he hits allot harder, my only concern with Shaw is his discipline. Will he allow his energy to control his head causing him to over commit or do too much and will he run into penalty issues?

I would be surprised to see Bollig and Carcillo as permanent members of the 4th line. I’d expect to see one or the other spotted in the lineup based on the opposition. I expect to see 2 rookies lined up with Handzus and I’m hoping one of them is Danault or McNeil

I disagree with JJ a little bit.

Bickell - Toews - Kane

Sharp - Pirri - Hossa

Saad - Shaw - Kruger(Smith)

Smith(Kruger) - Handzus - Bollig(Morin)

I think the Hawks dump Carcillo unless he shows something big in the early going.
Morin in reserve and then Hayes.

** I think that the above line-combinations create two shutdown lines at the bottom similarly to last year.

I'd like to take a look at Pirri in the 2C role eventually, but to start the season, I don't think you break up the magic that Sharp, Handzus, and Hossa had in the playoffs.

Bickell - Toews - Kane
Sharp - Handzus - Hossa
Saad - Kruger - Shaw
Bollig - Pirri - Smith/Hayes/Morin

Forget about Carcillo. He doesn't have it anymore.

I too think Ben Smith will be playing a more regular position on the 4th line. Maybe even centering it on the days Handzus gets off. And he will get several games off. He was a curious re-sign. But so few dollars I suppose it doesn't matter. But it would be cool to see a Smith-Morin-Bollig 4th line for the occasional game or two.

Wouldn't surprise me to see Carcillo traded in training camp to a team where he can get more ice time.
- yahoodi

Handzus kills penalties, can fill in anywhere from line 2-4. Not sure what's so curious about that. He's also proven. not sure anyone should be doing backflips over any of these Rockford guys.

Carcillo could be dealt, they've been trying to.

The second line center seems to be a preoccupation of this board, I mean the Hawks won two cups where this concern was constantly raised. If Pirri doesn’t work out and if Shaw or Kruger aren’t ready Kane and or Sharp can fill in at center and be joined by Saad until that elusive 2C arrives in Chicago.

Bolland has been replaced with two similar, less expensive players, Shaw and Kruger with Danault on the way. I never considered Saad as Stalberg’s replacement but that is a great call with the upside being Saad has the top 6 potential Stalberg never did. Replacing Frolick as a 4th line player may not be doable with the current Hawk players but as a penalty killer I think the obvious guy is Shaw. He skates nearly as well as Frolick, he has every bit as much energy, he is close in terms of hockey IQ, he hits allot harder, my only concern with Shaw is his discipline. Will he allow his energy to control his head causing him to over commit or do too much and will he run into penalty issues?

I would be surprised to see Bollig and Carcillo as permanent members of the 4th line. I’d expect to see one or the other spotted in the lineup based on the opposition. I expect to see 2 rookies lined up with Handzus and I’m hoping one of them is Danault or McNeil
- paulr

Agree 100%, this has been a hole forever and look where it has got the Hawks! I think Kruger can be OK in that position with Shaw taking the 3rd line role if Pirri doesn't pan out.

I am excited about this year, heck at least we don't have to defend the cup with the likes of Fernando Pisani as our biggest free agent signing!!

I prefer Shaw playing at centre. He plays well either on the wing or down the middle but I think he is just a bit better at centre.

I'd like to see Carcillo dealt for another defensive 4C type forward. I know we'll need some toughness in the new division, but I think Bollig is up for the task and he could provide other value to the team too.
- DarthKane

I see Shaw doing more damage at wing, but it is nice to have that kind of flexibility!

Like JJ said, there will be a lot of mixing and matching to find chemistry. But what if he just stays with what had chemistry already? I know it is crazy to put an all ahl line out there but they have a great mix of skill, speed, some grit, and good D. Morin-pirri-Smith as the 4th? It isn't like they will get 20 minutes a game. Put kruger with shaw and saad as a great 3rd. Zus worked well with sharp and hossa

http://insider.espn.go.co...ds-best-bargain-buys-date

Interesting this guy from Hockey Prospectus has Rosi's contract at 2 years 1.1M per year. Wonder if he knows something everyone else doesn't or he just can't read correctly?

Be lucky to make the playoffs with that roster....

http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/9481815/2013-nhl-offseason-michal-rozsival-leads-best-bargain-buys-date

Interesting this guy from Hockey Prospectus has Rosi's contract at 2 years 1.1M per year. Wonder if he knows something everyone else doesn't or he just can't read correctly?
- droe411

I'm going with the idea that this guy can't count.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/9481815/2013-nhl-offseason-michal-rozsival-leads-best-bargain-buys-date

Interesting this guy from Hockey Prospectus has Rosi's contract at 2 years 1.1M per year. Wonder if he knows something everyone else doesn't or he just can't read correctly?
- droe411

It's an ESPN writer, he was probably being reprimanded for some indiscretion  and his punishment was having to write a piece about hockey!

It's an ESPN writer, he was probably being reprimanded for some indiscretion  and his punishment was having to write a piece about hockey!
- paulr

Good one!