John Jaeckel: Hawks at Wild GameDay Preview

Nice

Thanks James. Hope the guys can continue their road warrior streak tonight.

First?

Do we see Latta after a trade?

Hartman has become untouchable in my view. Young, cheap and productive players are gold.

Are we playing checkers, or chess?

Sometimes you have to think about how one move leads to another, and the combination of multiple moves makes more sense than each individual move. Suffice it to say Stan Bowman is playing chess here. Any trades he makes this next week are done with his eye not only on this year's playoffs, but also this summer and next year's team.

For instance, Hawks have been hosed in trades where our back is up against the wall (the "wall" being the salary cap). Sharp to Dallas is Exhibit A. Leddy, Bickell (costing TT), etc. Going all the way back to Soupy for Olesz.

So let's say Duchene costs an extra 1st round pick for a 50% salary retention. But getting Duchene at 50% retained gave us some more cap flexibility this summer, so Stan can make hockey trades that net real assets. So if we have to give up a 1st round pick in that deal, but our improved bargaining position this summer allows Stan to net an extra 1st round pick in some other trade....chess. Sacrifice a pawn to trap his bishop!

End the trade rumors. Vanek WILL be a Hawk (much to my dismay).

Other than that, maybe a couple of minor tweaks. (Def depth, maybe a 3rd/4th line C)

There.....done.

End the trade rumors. Vanek WILL be a Hawk (much to my dismay).

Other than that, maybe a couple of minor tweaks. (Def depth, maybe a 3rd/4th line C)

There.....done.
- hawk35

puke puke puke puke puke

Thanks James. Hope the guys can continue their road warrior streak tonight.
- rickboardman

My pleasure. Who's James?

Tanner?!

Hartman has become untouchable in my view. Young, cheap and productive players are gold.
- RomanF

You have a really strong argument. That's why Sakic wants him and Stan doesn't want to deal him. Bear in mind, Duchene is a better player.

Do we see Latta after a trade?
- 93Joe

I think so.

really random question...is Crawford to Winnipeg next year a potential option?

really random question...is Crawford to Winnipeg next year a potential option?
- frafra

Who knows. He'd be an upgrade for 25 teams .

End the trade rumors. Vanek WILL be a Hawk (much to my dismay).

Other than that, maybe a couple of minor tweaks. (Def depth, maybe a 3rd/4th line C)

There.....done.
- hawk35



puke puke puke puke puke


I agree. But, that's what to expect.....

starting to think about next year even though this year is very far from over. next year could be very fun too.

schmaltz toews panik
PAK
hoss kero debrincat
moose kruger/hayden hartman

fortin latta or FA

keith hjalm
seab forsling
tvr kempny

snug or gus or FA

crow
darling
(or darling/johansson if crow is traded which i think will happen)

love this future. lots of youth, tons of speed, high ceilings, and a couple young and tough guys who can score and get the dirty goals. love how this is shaping up.

End the trade rumors. Vanek WILL be a Hawk (much to my dismay).

Other than that, maybe a couple of minor tweaks. (Def depth, maybe a 3rd/4th line C)

There.....done.
- hawk35

Not a Vanek fan either but he would fit money wise and not cost very much. The guy can score goals which I'm worried about with this team in the playoffs. If he only helped the PP that is reason enough to do it. The guy is running out of future contract options - that should be enough motivation for the lazy bastard to give it all he's got.

Just sitting back watching the kid progress nicely ,along with the entire team beginning to Jell at the right time . The narrative around here is much like it was at the start of the year, were the HAWKS were consider to be a bubble team or worse with a youth movement under way . Well that has been far from the truth .Don't believe anything big will happen in the next couple of weeks ,maybe something cheap like Campbell this past summer will fall in their lap .The big move or moves will happen in the Summer around draft time .. Big game tonight ,HAWKS play there game they win 4 /1 ..GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

re: Vanek

What Rick says makes sense. Vanek has always been a very skilled mercenary. I still hate the idea, though.

When he went to the Wild, many were convinced he'd turn the corner and start to finally live up to his potential by "coming home". He spurned them over and over for their faith.

Also, Duchene is obviously better than Hartman, true. But 6-7 times better? And consider the fact that Hartman is a player, while Duchene has had motivation/work ethic issues in the past. I'm on the keep Hartman train.

Not a Vanek fan either but he would fit money wise and not cost very much. The guy can score goals which I'm worried about with this team in the playoffs. If he only helped the PP that is reason enough to do it. The guy is running out of future contract options - that should be enough motivation for the lazy bastard to give it all he's got.
- RickJ

If it happens I hope you're right, Rick.

re: Vanek

What Rick says makes sense. Vanek has always been a very skilled mercenary. I still hate the idea, though.

Also, Duchene is obviously better than Hartman, true. But 6-7 times better? And consider the fact that Hartman is a player, while Duchene has had motivation/work ethic issues in the past. I'm on the keep Hartman train.
- kinigitt

Agreed on the keep Hartman. I'd much rather have the depth + a Vanek than trade away some of our already depleted depth to get Duchene.

The best teams, especially in the playoffs, can roll 3/4 solid lines and still dominate possession, something that the 2010,2013, and 2015 hawks were able to do. Getting rid of a roster player who can contribute without backfilling just doesn't guarantee that.

The hawks could do much worse than Vanek, who has had a decent year on a trash Detroit team. If they can get away with not trading a roster player for him, count me in.

Vanek-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Panik-Kruger-Hartman
Moose-Kero-Hino

With flexibility.

re: Vanek

What Rick says makes sense. Vanek has always been a very skilled mercenary. I still hate the idea, though.

Also, Duchene is obviously better than Hartman, true. But 6-7 times better? And consider the fact that Hartman is a player, while Duchene has had motivation/work ethic issues in the past. I'm on the keep Hartman train.
- kinigitt

Last week I was watching the end of the Wings - Blues game where Detroit had their goaltender out trying to tie the game. Vanek was actually in the paint absolutely working his butt off and taking some real physical abuse. It was like he cared all of a sudden or maybe his father was in the stands watching. That kind of Vanek is very good, you just wonder how often he is willing to bring it like that.

Latta has had a respectable FO% for the times he's been in the NHL. This might be a very underlying but crafty trade by Bowman. 4th line center who can grind and maybe help on the PK.

Hartman has become untouchable in my view. Young, cheap and productive players are gold.
- RomanF

"You have a really strong argument. That's why Sakic wants him and Stan doesn't want to deal him. Bear in mind, Duchene is a better player."

And Hartman a much cheaper player!

My pleasure. Who's James?

Tanner?!
- John Jaeckel

Jessie..........Jessie James. He's assuming you're all powerful JJ and you're going to "steal" Duchene for the Hawks.