John Jaeckel: Hawks in on Rutta

First!

Thanks for the update. We need more depth on the right.

Team Euro/USA here we come! Na we don't need any Canadians. Not like they are proven winners or anything.

Team Euro/USA here we come! Na we don't need any Canadians. Not like they are proven winners or anything.
- Thoroldbhawks

These guys are RFAs, I believe:

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JJ - Love the blogs. Keep it up!

I am interested to see what moves Stan and Co will make this summer. It would suck to lose a core member of the team, but the reality is that this is a business based on winning and not on the opinions of outsiders. Moves have to be made to help the team continue their winning ways regardless of the individual/fan opinions. Many of us "fans" have been spoiled lately with how the Hawks have been over the last 7/8 years, but many of us also understand that the time will come where we need to pay the piper.

Time will tell, but this year we ran into a hot team at the wrong time. Last year was an amazing series that didn't go our way. I, for one, will give the Hawks credit for a great regular season, but they did not look prepared for the postseason or the attack of the Preds.

If Rutta is in a premier position (right handed defenseman that can QB a PP) and has the ceiling everyone is talking about I am concerned that someone will overpay causing the Hawks to miss out. Just like the others lately.

*sorry this was longer than I thought.

Ulf as an assistant? Didn't like him so much as a player, have no idea how he is as a coach. How many more Whalers are out there?

Thanks for the updates JJ.

Maybe guys like Rosi, Kampf, Kempny can possibly "sway" the decision. If there is a signing... they SHOULD play. Guys have some pro experience and... they have something the Hawks need - IQ, size and nasty on the backend.

I'm totally fine within brining in Europeans who are looking to make the jump to the NHL, especially if they're talented, but if the Hawks are planning on giving this guy the same treatment they have Kempny this season then it doesn't make much sense. How are you expecting these guys to develop/adapt to the NHL game if they aren't even getting regular opportunities? I get that we have a talented top-3, but the fact that Kempny was routinely benched in favor of Campbell and Pizza man, when they failed to provide much of anything really boggles me. Hopefully Q gives Kempny the ice time he needs this season. And if Rutta or whoever is brought over, hopefully they get a consistent chance to as well.

Team Euro/USA here we come! Na we don't need any Canadians. Not like they are proven winners or anything.
- Thoroldbhawks

I'm not sure if we are jerks or not, but I was thinking the same thing. I've often said SB has the toughest job in town, and he is doing whatever he can to keep the ball rolling. I've also said all I care about is if a guy can skate, think the game and play and I won't care who or what he is. Ultimately I still do.

But I grew up a Sox fan and as I've aged I am more a fan of the game. So I went to last friday's game against the Padres and 7 of 9 players were from pan america. And I know they play ball all year and it's their ticket out of poverty...I get it. But I felt a bit disappointed. Not proud of it but I still felt it. It was like a detachment.

Hockey is not like baseball in that North American kids play just as much as Euro kids. At least the ones whose parents have the time and money do.

Anyway, as long as they bring it like Ardvessen(sp?), Forsberg and those type of guys I'll love watching it. No matter who or what they are.

I am ok with bringing in these Euro players as FA .And I hate to sound bias ,but I am . As Don Cherry told the Leafs in a now famous rant on National TV ,there are 1000 of great hockey players in your own backyard .The leafs have finally started listing to that advice ,and yes they have drafted high ,but they have been taking more NA and Canadian players .Like I say fine bring them over as FA ,but start drafting some Canadian Kids ,they live and breath this stuff . We saw a fine example this year of Panarin being to tired to play playoff hockey , but jump on the next plane to go play in the euro cup

I'm totally fine within brining in Europeans who are looking to make the jump to the NHL, especially if they're talented, but if the Hawks are planning on giving this guy the same treatment they have Kempny this season then it doesn't make much sense. How are you expecting these guys to develop/adapt to the NHL game if they aren't even getting regular opportunities? I get that we have a talented top-3, but the fact that Kempny was routinely benched in favor of Campbell and Pizza man, when they failed to provide much of anything really boggles me. Hopefully Q gives Kempny the ice time he needs this season. And if Rutta or whoever is brought over, hopefully they get a consistent chance to as well.
- TommyHawk[/quote]
THIS!!!!!!......Well Said

I'm not sure if we are jerks or not, but I was thinking the same thing. I've often said SB has the toughest job in town, and he is doing whatever he can to keep the ball rolling. I've also said all I care about is if a guy can skate, think the game and play and I won't care who or what he is. Ultimately I still do.

But I grew up a Sox fan and as I've aged I am more a fan of the game. So I went to last friday's game against the Padres and 7 of 9 players were from pan america. And I know they play ball all year and it's their ticket out of poverty...I get it. But I felt a bit disappointed. Not proud of it but I still felt it. It was like a detachment.

Hockey is not like baseball in that North American kids play just as much as Euro kids. At least the ones whose parents have the time and money do.

Anyway, as long as they bring it like Ardvessen(sp?), Forsberg and those type of guys I'll love watching it. No matter who or what they are.
- 6628

I'm hoping Kempny sees more steady minutes this year and if Stan is able to bring in another European player or two with size and/or sandpaper that are NHL ready, by all means, do so.

Hopefully he can make a move or two to improve the team while some of the newbies from last season make strides and improve on last season (Hartman, Kempny, Kero, Hayden, etc.).

I'm hoping Kempny sees more steady minutes this year and if Stan is able to bring in another European player or two with size and/or sandpaper that are NHL ready, by all means, do so.

Hopefully he can make a move or two to improve the team while some of the newbies from last season make strides and improve on last season (Hartman, Kempny, Kero, Hayden, etc.).
- HawkintheD

Agree completely

I'm hoping Kempny sees more steady minutes this year and if Stan is able to bring in another European player or two with size and/or sandpaper that are NHL ready, by all means, do so.

Hopefully he can make a move or two to improve the team while some of the newbies from last season make strides and improve on last season (Hartman, Kempny, Kero, Hayden, etc.).
- HawkintheD

I'm hoping Stan can trade for Rocco Grimaldi then draft Kailer Yamamoto.

Just a little rumor info:

Yvon Pedneault reports of ongoing speculation in Montreal suggesting Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin will trade forward Alex Galchenyuk and defenseman Nathan Beaulieu this summer.

Just a little rumor info:

Yvon Pedneault reports of ongoing speculation in Montreal suggesting Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin will trade forward Alex Galchenyuk and defenseman Nathan Beaulieu this summer.
- walleyeb1

They're both worth a look for the right price.

Yeah this move, if it happens, doesn't excite me much. More of a depth organizational move as they try to restock positions with guys who may be able to crack a NHL roster.

I see Dallas is shopping the 3rd overall pick.......hopefully McDonough didn't see that also..............

They're both worth a look for the right price.
- DarthKane

Like those boat anchors/Cap cripplers Toews and Seabrook?

Like those boat anchors/Cap cripplers Toews and Seabrook?
- HawkintheD

I get it now....that's that the "C" on Toews' jersey stands for.

If you are a 26 dman like Ruutu and just saw a lot of press box time for Kempny last year, what is the draw to the Hawks vs another club that will have you skate 2/3 or more of the regular season? Doubtful he will get more than 2 years on his first NHL deal. I'd go to a club that can promise some ice time.

For Kempny, is it a given that he is returning? I liked his ability and nasty and maybe tolerated the mental gaffes more than Q. I'm sure there are other clubs that could let him do a bit more on-the-job learning.

I'm hoping Stan can trade for Rocco Grimaldi then draft Kailer Yamamoto.
- DarthKane

A couple more mini munsters? (Tired of the Smurfs mantra)

I get it now....that's that the "C" on Toews' jersey stands for.
- DarthKane

Yes....make Michael Kempny Captain, and make Alex DeBrincat an alternate.

Who needs Toews and Seabrook...........

If you are a 26 dman like Ruutu and just saw a lot of press box time for Kempny last year, what is the draw to the Hawks vs another club that will have you skate 2/3 or more of the regular season? Doubtful he will get more than 2 years on his first NHL deal. I'd go to a club that can promise some ice time.

For Kempny, is it a given that he is returning? I liked his ability and nasty and maybe tolerated the mental gaffes more than Q. I'm sure there are other clubs that could let him do a bit more on-the-job learning.
- phantasmo

Excellent point and you can look at it 2 ways.

The fact this team is competing and cant' afford a guy learning on the job probably led to Kempny spending more time in the press box then he OR his agent would have preferred. May hold water in his RFA negioation and could lead to a quick tenure with the Hawks.

1 season doesn't make a career, but outside of his shot, there wasn't a LOT to like about Kempny this past season and if hes looking for more money on a team that is already 3 million OVER the cap as of today, hard to justify that if you are SB.

Interesting read on teams with too many Dmen to protect in the expansion draft, trade targets:

http://thehockeywriters.c...trade-targets-defencemen/