Hearing he is making Hawks think hard about signing him to a 2-way deal for next year.

He's close to dad and playing really well. Another reclamation project with low risk.

They juat have to be careful with their contract limit. They're really going on a signing spree.
- Justin Lowe

And what if we fire his dad?

Joking... but honestly don't think Ulf is a very good D coach. Only seems to succeed with a stacked Rangers corp.

I like Kampf and he could turn out to be a 4C, but I think he still needs to prove himself a bit. I'd still keep him in the organization, but is he really the type of 4th line centre a contender wants?
- DarthKane

You said it. He 's fine for a year or two. ESPECIALLY since he can win a face off.

I like Kampf and he could turn out to be a 4C, but I think he still needs to prove himself a bit. I'd still keep him in the organization, but is he really the type of 4th line centre a contender wants?
- DarthKane

By the time we're a true contender again, he very well might grow into that role
or a 3C if he majorly improves

The Hawks have a lot of bubble players who can fill in on a short term basis but aren't likely to be consistent contributors - Duclair, Jurco, Highmore, Martinsen, Kampf, Gustafsson, Rutta and Oesterle. I wouldn't lose any sleep of all of these guys weren't on the Hawks next season (some should be in Rockford).

Hinostroza is still a bit streaky, but he should definitely stick around for a while.

Hayden has shown flashes but I think the jury is still out on him. I don't know if he's won Q over yet, his ice time still isn't where it should be.

Ejdsell's played one game so it's too early to tell where he's at.
- DarthKane

Lots of bubble forwards in the bottom six that while they don't (typically) hurt you, they don't help you as often as needed to be an Elite team. Unlike with the forwards, the NHL bubble players in Oesterle, Gustafson, Rutta, Forsberg, Berube and Glass REALLY impact the team's results. Forwards are not the biggest flaw in the this roster. They need 2 all-star quality defensemen and a better backup goalie added to be a contending team again.

Lots of bubble forwards in the bottom six that while they don't (typically) hurt you, they don't help you as often as needed to be an Elite team. Unlike with the forwards, the NHL bubble players in Oesterle, Gustafson, Rutta, Forsberg, Berube and Glass REALLY impact the team's results. Forwards are not the biggest flaw in the this roster. They need 2 all-star quality defensemen and a better backup goalie added to be a contending team again.
- EnzoD

That is the correct analysis. It appears a solution lies in the drafted guys signed or still not yet pro's who have at least some glimmer of hope to have/become hugher ceiling than the dmen you mention. I expect thosr above to one by one be moved as newbies come in through the farm system. A trade might bring a dman but the draft won't bring ready for NHL dman unless you get the top pick. I remain in favor drafting a top five forward and not faced with whether to select Hughes.

That is the correct analysis. It appears a solution lies in the drafted guys signed or still not yet pro's who have at least some glimmer of hope to have/become hugher ceiling than the dmen you mention. I expect thosr above to one by one be moved as newbies come in through the farm system. A trade might bring a dman but the draft won't bring ready for NHL dman unless you get the top pick. I remsun in favor drafting a top five forward and not faced with whether to select Hughes.
- jhawk59

I'd love Wahlstrom if they go with a Forward at #7 (obviously you and I are in agreement that Brady Tzchuck should be the most coveted player for StanBo besides Dahlin and I think Stan has enough assets to trade up from 7 to 3/4 to grab him). Sign John Moore, who regardless of the criticisms he gets here, is an upgrade over Oesterle, Gustafson, & Rutta and should be affordable (he's a chicago kid played for Team Illinois AAA here). Moore-Murphy is an intriguing 2nd pair for the rebuilding Hawks next season. Both are big boys that don't mind playing the body. Maybe Forsling/Jokiharju or one of the other young defenseman can be more effective over 200ft than Gustafson/Oesterle on 3LD.

You said it. He 's fine for a year or two. ESPECIALLY since he can win a face off.
- jhawk59

Given that some have said he is similar to Kruger and some have said may end up being better than him, I think Kampf would be a great 4C in a year or two.

I personally wouldn't peg Kampf any higher, though. I would want a 3C to be more Bolland-esque without the injuries: stellar defensive forward, sufficient offense to collect around 40 points (15-20 goals), great at the dot, and rat mentality to agitate the crap out of the other team.

Could Kampf get there? Possibly, but there may be better balance with him slotted properly at 4C given what he can and cannot bring to the ice. Time will tell.

Lots of bubble forwards in the bottom six that while they don't (typically) hurt you, they don't help you as often as needed to be an Elite team. Unlike with the forwards, the NHL bubble players in Oesterle, Gustafson, Rutta, Forsberg, Berube and Glass REALLY impact the team's results. Forwards are not the biggest flaw in the this roster. They need 2 all-star quality defensemen and a better backup goalie added to be a contending team again.
- EnzoD

Excellent dichotomy between bubble forwards and bubble defenders.

Excellent dichotomy between bubble forwards and buggle defenders.
- AEL_Fox

Agree to a point but need a legit top 6 scoring player towes saad kane smaltz dcat then who is the other top 6 foward skiura no. If tkachuck happens to land right where the hawks pick no matter what take him or if that walhstom kid also load up on offense with speed size and skill put more pressure in the other teams d zone so the hawks don't have to defend as much add a couple big wingers create a line that just gives the other team fits martiesson wingles hayden just for example hope crawford can get back to 100% and sign john moore in the offseason. Then maybe the hawks can contend to get the playoffs.

I'd love Wahlstrom if they go with a Forward at #7 (obviously you and I are in agreement that Brady Tzchuck should be the most coveted player for StanBo besides Dahlin and I think Stan has enough assets to trade up from 7 to 3/4 to grab him). Sign John Moore, who regardless of the criticisms he gets here, is an upgrade over Oesterle, Gustafson, & Rutta and should be affordable (he's a chicago kid played for Team Illinois AAA here). Moore-Murphy is an intriguing 2nd pair for the rebuilding Hawks next season. Both are big boys that don't mind playing the body. Maybe Forsling/Jokiharju or one of the other young defenseman can be more effective over 200ft than Gustafson/Oesterle on 3LD.
- EnzoD

HAWKS should not be moving that pick before the lottery , or it may really bite them . And a DMAN like E BOUCHARD from London is just what they need ,and they could get him with the 7th maybe as he is rocketing up list ..

HAWKS should not be moving that pick before the lottery , or it may really bite them . And a DMAN like E BOUCHARD from London is just what they need ,and they could get him with the 7th maybe as he is rocketing up list ..
- oldduffman

The draft lottery is conducted before draft day. Tankathon Lottery simulator has the Hawks pretty consistently 6-9 based on their current standings position. So, if they end up with #7 after the lottery, Tzchuck will be gone, but Bouchard, Wahlstrom and Dobson are the guys who are in the mock draft range with good size. However, there are always curveballs on draft day. Seth Jones was the consensus #1 and Avs took Mackinnon which allowed Jones to fall to #4 in Nashville. Dahlin will go #1 and HIGHLY unlikely that team trades the pick, but things can get interesting from 2-8.

The draft lottery is conducted before draft day. Tankathon Lottery simulator has the Hawks pretty consistently 6-9 based on their current standings position. So, if they end up with #7 after the lottery, Tzchuck will be gone, but Bouchard, Wahlstrom and Dobson are the guys who are in the mock draft range with good size. However, there are always curveballs on draft day. Seth Jones was the consensus #1 and Avs took Mackinnon which allowed Jones to fall to #4 in Nashville. Dahlin will go #1 and HIGHLY unlikely that team trades the pick, but things can get interesting from 2-8.
- EnzoD

Imagine Nashville with Mackinnon as #1C instead of Johansen right now
(because of the Jones/RyJo trace...)

YIKES...

I'd love Wahlstrom if they go with a Forward at #7 (obviously you and I are in agreement that Brady Tzchuck should be the most coveted player for StanBo besides Dahlin and I think Stan has enough assets to trade up from 7 to 3/4 to grab him). Sign John Moore, who regardless of the criticisms he gets here, is an upgrade over Oesterle, Gustafson, & Rutta and should be affordable (he's a chicago kid played for Team Illinois AAA here). Moore-Murphy is an intriguing 2nd pair for the rebuilding Hawks next season. Both are big boys that don't mind playing the body. Maybe Forsling/Jokiharju or one of the other young defenseman can be more effective over 200ft than Gustafson/Oesterle on 3LD.
- EnzoD

Agree. Wahlstrom is billed to be a power forward like Tkachuk so I also wouldn't mind the Hawks drafting him if Tkachuk is already picked. May not be the agitator that the Tkachuk boys are, but a power forward would be an excellent choice given the team's need for one. I wouldn't consider Wahlstrom to be a consolation prize by any means. Who knows, he may actually turn out better than Tkachuk as far as all around game and impact on the team's success.

According to this picture, he'd even fit Bowman's size standard:

Agree to a point but need a legit top 6 scoring player towes saad kane smaltz dcat then who is the other top 6 foward skiura no. If tkachuck happens to land right where the hawks pick no matter what take him or if that walhstom kid also load up on offense with speed size and skill put more pressure in the other teams d zone so the hawks don't have to defend as much add a couple big wingers create a line that just gives the other team fits martiesson wingles hayden just for example hope crawford can get back to 100% and sign john moore in the offseason. Then maybe the hawks can contend to get the playoffs.
- Scott1977

Don't disagree with you. Although the greatest needs are on the blueline and in goal, the Hawks should still seize any chances to upgrade at forward from Lines 1 to 4 whether through the draft, trades, or free agency.

The draft lottery is conducted before draft day. Tankathon Lottery simulator has the Hawks pretty consistently 6-9 based on their current standings position. So, if they end up with #7 after the lottery, Tzchuck will be gone, but Bouchard, Wahlstrom and Dobson are the guys who are in the mock draft range with good size. However, there are always curveballs on draft day. Seth Jones was the consensus #1 and Avs took Mackinnon which allowed Jones to fall to #4 in Nashville. Dahlin will go #1 and HIGHLY unlikely that team trades the pick, but things can get interesting from 2-8.
- EnzoD

I know the lottery is held prior to draft day , that Is why you don't make a move till those balls fall .HAWKS could jump to the top very easily . And they could fall a spot or two . But D is were they need to be building ,And I believe after Dahlin Bouchard is the best all around Defenseman in the draft ,and coming from a organization like London is a big bonus

Don't disagree with you. Although the greatest needs are on the blueline and in goal, the Hawks should still seize any chances to upgrade at forward from Lines 1 to 4 whether through the draft, trades, or free agency.
- AEL_Fox

Yes the biggest need is on defense and goal but how long do the hawks have to wait except dahlin what other d man is ready for the nhl next season plus d man and goalies take longer to develop. This was my general point about loading up on offense and signing moore. One other thing jokiari should never see the nhl ice next season let him develop and bring him up when he forces the decision.

Tkachuk/wahlstrom towes dcat
saad smaltz kane
duclair AA skirua(should go to Rockford to develop)
hayden Martenison wingles

Kieth Seabrook
Murphy Moore
Gusterson rutta/ free agent
forsling Rockford to continue to develop

Crawford(providing he is healthy)
Forsberg/free agent back up

Agree. Wahlstrom is billed to be a power forward like Tkachuk so I also wouldn't mind the Hawks drafting him if Tkachuk is already picked. May not be the agitator that the Tkachuk boys are, but a power forward would be an excellent choice given the team's need for one. I wouldn't consider Wahlstrom to be a consolation prize by any means. Who knows, he may actually turn out better than Tkachuk as far as all around game and impact on the team's success.

According to this picture, he'd even fit Bowman's size standard:


- AEL_Fox

My way of thinking about a consolation prize is to draft those backchecking more highly rated forwards than Tzachuk. I might take one of those first couple rated forwards IF Tzachuk goes before them. Walstrom next then one of the defensemen. The forwards just look so attractive to select. The forwards will all help turn back a tide so strong against us as far as possession time. The backchecking earliest top rated forwards would help - but only so much. Bouchard and Dobson over Hughes - stirs a conversation.

If Hughes is so great in some areas, is he going to be any less a rag doll than Gus. Better defensively than our bottom third pair depth guys....okay, maybe but not until he plays a year NHL ......even then he will not win any physical puck battles so to protect him you need a strong checking partner.

You can.dream he works out and one day can dish out a thunderous check like Keith can do. Where do you get that. You need to leave Murphy on third pair where he can match well enough with our latest flavor of an offensive dman.

There is good reason why Bowman may trade for a dman..Hopefully one who checks an opponent down to the ice. Even then i really hope Carlsson comes over and can be a second pair. If Hillman is ok maybe he would be someone who takes Murphy's job. I have no reason to believe Hillman has a higher ceiling, though would be glad to be wrong.

Forsling and Jokiharju have the task of eventually showing well enough to be a second pair. Possible maybe but believe when you see it. Just how good is Tuulola? Will see. Another lefty i am.afraid avoids physical play. But maybe he engages but just is not going to battle tooth and nail. Gilbert?
We shall see..

There are some solid prospects in the top 10. The Hawks are winning the draft lottery so it's a moot point.
- DarthKane

dammit, Darth. You're supposed to be predicting that they will fall three places in the draft lottery to 10th!

Yes. Or makes an appearance in their last home game. He sounds like he's going to be limited.
- Justin Lowe

after the elimination they shelved him with the BS spin of missing a few games...
he ain't coming back to get beat up in 5 meaningless games with the aves, jets and blues..

Watching the Jets/Bruins game. Wow, the Jets are impressive and playing with a lot of heart and energy.

NYI and DET won and ED tied 3-3 after being up 3-0.

A 6th Round Choice fom Notre Dame
He recorded goal # 39 tonight for NYI

Sikura a 6th round Choice from Northeastern
He will beat Darth Kane & ZHawk odds
How many goals next year? Guess.

A 6th Round Choice fom Notre Dame
He recorded goal # 39 tonight for NYI

Sikura a 6th round Choice from Northeastern
He will beat Darth Kane & ZHawk odds
How many goals next year? Guess.
- jhawk59

Lee is also 6’3” and 230 lbs, a far cry from Sikura who make get 39 goals, playing for Indy...over 2 seasons.

Sarcasm aside, I hope Sikura lights it up starting Thursday.

The new Samuelson effect

If his son signs with Chicago
Some players benefit by scoring more
Thanks to his banging rough play

Definition;
Samuelson - an oxymoron some thought it meant something else on this board. And some hardliners think i forgot to erase a typo in front of a word describing not their favorite coach..

Lee is also 6’3” and 230 lbs, a far cry from Sikura who make get 39 goals, playing for Indy...over 2 seasons.

Sarcasm aside, I hope Sikura lights it up starting Thursday.
- DarthKane

Tavares and Lee
ADD they make a play for Holtby
ADD do we like deHahn?