Lol. On the team with the worst goaltending tandem in the NHL.

40 point defender consistently that can move the puck with his feet or make a good first pass. Also defends well despite the narrative that buzzed around here for a few years.

That team has been bad and run down by injuries and had horrific goaltending. Nick Leddy dragging Seabrooks carcass around would look markedly better than Keith has this year.

Losing that player hurt.
- fattybeef

Losing that player was unfortunate but unfortunately necessary.

Losing him for effectively no return hurt.

Plus/Minus is a stat that some people dismiss much too quickly. It is a team influenced stat but over the long term, it paints a picture of what is happening when you are on the ice. When you are far and away worse than everyone on your team in that stat and at the bottom of the entire league...it tells you something. Some of it is outside your control but not all of it.
- breadbag

I agree.

Corsi is also a team stat, but we use it all the time to measure an individual skater’s ability to manage possession.

Totally agree Enzo, the guy has lost many trades over the last 8 seasons. Great GMs like Yzerman have consistently pulled rabbits ouf of a hat when crunch time hits. Stan fumbles in crunch time: 2010 selloff, Bickell contract, Saad fiasco, Daley fiasco,

The few things I'll give him credit for: Oduya trade, Versteeg trade, Richards signing, using Kane's LTIR space for Vermette.

Having plenty of decent picks over the last 8 years, and we have what to show for it? Debcrincat, Saad, Schmaltz, and nobody. Everyone else has busted or been traded: Hartman, Teravainen, Fournier, McNeil, Danault, Hayes, Rensfeld, Clendening, Knott.
He let Rockford rot away for way too long before firing Dent last offseason.

He has gotten discounts only out of aging vets on their last years: Campbell, Richards, Sharp.

EVERYONE else he's overpaid: Toews, Bickell, Crawford the first two years, Kruger, Seabrook, Ruuta, Gustafsson, Anisimov, Panik, and on and on.

He loses trades, loses signings, absolutely loses drafts. Yes we've won three cups, and two of them were because of things he's done. Chiarelli won a cup in Boston, and now he's the worst GM in the league besides maybe Garth Snow. The game has passed up some of these guys, time to let a fresh mind take over.
- ObeseOprah

Best post of the day.

I'll go to my grave thinking the loss of Hossa, then Crow were, by far, the biggest factors in this year's record.
And completely out of the control of the 'Hawk brass.
- 35Tony0

The Hawks brass gets paid for being ready for bumps in the road. Every team has them. If they didn't know Hossa's condition in advance they should be investigated by Mueller. The Hawks brass completely failed to be ready to replace these and other lost players. Worst regime in the NHL IMO. Proof is on the ice.

Oh yes Jhammer been great in and out of the line up with injuries . Jhammer was a warrior for the HAWKS but was running on fumes two years ago ,and Stan showed great judgment by moving him before it was to late .Maybe if Q had not had a hissy fit over the deal then taken it out on a strong young player (Murphy) that trade would look even better . Again on Panarin good riddance .Saad will be okay and I would take him in the playoffs any day over Panaran ,Saad has proved he can perform in the playoffs unlike poor tired Panarin
- oldduffman

I hear you but I will never agree and I'll never let it go until mgt is replaced.

The Hawks brass gets paid for being ready for bumps in the road. Every team has them. If they didn't know Hossa's condition in advance they should be investigated by Mueller. The Hawks brass completely failed to be ready to replace these and other lost players. Worst regime in the NHL IMO. Proof is on the ice.
- Savoy

Dude, simmer. To this specific point, how many front offices would be ready and able to replace a HOF 200ft winger who was still good for 50-60pts per year AND at top 5 goalie in the same year. These are not exactly "bumps in the road".

No one is going to argue your point that Panarin is a top playmaker in the league. The move for Saad was made in part to TRY to replace what Hossa brought to the team. Based on his history, he should have been close. he was far from it this year.

I hear you but I will never agree and I'll never let it go until mgt is replaced.
- Savoy

Then you’re going to posting the same post until next April.

They’re here for another year.

How about discussing what THEY should do before next season, and then during the season, instead of lamenting what isn’t going to be - at least not now.

For instance: I think there is too much wrong with this team - and too many “ifs” all over it (IF 19/7/50 come back strong, IF 8/12 become legitimate top-6ers, IF some combination of the likes of 48/14/40/64/29/5/44/95 are Cup-contending players and not “just guys”) - for them to be Cup contenders next year, no matter what gets added - and they need to be looking at a two-three year rebuild and not particularly going after high-price UFAs, etc.

Ahhh yes bring back the mastermind behind the construction of the Last place Hawks' roster! The guy who traded away a Hart Trophy candidate in Panarin for a 3rd line producer in Saad. The guy who gave away Leddy, Danault, Johns/Sharp, Teravainen and the list goes on back to 2010 with virtually no assets coming back in the Buff, Ladd, Campbell trades either. The guy who gave up two 2nd round picks for 40yr old blood clot Kimmo Timmonen, signed David Rundblad for 2 years, and didn't add to the defense group in 2016 which was that team's fatal flaw. This is the same GM that hasn't drafted a good NHL Dmen in 10 years. What could go wrong?

I hope you all are ready for another year of poop hockey in Chicago! Oh ya, I guess I forgot that 2,7,19+ 50 are gunna find the fountain of youth this summer and Euro League quality defenders in Gustafson, Rutta, and Oesterle are going to magically gain the ability to defend effectively in the NHL at age 27. Status quo for this organization after the last 3 years is ludicrous. Glad I don't have season tickets.
- EnzoD[/img]

Totally agree with you Enzo. I guess we should have all seen this coming as Bowman gave raises to Gustaffson and Rutta I believe, and Quenneville began to insert guys like Jurco, Edjsell and the rookie dmen into the lineup over the past month. No need for a sense of urgency if you know there's no pressure to win now.

I'm sure they're thinking that there's no way that this CORE can be this bad again next year. I'd love to hear the one on one behind closed doors with Toews. Will they or can they even discuss his summer health and conditioning program, his DIET ??
DITTO with Seabrook.

With NO changes up top, I don't forsee any significant changes on the ice, and quite honestly, does anybody actually think that they would know how to make significant changes ? The big changes of last year failed miserably.

We're already hearing the Corey Crawford excuses so all we can hope for is a healthy CC to come up with another 10+ goalie wins next year. That and improvement from the youth are expected. The CORE has to remain the same due to contracts.

I think we'll know by Thanksgiving where this team is headed......hopefully for Q and Bowman as well.

The Hawks brass gets paid for being ready for bumps in the road. Every team has them. If they didn't know Hossa's condition in advance they should be investigated by Mueller. The Hawks brass completely failed to be ready to replace these and other lost players. Worst regime in the NHL IMO. Proof is on the ice.
- Savoy

You watching CBJ vs Pitt? Panarin is electric. Just a dominant playmaker. Beats three Penguins through the neutral zone, stops on dime to gain separation from the Dman, and threads a pass to Dubois who hits Werenski for the goal. Dumbfounded the Hawks traded him when he had 2 years on his contract left......Would love to see this first round series. LOTS of hatred between the two teams.

Then you’re going to posting the same post until next April.

They’re here for another year.

How about discussing what THEY should do before next season, and then during the season, instead of lamenting what isn’t going to be - at least not now.

For instance: I think there is too much wrong with this team - and too many “ifs” all over it (IF 19/7/50 come back strong, IF 8/12 become legitimate top-6ers, IF some combination of the likes of 48/14/40/64/29/5/44/95 are Cup-contending players and not “just guys”) - for them to be Cup contenders next year, no matter what gets added - and they need to be looking at a two-three year rebuild and not particularly going after high-price UFAs, etc.
- StLBravesFan

And yet he plays 25minutes a night in all situations, including PP1. +/- is a team stat, and while far from a true #1 Dman (like he's been used ever since going to NYI), he is a very useful and talented NHLer. Ville Pokka still with 0 NHL games played in his career. The point is that Stan Bowman has gutted the talent of this team over the last 4 years, while not adequately replenishing the talent via good drafting, and here the team sits LAST by a country mile in the Central Division. Most jobs have performance reviews/metrics/quotas. The Hawks supposedly have "One Goal" to be a Cup Contender every year. Where is the accountability for the mess Bowman has created??
- EnzoD

Yes, I agree Leddy is a good player, but remember Stan got him for Cam Barker, so in a way it's a wash. That trade for Leddy was Stan's first big time trade, so I'm sure that he was just as upset as any of us for having to let him go for cap reasons.

Justin got couple questions:
First when the regular season can teams make trades or have to wait until playoffs are over?

Second what free agent d men and centers would you sign or possbile trade for?

Justin got couple questions:
First when the regular season ends can teams make trades or have to wait until playoffs are over?

Second what free agent d men and centers would you sign or possbile trade for?
- Scott1977

And would those trades look like?

Justin got couple questions:
First when the regular season can teams make trades or have to wait until playoffs are over?

Second what free agent d men and centers would you sign or possbile trade for?
- Scott1977

They can make trades any time, but their trading partner would likely be out of the playoffs too. They'll likely wait until the playoffs are over, or at least until the conference finals.

And would those trades look like?
- Scott1977

GREAT clean hit by Kempney on Fiala in Preds game. I guess he was too terrible in Q's system to make this team though.
Just another defenseman not given a legit opportunity imo.

GREAT clean hit by Kempney on Fiala in Preds game. I guess he was too terrible in Q's system to make this team though.
Just another defenseman not given a legit opportunity imo.
- Hawkytalk

Kempny was given a chance, he's just not consistently good. Neither is Rutta for that matter and I really don't expect him to last long either.

GREAT clean hit by Kempney on Fiala in Preds game. I guess he was too terrible in Q's system to make this team though.
Just another defenseman not given a legit opportunity imo.
- Hawkytalk

Really??? He was on and off OK to bad. And he makes one hit so he didn't get a fair chance?

I'm not really for or against the decision at this point (as I think with free agency and the cap, every season is it's own entity). That said, how can you justify the comment about young players? Schmaltz, ADB, Forsling, Hinostroza (for most of the year) all have been playing all year, or a large portion of it. They've grown their games and improved as the year has gone on. Duclair was playing virtually every game.

I don't understand this specific criticism of Q.
- Chunk

When you've been around the block seemingly forever, all the bs and playing games is just part of the routine. You or your ftiend or whomever in the business world can identify. Coach Q is just more or less shooting the breeze, saying whatever seems appropiate at this moment.

Next season either Q gets enough reinforcement and improvement from within the team/farm system or we are still kind of bad again. You give Q a descent roster anf he will manage to win with kids not ready sitting out. If the team is lacking in some area, gsme pteparednesd only goes so far.

You will probably see a deeper, better lineup with more push back. The defense is still going to be a sore spot. Toews and Seabrook are not bouncung back. Little to no i.provement from them. Can we please just accept that they arr not going to be even close to their old self. They have declined and their ability, their sire bodies just cannot produce the same

I just happen to believe Bowman is not going to be able to fast forward success because he is not signung or trading for enough top players. Players wuth skill who need some development time is more what he brings aboard.

You want to loosen up your arm to throw a few tomstos and eggs at Stan's way to progress. You will get that opportunity each year. No fast rebuild here. You will notice that Bowman is signing a lot of former drafts. Welk it onky means scouts have been picking more horses to show but not enough to win all the time. Sign enough guys, some will work out.

Then you’re going to posting the same post until next April.

They’re here for another year.

How about discussing what THEY should do before next season, and then during the season, instead of lamenting what isn’t going to be - at least not now.

For instance: I think there is too much wrong with this team - and too many “ifs” all over it (IF 19/7/50 come back strong, IF 8/12 become legitimate top-6ers, IF some combination of the likes of 48/14/40/64/29/5/44/95 are Cup-contending players and not “just guys”) - for them to be Cup contenders next year, no matter what gets added - and they need to be looking at a two-three year rebuild and not particularly going after high-price UFAs, etc.
- StLBravesFan

You call it how it is StLouisBraves fan. Wish more people could see better.

GREAT clean hit by Kempney on Fiala in Preds game. I guess he was too terrible in Q's system to make this team though.
Just another defenseman not given a legit opportunity imo.
- Hawkytalk

Let's see how good he is now and next seadon. Check his TOI regularly.

Hind Sight? Even blind people saw what this really was as it happened. Don't be fooled by the fake posters spewing the company excuses.
These trades never made any sense. When is the last time somebody traded a budding superstar in only his second year for an average wing and a 3rd string goalie? When is the last time somebody traded a top three rated in the league shutdown defenceman for a below average defenceman who couldn't even stick with a last place team and a forward who was rated below the top 15 prospects of that team? And don't give me the silly propaganda that you expected more out of Saad. On his best day minus 8 this year 6mm dollar Saad is half the player Panarin is. There is no comparison just ask Kane who supplied the defense on his line last year. It certainly wasn't minus 19 this year Kane but indeed it was plus 21 this year Panarin. Second worst trade in team history.
- Savoy

Average wing....yes....sure.... because they guy who last season was scoring at a rate of an 1st line player is average. They guy who last year put up points similar to Logan Couture, Taylor Hall, Corey Perry, Alexander Radulov, Vincent Trocheck, Wayne Simmonds (to name a few) is just your average winger. They are different players but if you wanna just them just on points and extrapolate some 100+ points for Panarin, go for it. One had a career year deployed as the go to guy offensively for his team, while the other had a tough year deployed in a shut down role.

Forsberg has been considered a top prospect and a potential future starting goalie. He lead his team in Junior to a Calder cup. He didn't play great this year but time will tell if he can grab a full time NHL job. The story isn't written on him yet.

Murphy couldn't stick with the Yotes...but his icetime was increasing and he was playing 2nd pair minutes. Hjalmarsson isn't any higher in the pecking order in Arizona either and while he is still a warrior he has not been a top shutdown guy for a couple seasons. That is just the reality of the situation, even if you don't like it.

There is no propaganda, everyone who watches hockey expected more out of Saad. He clearly had an bad season, but at some point you have to get over it. The trade was made and the full affects of it span further than who has more assists this season.

lottery watch:

isles move up with win over rangers
wings continue to lose

so it would appear unless the oil finish with two wins and the hawks end with two losses the best draft position will be 8th but no higher than 10th...

beat the blues in regulation and lose to the jets...call it a season

GREAT clean hit by Kempney on Fiala in Preds game. I guess he was too terrible in Q's system to make this team though.
Just another defenseman not given a legit opportunity imo.
- Hawkytalk

he was here almost two full seasons..he got plenty of a chance;

lottery watch:

isles move up with win over rangers
wings continue to lose

so it would appear unless the oil finish with two wins and the hawks end with two losses the best draft position will be 8th but no higher than 10th...

beat the blues in regulation and lose to the jets...call it a season
- bogiedoc

It doesn't matter if the Hawks finish 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th as they will win the draft lottery.

Kempny was given a chance, he's just not consistently good. Neither is Rutta for that matter and I really don't expect him to last long either.
- DarthKane

Neither is Oesterle, neither is Gus, neither is ANY of the soft D core actually.
At least Kempney hit people occasionally
and showed he had skating skills and a shot as well. There's not 1 defenseman on this team that played with any aggression all year. They ALL have faults....including Keith.