Step one is to package first round picks 7 and 31 to move up high enough to get an impactful and NHL ready player in this year’s draft - Dahlin or Tkachuk.

Step two is to have the Come to Indianhead meeting with Captain Consciousness and tell him he either gets back on the program to return to his original style of play or his days here are overwith. The Onnit experiment was a failure. Get back in the weight room and play like a man.

Step three is to decide what the identity of this team is going to be, and to find the players needed to fill those roles. One thing that will become evident in this year’s playoffs will be that the best teams will be those that have skill, speed AND size.

So let’s hope for the best, and that the management cluster can get out of its own way long enough to rebuild this team for success.
- Return of the Roar

You know how the NHL will only give "upper body" or "lower body" as explanations for injuries? It has to do with player privacy. The norm in the NHL is that a lot more is happening behind the scenes with regard to player health than we know about. If all it would take is for someone telling him to "play like a man" - Seabrook would have done that three years ago. If it were his supplements, he would have stopped taking them. There has never been an issue with Toews' motivation to be as physically fit as he possibly could be. The issues must be physical. Let's hope the extended break is just what the doctor ordered for him. Other big time players have come back after being down for a few years. If anyone has the will to do it, it's Toews. Will his body and mind respond? Let's hope so. I have no doubts about his character.

Step one is to package first round picks 7 and 31 to move up high enough to get an impactful and NHL ready player in this year’s draft - Dahlin or Tkachuk.

Step two is to have the Come to Indianhead meeting with Captain Consciousness and tell him he either gets back on the program to return to his original style of playor his days here are overwith. The Onnit experiment was a failure. Get back in the weight room and play like a man.

Step three is to decide what the identity of this team is going to be, and to find the players needed to fill those roles. One thing that will become evident in this year’s playoffs will be that the best teams will be those that have skill, speed AND size.

So let’s hope for the best, and that the management cluster can get out of its own way long enough to rebuild this team for success.
- Return of the Roar

He's mentioned himself that he wants to get his offensive mojo and original style back (and he seemed to be starting to try that when playing with Kane). Do we know for sure that his change in style was his decision or is he playing the role that his coach(es) have asked him to play?

He's mentioned himself that he wants to get his offensive mojo and original style back (and he seemed to be starting to try that when playing with Kane). Do we know for sure that his change in style was his decision or is he playing the role that his coach(es) OR DOCTORS have asked him to play?
- pdx2ord

fixed it for you

I'd love to see a wild trade like Hossa's contract + prospect(s) and Nashville 1st for Erik Karlsson. I'd imagine the cheapskate in OTT would love to have $5.5 mil in cap hit but only $1 mil in real dollar salary.
- EnzoD

As much as I would looove Karlrsson, he's gonna want $8 million or more.

The story I make up is that he thought he deserved more ice time or better line mates and acted up when he didn't get it. I hope he figures it out and gets his career on track, even if it is with Nashville.

it's fun learning about these prospects. I have no opinion about any of them other than stating the obvious: whoever the Blackhawks pick, he needs to become a cornerstone player of this franchise.
- matt_ahrens

Seems confident he's sticking in Nashville

@BrianHedger

Caught up with Ryan Hartman while in Nashville with #CBJ ... he likes it there, just bought a place to live etc.

Told him I was shocked when the #Blackhawks dealt him.

“Me too.”

fixed it for you
- matt_ahrens

Good point, although I'd be surprised that his doctors told him to focus on the grinding/defensive side of his game as it seems more likely to promote head and back injuries (assuming those are his chronic problems). But maybe that's what you guys think he has gotten away from and should go back to.

In the 7 spot, I think the highest probability is that the Hawks will pick 8th. Statistically a high chance that one team behind them leapfrogs to one of the first 3 picks. About a 20% to pick in the top 3, could fall to 9th but unlikely to fall to 10th.

With some luck the Hawks could get a good pick, but who knows if they will be NHL ready. It can be a crap shoot still. I don't think this draft will be an immediate impact to help the team but some of the holes could start to close with the growth of the younger guys.

The Hawks don't have to jettison anyone to get under the cap. That is a rare thing for this team lately. They'll have a little bit of space to play with but not a great FA market and lots of other teams will have money to spend, so UFA prices could be a bit high. Maybe Stan can land someone on a sweetheart deal, but I am not optimistic there will be many of those this year.

In the 7 spot, I think the highest probability is that the Hawks will pick 8th. Statistically a high chance that one team behind them leapfrogs to one of the first 3 picks. About a 20% to pick in the top 3, could fall to 9th but unlikely to fall to 10th.

With some luck the Hawks could get a good pick, but who knows if they will be NHL ready. It can be a crap shoot still. I don't think this draft will be an immediate impact to help the team but some of the holes could start to close with the growth of the younger guys.

The Hawks don't have to jettison anyone to get under the cap. That is a rare thing for this team lately. They'll have a little bit of space to play with but not a great FA market and lots of other teams will have money to spend, so UFA prices could be a bit high. Maybe Stan can land someone on a sweetheart deal, but I am not optimistic there will be many of those this year.
- breadbag

Noah Dobson will probably be sitting there waiting for the call when the Hawks pick 7th or 8th. He's the kid I'd pick. This team so badly needs to repair their back end. How much more can anybody take of watching Eric Gustaffson and Oesterle pretend they are NHL defenceman.

Good point, although I'd be surprised that his doctors told him to focus on the grinding/defensive side of his game as it seems more likely to promote head and back injuries (assuming those are his chronic problems). But maybe that's what you guys think he has gotten away from and should go back to.
- pdx2ord

My untrained eye misses most of the difference between the Toews of after the 2015 Cup and before, but he seems to spend less time in high traffic areas like in front of the net and battling along the boards. The rest of the differences seemed more related to decline in skill than choice.

In the 7 spot, I think the highest probability is that the Hawks will pick 8th. Statistically a high chance that one team behind them leapfrogs to one of the first 3 picks. About a 20% to pick in the top 3, could fall to 9th but unlikely to fall to 10th.

With some luck the Hawks could get a good pick, but who knows if they will be NHL ready. It can be a crap shoot still. I don't think this draft will be an immediate impact to help the team but some of the holes could start to close with the growth of the younger guys.

The Hawks don't have to jettison anyone to get under the cap. That is a rare thing for this team lately. They'll have a little bit of space to play with but not a great FA market and lots of other teams will have money to spend, so UFA prices could be a bit high. Maybe Stan can land someone on a sweetheart deal, but I am not optimistic there will be many of those this year.
- breadbag

It seems like every year starting the summer of 2010 they've lost someone significant in the off season.

Noah Dobson will probably be sitting there waiting for the call when the Hawks pick 7th or 8th. He's the kid I'd pick. This team so badly needs to repair their back end. How much more can anybody take of watching Eric Gustaffson and Oesterle pretend they are NHL defenceman.
- RickJ

You like Dobson over Bouchard?

It seems like every year starting the summer of 2010 they've lost someone significant in the off season.
- matt_ahrens

The problem is that this year there are probably 2-3guys we’d like to trade to make an improvement. I like Hinostroza and Hayden as much as the next guy, but they aren’t critical pieces by any stretch. Feel good stories, sure, but I’d gladly trade one as part of a package for a bond fide NHL D-man.

I also have this sneaking suspicion that Anisimov gets moved this offseason.

You like Dobson over Bouchard?
- EnzoD

The more I see of Bouchard, the more I like. He has a lot of the defensive fundamentals down to go with some offense and a heavy (and accurate) poop.

I know a lot of people around here aren't sold on Gus, and I think it's fair to criticize his struggles on the back end, but he basically only has one full season under his belt now.

76 GP and 30 points with a +10 (granted that he was only a +1 this season, and the only positive +/- of any 'Hawk d-men this year not named Kempny). Yes, I know +/- isn't exactly an indicator worth basing an opinion on either.

Not insinuating that he's going to amount to a must-keep player, but I think he has shown glimpses of hope that he can be one of the better d-men on the team in contributing offense.

For all the talk of shoring up the back end, without those three offensive outbursts (first two games of the year, and the thrashing of the Senators), this team was bottom-5 in the NHL in offense. As far as our team is currently constructed, Keith and Gus are the only ones that are capable of being offensive contributors.

If Gus isn't bounced around between the lineup, the press box, and Rockford, I'd be curious to see what he can contribute over the course of a full-season and the rest of the team not playing like complete dog poop. I think he could easily be a 40-50 point d-man in this league.

Hawks sign Kovalchuk 7/1, book it!

Hawks sign Kovalchuk 7/1, book it!
- EnzoD

$7 million per season for 5 years with a full NMC.

$7 million per season for 5 years with a full NMC.
- DarthKane

Datsyuk too

He's mentioned himself that he wants to get his offensive mojo and original style back (and he seemed to be starting to try that when playing with Kane). Do we know for sure that his change in style was his decision or is he playing the role that his coach(es) have asked him to play?
- pdx2ord

I would not be surprised if Toews is unablle to return to the exact same physical style due to wear and tear on certain area(s) of his body. I could guess his back and his core are problematic. With Seabrook he might have same or similar issue. But Seabrook also has lost some skating speed and likely will never get it back. Oh maybe say 25% skating increase at most if he is a work out warrior this summer. But age and body have caught up with Seabrook after all the wear and tear, so expecting improvement in skating is probably not practicsl.

We just do not really know for sure about either player. We await opening game next season to find out. I just caution too quick a verdict in training camp. There can be a gain in physical capability by end of camp. Although a younger player and different sport, look at the trasformation from even late spring training to first tweks of season for Japanese pitcher hitter extraordinare Ohtani. Just had another awesome game pitching on Sunday. So i suggest maybe Toews can come a bit farther in returning closer to his old form even after camp begins, just not as remarkablevthough ad Ohtani

Both Toews and Seabrook will attempt to play out their contract. I believe they are guaranteed the money but they can be a healthy scratch for an entire season if their performance slips badly. Should that happen by the end of next season, then i expect to see compliance buyout negotiated into next CBA. The owners need it. The players should not object. Sports injuries are a tough break for everyone involved.

The problem is that this year there are probably 2-3guys we’d like to trade to make an improvement. I like Hinostroza and Hayden as much as the next guy, but they aren’t critical pieces by any stretch. Feel good stories, sure, but I’d gladly trade one as part of a package for a bond fide NHL D-man.

I also have this sneaking suspicion that Anisimov gets moved this offseason.
- Chunk

Yeah, the team needs a few upgrades; especially on D but forwards and back up goalie too. I hope it is a busy offseason.

The problem is that this year there are probably 2-3guys we’d like to trade to make an improvement. I like Hinostroza and Hayden as much as the next guy, but they aren’t critical pieces by any stretch. Feel good stories, sure, but I’d gladly trade one as part of a package for a bond fide NHL D-man.

I also have this sneaking suspicion that Anisimov gets moved this offseason.
- Chunk

I still think Anisimov gets dealt after next season and after his performance bonus is paid. That makes the last 2years of his deal cash-cheap for teams like Ottawa.

I don’t see Stan trading much of the youth. He’s come out and said he views Hinostroza and Hayden as part of the team going forward. There are some guys that could be dealt, albeit for minimal return. I’m thinking about Duclair and Jurco, although if I had to guess I’d say they’ll be back on cheap one year deals.

The guy that I think could go would be Forsling. I know it would be early to give up on a defenseman like hi, but he’d still have some value.

But what do I know, I never thought Hartman would have been dealt.

I still think Anisimov gets dealt after next season and after his performance bonus is paid. That makes the last 2years of his deal cash-cheap for teams like Ottawa.

I don’t see Stan trading much of the youth. He’s come out and said he views Hinostroza and Hayden as part of the team going forward. There are some guys that could be dealt, albeit for minimal return. I’m thinking about Duclair and Jurco, although if I had to guess I’d say they’ll be back on cheap one year deals.

The guy that I think could go would be Forsling. I know it would be early to give up on a defenseman like hi, but he’d still have some value.

But what do I know, I never thought Hartman would have been dealt.
- DarthKane

I hear what you are saying, but the Gustafson and Rutta deals are so odd that I think he moves at least two of Oesterle, Gus, Forsling, and Rutta for picks. I also don’t think they are (or can be) all that happy with the forwards as it stands now. Kane’s is the only proven entity (currently). Schmaltz, ADB, Toews and Saad are all producing “2nd line” numbers right now. I just can’t see them hoping for everyone to make this big leap next year.

If Arizona wins the lottery, I wonder if Ekman-Larsson could be had. I only see the Hawks getting a top 4 D by trade. Washington will keep Carlson. They’ll trade Holtby to a team like the Islanders to free up the space. They have Grubauer and Samsonov is on his way.

What would it take to get Ekman-Larsson?
- hawks2010

Agreed

In the 7 spot, I think the highest probability is that the Hawks will pick 8th. Statistically a high chance that one team behind them leapfrogs to one of the first 3 picks. About a 20% to pick in the top 3, could fall to 9th but unlikely to fall to 10th.

With some luck the Hawks could get a good pick, but who knows if they will be NHL ready. It can be a crap shoot still. I don't think this draft will be an immediate impact to help the team but some of the holes could start to close with the growth of the younger guys.

The Hawks don't have to jettison anyone to get under the cap. That is a rare thing for this team lately. They'll have a little bit of space to play with but not a great FA market and lots of other teams will have money to spend, so UFA prices could be a bit high. Maybe Stan can land someone on a sweetheart deal, but I am not optimistic there will be many of those this year.
- breadbag

I think this all is very realistic. Good call.

The problem is that this year there are probably 2-3guys we’d like to trade to make an improvement. I like Hinostroza and Hayden as much as the next guy, but they aren’t critical pieces by any stretch. Feel good stories, sure, but I’d gladly trade one as part of a package for a bond fide NHL D-man.

I also have this sneaking suspicion that Anisimov gets moved this offseason.
- Chunk

'll

So occassionally i see a post where we feel the same way about Hayden and especially Hinostroza. Priorities are important for a team with glaring holes. I do not see how anyone could be opposed if those two had to be traded. I am more excited for what Hayden might become than what Hinostroza will ever be. Hayden is what this team desperately needs. I see one area of concern about Hinostroza and i therefore feel he is more of a luxury ok guy than ever to become a top 6, maybe third line but certainly not ever going to be considered protected for a top seven, even top ten if that was the number for expansion protection list.

Hawks sign Kovalchuk 7/1, book it!
- EnzoD

Sure thing. Playing out his career here on bad teams. But there is a good restaurant scene. What dies he care about winning? Toronto or someone else could never outbid or win his heart.

Sarcasm. Now go over to Bears or Cubs boards for the top two popular teams in Chicago and beware they may not enjoy sarcasm.