I have him at 4 x 5.5M.

I would prefer de Haan due to style and age, but moody, singer/song-writer Jack Johnson makes a lot of sense at the right price.

Just because the Hawks have a defence group of 7-8 already signed, please don't get stuck on those individuals.

I think it will look very different in the fall.

I can see a couple guys moved on and guys like Gilbert, Hillman and Jokiharju given a chance to compete.
- Justin Lowe

Even though they have less NHL experience in comparison (4 games all by Hillman), I would much rather give the reigns over to Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta. Maybe not off the bat in October since Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju should marinate first in the AHL to gain pro experience and proper development under Colliton, King, and Brookbank, but eventually either this season or next.

As for Forsling, I'd have a longer leash for him over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta but wouldn't be upset if he was part of a trade to upgrade say at bottom-6 center, top-4 defense, or backup goalie.

I know I'm not high on Jack Johnson the NHL player, but could we at least sign Jack Johnson the musician to replace Cornileson?

A more positive story on hockey in the City:

https://www.chicagoreader...ague/Content?oid=45276499

Even though they have less NHL experience in comparison (4 games all by Hillman), I would much rather give the reigns over to Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta. Maybe not off the bat in October since Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju should marinate first in the AHL to gain pro experience and proper development under Colliton, King, and Brookbank, but eventually either this season or next.

As for Forsling, I'd have a longer leash for him over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta but wouldn't be upset if he was part of a trade to upgrade say at bottom-6 center, top-4 defense, or backup goalie.

I know I'm not high on Jack Johnson the NHL player, but could we at least sign Jack Johnson the musician to replace Cornileson?
- AEL_Fox

I think Hillman, Gilbert, and Henri start in the AHL next year unless they light it up in camp. Oesterle should stay in AHL, he has perks in the O-zone but is a practice cone on D.

Unfortunately Gustafsson and Ruuta look like they're in the plan for 2018-19. If one of them can solidify a bottom pairing spot it's not the end of the world, although we are overpaying both. They're also both guys who have their value tethered to how well the team is playing, so on a great team they'd be 'good depth' but on our tire fire this year they were 'more plugs from overseas or career AHLers'.

I still don't like Jack Johnson, he was a poor possession player on a good possession team. He means something to fans nowadays because 'Jack Johnson the LA King' was a very good player seven years ago. He can skate pretty well for a defenseman, and can actually throw a hit, but he's been surpassed by smarter players like Werenski, Jones, and Savard.

Like I said before, he NEEDS this contract to pay him because of his bankruptcy issues. Is he going to whine if Keith or Forsling or whoever gets all the first PP minutes and ruins his chances of another big contract after this? The Hawks can't afford to be a charity to anyone, not when they're currently paying $5 and $6 Million to two players who haven't played for the team in 2018.

Even though they have less NHL experience in comparison (4 games all by Hillman), I would much rather give the reigns over to Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta. Maybe not off the bat in October since Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju should marinate first in the AHL to gain pro experience and proper development under Colliton, King, and Brookbank, but eventually either this season or next.

As for Forsling, I'd have a longer leash for him over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta but wouldn't be upset if he was part of a trade to upgrade say at bottom-6 center, top-4 defense, or backup goalie.

I know I'm not high on Jack Johnson the NHL player, but could we at least sign Jack Johnson the musician to replace Cornileson?
- AEL_Fox

I think Hillman makes the team out of camp. He looked pretty decent for a #5-type of d-man.

Forsling on the other hand is probably trade bait or continues to develop in the AHL. Way too uncomfortable on the defensive end and didn’t see enough offensively to warrant him deserving a longer leash. He’s still only 21.

My opinion on Gus is that I truly think that he has what it takes to be a valuable offensive player on the back end for the Hawks. I can easily see a 45-point season for him next year if he’s able to take that next step and earn more trust/responsibility from Q. This is going to be a very important offseason for him and I hope he can come to camp stronger and more confident. His shot from the point is arguably the best on the team at this point, even better than Seabs. Hope to see it more next season.

Keith - Seabrook
Goose - Top-4 addition
Hillman - Murphy
Rutta

I’d like Oesterle back in the AHL. Now that he’s had meaningful NHL experience, I want him to go back down and play very well down there and force the team to bring him back up. He was (in my mind) the worst d-man on the team last season. But his speed and skating ability gave me a little bit of hope as a back-end d-man one day.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Arizona Coyotes have pulled off an oddly-timed trade.

Marcus Kruger and a 2018 third-round pick are headed to the Coyotes for Jordan Martinook and a fourth-round selection, the clubs confirmed Thursday.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Arizona Coyotes have pulled off an oddly-timed trade.

Marcus Kruger and a 2018 third-round pick are headed to the Coyotes for Jordan Martinook and a fourth-round selection, the clubs confirmed Thursday.
- walleyeb1

Would we want Kruger back (at a partially retained cap hit) for next year?
I'd consider it if AZ would retain enough salary so that we could bury him in the minors if it didn't work out. Maybe he could take some D Zone draws from ol' Johnny

Even though they have less NHL experience in comparison (4 games all by Hillman), I would much rather give the reigns over to Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta. Maybe not off the bat in October since Hillman, Gilbert, and Jokiharju should marinate first in the AHL to gain pro experience and proper development under Colliton, King, and Brookbank, but eventually either this season or next.

As for Forsling, I'd have a longer leash for him over Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Rutta but wouldn't be upset if he was part of a trade to upgrade say at bottom-6 center, top-4 defense, or backup goalie.

I know I'm not high on Jack Johnson the NHL player, but could we at least sign Jack Johnson the musician to replace Cornileson?
- AEL_Fox

I would go along with your view on Forsling's future. I suggest we have to remember eactly how Gus and Rutta are used. Gus could score plenty if he had free reign and his pair could have sheltered minutes if game strategy calls for it. Offensive zone starts, first team Pp replaces Keith in that role. Rutta is actually a skilled smart euro experienced player whom has been mentioned as pk role. If your defense is poorus why not leave Rutta in place of Forsling and Oesterle.

I have secretly had my fingers crossed the newbies would soon supplant thise you mentioned

It doesn't much matter who is the anthem singer as long as you aren't sitting next to me - cows sing better than i.

Would we want Kruger back (at a partially retained cap hit) for next year?
I'd consider it if AZ would retain enough salary so that we could bury him in the minors if it didn't work out. Maybe he could take some D Zone draws from ol' Johnny
- Slofire94

No, he got buried in the AHL last season. He also has some injury issues that might've caused that demotion.

This was simply Carolina beating us to the punch of sending salary cap to a dump team, Arizona.

I think Rask would slot directly into the 2C spot. Guys been a real gamer the past few seasons if i remember correctly. Maybe we can unload Captain Albatross and just slot Rask into 1C? The possibilities are endless (kind of)!
- BlazinMike

Rask blows.

Okay, he doesn't blow, necessarily, but he's not great.

Like, his production is similar to that of a good 3C, but he's played similar minutes to a 2C.

Solid middle 6 C, but probably a 3C at best on a good team. Think a less dynamic Matt Cullen.

No, he got buried in the AHL last season. He also has some injury issues that might've caused that demotion.

This was simply Carolina beating us to the punch of sending salary cap to a dump team, Arizona.
- ObeseOprah

Kruger was a healthy scratch in Charlotte for the first round of the playoffs.

Charlotte swept Wilkes-Barre.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Arizona Coyotes have pulled off an oddly-timed trade.

Marcus Kruger and a 2018 third-round pick are headed to the Coyotes for Jordan Martinook and a fourth-round selection, the clubs confirmed Thursday.
- walleyeb1

Kruger reunites with Hammer

Kruger was a healthy scratch in Charlotte for the first round of the playoffs.

Charlotte swept Wilkes-Barre.
- BINGO!

Could very well be.

Could also be that the new Hurricane owner is standing behind his tough talk and intention to improve. The sooner the better for a hands on owner. Clearing salary cap once, maybe again. But who wants to play in Carolina? Sweet Caroline. $$$

Could very well be.

Could also be that the new Hurricane owner is standing behind his tough talk and intention to improve. The sooner the better for a hands on owner. Clearing dalary cap once, maybe again. But who wants to play in Carolina? Sweet Caroline. $$$
- jhawk59

Nah. Jordan Martinook is not exactly an impact guy by any stretch, but after initially showing a lot of tenacity and strong play, Kruger fell apart very quickly and brought nothing to the table by the time the 30 game mark rolled around.

Nah. Jordan Martinook is not exactly an impact guy by any stretch, but after initially showing a lot of tenacity and strong play, Kruger fell apart very quickly and brought nothing to the table by the time the 30 game mark rolled around.
- BINGO!

Glad Stan could sign him though... 3.1M cap hit to get scratched in the AHL
Man I miss his F/O %

Terrible/great idea time: Thomas Vanek.

The guy is 34, hates to play defense, and loves to glide around waiting for a sweet sweet slow pass.

But, he can create offense. He's still hovering around 50 points and can awaken even the deadest PP. He's a big body that will go to the net.

His possession numbers are poor... like mid 40's despite getting O-zone starts up the wazoo. But I'd take a flier on him as a PP specialist and 2nd/3rd liner. He could be cheap.

Thoughts?

Glad Stan could sign him though... 3.1M cap hit to get scratched in the AHL
Man I miss his F/O %
- Slofire94

Whatever happened to the future considerations from Las Vegas?

Terrible/great idea time: Thomas Vanek.

The guy is 34, hates to play defense, and loves to glide around waiting for a sweet sweet slow pass.

But, he can create offense. He's still hovering around 50 points and can awaken even the deadest PP. He's a big body that will go to the net.

His possession numbers are poor... like mid 40's despite getting O-zone starts up the wazoo. But I'd take a flier on him as a PP specialist and 2nd/3rd liner. He could be cheap.

Thoughts?
- ObeseOprah

Ek has the hawks interested in Karlsson from Ottawa yes he would help but some injuries of late I would be careful plus Ottawa would want a haul back hawks don't have that many great prospects. Curious what the trade would look like?

Whatever happened to the future considerations from Las Vegas?
- Sn1362

Vegas has to win the SC first, then they will decide who to give up.

Gosh I just despise the uniforms of Vegas. Created on a dare - create the ugliest uniforms possible. The numbers are light grey which is just ridiculous. Scary to think of the designs thst lost.
- Z3Hawk

They are way better than the preds yellow hot mess

Kruger reunites with Hammer
- matt_ahrens

Arizona will buy-out Kruger then he'll re-sign with Chicago in the summer.

Arizona will buy-out Kruger then he'll re-sign with Chicago in the summer.
- DarthKane

To keep Hossa company?

Ek has the hawks interested in Karlsson from Ottawa yes he would help but some injuries of late I would be careful plus Ottawa would want a haul back hawks don't have that many great prospects. Curious what the trade would look like?
- Scott1977

I'd give them Forsling, DeBrincat OR Sikura, Anisimov (have to take that salary) and the Hossa contract

Arizona will buy-out Kruger then he'll re-sign with Chicago in the summer.
- DarthKane

That would be another typical Bowman/Quenneville ridiculous move.
Let's keep adding old ex hawks to our bottom 6. That would prove my theory that they have no idea how to rebuild this team. Absolutely not.

That would be another typical Bowman/Quenneville ridiculous move.
Let's keep adding old ex hawks to our bottom 6. That would prove my theory that they have no idea how to rebuild this team. Absolutely not.
- Hawkytalk

So....the 2 rebuilds that resulted in cup wins don't count?

I think Hillman, Gilbert, and Henri start in the AHL next year unless they light it up in camp. Oesterle should stay in AHL, he has perks in the O-zone but is a practice cone on D.

Unfortunately Gustafsson and Ruuta look like they're in the plan for 2018-19. If one of them can solidify a bottom pairing spot it's not the end of the world, although we are overpaying both. They're also both guys who have their value tethered to how well the team is playing, so on a great team they'd be 'good depth' but on our tire fire this year they were 'more plugs from overseas or career AHLers'.

I still don't like Jack Johnson, he was a poor possession player on a good possession team. He means something to fans nowadays because 'Jack Johnson the LA King' was a very good player seven years ago. He can skate pretty well for a defenseman, and can actually throw a hit, but he's been surpassed by smarter players like Werenski, Jones, and Savard.

Like I said before, he NEEDS this contract to pay him because of his bankruptcy issues. Is he going to whine if Keith or Forsling or whoever gets all the first PP minutes and ruins his chances of another big contract after this? The Hawks can't afford to be a charity to anyone, not when they're currently paying $5 and $6 Million to two players who haven't played for the team in 2018.
- ObeseOprah

Didn't know that about Johnson being bankrupt. While I hope the best for him personally and financially, I agree that the Hawks are not in a situation where they can be charitable to him contract-wise. Know your price point and move on if he requires too much. The hole he would fill is one of many on the team so it's no good to overspend in one area when other areas also need money.

My observations have been similar that his defense and especially his offense has declined considerably over the past several years. Really the only thing I like about his game is that he plays physical. Good attribute that the Hawks sorely need, but it's best to have someone who brings physicality plus more to the table, i.e. strong defense and/or offensive skills.

I also agree that it's fine if one of Oesterle, Gustafsson, and Oesterle is in the starting lineup. Two or all 3 would result in more of the same fire drill defense we watched this year.