I'm surprised that people really don't see Tavares headed to Chicago. Tavares would LOVE to go to Chicago and there is no way in hell that Tavares is getting 15m like some are reporting. I can see Tavares headed to Chicago even if Toews stays. I can definitely see him signing for 10.5 mil/.
- Panarin27

And afford him how? Would have to move Keith and Crawford to make cap room.

Trading Toews who still has marketable star value will further hurt ticket sales in Chicago and help them wherever he goes. Don't expect much back in a trade, maybe the rights to sign Wayne Gretzky's toy poodle as it's all in the capable hands of Curley Bowman whose trades have afflicted numerous brutal beatings on the poor Blackhawks while bestowing tremendous blessings on the other more astute gm's especially in Columbus. Where are Moe and Larry when you need them.

I know Toews isn't worth $10.5 million, but the team is worse off without him. Anything is possible, but I would be shocked if he's moved.
- DarthKane

Same here. I'd be shocked.

I still think people are bent out of shape too much about Toews. A guy who typically scored at about a 70 point pace has been scoring at a 60 point pace. He lacked some finish on his chances but they were there. In the last two seasons, when paired with an effective winger he was scoring at about a point per game. (Schmaltz/Kane)

A lot of the Hawks wingers (DeBrincat, Hinostroza, Saad, Duclair) had their most effective 5v5 play (Better Scoring Chance differentials and goal differentials) when lining up with Toews. That is while often lining up against the other teams better players.

Fix the D issues, get an actually effective 3C to play some shutdown minutes and put Toews with legit top 6 wingers and he will perform pretty much at his career average IMO.

I don't agree with all of this but interesting take on the Hawks from an outsider.

I'm wondering how they land Damon Severson? He doesn't have anyone coming off the roster so picks and prospects?

I know the Hawks have liked him in the past and his stock fell a bit this year in NJ, but he's still a very good defenceman and one that the Hawks would welcome on the roster for the right price.
- Justin Lowe

Justin- Murphy and Asimov are missing from his list (and he mentions them as potential trade chips) so will assume one + pick? to NJ

Most people on this board would be thrilled to move Toews. Here is something to think about.

If he played on a line on another good team with a true LW and true RW for a full season (and not have to play with 2nd or 3rd line wingers, and not have to play with different line mates every few games or every few shifts) I believe you would see 25 to 30 goals, 35 to 40 assists, a very good plus minus, playing in all situations, against the opponents top centers and defenders, winning faceoffs, and a great leader in the locker room. Is that worth $10.5mil. Who is.

If you move him you lose your top center, top PK man, top faceoff man and a leader in the locker room.

You probably would have to eat some salary and you would get a 2nd line center (not many teams will trade their #1c) or top pairing defender, a highly rated prospect, a #1 pick and maybe some cap relief.

Be careful what you ask for.

I would prefer they go out and sign or trade for a 1st Line RW. Play him with Toews and Saad for 5 months (without line juggling). If they do not produce, then trade him at the TDL and go into full rebuild.
- -Doh-

I agree with this completely along with the notion that another poster shared that Toews overall play will improve if a strong defensive 3C who can win draws can be brought into the fold to take some of that shutdown role pressure that 19 has had with Bolland and now Kruger gone.

The Habs blogger had a recent post about his thoughts on the rumored Toews to Montreal trade. He thinks it will likely not happen but did propose a trade of Toews + 8th overall pick for Galchenyuk + 2nd rounder. Overpay on Chicago's part. Toews is >> Galchenyuk and logically a 1st round pick is >> than any pick of subsequent rounds.

Justin- Murphy and Asimov are missing from his list (and he mentions them as potential trade chips) so will assume one + pick? to NJ
- Revco38

AA 27th pick for severson wood and 2nd or AA to montreal for 2 of their 2nd rounders 35th and 56th they need center help badly. Then package the 27th pick and the 56th pick and get in the top 15th again and draft a center the finnish kid who's name I'm not going try and spell. Just some thoughts. Toews is not going anywhere like JJ said unless he wants to, and Karleeson is not coming here either. But anything can happen so what would be the haul for Toews say from Montreal or Carolina?

I agree with this completely along with the notion that another poster shared that Toews overall play will improve if a strong defensive 3C who can win draws can be brought into the fold to take some of that shutdown role pressure that 19 has had with Bolland and now Kruger gone.

The Habs blogger had a recent post about his thoughts on the rumored Toews to Montreal trade. He thinks it will likely not happen but did propose a trade of Toews + 8th overall pick for Galchenyuk + 2nd rounder. Overpay on Chicago's part. Toews is >> Galchenyuk and logically a 1st round pick is >> than any pick of subsequent rounds.
- AEL_Fox

Suggestion - don't bother reading Montreal bloggers. They think they have a God given right to win the Stanley Cup and don't recognize what a train wreck of a roster they really have in Montreal. The trade proposal is preposterous. Galchenyuk is a winger that knows how to play in the O zone and nothing more than that. And give up the 8th pick in the draft on top of that?

AA 27th pick for severson wood and 2nd or AA to montreal for 2 of their 2nd rounders 35th and 56th they need center help badly. Then package the 27th pick and the 56th pick and get in the top 15th again and draft a center the finnish kid who's name I'm not going try and spell. Just some thoughts. Toews is not going anywhere like JJ said unless he wants to, and Karleeson is not coming here either. But anything can happen so what would be the haul for Toews say from Montreal or Carolina?
- Scott1977

I think you are referring to Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Every time I see that name can't help but think he's the love child of Michael "Thor" Kostka and Antti Niemi.

Suggestion - don't bother reading Montreal bloggers. They think they have a God given right to win the Stanley Cup and don't recognize what a train wreck of a roster they really have in Montreal. The trade proposal is preposterous. Galchenyuk is a winger that knows how to play in the O zone and nothing more than that. And give up the 8th pick in the draft on top of that?
- RickJ

Haha, great advice!

Funny thing is the FIRST ONE who should go is not even a player. It is STAN BOWMAN!!!

Then get a real GM & move out:
Seabrook
Murphy
Saad
AA


Draft Quinn Hughes!!!!!!

I think you are referring to Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Every time I see that name can't help but think he's the love child of Michael "Thor" Kostka and Antti Niemi.
- AEL_Fox

Yes that's who i am referring to read the wiz reports on the centerman sounded he was the best of centers.

AA 27th pick for severson wood and 2nd or AA to montreal for 2 of their 2nd rounders 35th and 56th they need center help badly. Then package the 27th pick and the 56th pick and get in the top 15th again and draft a center the finnish kid who's name I'm not going try and spell. Just some thoughts. Toews is not going anywhere like JJ said unless he wants to, and Karleeson is not coming here either. But anything can happen so what would be the haul for Toews say from Montreal or Carolina?
- Scott1977

As it has happened for years now the value that many in Hawk Nation place on Anisimov is grossly too high. If he had real value he wouldn’t be part of trade discussions. He is seen by the Hawks as too pricey at 4M. He shouldn’t be - he should be a bargain at 4M but he is not. The truth is he is an oft-injured Center who is slow and terrible at the dot. If he is traded it will be more of a money drop situation.

And afford him how? Would have to move Keith and Crawford to make cap room.
- z1990z

Or Saad and Murphy

As it has happened for years now the value that many in Hawk Nation place on Anisimov is grossly too high. If he had real value he wouldn’t be part of trade discussions. He is seen by the Hawks as too pricey at 4M. He shouldn’t be - he should be a bargain at 4M but he is not. The truth is he is an oft-injured Center who is slow and terrible at the dot. If he is traded it will be more of a money drop situation.
- Z3Hawk

Another brilliantly thought out contract extended prematurely by Stanbo & Co.

BTW - where is the great Nick Schmaltz. Was he too tired to go play for Team USA at the World Championships with some of his teamates? But I'm sure he won't be too tired to ask Stanbo for a gigantic raise at the end of next season.

Don't get too carried away with draft picks. They are only guesses of what some guy might turn into some time in the future. Key word = might. They are not sure things even first rounders. You need great judgement and a lot of luck to make a successful draft pick. Smarter to obtain established players. If the Hawks are wise at the draft they will send Bowman to the most remote corner of the Fiji Islands during that entire week. Maybe fatten him up for the locals first.

Another brilliantly thought out contract extended prematurely by Stanbo & Co.

BTW - where is the great Nick Schmaltz. Was he too tired to go play for Team USA at the World Championships with some of his teamates? But I'm sure he won't be too tired to ask Stanbo for a gigantic raise at the end of next season.
- RickJ

Was he invited? I hadn't heard/seen his name among those who were asked.

Was he invited? I hadn't heard/seen his name among those who were asked.
- Chunk

Well USA National Team Advisory Group Member Mr. Stanley Bowman is with the team as is Patrick Kane, Debrincat, Oesterle and Connor Murphy. You would think somebody might ask him - but maybe not, who knows.

But it might also indicate where he ranks among young players in the early part of their careers.

Funny thing is the FIRST ONE who should go is not even a player. It is STAN BOWMAN!!!

Then get a real GM & move out:
Seabrook
Murphy
Saad
AA


Draft Quinn Hughes!!!!!!
- Goalie-33

Why does Stan have to be first? Can’t the Hawks fire Stan, Q and McD all at the same time while simultaneously trading Seabrook, Keith, Kane, Toews, Murphy, Saad, Anisimov, DeBrincat, Schmaltz, Rutta, Forsling, Gustafsson, Duclair, Hinostroza, Hayden, Jurco, Sikura (both of them), Jokiharju, Oesterle, Crawford and Forsberg? I think it can be done.

Well USA National Team Advisory Group Member Mr. Stanley Bowman is with the team as is Patrick Kane, Debrincat, Oesterle and Connor Murphy. You would think somebody might ask him - but maybe not, who knows.

But it might also indicate where he ranks among young players in the early part of their careers.
- RickJ

Maybe. Regarding your point about his next contract, he ca ask for as much as he wants... he's an RFA, so he only has so much leverage.

Another brilliantly thought out contract extended prematurely by Stanbo & Co.

BTW - where is the great Nick Schmaltz. Was he too tired to go play for Team USA at the World Championships with some of his teamates? But I'm sure he won't be too tired to ask Stanbo for a gigantic raise at the end of next season.
- RickJ

at the gym

at the gym
- Slofire94

With all the flack Toews and Schmaltz get about their workout regimen or lack thereof, I wonder what strength and conditioning coach Paul Goodman thinks and how much leverage he has on each player.

Same here. I'd be shocked.

I still think people are bent out of shape too much about Toews. A guy who typically scored at about a 70 point pace has been scoring at a 60 point pace. He lacked some finish on his chances but they were there. In the last two seasons, when paired with an effective winger he was scoring at about a point per game. (Schmaltz/Kane)

A lot of the Hawks wingers (DeBrincat, Hinostroza, Saad, Duclair) had their most effective 5v5 play (Better Scoring Chance differentials and goal differentials) when lining up with Toews. That is while often lining up against the other teams better players.

Fix the D issues, get an actually effective 3C to play some shutdown minutes and put Toews with legit top 6 wingers and he will perform pretty much at his career average IMO.
- breadbag

I disagree with the keep Toews commentary. While he remains a capable player, he can be added to the list of non physical & shies away from physical play. This from a center not among the league's best and at that cap hit?

Move him now while you may receive a descent return. If at trade opens up salary cap room and or results in a higher draft choice, by all means if you want to rebuild.....get new piece available now. This new piece may not be as good or available after next season.

Stop gushing over what was and move on. That is not only my feeling, but prudent for Stan if he truly may loose his job after next season

You are not going to get better with Toews. Last season you never knew what version showed up

Looking at a hypothetical statement because it might actually be sensible, yes sir I would accept pesce and exchanging out first round picks where we move up. And either or both Dobson and Wahlstrom represent the sort of players we need.

Why does Stan have to be first? Can’t the Hawks fire Stan, Q and McD all at the same time while simultaneously trading Seabrook, Keith, Kane, Toews, Murphy, Saad, Anisimov, DeBrincat, Schmaltz, Rutta, Forsling, Gustafsson, Duclair, Hinostroza, Hayden, Jurco, Sikura (both of them), Jokiharju, Oesterle, Crawford and Forsberg? I think it can be done.
- DarthKane

I’m free on weekends

Just a couple random thoughts, is Toews happy here? What about Seabrook or Keith, are either of them burned out or just tire of playing in Chicago?

Would any of the above just like a change of scenery, somewhere different?

I'm surprised that people really don't see Tavares headed to Chicago. Tavares would LOVE to go to Chicago and there is no way in hell that Tavares is getting 15m like some are reporting. I can see Tavares headed to Chicago even if Toews stays. I can definitely see him signing for 10.5 mil/.
- Panarin27

Awesome, I hadn't heard the cap went up to 100 million.