Bowman: I want a trouba lowery type trade for the 8th overall pick if i don't get something that doesn't resemble that then no i m trading that pick. Trade from a position of strength if bowman doesn't get what he wants then don't trade the pick.

Don't blame 19 for the contract handed to him by the Bowman twins

Let me know the next time 88 wins a key 3rd period face off or kills a big pk

Better yet let me know when he comes into his own zone to help out the D

99% of you have zero clue that there is more than just scoring points to help win games

Funny reads though......

Carry on....

- Goalie-33

2009 Kane, that's a fair assessment. Not any longer though. Kane's defensive game has improved a helluva lot since he entered the league, as he also works on the offensive side.

Can you say the same about Toews? IF so, SHOW us the stats that back it up....instead he's a 2nd line center on a cup winning team, that falls on his @ss when somebody breathes on him, and puts little work in off the ice to improve his game.


You know who else could win a faceoff and kill a penalty? Mike Eagles.

#8, Forsling, Sikura, Hossa for Erik Karlsson
- EnzoD

Pass. I know Karlsson is one of the best d-men (if not the best) in the league, but he's under contract for only one more year then he'll be in line for a massive long term contract at age 29.

#8, Forsling, Sikura, Hossa for Erik Karlsson
- EnzoD

I wouldn't reach for any player that has had an achilles injury. no matter how good. I have had one, and it's no day at the beach for a long time, and it has an effect on everything all the way up. Plattar faciatis becomes normal, hips and back don't feel the same. It's a female dog. I'd pass on Karlsson unless the price was right.

An out clause would be a good thing as long as it was at the option of the player. Guys would be getting launched left and right if it was up to the team.

I also think the percentage of players affected is higher in the NFL because guys get hit every play all game long.

I'm just amazed that hockey doesn't restrict the use of ballistic plastic in shoulder and elbow pads. Equipment companies will adapt but only if they have to. And the equipment needs to change immediately. Until it does concussions are going to happen on a wide spread basis just by accident. The NHL has the leverage to effect this change and it wouldn't cost them much at all. In my mind, until they try to do this they are not taking the subject serious.
- 6628

You know, this is a fantastic post.

After taking time off after college, marriage, kids, and skating again....I was amazed at how protective the new equipment is. Guys have no fear slashing you because you're completely covered and you dont' feel a thing. The shoulder pads alone have almost a "bullet proof" vest feel to them. I've been blasted in the arms and chest by slap shots and while I may bruise, I am no where near in as much pain as I would have been years ago. Not to mention the new skates are so much lighter.

You add quickness to everyone's game, and guys dressed in equipment that is literally built for war, and it's amazing more serious head injuries don't happen.

2009 Kane, that's a fair assessment. Not any longer though. Kane's defensive game has improved a helluva lot since he entered the league, as he also works on the offensive side.

Can you say the same about Toews? IF so, SHOW us the stats that back it up....instead he's a 2nd line center on a cup winning team, that falls on his @ss when somebody breathes on him, and puts little work in off the ice to improve his game.


You know who else could win a faceoff and kill a penalty? Mike Eagles.
- SteveRain

You're wasting your time Rainman. Rational commentary and analysis of the best player on the team and GOAT American Born NHL player, Paddy Kane, is lost on that one. The ONLY explanation is that this Goalie got lit up by Kane in peewee hockey OR Patty Kane stole his GF or hooked up with his wife/sister/mom. There is a deep, irrational hatred for Patrick Kane that the Goalie-33 has.


In regard to the Saad-Faulk swap rumors. No way do I trade Saad at his lowest possible value. Essentially becomes Panarin for Faulk, which is

You're wasting your time Rainman. Rational commentary and analysis of the best player on the team and GOAT American Born NHL player, Paddy Kane, is lost on that one. The ONLY explanation is that this Goalie got lit up by Kane in peewee hockey OR Patty Kane stole his GF or hooked up with his wife/sister/mom. There is a deep, irrational hatred for Patrick Kane that the Goalie-33 has.


In regard to the Saad-Faulk swap rumors. No way do I trade Saad at his lowest possible value. Essentially becomes Panarin for Faulk, which is


- EnzoD

I have no issue trading Saad, but the return should be better than Faulk. I think the Hawks could get Faulk without giving up Saad.

#8, Forsling, Sikura, Hossa for Erik Karlsson
- EnzoD

I'd love Karlson...but I wonder if the team/community "rallies behind him" due to Hoffman's girlfriend recent actions.

Or...if OTT is hell bent on making whoever takes Karlsson...must take Ryan, too. Which would make it a team like Vegas, who can afford both, more likely to be able to make that move, unfortunately

You know, this is a fantastic post.

After taking time off after college, marriage, kids, and skating again....I was amazed at how protective the new equipment is. Guys have no fear slashing you because you're completely covered and you dont' feel a thing. The shoulder pads alone have almost a "bullet proof" vest feel to them. I've been blasted in the arms and chest by slap shots and while I may bruise, I am no where near in as much pain as I would have been years ago. Not to mention the new skates are so much lighter.

You add quickness to everyone's game, and guys dressed in equipment that is literally built for war, and it's amazing more serious head injuries don't happen.
- SteveRain

I am equally suprised Toews is not wearing one of these
https://www.revzilla.com/...2WSgisEAQYAyABEgI8T_D_BwE

You're wasting your time Rainman. Rational commentary and analysis of the best player on the team and GOAT American Born NHL player, Paddy Kane, is lost on that one. The ONLY explanation is that this Goalie got lit up by Kane in peewee hockey OR Patty Kane stole his GF or hooked up with his wife/sister/mom. There is a deep, irrational hatred for Patrick Kane that the Goalie-33 has.


In regard to the Saad-Faulk swap rumors. No way do I trade Saad at his lowest possible value. Essentially becomes Panarin for Faulk, which is


- EnzoD

HA....that's right. This is the guy that when the Hawks lost all year blamed every loss on Kane. Been awhile since I saw him post. Got it.

yeah, I don't sell on Saad either. IMO, they are so far out of it, that unless Bowman literally blows it up and moves a few guys, throws money around like it's July 1st 2009, I just can't logically say they have a decent shot at a cup last year.

We can debate all day long which of the 2/7/19 will be or has the best chance to regain their form. Point is, they haven't won a series in over 1000 days so if anything their legs should be fresh and the old bumps/bruises shouldn't have healed. Instead, each of those 3 has gotten worse each year....and 50 dealing multiple concussions...….it's just another HUGE question mark lurking.

The thought of playing Forsberg at all makes me sick. I love that he cares and shows a little Eddie the eagle when he gets juked out of his jock but there's not a lot there to be excited about it.

You have Kane......and hopefully DeBrincat not going Hartman and having a sophomore slump. Sikura? did we see anything to get excited about?

The biggest issue is that the Hawks have maybe 3 years left with 2/7/19 to win and they need more then just a Justin Faulk or Skinner to get them back in the conversation. Nashville rolled them 2 years ago......and they have ZERO shot at beating Nashville OR Winnipeg in a 7 game series without a plethora of moves.

I have no issue trading Saad, but the return should be better than Faulk. I think the Hawks could get Faulk without giving up Saad.
- DarthKane

If you trade Saad who are you replacing him with?

This team doesn't have a lot of guys buried on line 3 that easily could be playing top 6 minutes. In fact, they have a few guys in their top 6 that really should be on line 3.

I'd love Karlson...but I wonder if the team/community "rallies behind him" due to Hoffman's girlfriend recent actions.

Or...if OTT is hell bent on making whoever takes Karlsson...must take Ryan, too. Which would make it a team like Vegas, who can afford both, more likely to be able to make that move, unfortunately
- PatShart

I saw a hilarious post online something along the lines of "George McPhee probably made those fake IG accounts to lower the asking price on Karlsson"

I am equally suprised Toews is not wearing one of these
https://www.revzilla.com/...2WSgisEAQYAyABEgI8T_D_BwE
- riozzo

Ha...don't laugh but my bauer shoulder pads I bought 2 years ago look VERY similar to this. All that's missing is the hard plastic cups for shoulders and extender to cover lower shoulder and triceps.

Like I said 20 years ago I break ribs getting hit where I have been by shots....now at worst I get a small bruise that I barely notice.

I saw a hilarious post online something along the lines of "George McPhee probably made those fake IG accounts to lower the asking price on Karlsson"
- EnzoD

Or maybe I'm George McPhee...

As far as Saad for Faulk...no thanks

Now if its Saad for Hanafin...I may think about it

You're wasting your time Rainman. Rational commentary and analysis of the best player on the team and GOAT American Born NHL player, Paddy Kane, is lost on that one. The ONLY explanation is that this Goalie got lit up by Kane in peewee hockey OR Patty Kane stole his GF or hooked up with his wife/sister/mom. There is a deep, irrational hatred for Patrick Kane that the Goalie-33 has.


In regard to the Saad-Faulk swap rumors. No way do I trade Saad at his lowest possible value. Essentially becomes Panarin for Faulk, which is


- EnzoD

Hey Enzo, Rainman - hope you're both well. Completely agree on the Saad thing - he had a down year I would expect him to return to form this season. No way do I move him. Interested to see how things will play out here with Bowman, Q et all. After Stan's moves last summer can't wait to see what's in store. Hopefully a better backup than a 42 year old accountant...but many holes to fill - too many in one swing. Rebuild coming? We'll see. Have to believe Crawford is the key here - we still don't know what's going on with him...

If you trade Saad who are you replacing him with?

This team doesn't have a lot of guys buried on line 3 that easily could be playing top 6 minutes. In fact, they have a few guys in their top 6 that really should be on line 3.
- SteveRain

Nobody on the roster, but there would have to be significant value in the trade to give up Saad. I don't see it happening, 3 years left of a decent contract for a top 6 forward is hard to give up.

Saad for Hamilton would be a decent trade.

If you trade Saad who are you replacing him with?

This team doesn't have a lot of guys buried on line 3 that easily could be playing top 6 minutes. In fact, they have a few guys in their top 6 that really should be on line 3.
- SteveRain

Agreed - Saad is not going anywhere - too important a piece for the Hawks. If more chances had been goals he’d be untouchable. Still should be untouchable. Last year was an out of kilter year team wide not just for Saad.

You know, this is a fantastic post.

After taking time off after college, marriage, kids, and skating again....I was amazed at how protective the new equipment is. Guys have no fear slashing you because you're completely covered and you dont' feel a thing. The shoulder pads alone have almost a "bullet proof" vest feel to them. I've been blasted in the arms and chest by slap shots and while I may bruise, I am no where near in as much pain as I would have been years ago. Not to mention the new skates are so much lighter.

You add quickness to everyone's game, and guys dressed in equipment that is literally built for war, and it's amazing more serious head injuries don't happen.
- SteveRain

I would think that any drastic change to the equipment "rules" would require the approval of the PA - and (even considering the potential positive effect on head injuries by making a change) the PA seems to be very reluctant to reduce the size or specs of any of the "protective" equipment.

Nobody on the roster, but there would have to be significant value in the trade to give up Saad. I don't see it happening, 3 years left of a decent contract for a top 6 forward is hard to give up.

Saad for Hamilton would be a decent trade.
- DarthKane

Agreed...….If I'm Bowman my only untouchable when a GM calls right now is Kane. that is it. Others it would take a "perfect deal" but I'd be willing to listen.

This team may need a change of scenery inside that room as well. I did see Eklund had toews on his rumor chart, and since I don't pay....I'd love to know his "E scale" of where Toews is going...…...

I would think that any drastic change to the equipment "rules" would require the approval of the PA - and (even considering the potential positive effect on head injuries by making a change) the PA seems to be very reluctant to reduce the size or specs of any of the "protective" equipment.
- StLBravesFan

I don't disagree...I just remember breaking out the old Joffa shoulder pads and you really had to have a set to go lead with your shoulder on a guy because if you weren't built like a tank you may give the hit, but you would feel it in your shoulder. Now a days I venture to bet these guys dont' feel much when they lead with the shoulder.

Agreed...….If I'm Bowman my only untouchable when a GM calls right now is Kane. that is it. Others it would take a "perfect deal" but I'd be willing to listen.

This team may need a change of scenery inside that room as well. I did see Eklund had toews on his rumor chart, and since I don't pay....I'd love to know his "E scale" of where Toews is going...…...
- SteveRain

Why do I feel, if you did pay and see the "E scale" (or the entire list for that matter), you would immediately feel the shame and disappointment for paying any money?

While looking for something else I came across an unrelated stat which was interesting. Last season the league league in turnover differential was - Nick Schmaltz. He was third overall with 86 takeaways and +55 in net turnovers.


- DarthKane

Wanted to comment on this earlier but didn't find the time. I think Schmaltz did this quietly under the radar, but his willingness to compete for pucks is underrated. I think he can really become a game changer for the Hawks as he develops more in the next few seasons. I've been a big supporter of his since he showed up in camp 2 years ago and impressed with his puck retrieval in his own end. I'm glad some more of the fanbase are seeing the light. Last off-season many were saying he should be expendable in trade and now the tune has changed.

He played a lot with Kane last year and deployment is a factor in this but....

5v5 GF% Kane and Schmaltz on the ice together 51.56%
Kane GF% without Schmaltz 39.29%

Even better the year before with Toews
Toews/Schmaltz at 5v5 GF 69.23% while both players were around 51-53% apart from each other.

The kid has done well playing with Kane at C or playing on Toews wing, but in a short amount of time he has become an important part of the top 6.

Hey Enzo, Rainman - hope you're both well. Completely agree on the Saad thing - he had a down year I would expect him to return to form this season. No way do I move him. Interested to see how things will play out here with Bowman, Q et all. After Stan's moves last summer can't wait to see what's in store. Hopefully a better backup than a 42 year old accountant...but many holes to fill - too many in one swing. Rebuild coming? We'll see. Have to believe Crawford is the key here - we still don't know what's going on with him...
- DK002

Good to hear from you DK

HOpe all is well with you as well.

Agreed.....CC is the key and I always find it humorous nobody in this great beat coverage with all these sources can ever break a story. You would think a guy would be able to get the scoop on CC to see how/if he is progressing. There is no promise Hawks will divulge that at the grab fest next month either.

Why do I feel, if you did pay and see the "E scale" (or the entire list for that matter), you would immediately feel the shame and disappointment for paying any money?
- PatShart

HA

Exactly why I won't pay.....Love the E(1-5) season. Always makes me chuckle. I have to be careful. I once referred to an infamous quote during trade deadline centre back in 2010 re Eklund and I almost got banned.

So now....I just read it and try to grasp what "source" he is talking about, and if it makes ANY sense at all.

HA

Exactly why I won't pay.....Love the E(1-5) season. Always makes me chuckle. I have to be careful. I once referred to an infamous quote during trade deadline centre back in 2010 re Eklund and I almost got banned.

So now....I just read it and try to grasp what "source" he is talking about, and if it makes ANY sense at all.
- SteveRain

I would be forced to openly mock you for paying. I wouldn't want to, but it would be an obligation. I hope you understand

As I'm also tempted to give you grief for still even wearing shoulder pads while playing. 😂