Justin Lowe: How Do These Hawks Look Two Years From Now? I'll start by saying this, no one can really predict what's going to happen 2 years into the future. At least, I don't think anyone can, however, if I'm wrong and you have some super physic powers, please hit me up.

I have created this (very) loose roster breakdown based on the trends and progression of players currently on the team and those in the Hawks system.

OK - so - first of all - FIRST.

Second - good job on all of that - and I know you said don't concentrate on the lines - but - my only issue is that the second line doesn't have any net-presence to it. You have good snipers in AdB and Kane, and good playmakers in Kane and Schmaltz, but I think they need someone going to the net and digging in the corners.

Carry on....

Since we are talking hypotheticals here, if we have another down-ish year, I could easily see both Saad and Murphy traded. They don’t have NMCs and would likely bring a better than decent return.

Also, the more I see and read about Ejdsell, the more I think he will be a top six player. He has a really good shot, can make plays and isn’t allergic to the slot. It doesn’t hurt that he is big either. He’s said multiple times that he is going to work on his skating so at least he is cognizant or his deficiencies.

Good Blog, tough to crystal ball in a league like this.

Toews still there.....crap

I think if anything it is good enough reason they need to win now because two years from now is such an unknown.

While we all like to complain about Seabrook, he isn't a useless hockey player just yet and Keith with the right partner could look a lot different than he did last year. I also don't buy that Toews is done - they just need him to not have to do literally everything.

Good idea...I think we should all keep in mind what the team could look like in 2 years when evaluating the moves Stan does or does not make this off-season.

There could be one or two additional pieces added as a result of this year's draft. That could be either the guys picked or guys acquired from dealing one of those picks.

I like that you have Soderlund in there, I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do but I think there is a place on the team for a player like him. Overall I like the composition of that 4th line.

I think that 3rd line could be solid too, they'll have the opportunity to gel over the next 1-2 seasons. I would like to see guys like DeBrincat, D. Sikura, Hayden, Hinostroza and Jokiharju to find a way to bond and come together as the next wave of Blackhawks. That's not to say they're all superstars, they'll have different roles, but it would be since to see them become a cohesive unit like the group before them.

I believe that you mean psychic not physic, unless it is some new sort of advanced metrics you are talking about.

Good Blog, tough to crystal ball in a league like this.
- Sec111

It truly is... but always fun to speculate... especially when your team hasn't played for months.

I believe that you mean psychic not physic, unless it is some new sort of advanced metrics you are talking about.
- TheTrob

Haha. I do... fixing.

Still sleepy from Father's Day/Daughter's bday yesterday.

I'll start by saying this, no one can really predict what's going to happen 2 years into the future. At least, I don't think anyone can, however, if I'm wrong and you have some super physic powers, please hit me up.

Forget telling how the Hawks will look in 2 years, tell me some winning lottery numbers!

A 21 year old with, at most, 2 seasons of NHL experience; and a 37 year old Duncan Keith, as your top pairing really stands out; as does a second pairing of a guy starting his third pro season paired with a guy in his second (presumably). Old rule of thumb is defensemen need 250 games in the NHL to meet their potential.

Off topic.

Chicago - O'Reilly, Rights to Lehner ($7,500,000 total cap hit),
Buffalo - 8th pick in this years draft, 3 round pick (Toronto's pick), Anisimov, Forsberg, Hossa contract, and a "b" level prospect, ($10,575,000 total cap hit),

Then spend cap money on Brodziak or Filppula $2mil 2 years, DeHaan $5 mil 5 years, Khudobin $2 mil 1 year. Maybe Wingels.

Saad, Toews, Hino
Dcat, ROR, Kane
3rd line of Schmaltz, Brodziak/Filppula, +RW
Fill out the 3rd line and create a 4th line out of Hayden, Edjsell, Martinsen, Kampf, Sikura, Duclair, Highmore etc.......

Forget telling how the Hawks will look in 2 years, tell me some winning lottery numbers!
- resqmed99

The Ottawa Senators would like to know that - big decision they have to make.

The Ottawa Senators would like to know that - big decision they have to make.
- StLBravesFan

I think this is a tougher choice than most people think. The Sens could get a game changer at #4 this year, or do they wait for a shot at a superstar next year (Hughes)? Whatever the Sens do with this pick will tip their hand for the upcoming season, If they give the pick to Colorado then it would appear they are in full rebuild mode.

Also...does that Duchene trade look terrible for Ottawa now. Damn....

Jfyi Sikura hasn't played center in a few years iirc. Maybe that changes in the next two years but I feel like typically if a player is off center in college or juniors, he probably won't be used/good there in the NHL.

@EricEngels
Things change so quickly. A week ago, I didn’t think it was likely the Habs would pass on Zadina at 3. Now, after speaking to several people, it seems they’re locked in on Kotkaniemi. They’ll move down to take him if they can, but it seems they’re willing to take him at 3.

This would obviously have a significant ripple effect for who is left for us to take at #8 if MTL pulls Kotkaniemi off the board early

A 21 year old with, at most, 2 seasons of NHL experience; and a 37 year old Duncan Keith, as your top pairing really stands out; as does a second pairing of a guy starting his third pro season paired with a guy in his second (presumably). Old rule of thumb is defensemen need 250 games in the NHL to meet their potential.
- Antilles

Please see: Chara-McAvoy.

I don't think Jokiharju will be better than McAvoy but Keith is better than Chara, so it could balance out. Also that 250 games rule depends partially on the age of NHL entry - Hillman/Gilbert will both be 24/25 in two years which is a good age for a defender.

Off topic.

Chicago - O'Reilly, Rights to Lehner ($7,500,000 total cap hit),
Buffalo - 8th pick in this years draft, 3 round pick (Toronto's pick), Anisimov, Forsberg, Hossa contract, and a "b" level prospect, ($10,575,000 total cap hit),
- -Doh-

Not a bad proposal at all

With that lineup, and no player moves, back to the late 1990s and early 2000’s, and 6 to 8000 fans at night in the United Center. And a lot of us will no longer be season ticket holder’s.

@EricEngels
Things change so quickly. A week ago, I didn’t think it was likely the Habs would pass on Zadina at 3. Now, after speaking to several people, it seems they’re locked in on Kotkaniemi. They’ll move down to take him if they can, but it seems they’re willing to take him at 3.

This would obviously have a significant ripple effect for who is left for us to take at #8 if MTL pulls Kotkaniemi off the board early
- Stan_Bowman

The guy I'm warming more and more to the Hawks picking is Hughes. A month ago I would have been against it, but the more I learn about the guy the more I think he could be solid. That being said, I don't see him lasting to #8.

Interesting reading lately that Kevin Hayes may be traded by the Rangers, the team he chose over us.
Hope he ends up where he least wants to go.

Also, please don't get caught up in "the lines", these are also loosely put together just for the visualization of this exercise.

In other words, use of the Q-zinart is acceptable!

The guy I'm warming more and more to the Hawks picking is Hughes. A month ago I would have been against it, but the more I learn about the guy the more I think he could be solid. That being said, I don't see him lasting to #8.
- DarthKane

Keep reading more and more that if he's there at #6, no chance Detroit lets the local product stay on the board

Please see: Chara-McAvoy.

I don't think Jokiharju will be better than McAvoy but Keith is better than Chara, so it could balance out. Also that 250 games rule depends partially on the age of NHL entry - Hillman/Gilbert will both be 24/25 in two years which is a good age for a defender.
- L_B_R

I think that is a tough comparison to make, given that Chara is such a different player than Keith. I mean, Chara is huge, long strides + long reach (plus long stick), and I think that helps him maintain his level of play longer.

If Keith is going to be a top pair D in two more years, I think it will have to be a similar situation to Boston where all the D are playing near 20 minutes a night.