John Jaeckel: Hawks Meet Wild, Er Jackets. And Rumors.

I thought the meetings were standard, mid-year reviews for all players.
Hoping Kruger gets back soon!

Where were the "rumours"?

I thought the meetings were standard, mid-year reviews for all players.
Hoping Kruger gets back soon!
- Kentxo

They are standard, they also usually precede deals.

Where were the "rumours"?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I don't do rumours. Only rumors. There were a couple in there.

I feel Bolland is like russion roulette in the fact that you never know if he will stay healthy. When he is on, he is the best 3rd line center in the league as seen against the Canucks routinely. When he is hurt, it hurts the Hawks. Unless Chicago tightens up on D, it will be a long month without Sharpie. Kane needs the fire he had at the beginning of the year. I said earlier in the year the Hawks willburn out their stars if the bench keeps getting shortened, and against the Wings, Toews looked like he had the fire, but not the legs by OT. I am surprised Morin wasn't brought up instead of Smith.

I feel Bolland is like russion roulette in the fact that you never know if he will stay healthy. When he is on, he is the best 3rd line center in the league as seen against the Canucks routinely. When he is hurt, it hurts the Hawks. Unless Chicago tightens up on D, it will be a long month without Sharpie. Kane needs the fire he had at the beginning of the year. I said earlier in the year the Hawks willburn out their stars if the bench keeps getting shortened, and against the Wings, Toews looked like he had the fire, but not the legs by OT. I am surprised Morin wasn't brought up instead of Smith.
- ikeane

Well, Bolland's your second line C for now.

I actually prefer Smith to Morin for this team's needs.

Well, Bolland's your second line C for now.

I actually prefer Smith to Morin for this team's needs.
- John Jaeckel

As per the beat reporters at practice today, looks like Frolik gets another shot at C with Smith and Hossa on the wings. Bick-Bolly-Shaw on 3rd with 1st/4th remaining the same.

Where were the "rumours"?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Rumor 1: First, the Hawks have been holding some meetings of late that usually lead to deals almost immediately, last year's Frolik for Skille deal being one of them.

I take this to mean to watch the Hawks in the transcaction column of your favorite newspaper in the next week or two.


Rumor 2: Second, the trade market remains tight, and I have heard some rumblings that some in the organization have questioned Stan Bowman's laying his cards out in the media recently—that in a seller's market, the last thing you want to do is make yourself look desperate or tell the world what it is you're really after.
I will say this, there is a certain, undeniable logic there. Bowman needs to be like a duck: calm on the surface, yet paddling like mad under the surface. Telling fans what you'e shopping for puts you no closer to actually acquiring those assets—and actually could get in your way.

I take this to mean that there are some that feels Bowman might have driven prices up on assets they were looking at by announcing what he is looking for, similar to going into a car dealer and saying you want a Ford F150. Instead you say you are seeing if there are any cars that spark your interest. This way the dealer may lower the price on something to get you in it rather that have you say you want one specific vehicle and he says "here is what you pay or you don't drive it outta here".


Those ready to proffer up Dave Bolland, take note: I have heard another team asked for Bolland recently in return for a gritty and capable young forward and the Hawks said: "no dice."

I am torn, depending on the gritty and "capable young forward" and Kruger's return I would listen if I was StanBo. I'm not so it sounds like the Hawks are not willing to deal Bolland. I think this is in keeping with all of the interviews we have seen that say picks and propects are avaiable but baby Bowman doesn't want to trade roster players for help if he can avoid it.


Pretty close JJ?

Well, Bolland's your second line C for now.

I actually prefer Smith to Morin for this team's needs.
- John Jaeckel

Morin has a shot and hits from time to time, I do like Smith's front of the net game though. We need net presence and garbage goals. I think Shaw and Smith on the same line should be explored.

Hawks will most likely be looking for a 2nd line C.


Grabovski, who is a UFA July 1st, could be a good addition to your team.

As per the beat reporters at practice today, looks like Frolik gets another shot at C with Smith and Hossa on the wings. Bick-Bolly-Shaw on 3rd with 1st/4th remaining the same.
- TyCamScore

Sounds about right. As always, subject to change.

Hawks will most likely be looking for a 2nd line C.


Grabovski, who is a UFA July 1st, could be a good addition to your team.
- jbold

Although there are mixed opinions on him, he is a dynamic player who can fit the Hawks system if he's willing to work defensively. Would love to see him with Hossa.

Fun player to watch. Actually Hawk prospect Philip Danault reminds me a lot of him.

Interestingly, i have heard nothing about him or Toronto with regard to the Hawks.

Time for Mr. Kane to put on the all-star pants for the next few weeks. If Kane returns to first-month-of-the-season form than Sharp's loss will be marginalized. Personally, I would have put him with Hossa, as Hossa has been Hart-like ( Huh JJ, like that?) and making players better while Toews can play with anybody. But C'est la vie. Anyway, Kaner needs a first, second or third star of the week somewhere here in the next month. High bar? perhaps, but for a first pick of the draft, NHL 10 cover boy, 6.3 million dollar per year NHL 36 star, expectations should be high.

I'm hoping a defenseman is coming sooner than a forward. The more i think about it, the more I don't like Leddy getting all these minutes. Q was pretty much forced to do it, because almost all of Stan's D acquisitions washed out. ( Montador maybe just ranks as disappointing...) But the goal was to ease Leddy into becoming a 20 minute + defenseman. Instead, it was "Surprise, you're now Brian Campbell. He averaged 25 minutes per game and was a =28....Good luck, see you in January." You could see this wall he's hit coming a mile away. That the Hawks couldn't ( or wouldn't) do anything about it. RRRRRRGGGHH. Frustrating.

Anyway, Blue jackets. Don't fall asleep. and we should get 2 points.

JJ i saw Bowman's media address recently and he was pretty composed....meaning he didn't seem too desperate. He made some good points too...that a lot of the bottom teams right now are biding their time until they're officially sellers. Stan seemed content to play the waiting game as well. Should be interesting to see what transpires.

I would laugh my azz off if Dave Bolland gets traded out of Chicago. That rat wouldn't have a hole to hide in. See Ben Eager...

Sounds about right. As always, subject to change.
- John Jaeckel

Of course with Q, nice to see Smith and Frolik getting a legitimate shot in top 6. Hayes might find himself slowly moving up the ranks if he continues his strong play. Coach Q hinted he may get more time.

If the Hawks have any common sense.. PLEASE let Kruger sit for a couple more weeks. You can't mess with a guy's life like that and throw him back out there once symptoms seem to subside.

Rumor 1: First, the Hawks have been holding some meetings of late that usually lead to deals almost immediately, last year's Frolik for Skille deal being one of them.

I take this to mean to watch the Hawks in the transcaction column of your favorite newspaper in the next week or two.


Rumor 2: Second, the trade market remains tight, and I have heard some rumblings that some in the organization have questioned Stan Bowman's laying his cards out in the media recently—that in a seller's market, the last thing you want to do is make yourself look desperate or tell the world what it is you're really after.
I will say this, there is a certain, undeniable logic there. Bowman needs to be like a duck: calm on the surface, yet paddling like mad under the surface. Telling fans what you'e shopping for puts you no closer to actually acquiring those assets—and actually could get in your way.

I take this to mean that there are some that feels Bowman might have driven prices up on assets they were looking at by announcing what he is looking for, similar to going into a car dealer and saying you want a Ford F150. Instead you say you are seeing if there are any cars that spark your interest. This way the dealer may lower the price on something to get you in it rather that have you say you want one specific vehicle and he says "here is what you pay or you don't drive it outta here".


Those ready to proffer up Dave Bolland, take note: I have heard another team asked for Bolland recently in return for a gritty and capable young forward and the Hawks said: "no dice."

I am torn, depending on the gritty and "capable young forward" and Kruger's return I would listen if I was StanBo. I'm not so it sounds like the Hawks are not willing to deal Bolland. I think this is in keeping with all of the interviews we have seen that say picks and propects are avaiable but baby Bowman doesn't want to trade roster players for help if he can avoid it.


Pretty close JJ?
- ikeane

To me rumours or rumors for you Yankees actually include names to be dealt. Not the fact they might make a deal because they did last year or that the market is tough now to make a deal.

If the Hawks have any common sense.. PLEASE let Kruger sit for a couple more weeks. You can't mess with a guy's life like that and throw him back out there once symptoms seem to subside.
- busmaster

True. They rushed him back to early the first time and he was targeted and got hit hard which lead to this injury.

I thought the meetings were standard, mid-year reviews for all players.
Hoping Kruger gets back soon!
- Kentxo

Most teams do them in the first part of January.

It has been stated by Hawk coaches, and I have heard from others Bolland is thought to be an integral part of this team....Wonky back or not.

Time for Mr. Kane to put on the all-star pants for the next few weeks. If Kane returns to first-month-of-the-season form than Sharp's loss will be marginalized. Personally, I would have put him with Hossa, as Hossa has been Hart-like ( Huh JJ, like that?) and making players better while Toews can play with anybody. But C'est la vie. Anyway, Kaner needs a first, second or third star of the week somewhere here in the next month. High bar? perhaps, but for a first pick of the draft, NHL 10 cover boy, 6.3 million dollar per year NHL 36 star, expectations should be high.

I'm hoping a defenseman is coming sooner than a forward. The more i think about it, the more I don't like Leddy getting all these minutes. Q was pretty much forced to do it, because almost all of Stan's D acquisitions washed out. ( Montador maybe just ranks as disappointing...) But the goal was to ease Leddy into becoming a 20 minute + defenseman. Instead, it was "Surprise, you're now Brian Campbell. He averaged 25 minutes per game and was a =28....Good luck, see you in January." You could see this wall he's hit coming a mile away. That the Hawks couldn't ( or wouldn't) do anything about it. RRRRRRGGGHH. Frustrating.

Anyway, Blue jackets. Don't fall asleep. and we should get 2 points.
- yahoodi

Big boy pants would be nice for him. But then again he went MIA most of the first half last year only to go nutzo in February. We shall see.

Defender to eat 12 minutes + penalty kill time would be neat... 15 minutes + PK would be better but worse comes to worse is riding Olsen for several games - most of the rest of the season for some experience points since he only projects as 3rd line material anyways a good idea or bad idea or too desperate or should I just not bring it up again?

Time for Mr. Kane to put on the all-star pants for the next few weeks. If Kane returns to first-month-of-the-season form than Sharp's loss will be marginalized. Personally, I would have put him with Hossa, as Hossa has been Hart-like ( Huh JJ, like that?) and making players better while Toews can play with anybody. But C'est la vie. Anyway, Kaner needs a first, second or third star of the week somewhere here in the next month. High bar? perhaps, but for a first pick of the draft, NHL 10 cover boy, 6.3 million dollar per year NHL 36 star, expectations should be high.

I'm hoping a defenseman is coming sooner than a forward. The more i think about it, the more I don't like Leddy getting all these minutes. Q was pretty much forced to do it, because almost all of Stan's D acquisitions washed out. ( Montador maybe just ranks as disappointing...) But the goal was to ease Leddy into becoming a 20 minute + defenseman. Instead, it was "Surprise, you're now Brian Campbell. He averaged 25 minutes per game and was a =28....Good luck, see you in January." You could see this wall he's hit coming a mile away. That the Hawks couldn't ( or wouldn't) do anything about it. RRRRRRGGGHH. Frustrating.

Anyway, Blue jackets. Don't fall asleep. and we should get 2 points.
- yahoodi

By the decline in playing time recently Hammer has already hit a wall.

Big boy pants would be nice for him. But then again he went MIA most of the first half last year only to go nutzo in February. We shall see.

Defender to eat 12 minutes + penalty kill time would be neat... 15 minutes + PK would be better but worse comes to worse is riding Olsen for several games - most of the rest of the season for some experience points since he only projects as 3rd line material anyways a good idea or bad idea or too desperate or should I just not bring it up again?
- fattybeef

The problem with Olsen and every other dman signed this summer is they can't be trusted on the PK.....The strain is starting to show.