The NHL holiday trade freeze is currently in effect. The timing is December 19th to the 27th; this has been the "life freeze" I've been waiting on for 9 months as I still await the birth of my 2nd child. #nobabyyet
Even though the Hawks are on a 5-game winning streak (which we may have forgotten about after a 3-day layoff) and the NHL imposed trade freeze is on, there is still a lot of talk on the message boards about transactions.
I think Stan and Q are starting to get more confident with this group. In saying that, they still need to see these guys take the next step to look like they belong with the Blues, Jets and Preds to add to this team.
Would an Evander Kane help this team for a playoff push? Yes.
I just don't think you're going to see an Evander Kane for Sikura, Rutta and a 1st type deal this year. My intel, coupled with my opinion is that they will be holding on to the youth and look to add a couple character, depth players near/at the deadline.
As it stands now, if the Hawks team we've witnessed in the last couple weeks continues their strong play, they currently have a roster that could win a playoff series or two (maybe more with some luck).
The notable improvements from last year would be the bigger bodies for a more physical presence and pushback in a 7-game series. The additions of Bouma, Wingels, Murphy and Saad were no mistake; "Harder to play against" was the language Bowman used and we've seen a more physically engaged Hawks team then we've become accustomed to watching.
Also worth noting, by the time April rolls around, they should have their youngsters playing more significant roles vs. last year. Schmaltz and Hartman now know what to expect and Debrincat, Hinostroza, Forsling and Rutta are gaining valuable ice-time in all situations and may not be fazed be post-season hockey.
Another factor that people need to take into account in terms of the roster construction is that Stan Bowman is doing everything he can to get Dylan Sikura signed. If he is successful, he’s already on record promising the John Hayden treatment of games in spring 2018. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Sikura will play in the playoffs, however, the Hawks will have to make room on their roster. Look how hard it was to get Hinostroza in the lineup; with that in mind, look for the Hawks to deal from strength (at that time) to free up space. My bet is you see Kempny moved around this time (that’s just my opinion).
The only scenario where I see them reaching for a Kane or a James Neal (if the Knights ever fade... how do they keep winning?), would be if the Hawks are lights out from here until February. If they can convince Bowman that they are a contender, not pretenders, they may change their tune and part with assets in the form of a younger roster player, prospect and/or a high draft pick.
Next up, on the ice, Chicago takes on the Stars next and look to make it 6 in a row.
The Hawks, Stars and Wild are all tied with 39 points as they play tug-of-war with 4th place in the Central. Chicago has played the least amount of games by 2 and 1 respectively.
Mattias Janmark had the Hawks number in the 1st matchup of the year, scoring 2 goals (1 in OT) as Dallas took a 4-3 win.
2 days later, the Hawks licked their wounds and headed to Dallas for a rematch; unfortunately, the Stars took the Hawks down in extra innings again with a 3-2 SO win.
The Hawks look to have their revenge at American Airlines Center as they embark on a 6-game road trip that will take them to January 4th.
Dallas will be hungry as they've been losers in their last 3-games (last 2 in OT) with 6 losses in their last 8 games.
The Hawks lineup will have 1 change, Richard Panik should get the tap on the 3rd line with Hartman and Hinostroza. Patrick Sharp will have a view from the press box.
Panik will undoubtedly come out with a bee in his bonnet. The speed of Hinostroza and grit of Hartman should motivate him to an ungodly level, however, the key being that #14 has to play his game and not try to do too much.
Rutta and Franson will not dress but are traveling with the team. That means Kempny and Oesterle remain in the lineup.
Keep an eye on: Gustav Forsling, who has been the shiny new toy on defence this year, might be dinged up. Either that, or he and Ulf are working on a few things with his game. His TOI has been dialed back a bit the last couple of games (trending downwards from 22+ mins to 17-18 in the last 2 games). This has been in favour of increased time to Seabrook and "new time" Jordan Oesterle.
That's all I have to say about that.
See ya out there!
JL
-- Who we got tonight: Dallas Stars
Season Matchup:
Chicago Dallas ✔✔
18-14-3 = 39 points T-4th in Central Division (w/ Hawks) Last game: LOSS vs. Washington (4-3 OT) GF: 100 / GA: 102 PP% = 19.0% (17th in NHL) PK% = 81.0% (16th in NHL) Sniper: Jamie Benn – 14 goals Producer: Jamie Benn – 30 points Tough Guys: – Antoie Roussel - 65 PIMs (you may be disappointed, but he may be out due to the fact that he and his wife just had a baby) & Jaime Benn - 73 hits Expected Starter: Ben Bishop
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