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This morning, I heard some names the Hawks might be looking at—as a “for instance… of the types of players/ moves that can be expected this summer.
Hold on to your hats (sarcasm font on).
What we are talking about here are 4th line and 3rd pairing tweaks. Nothing more. So what the Hawks as an organization are apparently doing is betting that the core will be better in 2014-15 than it was in 2013-14—possibly with the matriculation of a Teuvo Teravainen.
And let me say this (lest someone else puts words in my mouth and starts a another Twitter Storm over it): I have never really questioned whether Teravainen will be a good (or very good) NHL player.
What is in question is when and how that will happen. This season? 2016? And as a center or as a right wing?
What never ceases to amaze me is the vitriol and indignation (and just plain foolishness) that erupts on Twitter or other message boards when someone questions whether a player (specifically one being heavily hyped by the Hawks) is ready for a substantial role in the NHL.
I’ll say it here: I think, if the Hawks plug Teravainen in as their second line center, they’re going to need to a) surround him with the right support, and b) be very patient with him. And then, as I told someone yesterday, light some candles and pray he finds his stride before the playoffs.
Back to rumors.
Vernon Fiddler (or that ilk) might be brought in as a 4th line C, allowing Marcus Kruger to officially and titularly (there, I said it) become what he really was in the playoffs—the third line center. Perfect role for him. Love the Kruger.
Fiddler? Meh. OK. Tough guy to play against. Strong on draws. Physical.
Ryan Carter, yes that Ryan Carter (who?), or that ilk, might be brought in as a 4th line energy forward. Makes sense. Versatile, plays hard, decent size.
A little more interesting is what will heretofore be known as the Brookbank Conundrum(â„¢).
Sheldon Brookbank, the pride of Lanegan, Saskatchewan. He’s an OK enough 7th defenseman. But if he asks for too much money this summer, he could be gone.
A player the Hawks are eyeing to replace him could be current Wild defenseman Nate Prosser, who the Hawks, I’m told, have been impressed with. Prosser (or that ilk) fits the Hawks’ blueline profile a bit better, more of a puck-mover.
So there you have it. Smaller, well, really small moves. Depth guys.
And more (or that ilk) as I have it
JJ