The article referred to in another post said $750,000 kicks in after 10 games.

But wouldn't that count against this year's cap since (because Kane was on LTIR at the end of the regular season) the Hawks would have room for it under this year's cap?
- StLBravesFan

I sure hope they can count it against this year's cap. I have seen conflicting information.

I sure hope they can count it against this year's cap. I have seen conflicting information.
- Elbows15

I'll worry about it in about 10 days, until then, it's the furthest thing from my mind.

So you are saying that if Danault gets coached up on the draws like Kruger did in the last off season, Danault will end up as good or the better player?

I'd take that as well.
- vabeachbear

That's a big IF bear. You don't often see the kind of improvement Kruger's made, basically 10%.

But, what I DO know about Danault, he is incredibly dedicated and tenacious. Very good skater, probably faster than Kruger, who isn't bad. Danault is a warrior in the corners but so is Kruger.

That's a big IF bear. You don't often see the kind of improvement Kruger's made, basically 10%.

But, what I DO know about Danault, he is incredibly dedicated and tenacious. Very good skater, probably faster than Kruger, who isn't bad. Danault is a warrior in the corners but so is Kruger.
- John Jaeckel

Also bigger. May have bit more offense to his game but really hard to judge that since Kruger has been so valuable in his role that whether or not he has every had an opportunity to truly find out is open to question.

I'll worry about it in about 10 days, until then, it's the furthest thing from my mind.
- Ogilthorpe2

Agree.

Also bigger. May have bit more offense to his game but really hard to judge that since Kruger has been so valuable in his role that whether or not he has every had an opportunity to truly find out is open to question.
- Elbows15

A bit bigger yes, not sure he'll be any better offensively. What I love about Danault is that he plays at high speed, and competes like a mofo and has some basic skill in his hands. And he plays defense. To me he's a more rugged version of Kruger, sort of, I guess, but they're awfully similar players. Stylistically. Danault has much to prove at the NHL level to be a "replacement" for Kruger. He "projects" as that but he has to meet that projeciton with actual production.

A bit bigger yes, not sure he'll be any better offensively. What I love about Danault is that he plays at high speed, and competes like a mofo and has some basic skill in his hands. And he plays defense. To me he's a more rugged version of Kruger, sort of, I guess, but they're awfully similar players. Stylistically. Danault has much to prove at the NHL level to be a "replacement" for Kruger. He "projects" as that but he has to meet that projeciton with actual production.
- John Jaeckel

So if we keep Kruger, then Kruger & Danault are 3C/4C. Still the gaping hole at 2C… or do you think Teuvo will try to make that jump?

Hardly. They were based on his play early this season. If people were watching objectively, they would have seen that when he was used for extended stretches he improved steadily, and got better with each game. But after the first week or two of the season, it didn't matter, it was too late...the HB narrative had been written, and group think took over. Nothing he did, or does will ever matter.

For the record, I don't think he's very good either, and I certainly don't want him back next year, but the amount of venom and vitriol directed at him on this site the last 8+ months is so over the top it's beyond ridiculous.
- Ogilthorpe2

Here? Venom and vitriol. No! No different than some of the stuff seen here and elsewhere about Sopel, Walker, Bickell or Montador. Teams/fans have goats.

His worst game of the year was without question the OT game against Vancouver around Feb. His plus minus was solid but he was protected more easlily with TVR around and Oduya looking bad too. The team was hot in the 1st half. When needed he looked bad. He was on the ice for both early goals in game 1 against ANA. He made some confident passes and some better plays in Tampa so maybe he shows something but I agree - rather see him elsewhere.

A bit bigger yes, not sure he'll be any better offensively. What I love about Danault is that he plays at high speed, and competes like a mofo and has some basic skill in his hands. And he plays defense. To me he's a more rugged version of Kruger, sort of, I guess, but they're awfully similar players. Stylistically. Danault has much to prove at the NHL level to be a "replacement" for Kruger. He "projects" as that but he has to meet that projeciton with actual production.
- John Jaeckel

Hard to measure Kruger's actual production other than FO%. He doesn't register a lot of points but does so many things well.

I know you mentioned it but the frustration level was so apparent on Perry's face last round...classic!

Here? Venom and vitriol. No! No different than some of the stuff seen here and elsewhere about Sopel, Walker, Bickell or Montador. Teams/fans have goats.

His worst game of the year was without question the OT game against Vancouver around Feb. His plus minus was solid but he was protected more easlily with TVR around and Oduya looking bad too. The team was hot in the 1st half. When needed he looked bad. He was on the ice for both early goals in game 1 against ANA. He made some confident passes and some better plays in Tampa so maybe he shows something but I agree - rather see him elsewhere.
- tredbrta

Venom and vitriol? hahahahaha

Hard to measure Kruger's actual production other than FO%. He doesn't register a lot of points but does so many things well.

I know you mentioned it but the frustration level was so apparent on Perry's face last round...classic!
- HawkintheD

Yep Kesler too, which touched me at my core.

Here? Venom and vitriol. No! No different than some of the stuff seen here and elsewhere about Sopel, Walker, Bickell or Montador. Teams/fans have goats.

His worst game of the year was without question the OT game against Vancouver around Feb. His plus minus was solid but he was protected more easlily with TVR around and Oduya looking bad too. The team was hot in the 1st half. When needed he looked bad. He was on the ice for both early goals in game 1 against ANA. He made some confident passes and some better plays in Tampa so maybe he shows something but I agree - rather see him elsewhere.
- tredbrta

Oh it's been here from the start. FTR I don't want him back either but TBF if the team's healthy he's a 7/8 dman.

Speaking of projects - Ron Wilson was interviewed today and asked about Anton Stralman when he had him as a young player with the Leafs. Being very polite, Wlson said the problem with Stralman then was he was very timid on the ice (aka scared sh$tless).

After half a season, Wilson went to Brian Burke and asked him to get rid of Stralman for any warm body who could play. Burke called Darryl Sutter and got 33 year old Wayne Primeau and Calgary's 2nd round pick in 2011 for Stralman and some other nobody. SUtter watched Stralman in action and after a short period of time sent Stralman packing to Columbus for a 3rd rounder. After 2 years in Columbus, Stralman wound up in New York.

Meanwhile, Brian Burke needed to get his original 2nd round pick in 2010 back in order to get Phil Kessel in trade from Boston. He called up Stanbo and they flipped 2nd rounders, with Stanley getting the Leafs #2 in 2011 which they got from Cagary. That selection turned out to be Brandon Saad.

And Stalman is doing just fine now.

Maybe Stanbo is hoping scared, timid David Rundblad eventually turns out like Stralman. Can't see it myself.
- RickJ

AS is a good story. Rundblad doesn't skate/move like Stralman though. Maybe if he was more decisive/aggressive. Not sure but not interested in waiting 2-3 years. He is 24 now.

Yep Kesler too, which touched me at my core.
- John Jaeckel

Did you call for an adult?

So if we keep Kruger, then Kruger & Danault are 3C/4C. Still the gaping hole at 2C… or do you think Teuvo will try to make that jump?
- DMChi2010

Good question. Danault might start out as a wing. I personally think EVENTUALLY TT will end up at C, but it might not be next year. He just has to get a lot stronger.

Yep Kesler too, which touched me at my core.
- John Jaeckel

Saw you mentioning him potentially being offer sheeted. In a different way would suck almost as much as Saad being offer sheeted given the team's lack of veteran centers after this season and the quality depth he brings.

Did you call for an adult?
- Ogilthorpe2

Ha, good one

Did you call for an adult?
- Ogilthorpe2

Stranger Danger...Stranger Danger!!!

Oh it's been here from the start. FTR I don't want him back either but TBF if the team's healthy he's a 7/8 dman.
- HawkintheD

Agreed. 6-7-8 at best. Rather see Johns, TVR (also older prospects nut younger than DR) get the 4-5-6 spots plus a vet and hopefully Reilly. Gustafson could also be in the mix (23 years old). Keep trying out prospects until the ones with real upside make an impression worthy of a "project".

Saw you mentioning him potentially being offer sheeted. In a different way would suck almost as much as Saad being offer sheeted given the team's lack of veteran centers after this season and the quality depth he brings.
- HawkintheD

I don't know. I know the Hawks love him but I have not heard specifically that he is high on their priority list like Saad is this summer and Seabrook next summer. Doesn't mean he's not. Just not included in what I've heard.

I think Friedman is a smart guy and he has a good point on the potential for it. But we'll see. I have a hard time seeing Bowman do anything substantive til he moves some salary—we'll know more in about three weeks.

Good question. Danault might start out as a wing. I personally think EVENTUALLY TT will end up at C, but it might not be next year. He just has to get a lot stronger.
- John Jaeckel

Who is 3/4 C if Danault starts at wing? Does Shaw go back to C? Or Desjardins?

Who is 3/4 C if Danault starts at wing? Does Shaw go back to C? Or Desjardins?
- DMChi2010

Shaw? Desi? Kruger? Danault? TBD

Yep Kesler too, which touched me at my core.
- John Jaeckel

This is how I felt about Kesler's tears:

http://youtu.be/pbIR51_J_qY

Shaw? Desi? Kruger? Danault? TBD
- John Jaeckel

I hope Desi is back...preferably as a wing who can take a few draws and occasionally pitch in at 4C if needed.

Good question. Danault might start out as a wing. I personally think EVENTUALLY TT will end up at C, but it might not be next year. He just has to get a lot stronger.
- John Jaeckel

Well Danault is listed at 200lbs on some sites. If Kruger weighs more than a buck seventy-five I would be stunned.

Danault has played center pretty exclusively this season. Stronger? Probably. A lot will be determined by who does what this off season. Meaning that if you are a prospect in the Hawks system and you aren't working your ass off to be ready for camp, you are one of 2 things. An idiot or a career minor leaguer.