Give me a heads-up when the Kris Versteeg rumors begin.
List of feasible left wing candidates is very weak...Versteeg may get another tour of duty.
- Al

Versteeeeeeggggg

Versteeeeeeggggg
- mrpaulish

Well next in line is Stalberg...

Boyle as an additive move would help for sure, no argument. But how do they afford him and make any other necessary moves?
- John Jaeckel

Oh God no. There's gotta be a beer league guy available....

Give me a heads-up when the Kris Versteeg rumors begin.
List of feasible left wing candidates is very weak...Versteeg may get another tour of duty.
- Al

Al:

Define "feasible."

Because, FACT, every year at this time, I hear there are no "feasible" options and yet, Bowman has gone out and found "feasible" options. Seriously.

"They don't have the cap room."
"Can't trade the future." (Dahlbeck, Dano, etc)
"Team X won't trade Player Y."

And then what happens?

So, I know it's hard to resist the temptation to tamp down expectations , but just looking at ONE team, (Detroit), I see three potential LW acquisitions. Leaving out Toronto, Colorado, Arizona and likely others.

Why does a team have to have a for sale sign out on some broken down piece like Shane Doan or Iginla with a bloated contract to make it PLAUSIBLE that they might be willing to part with some asset of value?

Why do GMs have to (stupidly) lay all their cards on the table so fans will believe that there might be conversations going on?

Why ask why?

Maybe I am the one taking crazy pills here. LOL.

All kidding aside, there are a lot of plausibly available left wings out there—even if the GMs of their teams have not held news conferences (or called Bob McKenzie to clear it with him first) to say they are.

Well next in line is Stalberg...

- Al

Because teams never trade anyone of value at the trade deadline.

Al:

Define "feasible."

Because, FACT, every year at this time, I hear there are no "feasible" options and yet, Bowman has gone out and found "feasible" options. Seriously.

"They don't have the cap room."
"Can't trade the future." (Dahlbeck, Dano, etc)
"Team X won't trade Player Y."

And then what happens?

So, I know it's hard to resist the temptation to tamp down expectations , but just looking at ONE team, (Detroit), I see three potential LW acquisitions. Leaving out Toronto, Colorado, Arizona and likely others.

Why does a team have to have a for sale sign out on some broken down piece like Shane Doan or Iginla with a bloated contract to make it PLAUSIBLE that they might be willing to part with some asset of value?

Why do GMs have to (stupidly) lay all their cards on the table so fans will believe that there might be conversations going on?

Why ask why?

Maybe I am the one taking crazy pills here. LOL.

All kidding aside, there are a lot of plausibly available left wings out there—even if the GMs of their teams have not held news conferences (or called Bob McKenzie to clear it with him first) to say they are.
- John Jaeckel

Matt Duchene for one. Is available. For the right price.

And he's better than Versteeg or Stalberg, I think.

Dunno, maybe not, because . . . crazy pills.

Because teams never trade anyone of value at the trade deadline.
- John Jaeckel

Duchene looks a little out of price range for the Hawks. Tatar maybe...

Mike Ribeiro on waivers after he asks for a trade. Hah.

Duchene looks a little out of price range for the Hawks. Tatar maybe...
- z1990z

What's the price range for Duchene in your estimation?

What I saw this AM was:

- a player
- a good prospect
- a pick

I was told the Hawks offered that and more.

Boyle as an additive move would help for sure, no argument. But how do they afford him and make any other necessary moves?
- John Jaeckel

What's the price range for Duchene in your estimation?

What I saw this AM was:

- a player
- a good prospect
- a pick

I was told the Hawks offered that and more.
- John Jaeckel

- Desjardins
- Hinostroza
- 2016 5th

DONE!!!

Duchene looks a little out of price range for the Hawks. Tatar maybe...
- z1990z

Same was said about Ladd last year and Vermette the year before. They can make it work.

What's the price range for Duchene in your estimation?

What I saw this AM was:

- a player
- a good prospect
- a pick

I was told the Hawks offered that and more.
- John Jaeckel

I guess my concern is a top 4 D going back. Our D is shaky at best right. Dont know what all player wise was discussed. I would think a decent salary would have to go back to balance out what Duchene has left on his deal.

Al:

Define "feasible."

Because, FACT, every year at this time, I hear there are no "feasible" options and yet, Bowman has gone out and found "feasible" options. Seriously.

"They don't have the cap room."
"Can't trade the future." (Dahlbeck, Dano, etc)
"Team X won't trade Player Y."

And then what happens?

So, I know it's hard to resist the temptation to tamp down expectations , but just looking at ONE team, (Detroit), I see three potential LW acquisitions. Leaving out Toronto, Colorado, Arizona and likely others.

Why does a team have to have a for sale sign out on some broken down piece like Shane Doan or Iginla with a bloated contract to make it PLAUSIBLE that they might be willing to part with some asset of value?

Why do GMs have to (stupidly) lay all their cards on the table so fans will believe that there might be conversations going on?

Why ask why?

Maybe I am the one taking crazy pills here. LOL.

All kidding aside, there are a lot of plausibly available left wings out there—even if the GMs of their teams have not held news conferences (or called Bob McKenzie to clear it with him first) to say they are.
- John Jaeckel

My first criteria and really didn't go any further with teams who had UFA left wings that would be sellers. Biggest name is Iginla...I don't think Dallas helps the Hawks same with Detroit unless Bowman pays dearly for Vanek...

From a production level Versteeg is right at the top of the list if the others are eliminated from contention....

Can't see a way the math works with Duchene.

I could be wrong but I thought if Bowman was going to be aggressive something would have happened by now with all the lack of chemistry convo by Toews last summer.

I think Bowman is more stuck now with the Cap than anytime since 2010. So my guess is he will overvalue Schmaltz, Motte and Forsling and they end up staying here...He needs those contracts.

Don't misunderstand-There are holes and it would be a stretch the Hawks as constituted would be one of the favorites to win another Cup-But I think there is a sense of resolve in the front office and this summer will be the time for big changes if the playoffs end quickly.

What's the price range for Duchene in your estimation?

What I saw this AM was:

- a player
- a good prospect
- a pick

I was told the Hawks offered that and more.
- John Jaeckel

Another team to watch is STL. If the firing of Hitchcock doesn't right that ship, Armstrong may blow that thing sky high.

My first criteria and really didn't go any further with teams who had UFA left wings that would be sellers. Biggest name is Iginla...I don't think Dallas helps the Hawks same with Detroit unless Bowman pays dearly for Vanek...

From a production level Versteeg is right at the top of the list if the others are eliminated from contention....

Can't see a way the math works with Duchene.

I could be wrong but I thought if Bowman was going to be aggressive something would have happened by now with all the lack of chemistry convo by Toews last summer.

I think Bowman is more stuck now with the Cap than anytime since 2010. So my guess is he will overvalue Schmaltz, Motte and Forsling and they end up staying here...He needs those contracts.

Don't misunderstand-There are holes and it would be a stretch the Hawks as constituted would be one of the favorites to win another Cup-But I think there is a sense of resolve in the front office and this summer will be the time for big changes if the playoffs end quickly.
- Al

Why would Detroit care anymore? We aren't even in the same conference and we have dat Bowman connection.

My first criteria and really didn't go any further with teams who had UFA left wings that would be sellers. Biggest name is Iginla...I don't think Dallas helps the Hawks same with Detroit unless Bowman pays dearly for Vanek...

From a production level Versteeg is right at the top of the list if the others are eliminated from contention....

Can't see a way the math works with Duchene.

I could be wrong but I thought if Bowman was going to be aggressive something would have happened by now with all the lack of chemistry convo by Toews last summer.

I think Bowman is more stuck now with the Cap than anytime since 2010. So my guess is he will overvalue Schmaltz, Motte and Forsling and they end up staying here...He needs those contracts.

Don't misunderstand-There are holes and it would be a stretch the Hawks as constituted would be one of the favorites to win another Cup-But I think there is a sense of resolve in the front office and this summer will be the time for big changes if the playoffs end quickly.
- Al

It can work if you deal say 16.....However would Q go into the playoffs trust 67/70 centering his bottom 6 or would they move 11 to c?

As far as the cap comment goes, with you there, as I went on cap friendly and putting Duchene in next year, dropping 16, and factoring bonuses of 3+ million has you in DEEP trouble. Even trading 50 and signing 33 for 3 million, leaves you little room.

Going to be a very interesting next few weeks to see what Bowman does/doesn't do.

I think the Hawks need to go all in on improving the forward depth. Worry about next season next season.

Another team to watch is STL. If the firing of Hitchcock doesn't right that ship, Armstrong may blow that thing sky high.
- SteveRain

Seabrook for Shattenkirk or Bouwmeester! Problem solved!

I'm with you......I'd love to see them land 9 out of CO but I just dont' see how. They don't have the assets and with a flat cap fitting him in next year would be very tough.

They could make a run....IMO your best chance would be

38-19-81---Hartman gives them that shaw dynamic that was successful last yr
72-15-88
48-16-14---enough fire power to be a threat
11-67- ----this line will be a disaster. Even if you plug in 70

2-7
4-51--reunite these 2 from past glory
57/42/6/32----figure 42 goes down when 32 comes back. How much can they squeeze out of 32? He and 6 as a 3rd pair I wouldn't mind ,as I would deal 57 for a bottom VETERAN wing for playoff push

That lineup could do some damage if they stay out of the box. Just tired of Q spreading out his talent. Need to maximize your best assets and IMO that's the best chance to do it.
- SteveRain

I would lean toward 3 more balanced lines.
PAK
Hartman-Toews-Panik
Schmaltz-Kero- Hossa
Kruger- and then pick two from Moose/Hino/Desi/Tootoo

Q is going to mix and match the top 3D. Of the next 5 I would rate TVR, then Kempny, Forsling, Campbell, and Rosi. But these too will be in the Q blender. Plusses for each (but you have to look hard). TVR right side and experience. Kempny physical big shot. Forsling smooth good offensive skills. Cambpell can carry the puck and passing. Rosi physical and right side. We know the negatives of each (you do not have to look so hard).

He would be a rental. That said, I would trade 10 Nick Schmaltzes for another Cup.

Cuz in a few years, when the present core is gone or faded, 10 Nick Schmaltzes aren't winning you a Cup.

Does Hanzal put you over the top? By himself, probably not.

But . . . but . . . BECAUSE the hawks have guys playing ion the top 6 who are slotted over their heads and BETTER as bottom 6 guys, if you add a hanzal or a Tatar or a JVR or a Duchene in, you upgrade that line, and whatever line Panik/Hartman/Schmaltz go back to . . . AND you push Tootoo back into the press box.

Quite transformative.
- John Jaeckel

I would too, but Nick Schmaltz for Martin Hanzal doesn't guarantee a Cup (obviously).

If Stan is looking to deal and deal young cost controlled assets like Schmaltz, while dealing with the Cap conundrum, my prefernce would be that it was for someone who has the ability to be on the team next year.

Edit - also I'm not sure how Hanzal helps solve the 1LW issue.

What's the price range for Duchene in your estimation?

What I saw this AM was:

- a player
- a good prospect
- a pick

I was told the Hawks offered that and more.
- John Jaeckel

Considering it has come out that Sakic wants an ESTABLISHED young dman

Hawks have nothing close to resembling that

I would too, but Nick Schmaltz for Martin Hanzal doesn't guarantee a Cup (obviously).

If Stan is looking to deal and deal young cost controlled assets like Schmaltz, while dealing with the Cap conundrum, my prefernce would be that it was for someone who has the ability to be on the team next year.

Edit - also I'm not sure how Hanzal helps solve the 1LW issue.
- HawkintheD

Hanzal solves nothing on the team except the lack of a 6'6 center, which we don't need.

Considering it has come out that Sakic wants an ESTABLISHED young dman

Hawks have nothing close to resembling that
- hawkeytalkman

You could make the argument that TVR is established. Playoff starts, decent numbers, passes the eye test.

Same was said about Ladd last year and Vermette the year before. They can make it work.
- furso27

Duchene is a different caliber player than Ladd or Vermette

Duchene's worst day is still better than Ladd or Vermettes best day

Duchene is still young where as Ladd and Vermette were older at those trades

Duchene also has term left on his contract where as ladd and vermette were rentals

this is a whole other ball of wax that Chicago cannot realistically come up with a package that many other teams can