The only exception would be if we could somehow pull off a Kruger+ for Duchene package deal. Or maybe Kruger+ for JVR. A legit 1LW all star caliber forward.

But IMO, that's never gonna happen. Not enough value on the Hawks side, too many other teams would destroy that offer.
- SimpleJack

Depends what the "+" is, the other teams' needs, their scouting on said "+."

Watching Vrbata last night on the powerplay, I can't help but think he would be an asset. He was transitioning from left to right also. Thought last JJ heard is he wouldn't come back here.

Big, good college numbers. Beyond that, no not really.

But as far as the Hawks hyping him or even just privately being anxious to get him in, two words: Drew LeBlanc.

DBTH. Wait and see. You're right. He COULD defy the conventional wisdom re: jumping from college to the pros. But . . .

I would also watch what the Hawks do with Justin Kloos out of Minnesota. I heard recently they really like him.
- John Jaeckel

A big part of if a college player is ready to take a big jump right into the NHL....Has to do with the level of competition they faced and also their physical conditioning...Because to be able to ramp it up and be ready for playoff speed, a kid can't be worn out and also he can't be taken back by the speed of play. That's why it hardly ever happens.

Drew Le Blanc looked slow in the AHL....I said it here awhile ago, his future as a pro hockey player would not be in the NHL.

Watching Vrbata last night on the powerplay, I can't help but think he would be an asset. He was transitioning from left to right also. Thought last JJ heard is he wouldn't come back here.
- JRoenick97

He really isn't a left wing.

Big, good college numbers. Beyond that, no not really.

But as far as the Hawks hyping him or even just privately being anxious to get him in, two words: Drew LeBlanc.

DBTH. Wait and see. You're right. He COULD defy the conventional wisdom re: jumping from college to the pros. But . . .

I would also watch what the Hawks do with Justin Kloos out of Minnesota. I heard recently they really like him.
- John Jaeckel

It's been over a year since I saw Hayden play but at that time his skating wasn't NHL caliber.

The college player I'm more interested in is Dylan Sikura, a Jr at Northeastern, who is leading the nation in scoring.

He really isn't a left wing.
- Al

He was left side on the PP and got 2 really good chances from that side, and he setup OEL's goal form left to right.

Seems most here are interested in taring and feathering the D corps for their play, but I see something different. While Seabs & Campbell may be past their prime, and Keith may still be hampered by a knee issue, this is a pretty solid D group. Let's not forget some of the flotsam and jetsam the Blackhawks ran out on D during the 3 SC runs:

2010: Jordan Hendry, Brent Sopel, Nick Boynton
2013: Sheldon Brookbank, Ryan Stanton
2015: Rosival, Rundblad & Timonen

The issue is the lack of experienced depth among the 12 forwards. The Stanley Cup teams, especially the 2010 & 2013 teams, back checked like hungry dogs & made quick exits from the defensive zone with outstanding tape to tape passes. Of course, it was because, as a whole, the forwards were young, fast and hungry. The current forward group, not so much. Way too many times each night, the D moves the puck up, only to find the forward miss/fumble the pass, run into an opposing fore-checker, turn the puck over to avoid a hit, etc. Panik, for one, is a disaster in his own zone. Don't forget the 3 rookies got torched in SJ the other night on the winning goal.

Q admitted as much last night. The 3 forwards he sent out for the last 1:01? Toews, Hossa & Krueger, who sealed the deal. If the forwards get more engaged on the defensive side of the puck, the D will look much better. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened yet this season, at least on a regular basis. You see it from time to time, like last night when they held the Coyotes to 5-6 SOG in the 1st. But it doesn't happen for 60.
- scottak

I don't think Q is getting 100% effort from all the vets at the moment. I don't think #7, #2 or #51 are pushing that hard right now. I think the same could be said for 1 or 2 forwards up front. A few guys in coast mode makes a huge difference. Agreed on Panik. He has his issues playing at an NHL level/speed. The team does need some of that dogged puck pursuit. Schmaltz (since his return)/Hino/Hartman have all been doing it at times. The Hawks have been at their best (like the lockout season) when guys are pressuring the opposing team all the way back. Toews/Saad/Hossa were extremely good at this as a unit. Make getting through the middle of the ice a chore and force the turnovers.

Watching Vrbata last night on the powerplay, I can't help but think he would be an asset. He was transitioning from left to right also. Thought last JJ heard is he wouldn't come back here.
- JRoenick97

He would be a serviceable addition and is cheap. I haven't followed him closely this year, but he typically gets a lot of pucks on goal.

The only exception would be if we could somehow pull off a Kruger+ for Duchene package deal. Or maybe Kruger+ for JVR. A legit 1LW all star caliber forward.

But IMO, that's never gonna happen. Not enough value on the Hawks side, too many other teams would destroy that offer.
- SimpleJack

I'd say then let the other teams destroy that offer and move on. Duchene is a solid player, but he isn't the end all be all. If some teams want to overpay for him, let them. Hawks aren't in a position where they can overpay for more top end talent. They need 1 top 6 forward and some depth in general, but they can't give up boat load to get it done. Stan might have to be more creative.

Edit: just to add. The Hawks have a 1LW and have paid him as such, they need a 2LW.

To give up 3 or 4 pieces to land duchene is a very risky trade.I just don't see it happening.

Appreciate the comment about Boyle being slower than a 55 year old beer leaguer...


mainly because I got a game tonight, and am not quite to that age - so I am feeling fast.


Crying about omissions from the 'Top 100 of All Time' (which should probably be narrated by Kanye West since it sounds like his 'greatest video of all time' line anyway - and if we can cray about it... I want to be crying about no Doug Wilson on it - he was the Defensive core for the Hawks in the 80's - PP/PK, had a rocket shot - and had a chronic illness to deal with as well (I read way back it was hyperglycaemia or something like that -which sounds like a diabetes condition -and that alone messes with one's energy levels -especially when playing sports at that level ...).

Watching Vrbata last night on the powerplay, I can't help but think he would be an asset. He was transitioning from left to right also. Thought last JJ heard is he wouldn't come back here.
- JRoenick97

Vrbata is toxic to the Hawks.

He has an atrocious playoff bonus heavy deal that would cripple the Hawks next year. It would have to be all in or bust because you can stomach massive cap carryover next year if you win the cup, but if the Hawks lose the cup final, they dont get the ultimate prize AND they get hit with Vrbatas massive bonuses:

http://www.prohockeyrumor...tas-bonuses-partners.html


Vrbata would receive $500K just by making the playoffs, and an additional $250K for each successive round. If Vrbata makes the Stanley Cup Finals he earns $1.25MM in additional bonuses on top of his performance-based bonuses.

I dont think any of us want to see the Hawks be $1 mil short on the cap next year just because we got out of the second round

He was left side on the PP and got 2 really good chances from that side, and he setup OEL's goal form left to right.
- JRoenick97

He's really not a left wing...Could he play there, maybe but he avoids contact like I would avoid going into a burning building. Not the puck hunter needed on that line.

Vrbata is toxic to the Hawks.

He has an atrocious playoff bonus heavy deal that would cripple the Hawks next year. It would have to be all in or bust because you can stomach massive cap carryover next year if you win the cup, but if the Hawks lose the cup final, they dont get the ultimate prize AND they get hit with Vrbatas massive bonuses:

http://www.prohockeyrumor...tas-bonuses-partners.html


Vrbata would receive $500K just by making the playoffs, and an additional $250K for each successive round. If Vrbata makes the Stanley Cup Finals he earns $1.25MM in additional bonuses on top of his performance-based bonuses.

I dont think any of us want to see the Hawks be $1 mil short on the cap next year just because we got out of the second round
- hawkeytalkman

Oh Jesus, I didn't know that.

Oh Jesus, I didn't know that.
- JRoenick97

Yea getting vrbata for a deep playoff run and not winning the cup essentially slams shut our cup window for good

More assets gone to acquire him, less cap space for next year, panarins raise kicks in, vrbatas bonuses roll over, purge more depth to get under cap

It would be ugly

Bowmans Bickell contract costs the hawks TT.

Anyone who thinks Kruger is worth $3million a year should be fired today!

The Danualt & Ladd trades were HORRIBLE!!

Seabrook & Crawford contracts Horrible!!!

The Bowmans are the problem!

One of best players in the World #19 playing with SCUBS for 2 years now. Just a hoorid job by the Bowmans!!

Bowmans Bickell contract costs the hawks TT.

Anyone who thinks Kruger is worth $3million a year should be fired today!

The Danualt & Ladd trades were HORRIBLE!!

Seabrook & Crawford contracts Horrible!!!

The Bowmans are the problem!

One of best players in the World #19 playing with SCUBS for 2 years now. Just a hoorid job by the Bowmans!!
- Goalie-33

Is that you Donald?

Depends what the "+" is, the other teams' needs, their scouting on said "+."
- John Jaeckel

Don't see the demand for Kruger that others do. Hope I'm wrong

Don't see the demand for Kruger that others do. Hope I'm wrong
- Colbyboy

On a team making that final push, hes a valued commodity. Shut down/PK guy.

Bowmans Bickell contract costs the hawks TT.

Anyone who thinks Kruger is worth $3million a year should be fired today!

The Danualt & Ladd trades were HORRIBLE!!

Seabrook & Crawford contracts Horrible!!!

The Bowmans are the problem!

One of best players in the World #19 playing with SCUBS for 2 years now. Just a hoorid job by the Bowmans!!
- Goalie-33

You're approaching troll status

You're approaching troll status
- mrpaulish

I don't know man, those slimy Bowman's only got us 3 lousy cups. Should have been 6

Is that you Donald?
- eagle50

LOL now THAT was damn funny!

On a team making that final push, hes a valued commodity. Shut down/PK guy.
- z1990z

Like the Avs?

I don't know man, those slimy Bowman's only got us 3 lousy cups. Should have been 6
- JRoenick97

Even conceding 10 to Dale and company 2 fighting the cap isn't too shabby

Even conceding 10 to Dale and company 2 fighting the cap isn't too shabby
- eagle50

That's fair.