Trading Keith is imperative for the team to get better... Dumbest thing I've read all day, luckily it's early.

You sound like one of those idiots saying we should trade Kane for Miller.

You don't trade your #1 workhorse defenseman. You don't do it when you have no horses on the way. You don't do it when he's still an effective player. You don't trade him when he's on THE BEST CONTRACT IN THE LEAGUE. You don't do it when he has a Conn Smythe, Two Norris Trophies, 3 Cups, and 2 Gold Medals. You don't do it when it would get you laughed out of the room as a Hall/Seguin-esque ripoff.

He's 34, not 39. Unbelievable what some fans say when the team has a down year.
- ObeseOprah

Just like Oprah....blah...blah....blah

Trading your hero would bring in much needed asset's.....

Keith ain't effective unless your Helen Keller.

0 goals....1,000,000+ shin pads

AU CONTRARE, my fellow Blackhawk friend.

But rationalize this situation, don't blow off steam just because someone happens to be a reactionary hothead
(I am not saying you Scott Jackson)

Is it all on Q? Rebuild. Inexperienced players. Two stalwarts are fallen stars. Hjalmarsson and Hossa gone. So too is useful Kruger. TT was the payment on mismanaged contract. Hartman regress. Bad team = bad attitude/Keith.

There has not been adequate replacement.. That is asking lot to replace. Moreover, Panarin trade has not worked out as anticipated. The team remains too soft. The young defense has not stepped up. Holy jeepers Batman save us. Er, cough I mean Stan.
- jhawk59

But Stan likes the make up of his team

Try not getting a goal called back for interfierence while the night before the Leafs get a goal called back for a goal that was obviously not interfierence.

Not saying last nights goal was a good goal, I believe it was. However when the night before Matthews gets a goal called back, when The puck is 2 feet behind Bernier, he's looking the complete other way, and Matthews hits his blocker as he taps it in behind him.

The inconsistency in NHL reffing is atrocious
- Santo_44

Personally I think their consistency is atrocious. Consistently bad!

Ken Hitchcock was on Toronto Prime Time Sports yesterday and he says its gonna take 100 points to be certain of a playoff spot in the West this year, especially in the Central. Nobody loses more than the occasional game. Most of the time he spews bullsh$t but I'm buying what he says. Hawks can play their kids to the max and move some bodies out by the end of February because they are toast.

I'd keep Glass too but would insist on him changing his jersey number to 1.9, meaning if I allow 2 goals in any game we're going to lose.
- RickJ

Last 4 years highest was 99, but I don't disagree....west is loaded and the dreaded 3 point game will linger.

Classic line on glass........well done.

Tyler Motte would be playing on the Hawks today if not sent to CBJ. You have got to play Forsberg and try to have him build some confidence. Otherwise, that Panarin/Motte-Saad/Forsberg trade looks even worse than it already does. Kane and Schmaltz both were effective threats with the puck last night and had a lot of o-zone puck possession. Did Saad hold onto the puck for more than 10 seconds last night? There were a couple 3v2s that Saad completely got stumped at the blue line and ended possession. The guy has about as much offensive confidence as Toews, and that is a problem. Yes he is a good backchecker, yes he goes to the net and yes he plays PK but he needs to score. Saad is now officially on pace for UNDER 40 points. The "First Line" has been unable to score essentially all year. The trade that was supposed to create 2 scoring lines, has instead resulted in only one scoring line that is less lethal this year compared to the last 2 years.

Also, wtf happened to Hartman?? 19 goals as a rookie and just a complete non-factor all season.

- EnzoD

Forsberg reminds of me Niemi, post Hawks. Very out of position, and he gets smokes a lot on dekes. Not sure he will ever get it..............

Agreed on Saad and Hartman. So many disappointments this year. That's why I think there is more to this then just coaching. Something is up.....

Rain man, agree with you here. Not only best/most-consistent but as I and many others have said, is the guy that every year has come back after the previous season having improved in 1 or more areas. There's been no regression to his game. He takes his "craft" seriously and whether it's to get stronger, quicker or to add another trick in his arsenal, he's always done so in his time wearing the Indianhead.
- savvyone-1

He will never win a Selke but he plays a helluva lot better D then most guys on this team. I'd love to hear what he would have to say off record.....seems this team is starting to cater to 19 a little too much and leaving Kane to raise everyone's level around him instead of playing him with the best talent.

Ken Hitchcock was on Toronto Prime Time Sports yesterday and he says its gonna take 100 points to be certain of a playoff spot in the West this year, especially in the Central. Nobody loses more than the occasional game. Most of the time he spews bullsh$t but I'm buying what he says. Hawks can play their kids to the max and move some bodies out by the end of February because they are toast.

I'd keep Glass too but would insist on him changing his jersey number to 1.9, meaning if I allow 2 goals in any game we're going to lose.
- RickJ

I would bet against Hitchcock's math. Right now the West (other than the Hawks) is fattening up on Eastern conference teams. At the end of the year each team plays a lot of games against other teams in their conference. So I think 96 makes it into the playoffs.

Rain man, agree with you here. Not only best/most-consistent but as I and many others have said, is the guy that every year has come back after the previous season having improved in 1 or more areas. There's been no regression to his game. He takes his "craft" seriously and whether it's to get stronger, quicker or to add another trick in his arsenal, he's always done so in his time wearing the Indianhead.
- savvyone-1

Hell, I'd put the C on Kane and demote Toews to an alternate, which would effectively send the message "you're one of the highest paid players in the league, FOR GOD'S SAKE earn your friggin' paycheck you leaf-eating loafer!"

Forsberg reminds of me Niemi, post Hawks. Very out of position, and he gets smokes a lot on dekes. Not sure he will ever get it..............

Agreed on Saad and Hartman. So many disappointments this year. That's why I think there is more to this then just coaching. Something is up.....
- SteveRain

Forsberg has been subpar, without a doubt. But the guy is 25 years old, and is the best option to replace Crawford long term. Jeff Glass may be SLIGHTLY better, but he might play 1 or 2 more years in the NHL as a backup and that's it. Forsberg, supposedly, has NHL starting potential. With almost an entire lineup full of rookies and AHLers, Forsberg should be developing by playing just like Debrincat, Duclair, Oesterle, Kampf, Forsling, Murphy, Schmaltz, ect.

Just like Oprah....blah...blah....blah

Trading your hero would bring in much needed asset's.....

Keith ain't effective unless your Helen Keller.

0 goals....1,000,000+ shin pads
- gazza53

Trading 'your hero', hang on this guy isn't your hero? What else does he have to do for you? Win another Conn Smythe then MAYBE he'll get acknowledged by the infallible opinion of gazza53?

What assets is he going to bring? Because if it's not a #1 defenseman we will lose the trade. Keith is on THE BEST DEAL in the league. You'd have to be mentally challenged to not think that. Who replaces him? Franson, Kempny, Oesterle? No, no and no.

Oh no Keith isn't matching his usual 10 goals a year, how will we survive? News flash, the whole team's D isn't scoring. Nothing is working. Asking for more Goals from Keith is like asking for more smiles from Quenneville, it's not going to happen and even if it does it won't mean much.

Every GM falls asleep each night dreaming of a #1 dman that can win Cups, and you're one of the morons who thinks that we should sell LOW on a Hall of Fame dman because he hits too many shin pads. Go get your shinebox.

Hell, I'd put the C on Kane and demote Toews to an alternate, which would effectively send the message "you're one of the highest paid players in the league, FOR GOD'S SAKE earn your friggin' paycheck you leaf-eating loafer!"
- Murph76

That's a pretty wild idea, I like it. San Jose did it and it sent a huge message. Although I'd think that Toews would get an A at least, who loses it then Seabrook or Keith?

Forsberg has been subpar, without a doubt. But the guy is 25 years old, and is the best option to replace Crawford long term. Jeff Glass may be SLIGHTLY better, but he might play 1 or 2 more years in the NHL as a backup and that's it. Forsberg, supposedly, has NHL starting potential. With almost an entire lineup full of rookies and AHLers, Forsberg should be developing by playing just like Debrincat, Duclair, Oesterle, Kampf, Forsling, Murphy, Schmaltz, ect.
- EnzoD

Nether Forsberg or Glass have been great, but I think Forsberg has been the better of the two. There's no question that the team plays better in front of Glass for some reason, but I like Forsberg's game better and he's the guy who could be around long term.

That's a pretty wild idea, I like it. San Jose did it and it sent a huge message. Although I'd think that Toews would get an A at least, who loses it then Seabrook or Keith?
- ObeseOprah

Ooohhh, tough call! Keith has more skill at this point but I think Seabrook has more heart (just not the giddyup anymore). I'd say take it from Seabrook as he is pretty much a shadow of his former self.

Trading 'your hero', hand on this guy isn't your hero? What else does he have to do for you? Win another Conn Smythe then MAYBE he'll get acknowledged by the infallible opinion of gazza53?

What assets is he going to bring? Because if it's not a #1 defenseman we will lose the trade. Keith is on THE BEST DEAL in the league. You'd have to be mentally challenged to not think that. Who replaces him? Franson, Kempny, Oesterle? No, no and no.

Oh no Keith isn't matching his usual 10 goals a year, how will we survive? News flash, the whole team's D isn't scoring. Nothing is working. Asking for more Goals from Keith is like asking for more smiles from Quenneville, it's not going to happen and even if it does it won't mean much.

Every GM falls asleep each night dreaming of a #1 dman that can win Cups, and you're one of the morons who thinks that we should sell LOW on a Hall of Fame dman because he hits too many shin pads. Go get your shinebox.
- ObeseOprah

trading Keith becomes an option if the Hawks stay at the 25% win % they've been at the last 2 weeks. Trading Keith signals a true tear-down and rebuild from scratch. Gustav Forsling and Jokiharju are projected to be 25 minute per night dmen, and drafting in the Top 5 this year should get the Hawks another dman who projects as Top Pair. I go back and forth on the pros vs cons of trading Keith. In reality, if Seabrook were moveable, trading Keith would never even been on the table as a possible option. However, Keith will get that Hawks a 1st and TOP Prospect, if not more at the trade deadline. The Hawks are not winning jack poop this year, next year, and maybe not for a while. Time to sell veteran assets that are movable like 2, 15, and 50 if possible to go into full rebuild.

Would you rather have 2 years being a bottom 5 team in the league, or a decade of being 15-25 overall in the league?? I'm taking the former, if I was the one making the decisions.

That's a pretty wild idea, I like it. San Jose did it and it sent a huge message. Although I'd think that Toews would get an A at least, who loses it then Seabrook or Keith?
- ObeseOprah

Granted, we don't see what goes on in the locker room, but I get the sense that Keith is the one of the three least thrilled with the responsibilities of an A. He isn't vocal with the refs, he clearly loathes the post-game media scrums, and we don't hear the stories of him mentoring and coaching the new or young players.

If you're someone that believes the letters go to the best players rather than best leaders, you make one decision. If you think it is the reverse, you make the other.

The way this season is going for the Hawks, could do wonders for them next season. It will give them a chip on their shoulder, and give them (at least he core) something to prove (that they aren't done yet). Could really give them some motivation and fire next season, something that we haven't seen from them since 2015.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

They did that this year, for one game anyway.

I wouldn't be surprised if 88 requests a trade this summer, especially if the team continues trending "down"

"Hey Stan, you took away my best buddy 72 and you've dismantled my team. My captain has turned into a joke, defense is no longer effective, coach is silent and unheard... I wanna win more cups but I can't do it without SOME help from the other 4 skaters on the ice. Corey is elite and deserves my 2013 Conne Smythe, so I wanna go earn another but it ain't happening on this team anytime soon. Maybe package me, Corey and Schmaltz to a true contender? Thanks"

I wouldn't be surprised if 88 requests a trade this summer, especially if the team continues trending "down"

"Hey Stan, you took away my best buddy 72 and you've dismantled my team. My captain has turned into a joke, defense is no longer effective, coach is silent and unheard... I wanna win more cups but I can't do it without SOME help from the other 4 skaters on the ice. Corey is elite and deserves my 2013 Conne Smythe, so I wanna go earn another but it ain't happening on this team anytime soon. Maybe package me, Corey and Schmaltz to a true contender? Thanks"
- Slofire94

No way. Kaner has achieved God-like status in Chi-town. He is NOT a beloved player across the league as I still see cab driver jokes all over the internet. His hockey skills are respected, but he is not adored anywhere like he is here. I'd bet that he has Chicago Franchise all-time scoring records in his sights. I don't see Kane going anywhere, ever. Or at least I hope not.....

I wouldn't be surprised if 88 requests a trade this summer, especially if the team continues trending "down"

"Hey Stan, you took away my best buddy 72 and you've dismantled my team. My captain has turned into a joke, defense is no longer effective, coach is silent and unheard... I wanna win more cups but I can't do it without SOME help from the other 4 skaters on the ice. Corey is elite and deserves my 2013 Conne Smythe, so I wanna go earn another but it ain't happening on this team anytime soon. Maybe package me, Corey and Schmaltz to a true contender? Thanks"
- Slofire94

I think your trade proposed is nonsense. But there's no question Kane should bring a boat load of picks and prospects

I would bet against Hitchcock's math. Right now the West (other than the Hawks) is fattening up on Eastern conference teams. At the end of the year each team plays a lot of games against other teams in their conference. So I think 96 makes it into the playoffs.
- -Doh-

96 is reasonable, don't think its ever been 100 points but there are a lot of doormats in the league this year who will yield a lot of easy points to teams desperate for a playoff spot, mainly because they've either quit or been stripped down as a result of trades and injuries.

I wouldn't be surprised if 88 requests a trade this summer, especially if the team continues trending "down"

"Hey Stan, you took away my best buddy 72 and you've dismantled my team. My captain has turned into a joke, defense is no longer effective, coach is silent and unheard... I wanna win more cups but I can't do it without SOME help from the other 4 skaters on the ice. Corey is elite and deserves my 2013 Conne Smythe, so I wanna go earn another but it ain't happening on this team anytime soon. Maybe package me, Corey and Schmaltz to a true contender? Thanks"
- Slofire94

After one really bad season you think Kane will ask for a trade? Do you really think he is that shallow and dishonorable?

Most people are suggesting Kane get an "A" on his jersey because of his hard work and dedication to the club, but you think he's a rat that is looking to abandon ship at the first opportunity?

Edit: Not to mention that the club supported Kane during a very difficult time in his life when they could have easily given up on him. Do you think Kane is the type of guy to turn around and screw the Hawks like that?

Tyler Motte would be playing on the Hawks today if not sent to CBJ. You have got to play Forsberg and try to have him build some confidence. Otherwise, that Panarin/Motte-Saad/Forsberg trade looks even worse than it already does. Kane and Schmaltz both were effective threats with the puck last night and had a lot of o-zone puck possession. Did Saad hold onto the puck for more than 10 seconds last night? There were a couple 3v2s that Saad completely got stumped at the blue line and ended possession. The guy has about as much offensive confidence as Toews, and that is a problem. Yes he is a good backchecker, yes he goes to the net and yes he plays PK but he needs to score. Saad is now officially on pace for UNDER 40 points. The "First Line" has been unable to score essentially all year. The trade that was supposed to create 2 scoring lines, has instead resulted in only one scoring line that is less lethal this year compared to the last 2 years.

Also, wtf happened to Hartman?? 19 goals as a rookie and just a complete non-factor all season.

- EnzoD

I actually liked Saad on that line. They weren't stuck in their own end as much due to Saad creating turnovers, at least that is what I noticed of them in the first period.

Tyler Motte would be playing on the Hawks today if not sent to CBJ. You have got to play Forsberg and try to have him build some confidence. Otherwise, that Panarin/Motte-Saad/Forsberg trade looks even worse than it already does. Kane and Schmaltz both were effective threats with the puck last night and had a lot of o-zone puck possession. Did Saad hold onto the puck for more than 10 seconds last night? There were a couple 3v2s that Saad completely got stumped at the blue line and ended possession. The guy has about as much offensive confidence as Toews, and that is a problem. Yes he is a good backchecker, yes he goes to the net and yes he plays PK but he needs to score. Saad is now officially on pace for UNDER 40 points. The "First Line" has been unable to score essentially all year. The trade that was supposed to create 2 scoring lines, has instead resulted in only one scoring line that is less lethal this year compared to the last 2 years.

Also, wtf happened to Hartman?? 19 goals as a rookie and just a complete non-factor all season.

- EnzoD

I like what Motte brings but I don't know if this is true. Maybe Motte would have been playing over Jurco but that's about it. Either way Motte would not have made much of a difference on the roster.

I would bet against Hitchcock's math. Right now the West (other than the Hawks) is fattening up on Eastern conference teams. At the end of the year each team plays a lot of games against other teams in their conference. So I think 96 makes it into the playoffs.
- -Doh-

Either way this team needs 44-49 points out of a possible 68 left.

Light a candle. Possible? Sure. Probably? No. Not if the 1st, 48 games mean a thing. Just had a 7 game stretch at home to make hay, and then laid the biggest egg they could. This isn't the 1980s where a sub .500 team can sneak in....which by the way I love seeing that Troy Murray 1988-89 highlight. Damn you flames and Larry MacDonald in the conference finals.

We can sit here and say, oh....maybe 2/7/19/20 will come out after the all star break and tear it up.....sure....just like after getting waxed at home by not even engaging against a mediocre Redwings team and going on their bye....they came back and went 0-2-1......

Sorry.......they have a 13% chance and that's about as realistic as it gets. Admit it, and play the kids so next year you heavy a decent evaluation of what you have and can adjust accordingly. Trade 10 to any team that wants him. Same with 57/17 guys who may have some value as role players. Play the kids.....stick Crawford on the side and give him a bunch of time off to get right and get whatever is ailing him under control.......

Would it be great if they snuck into the playoffs? Sure.....do I want to see Nashville run a damn train on them 10 fold compared to last year? No....No I don't.

I like what Motte brings but I don't know if this is true. Maybe Motte would have been playing over Jurco but that's about it. Either way Motte would not have made much of a difference on the roster.
- DarthKane

They need to take their 3 best offensively gifted players and skate them together like the Ducks used to do with Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry.........who those 3 are on this team? no clue......88 is 1.....