While I wouldn't say he has "no clue" I do think the Hawks could use a Dman who is more the complete package for the top pair. That is the difficult part. There are plenty of guys who have part of it down, but to have the guy that can do most things well is so important for the pair that plays the big minutes. That used to be the strength of a guy like Seabrook in his prime. He was never really elite at any one thing, but he could do pretty much everything better than average.
- breadbag

There in lies the problem, there’s no number one Dman tree that you can just go pluck on off of.

I don’t think Kitchens was big on player development, and Rockford under Dent was not exactly a development factory. Frankly I think they were doing more harm than good up their.

So now we have Ulf here and Colliton up in Rockford, so the organization needs to figure out what the plan is. Are we developing for the future, do we think we can make a run in the next two years with a couple fixes. #whatstheplan

Liked the overall game last night. that was a hungry, desperate team that showed up......can they do that 21 more times? Who knows, but it was fun to watch.

Loved DuClairs game. He was flying. Same with many others.

Again, the Foley Keith love is getting beyond comical. Up 3-0 and DuClair is caught in the net, Mrzaek has no idea what is going on and Keith puts one in and its waved off and Foley damn near strokes out.....The favoritism is beyond old. Its now pathetic and sad. Like a father defending his child.

Need more help when they win to increase those playoff odds.

For 1 night this team showed life.....

I would sign all the RFAs, they are assets and there's no reason to lose them for nothing. Hartman may be a streaky forward, but I want him on the team, I think he's a very good third line utility winger.

I would see our lines next year as:

DeBrincat - Toews - Duclair
Saad - Schmaltz - Kane
Sikura - Anisimov - Hartman
Hinostroza - Kampf - Hayden
Kero, Jurco

These lines have some decent promise, the bigger and more pressing matter is the defense.

Keith - Oesterle
Forsling - Seabrook
Gustafsson - Murphy

I'd really like to see upgrades over Gustafsson and Oesterle.
- DarthKane

You might have to fit Highmore into that lineup somewhere, unless he gets moved for D help.

There in lies the problem, there’s no number one Dman tree that you can just go pluck on off of.

I don’t think Kitchens was big on player development, and Rockford under Dent was not exactly a development factory. Frankly I think they were doing more harm than good up their.

So now we have Ulf here and Colliton up in Rockford, so the organization needs to figure out what the plan is. Are we developing for the future, do we think we can make a run in the next two years with a couple fixes. #whatstheplan
- walleyeb1

There are 7 defense-man projected to be drafted in the Top 10 this year.....just sayin. Would you rather the Hawks squeak into the playoffs and lose in 5 games? Or miss the playoffs by a few points and draft 16th? IMO, the much better option for this team to get back into contention sooner rather than later, is to add a Top 10 pick that can contribute in 2019/20 season. Try to add some more young players this summer via trade, free agency or Euro signing and with the expected cap increase, Stan may actually have some options this summer. [/img]

You should read what you posted - it could have been from me. Once “he cleans up his defensive play” he’ll be a D-Man. Right now we both agree that he is awful, which means he should not be playing.
- Z3Hawk

Well I don’t think he’s awful, and he’s probably being asked to play above his current ability and knowledge level. But that’s where we’re at, for years we’ve heard Q won’t play rookies and allow them to develop, he sits them the first time they make a mistake.

So now we’re complaining he’s playing rookies that aren’t ready and make mistakes. So what do we really want???

You should read what you posted - it could have been from me. Once “he cleans up his defensive play” he’ll be a D-Man. Right now we both agree that he is awful, which means he should not be playing.
- Z3Hawk

You clearly aren't comprehending. he's not a TOP PAIR d-man right now, but he's still a d-man and can play as such. You seem to think it's black and white. Wither he's good or terrible, as it turns out, there's different levels of play, and Oesterle can play defense i the NHL just fine.

Well I don’t think he’s awful, and he’s probably being asked to play above his current ability and knowledge level. But that’s where we’re at, for years we’ve heard Q won’t play rookies and allow them to develop, he sits them the first time they make a mistake.

So now we’re complaining he’s playing rookies that aren’t ready and make mistakes. So what do we really want???
- walleyeb1

Oh look, someone who gets it. Thank you.

@jaeckel

As reported a few weeks ago, hearing increased TOI for Kempny (and Gustafsson) is because both are being shopped. One or the other "likely" to be moved before the DL.
- JRoenick97

There are 7 defense-man projected to be drafted in the Top 10 this year.....just sayin. Would you rather the Hawks squeak into the playoffs and lose in 5 games? Or miss the playoffs by a few points and draft 16th? IMO, the much better option for this team to get back into contention sooner rather than later, is to add a Top 10 pick that can contribute in 2019/20 season. Try to add some more young players this summer via trade, free agency or Euro signing and with the expected cap increase, Stan may actually have some options this summer.
- EnzoD[/img]

I tend to agree, I think it’d be a mistake to try to make trades at the deadline to try to make the playoffs this year. Now if they want to truly assess some of the younger players and decide this guy has topped out or doesn’t fit for what we’re trying to do, if you can make a trade that you think puts us in a better position fine, go for it.

I think it comes down to Q not trusting either Murphy or Seabs to defend against top lines, whether it's due to Seabrook's mobility or Murphy's perceived inexperience/mistakes. Oesterle and Keith are both plus skaters and can stay with the high end forwards skating wise, but they are both very similar in terms of build and physicality. I think you see so many prime looks in the slot against that pair as neither Keith nor Oesterle are effective at clearing their man from the crease. Look no further than the big bodied Mantha outmuscling Oesterle on the PP for the easy tip in late last game. We can sit here and debate whether Oesterle is a Top 4 D or not, but based on Q's usage, he likes what he's seen so far. Oz played 4 more minutes than Keith last night (26 minutes +) and I really like what he brings in the O-zone and moving the puck up ice.
- EnzoD

I re-watched that play. Oesterle had bad position and looked away at another open red wing before that tip. That was a bad rookie mistake for him. Mantha didn't even have to push much, Oesterle was behind him and just put his stick between his legs. Needed to get front position and tie up that stick.

All anybody has to do is focus on Gustaffson when the play is in the Hawk's zone and the other team has possession. What you see is a player with no idea how to defend, position himself or use the body effectively on an opponent to break up plays or win back the puck. His game is strictly for offence. He does a very decent job on the point trying to filter pucks thru to the net.

Kempny has some size, a shot and aggressiveness but after 1-1/2 years still gets caught out of position almost every shift because he overplays the puck, meaning he can't anticipate or read plays so he gets burned a lot.

WHen the HAwks had Oduya, Leddy and Keith they has the best left side defence in the NHL. Now they are one of the worst.
- RickJ

Again, i agree on his previous stint, but he's been much better this season, albeit only 3 games.

Liked the overall game last night. that was a hungry, desperate team that showed up......can they do that 21 more times? Who knows, but it was fun to watch.

Loved DuClairs game. He was flying. Same with many others.

Again, the Foley Keith love is getting beyond comical. Up 3-0 and DuClair is caught in the net, Mrzaek has no idea what is going on and Keith puts one in and its waved off and Foley damn near strokes out.....The favoritism is beyond old. Its now pathetic and sad. Like a father defending his child.

Need more help when they win to increase those playoff odds.

For 1 night this team showed life.....
- SteveRain

To be fair, that should have been a goal but they blew the whistle. Mrazek was keeping Duclair in there. He sold it well.

You clearly aren't comprehending. he's not a TOP PAIR d-man right now, but he's still a d-man and can play as such. You seem to think it's black and white. Wither he's good or terrible, as it turns out, there's different levels of play, and Oesterle can play defense i the NHL just fine.
- JRoenick97

Relax - but you should read what you type. You agree he shouldn’t be playing with Keith which means you agree with me that he should be playing down the line-up if he is playing at all. Additionally, you are agreeing that Q is wrong in playing him with Keith. Finally, a D-Man either knows how to play effectively in his own end or he does not. If that makes it a black and white issue so be it.

I'd really like to see more complementing skill sets in the defense pairs. Why not have the offensive rover style guys playing with the defensive minded stay at home guys in the top 4?

Keith-Murphy
Forsling/Oesterle-Seabrook
- EnzoD

That should be the way it works best, yep.

Well I don’t think he’s awful, and he’s probably being asked to play above his current ability and knowledge level. But that’s where we’re at, for years we’ve heard Q won’t play rookies and allow them to develop, he sits them the first time they make a mistake.

So now we’re complaining he’s playing rookies that aren’t ready and make mistakes. So what do we really want???
- walleyeb1

Again a post that proves my points. If Oesterle is being “asked to play above his current ability and knowledge level” that indicates clearly that he presently lacks in these areas which is exactly what I am saying. He is simply not carrying enough current ability or knowledge level to be playing. Dirty Ulf and Q are simply wrong to be playing him with Keith. Keith has always been an aggressive player in need of a protecting Hammer or Seabrook in order to play at his best. Oesterle can’t protect himself let alone Keith. Play Keith with Seabrook or Murphy and watch Keith’s game go to the next level.

@jaeckel

As reported a few weeks ago, hearing increased TOI for Kempny (and Gustafsson) is because both are being shopped. One or the other "likely" to be moved before the DL.
- JRoenick97

Mentioned Kempny looked to be the odd man out as well.

Gustafsson up as a showcase makes sense to me, especially with the amount of scouts in Rockford during this season.

I've heard the Hawks would love some draft picks (getting a 2nd rounder back would be ideal...diffucult but possible if it's a late pick).

Again a post that proves my points. If Oesterle is being “asked to play above his current ability and knowledge level” that indicates clearly that he presently lacks in these areas which is exactly what I am saying. He is simply not carrying enough current ability or knowledge level to be playing. Dirty Ulf and Q are simply wrong to be playing him with Keith. Keith has always been an aggressive player in need of a protecting Hammer or Seabrook in order to play at his best. Oesterle can’t protect himself let alone Keith. Play Keith with Seabrook or Murphy and watch Keith’s game go to the next level.
- Z3Hawk

Does a pairing of Keith/Seabrook or Keith/Murphy has what it takes to shutdown the other teams top players? I think there are reasons Seabrook has had less defensive responsibility and Murphy might be outmatched against good teams in that regard.

IMO, this team doesn't have a top pair RD on the roster. They have a lot of guys that can play 2nd or 3rd pair. Keith in his prime could play with nearly anyone and be okay, but his legs aren't what they were.

Again a post that proves my points. If Oesterle is being “asked to play above his current ability and knowledge level” that indicates clearly that he presently lacks in these areas which is exactly what I am saying. He is simply not carrying enough current ability or knowledge level to be playing. Dirty Ulf and Q are simply wrong to be playing him with Keith. Keith has always been an aggressive player in need of a protecting Hammer or Seabrook in order to play at his best. Oesterle can’t protect himself let alone Keith. Play Keith with Seabrook or Murphy and watch Keith’s game go to the next level.
- Z3Hawk

They did that to start the season. He played with both of them for stretches. It was bad. I'd like to see Murphy back up top now that his game has gotten back under him. I was a large proponent of moving Seabs back with Keith, but it just didn't work out when they did it this year.

Mentioned Kempny looked to be the odd man out as well.

Gustafsson up as a showcase makes sense to me, especially with the amount of scouts in Rockford during this season.

I've heard the Hawks would love some draft picks (getting a 2nd rounder back would be ideal...diffucult but possible if it's a late pick).
- Justin Lowe

I could see Rutta and Kempny going, they won't likely be back next season so the Hawks might as well get something for them. The Hawks might get a 2nd rounder if they put together the right package (i.e. Sharp + Kempny).

I would like to ask wiz for some perspective on Rutta. I am hopeful that L Carlsson and Tuulola turn out better than some of the others we have in the pipeline. I am not enthusiastic over the good and bad that is the mark on Krys. I have a suspicion that Jokiharju could be traded in order to move up and (Please) draft a power forward like B Tkzchuk.
- jhawk59

There is NO WAY the Hawks, needing defense today and a replacement for Keith down the road, are trading their #1 pick from the last draft, a speedy offensive defensemen who continues to get great reviews on his play this year.

I would like to ask wiz for some perspective on Rutta. I am hopeful that L Carlsson and Tuulola turn out better than some of the others we have in the pipeline. I am not enthusiastic over the good and bad that is the mark on Krys. I have a suspicion that Jokiharju could be traded in order to move up and (Please) draft a power forward like B Tkzchuk.
- jhawk59

I would draft him just to see the face of his fat father as he is putting on Chicago's jersey.

There is NO WAY the Hawks, needing defense today and a replacement for Keith down the road, are trading their #1 pick from the last draft, a speedy offensive defensemen who continues to get great reviews on his play this year.
- BMWChiFan

Not unless they can land a established young top-4 D, like let's say Noah Hanifin in some sort of package that includes Jokiharju.

Other than that, I'm with you, keep him. They need D to develop for the future of this team. The Hawks management knows this and don't be surprised to see if they draft another 3-4 Dmen this year. They only have 6 picks but I will bet they add to that before the draft.

I could see Rutta and Kempny going, they won't likely be back next season so the Hawks might as well get something for them. The Hawks might get a 2nd rounder if they put together the right package (i.e. Sharp + Kempny).
- DarthKane

If the "Charred Ashes of Kimmo Timmonen" got Philly two 2nd round picks, Sharp + Kempny/Rutta should get Four 2nd rounders

Not unless they can land a established young top-4 D, like let's say Noah Hanifin in some sort of package that includes Jokiharju.

Other than that, I'm with you, keep him. They need D to develop for the future of this team. The Hawks management knows this and don't be surprised to see if they draft another 3-4 Dmen this year. They only have 6 picks but I will bet they add to that before the draft.
- Justin Lowe

Is Anisimov an essential player on this roster with Schmaltz establishing himself at 2C, and Kampf really stepping in and being effective as a bottom 6 C that can win draws, play with speed/tenacity? I'm guessing a Playoff team would LOVE to add a guy like Big Art to be their 3C for a Cup push. If that bum Hanzal got a 1st round pick, I'd put 15 on the block and see what you can get for him at the Trade Deadline.

If the "Charred Ashes of Kimmo Timmonen" got Philly two 2nd round picks, Sharp + Kempny/Rutta should get Four 2nd rounders
- EnzoD

Wasnt Timmo coming off of some type of blod clot issue, and he hadnt played all year....and StanBo ponies up two 2nds....