If Ottawa doesn't plan on signing Karlsson, they might want to replace him with a Norris trophy winning defenseman by the name of Duncan Keith. Ottawa might end up with a top 3 pick, and that trade would blow the roof off of the AA center.
- Dieselhead

Maybe, but I’m sure Ottawa would want Tkachuk’s ELC for three years rather than Keith. Karlasson is a guy who could get a king’s ransom.

Beware of Sprong who cannot stick with his very good offense despite enough time to figure out how to play good enough, defensively, as a pro in the AHL. If he was so great they would make a spot for him despite his deficiencies,since Crosby, Malkin and Kessell plus Guentzel are not just ordinary but extraordinary. I am intrigued by your other suggestion......someone who has seen much Skeji can collaborate. You do risk trading a future very good second pair Forsling who can play and make decisions at speed. Not a lot of dmen can do that

Kapanen, Dermott, and a 1st would be a good deal. Leafs 1st rounder will be early to mid 20,s pick this year.
- scott.jackson

No more skill guys. Power forward, sandpaper and grit players instead. We have Sikula soon,

I was thinking more like draft picks and prospects, Rust is nice but we have a ton of bottom 6 guys.

Maata isn't bad but at $4 million per that's to expensive for a stay at home defenseman, we had one of those remember and we traded him to Arizona
- BetweenTheDots

Rutherford would much prefer to give I Cole instead. FWIW Maata has endured much disabled list yet early in his career

Then package our teo first rounders this year and trade them to move up in the draft to get Tkachuk.
- scott.jackson

Here's what we need to remind ourselves about which should also be the mindset of each NHL GM: where are you going to get your power forward....a player with better than average size, talent and snarl? Develop picks and hope that one of them works out? Trade for one? Both those options are not high percetage win win scenarios. However if ever in a position to draft a power forward, by all means try try keep tying to move up in the draft. Bowman is traditionally the GM who hopes to snag one fallen star by patiently waiting for a player to land at his doorstep first round slot, e.g.TT among others.

Hawks would likely have to add a player like Vinny with the two first rounders in order to move up in the draft.
- scott.jackson

Other teams are not as enamorated with Vinny as some on this board. He is nothing special. One of Hartman, Forsling, Jokiharju if you seriously want topple other offers. You have to pay for what you need. Check this out: we need to determine if L Carlsson and Tuulola are continuing to progress. I bet the answer is yes. Snuggerud, Dahlstrom are third pair type when they are ready. Rydish is worth keeping an eye on but probably third pair type. Krys has issues despite top end skill in some areas. The collegiate kid out west is D Keith lite yet a long ways off if he wants the college degree.

If any trades are made , they won't be rentals, they'll be with the mind set of having the player past this year . Otherwise they may just Stand pat. Is any of this Kieth to Toronto talk legit? Or is it just a bunch of Ducks fartin in shallow water. If it is true, Stan better get atleast 2 of those high end kids not named Austin Mathews as part of the return.
- wonthecup10

I think that's right. If Stan can pick up something at a fair price, he'll do it. Or maybe he gets rid of spare parts that aren't in the club's plans and picks up draft picks.

I have serious doubts about Keith getting traded any time before next season at this time; and probably never. He's the only D not to get scratched this year. Getting rid of him is a sign of a complete planned collapse and I don't think that's their plan. He's here for a while.

No more skill guys. Power forward, sandpaper and grit players instead. We have Sikula soon,
- jhawk59

You hope...

No more skill guys. Power forward, sandpaper and grit players instead. We have Sikula soon,
- jhawk59

I hate to be that guy, but it's SikuRa and you type SikuLa literally every post. Just a heads up bud! Also, no guarantees he signs with the Hawks. Remember Kevin Hayes?

I hate to be that guy, but it's SikuRa and you type SikuLa literally every post. Just a heads up bud! Also, no guarantees he signs with the Hawks. Remember Kevin Hayes?
- EnzoD

My gosh and spelling was about the only class that I never studied. Although auto correct is a b*tch too.

If Bowman is smart he signs that guy Sikura INSOFAR AS someone would become a trade chip later on.

Imagine misspelling all time great LW Bobby Hill all the time!

My gosh and spelling was about the only class that I never studied. Although auto correct is a b*tch too.

If Bowman is smart he signs that guy Sikura INSOFAR AS someone would become a trade chip later on.

Imagine misspelling all time great LW Bobby Hill all the time!
- jhawk59

His brother really had his slapshot timed a tad higher, eh?

Maybe, but I’m sure Ottawa would want Tkachuk’s ELC for three years rather than Keith. Karlasson is a guy who could get a king’s ransom.
- DarthKane

Heck you want to entice someone to come here. It isn't going to be about the cool sculptures at Millenium Park or the neat view of the boats from the top floor in Willis Tower. Instead just take the player to one of the Wirtz liquor outlets/stores and proclaim, this could be yours

No more skill guys. Power forward, sandpaper and grit players instead. We have Sikula soon,
- jhawk59

Kapanen is over 6' and is around 190 pounds. Dermott plays defense and is over 6' and around 210 pounds with a pile of upside. The idea of this trade is to package the Hawks 1st round and the acquired Leafs 1st round and a decent prospect of our own and move up in the draft to get that power forward which would be Tzachuk.

Here's what we need to remind ourselves about which should also be the mindset of each NHL GM: where are you going to get your power forward....a player with better than average size, talent and snarl? Develop picks and hope that one of them works out? Trade for one? Both those options are not high percetage win win scenarios. However if ever in a position to draft a power forward, by all means try try keep tying to move up in the draft. Bowman is traditionally the GM who hopes to snag one fallen star by patiently waiting for a player to land at his doorstep first round slot, e.g.TT among others.
- jhawk59

Stan keeps bringing over European players instead of drafting and developing North American born players. As long as he is the GM this will continue to go on and on and on.

Other teams are not as enamorated with Vinny as some on this board. He is nothing special. One of Hartman, Forsling, Jokiharju if you seriously want topple other offers. You have to pay for what you need. Check this out: we need to determine if L Carlsson and Tuulola are continuing to progress. I bet the answer is yes. Snuggerud, Dahlstrom are third pair type when they are ready. Rydish is worth keeping an eye on but probably third pair type. Krys has issues despite top end skill in some areas. The collegiate kid out west is D Keith lite yet a long ways off if he wants the college degree.
- jhawk59

I total agree with this comment. You have to give to get. The Leaf deal I throughout there allows the Hawks to keep the cupboard stocked and I would think if you packaged two 1st rounders and a Hartman you may get a lower seeded to take that offer.

You do not trade Hartman unless it is a very special trade. Q really hasn’t let Hartman play - he’s been moved around and sat out over mis-steps. He has the ability to be a real good, tough, scoring forward. Former no. 1.
- Z3Hawk

The ONLy trade of Hartman would be to have a guaranteed pick of Tcachuk. I would rather trade Jokiharju - and that is not something I am not happy about - so that means Hartman and Tcachuk on two different lines. I realize by doing this we would be counting on Forsling to develop.

I realize, furthermore, that we have several candidates whose offensive skill makes them a real nice weapon for a third pair. To play with Murphy.

It may be a process where others like Rutta, Gus, Dahlback, even Pokka are essentially caretakers until a Krys or Snuggerud is ready. This assumes that one of them would make it and oh what a nice boost to have a weapon on a third pair

Ok the following is all projection my wish come true.

The collegiate kid out west is the hoped for guy who could replace Keith or be the second pair reliable guy. Someone like L Carlsson develops and he could be a second pair guy. Carlsson has been referred to as a possible shut down type and he can skate like crazy (btw Krys skates like this too). Tuulola is more offensive and how he could become better than Rutta is just a matter of time to find out.

He would need to be more physical approach than Rutta. Tuulola is a wild card until I see him play as a North American pro. Both Carlsson and Tuulola is a reach until you see them play over here. But I figure they will be the equal or better than the Gus, Kempny, Rutta and Snuggerud/Dahlback crowd

I defer on Rydash until he plays more, develops more. Norell might one day be a useful fairly reliable defensive third pair type with descent mobility and descent shot

If any trades are made , they won't be rentals, they'll be with the mind set of having the player past this year . Otherwise they may just Stand pat. Is any of this Kieth to Toronto talk legit? Or is it just a bunch of Ducks fartin in shallow water. If it is true, Stan better get atleast 2 of those high end kids not named Austin Mathews as part of the return.
- wonthecup10

Well I hope that's the case. We can't afford to give away any assets for rentals.

Keith situation, as you say is hot air. I don't really see him going anywhere.

There just isn't any quick fix here. Orgs that do the most damage are the ones that hold onto what they had instead of being realistic and making the tough moves sooner than later.

Well I hope that's the case. We can't afford to give away any assets for rentals.

Keith situation, as you say is hot air. I don't really see him going anywhere.

There just isn't any quick fix here. Orgs that do the most damage are the ones that hold onto what they had instead of being realistic and making the tough moves sooner than later.
- BetweenTheDots

Not only that, but Bowman better wise up and bring in more of the physical players. Top lines need one Each line ideally needs one, not just the fourth line when Hayden Wingels Bouma were enrolled. There should be two large guys, too, so the opponent knows they can be nailed too.

To Mtl: Hartman and a 5th

To Chi: Andrew Shaw and a 3rd

Wouldn't surprise me to see the Penguins trade for Kempny, he plays so much like Daley
- BetweenTheDots

The same thought pops into my mind every time I see him, but moreso Gustafson. Every time Gus plays half the time I see him down on the opposing end line and I can picture Q 's skin crawling......

Hartman for Skjei?
- DarthKane

Skjei is the most exquisite skater I have ever seen play at the jr level. With the NTDP he had seemingly perfect balance and stride and he ain't small.

To Mtl: Hartman and a 5th

To Chi: Andrew Shaw and a 3rd
- nickmo2699

I loved Shaw when he was here, but he is injured prone, salary is to high for Chicago and I would like it if Chicago would stop bringing back ex Hawks. None of them worked out up to date including Saad so far.

Here's what we need to remind ourselves about which should also be the mindset of each NHL GM: where are you going to get your power forward....a player with better than average size, talent and snarl? Develop picks and hope that one of them works out? Trade for one? Both those options are not high percetage win win scenarios. However if ever in a position to draft a power forward, by all means try try keep tying to move up in the draft. Bowman is traditionally the GM who hopes to snag one fallen star by patiently waiting for a player to land at his doorstep first round slot, e.g.TT among others.
- jhawk59

Power forwards are hard to find and how many really are there that are consistent that have +skating, size, hands and the mentality? Saad like size and speed. That's why hockey people are willing to take chances on the Paniks (and a Jurco to a lesser degree) of the world and fans aren't. They are very hard to find and develop slower than pure skill guys.

I watched Iocappelli set the USHL single season goal scoring record and most of his goals came from within 15 feet. But this dude could be lazy at that level (but remember I said the same thing about Schmaltz).

His skating ain't great but he has size and can finish. Holmstrom like?

I think Bouma is an honorable mention. Guy came in. Worked his tail off on the 4th line as an energy/hitter guy. If anything, he gave consistent all out effort. As does Wingels. Its amazing how effective north/south hockey is.

The ONLy trade of Hartman would be to have a guaranteed pick of Tcachuk. I would rather trade Jokiharju - and that is not something I am not happy about - so that means Hartman and Tcachuk on two different lines. I realize by doing this we would be counting on Forsling to develop.

I realize, furthermore, that we have several candidates whose offensive skill makes them a real nice weapon for a third pair. To play with Murphy.

It may be a process where others like Rutta, Gus, Dahlback, even Pokka are essentially caretakers until a Krys or Snuggerud is ready. This assumes that one of them would make it and oh what a nice boost to have a weapon on a third pair

Ok the following is all projection my wish come true.

The collegiate kid out west is the hoped for guy who could replace Keith or be the second pair reliable guy. Someone like L Carlsson develops and he could be a second pair guy. Carlsson has been referred to as a possible shut down type and he can skate like crazy (btw Krys skates like this too). Tuulola is more offensive and how he could become better than Rutta is just a matter of time to find out.

He would need to be more physical approach than Rutta. Tuulola is a wild card until I see him play as a North American pro. Both Carlsson and Tuulola is a reach until you see them play over here. But I figure they will be the equal or better than the Gus, Kempny, Rutta and Snuggerud/Dahlback crowd

I defer on Rydash until he plays more, develops more. Norell might one day be a useful fairly reliable defensive third pair type with descent mobility and descent shot
- jhawk59

Don't go to sleep on 3rd rounder and current ND Dman Dennis Gilbert. He has the size and style to be a shut down guy and has revamped his game from a skill/push/skate Dman style that he played as a jr. I could envision a shut down guy with some skating push it up back class. http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=267396