Did anyone else notice late in the game Toews push DuClair to force him to be in the correct defensive position?People can female dog and moan all they want about Toews but he still has some pretty solid intangibles even if it does'nt add up to 10.5 mil.He will make the Duke a better player and management made them locker room neighbors for a reason.
- eagle50

I saw that and i thought the same, He is worth every dime. $ doesn't = Goals

i dont know much about Sikura...all i read is that he will be on the team late season - is he that good?
- glennjpawlak22

He is good, but he is still a college player so I think it is questionable if he is ready. I believe he was one of the better rookies/prospects during the summer camp and had received some interest to represent Canada internationally.

I'd guess he likely gets a contract and a look see to see if he can play at the NHL level right now or not. How much of a look will probably depend on how he plays and if the Hawks are still in the race or out of it.

Based on where he is playing and how effective he has been, I think Duclair might be near the top of that list for Stan. He has been fore-checking well and chasing down pucks, breaking up plays in the middle and adding some extra attack on the rush. I just have the feeling that if he keeps being effective in the top 6, they will lock him up.
- breadbag

A lot can change between now and the end of the season but I think Hartman and Hinostroza should definitely be a priority over Duclair.

Based on where he is playing and how effective he has been, I think Duclair might be near the top of that list for Stan. He has been fore-checking well and chasing down pucks, breaking up plays in the middle and adding some extra attack on the rush. I just have the feeling that if he keeps being effective in the top 6, they will lock him up.
- breadbag

I've been very impressed with that line and Duclair seems to be getting more confident making plays with the puck. He dangled a few times last night but couldn't get a shot through. The speed and offensive abilities of Cat and Duke are exactly what Toews needs on his line with his offensive struggles.

I know there is so much more Saad is capable of.....

A lot can change between now and the end of the season but I think Hartman and Hinostroza should definitely be a priority over Duclair.
- DarthKane

Is there any reason all three won't be signed?

Sweet dig bro

Creepy gingers - weird twins - I feel like there are numerous other digs you can take at them without making a stupid gender based insult that shouldn't be tolerated at this point in time.
- fattybeef

Oh relax. It is not a dig on my behalf. Although it can be construed by most as a dig, it is merely terms of a manly sort of affection or respect for their great talent and the that they have weathered any rough stuff to produce an exceptional career. Some fans get a kick out of calling them that just in a silly playful way. They tend to mock opponents with their great skill and seemingly mental telepathy with pinpoint passes as if they had eyes in the back of their head. That is practice, skill, experience playing together so long. No one is doubting their accomplishments or ability.

I am sorry if I offended anyone

Is there any reason all three won't be signed?
- EnzoD

If one or more has unrealistic contract expectations, then yes. In all likelihood they'll all be signed to 1-2 year deals for less than $2 million each.

Is there any reason all three won't be signed?
- EnzoD

Exactly it shouldn’t take much to get that done.

A lot can change between now and the end of the season but I think Hartman and Hinostroza should definitely be a priority over Duclair.
- DarthKane

I agree that a lot can change, but I'm just assuming what I think the Hawks might feel based on situation and playing time. I think it says a lot when a guy comes in and immediately gets moved up the lineup. I also don't think they traded Panik just to make a trade and lose salary cap hit, but to get someone they valued from afar.

A lot can change between now and the end of the season but I think Hartman and Hinostroza should definitely be a priority over Duclair.
- DarthKane

I am curious to hear why so many think Hartman is the top RFA to be signed? Also, if signed, what is the $ limit that makes it worthwhile?

I am curious to hear why so many think Hartman is the top RFA to be signed? Also, if signed, what is the $ limit that makes it worthwhile?
- RaleighHawk

I don't think he's the top, I think he will be the easiest to re-sign.

That was arguably the most impressive win they have had for a long time. Forsberg played great and had outstanding rebound control. Guys were all IN and doing the necessary things to win games....Kane taking a hit to set up the winning goal, and then getting ice time with under a minute left speaks VOLUMES for how far he has come in his 2 way game....

So....they have a game in hand on Dallas chasing 5 pts, Colorado has a game in hand them leading by 3 pts, and they are even with Minnesota (chasing 4 pts), and Calgary (chasing 5 pts)

Still an uphill climb but I don't get where people think they need to get to 98 pts go make the playoffs. All these teams will play each other and the most important thing for the Hawks is they have to be involved in 3 pt games against teams they aren't chasing to ensure they are racking up points.

With 32 games left and sitting at 55 pts......Can they get another 40+ pts? Can they go 20-12?

Here is the remaining schedule broken into 3, 10 game increments and the last 2.....Can they get 6,6,7 wins and then split the final 2? Or the combination of points?

@van, @cal, cal, dal, @min, @arz, @lv, anh, wash, la
ott, sj, @clm, @sj, @la, @anh, col, car, @bos, bos
@wpg, @buf, stl, @col, van, @nyi, sj, wpg, @col, @stl
stl, @wpg

Tall order, and this team will be physically enhausted at some point for having to play catch up......but I like the lineup with the younger kids offering speed, and balance. Liked Q demoting Saad to line 4 after he was a non factor again.....woudlnt be shocked to see him scratched very soon for a game.....

If one or more has unrealistic contract expectations, then yes. In all likelihood they'll all be signed to 1-2 year deals for less than $2 million each.
- DarthKane

Agreed...more I watch DuClair play, the more I like him.

Hartman to me is one of the biggest disappointments this year. Huge drop off in his game and I just dont' see how he can skate with top end talent.....he misses way too many grade a/b scoring chances.

BTW, who had 5 minutes and under in the pool for apologist to bring up Keith's disallowed goal in Detroit? My god.....it never ENDS. Never seen a man crush like this....this is beyond Santo's love for Kerry Wood, or the Hawks love for yaz.....this is a whole different level and truly uncomfortable to listen to.

i dont know much about Sikura...all i read is that he will be on the team late season - is he that good?
- glennjpawlak22

we have committed to bringing him in for a year like we did with hayden last year so he can burn 1 of his 2 year ELC. if he signs with another team he would be under a ELC of 18/19 and 19/20. He has to play a game to do that. at this point on the Roster who would you waive? or send down. could always send CAT down for a few games. Regionals | March 23-25, 2018 is we would have 6 games left if they win and goto Frozen four unless they lost the 1st game we would not be able to sign him and burn a ELC.

That was arguably the most impressive win they have had for a long time. Forsberg played great and had outstanding rebound control. Guys were all IN and doing the necessary things to win games....Kane taking a hit to set up the winning goal, and then getting ice time with under a minute left speaks VOLUMES for how far he has come in his 2 way game....

So....they have a game in hand on Dallas chasing 5 pts, Colorado has a game in hand them leading by 3 pts, and they are even with Minnesota (chasing 4 pts), and Calgary (chasing 5 pts)

Still an uphill climb but I don't get where people think they need to get to 98 pts go make the playoffs. All these teams will play each other and the most important thing for the Hawks is they have to be involved in 3 pt games against teams they aren't chasing to ensure they are racking up points.

With 32 games left and sitting at 55 pts......Can they get another 40+ pts? Can they go 20-12?

Here is the remaining schedule broken into 3, 10 game increments and the last 2.....Can they get 6,6,7 wins and then split the final 2? Or the combination of points?

@van, @cal, cal, dal, @min, @arz, @lv, anh, wash, la
ott, sj, @clm, @sj, @la, @anh, col, car, @bos, bos
@wpg, @buf, stl, @col, van, @nyi, sj, wpg, @col, @stl
stl, @wpg

Tall order, and this team will be physically enhausted at some point for having to play catch up......but I like the lineup with the younger kids offering speed, and balance. Liked Q demoting Saad to line 4 after he was a non factor again.....woudlnt be shocked to see him scratched very soon for a game.....
- SteveRain

Great post man. I think 98 points is just what folks think it will take to be safely in. Some years 93-95 is enough to make it, but the Central is so tight. Minny holding the last spot is on pace for 97 points, so I think folks just make the assumption that 98 will be enough.

I'd say no. One because ADB is a 20 year old rookie putting up good numbers and will be something special, and because a top 3 puck mover isn't going to be available. MAYBE Mike Green, but I don't like his play much in his own end. I'd like to see them ride Gustafsson out a bit more because he looks a lot like Leddy did when he was younger, just without the elite speed.
- JRoenick97

Ok just throwing it out there hawks do that type of d man book still out on Gusterson but looks a lot better this time around with the hawks maybe because hawks actually have developmental coach in Rockford and not ass clown dent. Only way I would trade dcat is if the hawks were getting pesce salvin sanhiem etc.. in return even then would hesistate.

Agreed...more I watch DuClair play, the more I like him.

Hartman to me is one of the biggest disappointments this year. Huge drop off in his game and I just dont' see how he can skate with top end talent.....he misses way too many grade a/b scoring chances.

BTW, who had 5 minutes and under in the pool for apologist to bring up Keith's disallowed goal in Detroit? My god.....it never ENDS. Never seen a man crush like this....this is beyond Santo's love for Kerry Wood, or the Hawks love for yaz.....this is a whole different level and truly uncomfortable to listen to.
- SteveRain

Sign Hartman to a Calle Jarnkrok type of deal.... 6 years at $2 million per season

Great post man. I think 98 points is just what folks think it will take to be safely in. Some years 93-95 is enough to make it, but the Central is so tight. Minny holding the last spot is on pace for 97 points, so I think folks just make the assumption that 98 will be enough.
- breadbag

Thanks.....I hear you......just as it all plays out the floor to get in may drop a bit......Still a long ways to go, but the key is getting all 20 skaters on the same page, and last night that was the case....and that Nashville team is DAMN good. Wow.

Just need a new hero every night and balance scoring...at some point you would think 88/19/20 will carry this team for a stretch.

I am curious to hear why so many think Hartman is the top RFA to be signed? Also, if signed, what is the $ limit that makes it worthwhile?
- RaleighHawk

If we look at the RFA forwards I think Hartman is the best of the bunch. That's not saying he's a superstar, just the best of this small group. Hartman is a versatile forward and improves the team's overall depth.

Hartman hasn't been a huge goal scorer, I don't think it's realistic that he keeps up a 20 goal pace in his career. Last season he had 31 points, this season he's on pace for 36 just with few goals and more assists.

I still rank the RFAs as Hartman, Hinostroza then Duclair. Hopefully Stan can re-sign them all.

Sign Hartman to a Calle Jarnkrok type of deal.... 6 years at $2 million per season
- DarthKane

That's a team friendly deal that is moveable for the Hawks. I'd be for it, but I doubt Hartman's agent would be. More like a 2-3 year deal, and if that's the case.....depending upon where he is next year or year after may make sense to deal him.

Vinny H since coming back from Rockford has been on fire.

I'm excited to see Sikura play once Northeastern's season ends. Sounds ilke his hockey IQ is high so he should be an instant solid addition.

Last night was really fun to watch. Nerve racking to boot, but hell if it wasn't fun to see them get that win.

Agreed...more I watch DuClair play, the more I like him.

Hartman to me is one of the biggest disappointments this year. Huge drop off in his game and I just dont' see how he can skate with top end talent.....he misses way too many grade a/b scoring chances.

BTW, who had 5 minutes and under in the pool for apologist to bring up Keith's disallowed goal in Detroit? My god.....it never ENDS. Never seen a man crush like this....this is beyond Santo's love for Kerry Wood, or the Hawks love for yaz.....this is a whole different level and truly uncomfortable to listen to.
- SteveRain

Hartman was a little lucky last year in scoring some of those goals. On the other hand he has been moved up and down and side to side in our lineup this year. So that makes it hard for him to get settled in with his linemates. The fact that he can move up and down the lineup, has some speed, decent hands and some grit make him a good guy to have on your team. At 23 he is still an unknown quantity that they may want to give a couple of more years to find his sweet spot. I would not overpay to keep him. But at $1 mil +/- for a couple of years I would sign him.

Sweet dig bro

Creepy gingers - weird twins - I feel like there are numerous other digs you can take at them without making a stupid gender based insult that shouldn't be tolerated at this point in time.
- fattybeef

You were so offended by the gender based joke that you insulted twins and people with red hair just to get your point(if that's what you want to call it) across.

Sweet dig bro

Say what you want about the advanced #'s, but they have been impressive all season.

Hawks top 5 in most metrics that determine puck possession, including not only shots but scoring chances as well. So that "well they're getting a lot of shots but none of them are quality" argument doesn't really add up.

That's a team friendly deal that is moveable for the Hawks. I'd be for it, but I doubt Hartman's agent would be. More like a 2-3 year deal, and if that's the case.....depending upon where he is next year or year after may make sense to deal him.

Vinny H since coming back from Rockford has been on fire.

I'm excited to see Sikura play once Northeastern's season ends. Sounds ilke his hockey IQ is high so he should be an instant solid addition.
- SteveRain

12 points over his past 14 games, that was just after being a healthy scratch for two games. Hino's ice time has been all over the map but I'd like to see him play 13-15 minutes per game.