I will have a recap/rumour blog tomorrow but quickly...

* Ward - we knew this one was happening. Short-term deal so I'm not too worked up over it. I know he's a great dressing room guy and I can see him and Crawford working well together. The question is... what happens to Anton Forsberg?

* Kunitz - confusing move but only 1 year/ 1M so low risk and they can send him to Rockford (a la Bouma/Franson). I honestly thought this spot/role would have went to Tommy Wingels (who is still unsigned). 13 goals on your 4th line LW isn't the worst I guess... but still a little baffling.

* Manning - I'm concerned this was the tough, shutdown guy they targeted for Joel's backend. Manning has not effectively played a shutdown role in the NHL... ever. Talking to a Philadelphia contact... he said Manning is a 6th/7th dman. 2.25M is a lot for that and the Hawks have Keith, Gustafsson, Oesterle and Forsling all on the left already. Manning does offer some physicality though which could be an added need and might mean someone like Connor Murphy (one of the only other dmen to throw a check consistently) might be on his way out.

* Schmaltz - I mentioned earlier but sounds like CHI is working on an extension for #8. I saw some chatter on here earlier and 5 years @ $5.5M (ish) would be what he's looking at IMO.

* Anisimov - word is that now O'Rielly has been traded to St. Louis... Montreal and NYI are in the market for a C. This is good if the Hawks are looking to move Anisimov. The only problem is that the Hawks would need to find a replacement for AA. So, the deal would really have to make sense/allow room to trade/sign someone.


Overall, pretty disappointed that Stan didn't secure a top 4 d or someone with that potential (sorry, Manning is not that).

Also, if they were adding a depth forward... I would have liked to see someone with C/FO ability (like Wingels, Richardson, Grant) and not Kunitz.

I'll be back tomorrow with more (hopefully).

Stay tuned.

- Justin Lowe

The more I think about it, the more I'm fine with the Kunitz signing.

Yes, he had a down year and his age is obviously a big deterrent, but the fact is, he's still a double-digit goal producer who plays physical, is a veteran presence, and has the capability of sliding around anywhere from the first to the fourth line, which isn't very common among most players who inhabit bottom-six roles. On a one year, veteran minimum-like deal, it's not the worst thing in the world. Toughness on the bottom-six was needed (though only 1 point (assist) in 17 games this post-season is not a good sign for how quickly his game declined this year).

It's the Manning signing that irks me. Two years @ $2.25 million when he could easily be scratched most nights is going to be very David Rundblad-like. We'll consider it a win whenever his contract comes off the books. Maybe Nick Holden would have been a better value? Hopefully there's another more than follows suit because frankly, this is not improving anything.

After Joe Thornton, the C market is completely bare. Letestu, Winnik, and Grant are the best available options... have to think that the 'Hawks are in a good bargaining position for teams interested in AA. His contract looks pretty reasonable now. No need to force a trade unless there's a plan in place to acquire a 3C, or you're comfortable with Ejdsell taking over for AA (which is a reasonable projection).

I believe players must be at least 29 or 30 year old to play AHL. He plays in Sweden for two years. Then see how his development looks. This much seems obvious. But also Bowman has to read into any equation how the kid's body fares playing against men at age 20. I wouldn't expect to hear he is chisled man - child as Saad has been described.
- jhawk59

Nylander played in the AHL at 18 and 19.

The more I think about it, the more I'm fine with the Kunitz signing.

Yes, he had a down year and his age is obviously a big deterrent, but the fact is, he's still a double-digit goal producer who plays physical, is a veteran presence, and has the capability of sliding around anywhere from the first to the fourth line, which isn't very common among most players who inhabit bottom-six roles. On a one year, veteran minimum-like deal, it's not the worst thing in the world. Toughness on the bottom-six was needed (though only 1 point (assist) in 17 games this post-season is not a good sign for how quickly his game declined this year).

It's the Manning signing that irks me. Two years @ $2.25 million when he could easily be scratched most nights is going to be very David Rundblad-like. We'll consider it a win whenever his contract comes off the books. Maybe Nick Holden would have been a better value? Hopefully there's another more than follows suit because frankly, this is not improving anything.

After Joe Thornton, the C market is completely bare. Letestu, Winnik, and Grant are the best available options... have to think that the 'Hawks are in a good bargaining position for teams interested in AA. His contract looks pretty reasonable now. No need to force a trade unless there's a plan in place to acquire a 3C, or you're comfortable with Ejdsell taking over for AA (which is a reasonable projection).
- TommyHawk

Where we stand now is still largely a wait and see game. Only now there are fewer pieces in play and therefore less confidence Bowman pulls a rabbit out of a hat. DeHahn is still out there....

Nylander played in the AHL at 18 and 19.
- L_B_R

I am not current on the rules. Playing age rules should not be misused, however, for the vulnerable position of a dman. Confidence and experience are so very important. It takes years of repetition just to retrieve and smartly make right decision what to do, where to go with puck movement. In a moment make a play or make bad play and deal with the repercussion of a prime scoring opportunity against his team

Anyway for cripes sake let the kid finish high school. Sounds like he has overcome yet still has issues learning in the classroom.
WOULD playing for Chicago Steel be sensible? How soon?

Connor Murphy and Erik Gustafsson were a surprisingly great pair towards the end of the year last year. Their even-strength ice time together was almost 58%. Granted that they spent less than 150 minutes together, but that is a decent enough of a sample size to see how they perform together at least at the start of the year...

IF Bowman doesn't (read: fails to) make any more moves this off-season (especially along the blue line), then I'd like to see:

Saad - Toews - Hinostroza
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane
Kunitz - Ejdsell - Sikura
Martinsen - Kampf - Hayden

Keith - Seabrook
Gus - Murphy
Manning - Rutta

Crawford
Ward

The more I think about it, the more I'm fine with the Kunitz signing.

Yes, he had a down year and his age is obviously a big deterrent, but the fact is, he's still a double-digit goal producer who plays physical, is a veteran presence, and has the capability of sliding around anywhere from the first to the fourth line, which isn't very common among most players who inhabit bottom-six roles. On a one year, veteran minimum-like deal, it's not the worst thing in the world. Toughness on the bottom-six was needed (though only 1 point (assist) in 17 games this post-season is not a good sign for how quickly his game declined this year).

It's the Manning signing that irks me. Two years @ $2.25 million when he could easily be scratched most nights is going to be very David Rundblad-like. We'll consider it a win whenever his contract comes off the books. Maybe Nick Holden would have been a better value? Hopefully there's another more than follows suit because frankly, this is not improving anything.

After Joe Thornton, the C market is completely bare. Letestu, Winnik, and Grant are the best available options... have to think that the 'Hawks are in a good bargaining position for teams interested in AA. His contract looks pretty reasonable now. No need to force a trade unless there's a plan in place to acquire a 3C, or you're comfortable with Ejdsell taking over for AA (which is a reasonable projection).
- TommyHawk

Kunitz has put up back to back sub 30 points, so it was not a down year. And absolutely all of his numbers have been declining for about 4 years now and were garbage level last season. PIT didn't even play him on the PP at the end there and Tampa never did plus he doesn't PK because he's not very good defensively.

People who disliked Sharp last year should dislike this signing as well - Sharp had only 8 less points / 3 less goals in 12 fewer games, and that was with Kunitz ridding the highest sh% he'd had in over 4 seasons (and then only getting 13 goals) that is likely not repeated (as seen in how it just dropped off a cliff in the playoffs). Kunitz is older and slower than Sharp last season - he most certainly does not have the ability to play on a top line.

Still, a one year deal with an amount that can be completely buried isn't the end of the world but the idea that he's a good player anymore is weird to me. Objectively, he is not. He might be the worst b6 player the Hawks have signed in FA to me and that's saying something since I really didn't like Bouma.



Also, remember that Anisimov has a 10 team trade list which limits options, and that Edjsell didn't play center in Rockford so it's not quite a reasonable projection for him to replace any centers at the NHL level.

Where we stand now is still largely a wait and see game. Only now there are fewer pieces in play and therefore less confidence Bowman pulls a rabbit out of a hat. DeHahn is still out there....
- jhawk59

There is nothing out there in free agency. Nothing. Everything worthwhile for the 'Hawks now is solely dependent on the trade market.

We saw how mediocre talent like Ian Cole, John Moore, Jack Johnson, etc. were all able to secure long-term commitments. Can only imagine what de Haan, who is arguably the best of those options, gets.

If the 'Hawks are somehow able to send AA, Forsling, Hossa, a pick (or whatever else is necessary) for a guy like Faulk, that is the route worth pursuing.

Any other FA signings should be solely on a bottom-six depth addition.

Connor Murphy and Erik Gustafsson were a surprisingly great pair towards the end of the year last year. Their even-strength ice time together was almost 58%. Granted that they spent less than 150 minutes together, but that is a decent enough of a sample size to see how they perform together at least at the start of the year...

IF Bowman doesn't (read: fails to) make any more moves this off-season (especially along the blue line), then I'd like to see:

Saad - Toews - Hinostroza
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane
Kunitz - Ejdsell - Sikura
Martinsen - Kampf - Hayden

Keith - Seabrook
Gus - Murphy
Manning - Rutta

Crawford
Ward
- TommyHawk

Softest top six and most inexperienced bottom six in the NHL. With that lineup they could be lucky to get 65 points this season.

Connor Murphy and Erik Gustafsson were a surprisingly great pair towards the end of the year last year. Their even-strength ice time together was almost 58%. Granted that they spent less than 150 minutes together, but that is a decent enough of a sample size to see how they perform together at least at the start of the year...

IF Bowman doesn't (read: fails to) make any more moves this off-season (especially along the blue line), then I'd like to see:

Saad - Toews - Hinostroza
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane
Kunitz - Ejdsell - Sikura
Martinsen - Kampf - Hayden

Keith - Seabrook
Gus - Murphy
Manning - Rutta

Crawford
Ward
- TommyHawk

I believe Bowman has higher hope for Rutta. He is skilled, has international experience, showed well early on last season. Originally Q showed lot of confidence in him. I am concerned, however, with non checking physical play and wondering next season the Ulfie impact. Maybe we need Z3 post person to talk to them and see if anything sensible can be explained!

Kunitz has put up back to back sub 30 points, so it was not a down year. And absolutely all of his numbers have been declining for about 4 years now and were garbage level last season. PIT didn't even play him on the PP at the end there and Tampa never did plus he doesn't PK because he's not very good defensively.

People who disliked Sharp last year should dislike this signing as well - Sharp had only 8 less points / 3 less goals in 12 fewer games, and that was with Kunitz ridding the highest sh% he'd had in over 4 seasons (and then only getting 13 goals) that is likely not repeated (as seen in how it just dropped off a cliff in the playoffs). Kunitz is older and slower than Sharp last season - he most certainly does not have the ability to play on a top line.

Still, a one year deal with an amount that can be completely buried isn't the end of the world but the idea that he's a good player anymore is weird to me. Objectively, he is not. He might be the worst b6 player the Hawks have signed in FA to me and that's saying something since I really didn't like Bouma.



Also, remember that Anisimov has a 10 team trade list which limits options, and that Edjsell didn't play center in Rockford so it's not quite a reasonable projection for him to replace any centers at the NHL level.
- L_B_R

Fair. But looking past the advanced metrics (which I'm not overlooking), on the basis of how contracts are handed out, a 30-point bottom-six winger USUALLY gets more than $1 million on the open market. (For example a guy like Eric Fehr who spent half his season in the AHL and the other half splitting time between the press box in the NHL and bouncing around organizations was able to land the same contract.)

Just purely from a value perspective, 30 points for $1 mil is fine.

But again, I understand that Kunitz is a shell of his former self. Not expecting much (if any) contribution from him.

Additionally, Sharp came home on a team-friendly deal to retire in an Indianhead sweater. Even though he had a rough go in Dallas the year prior, he still would have likely fetched a little bit more had he signed with a different organization.

Softest top six and most inexperienced bottom six in the NHL. With that lineup they could be lucky to get 65 points this season.
- Return of the Roar

You know when you say softest top six I conjured up an old TV commercial of Howard who played the barber in Andy Griffin show - only now I recall he ALSO was in the commercial about don't squeeze the Charmin - they're so soft. Yes sir, our soft defense. Had to both laugh and almost want to cry how soft our defense.

I really hoped to have drafted Samuelson kid on defence. Read his report. Just what teams need. Rated as first round projection, he was actually first player taken in round two by Buffalo.

I believe Bowman has higher hope for Rutta. He is skilled, has international experience, showed well early on last season. Originally Q showed lot of confidence in him. I am concerned, however, with non checking physical play and wondering next season the Ulfie impact. Maybe we need Z3 post person to talk to them and see if anything sensible can be explained!
- jhawk59

Johnny Oduya didn't have physical play and he didn't really wow in any particular area either. He ate minutes, played responsibly, and was trusted by Q.

As long as Rutta simplifies his game (and a big part of that is him getting comfortable on the NA ice), and doesn't play like a deer in headlights, I think he can be fine. He'd be a pretty darn good #5/#6.

I am not current on the rules. Playing age rules should not be misused, however, for the vulnerable position of a dman. Confidence and experience are so very important. It takes years of repetition just to retrieve and smartly make right decision what to do, where to go with puck movement. In a moment make a play or make bad play and deal with the repercussion of a prime scoring opportunity against his team

Anyway for cripes sake let the kid finish high school. Sounds like he has overcome yet still has issues learning in the classroom.
WOULD playing for Chicago Steel be sensible? How soon?
- jhawk59

I didn't say Boqvist would/should play in the AHL, just pointing out others from euro league have at a similar age. That's all. Under 20 rule applies to the CHL only. Pretty sure Boqvist is already signed to play in Sweden next season, so his entry deal with the Hawks will slide. The Hawks are not going to rush his development and his signing means nothing in the scheme of that.

Softest top six and most inexperienced bottom six in the NHL. With that lineup they could be lucky to get 65 points this season.
- Return of the Roar

What are you realistically hoping for?

5 of the slots are firmly entrenched. Vinny had 25 points in 50 games last year, and took a big step up from the year prior. Big growth from Schmaltz last season from the year prior as well.

These guys need to develop, and the only way they can do so is without being blocked. Would much rather have Vinny scoring 40-50 points over the course of a full season on the first line at his new contract rate next year than adding a top-six guy like JvR/Neal who are going at $6-$7 mil and are getting term.

Funny how we want the 'Hawks to contend as long as possible, but want ever-lasting success by just throwing money they don't have at players that don't make sense to afford.

Let the team try to contend with the core in place while having the next generation of talent infused in the process. That's how teams like Boston, LA, and Pitt have been able to stay competitive.

A down year last season doesn't mean it's the end of the world. The 'Hawks still have a pretty talented roster when comparing it to the rest of the league.

I believe players must be at least 19 or 20 year old to play AHL. He plays in Sweden for two years. Then see how his development looks. This much seems obvious. But also Bowman has to read into any equation how the kid's body fares playing against men at age 20. I wouldn't expect to hear he is chisled man - child as Saad has been described.
- jhawk59

The 19/20 rule only applies to players who are coming out of North American junior leagues.

Fair. But looking past the advanced metrics (which I'm not overlooking), on the basis of how contracts are handed out, a 30-point bottom-six winger USUALLY gets more than $1 million on the open market. (For example a guy like Eric Fehr who spent half his season in the AHL and the other half splitting time between the press box in the NHL and bouncing around organizations was able to land the same contract.)

Just purely from a value perspective, 30 points for $1 mil is fine.

But again, I understand that Kunitz is a shell of his former self. Not expecting much (if any) contribution from him.

Additionally, Sharp came home on a team-friendly deal to retire in an Indianhead sweater. Even though he had a rough go in Dallas the year prior, he still would have likely fetched a little bit more had he signed with a different organization.
- TommyHawk

As I said, a cap hit that can be buried for Kunitz is fine for 28 points, though again, that number was inflated. It's just weird how many hated the Sharp signing as "he's too old and slow now" but are fine with Kunitz who is older and slower. People were weirdly fine with Bouma too but that also didn't work out for the Hawks (though helped the Hogs). Kind of seems like stop gap vets aren't particularly useful unless the rest of the team is higher quality. Huh.

Also I don't know if "but a similarly bad player got more money" is a great argument.

As I said, a cap hit that can be buried for Kunitz is fine for 28 points, though again, that number was inflated. It's just weird how many hated the Sharp signing as "he's too old and slow now" but are fine with Kunitz who is older and slower. People were weirdly fine with Bouma too but that also didn't work out for the Hawks (though helped the Hogs). Kind of seems like stop gap vets aren't particularly useful unless the rest of the team is higher quality. Huh.

Also I don't know if "but a similarly bad player got more money" is a great argument.
- L_B_R

The "similarly bad player" argument is a comparison of how financially the 'Hawks could have made a similar investment in a worse player. The upside in Kunitz (if that's even a thing at his age) is greater than there is any other player that signed for his cap hit. That's all. Even if Kunitz puts up 20 points this season, a $1 mil dollar contract is nothing but a roster spot. And if he's sitting, then that's a good sign that a younger roster player has earned Q's trust. Either way, a veteran presence is something that is absolutely needed for this team. The oldest forward the 'Hawks had (prior to this signing) was ... Jonathan Toews. Goes to show how much youth the team has now.

Personally speaking, I wasn't a proponent of the Sharp deal but I had nothing against it. In hindsight, I still have nothing against it either. It is what it is, a veteran addition that didn't impact the season in any way.

I didn't say Boqvist would/should play in the AHL, just pointing out others from euro league have at a similar age. That's all. Under 20 rule applies to the CHL only. Pretty sure Boqvist is already signed to play in Sweden next season, so his entry deal with the Hawks will slide. The Hawks are not going to rush his development and his signing means nothing in the scheme of that.
- L_B_R

At age 20 it is reasonable to see him try out for the top league in Sweden - which could be a second season there - or even Rockford. But you are correct/do not rush him.

Another Swedish player Bowman signed is to begin next season in Rockford. M From. Ironicly what an excellent name for an assists leader. Curious to see his game. And if Fortin returns better from offensive point of view.

Still a head scratcher why Buffalo clearly wanted to trade O'Reilly. And why not better NHL value in return? Did they really value the draft picks almost covet them ....because they took two third line guys not up to par in St Louis..... they took useful players as salary retention so Blues can pay ROR. I sense Buffalo did not want to keep ROR....again I say "why."

The "similarly bad player" argument is a comparison of how financially the 'Hawks could have made a similar investment in a worse player. The upside in Kunitz (if that's even a thing at his age) is greater than there is any other player that signed for his cap hit. That's all. Even if Kunitz puts up 20 points this season, a $1 mil dollar contract is nothing but a roster spot. And if he's sitting, then that's a good sign that a younger roster player has earned Q's trust. Either way, a veteran presence is something that is absolutely needed for this team. The oldest forward the 'Hawks had (prior to this signing) was ... Jonathan Toews. Goes to show how much youth the team has now.

Personally speaking, I wasn't a proponent of the Sharp deal but I had nothing against it. In hindsight, I still have nothing against it either. It is what it is, a veteran addition that didn't impact the season in any way.
- TommyHawk

Sorry, the same way I won't blame Bowman for other teams signing good player, I don't think I can give credit for signing a meh player just because another GM signed an equally meh player to a worst contract.

Personally speaking, I don't particularly care that much about Kunitz signing cause, as I keep saying, he can be buried if need be. I only commented because it was inaccurate to say he had only one down year (he just fell off more of a cliff last year) and had the capability of playing on a top line (his foot speed just isn't there).

I also don't know where he fits in bottom 6 wise - he's not good enough defensive to be on a checking line imo and I'd hate for him to take away a spot offensively from a young player. He's Bouma 2.0 to me right now except he doesn't even PK (though Bouma didn't do that all that well). It looks like to me the Hawks will have another useless grinder 4th line that does nothing to help the top 6, at least currently. Trades could change that obvs.

The "similarly bad player" argument is a comparison of how financially the 'Hawks could have made a similar investment in a worse player. The upside in Kunitz (if that's even a thing at his age) is greater than there is any other player that signed for his cap hit. That's all. Even if Kunitz puts up 20 points this season, a $1 mil dollar contract is nothing but a roster spot. And if he's sitting, then that's a good sign that a younger roster player has earned Q's trust. Either way, a veteran presence is something that is absolutely needed for this team. The oldest forward the 'Hawks had (prior to this signing) was ... Jonathan Toews. Goes to show how much youth the team has now.

Personally speaking, I wasn't a proponent of the Sharp deal but I had nothing against it. In hindsight, I still have nothing against it either. It is what it is, a veteran addition that didn't impact the season in any way.
- TommyHawk

Sorry, the same way I won't blame Bowman for other teams signing or trading for other players, I don't think I can give credit for signing a meh player just because another GM signed an equally meh player to a worst contract. Not the end of the world, as you say, but it's still meh in the end.

Personally speaking, I don't particularly care that much about Kunitz signing cause, as I keep saying, he can be buried if need be. I only commented because it was inaccurate to say he had only one down year (he just fell off more of a cliff last year) and had the capability of playing on a top line (his foot speed just isn't there).

I also don't know where he fits in bottom 6 wise - he's not good enough defensive to be on a checking line imo and I'd hate for him to take away a spot offensively from a young player. He's Bouma 2.0 to me right now except he doesn't even PK (though Bouma didn't do that all that well). It looks like to me the Hawks will have another useless grinder 4th line that does nothing to help the top 6, at least currently. Trades could change that obvs.

At age 20 it is reasonable to see him try out for the top league in Sweden - which could be a second season there - or even Rockford. But you are correct/do not rush him.

Another Swedish player Bowman signed is to begin next season in Rockford. M From. Ironicly what an excellent name for an assists leader. Curious to see his game. And if Fortin returns better from offensive point of view.
- jhawk59

Boqvist will likely be in the top league for Sweden next year. He played some there last season already (Hawks own Lucas Carlsson was his partner).

Also if you're talking about Mathias From, he was actually released from his PTO with the Hogs before the season ended and has not been signed by the Hawks to an ELC. He's was extended by AIK in Allsvenskan for the next season so he's playing there. Still only 20 so could be signed down the road. He isn't Swedish either btw - Danish, just plays in Sweden.

Look Boqvist to play with London Knights next season.

I am not current on the rules. Playing age rules should not be misused, however, for the vulnerable position of a dman. Confidence and experience are so very important. It takes years of repetition just to retrieve and smartly make right decision what to do, where to go with puck movement. In a moment make a play or make bad play and deal with the repercussion of a prime scoring opportunity against his team

Anyway for cripes sake let the kid finish high school. Sounds like he has overcome yet still has issues learning in the classroom.
WOULD playing for Chicago Steel be sensible? How soon?
- jhawk59

According to the AHL web site, players must be 18 by September 15 to play in the league.

Boqvist will be 18 on August 15 - so apparently he is eligible.

But - he is going back to play in Sweden next season.

The 19/20 rule only applies to players who are coming out of North American junior leagues.
- ObeseOprah

Yes - I think it’s an agreement between the AHL and those leagues, rather than an AHL rule.