I have advocated this position myself. I know it wouldn’t work — don’t see the nhl agreeing to swap out the Arizona team for the wolves or ice hogs if it came to that. But I wish there was some way to deal better with teams that won’t or can’t spend; without much empirical evidence, you would think anyone with the smallest amount of common sense could deduce that if you don’t spend, you don’t get the quality players, and if you don’t get the quality players, you can’t compete. At an absolute minimum, you could argue that this seriously compromises the competitive integrity of the league.
- Spec41971

There are many, many things about the NHL hierarchy and NHLPA that I don't like (starting with how they are dealing with hits to the head), but one thing no one can deny is that the NHL is tremendously competitive.

I wonder if McD ever thought about "Let's bring in the twins for a year"?
- powerenforcer

Let's hope not.

Blah...I'd rather see Hayden than Stewart
- PatShart

Damn right. John Hayden damn well better be on the team. A huge winger who plays tough, gets to the dirty areas and has some skill. He should get a real look among the top 9 somewhere. Would like to keep him from just an all out checking role as he can provide more to the table, although he is a huge hitter...Hayden potentially will be among Top 10 in hits.

There are many, many things about the NHL hierarchy and NHLPA that I don't like (starting with how they are dealing with hits to the head), but one thing no one can deny is that the NHL is tremendously competitive.
- BMWChiFan

I agree that there is a lot of competitiveness throughout the league, but I do believe that having teams unwilling or unable to compete for the best players does compromise the integrity of the competitiveness.

It is a sad cycle that teams like buffalo and Arizona can’t attract the top-end free agent talent who wants to sign with a winner. Then some teams are excluded from the market, that directs the top-end talent to fewer teams and the stronger teams tend to stay stronger.

I love the competitiveness of an NHL game. There was nothing wrong with the hawks-wings rivalry; tough to beat that. And who didn’t look forward to Chicago vs ducks or the blues.

I just don’t feel that at 31 teams are competing on the same footing and that’s where the compromise comes in.

This isn’t a dig on hockey; it happens in all sports.

Read somewhere he had mono in his draft yr but that yr he played in the WJC U-18 and played 54 games with Hamilton.

Do you remember anything like that in his draft yr?
- Mr Ricochet

Entwistle was diagnosed with mononucleosis in February, and started losing much of his wright and muscle. He only played 54 games this season, where he scored 12 goals and 25 points for the Hamilton Bulldogs, including him coming back to score just one point in his last nine games in the regular season. He did add two points in seven playoff games.
The post mono play is what had him lasting into the start of the third round, when it looked like a goos solid season would have had him as a late first rounder in the Hayton mold, where you draft him and watch closely and help build his game into a stronger one with improving hs puck skills and improving his later agility.
The issue was he was on an upward track with Hamilton, learning to use his size and was adding grit.
He was viewed as a top six JUNIOR league forward, one who was smart, could hold off defenders and drive on offense, and set up positionally on defense, and when pucks came his way he would quickly advance it so his team could transition out of their end.
The coaches loved him b/c of the work ethic, as penalty killer.
He works and works at both ends relentlessly.
He’s willing to do the little things to help your team succeed, even if it doesn’t show on the score sheet.
What makes Entwistle interesting for me is that he has some offensive upside. He is a good skater with underrated hands. He also showed a nice ability to finish, especially in the Top Prospects game.
He has seen lots of time on wing but also might have enough North-South ability to be a centre.
Arizona probably felt they had similar guys in age and ability and were willing to let him develop elsewhere (or not).
Here is the thing:
because they hawks are continuing to build around quick and fast handed, no thinking attackers at both positions, it might be a perfect place for this kid to gain confidence when he gets more chances with the skilled guys.
So far, there was not the scoring side bubbling, or the confidence that starts to happen when the younger guys see they can be scoring factors.
So he appears to be this one dimensional guy, but that may very well start to change...lots on NHL players have been drafted later who looked very similar to him and have blossomed into confident scorers....the other thing is he looked realty good in the Ivan Hlinka and the later in the U-18 tourney and those international events are good measuring sticks...he is quick enough, but needs to add the east west mobility, he hits defenseman when he gets in there, and he has got a bit of that Austin Watson type demeanor with some upside too.

Let's hope not.
- Beaver-Warrior

Sign them to a cheap contract like Brad Richards or when the two Agular brothers go to Houston from the Bad News Bears.

4 DOLLARS, FOR BOTH OF US.

Damn right. John Hayden damn well better be on the team. A huge winger who plays tough, gets to the dirty areas and has some skill. He should get a real look among the top 9 somewhere. Would like to keep him from just an all out checking role as he can provide more to the table, although he is a huge hitter...Hayden potentially will be among Top 10 in hits.
- kwolf68

In the AHL maybe. I don't see the reason for all the Hayden love other than his size. He's slow loses the puck constantly in the offensive zone, has an alright shot. His claim to fame is his extremely lucky punch on Foligno. (his eyes were closed)

I get that this happens a bunch, but it seems to me that it should be illegal to trade a dead contract. It goes around (loophole) the nature if a CBA. The Hawks signed him longterm and he “quit”. Many other examples if this, so please don’t see me going at the Hawks, just the deal.

I also don’t think Kovalchuk should be allowed to “quit” the devils and be allowed to return to the NHL.

That said, I know the rules allow it so suck it up, but just doesn’t seem right.

In the AHL maybe. I don't see the reason for all the Hayden love other than his size. He's slow loses the puck constantly in the offensive zone, has an alright shot. His claim to fame is his extremely lucky punch on Foligno. (his eyes were closed)
- GPHawksfan

From my perspective, he has shown improvement in a lot of areas. Goes to the net and stays there, can come out with the puck form corner battles, doesn't lose position to go for a hit and lays effective hits. He's still a young kid. Schmaltz showed great improvement last year after going back to the Rock for a stint, and it seems that Colliton got a lot out of Hayden when he was back there.

He's not going to blow you away with stats, but you need players like Hayden on the team.

John Jaeckel‏ @jaeckel · 46m46 minutes ago

Heard just now Hawks working on several trade scenarios. Pacioretty ("top priority"), Skinner, Faulk, also talking to Vegas and Vancouver (players unnamed but LIndberg and Gagner were mentioned to me last week). FWIW, none of the scenarios I heard about included Panarin.


Not quite sure how I feel about Patches being the top priority (if true). If it truly is for one year, and they are not planning on resigning him, fine, but don't commit term and dollars to another guy that will be well into his 30's at the end of the contract.

Stan... please... learn from your past mistakes.

There are many, many things about the NHL hierarchy and NHLPA that I don't like (starting with how they are dealing with hits to the head), but one thing no one can deny is that the NHL is tremendously competitive.
- BMWChiFan

But the on ice product is largely mediocre so how much does that really matter?

From my perspective, he has shown improvement in a lot of areas. Goes to the net and stays there, can come out with the puck form corner battles, doesn't lose position to go for a hit and lays effective hits. He's still a young kid. Schmaltz showed great improvement last year after going back to the Rock for a stint, and it seems that Colliton got a lot out of Hayden when he was back there.

He's not going to blow you away with stats, but you need players like Hayden on the team.
- Chunk

Absolutely. I think Hayden, in time, will be able to pitch in 40-45 points if given chances on third line. The kid works on his skating every year and is getting better. Dude is 23, I love people who already think he's trash.

The idea that the Hawks can go into next years UFA with 20+ mil available could be interesting looking at some of the names possibly available
- PatShart

Just like with pretty much every year, most of the best players on the UFA list now will not make it to free agency next summer. I feel like the UFA classes get worse year over year because teams are locking the better players up before they get to FA.

I am looking forward to 24-25 where the Hawks will have 79.5M in cap space.

Absolutely. I think Hayden, in time, will be able to pitch in 40-45 points if given chances on third line. The kid works on his skating every year and is getting better. Dude is 23, I love people who already think he's trash.
- kwolf68

I'm not sure anything in Hayden's past playing numbers suggest he'll reach 40 points in the NHL but I don't see why he couldn't be a Tom Wilson-lite who puts up 25-35 points while providing some size to a lineup. Not as good a skater as Wilson but smarter imo. Prorated he had 23 points this season.

Just like with pretty much every year, most of the best players on the UFA list now will not make it to free agency next summer. I feel like the UFA classes get worse year over year because teams are locking the better players up before they get to FA.
- L_B_R

Not to mention, you don’t ever win through free agency. Ever.

The goal of teams should be to lock their own players in. If the Hawks have that much cap space truly available, it’s a problem. Schmaltz, ADB, etc. should all be locked in way before then, and whatever is available should be allocated towards plugging last remaining holes.

Absolutely. I think Hayden, in time, will be able to pitch in 40-45 points if given chances on third line. The kid works on his skating every year and is getting better. Dude is 23, I love people who already think he's trash.
- kwolf68

Yup, that's exactly what I said. But I guess you would know better because you're the head of Blackhawk scouting and know better, and can see things that aren't there. Jesus. Lol.

John Jaeckel‏ @jaeckel · 46m46 minutes ago

Heard just now Hawks working on several trade scenarios. Pacioretty ("top priority"), Skinner, Faulk, also talking to Vegas and Vancouver (players unnamed but LIndberg and Gagner were mentioned to me last week). FWIW, none of the scenarios I heard about included Panarin.


Not quite sure how I feel about Patches being the top priority (if true). If it truly is for one year, and they are not planning on resigning him, fine, but don't commit term and dollars to another guy that will be well into his 30's at the end of the contract.

Stan... please... learn from your past mistakes.
- Chunk

I know I’m in the minority but I would rather have Skinner. He’d be worth a contract extension as well.

I'm not sure anything in Hayden's past playing numbers suggest he'll reach 40 points in the NHL but I don't see why he couldn't be a Tom Wilson-lite who puts up 25-35 points while providing some size to a lineup. Not as good a skater as Wilson but smarter imo. Prorated he had 23 points this season.
- L_B_R

How dare you say that he's not going to do something he's never done before at the hardest level of hockey. Just kidding by the way, I agree with your post. It's annoying that people fall in love with a player for some reason and think they're gonna be better or be worth more in a trade.

Bowman is the Phil Jackson of the NHL. Took winners and kept them winning. Was terrible when he called the shots. Buffalo=Knicks
- howiehandles

How about Quenville?

I wonder if McD ever thought about "Let's bring in the twins for a year"?
- powerenforcer

Hopefully...that would be fantastic.

John Jaeckel‏ @jaeckel · 46m46 minutes ago

Heard just now Hawks working on several trade scenarios. Pacioretty ("top priority"), Skinner, Faulk, also talking to Vegas and Vancouver (players unnamed but LIndberg and Gagner were mentioned to me last week). FWIW, none of the scenarios I heard about included Panarin.


Not quite sure how I feel about Patches being the top priority (if true). If it truly is for one year, and they are not planning on resigning him, fine, but don't commit term and dollars to another guy that will be well into his 30's at the end of the contract.

Stan... please... learn from your past mistakes.
- Chunk

The re-donk-u-lus rumor of the Hawks trying to obtain Panarin again? Good gawd make it stop.

Why in the world would the Hawks (or anyone) acquire Ryan Callahan - a 33-year old 3rd line winger making $5.8M for 2 more years who scored all of 18 points in 67 games last season. Puh-leeze.

Schmaltz (and DeBrincat) should be untouchables unless the trade is too good to be true (meaning equal or better player with long term contract or RFA). No way those two should be traded for a Pacioretty or Skinner. Sikura - fine because he hasn't proven himself yet, but I wouldn't even trade Sikura for a player with only 1 or 2 years on their contract before they hit UFA.

The point is - do we really think the Hawks are a legitimate Cup contender if they add a Stralman and Skinner/Pacioretty? I don't. Maybe they eek into the playoffs if a lot of things go right but they are not one of the best teams anymore. They should be aiming for 2019/20 season, if not the 2020/21 season.
- EbonyRaptor

Someone might take Callahan if they're also getting a Cirelli or Raddysh type of prospect package as well. It has nothing to do with what Callahan will bring to the team, but rather what a team acquiring him would get as a sweetener to take him.

Absolutely. I think Hayden, in time, will be able to pitch in 40-45 points if given chances on third line. The kid works on his skating every year and is getting better. Dude is 23, I love people who already think he's trash.
- kwolf68

By NHL standards most often by 23 you are what you are. Especially for forwards

Not to mention, you don’t ever win through free agency. Ever.

The goal of teams should be to lock their own players in. If the Hawks have that much cap space truly available, it’s a problem. Schmaltz, ADB, etc. should all be locked in way before then, and whatever is available should be allocated towards plugging last remaining holes.
- TommyHawk

The late 90s early 2000s red wings say what's up