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

True but Auston Matthews is a RFA next year and he'd be worth an offer sheet of $10 mil+ long term and the 4 1st round picks that we'd lose if he accepted the offer sheet. Its time the NHL teams start using offer sheets to steal top end talent. If nothing else, such an offer sheet would guarantee that Toronto could not sign one of their high end young player like Marner.

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.
- GPHawksfan

You basically said he's AHL fodder. Otherwise, your wienerish comments about me being in scouting isn't worth responding to.

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

unless Patches was moved at the deadline for a haul.

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.
- GPHawksfan

A weak minded person is one that will allow what others think to adjust their mental psyche'.

Such a weak minded person is one that will allow what others think to adjust their mental psyche'.
- kwolf68

LOL. Whatever you say airwolf, you've got this world all figured out.

Sounds like Patches is the target. Any guesses on what it would take to obtain him? Could ask the same about Skinner.

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

Didn't he have concussion issues not long ago? He's only 26 years old, otherwise. Admittedly I have not seen him play very much, though my wife liked to point out his occasional figure skating technique. Does he play a 200-foot game?

True but Auston Matthews is a RFA next year and he'd be worth an offer sheet of $10 mil+ long term and the 4 1st round picks that we'd lose if he accepted the offer sheet. Its time the NHL teams start using offer sheets to steal top end talent. If nothing else, such an offer sheet would guarantee that Toronto could not sign one of their high end young player like Marner.
- hankscorpio

Probably very little chance that Matthews will be RFA to receive an offer sheet. I'd expect him to be resigned before teams get the chance to potentially "steal" him.

Sounds like Patches is the target. Any guesses on what it would take to obtain him? Could ask the same about Skinner.
- z1990z

Just rumors....unless the price is modest the Hawks should stay away from a rental 30-yo winger. NOW, if the Hawks can get him without major parts going the other way, then yea take a shot.

Stralman 1 year left at $4.5 mil would be nice if we did not have to give up too much for a rental. If the Hawks season goes well he would be a good addition. If it goes poorly he might be flipped for a pretty high pick at the TDL. He does have a modified NTC.

Side note - People complain about Stan handing out NMC/NTC. Stevie Y has 10 players with them.

Pacioretty 1 year left at $4.5 mil would be ok if we did not have to get him for AA and pick. If the Hawks season goes well he would be a good addition. If it goes poorly he might be flipped for a pick at the TDL.

I would not mind Hamhuis for 1 year at reasonable price.

If the move AA for a pick I would not mind Vermette, Letestu, or Dominic Moore for 1 year at a reasonable price.

Saad - Toews - Debrincat
Pacioretty - Schmaltz - Kane
Bottom 6 would have Vermette, Kunitz, Kruger, Hayden and then see who wins the last 2 spots in training camp battles.

LD - Keith, Hamhuis, Forsling, Gus
RD - Stralman, Seabs, Rutta, Murphy
Maybe you move one of the defenders (not Keith) in the Pacioretty or Stralman deals.

Crow
Ward

You are not rushing the kids. Rockford would be good. Colliton would help them develop. Next year you would have $22 mil in cap space.
- -Doh-

Why would we waste this teams window of 2 to 3 years to win a 4th cup with guys like vermette , Gustafson hamhus,,rutta . Stan needs to go big or go home he has puzted,around for 3 years.

Bring in Pac, Skinner, and s tralman.



Trade anisomov, rutta, Gustafson


Bring up edsel,forsling , , johki,kampf.

Didn't he have concussion issues not long ago? He's only 26 years old, otherwise. Admittedly I have not seen him play very much, though my wife liked to point out his occasional figure skating technique. Does he play a 200-foot game?
- 333inthe3rd

Skinner is not a 200 foot player. He's also soft and ask yourself THIS...why has Carolina been trying to get rid of him for the past couple years? He's a decent 50 point guy on wing, I think we have enough of those. He wouldn't elevate this team that much.

Just rumors....unless the price is modest the Hawks should stay away from a rental 30-yo winger. NOW, if the Hawks can get him without major parts going the other way, then yea take a shot.
- kwolf68

Say you have the option to obtain Patches, Skinner or Stralman. Who do you take with all of the trades having the same trade bait going back?

Could not agree more , changing rules after the fact

Skinner is not a 200 foot player. He's also soft and ask yourself THIS...why has Carolina been trying to get rid of him for the past couple years? He's a decent 50 point guy on wing, I think we have enough of those. He wouldn't elevate this team that much.
- kwolf68

If Skinner rounded out our top six, then he would elevate our team quite a bit. You wouldn't have kids who weren't ready trying to play above their heads.

I may be mistaken, but I think L_B_R had a breakdown of how/where Skinner scores and many are from close in. We could use a lot more of that on our team.

My educated guess (don't laugh) on why Carolina is trying to trade him is that they are basically trying overhaul their roster after years of stagnation under Francis. Skinner likely would bring back one of the biggest returns for them.

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.
- Doogs

He didn't "quit" he is (medically determined) unable to play anymore. Same with most of the others (Pronger. Bolland, Clarkson etc). If he retires he doesn't get paid (remember guaranteed contract, which I hate but I digress) so he goes on IR each year.

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

Somewhat true, which means for all those pining for Hinostroza they need to take a step back and look at the big picture.

1) Getting rid of Hossa's cap hit was huge.
2) You effectively swapped out Hinostroza (a 6th rd. pick), who at 24, at his size, etc. is more or less at the ceiling of his abilities. In Entwhistle (a 3rd rd. pick) and 18 years old you get a kid who may turn out to have a higher ceiling.
3) Oesterle, at 26 not a kid anymore, not really needed in Rockford and blocking kids that have more upside. Time to let one of the many D-prospects get a shot.
4) removing Oesterle and Hinostroza is another $2.1mil in salary off the roster

Say you have the option to obtain Patches, Skinner or Stralman. Who do you take with all of the trades having the same trade bait going back?
- z1990z

I would heavily lean on Stralman. Solid defensemen are very hard to find, and we are notably missing at least two. He also only has a year left on his contract, which would allow the younger guys to get more comfortable before putting their feet to the fire.

They key to your question is the last part. What goes back? Regardless of who you get, if you are losing Schmaltz, ADB, Jokiharju, etc., it just isn't worth it in my book. I get everyone wanting to go for it while we still have some good years left in our top guys, but Do not lose up and coming, developed players on decent contracts.

Hockey Writers - potential trade for EDM’s Nurse and some sourcing on a few rumors.
https://twitter.com/theho.../1017827224249098240?s=21

Somewhat true, which means for all those pining for Hinostroza they need to take a step back and look at the big picture.

1) Getting rid of Hossa's cap hit was huge.
2) You effectively swapped out Hinostroza (a 6th rd. pick), who at 24, at his size, etc. is more or less at the ceiling of his abilities. In Entwhistle (a 3rd rd. pick) and 18 years old you get a kid who may turn out to have a higher ceiling.
3) Oesterle, at 26 not a kid anymore, not really needed in Rockford and blocking kids that have more upside. Time to let one of the many D-prospects get a shot.
4) removing Oesterle and Hinostroza is another $2.1mil in salary off the roster
- TheTrob

Great perspective.

I assume the Hawks realized Hinostroza and Oesterle were somewhat expendable. To me, Hino wasn't ideal on the bottom 6 due to his somewhat non-physical play and it seems like they are trying to land more potent winger for the top 6.

Oesterle seemed like the odd man out on D with Gus and Rutta landing new contracts and adding Manning. Even more so with the Hawks rumored to still be looking at more Dmen.

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

I am with you on that assessment, FWIW

Say you have the option to obtain Patches, Skinner or Stralman. Who do you take with all of the trades having the same trade bait going back?
- z1990z

Stralman absolutely...why?

-he's a good vet D-man, slots into our top 4, instant stability on our biggest weakness last year
-cost. with TB looking to maybe move salary the return for the Hawks could be good...ie, we could maybe pick up a prospect + Stralman for not much return if Stevie Y is really going after EK

Patches would be my 2nd target. I think he's a better, higher upside player than Skinner. However, he's a rental and NO WAY the Habs will move their captain for junk...that city would riot. SO, I think the chances of getting him remain difficult.

Hockey Writers - potential trade for EDM’s Nurse and some sourcing on a few rumors.
https://twitter.com/theho.../1017827224249098240?s=21
- Marlowe

Geezus if we could land Nurse I'd wear a Stanley mask for a week. I really like Darnell Nurse, but looks like Oil having trouble making the dollars for him work.

Others have noted the Blackhawks have interest in Justin Faulk which with a rumored return of a first-round pick and Nick Schmaltz going the other way

If Bowman does this bullpoop he should be fired immediately. I wouldn't give them Schmaltz straight up for Faulk.

Others have noted the Blackhawks have interest in Justin Faulk which with a rumored return of a first-round pick and Nick Schmaltz going the other way

If Bowman does this bullpoop he should be fired immediately. I wouldn't give them Schmaltz straight up for Faulk.
- kwolf68

Agreed . (frank) them . Schmaltz and a 1st ?? Lolololol. Better off keeping the cap space.

Heard that mouth piece Laz was on the score about 2pm but couldnt listen. What did he say ? Anyone?

4) removing Oesterle and Hinostroza is another $2.1mil in salary off the roster
- TheTrob

Somebody has to play in their place. Oesterle was paid league minimum at 650K and 0.5 PPG from Hinostroza isn't bad at 1.5M. With two guys at 650K replacing these two, that saves 0.85M, not 2.15M. And no one playing at league minimum isn't going to give you 0.5 PPG anyway.