I will go with common sense and what is in the best long term interest of the development of these young players. They need seasoning. I think we have seen enough baptism by Q failures to know he needs guys with more experience, rather than throwing them to the wolves, fearing they will make mistakes and ride pine, or I-90 never to be seen again.

Cause let's be honest - this is not a playoff caliber team either way. So do the least long term damage.

I figure they can be far more deliberate by signing some one year cheap deals with guys who even at their advanced ages or diminishing skills at least possess the IQ to survive an NHL season to buy Colliton time to get these kids coached up.
- Return of the Roar

Just my opinion here, but I think it probably has to be more of a case by case basis for who is ready, because I don't think you can just blanket statement the whole group. There can be huge differences in who is physically ready and the less observable emotional/mental side of these young guys that really should be assessed by the staff working with them.

The Hawks have handled some young players very well in recent years.

Debrincat - Many thought he wasn't ready after prospect camp and how he did in drills. Many like myself wanted to see him play AHL hockey and get his pro game sorted first, but he did pretty darn well as an NHL rookie and was the Hawks #1 goal scorer (while playing 14 minutes a night).

Schmaltz - The guy came in and struggled. They sent him down, he worked hard and has been a top offensive player for the team ever since. They eased him into some PK minutes and he has responded really well.

These are just two recent examples, but the Hawks have brought in a ton of rookies and done a great job with them. Hartman, Saad, Shaw, Kruger, Danault, Teravainen to name a few more.

I think this whole Q doesn't work will with young players is complete BS. Guys who work hard and listen to the coach do just fine IMO. They haven't been afraid to send guys up and down and give them time.

I'm all for more common sense, but if any of these guys show you that they are ready when playing against NHL competition, I wouldn't be upset with having them on the big club.

Out of curiosity, are you including Sikura, Kahun, and Forsling in this group of young players?
- Chunk

Forsling's book demonstrates he wasn't ready. Sikura five NHL games and no AHL games, Kahun none of either.

WHY RUSH THEM?

I'm glad that Fortin had a strong camp and hope he can possibly make the team on the third line. Two years ago, he forced the Hawks into some decisions with a strong walk on camp. Justin, was the "little Kahuna", Domink Kahun at camp ? I've seen youtubes of his game and he is smallish, but is really fast and shows good offensive skills. He has an entry level contract, but with incentives bonus money, so that tells me they must see some offensive upside in his game. Panarin was signed with performance clauses .... NOT COMPARING KAHUN TO PANARIN TALENT WISE ... but there must be something to his game. Also at the worlds tournament, the "kahuna" received an endorsement from Kane on his game, so there is some hope there

While it makes sense to bring in a fellow Finn to help out the transition, just not quite sure it should be Vatanen. There's is no doubt is is gifted offensively and could run the PP with his heavy shot but is D zone coverage is average at best. So we don't need another Offensive D man, besides he smaller although stockier! How about the Scandinavian Swedes to help in transition if needed.
- D2D

I sort of understand this line of thinking, but I don't like it. Some sort of familiarity is great, but only if it is actually a player that will help the team. Don't force it.

Didn't we go down this road already with Kimmo for Teuvo, and keeping Roszi around for Kempny etc?

Just my opinion here, but I think it probably has to be more of a case by case basis for who is ready, because I don't think you can just blanket statement the whole group. There can be huge differences in who is physically ready and the less observable emotional/mental side of these young guys that really should be assessed by the staff working with them.

The Hawks have handled some young players very well in recent years.

Debrincat - Many thought he wasn't ready after prospect camp and how he did in drills. Many like myself wanted to see him play AHL hockey and get his pro game sorted first, but he did pretty darn well as an NHL rookie and was the Hawks #1 goal scorer (while playing 14 minutes a night).

Schmaltz - The guy came in and struggled. They sent him down, he worked hard and has been a top offensive player for the team ever since. They eased him into some PK minutes and he has responded really well.

These are just two recent examples, but the Hawks have brought in a ton of rookies and done a great job with them. Hartman, Saad, Shaw, Kruger, Danault, Teravainen to name a few more.

I think this whole Q doesn't work will with young players is complete BS. Guys who work hard and listen to the coach do just fine IMO. They haven't been afraid to send guys up and down and give them time.
- breadbag

Hartman and Vinny certainly did not have great things to say about their tenure, and that is more on point as they are the most recent examples. Just saying that when you look at say...Pittsburgh, they let their next gen guys age in Wilkes-Barre and they came up ready to play. Sheary, Rust, Guentzel.

Just saying. The additional work in the AHL will do nothing but help them all.

Nice read Justin.

What I think everyone should takeaway from prospect land is that NONE of these kids are anywhere near ready to play this year, or perhaps even next.

Given the current cap situation, any one of the previously mentioned players - Skinner, Faulk, Pacioretty - pretty much empty the piggy bank, and/or would require something too valuable going the other way. Just can't see doing that for any one of these guys.

So it boils down to who else is out there to help fill holes/add depth at 1RW, 2LW, C or D.

I think they have to dumpster dive at least a bit just to round out the roster with a few more NHL proven guys who are UFA and will sign a one year deal, or it is going to be the Benny Hill Show 2.0.

C - Winnik, Moore, Stajan
RW - Stewart, Hansen, Ward
LW - Hartnell, Cammaleri, Upshall
D - Martin, Hamhuis, dare I say Bieksa or Orpik.....
- Return of the Roar

Benny Hill was awesome....but I digest.

I think Hansen would be a good addition for the bottom 6. For whatever reason he didn't seem to fit with San Jose but he was solid in Vancouver prior to that. Stajan could also be a good fit for the 4th line. I'd expect any moves for these guys to be made via a PTO.

Forsling's book demonstrates he wasn't ready. Sikura five NHL games and no AHL games, Kahun none of either.

WHY RUSH THEM?
- Return of the Roar

I'm not saying rush them, but if they show that they are ready for the NHL I don't see a problem with putting them in the lineup.

I agree somewhat that Forsling wasn't totally ready, but he had showed that he wasn't completely over his head. Over time, he regressed a bit, but there were nights where he was one of the best Hawk defenders.

I guess, personally, I have less of a problem with having the younger guys up if they prove it out of camp. If they need to be dropped down for more seasoning, at least they know precisely what to work on (with more ice time) in the AHL.

Hartman and Vinny certainly did not have great things to say about their tenure, and that is more on point as they are the most recent examples. Just saying that when you look at say...Pittsburgh, they let their next gen guys age in Wilkes-Barre and they came up ready to play. Sheary, Rust, Guentzel.

Just saying. The additional work in the AHL will do nothing but help them all.
- Return of the Roar

What did Vinny say? All I saw was him thanking the Hogs and Hawks and saying that he couldn't think of a better place to begin his career.

I'm not trying to be combative with you, but all teams have guys that marinate for a while in the minors that come up. They also have guys that have an accelerated path. The players let you know when they are ready (not to mention there has to be a spot available for them on the roster and lineup.

I'm not saying rush them, but if they show that they are ready for the NHL I don't see a problem with putting them in the lineup.

I agree somewhat that Forsling wasn't totally ready, but he had showed that he wasn't completely over his head. Over time, he regressed a bit, but there were nights where he was one of the best Hawk defenders.

I guess, personally, I have less of a problem with having the younger guys up if they prove it out of camp. If they need to be dropped down for more seasoning, at least they know precisely what to work on (with more ice time) in the AHL.
- Chunk

I'm not feeling too positive about Forsling, but the kid still has less than 100 NHL games under his belt so we shouldn't expect too much. It would be a real win for the Hawks if he could finally remain consistent for the entire season.

Hartman and Vinny certainly did not have great things to say about their tenure, and that is more on point as they are the most recent examples. Just saying that when you look at say...Pittsburgh, they let their next gen guys age in Wilkes-Barre and they came up ready to play. Sheary, Rust, Guentzel.

Just saying. The additional work in the AHL will do nothing but help them all.
- Return of the Roar

You have to assess each guy differently. Pittsburgh did not think Olli Maatta needed any seasoning and he was 19 when he became a full time player for the Penguins, and he's been a productive player ever since.

There are quite a few young players that have come in and been strong with little to no AHL time at all. Teravainen, DeBrincat, Schmaltz, Kruger, Saad, Shaw and many others all entered the NHL quickly. There are also others that took two or three seasons of development. Duncan Keith took awhile.

It also makes a difference if players are coming over from Europe and have played in a professional league. If they can handle the pace and physicality, can they handle the change in ice surface?

There are too many factors to make a blanket statement. When a player is ready for the NHL there is nothing more to gain from playing against AHL-level players.

Isn't Shalunov going to be a UFA when his Russian contract expires? If so i doubt he signs in Chicago at all, and that was likely the plan all along since his contract takes him to age 27 when he can become a UFA and sign for bigger money anywhere he wants
- GPHawksfan

Because the NHL/KHL have no player transfer agreement, players drafted out of the KHL will have their rights held by the NHL team indefinitely.

What did Vinny say? All I saw was him thanking the Hogs and Hawks and saying that he couldn't think of a better place to begin his career.

I'm not trying to be combative with you, but all teams have guys that marinate for a while in the minors that come up. They also have guys that have an accelerated path. The players let you know when they are ready (not to mention there has to be a spot available for them on the roster and lineup.
- Chunk

All Hinostroza said was that he was asked to play many roles and that can be difficult for a young player not knowing exactly / consistently what they'll be asked to do that night. But honestly, outside of highly offensive or defensive player, a lot of guys are rotated around until their niche was found. Hinostroza is neither of those things so they had to figure out - can he play a top 6 role against high QOC (defensively he's pretty weak) vs a lower line role? Should he get some time on a checking line to learn to be more defensively responsible (something Teravainen did and said helped him a lot as a player)? I fee like guys like Shaw, Frolik, and even Bickell that were moved up down and all around, never complained and have said it taught them to be more balanced. Role players know that their roles can shift and you just have to learn what you can in the role you're given.

All Hinostroza said was that he was asked to play many roles and that can be difficult for a young player not knowing exactly / consistently what they'll be asked to do that night. But honestly, outside of highly offensive or defensive player, a lot of guys are rotated around until their niche was found. Hinostroza is neither of those things so they had to figure out - can he play a top 6 role against high QOC (defensively he's pretty weak) vs a lower line role? Should he get some time on a checking line to learn to be more defensively responsible (something Teravainen did and said helped him a lot as a player)? I fee like guys like Shaw, Frolik, and even Bickell that were moved up down and all around, never complained and have said it taught them to be more balanced. Role players know that their roles can shift and you just have to learn what you can in the role you're given.
- L_B_R

Here is the quote. Also sounds like the poor kid was in middle of buying a house, and why wouldn't he? He'd just gotten an extension .

“[My role] changed every night,” Hinostroza said in a conference call. “As a young guy, there’s a lot of pressure [in that] you never really know what you’re going to be asked to do that night. So, coming into each game, you never really know. I’m excited to just be able to play my game and not worry about stuff like that. Just be able to go have fun with the guys and work hard and have fun and play my game.”

Hinostroza, who had a breakout season with 25 points in 50 games, said he felt ill at ease with the pressure put on him last season.

“I always tell people where I made strides was the mental side of the game,” he said. “I was always worried about if I made a -mistake, what was going to happen.”

But enough about his former team. Hinostroza seemed genuinely pumped to have a fresh start with the Coyotes.

“I’m very excited to join such a young team,” Hinostroza said. “[It’s a] great -organization [with] a lot of great younger players, so I’m really excited to be a part of the future there.”

It also helps that he has good relationships with a handful of guys on the team, including Christian Dvorak, with whom he played youth hockey, and Christian Fischer, who has worked with him during summer conditioning.

“I’m not going there thinking anything’s going to be given to me,” he said. “I’m coming in with my hard work ethic. And I just want to use my skill and my speed and be a great teammate.”

Where can I place a bet on Kris Versteeg being in camp on a PTO?

Where can I place a bet on Kris Versteeg being in camp on a PTO?
- RaveOn1958

After being traded by the Hawks twice I doubt he ever returns again.

Here is the quote. Also sounds like the poor kid was in middle of buying a house, and why wouldn't he? He'd just gotten an extension .
- pdx2ord

OK, I can understand where he felt that way. I don't take that as he was unhappy with his time here. I wouldn't be surprised if he ran into the same issues in AZ.

I like his game overall, but he does not do any one thing really well. In my mind, he is a great guy to have on your team if you don't need him in the top 6. He does everything you want in a 3rd line player. He can play top 6, but seems to be best used in lower lines.

After being traded by the Hawks twice I doubt he ever returns again.
- DarthKane

What is the great Peter Regin doing these days?

Hartman and Vinny certainly did not have great things to say about their tenure, and that is more on point as they are the most recent examples. Just saying that when you look at say...Pittsburgh, they let their next gen guys age in Wilkes-Barre and they came up ready to play. Sheary, Rust, Guentzel.

Just saying. The additional work in the AHL will do nothing but help them all.
- Return of the Roar

Both Hartman and Hinozstra are capable third line players. This is likely their niche, although both can effectively be moved into a top two line role and contribute

I do not know what complaints they had with the organization. Hartman had maturity & level head as issues and probably will never overcome it because it is his nature and he doesn't want to change to the extent his coach/YM prefers.. I do believe he made strides since drafted. He gets to be expensive the longer his career so you need to be sure he is working for the value you pay as in scale worthiness - what can you afford to give him per your team salary cap. Also, maybe you have a quote regarding his relationship with Q

On the other hand is Hinozstra. He wants to prove he is top six worthy. That is an arguable point on this board where he has support and fans

Well.he is going to receive that opportunity in Phoenix. Maybe we see him and Panik occassionally on the same line?

Hinostroza was producing at about a 41 point pace last year (over 82 games). That would put him 5th in scoring last year ahead of guys like Saad etc. Once again Bowman gave a pretty good player away. This trade will be measured in part by what Bowman does to replace Hinostroza's production with the gained cap space plus partly on what Hinostroza produces this year which I believe will be pretty good for his new team and you can bet a lot of folks will be watching this 'trade' result closely.

So in other words, no need to worry about saving any extra money for playoffs, just send them the check next week for the regular season.

What is the great Peter Regin doing these days?
- Chunk

Not as much as the even greater Rusty Olesz.

So from what i read hawks are pretty much done and are hoping that a Russian player in which they own the rights to is going to come over fill a spot that bowman cannot fill on his own. Jack Hughs come on down because thats what it will be another top 10 pick. Bowman is banking on come back years from key core members and young players that should be developing in rockford. Ok a lot of time from now and until beginning of the season lets see what happens.

Not as much as the even greater Rusty Olesz.
- DarthKane

Ah Rusty, my forbidden desire...

Moynihan and Kuffner looked the best and could have some offensive potential.

Not sure the plan with them but nice showings by those 2 specifically.
- Justin Lowe

thank you

Hinostroza was producing at about a 41 point pace last year (over 82 games). That would put him 5th in scoring last year ahead of guys like Saad etc. Once again Bowman gave a pretty good player away. This trade will be measured in part by what Bowman does to replace Hinostroza's production with the gained cap space plus partly on what Hinostroza produces this year which I believe will be pretty good for his new team and you can bet a lot of folks will be watching this 'trade' result closely.
- Savoy

Well, you certainly will, but I suspect that we won't miss Vinny very much, when all is said and done.