After first down season, Rocky Wirtz keeps the faith: ‘We’re going to be fine’

https://chicago.suntimes....enneville-stan-bowman/amp
- walleyeb1

The spin, and the errant commitment to McEgo continues.....

So that's a guarantee Wingels will sign in Chicago.
- DarthKane

For the usual 5X5 NMC NTC?

For the usual 5X5 NMC NTC?
- riozzo

Nope. Buryable one year deal.

For the usual 5X5 NMC NTC?
- riozzo

I think they'll go 6 years.

No Doubt Montreal gets hosed on this one.
- SaskHawkFan

If Stan can pull off a trade and hose another team I'm sure every hawks fan won't care especially if moving that God awful Seabrook contract .



We are better

I would be ok with wingles coming back for 1 or 2 year contract at 800k to 1 mill.

The spin, and the errant commitment to McEgo continues.....

- Return of the Roar

So much talent has gone out the door with so little coming back. Totally wasted opportunities one after another after another after another. It's sad to see the perps of this trend continue to be in the position to destroy the Hawks.

Where would they play him? He's not better than any of the current top 6 and I'm sure they want to leave room for Forsling and/or Jokiharju to make the team.


- DarthKane

I hope Forsling doesn't make this team. He's junk

So much talent has gone out the door with so little coming back. Totally wasted opportunities one after another after another after another. It's sad to see the perps of this trend continue to be in the position to destroy the Hawks.
- Savoy

It's called the salary cap and the cost of winning 3 Cups - all without Panarin

If Stan can pull off a trade and hose another team I'm sure every hawks fan won't care especially if moving that God awful Seabrook contract .



We are better
- Taylorst1

No doubt Hawks fans would do it, but what is the incentive for Montreal to do it? Because you think its a clever way to move Seabrook or you think Bergevin is an idiot? He's proving to be not a very good GM, but what you proposed doesn't make any sense for Montreal.

If Stan can pull off a trade and hose another team I'm sure every hawks fan won't care especially if moving that God awful Seabrook contract .



We are better
- Taylorst1

Not saying this was the intent of what you're saying but Bowman shouldn't go into any trade looking to fleece a fellow GM. It boils down to asset management on both sides: be wise and have fore sight for the present and future with assets you trade away and with assets you acquire in return. Time will tell and fans/media will judge later if a team got fleeced.

Why would Montreal do this trade?
- GPHawksfan

They wouldn't its pure fantasy...Nobody's taking that horrid Seabrook deal (thanks Stan) and they're certainly not going to give us Danault back - a promising young center that Bowman handed them for hot garbage (thanks again Stan)...

thankfully McEgo has Chelios on the runway this afternoon...to go along with Stan's new big signings...this is very exciting...

No doubt Hawks fans would do it, but what is the incentive for Montreal to do it? Because you think its a clever way to move Seabrook or you think Bergevin is an idiot? He's proving to be not a very good GM, but what you proposed doesn't make any sense for Montreal.
- GPHawksfan

It was John jackal who reported what Montreal would consider or is interested in they want beaudin and I think they realize any chance to get any significant return is now. I just put Seabrook out their because if Stan is smart enough now would be the time to try and move Seabrook if your giving up that much for a rental then trying to get the to take Seabrook would benefit us .


But management is undecided what is holding up either trading with Montreal or Carolina

It was John jackal who reported what Montreal would consider or is interested in they want beaudin and I think they realize any chance to get any significant return is now. I just put Seabrook out their because if Stan is smart enough now would be the time to try and move Seabrook if your giving up that much for a rental then trying to get the to take Seabrook would benefit us .


But management is undecided what is holding up either trading with Montreal or Carolina
- Taylorst1

Max Paccioretty is 30 years old in November, a UFA next summer, and had as bad (or worse) a year as Brandon Saad with 17 goals + 37 points.....HARD PASS! Idk who started this awful trade "rumor", but it makes absolutely no sense on so many levels. There is no need for Max Paccioretty on the Hawks this season, and especially not signed long term at over $6mil like he will be asking for next Summer. No way do you trade a 1st rounder in Beaudin for this guy. Skinner, MAYBE bc he is much younger, but only if he agreed to a reasonable extension before the trade was completed. I still don't understand how the Hawks could be looking at wingers when Center and Defense are where they desperately need to upgrade the talent level on the roster.

Hmmmm.... You pose a good question. I am glad that the Hossa contract is gone. Unfortunately, Hinostroza was a casualty to make that happen. I might consider Nash IF he makes the decision to continue to play. The fact that he's contemplating to play or not to play is another red flag. I would still exhaust other options before I thought about Nash. Then if I did, Nash would have to pass his physical with flying colors!

I would like your thoughts on this. Why keep Schmaltz as a 2nd line Center when he has never won over 50% of his faceoffs in his career? You know the importance of that especially to a puck possession team. Why not package him with Anisimov or Murphy to address our need for a Center that CAN do that consistently? Centers have brought good returns in trades thus far too. If Stan plays it well then we get our top 4 D man as well. If we keep both AA & Schmaltz, we have two black holes at the faceoff dot when we need to be stronger down the middle to achieve our ONE GOAL. What do you think?
- Power29

I think that you need to give Schmaltz the benefit of the doubt and a little more time. He has played a little more than a season and a half in the NHL and showed huge improvements from the first to the second. As he matures and gets stronger he should also be able to improve on his faceoffs. He's only 22 years old, to cast him away for a different center that has a higher face-off percentage is really not prudent. They are far from "black holes" at the dot, Anisimov is 46% career, so probably not changing much, but not as horrendous as made out to be. Schmaltz went from 30% to 40% in one season. A little more strength and experience will see that improve as well. For example a guy like Kruger went from 35% to 45% to 56% in a span of 3+ years

I hope Forsling doesn't make this team. He's junk
- GPHawksfan

I wouldn't be surprised to see Forsling included in a package to upgrade the top 9 forwards.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Forsling included in a package to upgrade the top 9 forwards.
- DarthKane

I wouldn't be shocked either. They have a lot of D prospects and he has been given some chances to sink or swim. They might decide to move him while he still has value rather than wait until he is considered a bust.

Wow. That's quite a mouthful.

I like your optimism, although I don't think I am QUITE this bullish on our young prospects.

That said, over the last 2 years we have grown our prospect group immensely, especially with the defensemen. In two years, we SHOULD be in a great position to move on from the Keith-Seabrook era and hand over the reins to Boqvist and Jokijarvu.

THAT is why I am clinging to the hope Stan deals NONE of those young "Blue Chippers" for some Skinner, or Patches deal that will:
(A) NOT get us over the hump now...
and....
(B) set us back in our re-build



- hawk35

That's why the Hawks should stand pat, it's not worth giving up pieces right now that could play a role on this team for a decade for a quick fix like Patches..

If one of the kids cant fill that 2nd line left wing role then sign a guy like Nash or Hartnell - obviously not the best solutions, however they would still give the Hawks a chance at a playoff run.... Besides I think this team is way better than what they get credit for....

Finding a top 4 without giving up "blue chip" prospect will be impossible, so that is a hoop dream..

I like the direction this team is headed and if the Hawks have one more year where they draft in the top 15 then sobeit, it will be worth it because the Hawks will contend for another decade given what Bowman has obtained recently...... Remember, it only takes 2-3 drafts to draft a new "core".... Obviously finding another "Toews" is a long-shot, however the Hawks have a few kids in their system that model their game after his, but the "intangibles" Toews brings to the Hawks are unique to him - so from a core perspective replacing him will be impossible, however Toews still does have another 7 years left in his career where he will be playing at least top 9.... I mean in 5 years I could see him playing a "Trottier" type role - the role Trottier played on the Penguins when they won their back to back cups in the early 90's....

But overall I have faith in both Bowman and & Q and their ability to assemble a team that knows how to contend.... They have a good grasp on the type of ingredients a team needs to be successful and win Cups, and I think a lot of fans overlook that, which is why I laugh when some Hawks fans want either or both fired for one terrible season (which got the Hawks perhaps a franchise defenseman in Boqvist)...

With that said, I think this team will be back to contending for another decade by next season, especially since Bowman is bringing Panarin back, and yes the Hawks can afford him... Of course by the time the "baby Hawks" are up for their bridge deals Seabrook, Toews, Kane etc contracts will be up (I'm sure they'll re-sign if they have something left in the tank, however at nothing close to what they're making now)...

And I'm not being overly optimistic, not to brag but I'm a pretty good judge of talent and I can envision what this team will look like in 3-4 years if these kids reach potential and this team will look scary good.... I mean I've been watching the Hawks/hockey for 35 years so I have seen many "cores" develop/come/go/fizzle out over the years and I like the direction the Hawks are going - especially considering the Hawks know how to develop players - Hinostroza is a perfect example of that, he's only an NHL player now because the Hawks developed him properly, gave him the time and the TLC he needed to develop into the top 9 player he is..... You can bet had he been drafted by any other team he would have been rushed or buried when he didn't immediately pay off...

So yea, I look forward to the next few years...

What is concerning with the lack of trade movement is this. Does Stan want to mortgage young talent to land a Patch or Skinner? Just to make the playoffs? Hawks are in a transition period. They need to be smart. We cant toss away young talent to simply try and make the playoffs next year. Way too many questions on the team right now. CC health and the fall off in play with Toews, Keith and Kane. A possible lame duck HC in Q if the team struggles out of the gate.

If Stan and the upper management are not on the same page then that is the first change that is needed. Maybe we go as is and see what shakes out. Then at the deadline see a Keith or Seabs moved to a playoff team. Seabs is a long shot to go anywhere, but Keith could/should bring another first round pick/prospects. Time to start the rebuild.

I think that you need to give Schmaltz the benefit of the doubt and a little more time. He has played a little more than a season and a half in the NHL and showed huge improvements from the first to the second. As he matures and gets stronger he should also be able to improve on his faceoffs. He's only 22 years old, to cast him away for a different center that has a higher face-off percentage is really not prudent. They are far from "black holes" at the dot, Anisimov is 46% career, so probably not changing much, but not as horrendous as made out to be. Schmaltz went from 30% to 40% in one season. A little more strength and experience will see that improve as well. For example a guy like Kruger went from 35% to 45% to 56% in a span of 3+ years
- TheTrob

Spot on. Situationally, face-offs are important, but overall less so. If Schmaltz gets to 48% do people get all that much more excited about him? If those faceoffs are on the PP or in the defensive zone, sure. I'm more interested in seeing his overall play improve. Start taking those shots in the slot instead of passing. Continue his defensive improvements (maintain his knack for takeaways, and be harder overall to play against).

That's why the Hawks should stand pat, it's not worth giving up pieces right now that could play a role on this team for a decade for a quick fix like Patches..

If one of the kids cant fill that 2nd line left wing role then sign a guy like Nash or Hartnell - obviously not the best solutions, however they would still give the Hawks a chance at a playoff run.... Besides I think this team is way better than what they get credit for....

Finding a top 4 without giving up "blue chip" prospect will be impossible, so that is a hoop dream..

I like the direction this team is headed and if the Hawks have one more year where they draft in the top 15 then sobeit, it will be worth it because the Hawks will contend for another decade given what Bowman has obtained recently...... Remember, it only takes 2-3 drafts to draft a new "core".... Obviously finding another "Toews" is a long-shot, however the Hawks have a few kids in their system that model their game after his, but the "intangibles" Toews brings to the Hawks are unique to him - so from a core perspective replacing him will be impossible, however Toews still does have another 7 years left in his career where he will be playing at least top 9.... I mean in 5 years I could see him playing a "Trottier" type role - the role Trottier played on the Penguins when they won their back to back cups in the early 90's....

But overall I have faith in both Bowman and & Q and their ability to assemble a team that knows how to contend.... They have a good grasp on the type of ingredients a team needs to be successful and win Cups, and I think a lot of fans overlook that, which is why I laugh when some Hawks fans want either or both fired for one terrible season (which got the Hawks perhaps a franchise defenseman in Boqvist)...

With that said, I think this team will be back to contending for another decade by next season, especially since Bowman is bringing Panarin back, and yes the Hawks can afford him... Of course by the time the "baby Hawks" are up for their bridge deals Seabrook, Toews, Kane etc contracts will be up (I'm sure they'll re-sign if they have something left in the tank, however at nothing close to what they're making now)...

And I'm not being overly optimistic, not to brag but I'm a pretty good judge of talent and I can envision what this team will look like in 3-4 years if these kids reach potential and this team will look scary good.... I mean I've been watching the Hawks/hockey for 35 years so I have seen many "cores" develop/come/go/fizzle out over the years and I like the direction the Hawks are going - especially considering the Hawks know how to develop players - Hinostroza is a perfect example of that, he's only an NHL player now because the Hawks developed him properly, gave him the time and the TLC he needed to develop into the top 9 player he is..... You can bet had he been drafted by any other team he would have been rushed or buried when he didn't immediately pay off...

So yea, I look forward to the next few years...
- Savard2Secord

I'd pump the brakes on Boquist/Beadin/Jokiharju as "Franchise Dmen" considering that the one player Joel Quenneville singled out as being impressive in prospect camp was......7th round pick Josiah Slavin.

Max Paccioretty is 30 years old in November, a UFA next summer, and had as bad (or worse) a year as Brandon Saad with 17 goals + 37 points.....HARD PASS! Idk who started this awful trade "rumor", but it makes absolutely no sense on so many levels. There is no need for Max Paccioretty on the Hawks this season, and especially not signed long term at over $6mil like he will be asking for next Summer. No way do you trade a 1st rounder in Beaudin for this guy. Skinner, MAYBE bc he is much younger, but only if he agreed to a reasonable extension before the trade was completed. I still don't understand how the Hawks could be looking at wingers when Center and Defense are where they desperately need to upgrade the talent level on the roster.
- EnzoD

Actually from what It sounds like is management can't decide on Montreal or Carolina and it's frustrating other teams the problem is what they believe is fair to give up.

If they do trade its gonna be a rental . Id be okay dumping anisomov, Gustafson, forsling we end up gaining more cap dollars free long term .


Who knows maybe they will pursue panarin next summer. But anisomov would have to be traded. Personally patches fills a top 6 then you have your youth come up and see what you truly have .
I can't see wasting money on Rick Nash he is not good for this teams chemistry

I wouldn't be shocked either. They have a lot of D prospects and he has been given some chances to sink or swim. They might decide to move him while he still has value rather than wait until he is considered a bust.
- breadbag

Given how deep the blueline pipeline has gotten recently, some of the D prospects will be traded at some point to upgrade at other positions. My guess is that Boqvist, Jokiharju, and Mitchell are the untouchables if we are to tab such a group. The upside of prospects like Forsling, Beaudin, Krys, Carlsson, etc. should theoretically make them attractive trade chips.

I heard that the hawks management is in talks with Montreal and probably Carolina but holding up any trades due to lack of agreement amongst themselves.

If Chicago were to make a trade with Montreal

What do you think
Chicago sends Seabrook Anisomov Gustafson and either forsling beaudin and a 2nd round pick

For patches and denault and Benn?

Chicago gets and solid 3rd line center , bottom 5 defense man and a solid top 6 winger in patches.

Chicago also positions itself for a cup run gains cap space and opens itself up cap wise for resigning schmaltz and debrincant schmaltz and debrincant and any free agents like panarin?

Would you make that trade
- Taylorst1

Who did you hear that from?

Actually from what It sounds like is management can't decide on Montreal or Carolina and it's frustrating other teams the problem is what they believe is fair to give up.

If they do trade its gonna be a rental . Id be okay dumping anisomov, Gustafson, forsling we end up gaining more cap dollars free long term .


Who knows maybe they will pursue panarin next summer. But anisomov would have to be traded. Personally patches fills a top 6 then you have your youth come up and see what you truly have .
I can't see wasting money on Rick Nash he is not good for this teams chemistry
- Taylorst1

I find it odd that the Hawks management continually leaks information about their operations, meetings, discussions to acquaintances of posters on this forum.

So much leaking, did Rocky hire Comey and I missed it?