Here's a question that might have been answered but I can't find the response.

If and when Corey gets back, can we send Forsberg down without him having to clear waivers?
- Popsghostly

no. he Is not waiver exempt.

no. he Is not waiver exempt.
- kmw4631

Thanks. So we lose him... That's tough.

Thanks. So we lose him... That's tough.
- Popsghostly

We don't necessarily lose him. He could clear without anyone claiming him. Big risk to take, though, especially if other teams value him and see upside like the Hawks do.

It seems to me there are two groups of Hawks fans - those who are willing to trade DeBrincat, Schmaltz or other "future type" players to enhance the 2018/19 team and those who care less about winning in 2018/19 and more about (re)building the team with eyes on winning in 2020/21 or maybe even 2019/20 if things go exceedingly well.

I don't think the Hawks will be a legitimate Cup contender in 2018/19 regardless of the moves Stan could make. Probably not 2019/20 either. But 2020/21 looks hopeful providing DeBrincat and Schmaltz can take another step forward and Sikura, Jokiharju and Hayden can establish themselves this season. Then Boqvist and one or two others in 2019/20.

Stay the course.

It seems to me there are two groups of Hawks fans - those who are willing to trade DeBrincat, Schmaltz or other "future type" players to enhance the 2018/19 team and those who care less about winning in 2018/19 and more about (re)building the team with eyes on winning in 2020/21 or maybe even 2019/20 if things go exceedingly well.

I don't think the Hawks will be a legitimate Cup contender in 2018/19 regardless of the moves Stan could make. Probably not 2019/20 either. But 2020/21 looks hopeful providing DeBrincat and Schmaltz can take another step forward and Sikura, Jokiharju and Hayden can establish themselves this season. Then Boqvist and one or two others in 2019/20.

Stay the course.
- EbonyRaptor

I like Hayden a lot. He looked good in that mini-stint with the team at the end of the 16-17 season when put with Toews. He also looked good for the first few games of last season. In fact the that Wingels, Bouma, Hayden line seemed to get a lot of opportunities when up against other teams’ 4th lines. With improved skating, it would be nice having him as a hard working presence in front of the net on the first or second lines.

Well, I forked over 14+ and I don't appreciate being bullpoopted. I can't afford the whole season either, but I have enough friends that they pick up the slack. I've never made a dime off friends or family, I just want to break even. But the more they bullpoop and cover up the more the chance I eventually get stuck. And I'm not going to appreciate that. No matter what this will be my last year.
- 6628

No, I totally understand where you are coming from. It makes sense. PM me if you ever have two tickets available. Depending on my schedule I might be willing to buy them from you.

It seems to me there are two groups of Hawks fans - those who are willing to trade DeBrincat, Schmaltz or other "future type" players to enhance the 2018/19 team and those who care less about winning in 2018/19 and more about (re)building the team with eyes on winning in 2020/21 or maybe even 2019/20 if things go exceedingly well.

I don't think the Hawks will be a legitimate Cup contender in 2018/19 regardless of the moves Stan could make. Probably not 2019/20 either. But 2020/21 looks hopeful providing DeBrincat and Schmaltz can take another step forward and Sikura, Jokiharju and Hayden can establish themselves this season. Then Boqvist and one or two others in 2019/20.

Stay the course.
- EbonyRaptor

Nice succinct analysis. I say stay the course, too.

Well, I forked over 14+ and I don't appreciate being bullpoopted. I can't afford the whole season either, but I have enough friends that they pick up the slack. I've never made a dime off friends or family, I just want to break even. But the more they bullpoop and cover up the more the chance I eventually get stuck. And I'm not going to appreciate that. No matter what this will be my last year.
- 6628

6628 I feel your pain. I have been a season ticket holder for years. I held them for many years in the old Stadium, and then into the new building for a few years until getting frustrated by the poor product and giving them up for a while. I managed to get back in just before the current run started in '08. Luckily I now split them with a group of friends, because the financial implications of paying for a full share is just cost prohibitive at this point. By the end of last season you couldn't give them away let alone get face value.

Look, I get it, write it off to down seasons, injuries, puck luck, or whatever you want, but then, after missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, don't turn around and raise my ticket prices again. My tickets have gone up every season for the last 10. The face value is 300% what they used to be, have gone from $75 to $245 in 10 years. This years increase was about 10%.

Crawford and the Hawks don't owe any of us anything. Sure, there is an expectation that they will ice a competitive product, but the choice as to whether we choose to renew our tickets lies completely with us, and that is the calculated game that the organization plays when it comes to product, ticket prices, etc. Ice a crappy team or make ticket prices un-palatable and attendance will suffer at some point. It is a fence that they walk every year, and one in which season ticket holders walk also when considering whether it is worth a renewal or not.

Pat Boyle is probably my favorite of all the reporters for Hawk info. He walks the line best of being truthful and not pissing the Hawks (shovel face) off. Podcast with him and Mayers talking Crow: https://content.productio...a/07-27%20HAWKS%20POD.mp3
- Mr Ricochet

O.K. I've decided then. Based on Jamals comments. I'm going with the original story. Snowmobile accident caused a concussion. It's all settled in my mind. Makes sense they keep it quiet. Serious off ice incident. Don't want to destroy trade value or diminish the hock organization.

Sitting in a dark room. Just like Buddy Guy.

Kevin Hayes signs for 1 year $5.175M with the Rangers to avoid arbitration. He had 25 goals and 19 assists = 44 points last year. He reportedly wanted 5 years at $5.5M AAV.

For comparison sake, Schmaltz had 21 goals, 31 assists = 52 points. If he puts up similar numbers this year, looks like he will be asking for $6M.
- boilermaker100

This is great news. Hayes wanted 5 x $5.5 and got 1 x 5.175. Bodes well for dealing with Schmaltz who hasn't earned anything yet. And don't throw stats at me, either. There's more to playing hockey than stats. I can't remember which post it is in, but there was someone earlier talking about how much of a wussy Schmaltz is and how he refuses to stick up for his teammates. He also disappeared against Nashville after a couple of hard hits. And he didn't disappear the way the others did. He was terrified, and you could tell it by his body language. He is currently not a player that you can win a cup with.

Can he grow a pair? Sure, it's possible. If he does, then the Hawks can talk longer term contracts. In the meantime, take him to arbitration and pay him 1 year deals. The Hawks need to start playing hardball with some of these guys instead of just rolling over and giving them whatever they ask for (or more, see: Richard Panik).

Kevin Hayes signs for 1 year $5.175M with the Rangers to avoid arbitration. He had 25 goals and 19 assists = 44 points last year. He reportedly wanted 5 years at $5.5M AAV.

For comparison sake, Schmaltz had 21 goals, 31 assists = 52 points. If he puts up similar numbers this year, looks like he will be asking for $6M.
- boilermaker100

ONLY 5.175 ?????


That is $.625,000 more than Anisimov, a proven two way nhl player, not an entitled I want to play where I want Free Jeremy Morin moron.
In four years when Hayes is AA's age, what he want THEN?


Ouch.

All a player must do is high ball the team's original offer to their agent by some huge sum that provides a split it down the middle number that is higher than what the NHL ever wanted to pay (and messes up their salary pecking order) The arbits have started doing this case after case again...

This is why your team wants to settle in at reasonable numbers before arbitration is filed.

It seems to me there are two groups of Hawks fans - those who are willing to trade DeBrincat, Schmaltz or other "future type" players to enhance the 2018/19 team and those who care less about winning in 2018/19 and more about (re)building the team with eyes on winning in 2020/21 or maybe even 2019/20 if things go exceedingly well.

I don't think the Hawks will be a legitimate Cup contender in 2018/19 regardless of the moves Stan could make. Probably not 2019/20 either. But 2020/21 looks hopeful providing DeBrincat and Schmaltz can take another step forward and Sikura, Jokiharju and Hayden can establish themselves this season. Then Boqvist and one or two others in 2019/20.

Stay the course.
- EbonyRaptor

A reasonable assesment

Their strength in years to come likely three sets if defense who are very good controlling the puck and moving the puck. They will need enough size up front to go along with the skill guys. Bowman is going to have acquire more size, grit, character up front. At a minimum resembling the toughness in Cup years. The goal tending will not be a great concern until the team.is back contending, at which time Delia or someone else will be evaluated

This is great news. Hayes wanted 5 x $5.5 and got 1 x 5.175. Bodes well for dealing with Schmaltz who hasn't earned anything yet. And don't throw stats at me, either. There's more to playing hockey than stats. I can't remember which post it is in, but there was someone earlier talking about how much of a wussy Schmaltz is and how he refuses to stick up for his teammates. He also disappeared against Nashville after a couple of hard hits. And he didn't disappear the way the others did. He was terrified, and you could tell it by his body language. He is currently not a player that you can win a cup with.

Can he grow a pair? Sure, it's possible. If he does, then the Hawks can talk longer term contracts. In the meantime, take him to arbitration and pay him 1 year deals. The Hawks need to start playing hardball with some of these guys instead of just rolling over and giving them whatever they ask for (or more, see: Richard Panik).
- tazer_and_diet

Actually, it's bad news for those who think Schmaltz shouldn't get $5.5m-6m because Schmaltz is already a better player given a more important role than K.Hayes.

K.Hayes is 26 and it took him until this past season to get to .58 PPG. Schmaltz is 22 and is already at .67 PPG. K.Hayes was putting up 3rd line numbers at the same age (only 36 points, .46 PPG). Of course there is more to contracts than production, but K.Hayes getting $5.2m just emphasizes that Schmaltz's is above that contract range - younger and already better.

Also, Schmaltz is not arbitration eligible right now, but Schmaltz would be awarded in the $5.5m-6m range if he was. You say there is more to hockey than stats, which is obviously true, but in arbitration, points production is at the top decider for a contract award. Schmaltz's production comparables are in the $6m range so your plan wouldn't work really.

And last, the reason K.Hayes situation is different than Schmaltz - Hayes will be a UFA at the end of the season and the Rangers are admittedly in a rebuild. They wanted to sign him to a $4m x 4 years (so Hayes got closer to what he wanted than the team) but settled for a year at a higher cap hit so they can more easily flip him as a rental for this season.

PS. As stated before, just wait until Larkin's contract is decided - Schmaltz will get around that if it happens this summer as they are extremely close comparables in terms of production / age and they share an agent. If Schmaltz's waits another season, it'd depend on if he elevated his play or not.

Late news, but don’t recall seeing it in all the Crow discussion. Quinn Hughes opting to return to school at U Mich rather than join Canucks. He was very keen on the Hawks after Team USA experience with Kane. Another one for whom to explore trading for rights? Anyone we have that Vancouver could use, who we’d be willing to give up?

Of course, we are already loaded with young D men.

Late news, but don’t recall seeing it in all the Crow discussion. Quinn Hughes opting to return to school at U Mich rather than join Canucks. He was very keen on the Hawks after Team USA experience with Kane. Another one for whom to explore trading for rights? Anyone we have that Vancouver could use, who we’d be willing to give up?

Of course, we are already loaded with young D men.
- pdx2ord

Late news, but don’t recall seeing it in all the Crow discussion. Quinn Hughes opting to return to school at U Mich rather than join Canucks. He was very keen on the Hawks after Team USA experience with Kane. Another one for whom to explore trading for rights? Anyone we have that Vancouver could use, who we’d be willing to give up?

Of course, we are already loaded with young D men.
- pdx2ord

Hughes' is going back to Michigan partly because the Canucks think that's what is best for his development, just like the Hawks got Boqvist to play in the OHL next season. Canucks don't have room for him this season (they have 8 d-men already) and they're in a rebuild, so there is no rush for him to come. Delaying him also means he'd be exempt from the Seattle expansion draft.

Quote before deciding:

“They have a plan here and I have to respect that,” said Hughes. “I wouldn’t mind going back to Michigan, if they didn’t know where I fit in. But I’m a pretty confident kid and confident in my abilities. I want to believe I can play in the NHL, but it’s a really hard league. Playing at college again wouldn’t be the worst thing.”

Quote after:

"The Canucks had a big part in this decision, and I think they're happy with this decision, too. They agree with it. With everyone I spoke with, this made the most sense."

@NHLBlackhawks
Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry: "Gustav Forsling underwent surgery today on his right wrist. The surgery went well and the expected recovery time is 14 weeks." #Blackhawks

@NHLBlackhawks
Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry: "Gustav Forsling underwent surgery today on his right wrist. The surgery went well and the expected recovery time is 14 weeks." #Blackhawks
- L_B_R

Bummer. I was thinking Forsling would get another shot to stick with the Hawks sometime this season. Hopefully this doesn't set him back too much from a developmental stand point.

It seems to me there are two groups of Hawks fans - those who are willing to trade DeBrincat, Schmaltz or other "future type" players to enhance the 2018/19 team and those who care less about winning in 2018/19 and more about (re)building the team with eyes on winning in 2020/21 or maybe even 2019/20 if things go exceedingly well.

I don't think the Hawks will be a legitimate Cup contender in 2018/19 regardless of the moves Stan could make. Probably not 2019/20 either. But 2020/21 looks hopeful providing DeBrincat and Schmaltz can take another step forward and Sikura, Jokiharju and Hayden can establish themselves this season. Then Boqvist and one or two others in 2019/20.

Stay the course.
- EbonyRaptor

I would only trade smaltz or bebrincat for 23-25 year old or younger d man with top 3 potential or second line playmaking center other than that no don't trade either.

Hughes' is going back to Michigan partly because the Canucks think that's what is best for his development, just like the Hawks got Boqvist to play in the OHL next season. Canucks don't have room for him this season (they have 8 d-men already) and they're in a rebuild, so there is no rush for him to come. Delaying him also means he'd be exempt from the Seattle expansion draft.

Quote before deciding:

“They have a plan here and I have to respect that,” said Hughes. “I wouldn’t mind going back to Michigan, if they didn’t know where I fit in. But I’m a pretty confident kid and confident in my abilities. I want to believe I can play in the NHL, but it’s a really hard league. Playing at college again wouldn’t be the worst thing.”

The issue is both he and Takuck would only be 2 years from UFA status so that can be a concern. IF they sign now and play in the AHL there contract is 4 years. if they sign after there sr year contract is 1 or 2 if they go UFA. That is the issue,

Quote after:

"The Canucks had a big part in this decision, and I think they're happy with this decision, too. They agree with it. With everyone I spoke with, this made the most sense."
- L_B_R

I would trade Nick Schmaltz in a NewYork minute to get Tkachuk's rights, plus try to get another piece from Ottawa. Obviously this would be contingent on Tkachuk immediately signing an entry level contract.
Spare the bullcrap of this b--tch wanting 6 mill a year next season, I know a lot like him, but I don't value him as high as some, no way he's getting 6 mill a year from me. Give me a big strong forward with that Tkachuk pedigree any day.
I still can't let go from last year when Toews, his CAPTIAN was getting face raked after a whistle right next to him and all he did was skate the other way. He got called out by the TV guys among others but it didn't see to bother him, letting your leader get face washed after a whistle, Team bonding my man, stick your nose in there at least, that gets noticed.
I brought that up to a Hawk scout at the prospect camp in a casual conversation , and his reply was the " team" is well aware of his " lack off" on ice personality. If a trade of magnitude of this or for Trouba, I'd put schmaltz in play immediately.
I am one of the few that Are glad that Osterele and little Minny Vinny are traded, Schmaltz would be next in my book.
- wonthecup10

+1 1000%

I'm not necessarily one for meatheads on the team, but I think that one thing that most folks are clamoring for is real pushback, whether it be for a teammate or yourself, as a player. There have been many instances in the past, many that folks have already pointed out, where a star of ours was railed and nothing or barely anything was done. Toews and Thornton, Hossa and douche-pocalypse (Torres), Toews and Orpik, Kane and Petrovic, Crawford and Malkin. Those are some of the big ones that stick out but most games that I have watched in recent years have been the same, someone on the Hawks gets punked and nothing happens.

I mean, at least, stick your nose in and show that you somewhat care. I've even seen this from Seabrook in recent years, so my respect level for him has dropped. Just skate back to the bench watching the ruckus happening behind you, you POS. Your like, literally, the biggest guy on the team and you watch your guys get mugged?

I digress... I get the whole motto of a victory is the best form of revenge, but you can't win if you can't finish the game. Thats the one thing that endeared me to Arti, the game vs MN where Dumba leveled Kane center ice and Arti just jumped him. He looked like he didn't know what the hell he was doing, but he jumped in and gave a crap... at least at that moment... when his star teammate was mugged.

So, getting back to the original Schmaltz discussion, if someone like him wants a long term deal for that kind of money, I say.. get the best trade value for him. I'm not sure he has enough game changing talent to compensate for his lack of 'team play'.

@NHLBlackhawks
Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry: "Gustav Forsling underwent surgery today on his right wrist. The surgery went well and the expected recovery time is 14 weeks." #Blackhawks
- L_B_R

Something new? or is it something old that they were trying noninvasive methods before going to the knife?

Something new? or is it something old that they were trying noninvasive methods before going to the knife?
- Beaver-Warrior

He missed time in Rockford right before the playoffs, so it's probably something that was nagging and then he was checked out this past week when he came to Chicago. Opting for surgery is probably better long-term for him and the Hawks.

All of the complaints about Schmaltz lack of physicality are reminiscent of what people used to say about Patrick Kane. I think that Schmaltz has a lot of room to grow and I think management has him pencilled in as a big part of the future at center. No way he gets moved because he shies away from contact.

@NHLBlackhawks
Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry: "Gustav Forsling underwent surgery today on his right wrist. The surgery went well and the expected recovery time is 14 weeks." #Blackhawks
- L_B_R

Tough break for the kid.

Might mean another year in Rockford for Forsling with maybe a later call up.

It will all depend on how the defence and season plays out I guess.