You are right. I think Kruger coming back helps in some of these areas if he is healthy. He takes a lot of punishment to make plays. Hawks are missing some of the guys who did that well. Bickell, Roszival, Shaw, Desjardins, Frolik, Hjalmarsson were some of the better Hawks when it came to absorbing some physical play and getting the puck going in the right direction.
- breadbag

Yes, Kruger brings back some grit and compete level. I think Kunitz does as well. I believe both will pay dividends if healthy. The thing is that they're both on the back 9 with Kunitz approaching the last hole.

Adding more youthful grit and compete level would be most welcome to spread things out and provide some sustainability beyond this season.

Martinesen-Hayden wing combo on line 4 could do some damage on opposing defenders
- EnzoD

The Hawks can do better. Plus, if all goes well I think the Hawks are looking for more than that from Hayden.

kunitz isn't a fighter. You dont want hayden being the only one along with manning who can hit and fight
- vandymeer23[/quote

While fighting still has a role/place in today's game, I do not believe it is worth using a roster spot for unless this player/fighter can "play" the game, being physical enough and talented enough to make plays, ala Tom Wilson. The instigator rule and fights within the last few minutes of the game supports this. Half the time, someone sticks up for a teammate who may have been cheap-shotted, even clean-shotted gets the ire of opposing players, it turns out to be a dance and the two are sent off for roughing, etc. However, if you can instill the fear of retaliation without the fighting then you are ahead of the game. BTW you are correct Kunitz in not a fighter and Hayden (lucky haymaker on Foglino) is TBD. One fight does not make you a fighter. Yes, he danced with his buddy (forgot name) late in the season.

Martinesen-Hayden wing combo on line 4 could do some damage on opposing defenders
- EnzoD

Martinsen has played center. How about Kunitz, Martinsen and Hayden.

[quote=vandymeer23]kunitz isn't a fighter. You dont want hayden being the only one along with manning who can hit and fight
- D2D[/quote

While fighting still has a role/place in today's game, I do not believe it is worth using a roster spot for unless this player/fighter can "play" the game, being physical enough and talented enough to make plays, ala Tom Wilson. The instigator rule and fights within the last few minutes of the game supports this. Half the time, someone sticks up for a teammate who may have been cheap-shotted, even clean-shotted gets the ire of opposing players, it turns out to be a dance and the two are sent off for roughing, etc. However, if you can instill the fear of retaliation without the fighting then you are ahead of the game. BTW you are correct Kunitz in not a fighter and Hayden (lucky haymaker on Foglino) is TBD. One fight does not make you a fighter. Yes, he danced with his buddy (forgot name) late in the season.

If you’re looking for a gritty fighter Connor Moynihan fits the bill. He was in prospect camp, don’t know much about him. Sure is a tough one that’s willing to stand up for his teammates:


http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/18846/videos

If you’re looking for a gritty fighter Connor Moynihan fits the bill. He was in prospect camp, don’t know much about him. Sure is a tough one that’s willing to stand up for his teammates:


http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/18846/videos
- walleyeb1

I liked that invite would like to see him in the prospect tourney and then Rockford.

Martinsen has played center. How about Kunitz, Martinsen and Hayden.
- -Doh-

He's better on the wing. That's where he belongs if he's playing a regular shift in the NHL.

Keep in mind that Martinsen and Hayden had some nice chemistry in Rockford at the end of last year (w/ Tyler Sikura as their centre). I can see Martinsen-Kruger-Hayden from time to time.

He's better on the wing. That's where he belongs if he's playing a regular shift in the NHL.

Keep in mind that Martinsen and Hayden had some nice chemistry in Rockford at the end of last year (w/ Tyler Sikura as their centre). I can see Martinsen-Kruger-Hayden from time to time.
- Justin Lowe

I think the Hawks (and I for that matter) envision Hayden a bit higher in the lineup. I would really like to see him assuming the “bulk” on a scoring line for some games to see what he can really do. He seemed to really come on for Rockford in front of the net at the end of last year.

Do we take a flyer on Brouwer on a 1 year deal?

Do we take a flyer on Brouwer on a 1 year deal?
- z1990z

I would if he was cheap. The Hawks will probably have 4 or 5 players in the NHL that would benefit from more time in Rockford. I think Kahun, Edjsell, Sikura and Kampf would all be better off in Rockford, and I think that right now, they will all get significant time on the Hawks. If we could sign any (or all) of Nash, Brouwer and Shore on ONE YEAR deals, it wouldn't hurt us long term, and it would allow them to grow under Colliton for another year. IMO, that would be huge for our chances in 2019-20 and beyond.

Martinsen has played center. How about Kunitz, Martinsen and Hayden.
- -Doh-

So an energy line that only faces the lowest quality of competition and thus burdens the top lines more with tougher assignments. Hmm.

I don't know why people are infatuated with this type of line - they are extinct for cup winning teams. The only time it works is if the top 9 is completely stacked ala 2010 Hawks. The way lines roll primarily for winners for years now is the bottom 6 lines consist of a checking/shutdown line (that faces at least decent QOC) and an offensive bumslaying line. Two of those guys might be on the former, but not all 3 because none transition very well - something that is extremely important to checking/shutdown lines that face top comp in the DZ. Kruger will hopefully be the transition guy on such a line, though it'd be better to have two (a Frolik or Shaw addition).

I'd prefer Hayden be able to be the guy that opens up space on an offensive line - he had 23 prorated points last season, which is the same as forum-favorite Tom Wilson every season but this last one. Hayden isn't as good a skater but he have slightly better hockey sense imo. And he may not get on the score sheet as much, but being a screen and such could be valuable in a lower line offensive role like Bickell. I didn't mind Martinsen last season, so if he's decent defensively, I could see him as the body checker / bigger guy on Kruger's win.

https://www.nbcsports.com...o-pro-hockey-league-debut

Put this in the "that's to be expected" column yet still nice to see any clips of hockey featuring Hawk players during the summer doldrums.

Do we take a flyer on Brouwer on a 1 year deal?
- z1990z

No... he should be locked in to a 3 or 4 year deal.

No... he should be locked in to a 3 or 4 year deal.
- DarthKane

$5mil by 6 years with Full No Trade Clause and 20 point performance bonus for $2mil

$5mil by 6 years with Full No Movement Clause and 20 point performance bonus for $2mil
- EnzoD

Fixed.

So an energy line that only faces the lowest quality of competition and thus burdens the top lines more with tougher assignments. Hmm.

I don't know why people are infatuated with this type of line - they are extinct for cup winning teams. The only time it works is if the top 9 is completely stacked ala 2010 Hawks. The way lines roll primarily for winners for years now is the bottom 6 lines consist of a checking/shutdown line (that faces at least decent QOC) and an offensive bumslaying line. Two of those guys might be on the former, but not all 3 because none transition very well - something that is extremely important to checking/shutdown lines that face top comp in the DZ. Kruger will hopefully be the transition guy on such a line, though it'd be better to have two (a Frolik or Shaw addition).

I'd prefer Hayden be able to be the guy that opens up space on an offensive line - he had 23 prorated points last season, which is the same as forum-favorite Tom Wilson every season but this last one. Hayden isn't as good a skater but he have slightly better hockey sense imo. And he may not get on the score sheet as much, but being a screen and such could be valuable in a lower line offensive role like Bickell. I didn't mind Martinsen last season, so if he's decent defensively, I could see him as the body checker / bigger guy on Kruger's win.
- L_B_R

Hayden isn't as good a skater but he have slightly better hockey sense imo.

With all due highly respect, LBR because you are top notch in your material and rationale(thought process), I have a slightly different opinion that yours on Wilson vs Hayden

I am one of the big advocate of Tom Wilson but I am also big on skating and skills with the ability to make a play. After those two necessity foundations starts the decision-making then the actual execution. Tom Wilson is still young and did have a break out year especially in the playoffs on the top Russian line. Now was it a fluke or did he played with great players but he still had to think and execute which he did. Its those minute details which I see in Tom Wilson that makes him an overall better player than Hayden, at least to this juncture. For sure the better and faster skater and his concept of zone play such as being the F3 and covering the middle of the ice to blunt transition strikes.

I like Hayden and envision him as a really good bottom 6 with the ability to finish, just like when I saw him at Yale. He is an agitator is a smart guy.

Do we take a flyer on Brouwer on a 1 year deal?
- z1990z

Absolutely not. No reason to continue with the retreads. Let the kids play and begin the rebuild immediately. This team has very little chance to make the playoffs.
It's time to realize the direction they're heading. The only vets that should be signed are the ones that will bring back draft picks at the trade deadline.... a la Tommy Wingels last year. I can't see anybody wanting Brower at the deadline.

Wanted to wait until all the main channels pumped out Stan stories until I did one.

*NEW* blog - https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=94269

I would if he was cheap. The Hawks will probably have 4 or 5 players in the NHL that would benefit from more time in Rockford. I think Kahun, Edjsell, Sikura and Kampf would all be better off in Rockford, and I think that right now, they will all get significant time on the Hawks. If we could sign any (or all) of Nash, Brouwer and Shore on ONE YEAR deals, it wouldn't hurt us long term, and it would allow them to grow under Colliton for another year. IMO, that would be huge for our chances in 2019-20 and beyond.
- tvetter

I created a possible lineup that includes all 3 at capfriendly:
https://www.capfriendly.c...m/armchair-gm/team/830378

I left 3 goalies because I don't think Crow will be ready at the start of the season.

Please keep in mind that this is just for fun, as I don't think Stan will sign any of these guys, let alone all 3.

Hayden isn't as good a skater but he have slightly better hockey sense imo.

With all due highly respect, LBR because you are top notch in your material and rationale(thought process), I have a slightly different opinion that yours on Wilson vs Hayden

I am one of the big advocate of Tom Wilson but I am also big on skating and skills with the ability to make a play. After those two necessity foundations starts the decision-making then the actual execution. Tom Wilson is still young and did have a break out year especially in the playoffs on the top Russian line. Now was it a fluke or did he played with great players but he still had to think and execute which he did. Its those minute details which I see in Tom Wilson that makes him an overall better player than Hayden, at least to this juncture. For sure the better and faster skater and his concept of zone play such as being the F3 and covering the middle of the ice to blunt transition strikes.

I like Hayden and envision him as a really good bottom 6 with the ability to finish, just like when I saw him at Yale. He is an agitator is a smart guy.
- D2D

Hmm I didn't say Hayden was better than Wilson or even on the same level necessarily - I said that I think Hayden could be a Wilson like player. Wilson was good in the playoffs, but his numbers were definitely inflated by secondary assists, many of which came many seconds after he ever touched the puck. I mean, Wilson had only one more primary point as Beagle or Orlov, both of which were used in a completely shutdown / defensive role with lower quality of teammate. This is not meant to take away from Wilson's overall performance, just to note that his production was padded a bit by playing with great players. Of course, that does mean he can keep up with and help out those great players in other ways - it's just a side note that should be made.

And anyway, I was just commenting on some similarities of the type of player / role that could be between Hayden and Wilson. They're both their best or could be when 1) creating space for their (better) linemates, 2) being fairly responsible defensively, and 3) contributing to the overall physicality of the team. Again, I agree that Wilson is a better skater than Hayden - it's what I mentioned specifically - but Wilson does some of the dumbest stuff, esp in the NZ, which is why he didn't carry in the playoffs like ever. And not to mention, the bad hits that could have really hurt him team's success. I'm not saying Wilson is dumb, I'm saying some of the mistakes he would make were head scratchers. He balances that out with other strong plays and his physical ability is obvs but that doesn't negate that he's still learning to improve his decision making. And imo Hayden's biggest strength is his hockey IQ - dunno if it'll be enough to overcome the slower skating or if he's destined to be a 4th liner / replacement level player but he tends to make smart decisions with and without the puck. That's all I was saying.

And man, a world in which 35 points can be a breakout is so odd to me lol. Good but weird that's something to strive for somehow.

I agree that the team should avoid icing 2 scoring lines and 2 stereotypical 4th lines. The best teams seem to have 3 lines that can score and a 4th line that can eat up minutes without hurting you defensively.

The 3rd and 4th lines should be able to take the D zone draws to take that pressure off of the 1st and 2nd lines. Agitating and playing relentlessly in all zones are definite pluses to amp up overall effectiveness.

And the 3rd line should still be a checking line that is strong defensively yet has scoring punch to not just be seen as a defensive unit with limited offense.
- AEL_Fox

I agree totally with this !!!! good post !!

Hmm I didn't say Hayden was better than Wilson or even on the same level necessarily - I said that I think Hayden could be a Wilson like player. Wilson was good in the playoffs, but his numbers were definitely inflated by secondary assists, many of which came many seconds after he ever touched the puck. I mean, Wilson had only one more primary point as Beagle or Orlov, both of which were used in a completely shutdown / defensive role with lower quality of teammate. This is not meant to take away from Wilson's overall performance, just to note that his production was padded a bit by playing with great players. Of course, that does mean he can keep up with and help out those great players in other ways - it's just a side note that should be made.

And anyway, I was just commenting on some similarities of the type of player / role that could be between Hayden and Wilson. They're both their best or could be when 1) creating space for their (better) linemates, 2) being fairly responsible defensively, and 3) contributing to the overall physicality of the team. Again, I agree that Wilson is a better skater than Hayden - it's what I mentioned specifically - but Wilson does some of the dumbest stuff, esp in the NZ, which is why he didn't carry in the playoffs like ever. And not to mention, the bad hits that could have really hurt him team's success. I'm not saying Wilson is dumb, I'm saying some of the mistakes he would make were head scratchers. He balances that out with other strong plays and his physical ability is obvs but that doesn't negate that he's still learning to improve his decision making. And imo Hayden's biggest strength is his hockey IQ - dunno if it'll be enough to overcome the slower skating or if he's destined to be a 4th liner / replacement level player but he tends to make smart decisions with and without the puck. That's all I was saying.

And man, a world in which 35 points can be a breakout is so odd to me lol. Good but weird that's something to strive for somehow.
- L_B_R

Fair enough! You mentioned secondary assists but many times without those you don't get out of your zone, or taking a hit to make a play...you get my point! As they say "It's not who scored by how you scored" meaning integrated 5 man play.

Correct on Wilson's stupid plays and borderline dirty if not outright dirty. Clearly he needs to clean up his act without taking away from his physicality. There is no doubt he is a marked man by opposing players, refs, and league office.

And yes he did cash in on 6 mil/yr which makes all the more reason to just play the game straight up and leave the dirty stuff behind.

As for Hayden, he is strictly a N/S guy now; hence bottom 6. Once he gets more comfortable with his skates and hands, then he will move up in the lines. Right now he cannot make those same plays Wilson makes ie, quick bump off the wall to a streaking Kunz or the tic tac toe triangle passing of no more than 10-15 ft apart in O zone down low.