That would be all a hard pass. Provy, Frost, Hart are non starters in a deal. I would consider a Farabee or maybe a 2nd rounder and b prospect. YOur over valuing goaltending value considering there are not many teams looking for a large cap hit starting goalie.
- jmdodgeser4

What happens to the Flyers if they have a good goalie? Does Crawford make them better and or a contender? If the Flyers' GM thinks so he'll have to pay to get him. For the last 8 or 9 years the Hawks have been giving away young talent to keep the team contending and to keep cap compliant. It's now the Hawks' turn to pillage other teams who wish to be, or remain, contenders and or keep cap compliant.

Someone else said this but whether it's Sikura or any other player, it's all about slotting them with linemates where they can complement each other while also not putting them way above or way below their water level.

I believe Toews and Saad would benefit more from having a playmaker like Sikura than a Hossa-type of power forward. Schmaltz succeeded on a line with Toews and Panik two seasons ago so I could see similar chemistry with Sikura playing with Toews and Saad.

A key difference between Schmaltz and Sikura is that the latter will shoot and has a nice laser of a snapshot from the circles. Sikura also has patience and poise to wait to scan for options before committing to a play.
- AEL_Fox

I'm sure someone else has said it before, but I've been crying for this since I started posting here.

The team has role players with no roles. Back when we were competing you knew which guys where the to kill penalties, provide energy, grind it out, bring speed, etc. and they played on lines that complemented one another so that they were able to maximize the talent that they had and roll out with three very good lines and power checking fourth line. Now this is a team that has a collection of talent. I want guys to be developed or signed for specific roles on this team not trying to stretch them out to be something more than they ARE (not can be but realistic expectations; I.E. Manning Top 4 D-man, Kunitz Top 6, etc.). That's what this team needs.

When to the game Sunday and the team did look a lot better than they did when JC first took over. One thing I noticed and feel would be a HUGE help to this team (as it seems everyone has already been discussing) is having Andrew Shaw still on this team. Man would he be perfect for what this team needs right now. Shame that he ended up being another cap casualty for this team. I think a lot of people would have rather kept him and Saad than Seabrook...but we're not going down the rabbit hole lol

A solid/good defense would help him to not have to stand on his head every night.

Strong defenses allow teams to get away with "average" goalies because they don't need to stand on their heads every night, but rather, make the routine saves that the defense allows.

The Hawks certainly used this model to win for a number of years.
- Hank3Henshaw

I was gonna see look no further than 2010 with Niemi lol

That's why I've said for years, as much as I love Crow and he will go down as one of the best goalies in Hawks history, one of the best things they could have done for themselves would have been to trade him away and ride it out with Darling and another goalie to build up the defense. Never happened and Darling hasn't played well BUT that model is better for success than paying a lot of money for a goalie (see Price, King Henry, etc.)

I still follow JJ over at The Rink. If it’s rumors you crave, his latest podcast mentioned he’s heard rumblings linking Anisimov to Pittsburgh.

FWIW
- Chief4Feathers

For Malkin!?!? Please say Malkin.

For Malkin!?!? Please say Malkin.
- Rota's Rooter

finally we get malkin...about 5 years to late...

What happens to the Flyers if they have a good goalie? Does Crawford make them better and or a contender? If the Flyers' GM thinks so he'll have to pay to get him. For the last 8 or 9 years the Hawks have been giving away young talent to keep the team contending and to keep cap compliant. It's now the Hawks' turn to pillage other teams who wish to be, or remain, contenders and or keep cap compliant.
- paulr

I think it would make Philly better and a more playoff ready team but I don't think its needed if its to strip us of our 3c for next year (Frost) or provy(1st pair dman) and such. Its just not worth it in my opinion. Id rather roll with what we have and hope Elliot stays healthy and re evaluate during the summer. I mean what other team out there is looking for a Crawford? Goalie in his 30's with high cap hit. Most teams have their goalie. The one or two teams that don't have "their goalie" is a lottery team and aren't looking to trading assets for Crawford.

And when he goes to a team and becomes a servicable player, do you promise not to jump all over the GM?

Sikura went to learn the pro game in the AHL, EXACTLY what almost all players should do. Except for the absolute elite players almsot all players should serve a stint in the minors to learn the pro game.
- paulr

Although you are 100% correct, many fanboys don't believe the AHL has much value other than being a place to dump contracts or a league for bad hockey players. That couldn't be further from the truth. Perfect example is Tampa Bay - many of their current players were on that Norfolk team that won the championship under Jon Cooper (when they beat the Marlies).

Pittsburgh has leaned on Wilkes Barre to develop many of their roster players over the years as Washington did with Hershey. And the Leafs are doing same with the Marlies now. If done correctly, thats where the 'draft and develop' thing is practised.

Sikura is a small kid drafted in the 6th round who got extra years of development time in the NCAA. He may never have made an OHL team as a 17 year old. He might develop into a good NHL player or he may just be a Brandon Pirri/Rocco Grimaldi/Vinny Hinostroza type - excellent NCAA player but not much as a big leaguer.

I think this is a great case of hindsight is 20-20.

I understood the trade. I don't think anyone saw Buff becoming what he is now - no way anyone could have predicted he would morph from a big body in front of the net, to a legitimate Defenseman. I mean...that's an incredible change.

I remember being very annoyed with fans (mostly wagon fans) constantly saying, "We should have never traded Big Buff." I think they only liked him because he became a household name in that VAN series where he drew a lot of heat with Lou. I don't think they watched his actual play/conditioning - which was still very raw at the time.

They went on to win two more without him, so it wasn't a trade that completely crippled them, you know?
- Hank3Henshaw

Question is, do you win a cup in 2013 and 2015 with keeping Buff and losing different players? He was one of those guys often complained about for not showing up every night and what is done is done. We traded him long ago because the Hawks were over a barrel with the cap and the money that was handed out.

That would be all a hard pass. Provy, Frost, Hart are non starters in a deal. I would consider a Farabee or maybe a 2nd rounder and b prospect. YOur over valuing goaltending value considering there are not many teams looking for a large cap hit starting goalie.
- jmdodgeser4

He's got a season and a half left on it. That is not going to break the Flyers.

I would add Kurashev on that list of middle 6 forwards in the system who have impact potential. Agree, though, no bona fide top 6 blue chipper. Sikura comes closest, IMHO, but even he's not a lock and may end up being in this middle 6 group.
- AEL_Fox

I would also add Tim Soderlund to that list as well. Kid has been very impressive at times and likely will be in Rockford next year. Last year a lot of people were comparing him to Victor Arvidsson for his style of play. While I'm not saying he's gonna live up to that if you can get a similar type of player out of Soderlund that would be very nice. I would say that Sikura, Barratt, Soderlund, Wise, and Kurashev are all guys who have the talent to be a middle six type of player but being put in the right situation could be elevated.

For Malkin!?!? Please say Malkin.
- Rota's Rooter

No, no mention of Malkin or any other player in return.

I would also add Tim Soderlund to that list as well. Kid has been very impressive at times and likely will be in Rockford next year. Last year a lot of people were comparing him to Victor Arvidsson for his style of play. While I'm not saying he's gonna live up to that if you can get a similar type of player out of Soderlund that would be very nice. I would say that Sikura, Barratt, Soderlund, Wise, and Kurashev are all guys who have the talent to be a middle six type of player but being put in the right situation could be elevated.
- Savetheembers33

Yes, forgot about Soderlund. He has middle 6 potential as well. I would like to see how his game translates on North American ice to get a better idea. He doesn't shy away from the rough areas, has a relentless motor, and can generate offense. My guess is he tops out as a 3rd liner. I'd be happy with that.

He's got a season and a half left on it. That is not going to break the Flyers.
- Rota's Rooter

Compared to other goalies, Crow is on a steal of a contract.

tonight is the "8th verse same as the first" = a loss

what's gonna change:

Jets just killed the flyers and Hellebuyck has found his game: stopped 36 of 37 shots against the Flyers for his 13th win this season. However the backup Laurent Brossoit will start against the Blackhawks...5-1-1 with a 2.16 goals-against average and .935 save percentage in seven outings this season.

expect to cough up first goal again...jets will score at least 3 and the hawks will have coughed up 3 or more for the 11th strt game

the only positive is congrats to keit/seab playing their 1000th game together: lets all sing The Way We (they) Were.

I think this is a great case of hindsight is 20-20.

I understood the trade. I don't think anyone saw Buff becoming what he is now - no way anyone could have predicted he would morph from a big body in front of the net, to a legitimate Defenseman. I mean...that's an incredible change.

I remember being very annoyed with fans (mostly wagon fans) constantly saying, "We should have never traded Big Buff." I think they only liked him because he became a household name in that VAN series where he drew a lot of heat with Lou. I don't think they watched his actual play/conditioning - which was still very raw at the time.

They went on to win two more without him, so it wasn't a trade that completely crippled them, you know?
- Hank3Henshaw

Agree- I didn't mean to imply he should not have been traded - saying only that I really miss him!

That would be all a hard pass. Provy, Frost, Hart are non starters in a deal. I would consider a Farabee or maybe a 2nd rounder and b prospect. YOur over valuing goaltending value considering there are not many teams looking for a large cap hit starting goalie.
- jmdodgeser4

My trade idea was meant in jest.

But go ahead and keep playing those 3 total stiffs in net that the Flyers have and you know where that will leave them in April - same place as the Hawks, out of the playoffs.

Crawford goes nowhere unless the return is to the Hawks benefit and your idea of a 2nd rounder and a B prospect is ridiculous.

Yes, forgot about Soderlund. He has middle 6 potential as well. I would like to see how his game translates on North American ice to get a better idea. He doesn't shy away from the rough areas, has a relentless motor, and can generate offense. My guess is he tops out as a 3rd liner. I'd be happy with that.
- AEL_Fox

I agree. He'll need at least full year in Rockford before we can an idea of how his game translates to the NA ice but if he can be an energy 3rd line guy that would be welcomed on this team. Especially going to the rough areas to make things happen.

Wise is a guy I think in a year or two we'll be looking at as legit possible 2nd line Center. Before the draft some people though he'd at least be a 1st round talent, I think some even thought he could go early on, but he slipped for a few different reasons. He's still a freshman in College but give him a full year and possibly another one to find his game even more and you could start to see him blossom

tonight is the "8th verse same as the first" = a loss

what's gonna change:

Jets just killed the flyers and Hellebuyck has found his game: stopped 36 of 37 shots against the Flyers for his 13th win this season. However the backup Laurent Brossoit will start against the Blackhawks...5-1-1 with a 2.16 goals-against average and .935 save percentage in seven outings this season.

expect to cough up first goal again...jets will score at least 3 and the hawks will have coughed up 3 or more for the 11th strt game

the only positive is congrats to keit/seab playing their 1000th game together: lets all sing The Way We (they) Were.
- bogiedoc

Misty water-colored memories...

I'm sure someone else has said it before, but I've been crying for this since I started posting here.

The team has role players with no roles. Back when we were competing you knew which guys where the to kill penalties, provide energy, grind it out, bring speed, etc. and they played on lines that complemented one another so that they were able to maximize the talent that they had and roll out with three very good lines and power checking fourth line. Now this is a team that has a collection of talent. I want guys to be developed or signed for specific roles on this team not trying to stretch them out to be something more than they ARE (not can be but realistic expectations; I.E. Manning Top 4 D-man, Kunitz Top 6, etc.). That's what this team needs.

When to the game Sunday and the team did look a lot better than they did when JC first took over. One thing I noticed and feel would be a HUGE help to this team (as it seems everyone has already been discussing) is having Andrew Shaw still on this team. Man would he be perfect for what this team needs right now. Shame that he ended up being another cap casualty for this team. I think a lot of people would have rather kept him and Saad than Seabrook...but we're not going down the rabbit hole lol
- Savetheembers33

Good post. Nice term about "collection of talent" rather than developing and slotting everyone in appropriate roles.

One line of thinking that another poster or two suggested in the past is thinking of the forwards as sets of 2 then build around them where the 3rd person on their line could be someone stable or at least someone who is flexible to play up or down a line depending on opponent, game situation, etc. Example of sets or pairs:

Toews+Saad
Kane+[Panarin]
Strome+DeBrincat

Of course, this assumes the Hawks reacquire Panarin or another forward of his offensive stature like Duchene (not a fan but can't doubt his top-shelf skill).

Although I would love Stone, he wouldn't work with Kane since he's also a RW. He'd be great with one of the other duos, though, but then that leaves Kane getting scraps and expecting him to carry his line.

For the 4th line, I suggest starting with Kampf as the center. Not sure if there is any particular player who should hands down be paired with him.

Misty water-colored memories...



- Chief4Feathers

Much better collars also on the Jersey!!!!

Lines today

Saad-Toews-Hayden
Kahun-Kampf-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Perlini
Fortin-Kruger-Kunitz

Keith-Jokiharju
Seabrook-Manning
Murphy/Gustafsson/Rutta

Anisimov (concussion) didn't make the trip.

Shouldn’t we be giving Kane best chance to continue scoring now that he’s found his shot again? Head scratcher.

No, no mention of Malkin or any other player in return.
- Chief4Feathers

My wife is a big penguins fan, so I'm familiar with the team. There's not a lot in scranton for the hawks to get in terms of future talents, and I don't think the penguins have a lot of draft picks to give away. However, if the penguins were to trade for Anisimov, my guess the return would ether be Oli Matta or one of their depth centers.

I feel like for Matta, we might have to sweeten it a bit though.

Lines today

Saad-Toews-Hayden
Kahun-Kampf-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Perlini
Fortin-Kruger-Kunitz

Keith-Jokiharju
Seabrook-Manning
Murphy/Gustafsson/Rutta

Anisimov (concussion) didn't make the trip.

Shouldn’t we be giving Kane best chance to continue scoring now that he’s found his shot again? Head scratcher.
- pdx2ord

The Producer better have the MUTE PAT button ready tonight. The second Pat recognizes Kahun-Kampf-Kane his wheels will start turning:
Pat: Kahun, Kampf, and Kane over the boards for Jeremy Colliton. Hey! It's the KKK Line!

[outrage ensues, Eddie dives out of the booth to distance himself from Pat]

My wife is a big penguins fan, so I'm familiar with the team. There's not a lot in scranton for the hawks to get in terms of future talents, and I don't think the penguins have a lot of draft picks to give away. However, if the penguins were to trade for Anisimov, my guess the return would ether be Oli Matta or one of their depth centers.

I feel like for Matta, we might have to sweeten it a bit though.
- Jance

When is AA contact expire? this may be an add by subtraction as it would clear up $4MM of cap space in 2019 which should be our ultimate goal - clear CAP space.

Lines today

Saad-Toews-Hayden
Kahun-Kampf-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Perlini
Fortin-Kruger-Kunitz

Keith-Jokiharju
Seabrook-Manning
Murphy/Gustafsson/Rutta

Anisimov (concussion) didn't make the trip.

Shouldn’t we be giving Kane best chance to continue scoring now that he’s found his shot again? Head scratcher.
- pdx2ord

That 4th line better not see more then 3 minutes total of 5v5.