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I would disagree with the bolded. I think Toews is proving this year that he is still elite, and Kane hasn't dropped off yet. And, I don't think Keith has really lost much either. He has been paired with sub-par and rookie defensemen for the past three seasons, which could explain some of what we see as fall off.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Toews is not an elite player anymore, he's still pretty good but not elite. Kane is borderline, some nights he looks like vintage Kane other nights he looks disinterested. Keith is still pretty good but not an elite player any more.

I had the same thoughts. I think Dahlstrom and Murphy have helped the defense, in small sample sizes, but in big ways.

I know JL said he was called up in case Joki leaves for the juniors, I hope he doesn't, I would rather see him stay and play the Winter Classic.
- I Am The Breadman

Those World Jr. are big deals for the young players ,once in a lifetime type thing .And big for the home Nation .I guess it's up to the kid to decide I hope .
I agree Dahlstrom look very comfortable out there last night . I like Murp game also adds some physical presence . I know Manning is very rough around the edges ,but I love his spirit out their always ready for a scrap or a hit . I think he took Sydney down hard in front of the net on the PK last night ..
Seeing 29 & 40 on the fore-check late in the game ,both on same D man gave me chills , have not seen that from HAWKS forwards in like 5 or 10 years .Definitely playing more aggressively under JC . Also like the PK , seem to be trying to score more on the PK then before . At least one special team is trying to score

An interesting thought is the notion of the Hawks being more fluid in their definition of the core - with less emphasis on locking down those players long term. What if the Hawks had more of a “Belichick” approach to the roster - that is it’s better to trade a player a year too early than a year too late? Would the Hawks have been able to enjoy the same level of success while avoiding the roster constraints they now face? Is the Hawks front office able to unify around that approach (hockey vs marketing)?
- Chief4Feathers

I think it's tough to compare those philosophies from different sports. The NHL's cap rules are by far the most restrictive of all major sports because ALL the money is guaranteed and it all counts against the cap. There is much less guaranteed money in the NFL so cutting guys with bad contracts is much less punitive.

Toews is not an elite player anymore, he's still pretty good but not elite. Kane is borderline, some nights he looks like vintage Kane other nights he looks disinterested. Keith is still pretty good but not an elite player any more.
- paulr

I guess we will have to agree to disagree then, but I don't know what you are seeing that I am not, or vice versa...

I guess we will have to agree to disagree then, but I don't know what you are seeing that I am not, or vice versa...
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Elite means "a select part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities" , Toews, Keith and Kane aren't there any more.

Elite means "a select part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities" , Toews, Keith and Kane aren't there any more.
- paulr

I could see where Keith and Toews could be a debate.

Saying Kane isn't elite anymore again is strictly your opinion but personally, seems silly to me. Guy has played with a clown show of linemates this year, most of them not good at hockey, and still puts up the points somehow.

Recall the game against Toronto we lost in OT? Kane has a skill level, hands, that are still probably top 3 in the league.

Think Toronto will have something to say about that ,they will be all in this year .
- oldduffman

It's the year of the Lightning, they're on cruise control
and that's w/Dominque in goal, Vas isn't playing yet.

Leafs still need a D or two.

Poor Preds another miss is in the cards, looking
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