I think Gus will keep getting minutes. Especially if he keeps scoring goals.

Even strength minutes per game by Hawks D under JC. (Some of this impacted by injuries)

Gus - 19:46
Keith - 19:26
Dahlstrom - 18:37
Forsling - 18:02
Murphy - 17:56
Joki - 16:40
Seabrook - 15:50
Rutta - 14:50
Manning - 13:07
Davidson - 11:57

With Davidson out and Rutta demoted...Manning riding pine... it could be Seabrook starting to see minutes in the pressbox more often once Joki is back. Seabs was low man on the minutes totem pole last night. Maybe if the Hawks can trade him they will take a bad contract back on a player that can at least play 3rd line forward, since we have so many D.
- breadbag

I asked on the last thread what would a buyout cost for Seabrook vs Lucic. It ends up if we made that trade, and bought out Lucic next season, we would save about $9M, and 2 years. I think I would be for that. Plus, Lucic wouldn't be in as important a role, so it would hurt us less to have him on the ice vs Seabs. I love Seabrook, and would hate to see him go, but he is just not good right now.

Went to the game last night and got to sit in the 200 level for the first time ever, wow was it amazing.

Saw PK Subban walking away from the stadium 15 minutes before gametime, dressed like the gunslinger in Dark Tower. I didn't recognize him at first but my brother let out a loud 'PK!', I have no idea where he was going.

Saw McDonough walking around the 200 level, dude it tall as hell. Carcillo sat a couple seats away from me. After the game Carcillo was hanging out in the 200 level lobby area, and McDonough walked by. I told Carcillo 'he totally saw you', which got a chuckle out of him. I felt like Pierre McGuire for a solid hour afterwards, 'SO MUCH DRAMA DOC'.

Fanboy crap aside, Murphy got turned around at least three times. I still don't think he's a defenseman who can survive playoff level game speed. He's too slow and soft. I think he's an eternal prospect whose name value is diminishing now that he's getting past the point where most D prospects mature.

Kahun looked noticeable last night, I liked his play a lot. I think his puck luck will increase if he keeps going to the net. Sikura also had some solid finesse moves entering the zone.

After Gus's 7th goal last night, I'm not ready to put him on the trade block. He's a disaster in our own zone, but his ability to score as a Dman has serious potential.

No he didn't. Watch the video. He is turning to spin up the boards. Look at his left skate and right side/shoulder and stick blade. Hartman is turning to his left to go up the boards. He pivots his left foot and is raising the right to crossover when Kruger impacts him. Kruger is at a poor angle and is leading with his chest trying to wrap him up as opposed to making a shoulder check

https://twitter.com/CMS_7...tatus/1075225321165742081
- TheTrob

Absolutely not. Hartman’s reverse check was obvious - everyone saw it. Edzo called the reverse check right away. That it was a REVERSE check that ended up with Hartman’s elbow destroying Kruger’s face doesn’t change anything. If it had been a FORWARD check Hartman would be responsible for where his elbow goes. Actually he is responsible for where his elbow goes no matter what he is doing. No different than you are responsible for where your fists go, your legs go and your stick goes.

Went to the game last night and got to sit in the 200 level for the first time ever, wow was it amazing.

Saw PK Subban walking away from the stadium 15 minutes before gametime, dressed like the gunslinger in Dark Tower. I didn't recognize him at first but my brother let out a loud 'PK!', I have no idea where he was going.

Saw McDonough walking around the 200 level, dude it tall as hell. Carcillo sat a couple seats away from me. After the game Carcillo was hanging out in the 200 level lobby area, and McDonough walked by. I told Carcillo 'he totally saw you', which got a chuckle out of him. I felt like Pierre McGuire for a solid hour afterwards, 'SO MUCH DRAMA DOC'.

Fanboy crap aside, Murphy got turned around at least three times. I still don't think he's a defenseman who can survive playoff level game speed. He's too slow and soft. I think he's an eternal prospect whose name value is diminishing now that he's getting past the point where most D prospects mature.

Kahun looked noticeable last night, I liked his play a lot. I think his puck luck will increase if he keeps going to the net. Sikura also had some solid finesse moves entering the zone.

After Gus's 7th goal last night, I'm not ready to put him on the trade block. He's a disaster in our own zone, but his ability to score as a Dman has serious potential.
- ObeseOprah

The more I watch him the more I like how he plays. He's not afraid of getting involved, he skates well and seems pretty smart. It may take him another season to become more productive. As well as he plays, he lacks or hasn't found, a way to finish plays. That said, by being involved he contributes even if he doesn't get the points.

Pass. 3.85M for the next three years. I'd rather save money or spend it elsewhere. Guy no shows a Playoff contending team. What would he do coming to one of the last place teams in the league?
- Savetheembers33

I just read some more on this.

Apparently, while the discord between Berglund and the Sabres initially stemmed around a late submission on his part of teams to be traded to under his NTC, and then being shipped to BUF, he did report, and was actually not only well received, but also was happy being there.

The real issue is that since then, his role has been diminished, and how is is being used are at the heart of the anguish.

Seems to me like a guy who WANTS to play, but perhaps in light of the youth and upward trajectory of the younger guys on the Sabres, he is being passed over.

He'd darn sure be an upgrade over Kruger for not much more money, and he is familiar with the Western Conference style of play.

I just read some more on this.

Apparently, while the discord between Berglund and the Sabres initially stemmed around a late submission on his part of teams to be traded to under his NTC, and then being shipped to BUF, he did report, and was actually not only well received, but also was happy being there.

The real issue is that since then, his role has been diminished, and how is is being used are at the heart of the anguish.

Seems to me like a guy who WANTS to play, but perhaps in light of the youth and upward trajectory of the younger guys on the Sabres, he is being passed over.

He'd darn sure be an upgrade over Kruger for not much more money, and he is familiar with the Western Conference style of play.
- Return of the Roar

Which is what the hawks should be focused on.

I just read some more on this.

Apparently, while the discord between Berglund and the Sabres initially stemmed around a late submission on his part of teams to be traded to under his NTC, and then being shipped to BUF, he did report, and was actually not only well received, but also was happy being there.

The real issue is that since then, his role has been diminished, and how is is being used are at the heart of the anguish.

Seems to me like a guy who WANTS to play, but perhaps in light of the youth and upward trajectory of the younger guys on the Sabres, he is being passed over.

He'd darn sure be an upgrade over Kruger for not much more money, and he is familiar with the Western Conference style of play.
- Return of the Roar

If he isn't claimed a small market team like Buffalo would have a hard time eating his contract. This is where Bowman should get creative and take him off the Sabres hands while asking for a good prospect or good draft pick.

Absolutely not. Hartman’s reverse check was obvious - everyone saw it. Edzo called the reverse check right away. That it was a REVERSE check that ended up with Hartman’s elbow destroying Kruger’s face doesn’t change anything. If it had been a FORWARD check Hartman would be responsible for where his elbow goes. Actually he is responsible for where his elbow goes no matter what he is doing. No different than you are responsible for where your fists go, your legs go and your stick goes.
- Z3Hawk

What would Hartman's proper course of action be in that situation? He has the puck, and is allowed to skate in any direction with the puck as he sees fit. He sees a player coming at him. I would think the first instinct would be to protect the puck along the boards (yes I am assuming that, but still).

If it was Buff instead of Kruger coming in on him, would he turn inside, or make the same move to the outside to protect the puck?

Which is what the hawks should be focused on.
- HawksHype

Trouble is that Hawks have no one young in the pipeline who is a center that is better than he would be.

Also, no deals in the works to bring anyone on board, and no dance partners who would take our AHL pieces for anyone better than Berglund.

Where is the risk here? He is a net upgrade from my perspective.

Trouble is that Hawks have no one young in the pipeline who is a center that is better than he would be.

Also, no deals in the works to bring anyone on board, and no dance partners who would take our AHL pieces for anyone better than Berglund.

Where is the risk here? He is a net upgrade from my perspective.
- Return of the Roar

Is there really a positive though? He's not going to make the Hawks a playoff team. They're not a Berglund away from competing.

Now, if you make the argument that Berglund can be brought in and help the young wingers develop with a better center, or argue (like an above poster), that you can bring in Berglund along with a draft pick or higher end prospect, then I get it and will listen. But bringing him in because he makes the Hawks a little bit better is not a good reason to me.

Is there really a positive though? He's not going to make the Hawks a playoff team. They're not a Berglund away from competing.

Now, if you make the argument that Berglund can be brought in and help the young wingers develop with a better center, or argue (like an above poster), that you can bring in Berglund along with a draft pick or higher end prospect, then I get it and will listen. But bringing him in because he makes the Hawks a little bit better is not a good reason to me.
- HawksHype

I think that being a mentor would be a good secondary reason to add him. The remaining term seems reasonable, and would allow for him to be around if and when the Hawks actually find good center prospects.

Is he an upgrade over AA?? Maybe that works too as a straight up deal...

Anyway, I would do my due diligence in looking at him before I'd consider anything. You also don't want to add a cancer.

The Kings original sweater color was 'Forum Blue'.
- scottak

Saw them at the Vic in 81. Opened for Blue Oyster Cult and Whitesnake.

Same here. It's interesting he's struggled so much and they're looking to move him. Having him and Strome as our middle six Centers could really improve the teams depth up the middle for the next few years until some of the prospects are ready to be called up
- Savetheembers33

The current set of centers with Toews, Strome, Anisimov, Kampf, and Kruger is fine for now but agree the depth could be improved by acquiring a pivot like Wennberg then go with Toews, Strome, Wennberg, and Kampf next season.

Saad - Toews - RW
LW - Wennberg - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - RW
LW - Kampf - RW

Candidates for all those wing slots:
Current Hawks: Sikura, Kahun, Perlini, Hayden, Martinsen
Viable Prospects: Highmore, Knott, Fortin, Ejdsell, Johnson
Longshot Prospects: Barratt, Kurashev, Entwistle
Free agents: Panarin, Stone

Saw them at the Vic in 81. Opened for Blue Oyster Cult and Whitesnake.
- Rota's Rooter

Did Will Ferrell play in a belly shirt? Did Christopher Walken have a sickness that could only be cured by more cowbell?

I just read some more on this.

Apparently, while the discord between Berglund and the Sabres initially stemmed around a late submission on his part of teams to be traded to under his NTC, and then being shipped to BUF, he did report, and was actually not only well received, but also was happy being there.

The real issue is that since then, his role has been diminished, and how is is being used are at the heart of the anguish.

Seems to me like a guy who WANTS to play, but perhaps in light of the youth and upward trajectory of the younger guys on the Sabres, he is being passed over.

He'd darn sure be an upgrade over Kruger for not much more money, and he is familiar with the Western Conference style of play.
- Return of the Roar

Did he get off of that suspended without pay?
Honestly, I wouldn't mind him on the hawks.

Recorded the game last night, and just finished watching it. Even though he didn't get a point, I think Saad played his best game of the year.
- tvetter

Yeah, Saad was relentless on the forecheck, strong on the backcheck, and created scoring chances for himself and mates. He was a beast all night.

There was one play where he was deep in the circles in the D zone when the puck suddenly got out to the center red line and he was the first player to pursue the puck. He battled with 2 Predators for the puck. It didn't end up being a scoring chance but his burst of speed and fight for the puck was awesome to see.

That and wearing #17.
- AEL_Fox

Agree. I want to see Strome as 2C and Arty as 3C.
- I Am The Breadman

Maybe they are keeping AA at the 2C to build up trade value. Playing with Kane and Strome should make him look good and build his point total.

Read this and don't understand, if Seabs agrees, could they do the same with him? (doubt he would walk away)



CapFriendly@CapFriendly

50m

With Patrik Berglund having been placed on 'unconditional waivers' for the purpose of mutual contract termination, his remaining cap hit for this season of $2,235,484 will come off the #Sabres
salary cap, as will his $3.85M cap hit for the 3 years remaining on his deal after that.

What would Hartman's proper course of action be in that situation? He has the puck, and is allowed to skate in any direction with the puck as he sees fit. He sees a player coming at him. I would think the first instinct would be to protect the puck along the boards (yes I am assuming that, but still).

If it was Buff instead of Kruger coming in on him, would he turn inside, or make the same move to the outside to protect the puck?
- Chunk

If Hartman doesn’t initiate a reverse check Kruger is not hurt. Another issue that I haven’t seen discussed is the fact that Kruger does not have possession of the puck. That being the case Hartman is not allowed to initiate contact on Kruger in any manner. The reverse nature of the play doesn’t make Hartman less responsible for his actions. A player on a forecheck cannot just be elbowed or punched in the face as he approaches a puck carrier - that is exactly what happened here in reverse.

He is handling the puck. His elbow is where it needs to be to control his stick and the puck. Every move he makes with that arm is to control the puck. There are a dozen things Kruger can do on that play to avoid taking it in the face first. A correct check would have been properly angled and leading with his shoulder. If he had gone in at the right angle he would have made contact with one of his shoulders. He approaches almost as if to hug him, meaning his head is the contact point.
- TheTrob

This is where the new rules interpretations make it sticky. Hartman is off the boards, so if Kruger comes from behind, Hartman goes face first into the boards, Krugs gets 5 & a game misconduct, and a meeting with the DOPS.

Hartman had his elbow in an unnatural position, pointing skyward. A normal stickhandling position has both elbows pointing down, toward the ice. Then he moves backward to ward off the check, and leads with his elbow. Hartman deserved at least a minor. I thought a major was warranted.

Maybe they are keeping AA at the 2C to build up trade value. Playing with Kane and Strome should make him look good and build his point total.
- -Doh-

That's a possibility.

https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1075225321165742081

there is absolutely nothing in this vid that shows Hartman did anything wrong. He had control of the puck, was turning away from where he had just peeked at Kruger coming at him, and if anything, was tucking the elbow (as a result of the stickhandle move) as Kruger buried his face into it.

If you think they are gonna call elbows because someone runs into an elbow you have sticking out youre fooling yourself. They have enough trouble calling the real infractions. What you do to yourself while initiating contact will never be called a penalty on the opposing player
- TheTrob

I didn't see it last night so I watched the link. Hartman saw him coming and knew exactly what he was doing. He could have spun around to avoid contact or would have spun as a result of the contact. He didn't project his elbow but held it firm as you can see in the video.
Agree Krueger ran right into it. But I think it's another one of those concussions that could have been avoided if Hartman had any respect for an opponent, especially a fomer teammate. I call horse sh!t on Hartman.

I just read some more on this.

Apparently, while the discord between Berglund and the Sabres initially stemmed around a late submission on his part of teams to be traded to under his NTC, and then being shipped to BUF, he did report, and was actually not only well received, but also was happy being there.

The real issue is that since then, his role has been diminished, and how is is being used are at the heart of the anguish.

Seems to me like a guy who WANTS to play, but perhaps in light of the youth and upward trajectory of the younger guys on the Sabres, he is being passed over.

He'd darn sure be an upgrade over Kruger for not much more money, and he is familiar with the Western Conference style of play.
- Return of the Roar

If his contract expired at the end of this year like Kruger then fine, but another 3 years after this season at $3.85 million (with a modified NTC) is too rich for a 30 point (at best) forward.

Gunna have to disagree Justin....I don't think Delia was called up to watch Greybeard Cam Ward play for the 30th place Hawks. The kid was leading the AHL in save % and I think with the Hawks playing a complete game last night, it would be prudent to start the kid Delia next game. This season is lost, so play the kids