Update: Kurashev with an A, too.
- AEL_Fox

Is kurashev russia or czech?

Is kurashev russia or czech?
- Scott1977

Neither. Pretty sure he's Swiss.

Edit - Maybe he has dual citizenship. He's listed as Swiss and Russian.

Rutta and Manning's combined hit this year equalled what DeHaan signed for with Carolina. Another real NHL defenseman would have helped immensely this year. Kunitz, while a waste, doesn't cost much more than an ELC guy.
- Davewn

Maybe/maybe not. They were eventually getting Murphy and Forsling back. De Haan would have been better than Manning but still would be left with the issue of too many dmen and not enough room for them all.

Not a bad problem to have. Maybe they can get rid of Manning for virtually nothing at the TDL. Virtually nothing works for me.

Neither. Pretty sure he's Swiss.

Edit - Maybe he has dual citizenship. He's listed as Swiss and Russian.
- HawkintheD

I think that's correct: Russian parents but raised in Switzerland and now plays in Quebec.

Neither. Pretty sure he's Swiss.

Edit - Maybe he has dual citizenship. He's listed as Swiss and Russian.
- HawkintheD[/quote

Thanks was't sure

Maybe/maybe not. They were eventually getting Murphy and Forsling back. De Haan would have been better than Manning but still would be left with the issue of too many dmen and not enough room for them all.

Not a bad problem to have. Maybe they can get rid of Manning for virtually nothing at the TDL. Virtually nothing works for me.
- HawkintheD

Do we know if DeHann wanted to come to the hawks? There were various reports that many free agents did not want to sign with the hawks why who knows.

I saw this article, too. One thing for the team to be wary of is signing free agent veterans and then burying them in the AHL within the season. Happened with Franson and Bouma last season and could happen again with Manning.

While I see the reasoning from a salary cap stand point, it wouldn't help the Hawks standing with future free agents: "sign with us to be buried in Rockford by mid winter."

It's somewhat similar to trading Sikura before he has had ample chance to prove his worth. It doesn't send a good message to NCAA prospects to know they are expendable early on when they could instead test free agency to find the best opportunity possible (i.e. like Hayes, Vesey, Butcher).
- AEL_Fox

Yeah you make a great point there. It will build a bad reputation for the team again if we continue to send guys down to Rockford or trade guys we just signed. I was not a fun of signing really any of the FAs last year to this team, but I knew we needed to do something. I just wish Manning had signed a one year deal as well so it would not be an issue for the team.

I think it's getting to the point where a trade is going to need to happen. I don't see any way he's gonna gonna get a decent amount of playing time with the seven guys in front of him.

Hope Nalimov gets a shot at some point yet he needs to clear some hurdles first to even get to that point, i.e. get out of his KHL contract, show a desire to work towards an NHL opportunity, prove his worth in the minors and/or camps. Even if he gets a chance, my gut is he won't stick. Talent may be there but I question his commitment and attitude. If I was a hiring manager for a company and saw his resume, the term "job hopper" pops in to my head. I'd rather invest in someone else.

As for Forsberg, I don't see him panning out with the Hawks. Delia has the upper hand now and can really pull ahead and take the reigns within the next calendar year. Forsberg needs to dial it up in Rockford if he wants to keep his stock high.

When all things shake out with the goalie prospects over the next 3-5 years, my guess is Delia is in with Gravel knocking on the door while Forsberg, Lankinen, Nalimov, and Peeters are out.
- AEL_Fox

I feel where you're coming from, but some stability could help him develop his game further and get take his play to the next level. He's shown he can play very well at times so I'd like to give him a chance. Ya never know. Some guys flourish in the right situation like Niemi did for us in '10.

I agree Forsberg is likely going to be moving on at the Deadline or during the offseason. He likely needs a change scenery to get him back on track to possibly fulfilling his potential.

I could see that happening. I think they are hoping that in a few years that Gravel will be the next Crawford (similar size and style of play). In the meantime Delia, Lankinen, Nalimov, maybe Forsberg if he's still here, and Peeters if he pans out will form out NHL/AHL depth. Wouldn't be shocked if we sign a veteran goalie to a one year deal this offseason again like we did with Cam Ward (possibly him, maybe someone else...Mike Smith maybe...or a trade for Darling?) and let the kids play it out for the backup spot and the #1 spot in Rockford.

People gotta remember when Crawford came up, even with being a 2nd Rd pick there wasn't a ton of hype surrounding him. There was hope and he was able to put it together with Jimmy showing him things as he's done with so many other no name guys. It's very possible anyone of those guys could blossom into a legit #1 goalie for the next few years while we try and go for another cup.

Do we know if DeHann wanted to come to the hawks? There were various reports that many free agents did not want to sign with the hawks why who knows.
- Scott1977

Never saw those reports, but my guess would be they didn't view the Hawks as serious contenders and if they wanted to play for a Cup this year, Chicago wasn't the place.

Maybe some other reasons...wanted to play somewhere warmer, etc., but I think Chicago has treated it's players pretty well so I doubt that would be an issue.

I saw a mid season draft ranking and the Russian (PODKOLSIN) moved ahead of kappko. I thought this draft was a top 2 and then maybe a next group of 5 F and C. It would be great if there were 3 elite talents in this draft.

I think as a ORG Chi is still a place guys would like to play. good city, good ORG, every player will try and get the best deal they can. I'm sure Manning told CHI he has a 2 year offer from someone. Same with paying WARD 3 mil as a backup. MY guess is we over paid on both and should have called there bluff.

Is kurashev russia or czech?
- Scott1977

Kurashev on the Swiss. Playing a prominent role. PP, top line. Watching him now. Looks good in the few minutes he has been on the ice. Don't expect the Swiss to do much, but will be interested to see how he contributes.

I saw a mid season draft ranking and the Russian (PODKOLSIN) moved ahead of kappko. I thought this draft was a top 2 and then maybe a next group of 5 F and C. It would be great if there were 3 elite talents in this draft.
- kmw4631

Top 5 seems to be steady with Hughes, Kakko, Cozens, Podkolsin, and Dach. I'm sure there will be a lot of ranking movement between now and June.

Last year Kotkaniemi and Hayton were in the middle of the 1st round and ended up going #3 and #5. Kravtsov and Dellandrea also shot up the rankings while Bouchard, Dobson, and Wahlstrom fell.

Top 5 seems to be steady with Hughes, Kakko, Cozens, Podkolsin, and Dach. I'm sure there will be a lot of ranking movement between now and June.

Last year Kotkaniemi and Hayton were in the middle of the 1st round and ended up going #3 and #5. Kravtsov and Dellandrea also shot up the rankings while Bouchard, Dobson, and Wahlstrom fell.
- AEL_Fox

Local boy from Newfoundland named Newhook was a Top 5 about a year ago & some sources had him as high as Top 3, but he slipped recently. Any idea if he is still a Top 10 or so???

Its been proven over and over again, better to trade someone a year early than a year late. There are exceptions, but those are if you need that guy to win a cup (which posters sometime forget when critizing Stan). However, Hawks aren't in that position now.

I'd trade Keith tomorrow as long as its a great return. He'll be very good for a team like Toronto. He will look much better than he does here, and posters will rip management and current coach for losing this great dman. He may even win them a cup.

As it was with the Hawks in cup years, when you have your chance, you go for it.

IMO, Toronto isn't winning the cup with that D. Tampa is young also, so it isn't a given that you will be there next year.

Been an awful long time since the last cup in Toronto, they need to go for it. Giving the Hawks a ton for Keith, would be a positive move for them.
- vabeachbear

I hear ya

I get what you are advocating. And there is a possibility a trade happens soon than later.

However maybe someone knows whether there is tension between Keith and his ex. Residing in
Toronto xuring hockey season could be problematic and not be his cup of tea. Child visitation
An issue? What contractual rights does Keirh have vis - a -vis his hockey contract?

Trading Kieth......If they trade him I guess mgt's holy grail of cost certainty flies out the window... Imagine that.

Local boy from Newfoundland named Newhook was a Top 5 about a year ago & some sources had him as high as Top 3, but he slipped recently. Any idea if he is still a Top 10 or so???
- hawk35

Yeah, I remember Newhook being in the Top 5 this past summer but you're right that he has fallen some. Draftsite has him at 11th.

Suzuki and York were in the Top 10 but have fallen (Suzuki is actually 10th but previously around 5th). Ryan Suzuki is supposed to be better than his brother Nick who was drafted by Vegas but now with the Habs in the Pacioretty trade.

Yeah, I remember Newhook being in the Top 5 this past summer but you're right that he has fallen some. Draftsite has him at 11th. Suzuki and York were in the Top 10 but have fallen (Suzuki is actually 10th but previously around 5th).
- AEL_Fox

Thx for the update Fox. Havent had a decent Newfoundlander in the NHL since the group of Teddy Purcell, Danny Cleary, Ryan Clowe and Michael Ryder. Looking forward to the next wave, and hoping Newhook can lead that charge. (Be a bonus if he was also a Hawk)

To me keith is the obvious player to be traded not saying i want him traded because i think his experience and leadership would be a great asset to the young d men coming up in the system just look at joki for example. But hawks won't be able to trade Seabrook's contract unless sweetners are involved( retain money, take on a bad contract in return, or add a prospect) AA is not going to get much in return draft pick and ahl prospect. Then other trade pieces manning rutta kunitz Gusterson are not get much in return if anything. So back to keith teams i would be looking to trade with that could contend Toronto Buffalo Montreal Calgary that keith could put them postion for a long playoff run. One last thing keith does not seem to happy right now it could be hawks losing or him having to babysit or what went down with the firing of coach Q. Who knows maybe he already went to management privately and wants out and another chance at the cup. Trading keith has its pros and cons but since the hawks are in rebuild mode might be best to start trading a core members and get the best value hawks can get. Plus do we as hawks fans want bowman making these crucial trades um no. Its all about the future of the hawks from here on out.
- Scott1977

Maybe Bowman does see marked improvment lately and is more open to trading Keith at this year's trade deadline. Yes it is true now is the time the get the most in return, although I do not expect a major haul back to us. They have sone good prospects. I might like their #1 too - what year? All this is conjecture because I do not see his address changing soon. Besides it is cool living close to Wrigley and still not far from The United Center

2.5 for Manning and 1 for Kunitz. Wonder what kinda D or Forward 3.5 coulda bought in FA??
- z1990z

100%. Been saying this for a while. They could have spent this a lot more wisely.

They would have had to lock in for more year 3 or 4, but to get a top 4 defenseman... it would have been worth it.

This also showed that Bowman didn't think he would have bee able to trade the Hossa contract. If he was confident in that, I can guarantee the Hawks would have had a much better July 1st.

Neither. Pretty sure he's Swiss.

Edit - Maybe he has dual citizenship. He's listed as Swiss and Russian.
- HawkintheD

Correct. He has duel.

He will be an important guy to that Swiss team.

Galvas and Kurashev both with assists in a 1-1 tie right now. Game is in the 2ndd period.

Trading Kieth......If they trade him I guess mgt's holy grail of cost certainty flies out the window... Imagine that.
- Savoy

Keith is still one of (if not the) best defensemen on the Hawks. At this point in time, what does that really say? He is still really good, but not a world beater anymore. I have no problem moving him as long as the return is significant and in line with his overall value.

Yes his contract is good, but he is already up there in years. I wholeheartedly adhere to the move too early instead of too late camp considering where this team is currently.

100%. Been saying this for a while. They could have spent this a lot more wisely.

They would have had to lock in for more year 3 or 4, but to get a top 4 defenseman... it would have been worth it.

This also showed that Bowman didn't think he would have bee able to trade the Hossa contract. If he was confident in that, I can guarantee the Hawks would have had a much better July 1st.
- Justin Lowe

For the sake of argument, let's say we landed de Haan, or JVR (or a JVR type). Considering what we know about this team right now, do you think it would have made a significant difference in the results? Do you think Q would still be at the helm? I know there are a lot of moving parts on this (like would Murphy and Dahlstrom be playing as well under Q as they are under Colliton, etc.)

I just don't think that we would see that much difference in results. That said, I don't disagree with your premise that the money and asset management this offseason was brutal. I just don't think that the ultimate results would be that much different this season.

Hey scott,

I notice that you put a lot of thought into your observations. Even following Justin, another blogger or your question for the board/panel, you have some possibilities or suggestions for a trade. Often there is some descent ideas you come up with.

I would be very surprised if Justin or anyone can sensibly outline a case for trading Keith now. On some night the team may slide by without a top calibre proven veteran like Keith. The defense would be in shambles, everyone in a different notch or tasked with a higher rank on the defense than they should ever face. Kids also need to grow and learn with the veterans surrounding them. y

On offense this is not such a big deal. But defense takes a long time to master.

I know I have addressed this topic previously. Just know that the team had to be respectable to the fans who pay for tickets. You cannot rely on whom remains on the blueline. It is like John MacEnroe (sic), the infamous tennis player of yesteryear, whom when really beside himself on a referee call and he exclaims "You can't be serious.!"

I suggest Bowman csnnot be serious trading Keith yet. At the trade deadline if he gets a kings ransom? Still no in my way of thinking. You may get less for him in a year and so be it.

You really need to see for the remainder of this season both Murphy and Dahlstrom play well, Gus decides to play defense, maybe Mitchell makes the team next season. Maybe one or both Forsling and Jokiharju improve even a tad more.

Oh someone will get moved before next season is very old....this I expect because there will need to be more playing time for a current youngster on the team now and or a Mitchell or Carlsson. You are nuts to push Boqvist or Kyrs or Beaudin too fast. No need to rush them. Your guys here should play and let Boqvist, Beaudin play some in Rockford. They come up better prepared.

Justin I am going to really be surprised if you say trade Keith now.
- jhawk59

Toews was out of favor with most posters. They were saying he was toast. He was not even a 2C anymore. Reasons were; he played so many games in last 8 years, back injury, concussions, diet, training regimen, lost his desire, not enchanted with front office moves, etc... I think there is pretty much agreement that this has been a real bounce back year for Toews. We can probably say he is over paid. But we cannot gripe about his play.

Could Keith be in the same kind of 2 year funk that Toews was in, maybe for the same reasons. Yes he is older than Toews.

If the Hawks trade him I believe he will have a bounce back season next year, and maybe later this year with his new team.

I would hold on to him. Even if you see him as a 2nd pairing, his cap hit is great for the next 4 years. In 2 years his cap hit will look even better.

If they do trade him they should get a boatload back. A #1 pick (which if he goes to a contender will be a late 1st round pick, plus an NHL ready "A" level prospect that is nearly certain to be on the Hawks NHL roster, plus a 2nd pick or "A" level prospect that is a year or two away from the NHL.