It's the history revision working overtime. Many lay winning at Stans feet, giving him credit for the couple good deals that went well, but then somehow absolving him of responsibility when deals go bad. It's ridiculous to see the arguments. The fact is Bowman has made some good moves (and YES, this one looks like an example of that), but he's also made some horrible moves, many more than good since around 2015.

That said, I think the move for Strome is on balance looking like a move that at least is not a "loss" and I'd give the edge to stan because how it helps the Hawks down the middle. This move, while it may not draw any way was a good one if for no other reason than he dumped salary and actually picked up a 24 year old energy winger. Drake is probably a lottery ticket, but the Hawks gave up literally nothing.

So while Stan had a terrible run of some mind boggling insane trades, it does appear he's make clearer-headed moves these days. So WHILE I am still not a believer in this GM, how he has managed this crappy season so far has been solid, under the radar work, nothing reactionary or stupid.
- kwolf68

Good post. Agree on all points.

Even if Perlini doesn't work out and Strome continues his upward trajectory, the Schmaltz trade will still be a winner in my book.

Agree with you. Walsh definitely one of those outspoken guys who will stand up for his client publicly.

I guess my question is, would you take Frolik in trade if AA was part of the deal going the other way?
- breadbag

I'm not sure Frolik is exactly what this team needs to be honest.

Maybe if AA goes the other way but think that's a wash in the grand scheme of things.

Hawks need to use this cap space to get a top 6 forward and a top 4 defenceman this summer.

The biggest problem I see for the Blackhawks as sellers at the trade deadline is what do we have to sell?

We really don’t have any typical trade deadline assets that would be coveted.
- walleyeb1

I suppose an Anisimov or Kruger have some value since contending teams always want some center depth. Kruger is on an expiring contract and the hawks have the cap space to retain part of his salary. Neither would return much though in my opinion. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd round choice and a lesser prospect for AA and a 3rd or 4th (depending on amount of salary retained) for Kruger.

Maybe depth defensemen like Davidson and Rutta would be available for lower round choices.

With the Hawks playing better as of late, I don't see them moving some one like Keith if he were to waive his NTC.

The biggest problem I see for the Blackhawks as sellers at the trade deadline is what do we have to sell?

We really don’t have any typical trade deadline assets that would be coveted.
- walleyeb1

At the TDL teams look for depth on the blue line or an upgrade to what they have or injury replacements. Murphy, Dahlstrom, Forsling - none are untouchables for the right price in return.

I'd pass on Pirri as he doesn't really play well without the puck. He has had an odd trajectory from college to AHL to NHL where he started as a playmaker with high assist totals to now being more of a goal scorer. In his first full season, he had a Cy Young season with the Panthers going 22-2 for 24 points. His goal totals eclipse his assist totals by a wide margin.
- AEL_Fox

Pirri is a great shooter. That's about it. His goal total outdistance his assist totals, but that is skewed by the 22-2 year. The most important fact is that he is extremely poor in his own end, and has never shown even the least bit of defensive responsibility. There is a reason he is on his 5th organization in 6 years.

At the TDL teams look for depth on the blue line or an upgrade to what they have or injury replacements. Murphy, Dahlstrom, Forsling - none are untouchables for the right price in return.
- RickJ

You mean like taking Seabrook with one of them?

You mean like taking Seabrook with one of them?
- walleyeb1

Nobody is taking #7 unfortunelly

When you have Cap space as the Hawks currently do (which translates to a lot at the TDL), there is nothing wrong with retaining salary on expiring contracts. It actually increases the value of the player moving to a Cap strapped team.
- 67hawks

I'm referencing in the slim possibility that should Keith, Seabrook get moved Stan does not retain any of their salaries.

We need to start next season fresh with no extra monies tied up into retention.

Your other point on us taking a expiring contract sure I'd agree with your point.

The biggest problem I see for the Blackhawks as sellers at the trade deadline is what do we have to sell?

We really don’t have any typical trade deadline assets that would be coveted.
- walleyeb1

Hopefully we are buyers instead. Imagine what could be done with all that Cap space.

I'm not sure Frolik is exactly what this team needs to be honest.

Maybe if AA goes the other way but think that's a wash in the grand scheme of things.

Hawks need to use this cap space to get a top 6 forward and a top 4 defenceman this summer.
- Justin Lowe

I agree completely with the hawks needing at minimum 1 top 6 forward would be nice to see Stan also pick up stone to ride shot gun alongside Toews.

But the other concern or maybe not a concern but Crawford I don't see coming back or if he does would he retire and what is Stans plan to bring in a solid backup,to Delia?

Nobody is taking #7 unfortunelly
- RickJ

I'd package Seabrook with Perlini and or Kahuan. Dominick is okay but in my opinion he is not a top 6 player he would be a nice solid 3rd liner.


The only reason he is playing in a topm6 role is because of Chicago's lack of depth and choice. He is not the solution to toews long term linemates going forward.

Since the trade yesterday, been thinking about who would be a good comparable to Caggiula in terms of what to expect. I think the closest comparable might be a bit more physical version of Hinostroza. I don't think he has quite as much north south speed (He is pretty quick however), but I think he definitely has a bit more grit.

Nobody is taking #7 unfortunelly
- RickJ

edm was interested in him once upon a time and so they shall be again

I'd package Seabrook with Perlini and or Kahuan. Dominick is okay but in my opinion he is not a top 6 player he would be a nice solid 3rd liner.


The only reason he is playing in a topm6 role is because of Chicago's lack of depth and choice. He is not the solution to toews long term linemates going forward.
- Taylorst1

I agree with you about Kahun being better suited for 3rd line duty. He seems to struggle with the physical aspects of trying to keep up with Toews/Saad and he gets cancelled out too easily. I always have to remind myself that he is only 23 and that he has not played pro hockey in NA until this season (had two Jr years in the OHL 2012-2014). Maybe he adjusts better to NHL hockey after this first season, but hard to say that he will be anything more than depth.

I'd package Seabrook with Perlini and or Kahuan. Dominick is okay but in my opinion he is not a top 6 player he would be a nice solid 3rd liner.


The only reason he is playing in a topm6 role is because of Chicago's lack of depth and choice. He is not the solution to toews long term linemates going forward.
- Taylorst1

And what would you get for that Fabulous package of Seabrook, Perlini and Kahun?

You want to take 2 guys you think are crap and a guy you think is "ok" and get what for them? Please tell me the GM's lining up to give you any type of value for that.

In all honesty, I think both Perlini and Kahun are middle six guys with plenty of upside still. Kahun has made great strides throughout the season and his advanced stats are actually not bad. Perlini is starting to settle in a bit, give him some more time to see what you have. He has the physical skills necessary.

I agree with you about Kahun being better suited for 3rd line duty. He seems to struggle with the physical aspects of trying to keep up with Toews/Saad and he gets cancelled out too easily. I always have to remind myself that he is only 23 and that he has not played pro hockey in NA until this season (had two Jr years in the OHL 2012-2014). Maybe he adjusts better to NHL hockey after this first season, but hard to say that he will be anything more than depth.
- breadbag

Agree with your perspective on Kahun. While I like him, I think he would be more ideal on the 3rd line. Then the question would be who plays RW with Toews and Saad.

Assuming DeBrincat rejoins Strome and Kane and Anisimov centers Kahun and Sikura on the 3rd line, someone like Stone as that missing top 6 RW would be optimal yet not easy to pull off as he will have many suitors.

A 4th line with Kampf centering Perlini and Caggiula (or possible winger upgrades this summer) brings skill, grit, and speed which would help the Hawks roll 3 scoring lines and a 4th line that can play the game, grind down the opposition, and eat minutes.

It would be best to avoid a 4th line that has little to no skill and plays single digit minutes per game. Championship caliber teams are ones that can roll 4 solid lines.

And what would you get for that Fabulous package of Seabrook, Perlini and Kahun?

You want to take 2 guys you think are crap and a guy you think is "ok" and get what for them? Please tell me the GM's lining up to give you any type of value for that.

In all honesty, I think both Perlini and Kahun are middle six guys with plenty of upside still. Kahun has made great strides throughout the season and his advanced stats are actually not bad. Perlini is starting to settle in a bit, give him some more time to see what you have. He has the physical skills necessary.
- TheTrob

Seabrook contract is a complete albatross on this teams ability to get younger and competitive again . If moving out either 1 of thosem2 players mentioned for prospects or picks I'm okay with that, Perlini hasn't shown any proof of warranting a contract next year and Kahuan is at best a solid 3rd line player.

So realistically we gain more by ridding this team of a horrible contract on a declining player.

Your not tonight be able to move Seabrook by himself and we don't need another useless forward named gagner.

Agree with your perspective on Kahun. While I like him, I think he would be more ideal on the 3rd line. Then the question would be who plays RW with Toews and Saad.

Assuming DeBrincat rejoins Strome and Kane and Anisimov centers Kahun and Sikura on the 3rd line, someone like Stone as that missing top 6 RW would be optimal yet not easy to pull off as he will have many suitors.

A 4th line with Kampf centering Perlini and Caggiula (or possible winger upgrades this summer) brings skill, grit, and speed which would help the Hawks roll 3 scoring lines and a 4th line that can play the game, grind down the opposition, and eat minutes. It would be best to avoid a 4th line that has little to no skill and plays single digit minutes per game.
- AEL_Fox

I think debrincant would be better suited playing on a line of him and sikura with a solid center whom would be younger faster and bigger down the middle . Kane and strome with maybe a Skinner or panarin and if Stan gets creative and can pull off getting stone he would compliment Toews very well.

@TheChrisWescott
#Blackhawks forward lines at Notre Dame:

Saad-Toews-Kahun
Anisimov-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Perlini

Defensive pairings:

Keith-Gustafsson
Forsling-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy

New guys Caggiula and Garrison have not arrived.

I think debrincant would be better suited playing on a line of him and sikura with a solid center whom would be younger faster and bigger down the middle . Kane and strome with maybe a Skinner or panarin and if Stan gets creative and can pull off getting stone he would compliment Toews very well.
- Taylorst1

I wouldn't mind that either. Definitely a lot stronger by spreading out the offensive talent amongst 3 lines.

I may not be reading your post correctly but not sure how realistic it is to get two top 6 wingers out of Panarin, Skinner, Stone, etc. as well as a new 3C (I vote for Wennberg out of Columbus). Worth taking a look at but could also cost depth elsewhere including prospect depth. May not be worth it in the long term. This also doesn't factor in balancing the cap.

I'd pass on Pirri as he doesn't really play well without the puck. He has had an odd trajectory from college to AHL to NHL where he started as a playmaker with high assist totals to now being more of a goal scorer. In his first full season, he had a Cy Young season with the Panthers going 22-2 for 24 points. His goal totals eclipse his assist totals by a wide margin.
- AEL_Fox

Yep but a 3rd line of him Kahun and Kampf might be able to accomplish
both scoring and playing D in their zone and today's game is changing
to more offense as dilution of talent occurs.

Anyway it was just a thought, Gallant likes him to much.

According to Blackhawks website, Colliton announces Ward will start the Winter Classic.

@TheChrisWescott
#Blackhawks forward lines at Notre Dame:

Saad-Toews-Kahun
Anisimov-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Perlini

Defensive pairings:

Keith-Gustafsson
Forsling-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy

New guys Caggiula and Garrison have not arrived.
- AEL_Fox

Garrison has already been placed on waivers, so if he clears he's probably headed to Rockford.

Assuming Caggiula gets a shot in the lineup soon, who's roster spot he is taking? Sikura back to Rockford? Kunitz being bought out and released? Mysterious injury to someone resulting in being placed on IR?

Agree with your perspective on Kahun. While I like him, I think he would be more ideal on the 3rd line. Then the question would be who plays RW with Toews and Saad.

Assuming DeBrincat rejoins Strome and Kane and Anisimov centers Kahun and Sikura on the 3rd line, someone like Stone as that missing top 6 RW would be optimal yet not easy to pull off as he will have many suitors.

A 4th line with Kampf centering Perlini and Caggiula (or possible winger upgrades this summer) brings skill, grit, and speed which would help the Hawks roll 3 scoring lines and a 4th line that can play the game, grind down the opposition, and eat minutes.

It would be best to avoid a 4th line that has little to no skill and plays single digit minutes per game. Championship caliber teams are ones that can roll 4 solid lines.
- AEL_Fox

That is the problem. We still lack a top 6 winger. It would be great if someone up and coming could fill that hole so that Stan doesn't have to pay UFA prices, but doesn't look like anyone is ready to step into that role. Maybe there will be another hockey trade that works out for us.

Lately, I was almost wishing they'd swap Toews and Kampf in the lineup. Let Saad-Kahun play with Kampf, because really Saad will get his chances with his speed anyway. Give Toews some time with DeBrincat (they'd clicked well at times) and Sikura. Or just swap Saad and DeBrincat in the lineup, and go back the line that was hot to start the year in DeBrincat - Toews - Kahun. It's hard to say change the lines right now, when the team is winning, but I think those could quickly become losses again if the goaltending falters or Kane slumps.

I wouldn't mind that either. Definitely a lot stronger by spreading out the offensive talent amongst 3 lines.

I may not be reading your post correctly but not sure how realistic it is to get two top 6 wingers out of Panarin, Skinner, Stone, etc. as well as a new 3C (I vote for Wennberg out of Columbus). Worth taking a look at but could also cost depth elsewhere including prospect depth. May not be worth it in the long term. This also doesn't factor in balancing the cap.
- AEL_Fox

Maybe a dzingel or maybe a solid free agent pick up or a trade for some young depth cheap on contract.


But I was pointing out if Stan is able to move out either Keith or Seabrook that would give him that extra money to pursue 2 top 6 players.