Ancient players

Quick off top of my head you have only a few top young Finnish players. Laine. Dahlin on Buffslo. Ehlers also on Jets.
- jhawk59

Rantanen leads the league in scoring.

Kapanen playing very well for Toronto this year

Ristolainen on D in Buffalo

Sami Vatanen, Tukka Rask, Rinne, Oli Maatta.

And more coming.

Ancient players

Quick off top of my head you have only a few top young Finnish players. Laine. Dahlin on Buffslo. Ehlers also on Jets.
- jhawk59

Finland has 5mm people, half of what Sweden has for example. I’d say they’re doing pretty well. They’ve won 3 of the last 6 juniors and have a population less than the city of NY.

Rantanen leads the league in scoring.

Kapanen playing very well for Toronto this year

Ristolainen on D in Buffalo

Sami Vatanen, Tukka Rask, Rinne, Oli Maatta.

And more coming.
- RickJ

Barkov, Teravainen, Aho, Kotkaniemi, Granlund, Koivu, Haula....

"Ancient players

Quick off top of my head you have only a few top young Finnish players. Laine. Dahlin on Buffalo. Ehlers also on Jets.
- jhawk59"

Barkov, Teravainen, Aho, Kotkaniemi, Granlund, Koivu, Haula....
- DarthKane

Ruotsalainen (basically a smurf for the Rangers), Timonen (one of their best ever defensemen), Tikkanen (not a grinder) .... point wasn't ever about 'ancient' --- point is about the 'used to only produce ....' which was basically entirely misguided on a good day, but factually inaccurate.

Not that it matters, but Dahlin is a Swede. Ehlers is Danish.

Agree, if the Hawks are going to pursue either Stone or Dzingel (or both), wait until the summer when they become UFAs. Although some creative moves may be needed to free space, it is possible to have Stone and Dzingel along with Saad and DeBrincat.

They have some decent cap space now and will get more by not resigning Kruger, Kunitz, Davidson, and Rutta as well as possibly finding a trade to ship out Anisimov for draft picks and/or prospects. The RFAs they have to re-sign may get slight raises but they won't collectively break the bank as long as Stan is frugal.
- AEL_Fox

I understand your point and it's valid. However for Stan to even pursue say a stone or panarin plus a dzingel or similar not including his resignings and figuring out his goaltending situation.

Chicago does not have enough cap space at this point to do all that.

Stan needs to decide and move out Keith and or Seabrook plus anisomov without moving at least 2 of those players contracts out we won't be players in free agency.

IMO Keith and Seabrook Stan should take whatever he can get and be happy, because he should have known when offering those 2 contracts the length of them was awful knowing that age and decline would surely be a serious factor.

Yeah, but DeBrincat's contract isn't an issue for another year. Why would you trade him for a player you can negotiate with in the offseason? That's horrible asset management.
- HawkintheD

It's going to take free agency and trading off guys like Seabrook , anisomov, Keith and either debrincant or saad to get this team cap relief prospects to restock Rockford and the only way to upgrade their top 6 immediately.

You have to trade something of value to get something of value.


Chicago right now doesn't have enough cap room to be serious players in free agency. After resigning their own players and most likely getting another veteran back up goalie because Crawford's health and returning seems to be a serious concern.

They need to have at minimum to do all that 20 to 25 million to spen spend, any serious top 6 is going to cost Chicago 9 to 13 million and a decent center could cost as much as 4 to 6 million.

I understand your point and it's valid. However for Stan to even pursue say a stone or panarin plus a dzingel or similar not including his resignings and figuring out his goaltending situation.

Chicago does not have enough cap space at this point to do all that.

Stan needs to decide and move out Keith and or Seabrook plus anisomov without moving at least 2 of those players contracts out we won't be players in free agency.

IMO Keith and Seabrook Stan should take whatever he can get and be happy, because he should have known when offering those 2 contracts the length of them was awful knowing that age and decline would surely be a serious factor.
- Taylorst1

The Keith contract at no point, even at this very moment, was awful. Keith would be perfectly fine as our #3 dman at 5.3M given the huge discount he was under for nearly a decade. No one would have a problem with that except Stan never bothered to and/or was incapable of replenishing the pipeline with players that could step in by now as a #1 and 2.

The Seabrook contract ALWAYS was and will continue to be awful. That contract was an albatross the second it was signed. Hated it then and more so each passing day.

It's going to take free agency and trading off guys like Seabrook , anisomov, Keith and either debrincant or saad to get this team cap relief prospects to restock Rockford and the only way to upgrade their top 6 immediately.

You have to trade something of value to get something of value.


Chicago right now doesn't have enough cap room to be serious players in free agency. After resigning their own players and most likely getting another veteran back up goalie because Crawford's health and returning seems to be a serious concern.

They need to have at minimum to do all that 20 to 25 million to spen spend, any serious top 6 is going to cost Chicago 9 to 13 million and a decent center could cost as much as 4 to 6 million.
- Taylorst1

I don't agree in fixing a team, getting back into contention, happening through ufa day. I don't think a team has actually done that before. I'm not against adding a player or 2, bottom 6 or defense, as we shouldn't re-screw ourselves with long and old bloated contracts. Rebuilds should be internal as we will draft high: last year, this year, the following, and who knows after that. Just getting cap space to randomly add doesn't improve our chances. As a team, there are positions where we are weaker/have holes, but are trending in the right direction. Trading Adb ... he's a keeper imo. Kind of like Guentzel to Pit, youth to build around.

The Keith contract at no point, even at this very moment, was awful. Keith would be perfectly fine as our #3 dman at 5.3M given the huge discount he was under for nearly a decade. No one would have a problem with that except Stan never bothered to and/or was incapable of replenishing the pipeline with players that could step in by now as a #1 and 2.

The Seabrook contract ALWAYS was and will continue to be awful. That contract was an albatross the second it was signed. Hated it then and more so each passing day.
- tyweb69

Everyone has mixed or varying opinions and all have valid points. Keith , anismov , saad are the 3 easiest contracts Chicago can move out . Between Keith and Seabrook Keith has the most value now to trade. Keith has no value or a teams sense of urgency after February trade deadline to take him , nor would Keith except a trade to a non playoff team >f he choses to waive his NTC.


Everyone keeps saying mixed messages hold onto this one but use the draft? You have to move value out to obtain those picks and prospects.

I still believe if Chicago can move some aging core defenseman and saddled contracts and use free agency , then bring up a few of those stud young defenseman they could possibly contend.


Otherwise why hold onto toews and Kane if your not going to get back to contending. Just blow it up and complete the rebuild quicker and the right way.


The new CBA is no guarantee you can buy out any contracts . So don't rely on that theory.

I don't agree in fixing a team, getting back into contention, happening through ufa day. I don't think a team has actually done that before. I'm not against adding a player or 2, bottom 6 or defense, as we shouldn't re-screw ourselves with long and old bloated contracts. Rebuilds should be internal as we will draft high: last year, this year, the following, and who knows after that. Just getting cap space to randomly add doesn't improve our chances. As a team, there are positions where we are weaker/have holes, but are trending in the right direction. Trading Adb ... he's a keeper imo. Kind of like Guentzel to Pit, youth to build around.
- I Am The Breadman

Rockford has nobody who is either ready or a top 6 player. They have to either trade or use free agency to address those issues. They won't have enough cap space to do so if they don't move out at minimum a Keith or Seabrook and anisomov it's pure numbers.

Also in order to bring up any defenseman next year either , Keith or Seabrook or forsling have to be moved, just looking at the amount of roster positions . Dalhstom, Johki, murphy , Gustafson are 4 spots taken with Seabrook and Keith that's your 6 guys with a low level 7th bench warmer option.

At least moving 1 of those guys gives them room to do so.

I understand your point and it's valid. However for Stan to even pursue say a stone or panarin plus a dzingel or similar not including his resignings and figuring out his goaltending situation.

Chicago does not have enough cap space at this point to do all that.

Stan needs to decide and move out Keith and or Seabrook plus anisomov without moving at least 2 of those players contracts out we won't be players in free agency.

IMO Keith and Seabrook Stan should take whatever he can get and be happy, because he should have known when offering those 2 contracts the length of them was awful knowing that age and decline would surely be a serious factor.
- Taylorst1

I guess that's true, but why a Dzingel? Won't there be 3 centers under contract (at a minimum), assuming Kruger is not resigned (or given a minimum deal)?

Resignings? To be fair, a UFA obviates resigning one person -and you sign a big name to basically not worry about signing someone to an equivalent role on a depth chart (assuming you even have one). If you don't -then you are not look at nearly the same amount of money. What I have not understood (for months now... and this pre-dates the Schmaltz move) is why, automatically all of the RFA's need to be re-signed. Frankly, they don't, if a UFA makes the team better.

I guess the point being, I don't think that the premise is valid, so therefore the conclusion can't be either. I do think they are going to at least try to be serious players in free agency.

#loseforhughes
- tvetter

After watching World Jrs, I'm thinking that might be;

#loseforkakko

I just took a look at the standings. I was feeling pretty good about how the team has been playing lately, especially when they won 5 out of 6 but as things stand right now, they are tied with LA and AZ for the 4th worse point total of 37 and only two away from the league worst Senators who have 35. All three teams below them and the Yotes have played fewer games. A high draft pick is looking fairly likely at the moment.
- matt_ahrens

Will be interesting to see the return they get for AA

Barkov, Teravainen, Aho, Kotkaniemi, Granlund, Koivu, Haula....
- DarthKane

Well if you put it that way.....

Barkov, Teravainen, Aho, Kotkaniemi, Granlund, Koivu, Haula....
- DarthKane

Miro Heiskanen in Dallas..

Lol. Trade DeBrincat. 21 year olds who bang in 25-30 goals and 50ish points skating anywhere in the line up are not expendable.

He's basically a Patrick Sharp type except cant play center and a way better release.

The lil guy is a really good and it would be foolish to move him.

Free agency won't fix the Hawks. They need to let some of the younger guys develop and get meaningful experience for the kids coming up. 2 years minimum. Get used to a medicore team folks.

What return can be realistically expected for these players with remaining 2018-19 salaries retained?

Kunitz - 5th rounder
AA - prospect & 2nd rounder
Keith - top prospect & 1st rounder
Ward - 5th rounder
Kruger - 4th rounder or middle prospect

I guess that's true, but why a Dzingel? Won't there be 3 centers under contract (at a minimum), assuming Kruger is not resigned (or given a minimum deal)?

Resignings? To be fair, a UFA obviates resigning one person -and you sign a big name to basically not worry about signing someone to an equivalent role on a depth chart (assuming you even have one). If you don't -then you are not look at nearly the same amount of money. What I have not understood (for months now... and this pre-dates the Schmaltz move) is why, automatically all of the RFA's need to be re-signed. Frankly, they don't, if a UFA makes the team better.

I guess the point being, I don't think that the premise is valid, so therefore the conclusion can't be either. I do think they are going to at least try to be serious players in free agency.
- steve-hist-sdc

Ok I'm trying to follow what you mentioned so bare with me. I mentioned Dzingel it doesn't have to be him but he has some good numbers and would be a upgrade down the middle.

I think it's fair to say Rockford has nobody ready or who can slot into a top 6 role, that means you need to loom at trade or free agency.

On the rfa I agree that we don't need to resign them all but your still going to have to fill roster positions and that's still money towards the cap, these cheap useless older players , Kunitz , Kruger are not the solution . We have no solid bottom depth that can play a role needed , energy , shut down and defensive and occasional timely contributions . Hayden has been in the league now this is his 3rd year , useless .


Kampf is probably the only one who has shown some promise.

Not sure if they want to give up on Perlini, they may feel or use the excuse that the team wasn't solid .

Kahun is at this point a 3rd line player some skill but lacks size.

Saad for all his skill and size and speech he is to inconsistent, last year he was mia and this year I haven't seen enough improvement for him to be playing top 6.

Toews has come to play but with mediocre help his line as well as Kane are no threat .

Keith I feel has checked out , Seabrook is obviously no longer able to be a impact due to age.


Crawford is done that's obvious and unfortunate.

Debrincant shows up with a bunch of goals then goes dry for long stretches.

What return can be realistically expected for these players with remaining 2018-19 salaries retained?

Kunitz - 5th rounder
AA - prospect & 2nd rounder
Keith - top prospect & 1st rounder
Ward - 5th rounder
Kruger - 4th rounder or middle prospect
- Assman22

Those seem fair and Stan should take whatever he can get
Including moving Seabrook even if he has to throw in a prospect not a highly anticipated prospect but maybe sikura.

Get the picks and the cap space and start fresh

Lol. Trade DeBrincat. 21 year olds who bang in 25-30 goals and 50ish points skating anywhere in the line up are not expendable.

He's basically a Patrick Sharp type except cant play center and a way better release.

The lil guy is a really good and it would be foolish to move him.

Free agency won't fix the Hawks. They need to let some of the younger guys develop and get meaningful experience for the kids coming up. 2 years minimum. Get used to a medicore team folks.
- fattybeef

Free agency and trades are them only way to fix their top 6 and get some solid bottom depth.


Not sure if you've noticed but Rockford has nobody now or next year who can solidify a lot of those positions.


Look at sikura, martinsean sent back down They need to field a team and I don't think Rocky or the fans will tolerate or sit through another season of losing.

Stans job now is on the line because he fired coach Q and brought in his guy.

Debrincant sure the kid is good but if he can be moved to drastically help improve this team maybe getting the number 1 pick or a great return of needed prospects so be it.

Ok I'm trying to follow what you mentioned so bare with me. I mentioned Dzingel it doesn't have to be him but he has some good numbers and would be a upgrade down the middle.

I think it's fair to say Rockford has nobody ready or who can slot into a top 6 role, that means you need to loom at trade or free agency.

On the rfa I agree that we don't need to resign them all but your still going to have to fill roster positions and that's still money towards the cap, these cheap useless older players , Kunitz , Kruger are not the solution . We have no solid bottom depth that can play a role needed , energy , shut down and defensive and occasional timely contributions . Hayden has been in the league now this is his 3rd year , useless .


Kampf is probably the only one who has shown some promise.

Not sure if they want to give up on Perlini, they may feel or use the excuse that the team wasn't solid .

Kahun is at this point a 3rd line player some skill but lacks size.

Saad for all his skill and size and speech he is to inconsistent, last year he was mia and this year I haven't seen enough improvement for him to be playing top 6.

Toews has come to play but with mediocre help his line as well as Kane are no threat .

Keith I feel has checked out , Seabrook is obviously no longer able to be a impact due to age.


Crawford is done that's obvious and unfortunate.

Debrincant shows up with a bunch of goals then goes dry for long stretches.
- Taylorst1

On Dzingel, I like him also, Maybe Stan is trying to build a supporting cast with guys like Strome, Perilini, we will see what Cagguilia brings, and add a kid like Dzingel.
No also to trading the cat. Not yet at least.
Let's see if Bowman can snag a big fish this summer .
Sikura is this years version of Drew LeBlanc, bust, let him play in the AHL.
Anything on Edjsell? Delia is going to be solid, we may be set there.
Hayden has looked like he took a step backwards, was hoping he'd turn out to be somewhat like a Billy Guerin type guy.
Agree with others on having a guy like Ryan Reeves who can play somewhat and still hold court if needed. Boys, fighting will always be part of the NHL game .
If Martinson showed just a little more in that department or even being more of an in your face type guy he'd still be here. He's bland for a big guy.
I don't know if swapping bad contracts out this year is the way to go. As much as I like Milan Lucic as was talked about on these boards, he turned into a fat ass as he got older also. Most nights he looks uninterested , a case of , I'm over 30, got my ring, got my big payday, married, when we gonna eat?? Etc. ..... Pass.
Go Bears!

So is Joki back for that Flames game tomorrow?

On Dzingel, I like him also, Maybe Stan is trying to build a supporting cast with guys like Strome, Perilini, we will see what Cagguilia brings, and add a kid like Dzingel.
No also to trading the cat. Not yet at least.
Let's see if Bowman can snag a big fish this summer .
Sikura is this years version of Drew LeBlanc, bust, let him play in the AHL.
Anything on Edjsell? Delia is going to be solid, we may be set there.
Hayden has looked like he took a step backwards, was hoping he'd turn out to be somewhat like a Billy Guerin type guy.
Agree with others on having a guy like Ryan Reeves who can play somewhat and still hold court if needed. Boys, fighting will always be part of the NHL game .
If Martinson showed just a little more in that department or even being more of an in your face type guy he'd still be here. He's bland for a big guy.
I don't know if swapping bad contracts out this year is the way to go. As much as I like Milan Lucic as was talked about on these boards, he turned into a fat ass as he got older also. Most nights he looks uninterested , a case of , I'm over 30, got my ring, got my big payday, married, when we gonna eat?? Etc. ..... Pass.
Go Bears!
- wonthecup10

I agree and no we should not be swapping bad contracts.but Stan even if he wants to have any chance at a big fish in free agency Keith , Seabrook, anisomov saad 2 of those guys have to go especially 1 of those defenseman to guarantee 2 roster spots next year in defense.


I'd package sikura, maybe Hayden with Seabrook see if you can get a deal.

It is risky. But for Stan to be able to play in free agency he needs to make moves to free up cap space so if he plans on moving players why not try and go after players you would target. Debrincant or saad are the only 2 players of real value that you can get a top 6 in return.

Ansimov is expendable .

Debrincant doesn't fit in on toews line . Kahun is their only due to the lack of talent this team has. Stone is a solid 2 way player who would hopefully work well with toews. That solidify his line. Then you target a top 6 lw to play with strome and Kane or trade for a young solid lw on a entry level contract
- Taylorst1

1ST 10 Games of this season playing together:
Cat - Toews - Kahun
Cat 8g 6a for 14pts
Toews 6g 5a 11pts
Kahun 1g 6a 7pts

Yep Cat does not fit on Toews line


Stay hot like JC & Stan

"Ancient players

Quick off top of my head you have only a few top young Finnish players. Laine. Dahlin on Buffalo. Ehlers also on Jets.
- jhawk59"



Ruotsalainen (basically a smurf for the Rangers), Timonen (one of their best ever defensemen), Tikkanen (not a grinder) .... point wasn't ever about 'ancient' --- point is about the 'used to only produce ....' which was basically entirely misguided on a good day, but factually inaccurate.

Not that it matters, but Dahlin is a Swede. Ehlers is Danish.
- steve-hist-sdc

Not sure if you mean Rasmus Ristolainen of the Sabres but he's a big kid who is a multi cat beast in fantasy and has eaten 25+ 1st rotation minutes for yrs starting as a 19/20 yr old....... Exhibit A for the fancy staters vs eye test peeps as far how much fancies help. Terrible fancies but produces on the ice. https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/5987/