Look at the standings....The hawks are 1 point from worst in the NHL, but still ONLY 8 points from a playoff spot. The difference between winning and losing in the NHL is so small on a nightly basis (usually), that adding 2-3 difference makers/upgrades on the roster can transform you from Lottery Team to playoff bubble team essentially overnight. With the right moves the next 8 months, they could be a bubble team next year if not sneak into a wild card spot.
- EnzoD

Spot on. The difference between winning and losing is razor thin. Maybe one key play per game at your blueline or in front of our net. Maybe a shot that was an easy save because it was not elevated, that would have been a goal if a higher skilled player was able to elevate the puck. Look at their recent losses to Nashville, Vegas, Calgary, Islanders and Winnipeg. All one goal in regulation or overtime. Just add two players like Kakko and a stud DMan. Reslot the rest of the current players. Expect some development from some of the younger players/prospects. Expect a little benefit from some experience with JC.

Winnipeg and Nashville are the best in the conference. The Pacific has some teams racking up points, but if they were in the Central they would be marginal playoff teams. So by making two "major" upgrades (their #1 pick and a stud FA signing or trade) the Hawks could be in the playoff hunt next year and they would have cap space available.

I am not saying it will happen. But it could.

Would Keith waive his NMC to got to Toronto for Gardiner and Kapanen? Might be a good move as Toronto is calling for Gardiner's head.
- nickmo2699

I think he responds better to Babcock and you see him remember how to play hockey on a contending team.

Kapanen is pretty good. I think the Hawks would need to send more the other way to make that work.

I think Gardiner is fine for what his cap hit is.

Actually interested to see Caggiula on that Kane-Strome line. He has some skill and I love the comparison that our friend Al Cimaglia used the other night saying Caggiula has a little Kris Versteeg in him.
- Justin Lowe

Interested is a good word. One thing remains painfully clear. We need at least one top 6 F (D is obviously another situation altogether). I had high hopes that Perlini would be able to come in and push the pace on one of the top two lines. I hope he just needs some time to get acclimated.

I think overall, next year could be a lot better. With an entire offseason and "new direction" I'm optimistic that things can turn around (to at least be a playoff team).

If the Hawks are fortunate enough to get the #1 pick in the draft - maybe they should check with Vancouver to see if they want to (kinda) repeat the "Sedin thing" with the Hughes brothers. Howza bout the #1 pick (Hughes) and our 2nd round pick for Elias Pettersson and their 1st round pick?
- EbonyRaptor

Normal brothers don't really care about that and probably want their own space.

I'd be hip to walking with Elias but Hughes is supposed to be some unholy alliance of speed and skill rivaled only by Run McD. I think you have to take that player.

I think he responds better to Babcock and you see him remember how to play hockey on a contending team.

Kapanen is pretty good. I think the Hawks would need to send more the other way to make that work.

I think Gardiner is fine for what his cap hit is.
- fattybeef

I wonder what kind of money he’d be looking for to resign or if he’s going to test the UFA market. Need those answers before they could do anything.

Spot on. The difference between winning and losing is razor thin. Maybe one key play per game at your blueline or in front of our net. Maybe a shot that was an easy save because it was not elevated, that would have been a goal if a higher skilled player was able to elevate the puck. Look at their recent losses to Nashville, Vegas, Calgary, Islanders and Winnipeg. All one goal in regulation or overtime. Just add two players like Kakko and a stud DMan. Reslot the rest of the current players. Expect some development from some of the younger players/prospects. Expect a little benefit from some experience with JC.

Winnipeg and Nashville are the best in the conference. The Pacific has some teams racking up points, but if they were in the Central they would be marginal playoff teams. So by making two "major" upgrades (their #1 pick and a stud FA signing or trade) the Hawks could be in the playoff hunt next year and they would have cap space available.

I am not saying it will happen. But it could.
- -Doh-

Shopping list for Hawks to not suck or be medicore:

-top six forward
-3 NHL calibre role player forwards that can slot up if necessary. (In addition to, not including what they have now)
-proven top pairing
-not Dahlstrom on the shutdown pair with Murphy
-goalie depending on Crow

They need a lot bro. 7 different players and they sure can't be mostly rookies. 2 maybe 3 years before they make noise.

If the Hawks are fortunate enough to get the #1 pick in the draft - maybe they should check with Vancouver to see if they want to (kinda) repeat the "Sedin thing" with the Hughes brothers. Howza bout the #1 pick (Hughes) and our 2nd round pick for Elias Pettersson and their 1st round pick?
- EbonyRaptor

I made a similar proposal a while back. I would only think about it if Van had the #2 pick.

Normal brothers don't really care about that and probably want their own space.

I'd be hip to walking with Elias but Hughes is supposed to be some unholy alliance of speed and skill rivaled only by Run McD. I think you have to take that player.
- fattybeef

When I watched him at the World Junior Showcase last summer, he was dominant skill/speed/IQ for USA. He was less than impressive/impactful in the Medal Round games I watched, but he was reportedly dealing with an Ankle injury. Hopefully Wiz will drop by soon to enlighten us, but I'm pretty sure its Hughes/Kakko neck and neck, and then a big drop off to #3. IF Hawks can get either Hughes or Kakko, that would be .....

(Car) Victor Rask traded for (Min) Nino Niederreiter.

Would Keith waive his NMC to got to Toronto for Gardiner and Kapanen? Might be a good move as Toronto is calling for Gardiner's head.
- nickmo2699

They are calling for Gardiner's head for the exact reason Hawk fans are calling for Gus' head, he's a brain dead hockey player who is terrible defensively and is terrified on contact. He may actually be worse defensively than Gus. l like Kapanen though, and they have a couple of decent prospects Grundstrom, Johnsson and Liljegren.

(Car) Victor Rask traded for (Min) Nino Niederreiter.
- I Am The Breadman

Didn't Victor Rask almost cut off his own finger cooking at home???

Didn't Victor Rask almost cut off his own finger cooking at home???
- EnzoD

Idk, I wasn't there.

110% the likelihood that whatever we get back can come close to the level of excellence that Kane has displayed since being drafted is highly really hard to bank on even with the possibility of having two top 5 picks, and it even could blow up in their faces and none of the guys they get live up to their potential at all, but if the window is gonna be more than a few years you have to consider it and hope you can get a few guys who can be difference makers on your team sooner rather than later.
- Savetheembers33

The thought I always return to is: no team will give up 1-2 players who have shown Kane caliber play and dedication to his craft. They’re more likely to trade a guy who appears to have the skills desired (shiny toy) but maybe isn’t living up to expectations Saad .

Idk, I wasn't there.
- I Am The Breadman

http://www.sportingnews.c...k54ihdw8hut2176z637du4f9f

They are calling for Gardiner's head for the exact reason Hawk fans are calling for Gus' head, he's a brain dead hockey player who is terrible defensively and is terrified on contact. He may actually be worse defensively than Gus. l like Kapanen though, and they have a couple of decent prospects Grundstrom, Johnsson and Liljegren.
- paulr

The only benefit of Gardiner over Gus is Gardiner's contract is over after this season, so let him walk......Gus we still have next season.

If the Hawks are fortunate enough to get the #1 pick in the draft - maybe they should check with Vancouver to see if they want to (kinda) repeat the "Sedin thing" with the Hughes brothers. Howza bout the #1 pick (Hughes) and our 2nd round pick for Elias Pettersson and their 1st round pick?
- EbonyRaptor

Wasn't listening to "Daniel passes to Henrik, Henrik passes it back" for roughly 10 years enough?

Wasn't listening to "Daniel passes to Henrik, Henrik passes it back" for roughly 10 years enough?
- Beaver-Warrior

Lol or the Where's Daniel? Where's Daniel"

Wasn't listening to "Daniel passes to Henrik, Henrik passes it back" for roughly 10 years enough?
- Beaver-Warrior

The beauty of now living in Denver (outside of the annual 300+ days of sunshine-most in the US-, skiing, mountains and legal cannabis ) is that I watch on NHL.tv or NBC National games only. I always watch the opposing team's broadcast because 1) I like to hear what other teams say/think about the Hawks, and 2) because the Foley/Olcyk clown show Bromance is not enjoyable to listen to.

http://www.sportingnews.c...k54ihdw8hut2176z637du4f9f
- EnzoD

Minny's sweater will camouflage the gangrene. I hadn't heard about the kitchen injury. Good thing hockey was his first career choice.

Looks like he stole Ronnie the Limo Driver's jersey number.
- HawkintheD

Love the Ronnie reference. "A** treeks"

The beauty of living in Denver (outside of the 300+ days of sunshine, skiing, mountains and legal cannabis ) is that I watch on NHL.tv or NBC National games only. I always watch the opposing team's broadcast because 1) I like to hear what other teams say/think about the Hawks, and 2) because the Foley/Olcyk clown show Bromance is not enjoyable to listen to.
- EnzoD

Being that I'm a Oregonian I'm not overly impressed with the bit about weed...they're a shop on every corner.

Actually interested to see Caggiula on that Kane-Strome line. He has some skill and I love the comparison that our friend Al Cimaglia used the other night saying Caggiula has a little Kris Versteeg in him.
- Justin Lowe

Well, aside from being a legit .50PPG player. Don't think Caggulia has the skill of Versteeg.

When I watched him at the World Junior Showcase last summer, he was dominant skill/speed/IQ for USA. He was less than impressive/impactful in the Medal Round games I watched, but he was reportedly dealing with an Ankle injury. Hopefully Wiz will drop by soon to enlighten us, but I'm pretty sure its Hughes/Kakko neck and neck, and then a big drop off to #3. IF Hawks can get either Hughes or Kakko, that would be .....


- EnzoD

Until recently, some didn't even have Kakko as #2. Whereas Hughes has been #1 for years.

I didn’t look at what they proposed, I wasn’t even aware the Avs had three first round picks. I would however be totally fine with it if the Blackhawks got the bucket of crud and the 15M USD went to me.
- walleyeb1

LOL, I just keep regurgitating the comp for 99...

Well, aside from being a legit .50PPG player. Don't think Caggulia has the skill of Versteeg.
- Elbows15

Hey, fruitpants, what do you think of Joki's future? Think he'll be worth a crap?