It should be an interesting month for Stan.

Here is one possible scenario.

Move a so so prospect (Sikura / Ejdsell / Fortin / Hayden / Forsberg / Koekkoek / Highmore / etc. type) with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round). That would move us close to the cap so that we can utilize the LTIR.

LTIR Crow.

Repeat the process with another team. Move a so so prospect with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round).

Then trade AA for a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Of course trade Kruger and Kunitz for anything that you can get for them.

Stan should be plenty familiar with dumping a contract for cap space. Now we need to know if he can do it in reverse.

If Chicago happens to win the draft lottery and gets the #1 pick, is Hughes the #1 pick?

I know a top center is a must, but how can you leave Kaapo Kakko on the board for the next team?

I say, give Toews the LW he has been needing for years.

Edit - I thought KK was a LW......my bad....take the center.
- powerenforcer

Saad/Toews/Kakko would be choice
ADB/Strome/Kane scoring line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoz0F2Ybzc0

Have you seen this?
- SoftServe

via Gfycat

If that's what his plan is it would be an almost impossible to scout because there are no real patterns to the play. Tikhonov coached the best of the best Soviet players who all thought the game at a high level. But like you say it needs players with very high hockey IQs and Gus along with others wouldn't be able to play that style. They'd be running into everything and anything.

BTW I think Tikhonov may be dead? Are you suggesting Coliton couldn't outcoach Tikhonov in the current state he is in??
- paulr

Old Viktor is dead. But he was probably the most succcessful coach in Russian hockey history. Ran the team like it was boot camp; no favours granted to any player. Gus would have been sentenced to hard labour in Siberia first time he made one of his lazy gaffes.

I learned from the best hahah
- SoftServe

Hahaha!

Colliton could bring in Coach Viktor Tikhonov to run the defence. Wonder how long he would put up with Erik G?
- RickJ

Viktor Tikhonov RIP. 1930-2014.

They could exhume him and stand him up behind the bench instead of Barry Smith. Nobody would know the difference.

It should be an interesting month for Stan.

Here is one possible scenario.

Move a so so prospect (Sikura / Ejdsell / Fortin / Hayden / Forsberg / Koekkoek / Highmore / etc. type) with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round). That would move us close to the cap so that we can utilize the LTIR.

LTIR Crow.

Repeat the process with another team. Move a so so prospect with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round).

Then trade AA for a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Of course trade Kruger and Kunitz for anything that you can get for them.

Stan should be plenty familiar with dumping a contract for cap space. Now we need to know if he can do it in reverse.
- -Doh-

All sound, except that's a rebuild. We're in the midst of a remodel.

It should be an interesting month for Stan.

Here is one possible scenario.

Move a so so prospect (Sikura / Ejdsell / Fortin / Hayden / Forsberg / Koekkoek / Highmore / etc. type) with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round). That would move us close to the cap so that we can utilize the LTIR.

LTIR Crow.

Repeat the process with another team. Move a so so prospect with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round).

Then trade AA for a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Of course trade Kruger and Kunitz for anything that you can get for them.

Stan should be plenty familiar with dumping a contract for cap space. Now we need to know if he can do it in reverse.
- -Doh-

Great minds think alike. I had similar thoughts on page 1. The only difference is to get a decent prospect back and a lower round draft choice. Getting a decent player back would accelerate the rebuild instead of waiting 2-3 years for a draft choice to pan out.

I realize that picking up someone else's not so good high priced player will hurt us next year, but I think next year's team won't be much better with or without them. Give the young defense 1 more year to mature and shoot for success in 20-21.

Viktor Tikhonov RIP. 1930-2014.

They could exhume him and stand him up behind the bench instead of Barry Smith. Nobody would know the difference.
- boilermaker100

We would get a bench minor, Viktor would be far too vocal.

It should be an interesting month for Stan.

Here is one possible scenario.

Move a so so prospect (Sikura / Ejdsell / Fortin / Hayden / Forsberg / Koekkoek / Highmore / etc. type) with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round). That would move us close to the cap so that we can utilize the LTIR.

LTIR Crow.

Repeat the process with another team. Move a so so prospect with a 3rd round pick. Take back a big contract and a 1st round pick (from a contender probably late 1st round).

Then trade AA for a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Of course trade Kruger and Kunitz for anything that you can get for them.

Stan should be plenty familiar with dumping a contract for cap space. Now we need to know if he can do it in reverse.
- -Doh-

Just some points for discussion. I think this all depends on how long they figure it will take to get competitive. Don't know if it is as simple as it sounds either.

How much term is on these big contracts we are taking on?
Is the best solution to having too many big contracts with term to take on more?
What happens if CC is ready to start playing a month from now? (I know he might not come back, but it isn't impossible either) Or to start next season? Are we going to have to trade a good young player to dump a bad contract?
What about the performances bonuses the Hawks may have to pay out? I'm sure they won't have to pay out the expensive schedule B ones for league awards to guys like Kampf and Strome, but I have to assume some of the 6+ million in bonuses this season will happen. Going up to the cap and using LTIR would mean having to eat into next years cap space already.

I get the idea that we want picks, but these aren't top 10 first round picks we are talking about either, so more likely they are 2-4 years away. Are the Hawks going for a long rebuild still after being nearly 2 years into it already?

Edit: I meant Kahun for the bonus, not Kampf.

Two questions:

One, do you guys (those who are following the prospects) really see Jack Hughes as an NHL center down the road? He's a smaller guy and plays a similar game to Kaner. Remember when Kaner came out he was listed as a Center as well. IMO, I feel like Hughes is gonna end up on the wing for which ever team ends up drafting him.

Second, read an article forgot where from yesterday (and my apologies if this was discussed already), IF the Hawks decide to do the unthinkable and try to clear cap space and REALLY jump start a rebuild for this team, would you trade Kane to Colorado in a deal that includes Ottawa's 1st and Cale Makar as a starting point? I believe the article I read had Tyson Barrie coming back to the Hawks and Gus and a 4th going with Kane to balance the salaries a bit. Hawks probably would be able to squeeze another 1st or a 2nd out of them for it. Hawks would have a legit shot at walking away with Hughes and Kakko to go with Toews, DCat, Strome, Saad, etc. next year. Just curious what you guys thought

Two questions:

One, do you guys (those who are following the prospects) really see Jack Hughes as an NHL center down the road? He's a smaller guy and plays a similar game to Kaner. Remember when Kaner came out he was listed as a Center as well. IMO, I feel like Hughes is gonna end up on the wing for which ever team ends up drafting him.

Second, read an article forgot where from yesterday (and my apologies if this was discussed already), IF the Hawks decide to do the unthinkable and try to clear cap space and REALLY jump start a rebuild for this team, would you trade Kane to Colorado in a deal that includes Ottawa's 1st and Cale Makar as a starting point? I believe the article I read had Tyson Barrie coming back to the Hawks and Gus and a 4th going with Kane to balance the salaries a bit. Hawks probably would be able to squeeze another 1st or a 2nd out of them for it. Hawks would have a legit shot at walking away with Hughes and Kakko to go with Toews, DCat, Strome, Saad, etc. next year. Just curious what you guys thought
- Savetheembers33

Question 2: the rink talked about that. I say hell no to trading Kane. The best player on the team for less. Nope. We have as good as a shot as any other bottom feeder now at the first overall without any help. Build around Kane. You could get 1 and 2, but I still say no. Others need to go.

Justin Lowe: Fast 5: How to Play Defence, Goaltending and Trade Chatter

I am working on a Patrick Kane article for this week, but it’s been taking me a bit longer than anticipated because there is just so much “Kane content”.

This guy has just incredible this year and I think we tend to take him for granted. I will have something for you all by Friday focusing on #88.

For today’s read/chat, I have my “Fast 5” Blackhawks thoughts I wanted to discuss.
- Justin Lowe

Please win tonight.

Old Viktor is dead. But he was probably the most succcessful coach in Russian hockey history. Ran the team like it was boot camp; no favours granted to any player. Gus would have been sentenced to hard labour in Siberia first time he made one of his lazy gaffes.
- RickJ

Anatoli Tarasov was the founder of the Russian system that vaulted the Russian teams to dominance. Tarasov was replaced and sent to live out his retirement in a Dacha when he refused against orders to throw a game against the Czech's that would of give the Czech's silver and USA the bronze in the '72 Olympics. Those that coached afterwards used Tarasov's system.

I saw a great documentary about Russian hockey, and how Fetisov finally defected to join the Devils on ESPN, I think it was their E:360 program, was a good watch

Just some points for discussion. I think this all depends on how long they figure it will take to get competitive. Don't know if it is as simple as it sounds either.

How much term is on these big contracts we are taking on?
Is the best solution to having too many big contracts with term to take on more?
What happens if CC is ready to start playing a month from now? (I know he might not come back, but it isn't impossible either) Or to start next season? Are we going to have to trade a good young player to dump a bad contract?
What about the performances bonuses the Hawks may have to pay out? I'm sure they won't have to pay out the expensive schedule B ones for league awards to guys like Kampf and Strome, but I have to assume some of the 6+ million in bonuses this season will happen. Going up to the cap and using LTIR would mean having to eat into next years cap space already.

I get the idea that we want picks, but these aren't top 10 first round picks we are talking about either, so more likely they are 2-4 years away. Are the Hawks going for a long rebuild still after being nearly 2 years into it already?

Edit: I meant Kahun for the bonus, not Kampf.
- breadbag

I wouldn't take on any deals that are more than two years long (including this year, maybe two after this year depending on the cap hit and return) like TC suggested in Ryan Callahan. Gotta stay flexible for your future and provide short term relief to a team to help them go for it now.

As far as Crow goes, I think the team needs to be realistic about the entire situation and regardless put him on LTIR. Same as last year, there absolutely no need to bring him back this year even if he feels better a month from now and feels like he could play. Don't care. If he's healthy to come back now, he'll be even more healthy and mentally ready come September and training camp for when the team could potentially try and be competing for a Playoff spot. In all likelihood, Crow does not need to risk his long term health to come back to a team that is going to be fighting to just to get back into the Playoff picture. If this was a team that could win the Cup I could see him want to come back, but for this team right now risk greatly out weights the reward.

Not sure about the bonus situation with guys what they have in their contracts and what they're likely to hit. That's something I'd like to see Stan stay away from going forward. Those helped us in the past, but we all knew at some point would bite us in the a$$ like it did.

If we do add more picks or prospects through trades taking salary or whatever, the goal should be to stockpile the cupboard and get as many pieces in the farm as possible regardless of their timeline. The more you have the easier it will be to get the team back to a Playoff level. You have a few that come up quickly and help you out now and you have more pieces to make other trades to impact your team quickly. Look at how Tampa has managed their team and see how they are stocked with young talent locked up but have a highly regarded farm system as well from smart trades they've made

Old Viktor is dead. But he was probably the most succcessful coach in Russian hockey history. Ran the team like it was boot camp; no favours granted to any player. Gus would have been sentenced to hard labour in Siberia first time he made one of his lazy gaffes.
- RickJ

Might have trouble with those tactics, given the presence of the union, and the absence of Siberia (Canada is too nice to play that role).

Question 2: the rink talked about that. I say hell no to trading Kane. The best player on the team for less. Nope. We have as good as a shot as any other bottom feeder now at the first overall without any help. Build around Kane. You could get 1 and 2, but I still say no. Others need to go.
- I Am The Breadman

That's what I thought but I couldn't remember. I'd be really tough for me to trade Kane away, but that's a damn tempting offer. Having the chance to possibly add TWO of the Top 5 talents coming out AND add another former Top 5 pick and highly regarded Defensive prospect in Makar AND possibly another high draft pick or two as well as Barrie would could be kept or flipped for even more pieces.

I was gonna make this point on another post, but whether this team is looking to "rebuild" or "retool" this team the more pieces you have stockpiled in the cupboard the easier it will be to build the team back up. Whether that is by developing them to play for your team or packaging a few together to get an impact piece to join the team

Question 2: the rink talked about that. I say hell no to trading Kane. The best player on the team for less. Nope. We have as good as a shot as any other bottom feeder now at the first overall without any help. Build around Kane. You could get 1 and 2, but I still say no. Others need to go.
- I Am The Breadman

I don’t think the proposed trade is expressly intended for tanking. Not sure whether I’m for it but depends on what is coming back.

If you think this team is maybe a year or two away from contending then absolutely don’t trade him. If the window is longer, then I think you have to consider it.

I agree with what Enzo said in that, whatever you get back will not be better than what Kane is now and very likely will never be as good as what he is now...but you never know.

Different era but look at the trade COL and Philly made when Lindros was traded for a gaggle of players including Forsberg.

I don’t think the proposed trade is expressly intended for tanking. Not sire whether I’m for it but depends on what is coming back.

If you think this team is maybe a year or two away from contending then absolutely don’t trade him. If the window is longer, then I think you have to consider it.

I agree with what Enzo said in that, whatever you get back will not be better than what Kane is now and very likely will never be as good as what he is now...but you never know.

Different era but look at the trade COL and Philly made when Lindros was traded for a gaggle of players including Forsberg.
- HawkintheD

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.

I wouldn't take on any deals that are more than two years long (including this year, maybe two after this year depending on the cap hit and return) like TC suggested in Ryan Callahan. Gotta stay flexible for your future and provide short term relief to a team to help them go for it now.

As far as Crow goes, I think the team needs to be realistic about the entire situation and regardless put him on LTIR. Same as last year, there absolutely no need to bring him back this year even if he feels better a month from now and feels like he could play. Don't care. If he's healthy to come back now, he'll be even more healthy and mentally ready come September and training camp for when the team could potentially try and be competing for a Playoff spot. In all likelihood, Crow does not need to risk his long term health to come back to a team that is going to be fighting to just to get back into the Playoff picture. If this was a team that could win the Cup I could see him want to come back, but for this team right now risk greatly out weights the reward.

Not sure about the bonus situation with guys what they have in their contracts and what they're likely to hit. That's something I'd like to see Stan stay away from going forward. Those helped us in the past, but we all knew at some point would bite us in the a$$ like it did.
- Savetheembers33

I get what you mean about putting him on LTIR and they can do that, but if he is healthy and wants to come back, I don't know that they can just force him to stay on LTIR. Again, not saying I hope he rushes back, just saying with concussion it is not certain how long a guy will be out, so hard to eat up that cap space.

I think the main question is, are the Hawks prepared to write off next season already? Essentially they would have be willing to say, we aren't trying to make the playoffs next year. I get that everyone wants to build around Kane (and I'm not saying he should be traded) but how much of a long term strategy is that? Are we trying to eek out one more cup or build for the future. Kane is good offensively, but he will be 31 a month into next season. When the Hawks are done building, will they have built around a guy who is going to be 34-35 and starting to decline for real? Not taking anything away from Kane, who is playing great, but just looking at the numbers game, typically I think the plan should build around a young player.

Just some food for thought, I don't think the GM will have an easy job.

No more smurfs.
- DarthKane

Yeah, because guys like Kucherov, Gadreau, Kane, Johnson can't play a lick.

That's what I thought but I couldn't remember. I'd be really tough for me to trade Kane away, but that's a damn tempting offer. Having the chance to possibly add TWO of the Top 5 talents coming out AND add another former Top 5 pick and highly regarded Defensive prospect in Makar AND possibly another high draft pick or two as well as Barrie would could be kept or flipped for even more pieces.

I was gonna make this point on another post, but whether this team is looking to "rebuild" or "retool" this team the more pieces you have stockpiled in the cupboard the easier it will be to build the team back up. Whether that is by developing them to play for your team or packaging a few together to get an impact piece to join the team
- Savetheembers33

I'm staying away from Barrie, and we have a lot of d prospects. I'll admit, idk where they rank in relation to Makar. We already have that strength, which we will trade from shortly. Makar has as good of a shot as our guys, probably better, I want to stay in-house with the defense. It's essentially 1 first for Kane, for my naive viewpoint. His value is more to me than that.

I don’t think the proposed trade is expressly intended for tanking. Not sure whether I’m for it but depends on what is coming back.

If you think this team is maybe a year or two away from contending then absolutely don’t trade him. If the window is longer, then I think you have to consider it.

I agree with what Enzo said in that, whatever you get back will not be better than what Kane is now and very likely will never be as good as what he is now...but you never know.

Different era but look at the trade COL and Philly made when Lindros was traded for a gaggle of players including Forsberg.
- HawkintheD

I'm against giving up our best player period. I'm against giving up our best player to a division rival. The trade proposal of Kane and Gus and 4th for Barrie, Makar, and 1st (and 7th?) Doesn't do it for me. I'm willing to trade many others, just not him.

I don't think it's meant to be a tank move, but it's what will happen when you trade 88.

I get what you mean about putting him on LTIR and they can do that, but if he is healthy and wants to come back, I don't know that they can just force him to stay on LTIR. Again, not saying I hope he rushes back, just saying with concussion it is not certain how long a guy will be out, so hard to eat up that cap space.

I think the main question is, are the Hawks prepared to write off next season already? Essentially they would have be willing to say, we aren't trying to make the playoffs next year. I get that everyone wants to build around Kane (and I'm not saying he should be traded) but how much of a long term strategy is that? Are we trying to eek out one more cup or build for the future. Kane is good offensively, but he will be 31 a month into next season. When the Hawks are done building, will they have built around a guy who is going to be 34-35 and starting to decline for real? Not taking anything away from Kane, who is playing great, but just looking at the numbers game, typically I think the plan should build around a young player.

Just some food for thought, I don't think the GM will have an easy job.
- breadbag

Well it depends on what the doctors say. If he says he feels fine, but the doctors say that he isn't okay then the choice isn't his. If he says he feels good and the doctors agree with that then there's nothing they could do about it and they couldn't take that risk. I'm right there with you on that, ya never know with these kind of things, but with how bad it was for him last year and having it happen again it's hard to see a scenario where he comes back any time soon here if at all.

That's why I brought up the trade scenario about Kane being moved to Colorado for a package including Ottawa's 1st and Makar. You could walk away with at least three guys (after the draft with CHI and OTT's first plus Makar) you could legit build around going forward with the young pieces you already have on your team and in your farm. Not to mention having a boatload of talent would open you up being a player to go out and make a big trade for a young impact player to include in your next wave of Hawks. Same as you mentioned, I'm not advocating that they DO trade Kaner, but if a package like that comes across you gotta think long and hard about it cuz as much as it may hurt in the short term could completely change your teams future

Well it depends on what the doctors say. If he says he feels fine, but the doctors say that he isn't okay then the choice isn't his. If he says he feels good and the doctors agree with that then there's nothing they could do about it and they couldn't take that risk. I'm right there with you on that, ya never know with these kind of things, but with how bad it was for him last year and having it happen again it's hard to see a scenario where he comes back any time soon here if at all.

That's why I brought up the trade scenario about Kane being moved to Colorado for a package including Ottawa's 1st and Makar. You could walk away with at least three guys (after the draft with CHI and OTT's first plus Makar) you could legit build around going forward with the young pieces you already have on your team and in your farm. Not to mention having a boatload of talent would open you up being a player to go out and make a big trade for a young impact player to include in your next wave of Hawks. Same as you mentioned, I'm not advocating that they DO trade Kaner, but if a package like that comes across you gotta think long and hard about it cuz as much as it may hurt in the short term could completely change your teams future
- Savetheembers33

Definitely anyone could be traded for the right return. I think we've seen that in the NHL, nobody is really untouchable. I think for the right package, you make a deal, but I guess it would be good to know the plan.