Tyler You make some great points and yes Stan should make every effort to target stone , your assessment of him and comparison to hossa is spot on.


Imo saad should be moved he brings you cap space , young prospects which Chicago is lacking in Rockford and a pick .

He hasn't been the player we though or expected to help advance the toews line.

Crawford I think everyone wishes him to get healthy however 2 concussions in less than a years time with 1 year left on his contract , Stan should consider any offers from teams who may take a risk to acquire Crawford and use that money on a better backup goalie and let Delia take the reins going forward.

The bottom 6 depth is a major reason why this team is dysfunctional. The lack center depth and size as well as any either defensive or offensive zone play with any threat.


Kampf , drake are solid pieces but after that who plays with any consistency or tempo?
Anismov should be moved for cap space and target someone younger who can fill that center depth with more consistency and tempo.


Defensively Keith if he is to be moved this is the year to do so, just because next year his age becomes even more a negative .
Gustafson defensively is awful however he does have value and a return could be nice.
- Taylorst1

Kahun, Drake and Kampf are a good start for the bottom 6.

When the pens retooled they where alot younger . If you look at Pittsburgh now they are exactly where Chicago is in regards to age when they won the cup a couple of years ago they would be equivalent to the hawks 2012-2013 thru 2014-2015 runs.


Keith and Seabrook are both well past their prime and neither of these 2 guys will help this team win another cup.

Their age , cap , terms and position are keeping this team from having roster spots open , cap space to use to sign any free agents agent He mere fact their age .


It's time for everyone to realize that moving both players is a priority and positive .

If Chicago was playing 500 and a couple of players away from contending then yeah maybe we hang onto them. Chicago is in dead last place and their defense is atrocious, that should tell everyone neither player is making this team any better.

In addition to adding defense - whether from the blue line or the forward corps - this team also needs some addition scorers. There is some defensive hope in the system - not sure there is much scoring help in Rockford or the junior / international ranks.

They are relying almost completely on Kane, Toews, Debrincat - and, recently, some good production from Saad and Kahun.
- StLBravesFan[/quote]


And Strome. He has been contributing quite well since he has been acquired!

Kahun, Drake and Kampf are a good start for the bottom 6.
- SoftServe

They are , it's clear this team is just over the half way mark of the season and in last place, colliton who coached Rockford has the best pulse on those kids and who could be ready or brought up and its clear their forward group in Rockford as of right now isn't looking to promising.

Everyone called up or who started were sent back down. Hayden is only playing because Chicago lacks depth as well as skill and talent.

Kahun is a nice solid 3rd liner who can chip in every now and then
Drake I like his and kampf energy .

If I had to list my players who we keep it goes as follows


Toews
Kane
Debrincat
Strome
Drake
Kampf
Kahun

Delia

Dalhstom
Johki
Murphy

That's everyone id keep the rest are all tradeable or not worth resigning.

I gonna be honestly and eat some crow here (pun intended). I was very surprised to see that Crawford was out on the ice taking shots. I did not see any point in him coming back this season (being pretty much a lost cause), or possibly even next year to protect himself and his long term future for his family.

However, after talking with my wife about the situation, I wonder if his "concussion" this year really wasn't as bad as we all thought it was. Perhaps they were just being EXTREMELY cautious with him due to how bad his concussion was last year and they wanted to make sure he was okay but as the days went on him and the team realized it wasn't anything serious like it was the last time. I kinda feel like this could be the case. Let him go out there and take some shots see how he handles it while he's doing it and how he does afterwards.

Also makes you wonder if he does come back and play at some point this year, how is the Goalie situation gonna play out? Don't think we have to worry about him coming back in the next week or two here, but lets say mid February it looks like he is definitely going to come back this year by the end of the month, do the Hawks try and convince Cam Ward to waive his NTC? Would he wanna waive it? If he did, would anyone want to take him as veteran backup Playoff tested Goalie for the push for the Cup? Would it be smart to expose your depth like that if Crow gets hurt again? Do they send down Delia to start regularly? Do they do the unthinkable and carry three Goalies? That is gonna be interesting to follow.

As far as the D goes, the backend is just a mess and idk how they're gonna fix it. Idk who should stay and who should go. They have good pieces in place, but can't seem to find the right combo. They need to add at least one Top 4 guy (as well all WELL know and have known for about 4 years, even before Hammer was traded) but I don't have the slightest idea who they should go after. I just hope they don't overspend on someone in FA cuz none of those guys seem like they will be worth it.

Thanks.

It is really weird to see Carolina on that list, I really wonder why that is.

In other news, Buffalo and Colorado have cooled ... injuries? Tankathon has us drafting Podkolzin 3rd over all, what helped him jump up 2 ranks? People realize the potential awesomeness?
- I Am The Breadman

Been saying for awhile that kid looks special as well but isn't getting the love that Hughes and Kakko are getting because those two have been in the public eye more

When the pens retooled they where alot younger . If you look at Pittsburgh now they are exactly where Chicago is in regards to age when they won the cup a couple of years ago they would be equivalent to the hawks 2012-2013 thru 2014-2015 runs.


Keith and Seabrook are both well past their prime and neither of these 2 guys will help this team win another cup.

Their age , cap , terms and position are keeping this team from having roster spots open , cap space to use to sign any free agents agent He mere fact their age .


It's time for everyone to realize that moving both players is a priority and positive .

If Chicago was playing 500 and a couple of players away from contending then yeah maybe we hang onto them. Chicago is in dead last place and their defense is atrocious, that should tell everyone neither player is making this team any better.
- Taylorst1

I think it's best to completely understand trading away a contract will almost certainly require a contract coming back. Therefore, what are the trades that can be made that are win-win?

Been saying for awhile that kid looks special as well but isn't getting the love that Hughes and Kakko are getting because those two have been in the public eye more
- Savetheembers33

I really like the kid too, talk about a "consolation" prize. I'm sure the draft rankings will change more as we approach that day, as it is always in the air. I would be excited to draft any of those 3.

From The Hockey News - Goalie Rankings :

In dead last

31. Cam Ward, Chicago: Thrown into the fire after Corey Crawford went down with another concussion, the veteran Ward has the worst save percentage (.884) and GAA (3.99) among the league’s 31 starters.

I gonna be honestly and eat some crow here (pun intended). I was very surprised to see that Crawford was out on the ice taking shots. I did not see any point in him coming back this season (being pretty much a lost cause), or possibly even next year to protect himself and his long term future for his family.

However, after talking with my wife about the situation, I wonder if his "concussion" this year really wasn't as bad as we all thought it was. Perhaps they were just being EXTREMELY cautious with him due to how bad his concussion was last year and they wanted to make sure he was okay but as the days went on him and the team realized it wasn't anything serious like it was the last time. I kinda feel like this could be the case. Let him go out there and take some shots see how he handles it while he's doing it and how he does afterwards.

Also makes you wonder if he does come back and play at some point this year, how is the Goalie situation gonna play out? Don't think we have to worry about him coming back in the next week or two here, but lets say mid February it looks like he is definitely going to come back this year by the end of the month, do the Hawks try and convince Cam Ward to waive his NTC? Would he wanna waive it? If he did, would anyone want to take him as veteran backup Playoff tested Goalie for the push for the Cup? Would it be smart to expose your depth like that if Crow gets hurt again? Do they send down Delia to start regularly? Do they do the unthinkable and carry three Goalies? That is gonna be interesting to follow.

As far as the D goes, the backend is just a mess and idk how they're gonna fix it. Idk who should stay and who should go. They have good pieces in place, but can't seem to find the right combo. They need to add at least one Top 4 guy (as well all WELL know and have known for about 4 years, even before Hammer was traded) but I don't have the slightest idea who they should go after. I just hope they don't overspend on someone in FA cuz none of those guys seem like they will be worth it.
- Savetheembers33

Stan is as much to blame for not being more proactive in certain areas as well as the development in Rockford.


Crawford will either be the backup or split time with Delia IMO. But if Stan had any intention to trade Crawford you could kiss that good bye with Crawford being on LTIR again even if it's precautionary, no team will risk that.

Ward though should be asked to waive his NMC because this would be beneficial to Delia continuing his development and allowing Chic ago to get a better feel on the goalie situation instead of wondering come the summertime.

I think it's best to completely understand trading away a contract will almost certainly require a contract coming back. Therefore, what are the trades that can be made that are win-win?
- 35Tony0

True but Chicago can get prospects and picks and take on a contract or 2 that would be expiring which helps the deal. Even if they get a young nhl player with 2 years left on a entry level example donato in Boston.

Stans problem which he has many is his unwillingness to be more aggressive instead he holds onto players hoping they turn around.

Saad is to inconsistent and when your in last place a major shakeup is demanded .

If making the playoffs only to get rolled in 4 games causes Stan to make a major shakeup then wouldn't last place and 2 years of missing the playoffs constitute serious change?

Good post. Team defense is important and all players have to emphasize this. Hawks are 2nd in the league in shots against with 35 per game. The lowest 5 in the league in shots against, all in the 28 range are Carolina, San Jose, Vegas, Calgary and Nashville. Aside from Carolina, all some of the top teams in the league. Coincidence? No.
- boilermaker100

For me this is the #1 answer to Justin's question of "what makes a team in today's NHL, a great defensive team"? ........ Defense is a 5 man exercise (#1 scheme/#2 buy in) but of course you need players to execute any scheme.

But in today's NHL of fancies the very best defense is played at the other end of the ice. Not just to outscore but minimize the opponents chances as the puck is not in your own zone, which brings me to the fancies.

Really the sh*@ has hit the fan with the Hawks roster, they've gone over that cliff, the fancies say so. SOG against is a good indicator but High Danger Chances Against (HDCA) is even better. Hawks are by faaar the worst. https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php

They rank 18th in HDCFor: https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php

Notice a few things if you fool with the thing. NSH have great defensive personnel? They rank in the middle of both HD chances for and against. Karlsson and Burns defensive Dmen? SJ ranks 2nd in HDCF (CAR is 1st!!!) 20th in HDCA. ....... Biggest thing that stands out is WSH is 23rd in HDCF and 29th in HDCA (can see how the Hawks put up 8 on them). Also stands out is PHI is 3rd in HDCA.

My point? Not a fancy scientist or draw an NHL paycheck but as a novice IMO the sh*@ has hit the fan with the roster and organIzational strength. IMO there are so many holes the fix has to be internal.

The way they've attacked that with the rare high pick is draft a Gus type Dman in Boqvist who has a chance to be top 5 offensively special. To me that says the way the organIzation wants to play defense with their Dmen is to have the puck at the other end of the ice and that seems the way to go as rules and equipment changes has offense way up across the league.

No answers here just that the data says the roster is weak, has so many holes it needs mostly fixed internally and they wanna play a defensive system by being in the attack zone.

Good post. Team defense is important and all players have to emphasize this. Hawks are 2nd in the league in shots against with 35 per game. The lowest 5 in the league in shots against, all in the 28 range are Carolina, San Jose, Vegas, Calgary and Nashville. Aside from Carolina, all some of the top teams in the league. Coincidence? No.
- boilermaker100

Which play Man 2 Man and which play zone?

From The Hockey News - Goalie Rankings :

In dead last

31. Cam Ward, Chicago: Thrown into the fire after Corey Crawford went down with another concussion, the veteran Ward has the worst save percentage (.884) and GAA (3.99) among the league’s 31 starters.
- StutzBlackhawk

But doesn't that fit the #Lose4Hughes mantra?

From The Hockey News - Goalie Rankings :

In dead last

31. Cam Ward, Chicago: Thrown into the fire after Corey Crawford went down with another concussion, the veteran Ward has the worst save percentage (.884) and GAA (3.99) among the league’s 31 starters.
- StutzBlackhawk

That's not really anything new. When he was in Carolina they complained how awful he was . He was just a stop gap to a season that was written off before it even started.

Nobody with a straight face going into the season with the free agent signings and even If the core along with the depth and talent that this team was playoff bound ? Especially not having a healthy Crawford and toews uncertainty in his production as well as saads disappointment.

In addition to adding defense - whether from the blue line or the forward corps - this team also needs some addition scorers. There is some defensive hope in the system - not sure there is much scoring help in Rockford or the junior / international ranks.

They are relying almost completely on Kane, Toews, Debrincat - and, recently, some good production from Saad and Kahun.
- StLBravesFan

I think most fans will agree the system is solid with D prospects and weak with offensive ones. Hopefully a top 3-5 pick will address that and maturation of 21 yr old Strome.

TT reups 5 X 5.4

From The Hockey News - Goalie Rankings :

In dead last

31. Cam Ward, Chicago: Thrown into the fire after Corey Crawford went down with another concussion, the veteran Ward has the worst save percentage (.884) and GAA (3.99) among the league’s 31 starters.
- StutzBlackhawk

This is my shocked face

I think most fans will agree the system is solid with D prospects and weak with offensive ones. Hopefully a top 3-5 pick will address that and maturation of 21 yr old Strome.
- Mr Ricochet

Hopefully a top 2 pick.....

That's not really anything new. When he was in Carolina they complained how awful he was . He was just a stop gap to a season that was written off before it even started.

Nobody with a straight face going into the season with the free agent signings and even If the core along with the depth and talent that this team was playoff bound ? Especially not having a healthy Crawford and toews uncertainty in his production as well as saads disappointment.
- Taylorst1

Well said. Ward was/is simply a bridge WITHOUT term with intangibles for what was a weeeeeeak roster. Stan did well to do no harm this last offseason.

TT reups 5 X 5.4
- riozzo

Love it. That's a great deal for a guy just entering his prime. Had 64 points last season, on pace for 67 this year and is now a full time penalty killer.

TT signs a 5.4 X 5 deal coming off 64 pts year and on pace for 65 this year. Doesn't that seem like a reasonable deal? How come everybody else seems to get team friendly deals except the hawks? that is with the cap going up as well.

For me this is the #1 answer to Justin's question of "what makes a team in today's NHL, a great defensive team"? ........ Defense is a 5 man exercise (#1 scheme/#2 buy in) but of course you need players to execute any scheme.

But in today's NHL of fancies the very best defense is played at the other end of the ice. Not just to outscore but minimize the opponents chances as the puck is not in your own zone, which brings me to the fancies.

Really the sh*@ has hit the fan with the Hawks roster, they've gone over that cliff, the fancies say so. SOG against is a good indicator but High Danger Chances Against (HDCA) is even better. Hawks are by faaar the worst. https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php

They rank 18th in HDCFor: https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php

Notice a few things if you fool with the thing. NSH have great defensive personnel? They rank in the middle of both HD chances for and against. Karlsson and Burns defensive Dmen? SJ ranks 2nd in HDCF (CAR is 1st!!!) 20th in HDCA. ....... Biggest thing that stands out is WSH is 23rd in HDCF and 29th in HDCA (can see how the Hawks put up 8 on them). Also stands out is PHI is 3rd in HDCA.

My point? Not a fancy scientist or draw an NHL paycheck but as a novice IMO the sh*@ has hit the fan with the roster and organIzational strength. IMO there are so many holes the fix has to be internal.

The way they've attacked that with the rare high pick is draft a Gus type Dman in Boqvist who has a chance to be top 5 offensively special. To me that says the way the organIzation wants to play defense with their Dmen is to have the puck at the other end of the ice and that seems the way to go as rules and equipment changes has offense way up across the league.

No answers here just that the data says the roster is weak, has so many holes it needs mostly fixed internally and they wanna play a defensive system by being in the attack zone.
- Mr Ricochet

Your exactly correct. When this team was winning they had a solid backend that could move the puck and shutdown when need be but their forward group was solid of playing defense as well and could play in the offensive zone with a lot of threat , and they rolled at least 3 solid lines .

Now they can barely muster up 1 line with any consistency.

Love it. That's a great deal for a guy just entering his prime. Had 64 points last season, on pace for 67 this year and is now a full time penalty killer.
- BINGO!

Fair for both parties

TT signs a 5.4 X 5 deal coming off 64 pts year and on pace for 65 this year. Doesn't that seem like a reasonable deal? How come everybody else seems to get team friendly deals except the hawks? that is with the cap going up as well.
- kmw4631

It helps that he's playing on a line with his new best friend.