Let's take a look at the Hawk log jam at defense and open spots next year.

Seabrook, Keith, Murphy and Joki take 4 spots, either due to their NMC's, expensive unmovable contract, or skill and potential.

That leaves-

Gustaffson - signed for next season, good offense, bad defense. Is he going to learn to play D at his age or would we be traded for some more useful asset? I think the Hawks like him too much to trade him so he'll be the 5th candidate.

Dahlstrom - RFA after this season, plays decently with Murphy, re-up him for a couple of years at 1.2M. Good possibility as the 6th candidate.

Koekkoek RFA after this season, jury still out

Forsling - RFA after this season, seems injury prone. Trade candidate?

Hillman - RFA after this season. I would think he gets a look before the season ends to see what he can offer at the NHL level and if the Hawks decide to resign him.

Beaudin, Boqvist, Mitchell, Carlsson, Gilbert - To get a look see at training camp. Maybe one will impress and make the team. (That makes 7 defenseman) Most probably 2 years away,

Free agent signing to add depth if some of the above are traded at the TDL and serve as placeholder until the kids are ready.

My prediction for Hawks D for next year - Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Joki, Gus, Dahlstrom, youngster. Let's hear your ideas.

Fair enough. What bothers me is the narrative that the Hawks would not tell a player no matter who it is, that a major cup contender is reaching out for their services. Especially one that is nearing the end of his career on a rebuilding team that will now go two years in a row not making the playoffs. I find that to be an asinine thought.
- nickmo2699

Yeah I agree, I’m sure if some contender called Stan with a good offer for, let’s say Keith I don’t see him just saying no. If it’s something that he really thinks would improve the team I’m sure he’d at least bring it to him to mull over.

Hey Justin. Another good blog.

here is how I see it shaking out.

Hawks make a couple of small moves before the deadline. Maybe Hayden, Kruger, even Kunitz....but nothing like a Seabrook or Keith or any other bigger piece.

I think they wait until the off-season. They see the status of Crawford. If he is LTIR they will have oodles of Cap $$$ to re-stock in the off-season. They will also have an opportunity to see if Keith has any suitors out there. (Nice if it was Seabrook, but can't see it getting done with that contract....unless a bad deal for bad deal kinda thing. i.e L\ucic for Seabrook...yuck).

But bottom line. I expect very little to happen over the next seveAL weeks. Just don't see the fit anywhere.

Now....it IS possible a contender gets trigger happy and gives up a good package for Keith (Leafs?). But, I wouldn't hold my breath.

We head into the summer with much the same roster we have now....but, several moves will be made in the off-season.

Just my take......what y'all think??
- hawk35

My gut is the same thing. Any TDL trades will be "trimming around the edges" rather than blockbusters, i.e. trading assets that aren't going to be on the roster next fall anyway so try to get whatever you can for them particularly draft picks. Bigger deals will be in the summer.

i agree...but my over all point is; he is in control

and at this point i think the hawks want him and the he wants to stay...

but he doesn't have an expiring contract so exchanging him for just picks aint gonna cut it...

you have to get picks and a player or 2 that can contribute now
- bogiedoc

The Cat, 2019 1st Rounder for Werenski

Dont get me wrong, I love the at, but if you could get a number 1 d-man back and the Jackets replace Panarin's production, I think this is fair.

Don't hold your breathe. Next years roster will be known in 3 weeks.


If Chicago makes some bold big moves and ride themselves of Keith or Seabrook, anismov, Saad, then July 1st seems like it could be a fun and positive step towards nest year.


Keith and Seabrook, I'm sorry but Chicago owes neither of those 2 a position on this team. We thank them for their service.

They can always come back and work as scouts or etc.


But it's time to move on.

Let's take a look at the Hawk log jam at defense and open spots next year.

Seabrook, Keith, Murphy and Joki take 4 spots, either due to their NMC's, expensive unmovable contract, or skill and potential.

That leaves-

Gustaffson - signed for next season, good offense, bad defense. Is he going to learn to play D at his age or would we be traded for some more useful asset? I think the Hawks like him too much to trade him so he'll be the 5th candidate.

Dahlstrom - RFA after this season, plays decently with Murphy, re-up him for a couple of years at 1.2M. Good possibility as the 6th candidate.

Koekkoek RFA after this season, jury still out

Forsling - RFA after this season, seems injury prone. Trade candidate?

Hillman - RFA after this season. I would think he gets a look before the season ends to see what he can offer at the NHL level and if the Hawks decide to resign him.

Beaudin, Boqvist, Mitchell, Carlsson, Gilbert - To get a look see at training camp. Maybe one will impress and make the team. (That makes 7 defenseman) Most probably 2 years away,

Free agent signing to add depth if some of the above are traded at the TDL and serve as placeholder until the kids are ready.

My prediction for Hawks D for next year - Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Joki, Gus, Dahlstrom, youngster. Let's hear your ideas.
- boilermaker100

If Stan and company trot those same players out their next year , he should be fired immediately. I'm not sure how knowing that this teams defenseman blow will make them better next year.

Keith has 2 goals in 2 years I think Chicago would be better off without him,

Don't hold your breathe. Next years roster will be known in 3 weeks.


If Chicago makes some bold big moves and ride themselves of Keith or Seabrook, anismov, Saad, then July 1st seems like it could be a fun and positive step towards nest year.


Keith and Seabrook, I'm sorry but Chicago owes neither of those 2 a position on this team. We thank them for their service.

They can always come back and work as scouts or etc.


But it's time to move on.
- Taylorst1

Realistically it is unlikely that #2 or #7 get traded, ever (while healthy). Don't get your hopes up. The most likely thing is that both will play for the Hawks until they end up on LTIR to finish their careers.

I watched most of the all-star game on Saturday. I liked the puck trails, the ice time stats, and the bubbles with the names of the players on the ice. The puck trails were way better than the last time they tried that, and made tracking the puck much easier.

Supposedly, all of these extra additions is going into full effect next season? If so, does that start to make the play-by-play announcer kind of expendable? I mean if you can see who is who, and follow everything, there isn't a need for a play-by-play person, just two color analysts discussing the game and pointing out certain plays and stats.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I found it to be really annoying and a huge distraction. It will only provide more time for the Pat Foley and Eddie Olczyk comedy routines.

Even if the cap is at $83 mil they will need to move a decent sized contract (AA) to sign both a top forward ($9 mil) and a top 4 defender ($6.5mil) . Remember if cap increases each team will have more to spend, and the prices will increase accordingly. They are not going to use the increased cap space to throw more money at fringe players. The best players will get it.
- -Doh-

In your original post you mentioned resigning Kampf, Delia and Forsling (if not traded) for 6M. I think that is about 2M too high, but then again Stan is doing the deals. Just my two cents but in my scenario, the Hawks will have 2M more in cap space.

Of course Sikura, Perlini (if he is offered a contract) Dahlstrom will be getting some raises too so there goes that extra 2M.

Agree that Anisimov's 4.5M in cap space could be better spent and hope he is moved, even for as little as 2nd or 3rd round pick or B prospect.

Let's take a look at the Hawk log jam at defense and open spots next year.

Seabrook, Keith, Murphy and Joki take 4 spots, either due to their NMC's, expensive unmovable contract, or skill and potential.

That leaves-

Gustaffson - signed for next season, good offense, bad defense. Is he going to learn to play D at his age or would we be traded for some more useful asset? I think the Hawks like him too much to trade him so he'll be the 5th candidate.

Dahlstrom - RFA after this season, plays decently with Murphy, re-up him for a couple of years at 1.2M. Good possibility as the 6th candidate.

Koekkoek RFA after this season, jury still out

Forsling - RFA after this season, seems injury prone. Trade candidate?

Hillman - RFA after this season. I would think he gets a look before the season ends to see what he can offer at the NHL level and if the Hawks decide to resign him.

Beaudin, Boqvist, Mitchell, Carlsson, Gilbert - To get a look see at training camp. Maybe one will impress and make the team. (That makes 7 defenseman) Most probably 2 years away,

Free agent signing to add depth if some of the above are traded at the TDL and serve as placeholder until the kids are ready.

My prediction for Hawks D for next year - Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Joki, Gus, Dahlstrom, youngster. Let's hear your ideas.
- boilermaker100

I think someone like Dahlstrom/Gus will get moved in a deal and there will be some form of UFA dman in there.

I watched most of the all-star game on Saturday. I liked the puck trails, the ice time stats, and the bubbles with the names of the players on the ice. The puck trails were way better than the last time they tried that, and made tracking the puck much easier.

Supposedly, all of these extra additions is going into full effect next season? If so, does that start to make the play-by-play announcer kind of expendable? I mean if you can see who is who, and follow everything, there isn't a need for a play-by-play person, just two color analysts discussing the game and pointing out certain plays and stats.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

The puck drags were cool when there was a nice toe drag snap shot. Very cool to put perspective on the way the puck moves and the talent that has to go into it. But do that on replay, I did not enjoy it during live play. Added too much, imo.

Hey Justin. Another good blog.

here is how I see it shaking out.

Hawks make a couple of small moves before the deadline. Maybe Hayden, Kruger, even Kunitz....but nothing like a Seabrook or Keith or any other bigger piece.

I think they wait until the off-season. They see the status of Crawford. If he is LTIR they will have oodles of Cap $$$ to re-stock in the off-season. They will also have an opportunity to see if Keith has any suitors out there. (Nice if it was Seabrook, but can't see it getting done with that contract....unless a bad deal for bad deal kinda thing. i.e L\ucic for Seabrook...yuck).

But bottom line. I expect very little to happen over the next seveAL weeks. Just don't see the fit anywhere.

Now....it IS possible a contender gets trigger happy and gives up a good package for Keith (Leafs?). But, I wouldn't hold my breath.

We head into the summer with much the same roster we have now....but, several moves will be made in the off-season.

Just my take......what y'all think??
- hawk35

That's not how it works. A LTIR player's salary has to be accounted for prior to the start of the season. You can only LTIR a player in season.

Let's take a look at the Hawk log jam at defense and open spots next year.

Seabrook, Keith, Murphy and Joki take 4 spots, either due to their NMC's, expensive unmovable contract, or skill and potential.

That leaves-

Gustaffson - signed for next season, good offense, bad defense. Is he going to learn to play D at his age or would we be traded for some more useful asset? I think the Hawks like him too much to trade him so he'll be the 5th candidate.

Dahlstrom - RFA after this season, plays decently with Murphy, re-up him for a couple of years at 1.2M. Good possibility as the 6th candidate.

Koekkoek RFA after this season, jury still out

Forsling - RFA after this season, seems injury prone. Trade candidate?

Hillman - RFA after this season. I would think he gets a look before the season ends to see what he can offer at the NHL level and if the Hawks decide to resign him.

Beaudin, Boqvist, Mitchell, Carlsson, Gilbert - To get a look see at training camp. Maybe one will impress and make the team. (That makes 7 defenseman) Most probably 2 years away,

Free agent signing to add depth if some of the above are traded at the TDL and serve as placeholder until the kids are ready.

My prediction for Hawks D for next year - Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Joki, Gus, Dahlstrom, youngster. Let's hear your ideas.
- boilermaker100

This is the same D they are dressing now, one year further down the road and well they are still bad.

If Stan and company trot those same players out their next year , he should be fired immediately. I'm not sure how knowing that this teams defenseman blow will make them better next year.

Keith has 2 goals in 2 years I think Chicago would be better off without him,
- Taylorst1

Oh, I wouldn't mind Keith traded. He would bring back some decent assets in return. But it is easier said than done.

The CAP has already been announced to be in the neighbourhood of 83 million.
That extra 3.5 mollion...(or so) goes a long way to securing an additional Top 6 or Top 4 D-man.

Hawks Cap situation is the best it has been in 5-8 years. They have the ability to manouver many different ways during this off-season....
- hawk35

This is a guestimate. The cap is not determined until all monies are counted at the end of the season and just prior to free agency.

I think someone like Dahlstrom/Gus will get moved in a deal and there will be some form of UFA dman in there.
- breadbag

As long as it isn't a Manning type UFA. Haha. Tampa Bay will be under cap pressure next year and may not be able to re-up Stralman. I wouldn't mind seeing him with the Hawks on a 2 year deal.

That's not how it works. A LTIR player's salary has to be accounted for prior to the start of the season. You can only LTIR a player in season.
- Rota's Rooter

True dat. But still, it would allow us to make a good addition in-season or at the dealine next year should we be improved. The space can still be utilized as soon as the first puck is dropped for the season.

This is the same D they are dressing now, one year further down the road and well they are still bad.
- riozzo

I didn't say it was good. Seriously the more I think about it, Gus has to go and an experienced capable UFA (Stralman ?) has to be brought in.

Keith - NTC -not going anywhere
Seabrook -NTC, bad contract - not going anywhere
Murphy - OK
Joki - OK
Dahlstrom - decent enough
UFA
Youngster

True dat. But still, it would allow us to make a good addition in-season or at the dealine next year should we be improved. The space can still be utilized as soon as the first puck is dropped for the season.
- hawk35

And if a player is really worth 5-6 million he's just sitting around before the season waiting for the Hawks to LTIR Crawford?

I don't think so.

Let's take a look at the Hawk log jam at defense and open spots next year.

Seabrook, Keith, Murphy and Joki take 4 spots, either due to their NMC's, expensive unmovable contract, or skill and potential.

That leaves-

Gustaffson - signed for next season, good offense, bad defense. Is he going to learn to play D at his age or would we be traded for some more useful asset? I think the Hawks like him too much to trade him so he'll be the 5th candidate.

Dahlstrom - RFA after this season, plays decently with Murphy, re-up him for a couple of years at 1.2M. Good possibility as the 6th candidate.

Koekkoek RFA after this season, jury still out

Forsling - RFA after this season, seems injury prone. Trade candidate?

Hillman - RFA after this season. I would think he gets a look before the season ends to see what he can offer at the NHL level and if the Hawks decide to resign him.

Beaudin, Boqvist, Mitchell, Carlsson, Gilbert - To get a look see at training camp. Maybe one will impress and make the team. (That makes 7 defenseman) Most probably 2 years away,

Free agent signing to add depth if some of the above are traded at the TDL and serve as placeholder until the kids are ready.

My prediction for Hawks D for next year - Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Joki, Gus, Dahlstrom, youngster. Let's hear your ideas.
- boilermaker100

Good analysis. My take:

1) Keith and Seabrook won't be traded for various reasons stated many times on these boards.

2) Give cups of coffee to Hillman and Carlsson to see what they can bring to the ice and what they need to work on. This observation time will help decide whether to resign Hillman this summer.

3) Resign Dahlstrom for 1-2 years.

4) Trade Forsling.

5) Either trade Koekkoek or just simply don't resign him.

6) Explore if any experienced D-men are available in free agency or trade like a Stralman.

7) Dangle Gustafsson as trade bait to see what he can garner. If a good deal is offered, take it.

8) See what prospects, if any, have what it takes to make the team next fall. Doubtful any will as most are at least a year away if not two. Carlsson or Hillman could make the cut if I had to choose one today.

Pretend Stralman is signed in free agency:

Keith - Jokiharju
Murphy - Stralman
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Dahlstrom with Carlsson and Hillman as first call-ups if needed

The make up of that blueline changes, of course, depending on #6, #7, and #8. Then the whole complexion of the blueline changes, too, if Keith is somehow traded.

Oh, I wouldn't mind Keith traded. He would bring back some decent assets in return. But it is easier said than done.
- boilermaker100

I agree . However if Stan can't move 1 or both IMO it's a epic failure .

Thosem2 alone eat up 12 million in salary for the next 5 years Also neither of those are doing anything to improve or help.

I think Chicago could go out and sign a younger more stay at home defenseman while bringing up boqvist who is offensive minded and or supporting Gustafson. Nikita Zadorov is available he is young , brings size , stay at home defenseman.

True dat. But still, it would allow us to make a good addition in-season or at the dealine next year should we be improved. The space can still be utilized as soon as the first puck is dropped for the season.
- hawk35

Thatsnno way to run a team or manage personnel. You won't get poop . Any in season trades are small.

Good analysis. My take:

1) Keith and Seabrook won't be traded for various reasons stated many times on these boards.

2) Give cups of coffee to Hillman and Carlsson to see what they can bring to the ice and what they need to work on. This observation time will help decide whether to resign Hillman this summer.

3) Resign Dahlstrom for 1-2 years.

4) Trade Forsling.

5) Either trade Koekkoek or just simply don't resign him.

6) Explore if any experienced D-men are available in free agency or trade like a Stralman.

7) Dangle Gustafsson as trade bait to see what he can garner. If a good deal is offered, take it.

8) See what prospects, if any, have what it takes to make the team next fall. Doubtful any will as most are at least a year away if not two. Carlsson or Hillman could make the cut if I had to choose one today.

Pretend Stralman is signed in free agency:

Keith - Jokiharju
Murphy - Stralman
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Dahlstrom with Carlsson and Hillman as first call-ups if needed

The make up of that blueline changes, of course, depending on #6, #7, and #8. Then the whole complexion of the blueline changes, too, if Keith is somehow traded.
- AEL_Fox

Good thoughts. By the way, I changed my lineup in a later post, by trading Gus and bringing in a UFA like Stralman too!

Good analysis. My take:

1) Keith and Seabrook won't be traded for various reasons stated many times on these boards.

2) Give cups of coffee to Hillman and Carlsson to see what they can bring to the ice and what they need to work on. This observation time will help decide whether to resign Hillman this summer.

3) Resign Dahlstrom for 1-2 years.

4) Trade Forsling.

5) Either trade Koekkoek or just simply don't resign him.

6) Explore if any experienced D-men are available in free agency or trade like a Stralman.

7) Dangle Gustafsson as trade bait to see what he can garner. If a good deal is offered, take it.

8) See what prospects, if any, have what it takes to make the team next fall. Doubtful any will as most are at least a year away if not two. Carlsson or Hillman could make the cut if I had to choose one today.

Pretend Stralman is signed in free agency:

Keith - Jokiharju
Murphy - Stralman
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Dahlstrom with Carlsson and Hillman as first call-ups if needed

The make up of that blueline changes, of course, depending on #6, #7, and #8. Then the whole complexion of the blueline changes, too, if Keith is somehow traded.
- AEL_Fox

Stralman if he signs a deal it sure won't be with a last place team or a 1 year deal. Also how does having him with Keith and Seabrook allow for this team to bring up any of their kids?

Think big. Keith or Seabrook getting moved. Is a priority

Thatsnno way to run a team or manage personnel. You won't get poop . Any in season trades are small.
- Taylorst1

Unless the Hawks suck next year and take on an expiring deadweight contract (along with some good assets) at next year's TDL to enable a contender to improve their team.