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

I don't see them signing Stralman, we have a boatload of right handed defensemen on the team and in the pipeline as it is (Joki, Mithcell, Bovquist the young ones.) Under your line-up Murphy plays his offside.

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.
- boilermaker100

I think fans and people are getting tired of watching this team lose and squander Kane and toews remainder years.
If Stan can figure things out and make some well needed moves to free up cap space and rid itself of players who are part of the problem.


Stan won't have a job.


This is part of the reason the nhl has a issue with revenue. Teams having to hold onto aging players and 16 teams basically suck while maybe 8 more teams are just above avg.

I never watch the skills competition. Watched some of the all star game, eh it was okay, honestly they should just get rid of it all together rather see a Blackhawks game, even if they suck. With HD TV don't need the puck tracer, hated the name icons.
- BetweenTheDots

The players deserve a bye week just like NFL players get so even if there was no ASG or skills competition you still likely wouldn’t be watching a live Blackhawks game that weekend

It’s also about the kids and keeping the next generations interested in the game. Do you think kids want to watch a bunch of teenagers they’ve never heard of or do they want to watch the guys they idolize? I know when I was a kid the option was obvious, I wanted to see the stars

I also have to say that the Sportsnet feed of the festivities was much better than NBCSN. The tracking, the commentary, the environment was all much higher quality

The players deserve a bye week just like NFL players get so even if there was no ASG or skills competition you still likely wouldn’t be watching a live Blackhawks game that weekend

It’s also about the kids and keeping the next generations interested in the game. Do you think kids want to watch a bunch of teenagers they’ve never heard of or do they want to watch the guys they idolize? I know when I was a kid the option was obvious, I wanted to see the stars

I also have to say that the Sportsnet feed of the festivities was much better than NBCSN. The tracking, the commentary, the environment was all much higher quality
- WSCTeton17

Actually they don't need a bye week. The NHL does a horrible job with scheduling and that's why you see games where 1 team or both are exhausted 7 games in 11 nights or 6 games in 9 nights . Spread out the days off over the year bye week days. Also the travel schedule sometimes doesn't make sense flying from the east out to the west for a game then back to the east. Look at trying to have teams maybe play a certain amount of games and teams months different coasts .

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 was ok with the puck tracker, but HATED the names above the players. IMO, it blocked too much of the ice. Also, in the regular season, there would be 5 players per side. However, if it got rid of Foley...

I was ok with the puck tracker, but HATED the names above the players. IMO, it blocked too much of the ice. Also, in the regular season, there would be 5 players per side. However, if it got rid of Foley...
- tvetter

The all star game is a joke. The skills competitions are fun but the game itself . These lopsided scores are pure watered down hockey.
They need to be more fun and exciting like the playoffs .

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.
- nickmo2699

I love Werenski, but don't think they should trade ADB. That would leave us with only Kane as a potential 35+ goal scorer. Plus, if they do that, I think it should be straight up.

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

I think a player can start the season on LTIR as long as he ended the previous season on it. I remember a couple years ago Capfriendly had Detroit way over the cap, but they had a couple players on LTIR, so they were cap compliant.

The All-Star weekend is a complete waste of time. How about this instead? Have the NHL guys (plus some USA/Canada women) do the skills competition. Then, for the game, assemble 2 teams from the top prospects of the next summer’s draft, and have them play an actual, competitive hockey game, with 3 periods of actual hockey. It would be much better than the sh*t show the NHL puts on in prime time.
- scottak

Couldn’t agree with this more. Skills competition lost any sense of professionalism many years ago when Kane came out in a cape and Obi wore the cowboy or straw hat. About as exciting as the old “Battle of the NFL Stars” that ran for a few years in the late 70s or early 80s. Might as well turn it into something like the stages gladiator show or other pieces of viewing junk.

Tried watching some of the all-star game. Hockey is a fantastic game that does not translate well into non-competitive exhibitions. Watched a few minutes but just couldn’t get into the lack of effort and competitiveness through the game.

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

This isn’t nhl19 where you can make any trade they both have nmc and you just pop off the same they should be traded posts. But never a real offer we would have to eat salary and provide players or picks to POSSIBLY get someone to bite even after you some how get them to waive there nmcs. Like most everything

I honestly don't expect anything big from the Hawks. I don't see any of Keith, Saad, AA, Seabrook, etc. being moved at the Trade Deadline. If one of them does get moved it'll be in the lead up to the draft or just after when teams are figuring out their cap situation. Even then the team is gonna be pushing to get back to the Playoffs soon and I don't see trading Keith or Saad helping that happen faster.

We know the guys we'd expect to get moved by the deadline with the two NTC guys as possible but not entirely likely category (unless a team that has a legit shot at winning the cup comes asking). Wouldn't be shocked to see a Hayden, Forsling, etc. move made to clear a path for the next wave of guys coming, but only if the it makes sense.

I really liked the idea TC suggested trading like Hayden, Forsling, and one of our 4th round picks to Tampa to take on Ryan Callahan's contract along with one of two of their prospects and possible a pick. Gives us more 'spects in the cupboard and a high draft pick too in order to take Callahan's salary for a year. Probably takes them out of the FA market for the top guys, but unless they're absolutely convinced that Panarin will take a discount I can't see them being big spenders in FA. The Defensemen out there are better than what we have but, their contracts will likely look just as bad as most D-Men who get overpaid in FA as its a premium that every tea is looking to upgrade. Top guys like Stone, Duchene, even Panarin are likely gonna get more than we can commit to one guy. I'd love the idea of a Michael Ferlund type of guy, but even he could end up getting a deal worth over 5M. Hawks can't afford to be reckless in FA and need to spend wisely. If guys they like want more than they are comfortable committing then they need to turn to the trade market to improve the team.

Can we talk about that highlight package for Kubalik for a second...

I know it's a bigger ice sheet, but he's got some eyes. Some of those are Kane-like passes. Also, hard low shot from the top of the circle. I wonder what the Kings didn't see. I know it's edited and maybe he doesn't play defense, but man, those highlights were on fire.

And speaking of fire...does anyone know why some of the sweaters and helmets were different with fire logos/prints on them? I could probably research, but y'know...lazy.

EDIT: Never mind...I bit the bullet. Here's what they are:

Top Scorer
You may have heard of European clubs and leagues giving a leading scorer a gold helmet to wear during games to award the player, but the Swiss National Leagues take it a step further. Since 2002, the National Leagues (A and B) top scorers on each team have worn a flaming helmet and jersey with TOP SCORER written in big font on the back. While these players look ridiculous, it's all for a good cause and growing hockey in Switzerland as for each point the top scorer gets means money donated to junior hockey in Switzerland. Since 2002, over 3 million Swiss francs have been raised for Swiss youth hockey which is pretty awesome despite having to look like a jackass in the process.
- CanOCorn

I would like to see the league adopt a uniform change that would set aside a small section on the from of each player’s uniform where ther would wear some type of “miniature” badging (seen on patches, actually) that would represent significant milestones in a player’s career: a silver star to represent each all-star game selection, with the start being gold if they were the all-start game mvp; silver Stanley cups for a player on the winning team and gold for the mvp; think they could work out some others for the major individual awards. Could see this leading to growth in sweater sales as you try to keep up with your favorite player’s career. And I think it would be very cool just seeing the type of “fruit salad”, to borrow a military term) to see what the individual players on a team have accomplished.

I never watch the skills competition. Watched some of the all star game, eh it was okay, honestly they should just get rid of it all together rather see a Blackhawks game, even if they suck. With HD TV don't need the puck tracer, hated the name icons.
- BetweenTheDots

I think the name icons would work either prior to the puck drop and on a replay where they could turn on/off the name icon of the player or players they wanted to focus on. Sometimes when the analyst reruns a play, they’re telling you who to watch for, but it is sometimes difficult to pick that player out at the start.

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

I think the Hawks would discuss things with a player, regardless of who that player is but they would do it in confidences so as not to embarrass the player.

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

Yeah that’s the problem there are only a couple of teams, that could be considered potential contenders for the next couple years that could afford his cap hit. His diminishing salary could be seen as a plus though. The Avalanche and the Blue Jackets come to mind off the top of my head.

I really don’t know what kind of return could be expected from either of those teams.

Actually they don't need a bye week. The NHL does a horrible job with scheduling and that's why you see games where 1 team or both are exhausted 7 games in 11 nights or 6 games in 9 nights . Spread out the days off over the year bye week days. Also the travel schedule sometimes doesn't make sense flying from the east out to the west for a game then back to the east. Look at trying to have teams maybe play a certain amount of games and teams months different coasts .
- Taylorst1

The players wanted it, that is why they have a bye week. It's basically a short break for them to get a break from games/practice during the season.

I know the schedule can be erratic during the season, but honestly it would be a nightmare to schedule 31 teams based around the commitments of the different venues, plus travel, events, etc.. all to fit into the format of the divisions and conferences. I say hats off to the people that make the schedule, because their job isn't easy.

The all star game is a joke. The skills competitions are fun but the game itself . These lopsided scores are pure watered down hockey.
They need to be more fun and exciting like the playoffs .
- Taylorst1

Things I believe to be true:
Keith and Seabrook aren't going anywhere (at least not at the TDL).
Stan is probably not going anywhere.
The all-star game isn't going anywhere.
Taylorst1 is going to continually bash Stan and make outrageous claims that most likely won't work in every comment section.

I think a player can start the season on LTIR as long as he ended the previous season on it. I remember a couple years ago Capfriendly had Detroit way over the cap, but they had a couple players on LTIR, so they were cap compliant.
- tvetter

Maybe I am wrong, but you have to be cap complaint including the LTIR player's salary the day the season starts. Then you put the player on LTIR the second day of the season and gain the cap space.

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

hawks must add at least 1 or 2 nhl top 4 dmen...2 of next years 7 are unknown at this point...

The players deserve a bye week just like NFL players get so even if there was no ASG or skills competition you still likely wouldn’t be watching a live Blackhawks game that weekend

It’s also about the kids and keeping the next generations interested in the game. Do you think kids want to watch a bunch of teenagers they’ve never heard of or do they want to watch the guys they idolize? I know when I was a kid the option was obvious, I wanted to see the stars

I also have to say that the Sportsnet feed of the festivities was much better than NBCSN. The tracking, the commentary, the environment was all much higher quality
- WSCTeton17

This used to matter, but not so much anymore. Go back to my childhood, and there was only 1 nationally televised game per week, plus the Blackhawk road games. You literally didn’t get to see some stars, or even entire teams for that matter.

Now, Wednesday night games & weekend games on NBC. NHL Network has games including Hockey Night in Canada. All 82 Blackhawk games. Get dad to by the NHL package, and you can watch your favorite player(s) in nearly every game they play.

Kids can see plenty of hockey. The ASG is no longer needed for kids. Now, it can be used for wining and dining the NHL’s corporate partners. But the ASG is no longer essential to grow the game.

Maybe I am wrong, but you have to be cap complaint including the LTIR player's salary the day the season starts. Then you put the player on LTIR the second day of the season and gain the cap space.
- boilermaker100

https://www.capfriendly.com/ltir-faq

I think we're both correct kinda, sorta. I tried making heads or tails of the this but, it's beyond my little pea brain to understand.

The point is, counting on LTIR dollars is not a good way to construct a competitive hockey team.

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

I missed the part where goal scoring became the most important factor for a defenseman. Keith is still the best defenseman on the team, and at least a top 4 on most every team in the league. Top 2 on a few.

Seabrook & Keith will retire as Blackhawks.

So is the gov't...kinda...
- DeflatedPucks

Wonder if Ryan Murray would be a target of the Hawks. He's an RFA at the end of the year and if Columbus wants to resign at least Panarin they're likely going need to need to likely move him out. Dunno what exactly the scouting report is on him, but seems like a legit Top 4 Defensively responsible D-Man who can play 20 minutes a night. Other than that I don't know much.

This isn’t nhl19 where you can make any trade they both have nmc and you just pop off the same they should be traded posts. But never a real offer we would have to eat salary and provide players or picks to POSSIBLY get someone to bite even after you some how get them to waive there nmcs. Like most everything
- Abadseed

Actually your wrong Keith is a easier move then Seabrook. A lot of GMs have interest in Keith his salary each year going forward would make him a solid trade.

Chicago wouldn't be eating any salary with Keith also Toronto is interested in Keith the question I believe is have they exhausted every option ?