The reason why everyone says keep Seabrook is the reality that he is unmovable, not that there is not better use of the dollars. Keith even if not an elite defenseman is still worth $5.5 million a year
- LAHawk

Hanging on to Keith and Seabrook does not help this team nor does it get this team any closer to contending again. Prospects, picks and cap space to fully utilize however Chicago feels is necessary.

Even Toews should be considered in a trade if the offer is huge.

A salary cap that rises on average of 2.8 million a year is not enough to cover future players salaries if your holding onto 2 well past their prime defenseman who eat up over 12 million. Chicago can't do anything unless they agree to a trade and if they do that limits Chicago's option for a return.

How bout Markstrom or Demko as part of a Keith package? They also have hotshot goalie prospect DiPietro. Had to look this up but doubt they would move top prospect Dman Juolevi.
- Mr Ricochet

Only my opinion, but I am with you on asking for Juolevi, a big 6'3" 200# LHD who is also Finnish. Might be the perfect compliment to Joki....have them form chemistry like Keith & Seabrook back in the days in the AHL. He's coming off knee surgery (and earlier minor back surgery), so maybe they "sell low". I'm trying to remember if he's the kid who the GM was upset played too many video games or something like that a year or so ago.

Also, they just selected LHD Hughes who is probably their top prospect and they'll try to get into the lineup sooner.

I would try for Juolevi & 1st 2019, and if needed throw back mid-level picks/prospects.

Also, unrelated and not wishing injuries on anyone....I hope Carlsson & Raddysh get a taste of the pros this year (as well as Mitchell after he signs) to see how their games are.

Right on, Webby. Don't know about you but I still have a 30in waste, can still run a sub 4.6 40 and have full head of hair for internets purposes. Doesn't mean I do, or don't, know what I'm talking about.

No doubt in my mind Mex played as his x's and o's were as good as anyone who's posted here and his evaluations would support that too. Same for how he saw a game. Dude has been coached up, zero doubt. ............This Hawks blog lost one of its best resources when Mex had enough of the real frauds that still post here.
- Mr Ricochet

Wow. We are very similar.....I have a 3 inch ____, can eat a foot long sub, and as bald as a pool ball. But, its the internet. I can embellish if I wanna!!!

Know the kid well, a USHL boy. Used to talk to his pops on a USHL message board....... California boy, not drafted into the USHL or even the NAHL IIRC, got a tryout with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, did well, stuck, pilfered by the NTDP, did well, signed with Boston College, 3 yrs there, was lights out, couple WJC, 100 solid AHL games and now at 23/24 knocking on the NHL door. ...........Solid developmental path. I'm a big fan.

But Markstrom has been with the league leaders in high danger save% the last 2 yrs and is signed thru next yr at 3.8 mil. Think he's their starter thru next yr unless the Hawks trade for the 28 yr old??????
- Mr Ricochet

Nice story about Demko's path.

I'd prefer the Hawks go after Demko if Markstrom is the Canucks starter for the foreseeable future.

Wonder if Keith's additional term is an asset or liability regards to trade value. Muzzin only has one year left, while Keith has 5 years left.

How about the Canucks 1st round pick and forward Jake Viraten. Don't know much about him except that he was Vancouver's 1st round pick in 2014. That fits Stan's MO. Jake has one year left at 1.250M than an RFA so he can be re-upped rather inexpensively. Or instead of him one of their top minor league prospects.
- boilermaker100

Virtanen hasn't lived up to his 1st round status, at least so far. Seems like a familiar record. I believe Virtanen's game is similar to Caggiula's. I'd rather not have both and would be fine moving forward with Caggiula.

Canucks also have Demko as future starting goalie. He's played in 2 games so far after a recent callup from Utica.

This is for anyone to answer but if the Hawks did trade Keith to Vancouver, what is a realistic return? I imagine the Muzzin deal is a possible template to get a ballpark estimate of asset types like a 1st rounder, current roster player, and prospect.
- AEL_Fox

The real question is why would Vancouver want him? They are in the middle of rebuilding. A 35 year old crappy defenseman is what they are after?

The real question is why would Vancouver want him? They are in the middle of rebuilding. A 35 year old crappy defenseman is what they are after?
- GPHawksfan

They wouldn’t.

Only my opinion, but I am with you on asking for Juolevi, a big 6'3" 200# LHD who is also Finnish. Might be the perfect compliment to Joki....have them form chemistry like Keith & Seabrook back in the days in the AHL. He's coming off knee surgery (and earlier minor back surgery), so maybe they "sell low". I'm trying to remember if he's the kid who the GM was upset played too many video games or something like that a year or so ago.

Also, they just selected LHD Hughes who is probably their top prospect and they'll try to get into the lineup sooner.

I would try for Juolevi & 1st 2019, and if needed throw back mid-level picks/prospects.

Also, unrelated and not wishing injuries on anyone....I hope Carlsson & Raddysh get a taste of the pros this year (as well as Mitchell after he signs) to see how their games are.
- DrewDawg

Good luck with any of that. This version of Duncan Keith isn't going to get you any of the things suggested.

Virtanen hasn't lived up to his 1st round status, at least so far. Seems like a familiar record. I believe Virtanen's game is similar to Caggiula's. I'd rather not have both and would be fine moving forward with Caggiula.
- AEL_Fox

Virtanen is somewhere between Caggiula and Perlini. The only good think about Virtanen is the goal celebration some fans created - Shotgun Jake.

They wouldn’t.
- DarthKane

I know this. These trade proposals are so idiotic.

Good luck with any of that. This version of Duncan Keith isn't going to get you any of the things suggested.
- GPHawksfan

Stan would get a 3rd for Keith, maybe a 2nd if he retained salary.

How bout Markstrom or Demko as part of a Keith package? They also have hotshot goalie prospect DiPietro. Had to look this up but doubt they would move top prospect Dman Juolevi.
- Mr Ricochet

Out of those 3, yes to Demko.

Is DiPietro related to former #1 pick and goalie Rick DiPietro? Maybe cousins or uncle/nephew? Doubt it's his son since Rick is still in his 30's.

The real question is why would Vancouver want him? They are in the middle of rebuilding. A 35 year old crappy defenseman is what they are after?
- GPHawksfan

Not sure either. Just playing along with the rumor. Maybe Keith has a 1-2 team list of teams he would accept a trade to but that doesn't necessarily mean those teams actually want him or would be in their best interest to acquire him.

Wow. We are very similar.....I have a 3 inch ____, can eat a foot long sub, and as bald as a pool ball. But, its the internet. I can embellish if I wanna!!!

- hawk35

Oh man I remember the days I could devour a ft long Mr Submarine or 2 Big Macs in one sitting. Great times, I think?

Also, unrelated and not wishing injuries on anyone....I hope Carlsson & Raddysh get a taste of the pros this year (as well as Mitchell after he signs) to see how their games are.
- DrewDawg

At least Hillman given that he is an RFA this summer so might be helpful to see his progress on NHL ice again before deciding on whether to resign him and at what terms.

I would like to see a Carlsson tryout. Don't know if it's wise to bring up Raddysh. He has a similar skill set and deficiencies as Gustafsson. Not good to have both on the roster unless one sits for the other.

Out of those 3, yes to Demko.

Is DiPietro related to former #1 pick and goalie Rick DiPietro? Maybe cousins or uncle/nephew? Doubt it's his son since Rick is still in his 30's.
- AEL_Fox

Not sure but would think they are related somehow. Kid was lights out in the WJC, a .952 SPG, for Canada. ..... VAN has a nice goalie pipeline with Markstrom, Demko and DiPietro. DiPietro was just traded for the rights of a USHL kid for a haul and he hasn't left the USHL. Yegor Afanasyev plays for the #1 USHL team the Muskegon Lumberjacks who are playing .775 hockey. Kid is projected to go 1st rd this yr skates on a line with Hawk property Hakkarainen. Watch most every Jack games and the big Cossack has some game. https://www.eliteprospect...er/450909/yegor-afanasyev

CSS has the Cossack going #19. When reading the list understand the USDP is the US development team, NTDP, and plays a USHL/NCAA schedule. https://www.eliteprospect...9/nhl-central-scouting/na

https://windsorstar.com/s...res-trade-dipietro-to-67s

Gotta love jrs, man. The only constant is change.

I know that there are some waiting practicly with baited breathe for at least one Blackhawk trade. One major trade especially gets their imagination running at high speed.

After being through this situation with your favorite team or looking with a passing interest which is more out of curiosity than anything else when it comes to other teams, we are able to decipher a few things. It allows us to stand on firm ground and accept that maybe that great prospect or moving D Keith is not happening. At least not yet.

Consider this: Wirtz owned Blackhawks going as far back as Pulford run affairs....always wanted to be competitive. They also wanted fans in the stands.

Move Keith and the dmen remaing at least this season have to step up a spot in the rotation. In short, the blueline corps is not going to manage really well. More like on the porous side of being even acceptable. This is in regards to the three pairs employed, not just Murphy or the gambler Gus.

We should also temper our enthusiasm for some of these kids coming in like a mythical savior riding a white horse...victories are not going to be easy when you trade your most capable dman. Notice that I choose "most capable" because Keith on this team right now is really all about whom can carry the load as the top dman

Keith may not be performing like an all star but we need him now because no one else fills well the void once he is shipped away. Murphy yes YES okay he is solid enough but he is more like your solid second pair guy.

I say the thing you want most whether you trade Keith now or down the road, is the best prospect or highest draft pick coming out way.

In that Leafs trade they received Toronto #1. Wahoo. A late first round. Not a likely star, but maybe a solid NHL player usually is the good outcome of that late a pick. Think Danault or the middling ( but higher slot choice) E Moreau.

I do not want three players if I was LA.....I want a more likely really good player from an earlier #1 or a blue chip prospect.

When I asked wiz earlier this season what to expect from Bowman once he starts moving players, wiz said try for #2 round as renumeration. So there is that to chew on.

That might be for Gus.
I think a #3 is fair for AA. He does carry a higher salary.

If you are really high on some of these Blackhawk prospects, maybe some of them should not be rushed but play at AHL and do well/gain confidance there. Think Forsling and Jokiharju should play a lot in Rockford while we give Koekoek a fair trial and give some youngsters like Carlsson a cup of coffee.

All with Keith here until one of the kids steps up and shows he can be a top two pair. That means Keith is here probably at least to next trade 2020 deadline. And if by then Keith is not as highly valued or sought by other teams, so be it.

Nice story about Demko's path.

I'd prefer the Hawks go after Demko if Markstrom is the Canucks starter for the foreseeable future.
- AEL_Fox

I'm a path guy........ Guys undrafted in jrs, work their way up the jrs ladder from lesser leagues, don't get a college commitment until late but persevere tell me much about their character/work ethic and ability to work thru adversity.

They go up a notch in evaluations for me with an equally successful kid who had a nice smooth path.

Mr. R - remember something about the writer of this article. He works in the Maple Leaf centric fishbowl, appears on every Maple Leaf game telecast and is part of the 2nd period HNIC panel on Saturday night. So he's happy as hell to see the Leafs acquire Muzzin for a relatively cheap price because it increases the Leafs chances of a long playoff run where the TV ratings and price of NHL merchandise will be sky high. Bettman will never admit it, but in many ways the Leafs run the NHL for TV ratings, press coverage and $ in the door. Toronto being good and winning pads the NHL coffers. And thats why Bettman won't ever challenge MLSE about putting a 2nd team in TO which it could easily support.

So now it might be a buyers market he says? We"ll see. Injuries to key players on other playoff teams will have a bearing on that. Tampa and Boston will spend big to acquire if they think its necessary. So will Calgary, Vegas, Pittsburgh, SJ and Nashville. The question is whether the Hawks have anybody these teams want and need. Thats really the crux of the matter.
- RickJ

Not necessarily. We are in a position to take some salary. That could free up some room for the other team to go after a big name at the deadline. We could get a 1st or a top prospect without giving up anything.

I know this. These trade proposals are so idiotic.
- GPHawksfan

Indeed, idiots like Al Cimaglia are frauds:


Al Cimaglia
‏ @AlCimaglia
5h5 hours ago

4) that path with the trade of Muzzin. Ideally, it would be best to strike a deal with a trade partner who needs what Bowman is selling but isn't one of the best teams this year.
I heard Duncan Keith's name linked with the Canucks, who fit that category. As far as Panarin...

Al Cimaglia
‏ @AlCimaglia
5h5 hours ago

3) Speaking of a plan Stan Bowman needs to be at his best over the next 6 months. The most effective change would be a top draft pick on an entry-level contract. If that's the aim Bowman needs to put the team in the best position to succeed. It seems Rob Blake has started down

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh just starting on NBCSN.

Varsity game on tonight.

For hockey fans watch TB play. Not just speed and skill. Watch the grit and willingness to engage.

2 minutes in Letang and Malkin banged up.

Indeed, idiots like Al Cimaglia are frauds:


Al Cimaglia
‏ @AlCimaglia
5h5 hours ago

4) that path with the trade of Muzzin. Ideally, it would be best to strike a deal with a trade partner who needs what Bowman is selling but isn't one of the best teams this year.
I heard Duncan Keith's name linked with the Canucks, who fit that category. As far as Panarin...

Al Cimaglia
‏ @AlCimaglia
5h5 hours ago

3) Speaking of a plan Stan Bowman needs to be at his best over the next 6 months. The most effective change would be a top draft pick on an entry-level contract. If that's the aim Bowman needs to put the team in the best position to succeed. It seems Rob Blake has started down
- Mr Ricochet

Al is not a fraud.

"Panarin got brutally booed on the ice in Columbus"

https://www.hockeyfeed.co...Qo7ogMNlie-W4C4pbJLTTOAHw

"Team insider Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reported that there was that such a smattering of boos when Panarin’s name was mentioned during starting lineup announcements, and also often when he touched the puck."

AT HOME IN COLUMBUS....I expect him to be traded before the deadline.....Saad + Anisimov help CBJ compete in the playoffs..just sayin....

Varsity game on tonight.

For hockey fans watch TB play. Not just speed and skill. Watch the grit and willingness to engage.

2 minutes in Letang and Malkin banged up.
- TrueGrit

3-0 Penguins