All the talk is him wanting max term. Someone will give it to him. Supposedly he already turned down 8x8M AAV from the Sens. I can think of 5 teams off the top of my head that are in dire need of top 6 centers.

I really hope it isn't the Hawks. Can't say that enough. lol
- Elbows15

Sooo, you're saying MTL...

not happening. Columbus may as well take their shot.
- Elbows15

I can see that, but can't ignore the large amount he'll bring back.

Dahlstrom & Murphy have had the highest percentage of D zone starts, by far, as well as the strongest opponents, also by far.

Joki, Keith & Gus have had nearly identical O zone starts, highest on the team, and also almost identical opponent strength.

Looking at everything, the guys that have been the worst are Forsling and Kookoo. If anyone should be sent down it’s Forsling. Both the eye test and the underlying numbers indicate he’s not going to make it in the NHL. Showcasing him can only hurt your chances of trading him, because he’s not very good.
- scottak

Forsling has shown enough to me to be given a bit more time. Team sucks anyway and Forsling has shown some glimpse of talent. PooPoo is meh.

I can see that, but can't ignore the large amount he'll bring back.
- I Am The Breadman

He is still a rental. 1st and prospect is the going rate. Panthers aren't making the PO so why give up more? Especially when they can take a run at him in the off-season.

If you mean they have an extension in place, then yes, the return would be higher. Teams that are contenders would really muddle the return. Most wouldn't want to give up a roster player. The 1st becomes in the 20s. Prospect(s) don't help the BJs this season.

That is why I opined they may as well take their shot.

All the talk is him wanting max term. Someone will give it to him. Supposedly he already turned down 8x8M AAV from the Sens. I can think of 5 teams off the top of my head that are in dire need of top 6 centers.

I really hope it isn't the Hawks. Can't say that enough. lol
- Elbows15

The proof will be in what he actually gets. The rumors are always a bit out there compared to what actually happens. Just because there is rumor he turned down 8x8 from Ottawa doesn't actually mean much. I'm pretty sure he would turn down almost any offer from that dumpster fire. Teams need centers, but it doesn't mean Duchene wants to sign with those teams.

I'm just saying when I hear a player wants some over-valued amount on a contract, I usually take it with a grain of salt. Does Duchene deserve to be paid like one of the elite C in the NHL. Nope. A team might go overboard to sign him, but if they do, that's their problem.

My original point is that the Hawks don't need to spend that much to get a top 6 forward. The going rate for an average top 6 guy isn't going to be 8-10 million.
If there is a guy out there overvaluing himself, let him. Sign someone else. There are some options and they can probably land a top 6 option in the 5-7 million dollar range.

Florida makes sense since he has a home there. The market, tho? Questionable. Maybe he sparks some ticket sales.

I think he wants a bigger stage. As it were.
- Elbows15

I know about him having a home there, but your last comment might be a bigger factor.

The proof will be in what he actually gets. The rumors are always a bit out there compared to what actually happens. Just because there is rumor he turned down 8x8 from Ottawa doesn't actually mean much. I'm pretty sure he would turn down almost any offer from that dumpster fire. Teams need centers, but it doesn't mean Duchene wants to sign with those teams.

I'm just saying when I hear a player wants some over-valued amount on a contract, I usually take it with a grain of salt. Does Duchene deserve to be paid like one of the elite C in the NHL. Nope. A team might go overboard to sign him, but if they do, that's their problem.

My original point is that the Hawks don't need to spend that much to get a top 6 forward. The going rate for an average top 6 guy isn't going to be 8-10 million.
If there is a guy out there overvaluing himself, let him. Sign someone else. There are some options and they can probably land a top 6 option in the 5-7 million dollar range.
- breadbag

Well, yeah. History has shown that FAs usually are overpaid on July 1st. I don't want anything to do with Duchene at any price. The Hawks shouldn't be signing any player in the 5-7M range at this point.

The 8x8M offer was reported by multiple places. I tend to believe that is real.

It looks like the team has the same ideas. I get his Corsi numbers are best on the team, but there is more to being an NHL D-man than that. (not directed at you).

Mark Lazerus‏Verified account @MarkLazerus · 8m8 minutes ago

Jeremy Colliton said the Blackhawks want Henri Jokiharju playing major minutes in all situations in Rockford. Said he still has trouble physically sometimes as a 19YO. "We don't want him playing just to survive. We want him to excel." Says the team still loves him.
- Chunk

Makes sense to me. Besides I’m embracing the tank!

Sooo, you're saying MTL...
- Chunk

Habs could use him. And then have the space. He could be their 1C until KK is ready to take over.

It looks like the team has the same ideas. I get his Corsi numbers are best on the team, but there is more to being an NHL D-man than that. (not directed at you).

Mark Lazerus‏Verified account @MarkLazerus · 8m8 minutes ago

Jeremy Colliton said the Blackhawks want Henri Jokiharju playing major minutes in all situations in Rockford. Said he still has trouble physically sometimes as a 19YO. "We don't want him playing just to survive. We want him to excel." Says the team still loves him.
- Chunk

LOL

By that logic the entire defense group (minus Keith + Murphy) and the entire bottom six forwards should be sent to the AHL (or ECHL in Kunitz’s case)

Well, yeah. History has shown that FAs usually are overpaid on July 1st. I don't want anything to do with Duchene at any price. The Hawks shouldn't be signing any player in the 5-7M range at this point.

The 8x8M offer was reported by multiple places. I tend to believe that is real.
- Elbows15

So we are going to bring the same team back next year pretty much? Keith Seabs kane and teows are going to be worse next year. Craw is done. If the above is the case we should trade kane and Teows as well.

So we are going to bring the same team back next year pretty much? Keith Seabs kane and teows are going to be worse next year. Craw is done. If the above is the case we should trade kane and Teows as well.
- kmw4631

I wouldn’t say that, but the TDL is not the best time to address these issues.

So we are going to bring the same team back next year pretty much? Keith Seabs kane and teows are going to be worse next year. Craw is done. If the above is the case we should trade kane and Teows as well.
- kmw4631

If we finish in the bottom 5 we could definitely have a top 5 pick in our lineup next year, probably a forward. If we can move AA we would have enough to add a 3C forward and top 4 defender.

People said Crow was done before this season. When he came back he was very good. He is already back on the ice now. I am not saying he should or should not play again. That is his decision (and his medical advisors). But I would say he will be back before the end of this season. I think the type of hits he took are outside the norm and it would be very possible he could go through a full season next year without such a hit.

I am ok with the same basic team with a healthy Crow, a full year with Strome, a top 5 pick at RW on the Toews/Saad line, a FA top 4 defender, a really good FA 3C, further development of our younger players and maturation of our prospects in juniors or at the Rock (Boqvist, Beaudin, Kurashev, Barrat, etc.). Maybe not next year, but the following year could be pretty good.

I wouldn’t say that, but the TDL is not the best time to address these issues.
- walleyeb1

He was taking about Free Agency and he has a point. The Hawks can only really improve 3 ways...

Trading
Drafting
Signing UFA players.

They can't rely on only trading players or only drafting or only signing UFA. They need to just make smart moves on all fronts. Draft well. Win some trades and sign the right personnel to fit needs.

Stan needs to be on top of his game right now. They can't afford many missteps and I don't think it needs to be black and white. If the opportunity is right, they need to do it. If there is a deal that makes the team better, do it. If you can sign a good top 6 winger to a reasonable contract do it. Even it is only the short term. Just don't give the guy a stupid NMC or NTC so you are handcuffed. Maybe they sign a guy and trade him a year or two down the road, as long as they didn't overpay, then at least they probably get some assets in return.

If we finish in the bottom 5 we could definitely have a top 5 pick in our lineup next year, probably a forward. If we can move AA we would have enough to add a 3C forward and top 4 defender.

People said Crow was done before this season. When he came back he was very good. He is already back on the ice now. I am not saying he should or should not play again. That is his decision (and his medical advisors). But I would say he will be back before the end of this season. I think the type of hits he took are outside the norm and it would be very possible he could go through a full season next year without such a hit.

I am ok with the same basic team with a healthy Crow, a full year with Strome, a top 5 pick at RW on the Toews/Saad line, a FA top 4 defender, a really good FA 3C, further development of our younger players and maturation of our prospects in juniors or at the Rock (Boqvist, Beaudin, Kurashev, Barrat, etc.). Maybe not next year, but the following year could be pretty good.
- -Doh-

The question mark would be if this top 5 pick is ready to play (and play top 6 minutes) but I agree with you. Crawford could be back and could still decide to play for a while. The team could improve with some more depth.

If we finish in the bottom 5 we could definitely have a top 5 pick in our lineup next year, probably a forward. If we can move AA we would have enough to add a 3C forward and top 4 defender.

People said Crow was done before this season. When he came back he was very good. He is already back on the ice now. I am not saying he should or should not play again. That is his decision (and his medical advisors). But I would say he will be back before the end of this season. I think the type of hits he took are outside the norm and it would be very possible he could go through a full season next year without such a hit.

I am ok with the same basic team with a healthy Crow, a full year with Strome, a top 5 pick at RW on the Toews/Saad line, a FA top 4 defender, a really good FA 3C, further development of our younger players and maturation of our prospects in juniors or at the Rock (Boqvist, Beaudin, Kurashev, Barrat, etc.). Maybe not next year, but the following year could be pretty good.
- -Doh-

Solid analysis. I'm thinking similar.

As much as it would be nice to sign a Stone or Panarin, the Hawks will likely be priced out and it's not best to spend that much money on one player when there are multiple needs. Like you said, a possible top 5 pick in the draft could help fill the top 6 opening at wing. The top rated forwards either natural RWs or centers who can also play RW (according to Draftsite).

Greatest need is on the blueline so spend available cap space on a top 4 defender. Solidifying the 3rd line is needed, too, so finding a bona fide 3C would be affordable if a top 6 winger is not pursued.

Question marks still in net but gotta take that day by day since Crawford's status is unknown but at least progressing.

The question mark would be if this top 5 pick is ready to play (and play top 6 minutes) but I agree with you. Crawford could be back and could still decide to play for a while. The team could improve with some more depth.
- breadbag

Yeah, that is a question mark, too, in addition to Crawford. Hughes and Kakko seem closest to being NHL ready next year. The others like Cozens, Darby, Boldy, and Podkolzin may need a year before making the jump. Who knows, it could end up being the other way around.

This isn't going to be a quick fix. They need to continue to rebuild. Signing FA at this point will only leave them with a bad team and no cap space.

A few Second City Hockey articles from today:

- Vermette retires.
- Gustafsson getting traded hinges on return being impressive.
- Kayumov announces he will play out his KHL contract and sign with the Hawks in 2020; formerly rumored that he was going to sign after this current season.

For those keeping track of how acquired draft picks pan out, Kayumov was drafted using the pick in the deal that sent Bickell and Teravainen to the Canes.

It looks like the team has the same ideas. I get his Corsi numbers are best on the team, but there is more to being an NHL D-man than that. (not directed at you).

Mark Lazerus‏Verified account @MarkLazerus · 8m8 minutes ago

Jeremy Colliton said the Blackhawks want Henri Jokiharju playing major minutes in all situations in Rockford. Said he still has trouble physically sometimes as a 19YO. "We don't want him playing just to survive. We want him to excel." Says the team still loves him.
- Chunk

This reminded me of an Athletic article. Powers wrote on Jan 20th about the development of Joki and are the Hawks doing this right. He was saying the concern was the rookie wall and the physicality of the season going forward. One quote stood out in reference to what JC said in the bolded above.

One league executive thought the Blackhawks were taking the right approach with Jokiharju.

“I am fine with it, it’s the (Steven) Stamkos program,” the league source said. “He needs to get stronger.”

Jokiharju’s strength and willingness/ability to absorb physical play has been an issue scouts have noticed this season. After a Winnipeg Jets game earlier this season, a scout said, “He looked poop-scared to me. He got hit early and wanted no part of the puck after that.”

Love your posts so much That's a gem lol (NOT sarcasm)


#FireStan
- EnzoD

You get the picture buddy! It’s frustrating sometimes. All the teams are getting out in front of their intentions and yet we are more worried about making Chevy commercials and other crap.

Still taken a back a bit about the pessimism.

Vegas taught everyone that it does not take years to build a winner. In fact, they took on castaways and went to cup final.

Parse that with all the mental gymnastics you want, that is the new standard for turning things around in the NHL.

Still taken a back a bit about the pessimism.

Vegas taught everyone that it does not take years to build a winner. In fact, they took on castaways and went to cup final.

Parse that with all the mental gymnastics you want, that is the new standard for turning things around in the NHL.
- TrueGrit

Why? Are you new?

Still taken a back a bit about the pessimism.

Vegas taught everyone that it does not take years to build a winner. In fact, they took on castaways and went to cup final.

Parse that with all the mental gymnastics you want, that is the new standard for turning things around in the NHL.
- TrueGrit

Given the expansion draft rules on who teams could and had to protect - isn't it that Vegas actually wound up with a lot of middle-six / 3-4-5 defensemen plus a pretty good goalie?

I was certainly surprised that they made the Final (which doesn't make me unique or smart) but not surprised that they were much better than the usual crappie expansion teams of the past.

While Seattle now has a much higher bar to reach - they will be operating under the same rules - and should be able to field (ice) a team of quality middle-six and 3-4-5 defensemen.

Still taken a back a bit about the pessimism.

Vegas taught everyone that it does not take years to build a winner. In fact, they took on castaways and went to cup final.

Parse that with all the mental gymnastics you want, that is the new standard for turning things around in the NHL.
- TrueGrit

You have to take into account a few things, the biggest and most important is they were not saddled with a 7 mil untradeable contract like Seabs who wouldn't make any playoff roster, 3 players eating 22% of the cap and their #1 goalie unavailable.

Not sure what your definition is of mental gymnastics but the above is one hell of an impediment.