Kane and Toews with a couple of TOs in the OT too - Hawks in general didn’t take care of the puck.
- StLBravesFan

Players are going to make mistakes and have TOs but I meant that Saad, unlike T&K, doesn't change the way he plays in 3on3. The problem isn't in the execution of the play - it's that he's playing the wrong play.

Players are going to make mistakes and have TOs but I meant that Saad, unlike T&K, doesn't change the way he plays in 3on3. The problem isn't in the execution of the play - it's that he's playing the wrong play.
- EbonyRaptor

I do agree.

On the bright side the off season plan keeps getting clearer and clearer:

1) Defensive Depth
2) Bottom 6 Depth (defensively)
3) Improve the PK

There should be lots of options to make these improvements:

- Trade (hopefully without giving up too much on the roster)
- Free agency (Tanev)
- Internal promotions
- New assistant coach(es)

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I hope the Hawks finish lower than the Canucks. I want Chicago to draft Byram and I don’t think the Canucks pass on him.

On the bright side the off season plan keeps getting clearer and clearer:

1) Defensive Depth
2) Bottom 6 Depth (defensively)
3) Improve the PK

There should be lots of options to make these improvements:

- Trade (hopefully without giving up too much on the roster)
- Free agency (Tanev)
- Internal promotions
- New assistant coach(es)

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I hope the Hawks finish lower than the Canucks. I want Chicago to draft Byram and I don’t think the Canucks pass on him.
- DarthKane

Quinn Hughes was very impressive game 1.

Re: This worry about not able to protect a good player because Seabrook had to be protected for the expansion draft:

Do teams get an exception so they do not have to protect rookies? Because then Chicago delays the NHL start of many prospects. A good player will be lost, however, no matter the prospects.
- jhawk59

Players who play one or two years are ineligible for the draft and don't have to be protected. The draft is two years from this summer so any prospects that begin playing in the NHL next year won't get drafted. Joki has a year in already because he played part of this season. Assuming he plays the next 2 years, he would be eligible for the draft and needs to be protected if the Hawks don't want to lose him.

How much you want to bet the Clucks win the draft lottery . And should you pull your goalie in OT when you get possession of the puck .

How much you want to bet the Clucks win the draft lottery . And should you pull your goalie in OT when you get possession of the puck .
- oldduffman

I think the Wings will win the draft lottery.

I think the Wings will win the draft lottery.
- DarthKane

Could be ,but just looking at all the bad luck Vancouver had over the years in the lottery ,and now Hughes sitting there it just seems like it will happen . Vancouver and their idiot fan base have built up a lot of bad Karma over the years ,maybe they will just miss out .lol

I think the Wings will win the draft lottery.
- DarthKane

It will be the Oilers again. Just to piss everyone off.

Kruger does not appear to have the strength to move the puck, on friction less ice, greater than 10 feet.

Kruger does not appear to have the strength to move the puck, on friction less ice, greater than 10 feet.
- TrueGrit

Floor hockey stick.

Good for Gus putting up the points, its lining his own pocket down the road, but if he was playing for a coach like Barry Trotz instead of Beer league coaches and system, I don't think he would have the points and would be free wheeling like he does. His ass would be stapled to the bench for some of those nonchalant bone head plays he makes in the defensive zone.
As far as him gettin 5 mill, let someone else give it to him, he'll be 29 when he can be a UFA.
- wonthecup10

Don't disagree with some of the statement. If one of the other prospects can come up and show similar offensive prowess, it will be easier to part with Gus.

He's still got another year left at $1.2M, which is a contract you've complained about how awful it was before the ink was dry...but you've apparently moved onto the next.

Not sure I'd pay him that either, but someone will.

Many voicing concern over the newer expensive contracts out of ELC/formerly bridge deals, need to consider that the paradigm has shifted. These contracts (unlike the oft cited Seabrook deal and others over the last few years which reward players at end of career, when they are no longer playing at high level), a shift is being made to pay the players for their most productive years now. In the modern era of hockey, where the speed of the game will continue to be a huge factor, many players will phase out at younger ages.

In the past, look at Kane and Toews, they won cups and had some of their most productive years on their entry level deals.

My theory is, as these players reach thirty/early thirties, they can then renew for lower salaries to extend their careers.

While there will be some fiscal issues for some teams in the near term, it should level out in next 3 to 5 years. In the case of Seabrook, some could argue he is barely able to play in the league any longer. If you were able to give him a 1 to 2.5 deal for the last few years of his career, he would not be as big a target to fans or put so much pressure on himself.

Their jersey is trash. Need to go back to this...


- EnzoD

Go back to these or their old purple ones. Can't recall whether Purple was home and yellow was away.

Either way, the current ones are pretty lame.

Don't disagree with some of the statement. If one of the other prospects can come up and show similar offensive prowess, it will be easier to part with Gus.

He's still got another year left at $1.2M, which is a contract you've complained about how awful it was before the ink was dry...but you've apparently moved onto the next.

Not sure I'd pay him that either, but someone will.
- HawkintheD

While it is hard for many to let go of narratives, while the Hawks have played at their 100 point pace for last half of the season, Gus has actually been a plus player 5 on 5. His plus minus went from -16 to -9. That does not even begin to tell the story about the impact on the PP.

He has improved his dzone coverage and like Leddy used to do, seamlessly transitions the puck to offense, that it is taken for granted and lost upon many watching the game. Expect him to continue to improve, gain confidence and take the next step. There seems to be an assumption that the elite dmen in the league never get score upon, never make a bad read or play. But the reality is that the Victor Hedmans, the John Carlsons, the Kris Letangs, all make their share of blunders that end up in the net, but what all of them do, like Gus does, it transition and create offensive opportunities, which flip the ice in milliseconds.

Does he have warts etc...? Of course, but its not nearly as dramatic as the experts here believe.

Many voicing concern over the newer expensive contracts out of ELC/formerly bridge deals, need to consider that the paradigm has shifted. These contracts (unlike the oft cited Seabrook deal and others over the last few years which reward players at end of career, when they are no longer playing at high level), a shift is being made to pay the players for their most productive years now. In the modern era of hockey, where the speed of the game will continue to be a huge factor, many players will phase out at younger ages.

In the past, look at Kane and Toews, they won cups and had some of their most productive years on their entry level deals.

My theory is, as these players reach thirty/early thirties, they can then renew for lower salaries to extend their careers.

While there will be some fiscal issues for some teams in the near term, it should level out in next 3 to 5 years. In the case of Seabrook, some could argue he is barely able to play in the league any longer. If you were able to give him a 1 to 2.5 deal for the last few years of his career, he would not be as big a target to fans or put so much pressure on himself.
- TrueGrit

All true, imo.

Could be ,but just looking at all the bad luck Vancouver had over the years in the lottery ,and now Hughes sitting there it just seems like it will happen . Vancouver and their idiot fan base have built up a lot of bad Karma over the years ,maybe they will just miss out .lol
- oldduffman

I think Darth Kane would consider himself a part of this.

BTW - it was nice seeing Caggiula doing Caggiula things out there last night.

BTW - it was nice seeing Caggiula doing Caggiula things out there last night.
- EbonyRaptor

Sharp was very complimentary toward The Drake after the game.

Many voicing concern over the newer expensive contracts out of ELC/formerly bridge deals, need to consider that the paradigm has shifted. These contracts (unlike the oft cited Seabrook deal and others over the last few years which reward players at end of career, when they are no longer playing at high level), a shift is being made to pay the players for their most productive years now. In the modern era of hockey, where the speed of the game will continue to be a huge factor, many players will phase out at younger ages.

In the past, look at Kane and Toews, they won cups and had some of their most productive years on their entry level deals.

My theory is, as these players reach thirty/early thirties, they can then renew for lower salaries to extend their careers.

While there will be some fiscal issues for some teams in the near term, it should level out in next 3 to 5 years. In the case of Seabrook, some could argue he is barely able to play in the league any longer. If you were able to give him a 1 to 2.5 deal for the last few years of his career, he would not be as big a target to fans or put so much pressure on himself.
- TrueGrit

Paying for their most productive years now - a good paradigm, IF they have proven they can continue - or develop into - to have quality productive years.

I look at Schmaltz’ presumed deal - almost $6MM per for 7years - when he has had only one semi-productive season, has shown to have flaws in his game, and is now going to have to come back from a season ending knee injury. This contract could easily become an albatross starting in its first season.

I think the Wings will win the draft lottery.
- DarthKane

This year I’m not being picky (pun intended) Blackhawks get the 2nd lottery pick.

Paying for their most productive years now - a good paradigm, IF they have proven they can continue - or develop into - to have quality productive years.

I look at Schmaltz’ presumed deal - almost $6MM per for 7years - when he has had only one semi-productive season, has shown to have flaws in his game, and is now going to have to come back from a season ending knee injury. This contract could easily become an albatross starting in its first season.
- StLBravesFan

Well, there is risk in both paradigms. Sign the guy on the way up, and he could flame out. Sign him at 28-30 and he might fall off the table. Odds seem better with the former, imo.

Jordan Howard traded for conditional 6th to the Eagles. That trade blows ass!!!

Jordan Howard traded for conditional 6th to the Eagles. That trade blows ass!!!
- I Am The Breadman

Where have you been? That was several days ago
Hanging out with the single moms again?

Where have you been? That was several days ago
Hanging out with the single moms again?

- mohel

poop, I did not know that ... I'm just a bad fan, focusing too much on making sure I get my certificate.

Gd, Mo.