If Vegas can sign Karlsson for 5.1M why would they trade him for AA who's making 4.5M. That 600K in cap savings won't help that much. Maybe I am missing something.

As others have posted, VGK can't take back much salary so I would think they take back a draft pick or someone on an ELC they can bury in the AHL for a Miller or McNabb.

They can throw in Eakin too who would be a serviceable 3C for a year. That would make AA available in a separate trade.
- boilermaker100

And Vegas can't sign Karlsson for anything, they are $2 million over the cap without including any of his salary.

Good to hear. The Hogs need to move on from some personnel who aren't going to amount to much (i.e. Knott, Noel, Louis, Pelletier) and bring in some new blood. Admitted, though, that some of this new blood may not be more than career minor leaguers either.

Balancing in a few key veterans is important, too.
- AEL_Fox

Knott and Noel have contracts for next year. They have a bunch of expiring contracts in RFD. Some RFAs and a whole bunch of UFA. That is just the forwards. I think guys like Johnson and Louis may be brought back because of what they bring to the organization as far as leadership and community outreach in Rockford.

Although I'm guessing the Hawks will retain both, if you had a choice and could only sign one, which RFA do you resign: Perlini or Sikura?
- AEL_Fox

Sikura is the better player today - and should / could have a consistent quality career.

Perlini may have more upside but could level off at “just another guy” mediocrity like DuClair. We could be looking at a different player had he spent some time in the AHL instead of being in the Show at 19.

Knott and Noel have contracts for next year. They have a bunch of expiring contracts in RFD. Some RFAs and a whole bunch of UFA. That is just the forwards. I think guys like Johnson and Louis may be brought back because of what they bring to the organization as far as leadership and community outreach in Rockford.
- Elbows15

L Johnson would be in his 4th year next season and could be one of those veterans that guys like Schroeder, Broadhurst, and Martinsen are now. Louis has one less year of AHL experience.

As far as players like Knott and Noel, forgot that they had one more year left. IIRC, they can be sent down to Indy. At least Noel has been on that AHL-ECHL shuttle a few times in his pro career.

Sikura is the better player today - and should / could have a consistent quality career.

Perlini may have more upside but could level off at “just another guy” mediocrity like DuClair. We could be looking at a different player had he spent some time in the AHL instead of being in the Show at 19.
- StLBravesFan

Good perspectives. Duclair seems to be a benchmark, for better or worse. If this season was Duclair's rookie or sophomore year, he could be a more consistent impact player today.

I think we sign all of our RFA's (Sikura, Kampf, Perlini, Koekkoek, Forsling) at low cap hits for 2 years. Then they can fight for roster spots and playing time. They can also be trade pieces. Of these Kampf is the only guy that I feel is a lock for a roster spot as a 3C/4C. I would like to see him play with good linemates on a consistent basis.

I was in favor of signing Kruger cheap for a couple of years as the 13th forward and center depth. But the more I see him the less I like that idea. Maybe he needs to go back to Sweden to rediscover an offensive game.

I think we sign all of our RFA's (Sikura, Kampf, Perlini, Koekkoek, Forsling) at low cap hits for 2 years. Then they can fight for roster spots and playing time. They can also be trade pieces. Of these Kampf is the only guy that I feel is a lock for a roster spot as a 3C/4C. I would like to see him play with good linemates on a consistent basis.

I was in favor of signing Kruger cheap for a couple of years as the 13th forward and center depth. But the more I see him the less I like that idea. Maybe he needs to go back to Sweden to rediscover an offensive game.
- -Doh-

If they sign all of their RFA's (which is likely simply from an asset management point of view) it seems likely that they would trade 1-2 of them (specifically the d-men) due to the numbers they already have. Stan has said a number of times that the roster "will not" look the same next year.

Being that he really has carte blanche to make the team as he sees fit, I think he pulls a couple of higher profile deals out this summer.

I know it's the minor leagues but for those who like to track jersey numbers, here are what new Ice Hogs are wearing:

Krys 4
Hagel 19
R Johnson 42
Olofsson 44

Kruger is the only player i foresee possibly not returning. He could return on a cheap contract. You have the right angle on how to perceive the team going forward:,asset management.

Keep in mind the cost to replace bottom pair or depth players - plenty available around league but how much better than your own guys. Our guys hopefully will have better support from the system Colliton uses (2-1-2) as well as accountability or responsibility is going to be a big theme.

Bowman has his dollars set after resigning his own players therefore he could head to free agency with the best plan he can wrangle up to corral a newbie

However the roster is constructed, Colliton is going to try to meet team expectatiins by keeping players in line.

Yes when Strome or DeBrincat make dumb passes or lack effort defensively....i say Colliton is going to let them ride pine, even a 1-2 game healthy scratch.

Your biggest stars often get away with a weak defensive effort. If that is the case i imagine only Kane maybe Keith
escape full wrath.

Some of the depth guys might develop more and reality is they hold a roster spot until a prospect can dislodge them. Or they are part of a trade for example Oesterle.

I am not guessing when or how significant Bowman attempts to upgrade a position. I am aware there are a couple guys whom.could succeed as energy guys but Bowman usually tries to add grit and toughness from later round picks.

Whom and what kind of style is that #1 going to be? I would hope changing some bottom line forwards is an attempt to strengthen the team's support of the dmen.
- jhawk59

I know it's the minor leagues but for those who like to track jersey numbers, here are what new Ice Hogs are wearing:

Krys 4
Hagel 19
R Johnson 42
Olofsson 44
- AEL_Fox

FYI. Looks like Barratt is returning to PSU for his junior season. Let the hand wringing begin. DU and Mitchell move on to play for the regional championship tomorrow night. Game will be shown on one of the ESPN channels.

I think we sign all of our RFA's (Sikura, Kampf, Perlini, Koekkoek, Forsling) at low cap hits for 2 years. Then they can fight for roster spots and playing time. They can also be trade pieces. Of these Kampf is the only guy that I feel is a lock for a roster spot as a 3C/4C. I would like to see him play with good linemates on a consistent basis.

I was in favor of signing Kruger cheap for a couple of years as the 13th forward and center depth. But the more I see him the less I like that idea. Maybe he needs to go back to Sweden to rediscover an offensive game.
- -Doh-

I think in Kruger's case, discover would be more appropriate. I appreciate his contribution to two Cups and his overall compete level...but time to move on for all parties involved.

FYI. Looks like Barratt is returning to PSU for his junior season. Let the hand wringing begin. DU and Mitchell move on to play for the regional championship tomorrow night. Game will be shown on one of the ESPN channels.
- Elbows15

Barrett is totally pulling a Hayes, Mitchell too.

FYI. Looks like Barratt is returning to PSU for his junior season. Let the hand wringing begin. DU and Mitchell move on to play for the regional championship tomorrow night. Game will be shown on one of the ESPN channels.
- Elbows15

Barrett back to Happy Valley - isn’t that kinda what management wanted?

Justin what would the price tag and comparable for dcat and strome? Plus if im the hawks i try and lock up dcat this offseason 7 to 8 million for 6 to 8 years be my best guess IMO. Strome 5 million 6 years. If saad could get a truboa or young d man that has the upside and potential to become a top 4 d man then yes trade him if not then keep saad thats only way i do that trade scernio. Vegas is primed for the taking young cost controlled d man or forward and a draft pick should be able to get eakin and McNabb or miller. This option has been mentioned a quite a bit because it makes sense vegas cannot take salary so maybe a 3 team trade AA TO Montreal for a 2nd or 3rd then that pick and prospect say forsling to vegas for mcnabb and eakin or montreal and chicago make separate deals with vegas hawks get mcnabb and eakin montreal get karlsson you knows just spit balling.

Notre Dame just eliminate Clarkson 3-2 on OT. Nico Sturm is now available, get it done Stan!!

Barrett back to Happy Valley - isn’t that kinda what management wanted?
- StLBravesFan

Have no idea. I don't think they have spoken yet. Usually the Hawks leave it up to the player. I just saw a couple of tweets from a couple of dudes connected to the PSU program.

Notre Dame just eliminate Clarkson 3-2 on OT. Nico Sturm is now available, get it done Stan!!
- DarthKane

Undisciplined player. Pass. Got booted from the game for a hit from behind.

Barrett is totally pulling a Hayes, Mitchell too.
- DarthKane

Obvs.

Undisciplined player. Pass. Got booted from the game for a hit from behind.
- Elbows15

Sounds like he’s a checker... give him a NMC.

You have no proof but I understand this type of real meaning (usually) on the board. I am naive, though, when it comes to what the NHL could expect to negotiate with the players union insofar as a draft team does not lose any player without compensation. I do not know if precedent set by other major US sports leagues can be part of the discussion and, ultimately a factor in a new agreement

Sounds like he’s a checker... give him a NMC.
- DarthKane

We are at our German limits with Kahun.

We are at our German limits with Kahun.
- Elbows15

Other German players trying to catch the Blackhawks charter bus:



I believe that's Kahun, Kruger, and Kampf trying to help in the back.

Justin what would the price tag and comparable for dcat and strome? Plus if im the hawks i try and lock up dcat this offseason 7 to 8 million for 6 to 8 years be my best guess IMO. Strome 5 million 6 years. If saad could get a truboa or young d man that has the upside and potential to become a top 4 d man then yes trade him if not then keep saad thats only way i do that trade scernio. Vegas is primed for the taking young cost controlled d man or forward and a draft pick should be able to get eakin and McNabb or miller. This option has been mentioned a quite a bit because it makes sense vegas cannot take salary so maybe a 3 team trade AA TO Montreal for a 2nd or 3rd then that pick and prospect say forsling to vegas for mcnabb and eakin or montreal and chicago make separate deals with vegas hawks get mcnabb and eakin montreal get karlsson you knows just spit balling.
- Scott1977

If Vegas falls short in pursuit of The Holy Grail, one area surely they would admit could be upgraded is the quality of their blueline corps. Actually probably each team would claim the same for their beleaguered backline. So Vegas will think long and hard what to do and there are corresponding moves most likely which would allow them to retain the valuable players at this position

FYI. Looks like Barratt is returning to PSU for his junior season. Let the hand wringing begin. DU and Mitchell move on to play for the regional championship tomorrow night. Game will be shown on one of the ESPN channels.
- Elbows15

Honestly, I think that's best for Barratt to stay another year at the NCAA level. Guessing Mitchell leans that way, too.

If I had to wager, I'd guess that Entwistle and Kurashev join the Hogs once their junior seasons end. Possibly Beaudin as well. Wouldn't be upset, though, if Kurashev and Beaudin stay another year in juniors given that they were just drafted a year ago. Entwistle is further along so he's pretty much a shoo-in to start his pro career soon.

Justin what would the price tag and comparable for dcat and strome? Plus if im the hawks i try and lock up dcat this offseason 7 to 8 million for 6 to 8 years be my best guess IMO. Strome 5 million 6 years. If saad could get a truboa or young d man that has the upside and potential to become a top 4 d man then yes trade him if not then keep saad thats only way i do that trade scernio. Vegas is primed for the taking young cost controlled d man or forward and a draft pick should be able to get eakin and McNabb or miller. This option has been mentioned a quite a bit because it makes sense vegas cannot take salary so maybe a 3 team trade AA TO Montreal for a 2nd or 3rd then that pick and prospect say forsling to vegas for mcnabb and eakin or montreal and chicago make separate deals with vegas hawks get mcnabb and eakin montreal get karlsson you knows just spit balling.
- Scott1977

Probably just me but that 3-way trade sounds complicated. As long as Anisimov and Forsling don't end up where they started.