I wouldn't hold my breath about any of the Hawks core suddenly jumping ship to Florida. These guys have played for the Hawks for years and none of them have contracts that are simple to trade. Odds are high that none of the big $ players are going anywhere.
- breadbag

Brent Seabrook, your table is ready . . . .

I wouldn't hold my breath about any of the Hawks core suddenly jumping ship to Florida. These guys have played for the Hawks for years and none of them have contracts that are simple to trade. Odds are high that none of the big $ players are going anywhere.
- breadbag

One can dream. Hell, we didn't think Brandon Manning could be traded for anything useful.

Brent Seabrook, your table is ready . . . .
- savvyone-1

Hammer is going to be the Q guy ending up in Fla.

You really think so? Last time he was coaching these guys he was near the bottom of the league. Well, maybe you are correct if all he wants to do is cash his checks, play on the ice for a few months, find the next Binny's down there in Florida, and ham it up with old friends. Winning games my not be high on the list.
- powerenforcer

I believe Q could be the difference for a contending team with sub par coaching, like Winnipeg. This Florida deal appears to be a semi retirement gig. I don't see Quenneville being any help whatsoever to a team not much better than the BLackhawks. I think Florida will regret this decision.

I believe Q could be the difference for a contending team with sub par coaching, like Winnipeg. This Florida deal appears to be a semi retirement gig. I don't see Quenneville being any help whatsoever to a team not much better than the BLackhawks. I think Florida will regret this decision.
- paulr

Wait . . . what?
Paul, are you disparaging the almighty Q? His stache takes o-ffense to that!

You mean he can't take a lowly group like the Panthers, with 2-90 point players (Barkov + Huberdeau) and 2-70 point players (Hoffman + Dadonov) and make them into a playoff team?

IMO, this might be the REAL test of his coaching mettle.

He's got 4 guys that put up lots of points.
Can he get a system installed that will turn them into a playoff team/contender?

Barry Trotz is watching.

I believe Q could be the difference for a contending team with sub par coaching, like Winnipeg. This Florida deal appears to be a semi retirement gig. I don't see Quenneville being any help whatsoever to a team not much better than the BLackhawks. I think Florida will regret this decision.
- paulr

That is what I'm thinking. Horse and dog betting galore, ample golf.... Q is going to be living the dream down there at 6 mil per.

I think winning hockey is secondary.

I believe Q could be the difference for a contending team with sub par coaching, like Winnipeg. This Florida deal appears to be a semi retirement gig. I don't see Quenneville being any help whatsoever to a team not much better than the BLackhawks. I think Florida will regret this decision.
- paulr

I tend to agree with you. Any coaching success Q has had, he inherited a team that had up and coming talent or talent in their prime. I'm grateful he had his greatest success with the Hawks.

It should be interesting how it all plays out down there. Q likes his known quantities. Hammer makes sense. Panarin makes sense. Maybe a Keith. Who knows.

I'll always cherish this moment tho.

Wait . . . what?
Paul, are you disparaging the almighty Q? His stache takes o-ffense to that!

You mean he can't take a lowly group like the Panthers, with 2-90 point players (Barkov + Huberdeau) and 2-70 point players (Hoffman + Dadonov) and make them into a playoff team?

IMO, this might be the REAL test of his coaching mettle.

He's got 4 guys that put up lots of points.
Can he get a system installed that will turn them into a playoff team/contender?

Barry Trotz is watching.
- savvyone-1

Unlike some here I try to assess based on fact and honesty. Q was vital to the Blackhawks while they were winning becauae he was able to get the most from the team because he demanded accountability and he stressed and demanded defense to go along with a high pace of play. He got stale like all coaches do and his time in Chicago was up.

There are all kinds of "coaching mettle" Savvy, you know that. Q's strength was in managing a team ready to be contenders. Nothing in his past suggests he's a teaching coach or a coach to build a team from non contender to contender. Like I'd said I think he would have got the most from Winnipeg a team that can be a contender but lack disciipline and any kid of defensive structure. Florida is not a place I see him thriving.

Wait . . . what?
Paul, are you disparaging the almighty Q? His stache takes o-ffense to that!

You mean he can't take a lowly group like the Panthers, with 2-90 point players (Barkov + Huberdeau) and 2-70 point players (Hoffman + Dadonov) and make them into a playoff team?

IMO, this might be the REAL test of his coaching mettle.

He's got 4 guys that put up lots of points.
Can he get a system installed that will turn them into a playoff team/contender?

Barry Trotz is watching.
- savvyone-1

I can't wait for him to start sitting Yandle. McGinn and Pysk for AA?

It would be an ideal summer if Bowman sent Seabrook off to Florida, traded Anisimov and then signed Panarin, Karlsson, a bottom 6 two-way forward and another top 4-5 defenseman..

Of course that is fantasyland but Q signing in Florida at least makes Seabrook not being here in the fall a possibility..

In reality tho it's going to be difficult to find a top 4 defenseman willing to sign a 2-3 year deal. That's what the Hawks need with Boqvist, Beaudin and Joker on the verge of taking over... I mean you don't want to sign a guy to a long-term deal when you have 3 young defenseman with top 4 potential on the verge of breaking into the NHL - especially when you have Seabrook presently taking up a roster spot for the foreseeable future.

A top 4 that would sign a 2-3 year deal IMO is Anton Stralman.. So I could see the Hawks targeting him. He's 32 and no team is going to give him a 35+ contract so any deal Stralman signs will be to the age of 35, so he would work with what the Hawks need. And if the Hawks can hawk (no pun intended) Seabrook off to Florida before July 1st I really could see the Hawks in on Karlsson...

As far as forwards - I really could see Panarin brought back.... I know some Hawks fans want Bowman to focus on bottom 6 two-way grinder/role player types, however IMO the Hawks already have plenty of players in the system that can fill those type of roles. If Bowman brings Panarin back -- wow -- this offence will be absolutely amazing. The Hawks in that situation would have 3 legitimate scoring lines and a very good shutdown line and that would create matchup havoc for opposing teams...

IMO, this team is only a couple players away from being profoundly dangerous..

The real question is - how do you move forward with the defense knowing that you have 3+ defenseman with legitimate top 4 potential only a year or 2 away from jumping into the NHL?... You don't want to be in a position in a year or 2 where you have these great young defenseman but no room for them because you had to sign defensman to improve the team 2 years ago.... I mean the only UFA defenseman that justifies a long-term deal by the Hawks is Erik Karlsson.... The other UFA defenseman that could improve this team are going to want 5-6 year deals, and the Hawks can't do that with Seabrook assured a spot forever.... IMO, Seabrook has to be gone this summer...

I will say this much tho: I wonder if Seabrook ever pondered the notion that his contract could or would one day become a liability...

I really hope Seabrook understands he's going to have to go and I hope he doesn't invoke his NMC in protest.. I hope he accepts it, and I hope Bowman can find him a home where he wants to go.

But yea, I'm looking forward to seeing what Bowman does this summer and I hope he learned from his mistakes and doesn't create a future of "cap hell".. Because this team is really close to contending again, and the Hawks have a lot of good young players that will want to get paid and I hope Bowman keeps that in mind.

It would be an ideal summer if Bowman sent Seabrook off to Florida, traded Anisimov and then signed Panarin, Karlsson, a bottom 6 two-way forward and another top 4-5 defenseman..

Of course that is fantasyland but Q signing in Florida at least makes Seabrook not being here in the fall a possibility..

In reality tho it's going to be difficult to find a top 4 defenseman willing to sign a 2-3 year deal. That's what the Hawks need with Boqvist, Beaudin and Joker on the verge of taking over... I mean you don't want to sign a guy to a long-term deal when you have 3 young defenseman with top 4 potential on the verge of breaking into the NHL - especially when you have Seabrook presently taking up a roster spot for the foreseeable future.

A top 4 that would sign a 2-3 year deal IMO is Anton Stralman.. So I could see the Hawks targeting him. He's 32 and no team is going to give him a 35+ contract so any deal Stralman signs will be to the age of 35, so he would work with what the Hawks need. And if the Hawks can hawk (no pun intended) Seabrook off to Florida before July 1st I really could see the Hawks in on Karlsson...

As far as forwards, I really could see Panarin brought back.... I know some what the Hawks to focus on bottom 6 two-way grinder/role player types, however I think the Hawks already have plenty of players in the system that fill those roles. If Bowman brings Panarin back -- wow -- this offence will be absolutely amazing. The Hawks in that situation would have 3 legitimate scoring lines and a very good shutdown line and that would create matchup havoc for opposing teams...

IMO, this team is only a couple players away from being profoundly dangerous..

The real question is - how do you move forward with the defense knowing that you have 3+ defenseman with legitimate top 4 potential only a year or 2 away from jumping into the NHL?... You don't want to be in a position in a year or 2 where you have these great young defenseman but no room for them because you had to sign defensman to improve the team 2 years ago.... I mean the only UFA defenseman that justifies a long-term deal by the Hawks is Erik Karlsson.... The other UFA defenseman that could improve this team are going to want 5-6 year deals, and the Hawks can't do that with Seabrook assured a spot forever.... IMO, Seabrook has to be gone this summer...

I will say this much tho: I wonder if Seabrook ever pondered the notion that his contract could or would one day become a liability...

I really hope Seabrook understands he's going to have to go and I hope he doesn't invoke his NMC in protest.. I hope he accepts it, and I hope Bowman can find him a home where he wants to go.

But yea, I'm looking forward to seeing what Bowman does this summer and I hope he learned from his mistakes and doesn't create a future of "cap hell".. Because this team is really close to contending again, and the Hawks have a lot of good young players that will want to get paid and I hope Bowman keeps that in mind.
- Savard2Secord

I hope you don't mean Erik Karlsson? The Hawks biggest issue is defense, signing him doesn't improve that area at all. He's Gus with slightly better numbers and 10 times the salary.

As for Seabrook, why should he waive the NMC unless it's in his best interests? Unless Bowman is very creative Seabrook is going nowhere.

Quotes not working..

First, Gus for Anthony Cirelli - Are you smoking crack. They already have a Gus, who plays better D and that is Sergachev. And Anthony Cirelli is going nowhere anytime soon. Need to scout and find develop the next guy with speed, skill, grit and determination. Neither him nor Point were first rounders by the way..for the tank crowd.

Good for Q, hope Seabrook follows him down there. The Cache of a great coach will help that organization. Plus plenty of ponies and golf and low taxes....

Unlike some here I try to assess based on fact and honesty. Q was vital to the Blackhawks while they were winning becauae he was able to get the most from the team because he demanded accountability and he stressed and demanded defense to go along with a high pace of play. He got stale like all coaches do and his time in Chicago was up.

There are all kinds of "coaching mettle" Savvy, you know that. Q's strength was in managing a team ready to be contenders. Nothing in his past suggests he's a teaching coach or a coach to build a team from non contender to contender. Like I'd said I think he would have got the most from Winnipeg a team that can be a contender but lack disciipline and any kid of defensive structure. Florida is not a place I see him thriving.
- paulr

The Phil Jackson syndrome.

I agree with what you say - which is not to minimize his coaching skills. It does take a special talent to win with a team that is supposed to win - not every coach can do it - and coaches that can often (usually) can't develop a raw team into a winner.

It would be an ideal summer if Bowman sent Seabrook off to Florida, traded Anisimov and then signed Panarin, Karlsson, a bottom 6 two-way forward and another top 4-5 defenseman..

Of course that is fantasyland but Q signing in Florida at least makes Seabrook not being here in the fall a possibility..

In reality tho it's going to be difficult to find a top 4 defenseman willing to sign a 2-3 year deal. That's what the Hawks need with Boqvist, Beaudin and Joker on the verge of taking over... I mean you don't want to sign a guy to a long-term deal when you have 3 young defenseman with top 4 potential on the verge of breaking into the NHL - especially when you have Seabrook presently taking up a roster spot for the foreseeable future.

A top 4 that would sign a 2-3 year deal IMO is Anton Stralman.. So I could see the Hawks targeting him. He's 32 and no team is going to give him a 35+ contract so any deal Stralman signs will be to the age of 35, so he would work with what the Hawks need. And if the Hawks can hawk (no pun intended) Seabrook off to Florida before July 1st I really could see the Hawks in on Karlsson...

As far as forwards - I really could see Panarin brought back.... I know some Hawks fans want Bowman to focus on bottom 6 two-way grinder/role player types, however IMO the Hawks already have plenty of players in the system that can fill those type of roles. If Bowman brings Panarin back -- wow -- this offence will be absolutely amazing. The Hawks in that situation would have 3 legitimate scoring lines and a very good shutdown line and that would create matchup havoc for opposing teams...

IMO, this team is only a couple players away from being profoundly dangerous..

The real question is - how do you move forward with the defense knowing that you have 3+ defenseman with legitimate top 4 potential only a year or 2 away from jumping into the NHL?... You don't want to be in a position in a year or 2 where you have these great young defenseman but no room for them because you had to sign defensman to improve the team 2 years ago.... I mean the only UFA defenseman that justifies a long-term deal by the Hawks is Erik Karlsson.... The other UFA defenseman that could improve this team are going to want 5-6 year deals, and the Hawks can't do that with Seabrook assured a spot forever.... IMO, Seabrook has to be gone this summer...

I will say this much tho: I wonder if Seabrook ever pondered the notion that his contract could or would one day become a liability...

I really hope Seabrook understands he's going to have to go and I hope he doesn't invoke his NMC in protest.. I hope he accepts it, and I hope Bowman can find him a home where he wants to go.

But yea, I'm looking forward to seeing what Bowman does this summer and I hope he learned from his mistakes and doesn't create a future of "cap hell".. Because this team is really close to contending again, and the Hawks have a lot of good young players that will want to get paid and I hope Bowman keeps that in mind.
- Savard2Secord

Panarin fired his agent and hired Bob's agent. I think they go as a packaged deal to Florida.

With Q going to Florida, I think Keith to FLA is more likely than Seabs. Just my 2cents.

Panarin fired his agent and hired Bob's agent. I think they go as a packaged deal to Florida.
- LAHawk

Good! I would rather the Hawks don't go down the Panarin avenue. He doesn't address the areas of weakneeses the Hawks have.

With Q going to Florida, I think Keith to FLA is more likely than Seabs. Just my 2cents.
- nickmo2699

Keith Stays...

I hope you don't mean Erik Karlsson? The Hawks biggest issue is defense, signing him doesn't improve that area at all. He's Gus with slightly better numbers and 10 times the salary.

As for Seabrook, why should he waive the NMC unless it's in his best interests? Unless Bowman is very creative Seabrook is going nowhere.
- paulr

No to Karlsson. More often than not big UFA signings to not work out for teams, Hossa as a notable exception. It is almost always an overpay for a player that has had his best years already. I would rather the Hawks use that money for depth players and try to acquire a top 4 D through trade.

Sign Dzingel if price is right

then you could possibly have

91-19-88
12-17-11
20-24-Kubalik
Entwhistle-Kampf-Highmore

Sikaru is far to weak for the NHL, JC doesn't like Hayden,
he be gone, signing Tanev improves all this.

On D with regards to Gus, does he stay or does he go?
Getting a first and a prospect shouldn't be hard. One of
threesome of KK, Fors, Dahls will be traded unless Seabs/Keith
opt for Florida. I think Keith will go to Florida before Seabs if
either one goes.

Florida with a Bob's, Corey and Q becomes quite a good team,
Q isn't going there to retire, golf, he only wants to win.

Back to the D the huge question is can Stan get a top 4 w/out
breaking the bank or overpaying in assets

I would imagine he is going to hire Kitchen and Dineen as his assistants, but then again Dineen was the head coach of Florida for a couple of years.

With Q going to Florida, I think Keith to FLA is more likely than Seabs. Just my 2cents.
- nickmo2699

Maybe he will hire Pat and Olczyk as broadcasters.

Unlike some here I try to assess based on fact and honesty. Q was vital to the Blackhawks while they were winning becauae he was able to get the most from the team because he demanded accountability and he stressed and demanded defense to go along with a high pace of play. He got stale like all coaches do and his time in Chicago was up.

There are all kinds of "coaching mettle" Savvy, you know that. Q's strength was in managing a team ready to be contenders. Nothing in his past suggests he's a teaching coach or a coach to build a team from non contender to contender. Like I'd said I think he would have got the most from Winnipeg a team that can be a contender but lack disciipline and any kid of defensive structure. Florida is not a place I see him thriving.
- paulr

I don't blame Q for anything..... None of this was Q's fault. The salary cap finally got the best of the Blackhawks and Q was merely a casualty to pander to ignorant fans that wanted accountability and change.

What really changed this team was the trade of Schmaltz, not the firing of Q or bringing in JC... Well I'm sure JC did play a role, but this teams chemistry dramatically changed with that trade, and I do think JC is more "liberal" with young players than Q ever was... But make no mistake, Q knows what he's doing and he knew what he was doing last season -- and this season -- he just had little to work with to be successful with his style of coaching.. Of course JC had nothing to lose when he came in.. I mean Q was coaching for his job and when JC came in he had absolutely zero expectations so he was toying with what worked and didn't, and JC found what worked quicker than what didn't.

I think Q will do well in Florida. You can bet he was in high demand around the league and looked at the rosters of potential openings and saw something in Florida he could work with and mold into a successful "Q team"...

Q never lost it, the team changed and his style was no longer effective..

As for the Hawks pace of 100+ points during the last 50 games of the season... IMO that was the result of the Schmaltz trade.. That trade opened up doors with chemistry Bowman probably didn't know he had... And IMO, that trade was a franchise altering trade, and because of it the Hawks will be contending again - as soon as next season if Bowman makes the right UFA moves and trades this summer.

And yes trades such as the Schmaltz trade can indeed change the chemistry and future of teams instantly... A comparable trade so far to the Schmaltz trade would be the Ron Francis + for John Cullen +..

My point is that Q's departure wasn't proof that Q was the problem or that Q lost his coaching capabilities.... Like I pointed out - Q didn't have the toolbox he needed to be successful with his brand of coaching any longer here in Chicago...

IMO, this teams turnaround was a perfect storm of a coaching change, a really good trade and the Hawks star players being star players.

For any of the NMC peeps to leave, the Hawks have to want them to go, the other team has to want him, and he wants to go.

Maybe Crow? Contract extension, Q is there......

I don't blame Q for anything..... None of this was Q's fault. The salary cap finally got the best of the Blackhawks and Q was merely a casualty to pander to ignorant fans that wanted accountability and change.

What really changed this team was the trade of Schmaltz, not the firing of Q or bringing in JC... Well I'm sure JC did play a role, but this teams chemistry dramatically changed with that trade, and I do think JC is more "liberal" with players than Q ever was... But make no mistake, Q knows what he's doing and he knew what he was doing last season -- and this season -- he just had little to work with to be successful with his style of coaching.. Of course JC had nothing to lose when he came in.. I mean Q was coaching for his job and when JC came in he had absolutely zero expectations so he was toying with what worked and didn't.

I think Q will do well in Florida. You can bet he was in high demand around the league and looked at the rosters of potential openings and saw something in Florida he could work with and mold into a successful "Q team"...

Q never lost it, the team changed and his style was no longer effective..

As for the Hawks pace of 100+ points during the last 50 games of the season... IMO that was the result of the Schmaltz trade.. That trade opened up doors with chemistry Bowman probably didn't know he had... And IMO, that trade was a franchise altering trade, and because of it the Hawks will be contending again - as soon as next season if Bowman makes the right UFA moves and trades this summer.

And yes trades such as the Schmaltz trade can indeed change the chemistry and future of teams instantly... A comparable trade so far to the Schmaltz trade would be the Ron Francis + for John Cullen +..

My point is that Q's departure wasn't proof that Q was the problem or that Q lost his coaching capabilities.... Like I pointed out - Q didn't have the toolbox he needed to be successful with his brand of coaching...

IMO, this teams turnaround was a perfect storm of a coaching change, a really good trade and the Hawks star players being star players.
- Savard2Secord

That was my point. Q didn't have the team in Chicago the last few years that suited his coaching style. And he just signed with a team who's roster isn't much different.

Doubt it...they Uber instead of drive...