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....
- TrueGrit

LOL @ your first line.

Dzingel, Ferland Paquette would be nice forward additions. Have no idea where they will go on the blue line, but that also needs to be addressed. I'm not opposed to moving Gus, but I also don't want to see them give him up for nothing.

Speaking of Kubalik. He might be better player than Kahun already. At least when we speak of scoring. Kubalik is big body with elite shot and good skater.

Here you can see all regular season goals from him this season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXAov44-4Ow

Speaking of Kubalik. He might be better player than Kahun already. At least when we speak of scoring. Kubalik is big body with elite shot and good skater.

Here you can see all regular season goals from him this season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXAov44-4Ow
- MjulQvist

He will have to change numbers, he is wearing Hossa's #81

Getting our first place so for us perhaps best no Spring action here with all the moving and preparing.
I’m optimistic about the future. Have a weird feeling the lottery gods are going to bless us tomorrow night.
Even if not, replace a Forsling and Dahlstrom/Koekkeok with two signings or Joki and a signing and the defense improves a lot.

The penalty kill improves with better blocking lanes, clearing the puck and decreasing the space forwards are given. An acquisition of a bottom six or two (along with the new D mentioned above) that sacrifices their body and plays a better positional game will help that. So many times AA/Kruger/Saad would fail to intercept/block the pass to the guy in the slot or not get the puck down the ice on the clear.

Not giving up the 1-2 powerplay goals a game or the late 3rd period game tying goals gets us solidly back into the playoffs.

He will have to change numbers, he is wearing Hossa's #81
- LAHawk

#80 suits him, sir!

He might become nice asset to have in second pp unit and might excel playing with DeBrincat&Strome at best case scenario. We´ll see and first they must sign him.

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

Yeah and I wouldn’t hold my breath on Florida wanting them either.

Speaking of Kubalik. He might be better player than Kahun already. At least when we speak of scoring. Kubalik is big body with elite shot and good skater.

Here you can see all regular season goals from him this season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXAov44-4Ow
- MjulQvist

I think you are right that he probably is a step up from Kahun. There is a chance for this guy to really help the top 9 if he comes over.

It might be possible to see a second line like this.

Debrincat - Stome - Kubalik

Kubalik looks to be a good shooter from the right side.

Q was vital to the Blackhawks while they were winning because 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

Not that it matters, but this was a good post Paul.
I agree with the bolded in particular.

I know they are long-shots for a CUP this year, but what Trotz has done with the Islanders really opened my eyes. Last year he gets the guys like Ovechkin to buy in and they win a Cup.

Goes to the Isles, loses Tavares and DeHaan and comes in 1 point from taking their division, one of the top 5 in the league and goes from worst to best GA winning the Jennings this year. It will be interesting to see how playoffs play out for them.

Like you, I think Q won't have the kind of success he had in Chicago but do think he would have been a great choice for the Peg (not that it was open, just saying).

I know offense isn't necessarily an issue besides always aiming to generate more secondary scoring in the bottom 6, but the Blackhawks had the following in 2018-19:

2 x 40 goal scorers
1 x 30
2 x 20
4 x 10+

In 2017-18:

5 x 20 goal scorers
2 x 10+

More distribution this past season with potential to have 1-2 more in double digit goals.

Of course, the blueline and team defense are the priorities. Just taking stock of things that did go better this year.

He will have to change numbers, he is wearing Hossa's #81
- LAHawk

He's Czech. Give him Tomas Kopecky's old #82.

I know offense isn't necessarily an issue besides always aiming to generate more secondary scoring in the bottom 6, but the Blackhawks had the following in 2018-19:

2 x 40 goal scorers
1 x 30
2 x 20
4 x 10+

In 2017-18:

5 x 20 goal scorers
2 x 10+

More distribution this past season with potential to have 1-2 more in double digit goals.

Of course, the blueline and team defense are the priorities. Just taking stock of things that did go better this year.
- AEL_Fox

I was surprised to see how many players hit 40 goals in the league this year. 13 in total. Tampa, Edmonton and Chicago each with 2 guys over the 40 goal mark.

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....
- TrueGrit

Crack smoking prior to floating trade proposals is common on this board. Im waiting for the Viktor Hedman for Seabrook and AA suggestion.

Crack smoking prior to floating trade proposals is common on this board. Im waiting for the Viktor Hedman for Seabrook and AA suggestion.
- RickJ

With Tampa retaining 50% of Hedman's cap hit.

Crack smoking prior to floating trade proposals is common on this board. Im waiting for the Viktor Hedman for Seabrook and AA suggestion.
- RickJ

And Hayden. Don't forget Hayden.

Not that it matters, but this was a good post Paul.
I agree with the bolded in particular.

I know they are long-shots for a CUP this year, but what Trotz has done with the Islanders really opened my eyes. Last year he gets the guys like Ovechkin to buy in and they win a Cup.

Goes to the Isles, loses Tavares and DeHaan and comes in 1 point from taking their division, one of the top 5 in the league and goes from worst to best GA winning the Jennings this year. It will be interesting to see how playoffs play out for them.

Like you, I think Q won't have the kind of success he had in Chicago but do think he would have been a great choice for the Peg (not that it was open, just saying).
- savvyone-1

Savvy, what you and Paul need to understand is that the track at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg freezes in September and thaws in May and Q's horses don't run well in those conditions so the Jets weren't a consideration.

Savvy, what you and Paul need to understand is that the track at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg freezes in September and thaws in May and Q's horses don't run well in those conditions so the Jets weren't a consideration.
- RickJ

It called Winterpeg for a reason. I hear there are two seasons in Manitoba, Winter and Mosquito and that the Mosquitoes are bigger than Zdeno Chara. Given a choice for semi retirement in Florida or braving the wind on Portage and Main, I know what choice I'd make.

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

What facts? Do you have some inside facts that the rest of us are not privy to?

I admit I really don’t know how committed Vinnie Viola is to spending the money it takes to building a winning team.

Will Tallon and Q be given carte blanche to go out and get the players they feel they need? If so it could be an attractive destination for players for a number of reasons, no state tax, good coach, and just maybe actually committed to winning.

I know some names have been mentioned in this post...but what defenseman would you target in free agency? Any thoughts?

What facts? Do you have some inside facts that the rest of us are not privy to?

I admit I really don’t know how committed Vinnie Viola is to spending the money it takes to building a winning team.

Will Tallon and Q be given carte blanche to go out and get the players they feel they need? If so it could be an attractive destination for players for a number of reasons, no state tax, good coach, and just maybe actually committed to winning.
- walleyeb1

I have the same facts you or anyone can get.

I think you misunderstood what I was getting at. I am a Q fan but I also see his weak points. I think Savvy was giving me the gears because I generally am not critical of Q. What I am saying is, I assess Q or anyone based on facts I can obtain and I try to assess honestly, without bias if possible.

What facts? Do you have some inside facts that the rest of us are not privy to?

I admit I really don’t know how committed Vinnie Viola is to spending the money it takes to building a winning team.

Will Tallon and Q be given carte blanche to go out and get the players they feel they need? If so it could be an attractive destination for players for a number of reasons, no state tax, good coach, and just maybe actually committed to winning.
- walleyeb1

Remember when Vinny Viola decided the analytics number crunchers were hockey geniuses and fired Gerard Gallant and told him to take an Uber back to Miami from St. Louis. And then they decided to spend big on guys like Yandle and Reiner and made Tallon VP of Lunch Buffets.

At least they have a couple of hockey lifers in charge now instead of Lehman Bros.

I know some names have been mentioned in this post...but what defenseman would you target in free agency? Any thoughts?
- onehundredlevel

If a Top 4 defender, then trade route is likely the better path. Free agency would be fine for 4/5/6 defenders. Thinking guys like Chiarot, Benn, or Nemeth. Stralman, too, as a top 4 but may not come cheap for someone who is 33.

[quote=Bjm84]

Pesce holds extra value since he plays defense, a position most teams need. There is not a great need or a lot of TOI for a center going to Carolina. Or so i would have guessed

They have prospects they like to promote; notice some forwards last two years. Two dmen they drafted first round in Fluery, Bean are trade chips if they really want center help. J Staal is someone who was really good as a penguin; how has has he done in Carolina (you look at what je brings and not necesssrily point total as consideration). I would want to know more about him because i like to give him minutes.

The new owner wants results now so therfore i do not think the Gm would be anxious to trade Pesce. You trade Pesce, you do not want Forsling back. TVR is perfect as an underated 6th dman but do not like the defense if Forsling added. Forsling might turn out ok but TVR has 6th man role

I like your thoughts trying to find a home for AA and including Forsling. I do not think carolina wants a slower forward although AA could forge a role on most teams.

Like him or not, Sikura is the best lower line offensive talent we have who can move up the line up.

So the big question that isn't getting the proper attention is - when the Hawks lotto ball gets selected #1 tomorrow - Hughes or Kakko? I'm leaning towards Kakko because the Hawks' munchkin quota is max'd out at this time. Cat-Strome-Kakko would be a fine 2nd line.

So the big question that isn't getting the proper attention is - when the Hawks lotto ball gets selected #1 tomorrow - Hughes or Kakko? I'm leaning towards Kakko because the Hawks' munchkin quota is max'd out at this time. Cat-Strome-Kakko would be a fine 2nd line.
- EbonyRaptor

Best available player regardless of size, position, place of birth etc. Imagine if the Hawks had selected JVR or Kyle Turris over Kane because Kane was small? The best selection is always the best available player be that Hughes or Kakko.

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

Hey Savvy,

how are you man? I don't see them breaking the piggy bank in FLA for that deal. No way.

I thought Q would do well with the Peg as well. But it'll be interesting to see what he and Dale do down there. Someone mentioned Hammer as someone they'd possibly go after - you could see that. Meanwhile Panarin and the Bob have been mentioned as well - so that should be another interesting storyline. Certainly it'll be fun to watch it play out.

The big question here remains the defense and what plan does Stan have to fix it? The Hawks gave up 50 shots the other night in Predland. Should be an interesting summer.