Do they have a long way to go to be legit contenders? Sure. Playoffs, not so much. Agree to disagree.

While there are still questions, there’s not as many as last year and a bunch of them were an answer in the positive column.

Is Toews done? No.
Is Saad also no good anymore? No, he’s fine.
Can Schmaltz be the team’s long term solution at 2C? No but Strome can.
Is Dinky a one season wonder? No.
Can Kahun and Kampf play on NA ice? Yes.

You get the idea. Do they have some holes to fill? Sure. But the team isn’t as bereft or talent as many believed it was going into the season that just concluded.
- HawkintheD

Pretending that rumor comes true, I'd consider slotting Hayes at RW with DeBrincat and Strome especially if Kane is with Toews and Perlini is either not re-signed or he doesn't progress over the summer to be top 6 material.

LW - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - Hayes
Saad - Anisimov - RW
Caggiula - Kampf - RW

Would think Kahun, Sikura, Perlini, and Kubalik are in the mix for those open spots. Possibly Hayden and Highmore as far as other internal candidates, at least for 13th forward.

Outside candidates: names like Tanev, Copp, Nelson, Dzingel, Ferland, Donskoi, Eakin, Bellemare, Connolly, etc. have been thrown around these boards.

EDIT: Agree with others that cap space and assets are best used on other acquisitions. Hayes would be good if the contract was appropriate but think he will get paid a lot more than what the Hawks should dole out.
- AEL_Fox

I think a TRUE 4th liner is going to happen. It’s inevitable. So the Bellemare, Tavel, Copp, etc. will happen. But how much room is there exactly?

Assuming Kubalik makes the team out of camp as Stan continues to suggest, and Sikura (I’m still high on him) takes a big step this summer, then all of a sudden you’ve got a glut of forward options.

The last thing that Stan should be spending precious cap space on is loading up on bottom six forwards. I think one bigger addition (Hayes if you find a taker for AA) and one of the above forwards you outlined will suffice.

But the focus should absolutely be focusing on improvements from within.

Do they have a long way to go to be legit contenders? Sure. Playoffs, not so much. Agree to disagree.

While there are still questions, there’s not as many as last year and a bunch of them were an answer in the positive column.

Is Toews done? No.
Is Saad also no good anymore? No, he’s fine.
Can Schmaltz be the team’s long term solution at 2C? No but Strome can.
Is Dinky a one season wonder? No.
Can Kahun and Kampf play on NA ice? Yes.

You get the idea. Do they have some holes to fill? Sure. But the team isn’t as bereft or talent as many believed it was going into the season that just concluded.
- HawkintheD

Good post.

When you said "he's fine" about Saad, is that in the traditional sense or in Q speak?

Just playing.

Also, I may be in the minority here, but I didn’t see enough from the Drake to just hand him a spot next season. He had a nice little run on the top line with Toews as playing a Shaw-lite kind of role, but obviously that’s not sustainable long term. There were games where he was completely invisible in the bottom-six.

We see the talent and what he’s capable of, but he needs to earn it in camp.

But spend it how?

They’ll have to pony up serious capital (not $) to acquire a bonafide top-4 d-man, and the market is (per usual) pretty weak in that regard. Those guys as we all know aren’t readily available. Count me out on Stan overpaying big time on the market for a d-man. We’ve seen how the Jack Johnson’s, Karl Alzner’s, Kris Russell’s, etc. are overpaid every summer and under perform.
- TommyHawk

A top 4 D would be nice but a solid defensive d-man would also help.

Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Gus and Jokiharju will all be back next season. There are other strategies to improve the defense.

I think a TRUE 4th liner is going to happen. It’s inevitable. So the Bellemare, Tavel, Copp, etc. will happen. But how much room is there exactly?

Assuming Kubalik makes the team out of camp as Stan continues to suggest, and Sikura (I’m still high on him) takes a big step this summer, then all of a sudden you’ve got a glut of forward options.

The last thing that Stan should be spending precious cap space on is loading up on bottom six forwards. I think one bigger addition (Hayes if you find a taker for AA) and one of the above forwards you outlined will suffice.

But the focus should absolutely be focusing on improvements from within.
- TommyHawk

All good points.

Also, I may be in the minority here, but I didn’t see enough from the Drake to just hand him a spot next season. He had a nice little run on the top line with Toews as playing a Shaw-lite kind of role, but obviously that’s not sustainable long term. There were games where he was completely invisible in the bottom-six.

We see the talent and what he’s capable of, but he needs to earn it in camp.
- TommyHawk

While I don't think Caggiula is a 100% shoo-in, I think he will earn a spot. Like his energy, versatility, and grit. My fear is his style of play and sandpaper may led to lots of injuries, time on the DL, and possibly a shorter career. Only so many knocks to the head a player can take. It's going take a toll.

A top 4 D would be nice but a solid defensive d-man would also help.

Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Gus and Jokiharju will all be back next season. There are other strategies to improve the defense.
- DarthKane

I would have to agree. Much rather pursue at least one if not 2 affordable defenders who are reliable in their own zone and can eat minutes. A true top 4 or 1st pair defender is not absolutely necessary.

I would have to agree. Much rather pursue at least one if not 2 affordable defenders who are reliable in their own zone and can eat minutes. A true top 4 or 1st pair defender is not absolutely necessary.
- AEL_Fox

Another Oduya-type trade would be ideal, maybe 2 deals like that. I think Jokiharju will be a huge addition to the top 4 too, that shouldn’t be overlooked.

While I don't think Caggiula is a 100% shoo-in, I think he will earn a spot. Like his energy, versatility, and grit. My fear is his style of play and sandpaper may led to lots of injuries, time on the DL, and possibly a shorter career. Only so many knocks to the head a player can take. It's going take a toll.
- AEL_Fox

I think The Drake returns, his cap hit is low and he brings something nobody else does. At work, he could be effective on the 4th line. Plus, Stan loves him.

I'm sure the NFL will go over well in Vegas. But every Knights practice at their headquarters rink in Summerlin is standing room only. The ice at that rink isn't big enough for the public skating sessions. At times the lines to get into the pro shop is way down the hall. Vegas has hockey fever and it's incredible.
- 6628

Plenty of room for both. NFL is only 8 home games a year.

Another Oduya-type trade would be ideal, maybe 2 deals like that. I think Jokiharju will be a huge addition to the top 4 too, that shouldn’t be overlooked.
- DarthKane

Agree on Jokiharju. If he’s on the team then only one new defender is needed unless Gustafsson is traded.

I think the likelihood is high that both Jokiharju and Sikura are on the roster this fall than not.

Unfortunately Wiz has Mads going early in the third round. But I think it’s really a crap shoot as to who goes where/when after you get past the middle of the 2nd round.

Ok,I just watch USA under 18 this morning and I say Turcotte is my pick for June draft choice.He reminds me of a young Toews.
- Tatoo

Seeing Winnipeg and Tampa this playoffs (the favorites by many to be in the finals ) makes me really appreciate what the Hawks have accomplished this decade.
This playoffs makes me think Hawks need to concentrate on speed and toughness. Of coarse a top 4 D would be nice too.

Anyone else think Mackinnon may be the best player in the league .
- HamiltonHawk

Not unless McDavid quit playing hockey. Took MacKinnion a couple of seasons to live up to his draft status but he hasn't looked back once he got there. He is definitely in the top 5.

I would trade AA, Gus and or SAAD for D and or Prospects. Sign Hayes, kubalik and draft Turcotte?

AA has value to teams looking to compete but are on a budget after July 1 he is great 3rd or 4th line guy that would cost you 5mil over 2 years instead of having to spend double that on the UFA market. Maybe Carolina, AZ or Buf might be a good fit.

Gus has alot of value for teams that are at the CAP and have a small window or budget teams that are going all in. Tor, Tampa, Jets, Carolina, Caps, sharks, Vegas, Boston.

Saad has value as a 5X5 second line scorer at 6 mil for 2 years might be a fit for a team that wants scoring but does not want to spend 40 Mil on a UFA. or has to much D.

I would trade AA, Gus and or SAAD for D and or Prospects. Sign Hayes, kubalik and draft Turcotte?

AA has value to teams looking to compete but are on a budget after July 1 he is great 3rd or 4th line guy that would cost you 5mil over 2 years instead of having to spend double that on the UFA market. Maybe Carolina, AZ or Buf might be a good fit.

Gus has alot of value for teams that are at the CAP and have a small window or budget teams that are going all in. Tor, Tampa, Jets, Carolina, Caps, sharks, Vegas, Boston.

Saad has value as a 5X5 second line scorer at 6 mil for 2 years might be a fit for a team that wants scoring but does not want to spend 40 Mil on a UFA. or has to much D.
- kmw4631

I would like to see if the Hawks could get Palat for Saad

I would have to agree. Much rather pursue at least one if not 2 affordable defenders who are reliable in their own zone and can eat minutes. A true top 4 or 1st pair defender is not absolutely necessary.
- AEL_Fox

Cannot understate this last part enough. I’m completely in agreement with you here, regardless of how others clamor that StanBo needs to do whatever it takes to get that “top-4”.

The Hawks have enough talent already to win. We can see that based on the talent on this roster. You just need to continue to develop from within and supplement the roster with finishing touches. A true stay-at-home consistent d-man, and improving your bottom six, along with the team as a whole improving defensively whether it’s scheme-wise or defensive personnel being added (assuming Craw is fully healthy headed into next season), and this team is ready to roll.

We don’t need to spend this offseason for the sake of spending.

I would like to see if the Hawks could get Palat for Saad
- ikeane

Why? Saad is better. The 700K in salary difference isn't enough to add another player.

Good post.

When you said "he's fine" about Saad, is that in the traditional sense or in Q speak?

Just playing.
- AEL_Fox

I don't have the cheat sheet and can't remember what "fine" means in Q speak. I think Lazerus or someone in the Athletic wrote about it not too long ago.

One good thing about Hayes is that he was one of the Rangers top PK forwards. The bad news is that the Rangers PK ranked 27th.

I don’t see Hayes happening. If Anisimov isn’t worth $4.55 and Saad isn’t worth $6 I don’t see Hayes being worth close to $6. I’d rather Stan spend the money on defense.
- DarthKane

Hayes is not worth 6 mil. I don't see any difference between Hayes and Anisimov really... Hayes brings a bit more physicality other than that.. meh.

Why? Saad is better. The 700K in salary difference isn't enough to add another player.
- Elbows15

Not saying for this guy but if they can get a good haul for Saad I'd be ok with that.