No please. The cap space number that the Hawks are supposed to have this summer ($15M - $17M) is misleading and setting up Hawks fans to be disappointed when Stan doesn't spend nearly that much. Even with the comment by Stan that he must look to next summer too with the implication being not all $15M-$17M is free to sign free agents this summer - I think too many Hawks fans are expecting a couple high-end free agents to be signed of maybe one mega-player (Karlsson) and another mid-level guy and I just don't see how the math works on that. Two mid-level guys seems more likely.
- EbonyRaptor

Byram - Karlsson
Keith - Joki
Gus - Murphy

I see no problems with this

Or they plan on signing Jumbo Joe.
- DarthKane

I think that's a distinct possibility too.

That way we can appease those that are clamoring for the need to draft a center in this draft.

Byram - Karlsson
Keith - Joki
Gus - Murphy

I see no problems with this
- TommyHawk

The only problem is your lack of Jokiharju.

There's been talk about possibly signing UFA Ryan Dzingel this summer but after not playing last game he got 10:33 in this game and didn't play in the 3rd period. Was he hurt or did Torts just not play him? If he didn't get hurt and could have played in the 3rd period, that gives me some pause about trying to sign him ... and I know Torts can go red-ass on a player but even still it's not a good sign.
- EbonyRaptor

He has never really done all that much for me. He is just kinda there.

Cozens and Dach would be good choices, but I don't think Byram can be overlooked. He could be better than any of the prospects in the pipeline.
- DarthKane

Turcotte would be the better choice.

Byram - Karlsson
Keith - Joki
Gus - Murphy

I see no problems with this
- TommyHawk

B-O-I-N-G

The problem is the 29 year old Karlsson is probably going to want one last kick at the big contract can which means BIG $ for 7 years. With his injury issues it would be another albatross contract we're blaming Stan for before it expires.

Turcotte would be the better choice.
- Elbows15

Better than what?

Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton at the Sharks-Avs game tonight sitting with the scouts.

B-O-I-N-G

The problem is the 29 year old Karlsson is probably going to want one last kick at the big contract can which means BIG $ for 7 years. With his injury issues it would be another albatross contract we're blaming Stan for before it expires.
- EbonyRaptor

It would be fiscally irresponsible of Stan to sign EK, especially while we have one anchor of a contract on the defensive end.

However, is there a better player for Boq to learn from than the player he's compared to/we all want him to be? At least that "argument" has some merit to it.

But no, I'm of the POV that it would be an irrational signing, and one that would be a hinderance long term.

You can't be overwhelmed in the playoffs if you don't make the playoffs.


- DarthKane

True but I was referring to next year and beyond

Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton at the Sharks-Avs game tonight sitting with the scouts.
- mrpaulish

Maybe Nyquist ?

It would be fiscally irresponsible of Stan to sign EK, especially while we have one anchor of a contract on the defensive end.

However, is there a better player for Boq to learn from than the player he's compared to/we all want him to be? At least that "argument" has some merit to it.

But no, I'm of the POV that it would be an irrational signing, and one that would be a hinderance long term.
- TommyHawk

I find it interesting that Karlsson hasn’t signed with the Sharks. If he walks that would be a big loss for San Jose. But Stan could trade them a slightly used Erik Gustafsson???

I find it interesting that Karlsson hasn’t signed with the Sharks. If he walks that would be a big loss for San Jose. But Stan could trade them a slightly used Erik Gustafsson???
- DarthKane

The fact that Adam Fox was able to fetch two 2nd round picks (I'm assuming the condition for the second pick is met this season) makes me believe that Gus should not be dealt for anything short of a drastic overpayment by any team interested in his services. So in short, I don't see him being moved unless Boqvist somehow makes the club out of camp, which would be terrible IMO.

Better than what?
- DarthKane

Dach or Cozens and prolly Byram.

Maybe Nyquist ?
- LAHawk

Maybe he just trying to broaden his horizons. Networking as it were. Or it could be guys who he has played with or knew previously.

Anyone else like Kevin Lebanc? Nice to have a little offense on the 4th line.

I also like some of the agitating Stars and Avs (Compher). There are just certain guys that are always around the puck. Would be really nice for Hawks to have those in the bottom 6 vs. the hold-your-poop and breath everytime they touch the puck.
- phantasmo

Labanc is a very good middle 6 player actually. More than 0.50 PPG in his 2nd and 3rd seasons. Close to 60 points this season. Not a big player but provides secondary scoring and solid 200 foot play.

I believe the Hawks could have two players like that already in Kahun and Sikura. We shall see how they fare next season as sophomores.

Interesting note per Pierre LeBrun...

Jeremy Colliton at the Sharks/Avs game and is sitting with the scouts.

Karlsson to the Hawks confirmed.
- TommyHawk

Pavelski, Nyquist, amd Donskoi are all UFA, also.

Avs have Brassard and Colin Wilson as UFAs.

You guys can debate the rest.

Pavelski, Nyquist, amd Donskoi are all UFA, also.

Avs have Brassard and Colin Wilson as UFAs.

You guys can debate the rest.
- 333inthe3rd

I think Pavelski and Kane played well together for Team USA and Kane has lobbied for players in the past (Saad returning, Kesler before he went to the duck)

It’s not unrealistic that they Hawks add a wing/center in Pavelski if the price and term are right

Maybe Nyquist ?
- LAHawk

Seeing what a playoff team looks like: solid goaltending good solid defense size speed physicality and want.

I find it interesting that Karlsson hasn’t signed with the Sharks. If he walks that would be a big loss for San Jose. But Stan could trade them a slightly used Erik Gustafsson???
- DarthKane

Karlsson = why pay big $ are you sure we make playoffs
Gus = who replaces on defense. Need the right pick(s) if moved

someone needs to put this p rick in a wheelchair.

https://twitter.com/peteb.../1123404761024356355?s=21
- Ogilthorpe2

He's such a Douchbag always taking cheap shots trying to hurt people.I cant stand him I wish someone would hit him into retirement.

He's tampering.
- mohel

Nope, I heard from Bob he's been demoted.

Interesting note per Pierre LeBrun...

Jeremy Colliton at the Sharks/Avs game and is sitting with the scouts.

Karlsson to the Hawks confirmed.
- TommyHawk

Also confirmed to the Hawks... Pavelski, Thorton, Nyquist, Donskoi, Colin Wilson, Brassard and Nemeth.

Turcotte would be the better choice.
- Elbows15

Maybe. Maybe not.

Pavelski, Nyquist, amd Donskoi are all UFA, also.

Avs have Brassard and Colin Wilson as UFAs.

You guys can debate the rest.
- 333inthe3rd

Beat me to it.

Colin Wilson is a guy the Hawks have liked in the past. There were Brassard rumours at this deadline as well. Also, Patrick Nemeth is a defensive dman that sees a lot of SH TOI.