Can Hawks find a Ryan O’Reily in Free Agency?
- Colbyboy

not in this years crop

he has been very good...

time for the bruins to push it and get the next 2 and end this thing...

https://www.thefourthperi...d-dangle-first-round-pick

Both the Oilers (8th overall) and Flyers (11th) overall are rumored to be open to trading their 1st round picks.

Oilers seeming to be looking for a top 6 forward, possibly needing to offload Lucic ($6M for 4 more years) or Russell ($4M for 2 more years) while also retaining some of their salary. No to Lucic but open to Russell.

Then again, I haven't looked up Russell's advanced stats. He still is a league leader in blocked shots with 3rd overall last season (Hjalmarsson was 2nd and Seabrook actually was 4th).

Trade Saad+ for Oilers 8th overall and Russell (salary retained), then use that pick to get someone like Caufield, Zegras, Dach, Krebs, or Podkolzin. I like Saad and prefer to retain him but he's the only top 6 forward I'd be willing to part with.

Not sure what the Flyers are seeking in return. With the 11th overall, that's in the territory of drafting someone like Newhook, Boldy, Kaliyev, or Broberg.

Who cares if he is from Illinois and loves Toews. They better not screw it up !
- GlennL

And we probably won't know if they did for 2-3-4 seasons. It's doubtful whoever they pick at #3 will make the team this season but, you never know.

Wiz would be better to respond to this but I will take a stab.

J.D. Burke of Elite Prospects said that Byram would have been right behind Dahlin and Quinn Hughes.

He put him in the same category as Bouchard, Dobson, Ty Smith (didn't mention Adam Boqvist).

Alex Turcotte is a little harder for me to gauge, especially because he's been everywhere from 3rd to 8th in my brain so far where he fits in this year's draft.

My feeling is that he'd be behind Kotkaniemi (3) and Hayton (5) but before Ty Dellandrea (13).
- Tyler Cameron

Thanks Tyler- kind of what I anticipated but not what I wanted to hear...

Please do NOT draft a dman at #3. Use free agency to improve the back line. Cozens sounds like the perfect pick. Who cares if they're local or not. shouldn't matter one bit. Don't need a "feel good" story out of a team that hasn't made the playoffs the past 2 seasons.
- Nmbr1

StanBo tried that last season and we ended up with Brandon Manning.

Which team(s) have actually improved their defense through free agency? I think very few if any.

And for those thinking we can trade for a top 4 d-man, teams very rarely do it. Yes Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen but, do the Hawks have a Johansen type to trade or want to trade?

Why is everybody down on Kevin Hayes? Because he turned his ass up at the Hawks before? Good for the flyers, I don’t know what the hell Ron Hextall was trying to do out there, their team always has been known for hard, gritty hockey, The ballerina act won’t work out there at least with Paul Holmgren running the show .I like the front office in coaching changes that theyMade this spring.Look for the flyers to be the next team like St. Louis And Boston to make a resurgence . Which is why I said if this season does not work with boy wonder and Bowman, hopefully Rocky sees the same thing and make some changes next spring. Back to Hayes,
I’m sure he’s not the first kid that’s made a bad decision out there, that is more on their agents. Once again I will be the oddball, I was hoping that he would resign here in Chicago. We need NHL ready forwards shoulder pads are not made out of glass that have some size and can play with an edge. The kid has the Tkachuk bloodlines. And I am sure the apple does not fall too far from the tree regarding him and his cousins. I cannot speak for his brother.
Regarding this year’s draft, I still think it’s a big poker game. I think the Rangers are going to pull a surprise in one of those first two players are going to drop into our laps. Let’s see if Bowman is stupid enough to pass one of them by if indeed it does happen.
If it does go as predicted Cozens,Turcotte,Zegras,Byram ,Are my 4 predictions in that order as far is the number three pick.

Why is everybody down on Kevin Hayes? Because he turned his ass up at the Hawks before? Good for the flyers, I don’t know what the hell Ron Hextall was trying to do out there, their team always has been known for hard, gritty hockey, The ballerina act won’t work out there at least with Paul Holmgren running the show .Look for the flyers to be the next team like St. Louis And Boston to make a resurgence.
I’m sure he’s not the first kid that’s made a bad decision out there, that is more on their agents. Once again I will be the oddball, I was hoping that he would resign here in Chicago. We need NHL ready forwards shoulder pads are not made out of glass that have some size and can play with an edge. The kid has the Tkachuk bloodlines. And I am sure the apple does not fall too far from the tree regarding him and his cousins. I cannot speak for his brother.
Regarding this year’s draft, I still think it’s a big poker game. I think the Rangers are going to pull a surprise in one of those first two players are going to drop into our laps. Let’s see if Bowman is stupid enough to pass one of them by if indeed it does happen.
If it does go as predicted Turcotte,Cozens,Byram ,Are my three predictions in that order as far is the number three pick.
- wonthecup10

Kevin hayes, 27 years old, 60 hits, 20 goals, 50 points $5.1M and looking for a raise. That's why I don't want to see him on the Hawks. He's an OK goal scorer who isn't physical for a big man and will be looking to max out a contract.

StanBo tried that last season and we ended up with Brandon Manning.

Which team(s) have actually improved their defense through free agency? I think very few if any.

And for those thinking we can trade for a top 4 d-man, teams very rarely do it. Yes Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen but, do the Hawks have a Johansen type to trade or want to trade?
- Rota's Rooter

I agree. Free agency is for signing a specific player the team needs, not for building a team. Hossa was the absolute perfect example of a free agent signing.

Kevin hayes, 27 years old, 60 hits, 20 goals, 50 points $5.1M and looking for a raise. That's why I don't want to see him on the Hawks. He's an OK goal scorer who isn't physical for a big man and will be looking to max out a contract.
- paulr

I hope Bowman is doing his due diligence now on Ryan Dzingel and or Matt Duchene.
This European crap is frustrating to a fan like myself, I understand he hit a homerun with Panerin , But how many other things have worked out? Michael Kempney I will also put in that category, can’t even say I would put kahun in there yet. 12 goals and playing most of the year with captain Toews Really doesn’t set the world on fire.

I hope Bowman is doing his due diligence now on Ryan Dzingel and or Matt Duchene.
This European crap is frustrating to a fan like myself, I understand he hit a homerun with Panerin , But how many other things have worked out? Michael Kempney I will also put in that category, can’t even say I would put kahun in there yet. 12 goals and playing most of the year with captain Toews Really doesn’t set the world on fire.
- wonthecup10

I guess you weren't a Hossa or Hjalmarsson fan after all they are European and I guess catergorized as 'crap'? Funny how you lost interest in Hayes when you found out a 6'5" North American had as many hits as much smaller Marcus "crap from Europe" Kruger? Where a player comes from is irrelevant, unless you're uncertain he'll commit to the NHL like some Russians. Show me one player, American, Canadian or some 'crap from Europe' that was tougher than Niklas Hjalmarsson.

Why is everybody down on Kevin Hayes? Because he turned his ass up at the Hawks before?
- wonthecup10

You got it right. HEHe did not sign with Hawks so has to be a sore loser. Seriously at this time of the year posters who actively post are unapologetic optimists and run anyone one of town who does not agree with their assessments and express doubts.

You got it right. HEHe did not sign with Hawks so has to be a sore loser. Seriously at this time of the year posters who actively post are unapologetic optimists and run anyone one of town who does not agree with their assessments and express doubts.
- vshun

I actually find posters on this site fall into two catgories, a select few are perpetually negative and most posters are realists. I don't know many, if any, posters who are eternal optimists.

Explain to me why the hawks should sign Kevin Hayes for $6-$7M a season and if you think he's worth burning a 1/3 of the unused cap on. I sure don't think he is.

Kevin Hayes rights traded to PHI for a 2019 5th rounder.

Expect him to sign in Philly. Hayes will fit in nicely there reunited with Coach AV.
- Tyler Cameron

Very expensive rental for the Peg!

I guess you weren't a Hossa or Hjalmarsson fan after all they are European and I guess catergorized as 'crap'? Funny how you lost interest in Hayes when you found out a 6'5" North American had as many hits as much smaller Marcus "crap from Europe" Kruger? Where a player comes from is irrelevant, unless you're uncertain he'll commit to the NHL like some Russians. Show me one player, American, Canadian or some 'crap from Europe' that was tougher than Niklas Hjalmarsson.
- paulr

Sorry I missed him too, for every one or two that Stan finds there are 10 Misses, what about the big defenseman that was about 6 foot eight they signed about five years ago that was supposed to be the next Chara? I watch that kid in a playoff game against St. Louis, and Steve Ott basically followed him up the ice and booted him in the ass and taunted him all the way, with the referees watching, and the kid basically did nothing. My opinion the kid should’ve sent a little message right back. At least show something. My next question is what does he think, these kids from overseas are going to be stupid and play for the cheap, if they prove they can play here I’m sure they’re going to get North American based agents that are going to get them top dollar also. I just would like to see him mix it up. It seems like at certain times he is asleep at the wheel. Hopefully these two kids he signed from overseas this summer, one of them turns out to be like one of the former Detroit redwings elite of the late 90s early 2000’s. My whole thing is just mix it up, quit being stubborn and want to be like your daddy and re-create the Canadians of The 70s, in today’s game you need a combination of everything, but at least back in the 70s they had John Ferguson and a couple of other players that held court. We do not even have that. Once again just watch this Stanley Cup finals series, this is just good old fashion hockey. And personally I love it and this is the way the game should be year-round. The referees need to stop calling it two ways. Put the whistles away and let the players decide. Once again this is just my opinion only.

It’s only a fifth rounder, but Hayes is a UFA - Flyers bought about 30 days of rights.

Means something, I guess.
- StLBravesFan

I think they know that they can sign him.

Can Hawks find a Ryan O’Reily in Free Agency?
- Colbyboy

That was actually a trade Blues got Ryan O’Reilly and Buffalo got:

Vladimir Sobotka
Patrik Berglund
Tage Thompson
2019 1st round pick
2021 2nd round pick

Anyone see this?

Blackhawks May Have Already Revealed Their Pick In 2019 NHL Draft

https://blackhawkup.com/2...aled-pick-2019-nhl-draft/
- glennjpawlak22

...more like Tony Gianares the writer was there at the testing and Turcotte was the only kid polite enough to talk to him, because the were talked out at the one on one dinners, interviews with teams and then the NHL press blitz...

Failure next year is NOT an option in my book..
- Hawkytalk

To me the rebuilding process weighs the light years as long as new faces and the present group seems to be moving in an upward direction, but I guess to me what is unclear what "failure" is for next season.

Joel Quenneville and #FlaPanthers finally announce coaching staff: Mike Kitchen, Andrew Brunette, Derek MacKenzie and Robb Tallas.

— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) June 4, 2019

Byram, stop messing around, just announce it well before hand, d stacked for years to come..
- Butcherboy66

yeah, just announce it so NJ and NY Rangers can take him, lol!

I am all in on that...

Sorry I missed him too, for every one or two that Stan finds there are 10 Misses, what about the big defenseman that was about 6 foot eight they signed about five years ago that was supposed to be the next Chara? I watch that kid in a playoff game against St. Louis, and Steve Ott basically followed him up the ice and booted him in the ass and taunted him all the way, with the referees watching, and the kid basically did nothing. My opinion the kid should’ve sent a little message right back. At least show something. My next question is what does he think, these kids from overseas are going to be stupid and play for the cheap, if they prove they can play here I’m sure they’re going to get North American based agents that are going to get them top dollar also. I just would like to see him mix it up. It seems like at certain times he is asleep at the wheel. Hopefully these two kids he signed from overseas this summer, one of them turns out to be like one of the former Detroit redwings elite of the late 90s early 2000’s. My whole thing is just mix it up, quit being stubborn and want to be like your daddy and re-create the Canadians of The 70s, in today’s game you need a combination of everything, but at least back in the 70s they had John Ferguson and a couple of other players that held court. We do not even have that. Once again just watch this Stanley Cup finals series, this is just good old fashion hockey. And personally I love it and this is the way the game should be year-round. The referees need to stop calling it two ways. Put the whistles away and let the players decide. Once again this is just my opinion only.
- wonthecup10

What you say doesn't make sense. You accuse Stan of trying to recreate the 70s Canadiens like his Daddy, then in the same paragraph you ask why Stan doesn't recreate the Canadiens like his Daddy because he doesn't have all North American players and some tough guys?

Hockey is cyclical. When the Hawks were winning teams emulated the Hawk lineup trying to win with speed and skill. Now with the Blues and Bruins playing a more physical style teams will try to emulate their teams and go with more physical players. I like physical hockey but I like seeing the Hawks win more.

yeah, just announce it so NJ and NY Rangers can take him, lol!

I am all in on that...
- wiz1901

Yeah! Heck, I'm a Byram guy but I would be in on that.

Yeah! Heck, I'm a Byram guy but I would be in on that.
- EbonyRaptor

I don’t think I’d announce anything. However I’d work the rumor mill, let it leak the Blackhawks are leaning towards taking Byram. Maybe the Kings want him bad enough to move to #3 for #5 and #22.

I hope Bowman is doing his due diligence now on Ryan Dzingel and or Matt Duchene.
This European crap is frustrating to a fan like myself, I understand he hit a homerun with Panerin , But how many other things have worked out? Michael Kempney I will also put in that category, can’t even say I would put kahun in there yet. 12 goals and playing most of the year with captain Toews Really doesn’t set the world on fire.
- wonthecup10

European free agents are just another source of adding new talent to the team, just like the draft, college free agents, UFAs and trades. As with all sources there will be hits and misses.

Relying on European free agents to build the core of your team is a risky proposition. Using European free agents to help supplement the team's depth is a good move. Especially when the team has traded away so many draft picks during their playoff runs.

If a European free agent doesn't work out there isn't much risk. Either they go to Rockford or back to Europe.

Panarin and Kempny were good pick-ups. Rutta wasn't great but wasn't terrible either. Kahun has been a solid depth addition, he was 7th in rookie scoring. Kampf has been a solid signing too, he could be a quality 4C for a while. Gustafsson was technically a European free agent signing as well. I'm not holding our much hope for Wedin but I am looking forward to seeing what Kubalik can do after and impressive season and WC.

Through this draft and free agency, I hope the Hawks key focus isn't a quick fix but add depth. While the team trended upward a bit after JC took over I think there are some reasons to be concerned when it comes to the overall depth. We've seen what happens with Crawford being hurt and I think the Hawks have been lucky that none of the big guns have gone down to injury very often recently.

While not the only factor (other things like Manning, Coaching, etc..) you could look at Murphy and the D situation last year.

The Hawks were dead last in the NHL with only 9 wins over 2+ months when Murphy returned. 9 - 16 - 5 for 23 points. Murphy played Dec 9th and Dahlstrom was called up Dec 12th and the team started to show some improvement.

From Dec 12 on the team was 27 - 16 - 7 (about 10th in the league). Again, not the only factor as the powerplay and offensive production were a big part, but the defensive game for the Hawks started to become less of a joke (they were trailing many games early there for about a month, going down by 1-3 goals in the first 5-10 minutes consistently).

My point is, the Hawks are lacking depth to sustain their level of play through key injuries. If they want to get serious about another cup run in the near future, I think we need to have a team that can suffer those injuries, fill the hole with someone who doesn't get overwhelmed and keep going. That is what happens in the playoffs as injuries stack up from the grind. Not a new idea, but I think the team will need to find a way to lose 1 (maybe 2) big contracts.

The biggest target should be Seabrook (unless he can return to form). He is our highest paid dman right now, but many nights he was finding himself in the bottom pair in terms of regular minutes. I'm not saying he doesn't still have some good attributes or that he didn't get some tough minutes when he was on the ice, but for a guy who is top 15 salary for NHL dmen, I think you just need more. I would love to see Seabrook bounce back and I'm rooting for him, but realistically, if a guy like Jokiharju starts to fill a role on the PK soon, does he start to become the replacement on RD for #7. I'm not saying it is easy, but if they find a way to move Seabrook off the books, that ~7 million cap space could help fill out more depth.