These finals have been quite boring and horrid hockey all around. Pretty much why the NHL cant grow.

Anyway, would be cool to see the hawks get nuts for the entertainment factor alone.

Terrible signing in Marc Crawford. Shows no faith in JC and that guy kinda sucks anyway. But at least hell tell dudes to try hard and encourage deliberate injuring.
- fattybeef

I have actually enjoyed the western finals, and cup final.

Hope the Blues win. I hope Boston burns to the ground.

And Saad actually jumps Debrincat to be 3rd on the team when you look at 5v5 time - and 5v5 is what matters when you're discussing line roll-out.

Part of the issue with perceiving Saad as a 3rd liner is that the Hawks didn't run a traditional middle 6. It was much more like a 2A/2B in terms of TOI as Anisimov-Strome are within 5 seconds of each other 5v5 and Saad-Debrincat are within 20. In the last 20 games, Saad averaged more TOI 5v5 and all than Debrincat and Anisimov did the same over Strome.

Saad-Anisimov also saw higher quality of competition, facing 1-2 lines of other teams, esp when Kahun was on their line. They had similar deployment/usage to Sharp-Bolland/Handzus-Kane of 2013. Strome-Debrincat saw lower QOC, skewed OZ deployment, and were essentially used in a bumslayer line by the end of the season, esp when with Perlini. They were more close to Shaw-Bickell-Stalberg at that point - just way (frank)ing better lol.

Honestly, the way JC was rolling his lines last year is why I thought the Hawks were interested in a player like Hayes because then Saad-Hayes would be 2A to Debrincat-Strome 2B with the latter getting higher OZS to optimize their offensive production.
- L_B_R

I like the idea of that 2A - 2B if the Hawks could have the depth. Do you think Saad is one of those guys that has difficulty playing with just anyone. It seems they move him around but often the results are inconsistent. Get the right fit and his effectiveness goes up.

Completely unrelated, but what if the Hawks offer sheet Kyle Connor?
- nickmo2699

Me personally, I don't know much about offer sheets or predicting when they will happen, but I like Kyle Connor. My thought is would Bowman do that to Cheveldayoff?

One player that I was wondering about as RFA lately was Mikko Rantanen. Colorado has a lot of cap space, so I don't know that he'd ever be snagged away, but that guy should get a hell of a good raise. He really impressed me in that 2016-2017 season when he was really starting to score goals and I think he is going to get better still.

No Hossa = No Cups.
- DarthKane

Agreed. And I don't really see many similarities at all between Hossa and Saad.

Hossa is a bigger stronger player (Hossa was built like a tank), better shot, better skater, better defensive game, better back checker, better power moves, better puck possession, better hockey IQ and better hands.

Go watch Hossa highlights when he was on OTT/Atlanta. Saad isn't even close.

I'd say Sharp is his prime is a better overall player then Saad.

Saad is solid 2-way winger. Nothing special.

If you are expecting him to be a Hossa replacement then you need to adjust your expectations. He has some of the 2 way qualities, but will never have the dominance, game breaking ability or shot to match Hossa. Hossa was the most well rounded winger of this Hawks generation.

Saad had up and down play with Toews, but 2 guys don't make a 5 man unit work unless you have the right mix. When it was Saad + Toews + A play making Winger....things were pretty darn good. Saad + Toews + Bottom 6 plug was too often the mix and it didn't work.

About the PK, you can go ahead and just lump everyone together, but when Saad was on the ice, the Hawks actually had a counter attack and were more aggressive which resulted in less pressure. There were 5 forwards that took the bulk of the PK time Toews/Saad/AA/Kampf/Kruger and Saad seems the most consistent.

I totally agree with this. Yes the PK sucked, but to my eye Saad was the best PK forward we had that could win the puck from two attackers and protect it on the other end of the ice, killing time. He actually took it to the net a few times and was dangerous.

And idk why everyone is so hot to trot to move Keith? Regardless of what you think about how much his play has dropped off from the Hall of Fame pace he has been on the majority of his career, for what he gives, he is still a good cap hit relative to his play. You would have to pay someone way more money to take his role and do it as well as he does. And by the way, that guy is not in an Indianhead at any level in the organization right now.
I'm not saying the guy is perfect and maybe he would be better at 5 to 5.5 million, but he ain't no 3rd liner.
- breadbag

Completely unrelated, but what if the Hawks offer sheet Kyle Connor?
- nickmo2699

Rather rovolish sorry for spelling plus would cost less

People need to stop considering Saad a 3rd liner because he really isn't.

He may have lined up on the 3rd line for part of the year, but the truth is he averaged 4th in minutes for Blackhawks forwards last season behind Kane/Toews/Debrincat (essentially tied Debrincat as only one second separated them). He was 3rd behind Kane and Toews for Even Strength ice-time up front.

Saad is one of the more important forwards for the Hawks, even if he moves up and down the lineup. It would be like calling Kane a second line player when he doesn't play on line 1. Or calling AA a first line C when he has Kane on his wing. It just isn't so. Saad is quickly becoming one of the more under appreciated players on this roster. 4th in goals for the Hawks over the last 2 seasons (that is with his poor production in that first season back) and tied with Kane with 11 Game Winning Goals. Add in the fact that he was one of the only forwards who didn't suck on the PK. If they trade him away, I hope it isn't at a discount, because this team needs guys like him.
- breadbag

You are absolutely correct about Saad and I agree with you !! YES do not get caught up in this 1st line .. top 6 talk. SAAD DROVE THE THIRD LINE. And if you want all these 1st line or 2nd line players, you will wind up in salary cap hell like Toronto. I heard a player after a game in the playoffs this year say that they do not like to think of the lines in terms of Line one - two - the fourth line ... but rather each line has a role. I like that kind of thinking .... if you want to roll out four lines ... then they each have a role ... not to put any lesser number on a particular line

Hawks should try to take advantage of teams in salary cap hell to make trades with, provided that these players fit the team needs. Don't forget that the Hawks were on a pace for over 100 points from February until the season end. A full training camp of Colliton, will only reinforce what they finished with last season. Hawks need quality depth players, penalty killing specialists, good face off men, and some bridge defensemen that play solid defense, to hold the forte untili the young studs are ready.
Another team that is in salary cap hell is Tampa. Rumored they will possibly part with Callahan .... no thanks, but also Kilourn, JT Miller or Ondrei Palat. Look at the Blues and Bruins in the finals. They are getting contributions up and down the line up ... exactly what the Hawks need

Hawks should try to take advantage of teams in salary cap hell to make trades with, provided that these players fit the team needs. Don't forget that the Hawks were on a pace for over 100 points from February until the season end. A full training camp of Colliton, will only reinforce what they finished with last season. Hawks need quality depth players, penalty killing specialists, good face off men, and some bridge defensemen that play solid defense, to hold the forte untili the young studs are ready.
Another team that is in salary cap hell is Tampa. Rumored they will possibly part with Callahan .... no thanks, but also Kilourn, JT Miller or Ondrei Palat. Look at the Blues and Bruins in the finals. They are getting contributions up and down the line up ... exactly what the Hawks need
- chuckdahammer

If hawks want miller my choice might have take callahan only one year left i do a trade like that maybe sikrua Forsling and 2nd and 4th for Tampa's 1st and miller and callahan

Agreed. And I don't really see many similarities at all between Hossa and Saad.

Hossa is a bigger stronger player (Hossa was built like a tank), better shot, better skater, better defensive game, better back checker, better power moves, better puck possession, better hockey IQ and better hands.

Go watch Hossa highlights when he was on OTT/Atlanta. Saad isn't even close.

I'd say Sharp is his prime is a better overall player then Saad.

Saad is solid 2-way winger. Nothing special.
- bhawks2241

I think that's understating Saad's value. Saad is his own player, no he's not Hossa 2.0 but he plays a valuable role on the team. If Saad leaves who fills the void?

Saw a report about the potential of Ivan Nalimov signing this year. I'm only interested in 2 goalies...



or

I like the idea of that 2A - 2B if the Hawks could have the depth. Do you think Saad is one of those guys that has difficulty playing with just anyone. It seems they move him around but often the results are inconsistent. Get the right fit and his effectiveness goes up.
- breadbag

Tbf most players have difficulty playing with just anyone imo. There aren't that many that can click with most everyone - even Kane and Crosby, two of the best at elevating bottom 6 players, don't work with ~everyone.

But I def think you're right about how getting the right fit impacts his effectiveness - and that this is especially true for many shot volume players. It's why I think Saad-Anisimov was meh together except when Kahun was there - Kahun was the necessary playmaker to make their shooter-shooter combo work decently. Saad-Kane works when there is a cycle guy option on their line (Shaw, Richards). Sometimes just pairs on a line can work, but more often than not for non-elite players, the whole line needs to be balanced properly.

I mean, did you know that Perlini actually had a positive impact on Strome-Debrincat? Those guys were rocking by themselves, but he actually made them better as well (better shots, higher quality, etc etc). Perlini has an above average shot but doesn't shoot enough, so he only really clicked when he was finally paired with a playmaker (Strome) and a player who just goes where he needs to be (Debrincat).

Line balance is always important to me when evaluating a player (the more context the better). And then usage/deployment impacts too but that's another discussion lol.

Rather rovolish sorry for spelling plus would cost less
- Scott1977

I can make out most of your spelling errors Scott... but this one I'm stumped.

Who's Rovolish? Pump it into Google with the team and let me know.

Saw a report about the potential of Ivan Nalimov signing this year. I'm only interested in 2 goalies...



or


- resqmed99

Scott Sterling is a legend in net, but I think he might spend too much time on the IR.

Tbf most players have difficulty playing with just anyone imo. There aren't that many that can click with most everyone - even Kane and Crosby, two of the best at elevating bottom 6 players, don't work with ~everyone.

But I def think you're right about how getting the right fit impacts his effectiveness - and that this is especially true for many shot volume players. It's why I think Saad-Anisimov was meh together except when Kahun was there - Kahun was the necessary playmaker to make their shooter-shooter combo work decently. Saad-Kane works when there is a cycle guy option on their line (Shaw, Richards). Sometimes just pairs on a line can work, but more often than not for non-elite players, the whole line needs to be balanced properly.

I mean, did you know that Perlini actually had a positive impact on Strome-Debrincat? Those guys were rocking by themselves, but he actually made them better as well (better shots, higher quality, etc etc). Perlini has an above average shot but doesn't shoot enough, so he only really clicked when he was finally paired with a playmaker (Strome) and a player who just goes where he needs to be (Debrincat).

Line balance is always important to me when evaluating a player (the more context the better). And then usage/deployment impacts too but that's another discussion lol.
- L_B_R

Perlini seems like a good example and I'd like to see if him earn a good role on the team. IMO he was very effective in short bursts and maybe he is streaky, but if he could find that level of play more often the Hawks would benefit. I think he can learn some of what he needs, in terms of his play away from the puck, but he found some good areas on the ice to attack from and when his linemates got him a chance he could bury it. I'm a bit jaded by some of the other players we've seen come and go and I'm not optimistic about Perlini, but maybe it will work out.

I can make out most of your spelling errors Scott... but this one I'm stumped.

Who's Rovolish? Pump it into Google with the team and let me know.
- Tyler Cameron

Come on man, a good Canadian guy like you doesn't know Jack Roslovic playing for the Winnipeg Jets?

Rather rovolish sorry for spelling plus would cost less
- Scott1977

Is English your first language? I'm actually fo once not trying to be rude, but I've never seen anyone write like you do.

I think that's understating Saad's value. Saad is his own player, no he's not Hossa 2.0 but he plays a valuable role on the team. If Saad leaves who fills the void?
- DarthKane

That’s a good question, with Saad you pretty much know what you have. A 45-50 point power forward that can play up and down the line.

That said if the Blackhawks want to trade him the 2019/20 season or before is the time to do it. Starting 2020-21 season his MNTC kicks in, he lists 10 teams that he can be traded to. I’m not sure who his agent is now but I hope it’s not the same guy.

Perlini seems like a good example and I'd like to see if him earn a good role on the team. IMO he was very effective in short bursts and maybe he is streaky, but if he could find that level of play more often the Hawks would benefit. I think he can learn some of what he needs, in terms of his play away from the puck, but he found some good areas on the ice to attack from and when his linemates got him a chance he could bury it. I'm a bit jaded by some of the other players we've seen come and go and I'm not optimistic about Perlini, but maybe it will work out.
- breadbag

I'm meh about Perlini in general - I think he can be useful but I wouldn't be bothered by them moving on from him either.

He was quite effective when finally paired with higher quality players and he was on 20 goals paces his first 2 seasons which is nothing to scoff at, so it'd be nice to see if they could make something out of him. But at the same time, I wouldn't want him blocking someone else and/or exclude him in a trade for someone who might be an even better fit (possibly defensively).

Someone help me out here - if a prospect plays an NHL game (or 10?) in the 2019/20 season - does that make the prospect eligible for the Seattle expansion draft?

Someone help me out here - if a prospect plays an NHL game (or 10?) in the 2019/20 season - does that make the prospect eligible for the Seattle expansion draft?
- EbonyRaptor

Not if this is the player's first pro experience in the NHL/AHL.

The rule is that any player with 2 or less years of pro experience is exempt from the expansion draft. So any player who plays their first NHL or AHL game this season will not be eligible for the draft because they will at most have 2 pro years of experience. This rule is why Panarin was exempt for the Vegas expansion draft despite having two full seasons with the Hawks under his belt.

This following players will all be exempt even if they were to play all the games the next two seasons in the NHL: Boqvist, Beaudin, Krys, Kurashev, Kubalik, Wedin, Entwistle, Söderlund, Hakkarainen, Hagel, Reese Johnson, and Wedin.

Jokiharju is the only one of the big 4 d-men prospects that would be exposed.

This following players will all be exempt even if they were to play all the games the next two seasons in the NHL: Boqvist, Beaudin, Krys, Kurashev, Kubalik, Wedin, Entwistle, Söderlund, Hakkarainen, Hagel, Reese Johnson, and Wedin.

- L_B_R

Forgot Caufield!

THREE NEW THINGS quickly;

Marc Crawford addition stinks of a higher than Stan Bowman decision and also looks like the new intermediary head coach if and when they fire JC.
Does it add pressure con him? No it might offer some sound aids and experience.

And for what it is worth, I never saw Marc Crawford end anybody's career yet.

A Saad + Anisimov subtraction would fund a Trouba addition. I am not advocating it but think they can't upgrade the dee unless some team trades them a defenseman they are willing sign long term.

I an not sure you want to trade down and out of three even if each and every one of US thinks we "know" there is one prospect still there at 5 or 7 who will be "just" as good.
- wiz1901

A Saad and Anisimov subtraction would also fund Panarin. Therefore, who would help us more in the next few years, Trouba or Panarin ?

Yes we need defensive help, but in your scenario, I'll take Panarin.

Not if this is the player's first pro experience in the NHL/AHL.

The rule is that any player with 2 or less years of pro experience is exempt from the expansion draft. So any player who plays their first NHL or AHL game this season will not be eligible for the draft because they will at most have 2 pro years of experience. This rule is why Panarin was exempt for the Vegas expansion draft despite having two full seasons with the Hawks under his belt.

This following players will all be exempt even if they were to play all the games the next two seasons in the NHL: Boqvist, Beaudin, Krys, Kurashev, Kubalik, Wedin, Entwistle, Söderlund, Hakkarainen, Hagel, Reese Johnson, and Wedin.

Jokiharju is the only one of the big 4 d-men prospects that would be exposed.
- L_B_R

Thanks L_B_R.

I think that's understating Saad's value. Saad is his own player, no he's not Hossa 2.0 but he plays a valuable role on the team. If Saad leaves who fills the void?
- DarthKane

Frolik