I had a dream last night that the Hawks traded for Pittsburgh's Olli Maatta and a lot of posters on this board were upset.
- boilermaker100

Tell me everything is going to be OK Boiler...

I had a dream last night that the Hawks traded for Pittsburgh's Olli Maatta and a lot of posters on this board were upset.
- boilermaker100

Yup. But, if he turns into a 4M LHD top 4 shut-down guy who plays steady defense in our system, we can't be too mad about losing Kahun, who we got for nothing but Rocky's cash and good scouting.

Although, there is a lot of potential for us to mimic Pittsburgh fan's analysis of Maatta...

Fine.....but that still doesn't quantify why a good young fast forward who has smart hockey sense gets sent away. Kahun is the type of player that this team needs more of. Trade the slackers that don't give 100% game in and game out and are weak mentally. We have a few of those.

Pittsburgh will absolutely love Dominik Kahun. Watch how he progresses. Terrible move by Bowman. Now.....if he uses Maatta in another move to get a true LEGIT top 4, maybe I'll take a different look.
- Hawkytalk

Chicago just got another extremely hard worker in Maata. Just because he's not as fast as Kahun doesn't mean he doesn't get exception effort.

Maatta is known for be dedicated on and off the ice to his game, as well as a great teammate.

Morning everyone, sounds like there is a split of opinion on the Maatta trade - although more on the nagative than I expected.

I am trying to remember what it was like on here when the Hawks traded amazing, fan favourite players like Buf, Ladd, Hammer.

I didn't think Donlminik Kahun was so well revered here.

Listen, I think he's a good little player and I think he is going to do well in Pittsburgh but did we all think the exact same team was coming back?

Would people have preferred Maatta for Nicolas Beaudin and a pick or Maatta + prospect/picks for Saad?

I'm not saying Maatta would have been my first choice, however, Stan just went out and got a top 4 defensive dman who will be instrumental in bringing along Jokiharju, blocks a ton of shots and help the penalty kill.

No $4M is not ideal but just be patient. Stan is not done and wants to be active in free agnecy and more trades.

I mentioned last night that the Hawks are looking at other options. Ones that could involve moving out Murphy, Forsling and/or Gustafsson.

More changes are coming and Stan is working closely with Colliton on reshaping this team for the better.

Morning everyone, sounds like there is a split of opinion on the Maatta trade - although more on the nagative than I expected.

I am trying to remember what it was like on here when the Hawks traded amazing, fan favourite players like Buf, Ladd, Hammer.

I didn't think Donlminik Kahun was so well revered here.

Listen, I think he's a good little player and I think he is going to do well in Pittsburgh but did we all think the exact same team was coming back?

Would people have preferred Maatta for Nicolas Beaudin and a pick or Maatta + prospect/picks for Saad?

I'm not saying Maatta would have been my first choice, however, Stan just went out and got a top 4 defensive dman who will be instrumental in bringing along Jokiharju, blocks a ton of shots and help the penalty kill.

No $4M is not ideal but just be patient. Stan is not done and wants to be active in free agnecy and more trades.

I mentioned last night that the Hawks are looking at other options. Ones that could involve moving out Murphy, Forsling and/or Gustafsson.

More changes are coming and Stan is working closely with Colliton on reshaping this team for the better.
- Tyler Cameron

Part of my issue here is the 3M in cap space we saved Pittsburgh. I absolutely despise the Penguins, Crysby in particular. They're among the top 5 in teams I LEAST want to help via trade. Lets not start that tangent...
I'd personally have a lot less issue with the trade if the Pens traded Maatta to another team "X", for another *semi useless* 4M player, then we traded "X" team Kahun/5th for Maatta...

I’m not overly concerned about losing Kahun or the 5th rd pick, but what I am concerned about is tacking on a $4M cap hit with Maatta - who may not even prove to be worthy of top 4 pairing... and he has a NMC that kicks in next year?
- Chief4Feathers

The 4M doesnt bother me as much when I look at the Hawks D as a whole:

Seabrook - 6.8M
Keith - 5.5M
Maata - 4M
Murphy - 3.8M
Gustafsson - 1.2M
Jokiharju - 925k
Kokekooek - 925k
Dahlstrom- 850k
Forsling - (approx. 1M?)

The Hawks will be cleaning up some room with some of these guys to then make room for the slew of prospects - who will all be on e try level deals- like Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin and maybe Byram.

Morning everyone, sounds like there is a split of opinion on the Maatta trade - although more on the nagative than I expected.

I am trying to remember what it was like on here when the Hawks traded amazing, fan favourite players like Buf, Ladd, Hammer.

I didn't think Donlminik Kahun was so well revered here.

Listen, I think he's a good little player and I think he is going to do well in Pittsburgh but did we all think the exact same team was coming back?

Would people have preferred Maatta for Nicolas Beaudin and a pick or Maatta + prospect/picks for Saad?

I'm not saying Maatta would have been my first choice, however, Stan just went out and got a top 4 defensive dman who will be instrumental in bringing along Jokiharju, blocks a ton of shots and help the penalty kill.

No $4M is not ideal but just be patient. Stan is not done and wants to be active in free agnecy and more trades.

I mentioned last night that the Hawks are looking at other options. Ones that could involve moving out Murphy, Forsling and/or Gustafsson.

More changes are coming and Stan is working closely with Colliton on reshaping this team for the better.
- Tyler Cameron

Hey Tyler, can you tell me why you think Maatta is definitely a top-4 dman? I’m trying to get my head wrapped around that. As for Kahun, good player but he was expendable given others on the roster and I have no problems moving him for help on defense.

I also believe the Hawks have the option to nullify any NMC or NTC clause.
- John McDonough

They do and I'm sure they will.

Eakin, Cody C NHL 28 $3,850,000
Reaves, Ryan RW NHL 32 $2,775,000
Haula, Erik C, LW NHL 28 $2,750,000


$9.38M tied up in those three, all UFA 2020

Yikes, Vegas

Eakin, Cody C NHL 28 $3,850,000
Reaves, Ryan RW NHL 32 $2,775,000
Haula, Erik C, LW NHL 28 $2,750,000


$9.38M tied up in those three, all UFA 2020

Yikes, Vegas
- Slofire94

Eakin... we'll takkke him!

Eakin... we'll takkke him!
- Tyler Cameron

The Hawks really should weaponize the "placeholder cap space" they're saving for the ADB / Strome extensions on contracts expiring this year. Either for someone useful aka Eakin, or someone less useful, aka Marleau/Clarkson/Horton

Hey Tyler, can you tell me why you think Maatta is definitely a top-4 dman? I’m trying to get my head wrapped around that. As for Kahun, good player but he was expendable given others on the roster and I have no problems moving him for help on defense.
- Chief4Feathers

Maatta has been primarily a top 4 d his entire career.

All stats and usage point to him being a top 4.

Now, I get where you are coming from and based on Maatta's injuries and play last year it appears he is trending in the wrong direction. However, on this Blackhawks team, as it's currently constructed, he is a top 4 guy not just because of his past but what he brings to the table.

He is a smart hockey player (you have to have high hockey IQ when you're not the quickest), is a defensive-first kind of guy, blocks a ton of shots, plays significant PK minutes (and plays them well) and makes a solid first pass.

As I said earlier, I don't think Stan is done tweaking the D but I would guess their plan is to pair him with Jokiharju. Maatta seems to just be one piece to the puzzle.

The Hawks really should weaponize the "placeholder cap space" they're saving for the ADB / Strome extensions on contracts expiring this year. Either for someone useful aka Eakin, or someone less useful, aka Marleau/Clarkson/Horton
- Slofire94

Yep. I heard the 1-year remaining strategy is something they are interested in. Shouldn't be a problem for Stan... he's a pro at finding those guys.

Maatta has been primarily a top 4 d his entire career.

All stats and usage point to him being a top 4.

Now, I get where you are coming from and based on Maatta's injuries and play last year it appears he is trending in the wrong direction. However, on this Blackhawks team, as it's currently constructed, he is a top 4 guy not just because of his past but what he brings to the table.

He is a smart hockey player (you have to have high hockey IQ when you're not the quickest), is a defensive-first kind of guy, blocks a ton of shots, plays significant PK minutes (and plays them well) and makes a solid first pass.

As I said earlier, I don't think Stan is done tweaking the D but I would guess their plan is to pair him with Jokiharju. Maatta seems to just be one piece to the puzzle.
- Tyler Cameron

Penguins made Maatta a healthy scratch in their last 3 games in the first round vs Islanders

I find it very hard to label Maatta top 4 right now when you take that into consideration

good chance that a change of scenery will be great for him though

Penguins made Maatta a healthy scratch in their last 3 games in the first round vs Islanders

I find it very hard to label Maatta top 4 right now when you take that into consideration

good chance that a change of scenery will be great for him though
- jimbro83

...and Dylan Strome wasn't good enough to play for the Coyotes.

I am not going to be shocked if Maatta is more a bottom pairing guy. However, I think you're right... a change of scenery can do wonders for players.

Penguins made Maatta a healthy scratch in their last 3 games in the first round vs Islanders

I find it very hard to label Maatta top 4 right now when you take that into consideration

good chance that a change of scenery will be great for him though
- jimbro83

Well he is a Hawk now. Let's hope the change of scenery resets his game.

I’m not overly concerned about losing Kahun or the 5th rd pick, but what I am concerned about is tacking on a $4M cap hit with Maatta - who may not even prove to be worthy of top 4 pairing... and he has a NMC that kicks in next year?
- Chief4Feathers

This Is how I feel , just think the Hawks could have waited with so many teams up against the cap, and got someone a lot cheaper or have teams sweeten the deal.Hawks always had to pay to get out from the cap and I feel we should done the same here to Pittsburgh or any other team . Don't understand why this had to be done so early In the off season. Plus Maatta two shoulder injuries yeechs

It figures guys here would be chirping the trade. But the Pens blogger is all poops and giggles with the trade, I think that's more telling, at least initially.
But change of scenery, helping to mentor a younger countryman, you never know. He might be a decent fit. I'll wait and see before I throw him under the bus.

Overall, I'm not as upset as some about this trade. I'm in the wait and see mode - wait and see what else Stan does and wait and see how Maatta plays in Chicago's system.

One concerning thing I just pointed out on Twitter though, Maatta is slower and plays the left side, Seabrook is slow and plays the right side; there is no way they can play together, so that limits Colliton's flexibility with his pairings.

Morning everyone, sounds like there is a split of opinion on the Maatta trade - although more on the nagative than I expected.

I am trying to remember what it was like on here when the Hawks traded amazing, fan favourite players like Buf, Ladd, Hammer.

I didn't think Donlminik Kahun was so well revered here.

Listen, I think he's a good little player and I think he is going to do well in Pittsburgh but did we all think the exact same team was coming back?

Would people have preferred Maatta for Nicolas Beaudin and a pick or Maatta + prospect/picks for Saad?

I'm not saying Maatta would have been my first choice, however, Stan just went out and got a top 4 defensive dman who will be instrumental in bringing along Jokiharju, blocks a ton of shots and help the penalty kill.

No $4M is not ideal but just be patient. Stan is not done and wants to be active in free agnecy and more trades.

I mentioned last night that the Hawks are looking at other options. Ones that could involve moving out Murphy, Forsling and/or Gustafsson.

More changes are coming and Stan is working closely with Colliton on reshaping this team for the better.
- Tyler Cameron

Regarding the first bold part, yes this board blew up similarly when Hammer was traded. It was along the lines of What the f is Stan doing trading our best defensive D for this young blue liner with a lot of potential. Everyone knew that Buff and Ladd had to be traded because of the Hawk cap problems. We were sorry to lose them but someone had to go. At least we were able to celebrate a Cup before losing them.

Going on to the 2nd bold statement, I for one thought Kahun was going to improve and increase his goal total to at least 20. In fact if Saad was traded, I was expecting him to pick up some of the scoring slack. I wonder how his buddy Kubalik is feeling now. I am sure Kahun helped to entice him to sign and I was looking forward to their chemistry together if placed on the same line ala Strome, Cat.

Lastly, many of us feel Kahun was an overpay to a team with cap problems and Maatta for Beaudin or Saad would have been an even more of an overpay. The Pens were looking for a cheap contract and a pick in return, but why a middle six forward with Kahun's skill. I would have traded them a Dahlstrom or Forsling, but maybe Pittsburgh wanted a cheap forward.

On the other hand, the Hawks must think alot about Perlini and Sikura to not include them in this trade. If they are kept and have good seasons no one will remember Dominik.

Also, forwards like Entwhistle and Hagel could be a year away, and roster space will have to be made sooner or later.

Let's see how things play out. If the Hawks have an unsuccessful season, it's Stan's head on the chopping block, not ours.

This Is how I feel , just think the Hawks could have waited with so many teams up against the cap, and got someone a lot cheaper or have teams sweeten the deal.Hawks always had to pay to get out from the cap and I feel we should done the same here to Pittsburgh or any other team . Don't understand why this had to be done so early In the off season. Plus Maatta two shoulder injuries yeechs
- HamiltonHawk

Sure could have waited and brought in mediocre Nikita Zaitsev from the Leafs.

Or pursued 33 year old Matt Niskanen and his $5.7M contract to help the Capitals clear some cap space. Flyers beat Stan to the punch, where the hell was he - playing golf somewhere?

Or waited to see what Tampa was going to do with 33 year old Anton Stralman.

Sitting around waiting for the market to come to you rarely works for any company or salesman. Acquiring Maatta ultimately may not bring much of a payoff, but he is still only 24 with lots of NHL experience playing for a winning organization. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Overall, I'm not as upset as some about this trade. I'm in the wait and see mode - wait and see what else Stan does and wait and see how Maatta plays in Chicago's system.

One concerning thing I just pointed out on Twitter though, Maatta is slower and plays the left side, Seabrook is slow and plays the right side; there is no way they can play together, so that limits Colliton's flexibility with his pairings.
- Tyler Cameron

Still on the fence with this. I like Murphy and feel he could be a solid D, but now he is on his way out?? JC will need to adjust his D zone set up. There has to be a helluva lot more support from the forwards. Wonder what type of return Murphy will bring?

Sure could have waited and brought in mediocre Nikita Zaitsev from the Leafs.

Or pursued 33 year old Matt Niskanen and his $5.7M contract to help the Capitals clear some cap space. Flyers beat Stan to the punch, where the hell was he - playing golf somewhere?

Or waited to see what Tampa was going to do with 33 year old Anton Stralman.

Sitting around waiting for the market to come to you rarely works for any company or salesman. Acquiring Maatta ultimately may not bring much of a payoff, but he is still only 24 with lots of NHL experience playing for a winning organization. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
- RickJ

Hey Rick - all of those guys are RHD. The Hawks were mostly talking to teams about LHD as it is their bigger need.

With you on Maatta and we'll see what he can do in a Hawks sweater.

Hey Rick - all of those guys are RHD. The Hawks were mostly talking to teams about LHD as it is their bigger need.

With you on Maatta and we'll see what he can do in a Hawks sweater.
- Tyler Cameron

Well as you know the scouts on this board know far more than Bowman and his Hockey Ops staff.

Maatta isn't a game changer for the organization but when it comes to foot speed I just look at guys who played important roles in the playoffs that aren't cheetahs on ice - ROR, Bouwmeester, Chara, Steen, even Bergeron. Positioning and knowing how to play the game is far more important that being Eric Heiden. If Maatta can stay healthy and bring hockey smarts to the back end the Hawks will be a better team.

First of all, I don’t see Penguins fans rejoicing as much as everyone here is saying. For the most part, it’s Blackhawks fans on Oenguins boards complaining, and Penguins fans accepting the fact that Maata has to be moved because of the cap, with a few exceptions.

People on here are looking for Stan to take advantage of another teams cap woes...well, isn’t that exactly what he just did? Top 4 dman with a amanageable contract and a middle six forward are not equivalent in value, especially when their contracts are only drastically different for the next year before Kahun gets reupped.

Maybe Maata doesn’t step up and take a top 4 spot, but he is certainly capable, he played too 4 minutes for 2 Stanley cups. I think this is a risk well worth taking that is guaranteed to look at least okay in the long run and potentially could work out very well for the hawks.