Because he’s gonna want a big raise next year, and it’s silly to pay big bucks to defenseman who can’t play defense.
- Ogilthorpe2

Doug Wilson would disagree.

Coincidentally, I think Doug may have a big crack problem.

He plays 82 games every season and puts the puck in the net. Last 2 seasons 82 and 92 points. That BS about his conditioning was started by the losers in Toronto and it isnt fact.

I would take him in a flash if it was a relatively even trade. The kid likes to win.
- RickJ

I imagine if a trade was made, Pitt would have to give us a sweetener to make it worth our while. Have to admit he'd look good on the same line as Kane

Jokiharju doesn’t have the offensive abilities of Gus. Gus was one of the top 5-10 offensive Dman in the NHL last season, no way Jokiharju is ready to produce on that level/play that role.

Why do they need to get used to life without him eventually I don’t get it??
- SimpleJack

Until last season, Gus didn't have the offensive abilities of Gus. Was it that one magical year? He wouldn't be the first guy to have a season like that and disappear.

I don't think it will happen. I don't think he is going to put up 60 points again, either. 40-45? Definitely more realistic.

I’m sure you do.
- DarthKane

Hahahaha!!!! Welcome to Chicago, the newest number 11.

He got blamed for everything in Toronto.
- Elbows15

I'm not a huge fan, but in fairness to Kessel he does well when he's a complimentary player, in Toronto he was expected to be THE GUY and he was unable to deal with the expectations or pressure of that.

They won’t be able to re-sign Gus in 2020 when he becomes a UFA.
- DarthKane

Enter Adam Boqvist at that point.

Yes, no problem. There is risk - as both players have a history with injury - but Stan is being pretty shrewd about picking these guys up for bottom roster players and marginal cap hit. It might not work - but I like what he’s doing right now.
- Chief4Feathers

It'll be something to have an entire first round team one day ...

Enter Adam Boqvist at that point.
- Tyler Cameron

and Beaudin, Mitchell,

Unless the deal is Kessel for Seabrook the deal doesn’t work.
- DarthKane

I fear that it will have to include Saad for 2 reasons. Cap hits are similar, and Saad is from Pittsburgh. I'm not sure I want to lose Saad anymore, unless another FA was brought in to help on the PK.

As for Pavelski. .....he is going to be 35 next month, so unless the term is for a couple years tops, I would pass. I honestly don't think Doug Wilson will let him go anywhere. GREAT Captain.

Until last season, Gus didn't have the offensive abilities of Gus. Was it that one magical year? He wouldn't be the first guy to have a season like that and disappear.

I don't think it will happen. I don't think he is going to put up 60 points again, either. 40-45? Definitely more realistic.
- Elbows15

But the point is for this upcoming season we need that top end offensive Dman because there’s nobody else to fill that role on the roster. Jokiharju and Boqvist still a few years away from reaching that potential, Gus is already in his prime.

I'm not a huge fan, but in fairness to Kessel he does well when he's a complimentary player, in Toronto he was expected to be THE GUY and he was unable to deal with the expectations or pressure of that.
- paulr

He still put up numbers in Toronto. It wasn't his fault the rest of the team was poop. Didn't help with what they gave up to get him, either. He was far from the problem is Toronto.

I'm not a huge fan, but in fairness to Kessel he does well when he's a complimentary player, in Toronto he was expected to be THE GUY and he was unable to deal with the expectations or pressure of that.
- paulr

He was also probably the Penguins best player in the 2016 playoffs.

Enter Adam Boqvist at that point.
- Tyler Cameron

Yes, hopefully he progresses well enough in Rockford this year where that is a feasible option.

Yes, hopefully he progresses well enough in Rockford this year where that is a feasible option.
- Chief4Feathers

I don’t believe Boqvist is old enough to play in Rockford this season. Beaudin might tho.

But the point is for this upcoming season we need that top end offensive Dman because there’s nobody else to fill that role on the roster. Jokiharju and Boqvist still a few years away from reaching that potential, Gus is already in his prime.
- SimpleJack

I actually made the same point in the last thread about keeping Gus. So, for this season, i agree with you but Gus is not a guy I want the Hawks giving 6+M to for term.

Jokesonyou is closer than you think. If they don't trade him.

He still put up numbers in Toronto. It wasn't his fault the rest of the team was poop. Didn't help with what they gave up to get him, either. He was far from the problem is Toronto.
- Elbows15

I mostly like Phil Kessel - but I think he would be a mistake to add to this current roster. Both in terms of play and salary cap.

Boqvist isnt old enough to play in Rockford this season. Beaudin might tho.
- Assman22

Boqvist can play in Rockford since he is consider on loan to the CHL. Its a quirk of the age rule.

How about this trade:

Hawks trade Gustafsson, Anisimov, Dahlstrom and a 2020 2nd round pick to Toronto for Nylander and a 2020 4th round pick.
- Flying Puck

Hahahaha

I fear that it will have to include Saad for 2 reasons. Cap hits are similar, and Saad is from Pittsburgh. I'm not sure I want to lose Saad anymore, unless another FA was brought in to help on the PK.

As for Pavelski. .....he is going to be 35 next month, so unless the term is for a couple years tops, I would pass. I honestly don't think Doug Wilson will let him go anywhere. GREAT Captain.
- Hawkytalk

If the rumor has any merit to it, Saad IMO heads to Pittsburgh along with one of the defensemen such as Murphy.

He was also probably the Penguins best player in the 2016 playoffs.
- SimpleJack

Which will be 4 years ago by the time the playoffs start again. When he was 28. Just perspective. If the price is close to what they gave up for de Haan, sign me up.

I don’t believe Boqvist is old enough to play in Rockford this season. Beaudin might tho.
- Assman22

Both are projected to play for the Icehogs this year.

Boqvist can play in Rockford since he is consider on loan to the CHL. Its a quirk of the age rule.
- Elbows15

Where did you read that?

Wow just logged in . Stan not messing around.
Just worry about the injuries DE Haan and Maatta have had but I like this move.
Also what's with the Kessel rumours are they from legit sources.
I don't think I would want to give up Saad for him only because of the age difference.
Whats are cap situation looking like for next year hope we will still have enough for Cat and Strome

E 5

I don’t believe Boqvist is old enough to play in Rockford this season. Beaudin might tho.
- Assman22

The CHL/AHL age limit rule doesn't apply to Boqvist because he was drafted out of his Euro team.