I have watched him white a bit over the years. Being in Ontario I catch the odd Sens game.

I think he's best suited for a winger position at this point.

Then I just aaw Smith confirm himself he prefers playing wing.

He's a solid option in a pinch or for a few games. However, I'm more comfortable with him playing wing and taking draws on his strong side when needed.
- Tyler Cameron

Was that before or after he said: “I prefer, I feel more comfortable, at center, but I’ve had more success — especially offensively — playing the wing,” Smith said. “I guess the most ideal situation is to play wing and still take draws. I still enjoy taking draws and I feel that’s one of my strong suits.”

I have watched him white a bit over the years. Being in Ontario I catch the odd Sens game.

I think he's best suited for a winger position at this point.

Then I just aaw Smith confirm himself he prefers playing wing.

He's a solid option in a pinch or for a few games. However, I'm more comfortable with him playing wing and taking draws on his strong side when needed.
- Tyler Cameron

He actually said today in phone interview he prefers playing C but will plays wherever the hawks want him...including D and G which he said jokingly.

He played 84% of his shifts last season as C. He only moved to full time wing when JGP was in the lineup.

Why would being on a two-way contract matter? That just means he would be paid one salary amount in the NHL and a different one in the AHL. It has nothing to do with waivers.
- L_B_R

But sending him back down a portion of his salary is accounted towards the teams salary cap.

Considering right now they have when you drop down to 7 defenseman they have just over 4 million left with roughly 3 to 4 more players to add to fill the roster.

Being up against the cap just means Stan has to be more conscience in salaries if someone gets injured for a short period.

StanBo on the trade via The Athletic


"“They’re different players,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “First off, Arty was a great Blackhawk. We wish him well. I think stylistically they play different games. Both veterans, they both played in the league for a long time. I think Zack brings a different skill set to the table, something we probably need a little bit more of. Versatile player, he’s played wing and played center, which we like. He certainly plays with a competitive side to him. He plays with an edge. He’s had some years in the past where he’s scored a lot, but I think what we like about his game is the versatility.
“You notice him, he’s tough to play against out there. I think the other teams don’t find it too fun sometimes. So he’s a physical player, gets in on the forecheck. His faceoffs are pretty good as well, I think he’s very good on the one side. But it’s his competitive style that we like the most, so I think that’s something we probably didn’t have enough of last season. I think he can bring that element to our team, like I said, the versatility is nice. He can play wing or center on different lines. A couple years back he was with Mark Stone and (Jean-Gabriel) Pageau and I think he had 26 goals. So he can play with those guys and score but he can also play on more of a checking line and give you an honest effort.”"


https://theathletic.com/1...ators-for-artem-anisimov/

If colliton is still using the man to man system again this year and probably is. There is no way anisimov can survive a full year of that strategy. He just doesn't have the legs for it at all! I like Smith's game for sure! He reminds me alot of how bolland used to play! Should be fun! Like to see him Shaw and Caggiula on same line just to stir the pot a bit! The same pot that was used earlier today tho! Ha ha!

The two biggest advocates of this trade...1 didnt know Smith was used on the PK last season (most of any Fs in OTT) and the other thought he was strictly LW last season (mostly C last year)

Its pretty obvious the people who hate this trade really don't know much about smith as a player. IF thats the case, why not have a wait and see attitude about this all? Why be so vocal about a player you know very little about. I dont get it at all.

I'm sure the Hawks would have liked to moved AA for picks but it wasn't in the cards.

They were having a hell of a time finding a trade partner.

I agree it's not the most ideal but they didn't have to add a sweetener to move his contract so I'm ok with it.

It will be interesting to see who fills that 3C.
- Tyler Cameron

I think Stan is targeting specific players (with in reason)...

I'd bet anything Stan approached Dorion specifically asking for Smith. I also think Carpenter, Shaw and Nylander were all targets of Stan -- those trades/signings weren't opportunistic ...

The only player that I think kinda fell into Stan's lap by accident or player he wasn't specifically targeting was Robin Lehner.... I'm sure Stan was looking for a cheap veteran backup er perhaps 1B, but when Lehner became available, Stan saw that as an opportunity and took advantage of it.... I'm sure Stan was probably thinking 2 for a backup, and was probably targeting another bottom 6 role player or a defenseman with the other 2, but if a starting goalie and Vezina finalist falls in your lap for 4 per, and you need a goalie -- you jump on that..... I bet Stan as NOT expecting that to happen...

As far as the other moves, I think Stan had them all planned out. He probably had a list of specific players he wanted and could realistically sign/trade for and he went out and got those players -- He had a shopping list of specific items and he went shopping..... And the only player that I'm sure wasn't on the list was Robin Lehner, but you know what? everyone goes shopping and buys the items on their list, but then come across a really good deal on an item, so we pick it up... It's like you can have generic chicken soup for .75 cents a can, but Campbells Chunky is on sale for .99 cents a can, of course you spend the extra quarter for the Chunky Campbells Soup....... As you can see I love to use analogies and metaphors..

I think Stan is targeting specific players (with in reason)...

I'd bet anything Stan approached Dorion specifically asking for Smith. I also think Carpenter, Shaw and Nylander were all targets of Stan -- those trades/signings weren't opportunistic ...

The only player that I think kinda fell into Stan's lap by accident or player he wasn't specifically targeting was Robin Lehner.... I'm sure Stan was looking for a cheap veteran backup er perhaps 1B, but when Lehner became available, Stan saw that as an opportunity and took advantage of it.... I'm sure Stan was probably thinking 2 for a backup, and was probably targeting another bottom 6 role player or a defenseman with the other 2, but if a starting goalie and Vezina finalist falls in your lap for 4 per, and you need a goalie -- you jump on that..... I bet Stan as NOT expecting that to happen...

As far as the other moves, I think Stan had them all planned out. He probably had a list of specific players he wanted and could realistically sign/trade for and he went out and got those players -- He had a shopping list of specific items and he went shopping..... And the only player that I'm sure wasn't on the list was Robin Lehner, but you know what? everyone goes shopping and buys the items on their list, but then come across a really good deal on an item, so we pick it up... It's like you can have generic chicken soup for .75 cents a can, but Campbells Chunky is on sale for .99 cents a can, of course you spend the extra quarter for the Chunky Campbells Soup....... As you can see I love to use analogies and metaphors..
- Savard2Secord

From The Athletic article again...this is a Cap savings + PLaying STYLE acquisition


"League source: Smith is not the most fleet of foot. He’s a puck hound. He pursues. He’s a gritty, character player. He’s unafraid to go to the dirty areas. He’s a PK guy with some presence.

Eastern conference scout: He’s great on draws, high character, gritty. He’s not as skilled as Artem, but he’s gritty, better on draws. I’ve always liked him. It’s a ballsy move with two years left on his contract. The Blackhawks are bringing in a lot of high character guys."



https://theathletic.com/1...ators-for-artem-anisimov/

But sending him back down a portion of his salary is accounted towards the teams salary cap.

Considering right now they have when you drop down to 7 defenseman they have just over 4 million left with roughly 3 to 4 more players to add to fill the roster.

Being up against the cap just means Stan has to be more conscience in salaries if someone gets injured for a short period.
- Taylorst1

Not if Bowman signs him for the league minimum, in that case he can be buried. Actually it might be easier to get Perlini to sign a one way contract. It would at least give him some financial certainty if they want to sign him.

Bowman is in the driver’s seat with Perlini, I sure hope Bowman doesn’t go wobbly.

Agreed, Bingo. He's not a superstar. He never has been. Smith has always been a role player.

The fact of the matter was Anisimov didn't fit in Chicago anymore and he was also not a superstar.

The Hawks also were determined to move AA's salary for cap flexibility.

The move makes sense... even if you think Smith sucks. Ha.
- Tyler Cameron

smith may be a one year wonder here or TDL bait...either way the complete 4.5 arte cap hit will be gone by next year. It has to be as it will be eaten by ADB.

But sending him back down a portion of his salary is accounted towards the teams salary cap.

Considering right now they have when you drop down to 7 defenseman they have just over 4 million left with roughly 3 to 4 more players to add to fill the roster.

Being up against the cap just means Stan has to be more conscience in salaries if someone gets injured for a short period.
- Taylorst1

I think that only counts if he signs for more than 1.075mm. And then only the amount above 1.075 counts against the cap. If he signs for less it doesn’t matter.

The issue for me is that they hurt their natural center position a bit - like do you really want Smith playing with Cat or Kane if Toews or Strome are hurt? I know Shaw can play center but his improvement in play came with his switch to wing and I'd love for Dach to be the answer but that's a lot to put on a kid.
- L_B_R


How many bases you wanna cover with one player? In a hard cap world....... Athletic has Smith scoring 26 goals a few back skating with Pagaeu and Stone........ Veeeeeeeeeeery few clubs have a replacement if their #1 or #2 C goes down and no doubt with AA on the club as a sub par bottom 6 player they could backfill an injury to a top 6 player better.

AA was gonna play top 6 wing this yr? If not he's not in Smith's league in a bottom 6 role. Not as fast, gritty, forechecker, physical or at the dot, all things you look for in a bottom 6 guy. ....... Like a Sikura if he's not a top 6 he's a hindrance, AA same but less so.

Not if Bowman signs him for the league minimum, in that case he can be buried. Actually it might be easier to get Perlini to sign a one way contract. It would at least give him some financial certainty if they want to sign him.

Bowman is in the driver’s seat with Perlini, I sure hope Bowman doesn’t go wobbly.
- walleyeb1

Did not know that. As always I appreciate the knowledge shared.

I do think with a head coach in place and having a full training camp with plenty of new and old faces I think Chicago will surprise alotmof teams this year.

Chicago could be the most improved team overall this year IMO.

StanBo on the trade via The Athletic


"“They’re different players,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “First off, Arty was a great Blackhawk. We wish him well. I think stylistically they play different games. Both veterans, they both played in the league for a long time. I think Zack brings a different skill set to the table, something we probably need a little bit more of. Versatile player, he’s played wing and played center, which we like. He certainly plays with a competitive side to him. He plays with an edge. He’s had some years in the past where he’s scored a lot, but I think what we like about his game is the versatility.
“You notice him, he’s tough to play against out there. I think the other teams don’t find it too fun sometimes. So he’s a physical player, gets in on the forecheck. His faceoffs are pretty good as well, I think he’s very good on the one side. But it’s his competitive style that we like the most, so I think that’s something we probably didn’t have enough of last season. I think he can bring that element to our team, like I said, the versatility is nice. He can play wing or center on different lines. A couple years back he was with Mark Stone and (Jean-Gabriel) Pageau and I think he had 26 goals. So he can play with those guys and score but he can also play on more of a checking line and give you an honest effort.”"


https://theathletic.com/1...ators-for-artem-anisimov/
- EnzoD

i like the trade...but again surprised arte did not go for picks...arte was net presence but not much else...move him now than year later. I don't think smith will be here for the last year of his contract unless he really shines with his role play. Hawks will need cheaper contracts when adb and strome get paid...

I have watched him white a bit over the years. Being in Ontario I catch the odd Sens game.

I think he's best suited for a winger position at this point.

Then I just aaw Smith confirm himself he prefers playing wing.

He's a solid option in a pinch or for a few games. However, I'm more comfortable with him playing wing and taking draws on his strong side when needed.
- Tyler Cameron

Do you remember if he was drafted as a centerman or has he been more or less been played out of position for a good bit of his time in the NHL?............ I'm slipping I guess. Always a fan of this guy, he'll knock a bastard down, win a puck, work the greasy areas, understand and accept a role, all while playing 3C.

The issue for me is that they hurt their natural center position a bit - like do you really want Smith playing with Cat or Kane if Toews or Strome are hurt? I know Shaw can play center but his improvement in play came with his switch to wing and I'd love for Dach to be the answer but that's a lot to put on a kid.
- L_B_R


How many bases you wanna cover with one player? In a hard cap world....... Athletic has Smith scoring 26 goals a few back skating with Pagaeu and Stone........ Veeeeeeeeeeery few clubs have a replacement if their #1 or #2 C goes down and no doubt with AA on the club as a sub par bottom 6 player they could backfill an injury to a top 6 player better.

AA was gonna play top 6 wing this yr? If not he's not in Smith's league in a bottom 6 role. Not as fast, gritty, forechecker, physical or at the dot, all things you look for in a bottom 6 guy. ....... Like a Sikura if he's not a top 6 he's a hindrance, AA same but less so.
- Mr Ricochet

I’m not sure what you’re going for with this comparison of Smith and AA. Per LBR they played against the same quality of competition last year and had similar numbers. So they were lining up against the same opponents and had the same results, AA at center and Smith at wing. How would that make AA more of a liability in the bottom 6? Or “not in his league”?

I think that only counts if he signs for more than 1.075mm. And then only the amount above 1.075 counts against the cap. If he signs for less it doesn’t matter.
- John McDonough

The good to know. With the salary cap not going up as much as expected , although Chicago has done a great job thus summer their still gonna be up against the cap .

i like the trade...but again surprised arte did not go for picks...arte was net presence but not much else...move him now than year later. I don't think smith will be here for the last year of his contract unless he really shines with his role play. Hawks will need cheaper contracts when adb and strome get paid...
- bogiedoc

It's a style/player type trade that also nets a valuable $1.3 mil in cap savings. StanBo blew threw that Cap Space we thought we had pretty quick, so the savings are a big part of the trade. Ultimately, the StanBo athletic quote shows that the move was also about getting a hard-nosed and gritty guy that lays the body and gets under the opponent's skin. Shaw, Caggiulla, Smith, Carpenter all make the Hawks harder to play against, which StanBo appears to have identified as a big weakness last year.

It's a style/player type trade that also nets a valuable $1.3 mil in cap savings. StanBo blew threw that Cap Space we thought we had pretty quick, so the savings are a big part of the trade. Ultimately, the StanBo athletic quote shows that the move was also about getting a hard-nosed and gritty guy that lays the body and gets under the opponent's skin. Shaw, Caggiulla, Smith, Carpenter all make the Hawks harder to play against, which StanBo appears to have identified as a big weakness last year.
- EnzoD

Do you see all of them in the lineup at once? Or will there be a rotation between the 3 not named Shaw?

Because of the cap.
- walleyeb1

Hawks had plenty of cap space last year.

AA for Smith is a good trade. AA didn't fit here anymore and we got a reliable bottom 6 guy that can slot higher if needed. Smith played up in the top 6 if i remember right during the sens run to the eastern conference final a few years back. Plus he can hit and plays defense, whats not to like.
- SaskHawkFan

The thought of Smith playing in the top 6?

I'm wondering if, given JC's high opinion of kampf, that he's planning on kampf starting the season at 3c with carpenter as 4c and Smith 4lw taking carpenters draws when he's on his strong side (the role most of us had kampf in)

Smith also wore the "A" last year for Orrawa. Sounds like a good leader and club house guy. If he can contribute as a 4th line grinder that's ok as long as we can improve the a 3C position.

Sounds like they'll give Dach a shot at that position for at least 9 games, but there's 73 to go after that if the Hawks send him back to juniors.
- boilermaker100

LBH. He wore an A because no one was left. lol

Pageau is the guy they should have traded for.

I agree on Dach. Although hes too young for minors, its Hawks or back to Jrs. I want to see him in Jrs one more year and absolutely dominate, then take a spot next season. Hopefully he's lights out in camp though and proves me wrong.

Disagree on Smith. I dont think its a downgrade to AA. The only thing people can point to is AAs offensive numbers being better than Smith. AA as a 3c and minimal PP time would not have put up a lot of pts this season on hawks.
I will gladly take the speed, physicality, and PK ability of Smith over AA. As well as the cap savings.
- Bhawks35

Sounds great, but Smith and AA play different positions. Smith is a bottom 6 wing. The Hawks have 42 of them. AA is a 3C. The Hawks now have Toews, Strome and Kampf (and a few who can "slot in". They are weaker today down the middle. Hopefully Stan trades a defenseman for a 3C.