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/
- EnzoD

This proves my point -- Stan is targeting certain players - character players, role players, two-way specialists ...

I'm well aware of what Zack Smith brings.

What Bowman did was go out and get himself a John Madden/Andrew Desjardins/Dave Bolland hybrid...

Bowman didn't do this only for cap reasons (it's not like the Hawks saved much anyway), it's very clear Bowman targeted or wanted Zack Smith (or a player with a similar skill set, but preferably Smith)..... As in Bowman said "I want Zack Smith, or a player like Zack Smith, but I really want Zach Smith"...... I wouldn't be shocked if Bowman and Dorion were working on this deal for weeks... Some trades even as insignificant or even as simple as they may seem on face value can take a bit of time to complete...

I think all the acquisitions besides Lenher were Bowman targets - in short Bowman got the exact players he wanted.... As in he had a list of Smith, Carpenter, Shaw, Maatta, De Hann etc and now he's just scratching them off the list.... The only player that I don't think was on his "list" was Lehner - I think Lehner was just an opportunity... I'm sure he had some other veteran goalies in mind in his price range, but Lehner at 4 was just too good to pass up...

IMO, Bowman has done a pretty good job thus far addressing the Hawks weaknesses from last season.... I know some Hawks fans want huge splashes, major trades and a total overhaul of the team -- but that's NOT what this team needed to become a contender again.. The Hawks have all the major pieces to contend, what they lacked were guys like Smith, Carpenter, Shaw, De Hann, Maatta, Lehner..... I mean last season the Hawks were basically playing with 1/2 of a legitimate NHL roster and 1/2 of an AHL roster.... Now the Hawks are whole again - they now have an NHL roster again... And the scary part is that the Hawks almost squeaked into the playoffs last season with only 1/2 of a legitimate NHL roster -- now imagine what damage they will do now that they've gone out and got the legitimate NHL vets they lacked last season???... Not only that but drafted 3rd overall and snagged perhaps the next Toews/Thornton/Spezza (hybrid)?? .... I mean Dach only makes this team better, not only that but the Hawks have a few youngsters that could help out this year playing along side experienced veterans..

I suppose my point is that Bowman knew/knows what he needed/needs, he's getting the players he wants and I have total faith the Hawks are going to shock a lot of fools this season - and I say "fools" because Bowman has done this 2 times already - lose players due to cap, re-tool and win Cups - and some think he can't do it again? ... Oh he will do it again, and it may be as soon as this season...

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.
- boilermaker100

This is where my head is at, too. I actually like Smith and what he brings to the team but as a 4th liner.

If Smith plays 3rd line, fine but just feel that’s not the optimal scenario. Would feel much better with a stronger option for 3C.

EDIT: Sorry, forgot a key word!

Also, it'll be tough for Smith to contribute to the PK if he's the one in the box.

Per Ottawa's blogger Smith is 14th in the league in minor penalties over the last 4 seasons, for comparison AA... 347th
- BMoreHawks

One plays with toughness and hits the other one not physical at all.

https://www.nhl.com/black...in-zack-smith/c-308279838

“He's a competitive guy; he's hard to play against," Bowman said. "He's got enough experience to play against good players and to be a responsible player. Also, he's got a bit of that edge that sometimes those star guys don't like to play against. He can be used in a couple of different roles. So versatility was a key."”


"”I feel more comfortable at center, but I think I've had more success playing the wing," said Smith, who has a career faceoff percentage of 50.7. "What has kind of benefitted me this far is being able to play both positions. I guess the most ideal situation is to play wing and still take draws. I still enjoy taking draws - I feel that's one of my strong suits.“

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

I think smith will pay dividends in the playoffs with his physicality and gritty play.

I'm going with LBR on this one, Chief. BTW, you may have missed a few (dozen) posts.
- mohel

Bc u never saw him play a shift yourself? Exactly.

This is where my head is at, too. I actually like Smith and what he brings to the team but as a 4th liner.

If Smith plays 3rd line, fine but just feel that’s the optimal scenario. Would feel much better with a stronger option for 3C.
- AEL_Fox

If Smith has the the 5th most TOI for your team, your team sucks.

Schools in session!!

You're coming in here with just Mohel to back you up?? Not the rest of the fellas? ........... Bottom 3 guy that skated 6th most minutes for forwards for OTT last yr?

Get the fellas, plan a response and I'll check back in a bit.
- Mr Ricochet

Ah ok lol

Not surprised you don't think you need help, since you know everything already.

If you read closely over the years, you'd know Ogi is the cook (oops, chef).

You've been surly awhile now. Hope you're well. This is just hockey, eh?
- mohel

Heard he was doing something with grits and shrimp tonight..

The level of angst about this guy is laughable. A 31 year old 35 point center who is rapidly losing his footing in a faster NHL is not anything to get worked up about.

The Hawks have clearly identified his bottom 6 replacement. If not and they believe they need a center to replace Anisimov then perhaps they are heading toward that move.

Artem Anisimov is NOT going to be the reason the Hawks make/miss the playoffs or win a Cup. He is pure depth fodder at this point. I am not totally sure why this guy has become a folk hero on this board. Yea Yea I get it, "he creates space" and is "responsible".

Yes I agree not much different than Smith, but they did open some cap space and perhaps that will give them some flexibility to actually UPGRADE from Anisimov, which, shocking as it may be to hear, should not be that hard.

If he was worth much of anything, someone would have given Stan more than Zach Smith.

Maybe another trade is coming. Time to let go of the immortal AA. Opine trading Hammer yes, but this one needs to be put to bed.
- kwolf68

Hello, Wolfie, hope you're well. Agree with much of this. Imo, AA is not a huge deal - IF a real 3C shows up. Stan had a goal of getting deeper down the middle, and for the moment they're thinner. Summer is young, though.

I have to say i love the moves Stan has made this summer. With the huge upgrade in grit and all around depth, this team could really surprise next year. Training Camp should be much fun to watch.

Ah ok lol
- Elbows15

Bows, you posting under a couple names or just the one these days? Don't get here like I used to so I don't know. I only ask so I'm sure I'm getting to the right guy.

Bows, you posting under a couple names or just the one these days? Don't get here like I used to so I don't know. I only ask so I'm sure I'm getting to the right guy.
- Mr Ricochet

Just one but you know that since you keep meticulous attendance.

Free time on psych ward for ya tonight?

I think for Smith it shows how much his coach trusted him with a greater percentage of defensive zone draws, i find it interesting the correlation with defensive zone draws and corsi and fenwick percentage, AA had over 50% offensive draws in the season and still ends up negative on the fancy stats. Anyways i hope he's a good puzzle piece for this team, i liked AA but i love guys who work hard

One plays with toughness and hits the other one not physical at all.
- vandymeer23

He hits because he’s always chasing the puck instead of possessing it.

Hey Ricconut. You going to challenge me to a fight again? Good times.

I think for Smith it shows how much his coach trusted him with a greater percentage of defensive zone draws, i find it interesting the correlation with defensive zone draws and corsi and fenwick percentage, AA had over 50% offensive draws in the season and still ends up negative on the fancy stats. Anyways i hope he's a good puzzle piece for this team, i liked AA but i love guys who work hard
- BetweenTheDots

Or it could be a coach recognizes its fruitless to give a guy with limited offensive ability starts in a zone where he does little to warrant it?

Hey Ricconut. You going to challenge me to a fight again? Good times.
- Elbows15

Could be. He seems mad. It's just hockey, isn't it?

Hey Ricconut. You going to challenge me to a fight again? Good times.
- Elbows15

Riconut?? lol, lol, lol, lol. Clever................... Bows, sure I think you are very challenged digesting the few hockey games you watch a yr and find it sad you feel the need to travel the internets with 7-8-9 buds to protect each other but can't say for sure I ever saw you lie, besides posting under different names I mean.

And what did you say to my challenge? Refresh my poor memory, my head has taken a few pucks over the decades.

And the stats LBR showed you above indicate the Hawks got a rapidly declining replacement level player, whose days as a center are rapidly ending. So who is the one who knows nothing about Smith?
- mohel

Weren’t those all offensive stats?

He’s been a defensive player, I think, except for that one 26 goal season - 55% plus zone starts, big PK time.

Size, grit, hard to play against - things the Hawks have needed

Yeah, except he's not very good.

Even relative to the other players on Ottawa he was subpar.
- BINGO!

Kind of like most of your posts trolling here

Weren’t those all offensive stats?

He’s been a defensive player, I think, except for that one 26 goal season - 55% plus zone starts, big PK time.

Size, grit, hard to play against - things the Hawks have needed
- StLBravesFan

Yep, she later posted that the metrics have them about even defensively. My main point has been that they are different players - one 3C (a position with little depth), the other a 4C/W (a position of depth). Giving up the former for the latter appears to me to be creating a weaker roster down the middle than they had at the end of the season. Hopefully they can add a real center who can help the third line with offense.

Here's an idea, for what it's worth. Watch a player, form an opinion (absent of the posse) and see how having your own thought feels, Prince.
- Mr Ricochet

I think the posse crap has run its course - let’s try to be a little more creative.

Could be. He seems mad. It's just hockey, isn't it?
- mohel

I think so. But there is no accounting for cray-cray

Weren’t those all offensive stats?

He’s been a defensive player, I think, except for that one 26 goal season - 55% plus zone starts, big PK time.

Size, grit, hard to play against - things the Hawks have needed
- StLBravesFan

Still have to be able to get out of your zone and transition the puck.