Because another day means another line combination: This isn’t what I EXPECT to happen but rather something I’d be curious to experiment with:

Saad - Toews - Kubalik
DeBrincat - Strome - Kane
Smith - Shaw - Caggiula
Wedin - Kampf - Carpenter

That third line would be absolutely infuriating to play against, so I wonder if it could be something Colliton tries out - even though Shaw is best suited on the wing and Smith is more of a fourth liner than third liner. Also, something tells me that Wedin emerges as a nice defensive winger for the Hawks at some point this season (I think he starts the year in Rockford but gets called up relatively quick).
- TommyHawk

Common now we can't have Kane with Strome and DCat they haven't signed their new contracts yet. 😁

I'm really excited to learn more about everyone's travel schedule!!

Can we get a blog dedicated to that Tyler??

I'm really interested to see how the 3C role will shake out. Guys like Shaw, Kampf and Smith could be servicable 3Cs, although the would be better back-ups than primary options. I would like to see what Shaw can do on a line with ADB and Strome.
- DarthKane

Truthfully, I’m not as concerned right now because fortunately I think that it’s a position that will play itself out.

I'm really excited to learn more about everyone's travel schedule!!

Can we get a blog dedicated to that Tyler??
- PatShart

I'll be in South Carolina next week (work training).

Even with all those flights canceled at ORD. Can they call you in?
- BGKarras

Not anymore. I’m off the clock as of midnight.

Of course I would entertain offers for premium pay overtime flying

Truthfully, I’m not as concerned right now because fortunately I think that it’s a position that will play itself out.
- TommyHawk

Im not a big fan of the last 2 trades, but at this point all im hoping for is Smith can contribute to the Blackhawks success. Hope whatever line he plays on isn't always chasing the puck but cycling in the offensive end of the ice.

Because another day means another line combination: This isn’t what I EXPECT to happen but rather something I’d be curious to experiment with:

Saad - Toews - Kubalik
DeBrincat - Strome - Kane
Smith - Shaw - Caggiula
Wedin - Kampf - Carpenter

That third line would be absolutely infuriating to play against, so I wonder if it could be something Colliton tries out - even though Shaw is best suited on the wing and Smith is more of a fourth liner than third liner. Also, something tells me that Wedin emerges as a nice defensive winger for the Hawks at some point this season (I think he starts the year in Rockford but gets called up relatively quick).
- TommyHawk

That third line looks like a nonstop parade to the penalty box to me.

Can't wait for all the guys hating on the last two moves to buy Smith and Nylander jerseys immediately when they turn out to be good moves for this team.

Can't wait for all the guys hating on the last two moves to buy Smith and Nylander jerseys immediately when they turn out to be good moves for this team.
- nickmo2699

I really hope your right, but the good news i get to break out my Shaw Jersey this year, what a warrior

That third line looks like a nonstop parade to the penalty box to me.
- Ogilthorpe2

I'm really excited to learn more about everyone's travel schedule!!

Can we get a blog dedicated to that Tyler??
- PatShart

I'll be in Hawaii in September.

Im not a big fan of the last 2 trades, but at this point all im hoping for is Smith can contribute to the Blackhawks success. Hope whatever line he plays on isn't always chasing the puck but cycling in the offensive end of the ice.
- BetweenTheDots

I’m not either, but I understand why they were made. At this point, to quote the 76ers, you just have to trust the process.

Can't wait for all the guys hating on the last two moves to buy Smith and Nylander jerseys immediately when they turn out to be good moves for this team.
- nickmo2699

Nylander maybe, I think Smith will be in the press box most nights by mid season

I really hope your right, but the good news i get to break out my Shaw Jersey this year, what a warrior
- BetweenTheDots

I got a brand new white adidas sweater off ebay for cheap and I can't decide who to put on there. On the fence with Shaw or the Cat.

I got a brand new white adidas sweater off ebay for cheap and I can't decide who to put on there. On the fence with Shaw or the Cat.
- nickmo2699

Personally, I’d go with the Stanley Cup Champion. Those guys never go out of style.

I'm really excited to learn more about everyone's travel schedule!!

Can we get a blog dedicated to that Tyler??
- PatShart

Texas and Louisiana for the next month for me

People need to stop stressing about this.

Take a longer term view of things, because while the team may be better on paper, and may not be done with deals yet this off season, once you accept they aren't going to win the cup next season

They also have a new CBA to get through.

And the expansion draft.

And re-signing ADB and Strome.

And developing the future defensive group.

None of these things are going to happen this year, so they are doing the best with what they have to work with cap and contract wise to be better than last year. A reasonable and achievable goal.

So they lost AA and Joki. Would keeping them win them a Cup this year? No.

This year's team is an all in just to make the playoffs to recapture some public relevance, and most importantly setting themselves up to be more flexible with shorter term deals until then, as the real rebuild takes shape over the next two years.

Patience.
- Return of the Roar

THIS. 110% well said. This season is about taking another step in the right direct. IMO that means making the Playoffs or at the very least being in the race from beginning to end most importantly while continuing the develop those on the roster now and in the minors, juniors, college, etc. Lotta the moves made were made with the expansion draft and new CBA in mind.

I know these past few years have been rough after going through one of the best periods of hockey in Hawks history but they are on their way back to try and get to that level

Not anymore. I’m off the clock as of midnight.

Of course I would entertain offers for premium pay overtime flying
- Ogilthorpe2

I would be also. At least you can enjoy your time off. BTW I took your advice and tried some Moon Man gotta say it was pretty good!

I got a brand new white adidas sweater off ebay for cheap and I can't decide who to put on there. On the fence with Shaw or the Cat.
- nickmo2699

After that Boston series it was a no brainer for me, but you do you, gotta go with your heart. I know it sounds corny but that's what i do

After that Boston series it was a no brainer for me, but you do you, gotta go with your heart. I know it sounds corny but that's what i do
- BetweenTheDots

Sound advice. Also, anyone that flips double birds at an official gets respect in my book.

I'm really excited to learn more about everyone's travel schedule!!

Can we get a blog dedicated to that Tyler??
- PatShart

Sedona to Vegas, through the Rockies on rails in August

There were two of them. Just sayin.
- 6628

Offsides singular?

I'm really excited to learn more about everyone's travel schedule!!

Can we get a blog dedicated to that Tyler??
- PatShart

Greece and Italy for 3 weeks in October then next February Viet Nam and Cambodia for 3 weeks for me.

Stan just didn't want it as much!
- mohel

Your catchin on, good on you

Two days later:

Still hate the trade.

Just in case anyone was wondering.
- Ogilthorpe2

Nope no one really cares. Stan could pull off AA for Smith+ a 1st + a 2nd+ bobby ryan with 5 million retained and you would still complain.