Agree with the idea of splitting hockey ops and business ops into 2 different positions. in this day and age, it's too much for one person to excel at both. McD was a great business ops guy, even with the tyrant stories. Never got the impression that he was a hockey ops guy. When a non-hockey guy is telling a hockey guy what to do regarding hockey-related moves, that spells trouble. Maybe Rocky talked to him about splitting the roles up and McD had a response Rocky didn't care for.

By the way love the title, coincidence?

https://youtu.be/nPbmXkmxexM

oh pray tell, please share what missteps were made in 13 that put the team in "limbo"
- Elbows15

It's no secret Stan has made some awful decisions in regards to contracts , salaries , term and trades.

Stan didn't build this team , Dale buildt and drafted this team Stan tinkered around the edges . That's fine for a certain period of time but eventually you can't hide past mistakes .

Trading panarin for saad was one of many ridiculous moves. PANARIN is a elite player saad is a middle of the pact guy.

Handing out 4 million to Bickell knowing Chicago was in a cap problem ,

Tevo , denault getting moved .


I know some people will disagree with my point , but you can't excuse Stans many mistakes looking at how this team and the amount of years potentially remaining they had to seriously compete .

2016 the year after the cup IMO if coach Q and the players went into that st Louis series more focused and didn't take for granted their past ability to turn things on, we could have been celebrating a 4th cup.

Malkin is on his way to Chicago as we speak.
- I Am The Breadman

That one is, was and always will be real...D5!

Tyler fantastic follow up and insight. IMO change has and is needed and long overdue. What mc D and company accomplished from 07-15 was amazing. However missteps after Chicago's 2nd cup ensued which has put the team into limbo.

Regarding Stan and JC fate IMO mc D had the ultimate say and he opted to protect Stan instead of the business .


I just hope whatever direction Rocky envisions for this teams structure they bring in the best possible person from the outside who has the necessary pedigree and hockey acumen and allow this person to make whatever changes are needed including trading away toews or Kane.
- Taylorst1

If Stan was on the outside he would be that guy.

It's no secret Stan has made some awful decisions in regards to contracts , salaries , term and trades.

Stan didn't build this team , Dale buildt and drafted this team Stan tinkered around the edges . That's fine for a certain period of time but eventually you can't hide past mistakes .

Trading panarin for saad was one of many ridiculous moves. PANARIN is a elite player saad is a middle of the pact guy.

Handing out 4 million to Bickell knowing Chicago was in a cap problem ,

Tevo , denault getting moved .


I know some people will disagree with my point , but you can't excuse Stans many mistakes looking at how this team and the amount of years potentially remaining they had to seriously compete .

2016 the year after the cup IMO if coach Q and the players went into that st Louis series more focused and didn't take for granted their past ability to turn things on, we could have been celebrating a 4th cup.
- Taylorst1

These points have been debated ad nauseum. Everytime you are proven wrong and still make them.

It's no secret Stan has made some awful decisions in regards to contracts , salaries , term and trades.

Stan didn't build this team , Dale buildt and drafted this team Stan tinkered around the edges . That's fine for a certain period of time but eventually you can't hide past mistakes .

Trading panarin for saad was one of many ridiculous moves. PANARIN is a elite player saad is a middle of the pact guy.

Handing out 4 million to Bickell knowing Chicago was in a cap problem ,

Tevo , denault getting moved .


I know some people will disagree with my point , but you can't excuse Stans many mistakes looking at how this team and the amount of years potentially remaining they had to seriously compete .

2016 the year after the cup IMO if coach Q and the players went into that st Louis series more focused and didn't take for granted their past ability to turn things on, we could have been celebrating a 4th cup.
- Taylorst1

So how's that on Stanbo? Idk that I blame Q for that one either. It went 7 games and one bounce our way could have tilted the thing in the Hawks favor.

Won't rehash everything but the Danualt trade was bad, Seabs deal was bad, but most of the rest of your thoughts are of the same hindsight, revisionist nonsense I keep reading from you.

So let's say they kept Panarin. How do you keep him when he was looking to be the highest paid guy on the team? Maybe in retrospect they sold low, but at the time that was considered to be a good trade. Who knew little Artie could carry a team a la Kane (debatable)?

The Bickell deal would have been fine except of course for his MS which was common knowledge before the Hawks MedStaff knew and Bowman signed him.

Dale drafted the Core. Stan identified who to hitch his wagon to and replenished the depth. How hard is that to understand?

This "nibbled around the edges" narrative is laughable nonsense. The depth sucks now that the Hawks are losing, but when they were winning it wasn't that important because of the Core. The Core was there in '11 and '12 and didn't win Cups. So what changed? JFC Taylor! You either appreciate two more Cups or you don't.

It's ok to appreciate Dale while appreciating what Bowman's done, while also acknowledging you'd like to see a change of direction with Bowman either punted to the curb or given a different position within the organization.

There, I've given you the roadmap...

It's no secret Stan has made some awful decisions in regards to contracts , salaries , term and trades.

Stan didn't build this team , Dale buildt and drafted this team Stan tinkered around the edges . That's fine for a certain period of time but eventually you can't hide past mistakes .

Trading panarin for saad was one of many ridiculous moves. PANARIN is a elite player saad is a middle of the pact guy.

Handing out 4 million to Bickell knowing Chicago was in a cap problem ,

Tevo , denault getting moved .


I know some people will disagree with my point , but you can't excuse Stans many mistakes looking at how this team and the amount of years potentially remaining they had to seriously compete .

2016 the year after the cup IMO if coach Q and the players went into that st Louis series more focused and didn't take for granted their past ability to turn things on, we could have been celebrating a 4th cup.
- Taylorst1

After hearing that McD was involved in the hockey decision on Hammer, have to wonder if he played any role in the Panarin decision

The Hockey News came out with their annual draft special and they have Lundell ranked #9, where the Hawks could draft. Holtz is #8 and Askarov is #10.

I think Askarov will have an impact on the Hawks this draft, either they draft him (which is the best move) or another team ahead of the Hawks picks him and somebody like Holtz becomes available. I could see New Jersey taking a chance on Askarov early, they don't have any top end goalie prospects and they have a the 17th overall pick to draft a forward or d-man.

Ranked #56 is Nico Daws, goalie for the Guelph Storm. I don't know much about the kid but he seemed to have a decent year. The Hawks draft #55 so he could be an option, if available.

These points have been debated ad nauseum. Everytime you are proven wrong and still make them.
- rpeters01

They are all fair points...I don’t get how they can be “proven wrong”.

Was Saad equal/fair value in return for a player of Panarins quality? No. Bad trade.

Did we quit on TT too early? Yes. It was foolish to use him as a sweetener for getting rid of Bickell.

Was the Danault trade an utter disaster? Yes.

And he didn’t even mention the worst mistake of them all, the Seabrook contract.

There’s plenty more too.

Again, these are fair points to bring up. And it’s fair to criticize Stan. He’s made some nice moves, but he’s also messed up A LOT.

They are all fair points...I don’t get how they can be “proven wrong”.

Was Saad equal/fair value in return for a player of Panarins quality? No. Bad trade.

Did we quit on TT too early? Yes. It was foolish to use him as a sweetener for getting rid of Bickell.

Was the Danault trade an utter disaster? Yes.

And he didn’t even mention the worst mistake of them all, the Seabrook contract.

There’s plenty more too.

Again, these are fair points to bring up. And it’s fair to criticize Stan. He’s made some nice moves, but he’s also messed up A LOT.
- SimpleJack

He has when you're able to apply the hindsight lens. I think one of the moves that people absolutely lost their minds over at the time was trading Hammer or the remembrance of what Hammer was for Connor Murphy.

Would you do that deal again? I would.

Seabrook's is absolutely the worst mistake but it's not like Bowman's the only GM to pay for past performance and to be fair Seabs at least had two Cups under his belt.

In hindsight would it have been a good move to let him walk? Yes and I'm sure Bowman regrets that deal.

Like I said, if you raise your hand when the question's asked "Did you predict B29 being diagnosed with MS?" Well you're not exactly being honest.

If the Hawks kept Panarin, are you comfortable with them trading Kane? To make the numbers work that would have had to happen. Could they have gotten more? Maybe, but how much after a couple great regular season performances and so/so postseason ones.

Sure he had 7 pts vs the Blues but two goals (one EN) and was a non-factor vs the Preds. Yes so was the rest of the team but if you're going to pay a guy $11M he better elevate the team along with guys being paid $10M.

Will be interesting to see the direction they go from here. Whatever happens, hopefully the Hawks are able to replicate the best 10 year run in the franchise's history.

These points have been debated ad nauseum. Everytime you are proven wrong and still make them.
- rpeters01

Who's proven me wrong ? A few posters on here who think their word is gold? Most serious writers and journalist who actually know the team all conclude Stan should have been fired long ago and everything I've mentioned has been pointed out in their meticulous coverage.

It's one thing to give Stan a pass for 1 or 2 years but anyone who has any clue could see this problem growing .

Firing coach Q and replacing him with JC clearly shows Stans irrational moves.

Stan put together a dog poop roster and blamed coach Q. Did anyone truly believe with the roster Stan put together jc a nobody was going to be the solution over a hall of fame coach?

So how's that on Stanbo? Idk that I blame Q for that one either. It went 7 games and one bounce our way could have tilted the thing in the Hawks favor.

Won't rehash everything but the Danualt trade was bad, Seabs deal was bad, but most of the rest of your thoughts are of the same hindsight, revisionist nonsense I keep reading from you.

So let's say they kept Panarin. How do you keep him when he was looking to be the highest paid guy on the team? Maybe in retrospect they sold low, but at the time that was considered to be a good trade. Who knew little Artie could carry a team a la Kane (debatable)?

The Bickell deal would have been fine except of course for his MS which was common knowledge before the Hawks MedStaff knew and Bowman signed him.

Dale drafted the Core. Stan identified who to hitch his wagon to and replenished the depth. How hard is that to understand?

This "nibbled around the edges" narrative is laughable nonsense. The depth sucks now that the Hawks are losing, but when they were winning it wasn't that important because of the Core. The Core was there in '11 and '12 and didn't win Cups. So what changed? JFC Taylor! You either appreciate two more Cups or you don't.

It's ok to appreciate Dale while appreciating what Bowman's done, while also acknowledging you'd like to see a change of direction with Bowman either punted to the curb or given a different position within the organization.

There, I've given you the roadmap...
- HawkintheD

The nibbling isn't nonsense , when you take 8nto account how many players Chicago had that where considered the core.

Bickell was never a 20 plus goal scorer he had that 1 great playoff run and somehow his past history was forgotten when it came time for a new contract.

His 4 million and his inconsistency led to Chicago having to part ways with tevo . Stans job is to secure players and manage salaries and contracts not just the next season but to forecast further down, he knew Chicago had cap issues that's the huge elephant inn the room nobody mentions .

IMO Bickell was a guy you have to let walk based on his history and numbers, just like Seabrook should have been allowed to walk .

So how's that on Stanbo? Idk that I blame Q for that one either. It went 7 games and one bounce our way could have tilted the thing in the Hawks favor.

Won't rehash everything but the Danualt trade was bad, Seabs deal was bad, but most of the rest of your thoughts are of the same hindsight, revisionist nonsense I keep reading from you.

So let's say they kept Panarin. How do you keep him when he was looking to be the highest paid guy on the team? Maybe in retrospect they sold low, but at the time that was considered to be a good trade. Who knew little Artie could carry a team a la Kane (debatable)?

The Bickell deal would have been fine except of course for his MS which was common knowledge before the Hawks MedStaff knew and Bowman signed him.

Dale drafted the Core. Stan identified who to hitch his wagon to and replenished the depth. How hard is that to understand?

This "nibbled around the edges" narrative is laughable nonsense. The depth sucks now that the Hawks are losing, but when they were winning it wasn't that important because of the Core. The Core was there in '11 and '12 and didn't win Cups. So what changed? JFC Taylor! You either appreciate two more Cups or you don't.

It's ok to appreciate Dale while appreciating what Bowman's done, while also acknowledging you'd like to see a change of direction with Bowman either punted to the curb or given a different position within the organization.

There, I've given you the roadmap...
- HawkintheD

I did give Stan his props for tinkering around the edges, but looking back out of his many trades who is on the roster currently that we can all say was a great move. Their are rumors that strome is potentially available,

Or what prospects in Rockford from any trades are promising or still here?

Chicago easily could have afforded panarin , look at the money Stan wasted last off season , take 1 guys salary emcompaased with saads 6million and you can easily have paid him.
With my reference to 2016 I wasn't blaming that on Stan but more on the coach and team for a lack of complacency, in the first few games.

But the 2014 series IMO Stan should have in the prior off season looked to upgrade over handzus and a more reliable 6th d man.

So how's that on Stanbo? Idk that I blame Q for that one either. It went 7 games and one bounce our way could have tilted the thing in the Hawks favor.

Won't rehash everything but the Danualt trade was bad, Seabs deal was bad, but most of the rest of your thoughts are of the same hindsight, revisionist nonsense I keep reading from you.

So let's say they kept Panarin. How do you keep him when he was looking to be the highest paid guy on the team? Maybe in retrospect they sold low, but at the time that was considered to be a good trade. Who knew little Artie could carry a team a la Kane (debatable)?

The Bickell deal would have been fine except of course for his MS which was common knowledge before the Hawks MedStaff knew and Bowman signed him.

Dale drafted the Core. Stan identified who to hitch his wagon to and replenished the depth. How hard is that to understand?

This "nibbled around the edges" narrative is laughable nonsense. The depth sucks now that the Hawks are losing, but when they were winning it wasn't that important because of the Core. The Core was there in '11 and '12 and didn't win Cups. So what changed? JFC Taylor! You either appreciate two more Cups or you don't.

It's ok to appreciate Dale while appreciating what Bowman's done, while also acknowledging you'd like to see a change of direction with Bowman either punted to the curb or given a different position within the organization.

There, I've given you the roadmap...
- HawkintheD

I did give Stan his props for tinkering around the edges, but looking back out of his many trades who is on the roster currently that we can all say was a great move. Their are rumors that strome is potentially available,

Or what prospects in Rockford from any trades are promising or still here?

Chicago easily could have afforded panarin , look at the money Stan wasted last off season , take 1 guys salary emcompaased with saads 6million and you can easily have paid him.
With my reference to 2016 I wasn't blaming that on Stan but more on the coach and team for a lack of complacency, in the first few games.

But the 2014 series IMO Stan should have in the prior off season looked to upgrade over handzus and a more reliable 6th d man.

I did give Stan his props for tinkering around the edges, but looking back out of his many trades who is on the roster currently that we can all say was a great move. Their are rumors that strome is potentially available,

Or what prospects in Rockford from any trades are promising or still here?

Chicago easily could have afforded panarin , look at the money Stan wasted last off season , take 1 guys salary emcompaased with saads 6million and you can easily have paid him.
With my reference to 2016 I wasn't blaming that on Stan but more on the coach and team for a lack of complacency, in the first few games.

But the 2014 series IMO Stan should have in the prior off season looked to upgrade over handzus and a more reliable 6th d man.
- Taylorst1

Very generous of you.

Like the former blogger, would you have given them a puncher's chance after 2010? I know I bought into his narratives to a degree and wouldn't have til the team stormed out of the gate in 2013. Just curious...

The nibbling isn't nonsense , when you take 8nto account how many players Chicago had that where considered the core.

Bickell was never a 20 plus goal scorer he had that 1 great playoff run and somehow his past history was forgotten when it came time for a new contract.

His 4 million and his inconsistency led to Chicago having to part ways with tevo . Stans job is to secure players and manage salaries and contracts not just the next season but to forecast further down, he knew Chicago had cap issues that's the huge elephant inn the room nobody mentions .

IMO Bickell was a guy you have to let walk based on his history and numbers, just like Seabrook should have been allowed to walk .
- Taylorst1

Actually he had 2 pretty good playoff performances in addition to 2 really good ones. Look it up as it seems you've forgotten past history yourself.

Even in '15 he didn't;t appear on the scoresheet much but I can guarantee you there was a reason Sami Vatanen had the yips in the corner whenever he had the puck.

Sorry, unless you're Nostradamus and could tell Bickell was destined for MS you just don't let him walk.

Maybe hiring someone from outside the organization so there are no loyalties to anyone.

I am very curious whom we going choose on The 2020 Entry Draft..An early draft date would make sense only if the remainder.of the season is cancelled.

There is one report which indicates that the draft could be as early as mid June. Of course there first must be the draft lottery. And since players are often traded after the playoffs and right up during the draft itself, there is a limitation on trading if the playoffs were ongoing through July and even later.

Anyway, I am curious whom we draft wherever our spot turns out to be. Maybe someone would enjoy listing whom they would draft - their top 12

Some folks believe in taking the best skill player available. If you go by wiz's list, there is a large gap between Drysdale and Sanderson/Askinov comprised of forwards

Which is the position of I feel we need. I would prefer a power forward but I am unsure this commodity is found in the top twelve rated players..Unless you project Holloway.

I am sure that Elbows has or quickly could come up with his list. Probably Darth Kane too on short time could construct his list. And if looking for an exercise to fill your time in this virus crazy times, I know there are others whom have commented and follow the rankings. Consider might even have a cold one but don't yet blast the air conditioning and imagine you were at a game
.
Be safe and thanks anyone whom volunteers for this exercise.

The Hockey News came out with their annual draft special and they have Lundell ranked #9, where the Hawks could draft. Holtz is #8 and Askarov is #10.

I think Askarov will have an impact on the Hawks this draft, either they draft him (which is the best move) or another team ahead of the Hawks picks him and somebody like Holtz becomes available. I could see New Jersey taking a chance on Askarov early, they don't have any top end goalie prospects and they have a the 17th overall pick to draft a forward or d-man.

Ranked #56 is Nico Daws, goalie for the Guelph Storm. I don't know much about the kid but he seemed to have a decent year. The Hawks draft #55 so he could be an option, if available.
- DarthKane

Someone takes the Commie before the Hawks pick leaving Holtz would be fine by me. i don't want Lundell. Lundell will top out as a 2C IF he hits hos ceiling but most likely will be a 3C. His skating can be described as lumbering. From the vids I have watched he reminds me a lot of Anisimov. Nothing wrong with AA. Just don't want to use a top 10 pick to get one.

Actually he had 2 pretty good playoff performances in addition to 2 really good ones. Look it up as it seems you've forgotten past history yourself.

Even in '15 he didn't;t appear on the scoresheet much but I can guarantee you there was a reason Sami Vatanen had the yips in the corner whenever he had the puck.

Sorry, unless you're Nostradamus and could tell Bickell was destined for MS you just don't let him walk.
- HawkintheD

The Hawks had absolutely no one in the organization that could replace what Bick's did. He had Pietro scooting out of the corners as quick as he could in 14, too. Hell, it wasn't even the MS that did Bick's in. His knees wore out on him. He showed up in every playoffs he appeared in.

Not to mention he took a very team friendly deal before signing that contract.

But then, Taylor still believes that Tallon built the Cup winners. So, there is that.

Someone takes the Commie before the Hawks pick leaving Holtz would be fine by me. i don't want Lundell. Lundell will top out as a 2C IF he hits hos ceiling but most likely will be a 3C. His skating can be described as lumbering. From the vids I have watched he reminds me a lot of Anisimov. Nothing wrong with AA. Just don't want to use a top 10 pick to get one.
- Elbows15

Who cares about skating my man. Everyone is a great skater. You dont have to be a Bure to be good

The Hockey News came out with their annual draft special and they have Lundell ranked #9, where the Hawks could draft. Holtz is #8 and Askarov is #10.

I think Askarov will have an impact on the Hawks this draft, either they draft him (which is the best move) or another team ahead of the Hawks picks him and somebody like Holtz becomes available. I could see New Jersey taking a chance on Askarov early, they don't have any top end goalie prospects and they have a the 17th overall pick to draft a forward or d-man.

Ranked #56 is Nico Daws, goalie for the Guelph Storm. I don't know much about the kid but he seemed to have a decent year. The Hawks draft #55 so he could be an option, if available.
- DarthKane

I agree NJ. looks like the most likely landing spot for Askarov ,with two picks in the top twenty .And yes NJ has no real goalie depth .they have chosen a goalie in the last 3 draft ,but like the HAWKS it been a late round dart throw . Getting a kid like Holtz would be a nice consolation prize .
If Askarov did slip down to the HAWKS at 9th he in my opinion would easily be the BPA . Lundell looks like a fairly safe pick , not with the star possibility that Askarov bring to the table . Quinn kid could be worth a look also ,seems to be finding his game .
That is a good premise that Askarov is a name that will affect the HAWKS in this 1st rd .

Who cares about skating my man. Everyone is a great skater. You dont have to be a Bure to be good
- just69sayin

I agree NJ. looks like the most likely landing spot for Askarov ,with two picks in the top twenty .And yes NJ has no real goalie depth .they have chosen a goalie in the last 3 draft ,but like the HAWKS it been a late round dart throw . Getting a kid like Holtz would be a nice consolation prize .
If Askarov did slip down to the HAWKS at 9th he in my opinion would easily be the BPA . Lundell looks like a fairly safe pick , not with the star possibility that Askarov bring to the table . Quinn kid could be worth a look also ,seems to be finding his game .
That is a good premise that Askarov is a name that will affect the HAWKS in this 1st rd .
- oldduffman

It sounds like the league is tinkering around with ideas for the draft in June. The lottery rules are different, the highest the Hawks could get to would be 5th.