@BenPopeCST

Nikita Zadorov is a 25-year-old RFA defenseman.

He's a 2nd-pair caliber defensive defenseman. He racks up a lot of hits with his 6'6", 235 lb. body but not a lot of points. Analytically, he's slightly above average defensively and well below average offensively.
- Theo Fox

Pope is an idiot. Zadorov has one year left on his deal.

No problem, Nylander will slide right in to replace Saad. JC will ‘coach him up’ real good.
- scottak

Nylander is one of many that needs to show consistency.

If I had to place a bet today, my money would be on Keith and Seabrook. Keith at least brings back some value. Seabrook not so much.

Package them together? Crazier things have happened. Well, crazier things are happening right now.
- Theo Fox

Keith is next, to a contender. I still see him a fit with TOR. Figure he’ll waive his NMC to get away from this sh*t show the Blackhawks are becoming.

At a minimum, Carlsson should be in there. Still think Mitchell will make it also, think him deferring on his contract was semi promised a spot.
- vabeachbear

I don't know much about Mitchell, but my concerns would be having another rookie defensemen in the lineup with a aging seabrook and keith and de haan whom I like his game but his injury prone shoulder worries me.

Nylander is one of many that needs to show consistency.
- I Am The Breadman

I agree he needs to shut or get off the pot and cat needs his confidence back and his scoring

So, the strategy was to get rid of McD, because he wanted to keep trying to improve without blowing it up. Now Stan is blowing it up.

All that glorious cap space and all those empty seats.

The race to the bottom has begun.
- scottak

The seats are going to be empty no matter who they ice as a team.

Keith is next, to a contender. I still see him a fit with TOR.
- scottak

Toronto has serious cap issues not sure chicago could take enough back in that trade

The seats are going to be empty no matter who they ice as a team.
- LAHawk

They’re going to be bad for more than next season. Unless one of the AHL goalies becomes Jacques Plante.

Tough to lose Saad but seemed he had a target on his back .Saad way a very underestimated player IMO but will be sorely missed on PK PP and top line forward .
Still I am ok with this move if we truly are in a rebuild getting younger and bigger is ok
- oldduffman

Zadorov is only two years younger. Maybe the talk was with Saad about future money and Stan didn't like how it went? Something is better than nothing.

The seats are going to be empty no matter who they ice as a team.
- LAHawk

If their was a better time to rebuild now would be it lol

Saad for Jost + draft picks and/or prospects is what I would've hoped for as well. Jost at least could fill a need in the middle 6.

It's arguable right now whether Zadorov was really needed without knowing the full scope of what Bowman has in mind this offseason.
- Theo Fox

This. Exactly this.

I don't understand what's happening in CHI.

When you de a guy like Saad - which is one of your best, tradeable assets - you have to get futures (ie. Jost, draft picks, etc.)

... because THAT. IS. HOW. YOU. REBUILD.

Toronto has serious cap issues not sure chicago could take enough back in that trade
- Taylorst1

If they want to win, they can move one of their plethora of forwards and take on Keith’s contract.

As currently constructed, who is your top 6?

Kubalik Toews Pius
Cat Dach Kane ?

This. Exactly this.

I don't understand what's happening in CHI.

When you de a guy like Saad - which is one of your best, tradeable assets - you have to get futures (ie. Jost, draft picks, etc.)

... because THAT. IS. HOW. YOU. REBUILD.
- Tyler Cameron

Hey Tyler hope all is well with you. Your point is spot on. Wondering if the hard cap for the next 2 to 3 years is driving these weird trades ?

It's it mostly a wash though with the Maatta trade? They should have just kept Maatta to play a similar role and tried to get actual, worthwhile value for Saad.
- L_B_R

The bis difference between Maatts and Zadorov is the much needed physicality that Zadorov brings and Maatta doesn't. That's been a theme for years around here - need more physicality. Well now we have some.

I guess he does move better than Maatta and is cheaper with less term. Don't know why we had include Gilbert with retaining.

Really? Cause they lost Pietro and Krug is no Pietro.
- Elbows15

Certainly an over pay for Krug, as if they felt they have to spend money on a D man since Pietro said no thank you

This. Exactly this.

I don't understand what's happening in CHI.

When you de a guy like Saad - which is one of your best, tradeable assets - you have to get futures (ie. Jost, draft picks, etc.)

... because THAT. IS. HOW. YOU. REBUILD.
- Tyler Cameron

This. Exactly This.

The bis difference between Maatts and Zadorov is the much needed physicality that Zadorov brings and Maatta doesn't. That's been a theme for years around here - need more physicality. Well now we have some.
- EbonyRaptor

And people are still upset

If they want to win, they can move one of their plethora of forwards and take on Keith’s contract.
- scottak

They just gave away Johansson to the Devils.

Keith is next, to a contender. I still see him a fit with TOR. Figure he’ll waive his NMC to get away from this sh*t show the Blackhawks are becoming.
- scottak

You're really not happy about this are you

As currently constructed, who is your top 6?

Kubalik Toews Pius
Cat Dach Kane ?
- SoftServe

Hey Softie, how have you & your adventures been? Hope you are safe & healthy.

I was asking this same question a page or so ago. The top 6 needs a lot of help ... nothing too formidable.

As currently constructed, who is your top 6?

Kubalik Toews Pius
Cat Dach Kane ?
- SoftServe

Nylander. Its sink or swim, kid.

Pope is an idiot. Zadorov has one year left on his deal.
- Elbows15

Zadorov signed a 1-year deal but then he's still RFA so the Hawks still own his right after the 2021 season.

Certainly an over pay for Krug, as if they felt they have to spend money on a D man since Pietro said no thank you
- BetweenTheDots

Know if the Hawks made this move, (spend all of Pietro money on Krug and Faulk) this board would be going nuts.

But ignore that, as I know, Armstrong is the smartest GM in the league...........