I like seeing Z in the game. Make mistakes sometimes? Yep, they all do. I'd hang on to him. His mates seem to really like him. Has no problem with standing guys up in the neutral zone.

No...no Dach!

Respectfully,

Stanbo

You've got to give to get but I'm more interested in the Hawks finding a way to add picks or prospects than mortgaging the future for one guy already making $10M.

It looks like there is potentially a pipeline in place for dmen for the foreseeable future and as sad as the Seabs' news was yesterday, I think it unclouded a somewhat crowded scenario on the backend.

Keith's rumored demise certainly looks premature and I think he's having fun again (winning does that). So now instead of potentially 5 vets back there, we have 4 with deHaan possibly being traded or exposed, but it looks like Murphy could be protected for the Expansion Draft.

In any event, I'd be surprised if at least 5 and 2 weren't back next year to help provide veteran leadership and I wouldn't mind seeing 16 back there as well.
- HawkintheD

I don't know exactly how many times I have said this, but #2 is never, ever being traded by the Hawks while still under his current deal. He is a lifetime Blackhawk until he doesn't want to be or he hits the Seabrook wall.

Any rebuild in the NHL is a slow process, usually 5-7 years to sweep out the old and bring in the new. And most of the time it doesn't work all that well.

This season is just a small sample of reconstruction progress, there will be more bumps in the road. Does anybody really think the Hawks could win a game vs Tampa in a playoff series? But as a fan I like what I'm seeing so far. Going forward, there are other kids in the system who will be given a chance to contribute. Retain the draft picks and keep adding layers of young talent.

No...no Dach!

Respectfully,

Stanbo

You've got to give to get but I'm more interested in the Hawks finding a way to add picks or prospects than mortgaging the future for one guy already making $10M.

It looks like there is potentially a pipeline in place for dmen for the foreseeable future and as sad as the Seabs' news was yesterday, I think it unclouded a somewhat crowded scenario on the backend.

Keith's rumored demise certainly looks premature and I think he's having fun again (winning does that). So now instead of potentially 5 vets back there, we have 4 with deHaan possibly being traded or exposed, but it looks like Murphy could be protected for the Expansion Draft.

In any event, I'd be surprised if at least 5 and 2 weren't back next year to help provide veteran leadership and I wouldn't mind seeing 16 back there as well.
- HawkintheD

This, build, in my mind, this team less some guys needed in the trade, plus Eichel never wins a cup.

Can't say that I've really seen him play that much, but Eichel seem very overrated to me, and the kind of high price player that isn't good enough to win when he's making that money.

Chicago would be a solid 2nd in the North! Playing Oilers, Sens, Nucks, Flames, Habs .... those 5 teams are trash...
- hawk35

What, a Newfoundlander calling the Habs trash?

Isn't that considered heresy or maybe even treason on the Rock?

No...no Dach!

Respectfully,

Stanbo

You've got to give to get but I'm more interested in the Hawks finding a way to add picks or prospects than mortgaging the future for one guy already making $10M.

It looks like there is potentially a pipeline in place for dmen for the foreseeable future and as sad as the Seabs' news was yesterday, I think it unclouded a somewhat crowded scenario on the backend.

Keith's rumored demise certainly looks premature and I think he's having fun again (winning does that). So now instead of potentially 5 vets back there, we have 4 with deHaan possibly being traded or exposed, but it looks like Murphy could be protected for the Expansion Draft.

In any event, I'd be surprised if at least 5 and 2 weren't back next year to help provide veteran leadership and I wouldn't mind seeing 16 back there as well.
- HawkintheD

Good post, however, I'm going to respectfully disagree on your assessment of Duncan Keith. He had a horrific game last night and I think if you asked him he would agree. He was on the ice for most of the lengthy positional dominance in the Hawk's zone by Tampa repeatedly. Not totally his fault of course but if you watch the game closely you'll notice it. His penalty kill is severely lacking in front of the net and barely touches anybody ever to clear the crease. Maybe it was just a bad night but I would think that a game off every now and then might help him, especially if he wants to be part of this team next year in a lesser role. He is usually our best defenseman night in a night out but is showing some regression...which is expected. Colliton must continue to decrease his ice time to extend his shelf life because we'll need his leadership with the youth movement.

I don't know exactly how many times I have said this, but #2 is never, ever being traded by the Hawks while still under his current deal. He is a lifetime Blackhawk until he doesn't want to be or he hits the Seabrook wall.

Any rebuild in the NHL is a slow process, usually 5-7 years to sweep out the old and bring in the new. And most of the time it doesn't work all that well.

This season is just a small sample of reconstruction progress, there will be more bumps in the road. Does anybody really think the Hawks could win a game vs Tampa in a playoff series? But as a fan I like what I'm seeing so far. Going forward, there are other kids in the system who will be given a chance to contribute. Retain the draft picks and keep adding layers of young talent.
- RickJ

I agree with this, keep adding draft picks, there isn't many established players today with a fat contract i would trade for as of now. I don't know if they could beat TB in 1 game in the playoffs but i can't ignore their body of work either. 2-0 last night they could of easily packed it in, but they didn't. Knowledgeable hockey fans didn't even see this coming, so much for that. If they can sell off players at the TDL i am all for that but the way i hear it is they'll be competing against so many others so we'll see.

No Dach, no deal.

Sincerely,

Your Incompetent Sabre Management Team
- RickJ

Eichel is a cancer anyway. Hell of a player but can't lead a team as a captain and it's best player says a lot about him. Plus giving up that much weakens the team not makes it better

People call the North division weak. The central has a bad Chicago club in a playoff position.
- BernardShakey

Thanks, have a good day. By the way, what crappy team from the north are you a fan of?
- Angotti

He's a Sabers fan

I agree with this, keep adding draft picks, there isn't many established players today with a fat contract i would trade for as of now. I don't know if they could beat TB in 1 game in the playoffs but i can't ignore their body of work either. 2-0 last night they could of easily packed it in, but they didn't. Knowledgeable hockey fans didn't even see this coming, so much for that. If they can sell off players at the TDL i am all for that but the way i hear it is they'll be competing against so many others so we'll see.
- BetweenTheDots

Here's the thing about selling off at the TDL, especially if the team is still in contention for a playoff spot - management is saying to the whole team 'thanks for the effort so far boys but winning right now isn't that important'. To me, that's a bad message when what they are likely to get in return for guys like Soderburg or Janmark or Z or De Haan are 3rd or 4th round picks.

The room after the game last night must have been really jacked. They knew they weren't great but found a way to grab 2 points against the Cup champs. Important little physce win for building a winner going forward. And the team doesn't seem to be looking over their shoulder at the standings waiting for another team to catch them.

People call the North division weak. The central has a bad Chicago club in a playoff position.
- BernardShakey

Incoming Troll... .

I recall when the Golden Knights came into the league, all i heard was yea they aren't going to amount to much.

As the season went on, yea but wait until Feb, Feb became March, March became playoffs. I'm not saying this will happen, I'm just open to it.

So what’s the bottom line for the salary cap ramifications? If there is no 7 and 19 next year do the Hawks just get 17 million to spend every year as long as they are one year deals?

Here's the thing about selling off at the TDL, especially if the team is still in contention for a playoff spot - management is saying to the whole team 'thanks for the effort so far boys but winning right now isn't that important'. To me, that's a bad message when what they are likely to get in return for guys like Soderburg or Janmark or Z or De Haan are 3rd or 4th round picks.

The room after the game last night must have been really jacked. They knew they weren't great but found a way to grab 2 points against the Cup champs. Important little physce win for building a winner going forward. And the team doesn't seem to be looking over their shoulder at the standings waiting for another team to catch them.
- RickJ

That's a good point, unless they get a great offer, stand pat, whatever they do I'm on board, except trade futures away which i don't think they'll do.

Here's the thing about selling off at the TDL, especially if the team is still in contention for a playoff spot - management is saying to the whole team 'thanks for the effort so far boys but winning right now isn't that important'. To me, that's a bad message when what they are likely to get in return for guys like Soderburg or Janmark or Z or De Haan are 3rd or 4th round picks.

The room after the game last night must have been really jacked. They knew they weren't great but found a way to grab 2 points against the Cup champs. Important little physce win for building a winner going forward. And the team doesn't seem to be looking over their shoulder at the standings waiting for another team to catch them.
- RickJ

I actually hope they re-sign Janmark and Zadorov after this season at around the same money they're making.

Eichel is a cancer anyway. Hell of a player but can't lead a team as a captain and it's best player says a lot about him. Plus giving up that much weakens the team not makes it better
- GPHawksfan

I don't think I would call Eichel a cancer, I reserve that for players like Matt Duchene and Ryan Johanssen. But have to wonder why he, Hall and Skinner have contributed next to nothing offensively this season. The Sabres aren't very good but shouldn't be this bad.

Eichel is top end talent but his salary and the acquisition cost in players and draft picks changes so many things in the structure of the team trading for him.

I actually hope they re-sign Janmark and Zadorov after this season at around the same money they're making.
- GPHawksfan

I’d be good with that. We’ll see what kind of money they’re looking for but given what happened this year at center I’d be good with Soda coming back too.

I actually hope they re-sign Janmark and Zadorov after this season at around the same money they're making.
- GPHawksfan

I would to, been really impressed with Janmark really good hockey player

I don't think I would call Eichel a cancer, I reserve that for players like Matt Duchene and Ryan Johanssen. But have to wonder why he, Hall and Skinner have contributed next to nothing offensively this season. The Sabres aren't very good but shouldn't be this bad.

Eichel is top end talent but his salary and the acquisition cost in players and draft picks changes so many things in the structure of the team trading for him.
- RickJ

Yeah, the question with the TDL approaching is whether Stan will be a buyer or seller. While this year to date has been way above expectations, I don’t think Stan will bite and and make any big trades.

If he does my hope is he takes someone else’s trash to relieve them of picks and prospects.

Not sure that’s possible with all the guys the Hawks will have to have on LTIR on day 1 next season but I think they can figure it out.

I don't think I would call Eichel a cancer, I reserve that for players like Matt Duchene and Ryan Johanssen. But have to wonder why he, Hall and Skinner have contributed next to nothing offensively this season. The Sabres aren't very good but shouldn't be this bad.

Eichel is top end talent but his salary and the acquisition cost in players and draft picks changes so many things in the structure of the team trading for him.
- RickJ

He's single-handedly gotten two coaches and one general manager fired doesn't perform when it matters and constantly complains about everything. That's a cancer in my book. His talent is undeniable but he's a wiener.

God morning BTD, did you not watch any games in 2014 and 2015?
- Angotti

Those teams didn't play hard.

I’d be good with that. We’ll see what kind of money they’re looking for but given what happened this year at center I’d be good with Soda coming back too.
- HawkintheD

him coming back depends on what happens with Toews going forward, I do like his game and his size. His age is only downfall with this group

He's single-handedly gotten two coaches and one general manager fired doesn't perform when it matters and constantly complains about everything. That's a cancer in my book. His talent is undeniable but he's a wiener.
- GPHawksfan

I think you meant pr$ck.

No...no Dach!

Respectfully,

Stanbo

You've got to give to get but I'm more interested in the Hawks finding a way to add picks or prospects than mortgaging the future for one guy already making $10M.

It looks like there is potentially a pipeline in place for dmen for the foreseeable future and as sad as the Seabs' news was yesterday, I think it unclouded a somewhat crowded scenario on the backend.

Keith's rumored demise certainly looks premature and I think he's having fun again (winning does that). So now instead of potentially 5 vets back there, we have 4 with deHaan possibly being traded or exposed, but it looks like Murphy could be protected for the Expansion Draft.

In any event, I'd be surprised if at least 5 and 2 weren't back next year to help provide veteran leadership and I wouldn't mind seeing 16 back there as well.
- HawkintheD

This is correct.

I think you meant pr$ck.
- RickJ

I wrote that but it changed it. Lol.

I know many don't care for 3 on 3 hockey but i think it's a great learning experience for Boqvist facing 2 or 3 on 1's.