You can add Borgstrom, Gaudette and Nylander to the "Man up" list.
- rpeters01

I think Gaudette showed plenty in his brief stint with the Hawks. Not to mention, virtually every update on him has been positive regarding his training and health. I see him as a solid bottom 6 to start with the chance at being a key 3rd liner.

Here is some thinking totally outside the box. Let's say Toews is ready to go, but cannot go 100% all out for 20 minutes. Maybe at the start of the season he can only go all out for 14 minutes. So start him as 4C and have him on the first PK unit and one of the PP units.

Debrincat-Dach-Kane
Nylander-Johnson-Kubalik
Hagel-Borgstum/Gaudette/Kurashev/Strome - Borgstum/Gaudette/Kurashev/Strome
Khaira - Toews - Connolly/Carpenter

The 4th line could be a good shut down line. It could match up against the other teams top lines taking some of the defensive responsibility off the top two lines. It also could take plenty of dzone draws.

That is 15 forwards. So if everyone else is healthy you probably try to move the two highest salaries of the expendable forwards (Strome/Connolly). Maybe with the Shaw contract you could get a decent return.

Maybe Nylander doesn't cut it on the 2nd line. Depending on their play in camp the other wing on the 2nd line could be Hagel, Kurashev, Gaudette (or Connolly or Strome if they are not moved).

I did not include Reichel. I would like to see Reichel start in Rockford, but if he has a great camp I could see him being in the middle six to start the season.
- -Doh-

I get what you are saying, but Toews is (theoretically) still their best point producing center. Playing D is more physically taxing, no? I'd put him in a more offensive role and leave the heavier lifting work to others.

I woke up this morning and saw a new post by Theo. Being newly retired I thought maybe I lost track of what day of the week it was. lol!! Thanks Theo for working overtime!
- -Doh-

Congratulations, I’m not far behind.

I get what you are saying, but Toews is (theoretically) still their best point producing center. Playing D is more physically taxing, no? I'd put him in a more offensive role and leave the heavier lifting work to others.
- Chunk

He could play 3C and some PK/PP. Then have Carpenter play 4C.

Debrincat - Dach - Kane
________ - Johnson - Kubalik
Hagel - Toews - ________
Khaira - Carpenter - ________

Fill in the blanks with Nylander, Borgstum, Gaudette, Kurashev, Strome, Connolly, Reichel.

poop! Another one! Charlie Watts passed away!

He could play 3C and some PK/PP. Then have Carpenter play 4C.

Debrincat - Dach - Kane
________ - Johnson - Kubalik
Hagel - Toews - ________
Khaira - Carpenter - ________

Fill in the blanks with Nylander, Borgstum, Gaudette, Kurashev, Strome, Connolly, Reichel.
- -Doh-

Outside of Dach having the most upside, I do not see Dach, Kane and DeBrinket working. You can only play with one puck.

poop! Another one! Charlie Watts passed away!
- paulr

They come in 3's. Very sad to read. Thoughts & prayers.

He could play 3C and some PK/PP. Then have Carpenter play 4C.

Debrincat - Dach - Kane
________ - Johnson - Kubalik
Hagel - Toews - ________
Khaira - Carpenter - ________

Fill in the blanks with Nylander, Borgstum, Gaudette, Kurashev, Strome, Connolly, Reichel.
- -Doh-

Carpenter and Connolly dont bring anything of true value to the ice...maybe Kurashev could be the 4LC, he has the basic attributes to it and some offensive punch to go with it. Very interesting to see how this works out...they have 6-7 lines of NHL-caliber forwards with Entwistle and Hardman in the mix too and thats just too much when only Kurashev is waiver exempt and he is the one that should be playing.

Here is some thinking totally outside the box. Let's say Toews is ready to go, but cannot go 100% all out for 20 minutes. Maybe at the start of the season he can only go all out for 14 minutes. So start him as 4C and have him on the first PK unit and one of the PP units.

Debrincat-Dach-Kane
Nylander-Johnson-Kubalik
Hagel-Borgstum/Gaudette/Kurashev/Strome - Borgstum/Gaudette/Kurashev/Strome
Khaira - Toews - Connolly/Carpenter

The 4th line could be a good shut down line. It could match up against the other teams top lines taking some of the defensive responsibility off the top two lines. It also could take plenty of dzone draws.

That is 15 forwards. So if everyone else is healthy you probably try to move the two highest salaries of the expendable forwards (Strome/Connolly). Maybe with the Shaw contract you could get a decent return.

Maybe Nylander doesn't cut it on the 2nd line. Depending on their play in camp the other wing on the 2nd line could be Hagel, Kurashev, Gaudette (or Connolly or Strome if they are not moved).

I did not include Reichel. I would like to see Reichel start in Rockford, but if he has a great camp I could see him being in the middle six to start the season.
- -Doh-

That's an interesting proposal to have Toews play 4C or even a step up to 3C. Honestly, I wouldn't put it past Colliton to be thinking about something like this.

The flipside is Toews is a fierce competitor who may not want anything less than being deployed as one of the top players on the team.

Then again, he's also honest about how his chronic ailment has impacted his body so he could be more realistic about his role whether temporary or permanent.

There are some decent free agents out there. But I would only sign one if they signed a very very team friendly deal. If not, I would not use it. Go through camp and the first 10 to 20 games and figure out what you have and what you need (and who you do not need). Give yourself some cap space for deals later in the season or at the TDL. If we are decent we could be a buyer and take on a one year rental with a high price tag.
- -Doh-

There is also the chance that the Hawks have PTOs at training camp. Zajac comes to mind as an unsigned free agent who is an established center in the league and could play on any of the lines and contribute on an affordable one-year deal.

If the Hawks like what they already have in-house for centers once training camp is over, then no loss in just releasing the PTOs.

PTOs could also be a route to see if there are an affordable veteran D-men to consider for a reserve role on the blueline who could easily be press boxed but put in the lineup if necesary.

Carpenter and Connolly dont bring anything of true value to the ice...maybe Kurashev could be the 4LC, he has the basic attributes to it and some offensive punch to go with it. Very interesting to see how this works out...they have 6-7 lines of NHL-caliber forwards with Entwistle and Hardman in the mix too and thats just too much when only Kurashev is waiver exempt and he is the one that should be playing.
- FeatheredFinn

I disagree.

Connolly scored 19 goals in the 2019/20 season at 27 years old playing 14 minutes in a middle six role on the 2nd powerplay unit. He is only 29 now. I am interesting in seeing more of him before saying he has no value.

Carp can win draws and play on the PK. At his cap hit and at 30 years old he is an ok 13th forward that can play 4th line wing or center if needed.

Kurashev would bring more speed and offense, but your 4C should win draws and play a shut down role. Not sure he can do that right now. Kurashev is 41% at the dot and has not shown ability (or has not been given the chance) to be a shut down center. I have no problem him being in the NHL to start the season, but not as the 4C. If he played in Rockford he could get better at the dot and try playing their shut down center role. At 21 some time at Rockford would not hurt.

That's an interesting proposal to have Toews play 4C or even a step up to 3C. Honestly, I wouldn't put it past Colliton to be thinking about something like this.

The flipside is Toews is a fierce competitor who may not want anything less than being deployed as one of the top players on the team.

Then again, he's also honest about how his chronic ailment has impacted his body so he could be more realistic about his role whether temporary or permanent.
- Theo Fox

I agree Theo. This scenario only works if Toews and Colliton think that Toews should start the season playing 13 minutes per night and then be eased back into playing 20 minutes per night as his stamina builds (if there are no setbacks).

I disagree.

Connolly scored 19 goals in the 2019/20 season at 27 years old playing 14 minutes in a middle six role on the 2nd powerplay unit. He is only 29 now. I am interesting in seeing more of him before saying he has no value.

Carp can win draws and play on the PK. At his cap hit and at 30 years old he is an ok 13th forward that can play 4th line wing or center if needed.
- -Doh-

From what I saw last two seasons Connolly is just a guy but, like Carp, if he is the best we have for their roles than that goes. And of course hoping for a revival with Connolly but what do they do with all the other guys.
Carp is the prototypical 13th forward and I do hope that Hardman and Entwistle make it very hard to drop them. As well as Nylander, Gaudette, Borgström etc.

There is also the chance that the Hawks have PTOs at training camp. Zajac comes to mind as an unsigned free agent who is an established center in the league and could play on any of the lines and contribute on an affordable one-year deal.

If the Hawks like what they already have in-house for centers once training camp is over, then no loss in just releasing the PTOs.

PTOs could also be a route to see if there are an affordable veteran D-men to consider for a reserve role on the blueline who could easily be press boxed but put in the lineup if necesary.
- Theo Fox

I really like your PTO idea. You would think that the Hawks would be an attractive option as a PTO because there are so many forward spots up for grabs.

It should be interesting to see which free agents sign deals before camp opens and which ones go to camp on PTO's. There are some interesting UFA's still out there. Parise, Zajac, Bozak, Cizikas, Palmieri, Brassard, E. Staal, Donato, Kahun, Galchenyuk, Ennis, Sheahan, Marleau.

From what I saw last two seasons Connolly is just a guy but, like Carp, if he is the best we have for their roles than that goes. And of course hoping for a revival with Connolly but what do they do with all the other guys.
Carp is the prototypical 13th forward and I do hope that Hardman and Entwistle make it very hard to drop them. As well as Nylander, Gaudette, Borgström etc.
- FeatheredFinn

Connolly could be an interesting case. Maybe he fits in and maybe he doesn't. Two years ago he scored 19 goals in 69 games. Same as Barzal, J. Benn, DeBrusk, Kadri, Larkin, Kuznetsov, Neal, Rantanen, JVR and more than Toews, DeBrincat, DuBois, Gaudreau, Granlund. If that cannot find the right deal for him I would like to see him play with a decent center in camp and then for 10 to 20 games. He has familiarity with Johnson.

A 3rd line of Hagel, Johnson, Connolly? It might be interesting.

I really like your PTO idea. You would think that the Hawks would be an attractive option as a PTO because there are so many forward spots up for grabs.

It should be interesting to see which free agents sign deals before camp opens and which ones go to camp on PTO's. There are some interesting UFA's still out there. Parise, Zajac, Bozak, Cizikas, Palmieri, Brassard, E. Staal, Donato, Kahun, Galchenyuk, Ennis, Sheahan, Marleau, Anisimov.
- -Doh-

FIFY

Connolly could be an interesting case. Maybe he fits in and maybe he doesn't. Two years ago he scored 19 goals in 69 games. Same as Barzal, J. Benn, DeBrusk, Kadri, Larkin, Kuznetsov, Neal, Rantanen, JVR and more than Toews, DeBrincat, DuBois, Gaudreau, Granlund. If that cannot find the right deal for him I would like to see him play with a decent center in camp and then for 10 to 20 games. He has familiarity with Johnson.

A 3rd line of Hagel, Johnson, Connolly? It might be interesting.
- -Doh-

The only familiarity that Connolly has with Johnson, was when Johnson made Tampa as a rookie, it was Connolly that was sent down.

I really like your PTO idea. You would think that the Hawks would be an attractive option as a PTO because there are so many forward spots up for grabs.

It should be interesting to see which free agents sign deals before camp opens and which ones go to camp on PTO's. There are some interesting UFA's still out there. Parise, Zajac, Bozak, Cizikas, Palmieri, Brassard, E. Staal, Donato, Kahun, Galchenyuk, Ennis, Sheahan, Marleau.
- -Doh-

If the Hawks are seeking a PTO for an experienced center who can play on any line and contribute in all zones with some secondary scoring, then Zajac, Bozak, E Staal, and maybe Brassard are viable options.

Cizikas would be good if strictly a 4C is needed but he's not versatile enough to slot up.

Palmieri may not be affordable given his age and current level of productivity. He's due a pretty decent contract. He can play either wing.

Parise would be interesting if a veteran winger who can play top 9 is being sought. Definitely more attainable than Palmieri in terms of cap hit and term unless he's seeking a similar new deal like Suter (4 years, $3.65M AAV).

If the Hawks are seeking a PTO for an experienced center who can play on any line and contribute in all zones with some secondary scoring, then Zajac, Bozak, E Staal, and maybe Brassard are viable options.

Cizikas would be good if strictly a 4C is needed but he's not versatile enough to slot up.

Palmieri may not be affordable given his age and current level of productivity. He's due a pretty decent contract. He can play either wing.

Parise would be interesting if a veteran winger who can play top 9 is being sought. Definitely more attainable than Palmieri in terms of cap hit and term unless he's seeking a similar new deal like Suter (4 years, $3.65M AAV).
- Theo Fox

Supposedly once Beauvilier's contract gets resolved, Lou already has handshake deals with Cizekas, Palmeiri, Zajac, and possibly Parise

Supposedly once Beauvilier's contract gets resolved, Lou already has handshake deals with Cizekas, Palmeiri, Zajac, and possibly Parise
- LAHawk

Soooo, they want to be a really old version of the Devils team that went to the Final?

Want to Attend an Edmonton Oiler game this year:

Below are the verbatim new rules directly from the Oilers Entertainment Group of what you need in order to enter Rogers Place.

- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination received at least 14 days before the day of the game (the full series of a Government of Canada accepted COVID-19 vaccine or combination of accepted vaccines). Either electronic or paper records will be accepted. Albertans' immunization records are easily viewed online and available on cell phones through MyHealthRecords or by downloading the MyHealthRecords app.

- A negative COVID-19 test result from an approved testing provider taken within 48 hours of the game's scheduled start time (for example: if a game is on Thursday at 7:00 PM, the COVID-19 test must be taken any time beginning 7:00 PM on Tuesday)

Want to Attend an Edmonton Oiler game this year:

Below are the verbatim new rules directly from the Oilers Entertainment Group of what you need in order to enter Rogers Place.

- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination received at least 14 days before the day of the game (the full series of a Government of Canada accepted COVID-19 vaccine or combination of accepted vaccines). Either electronic or paper records will be accepted. Albertans' immunization records are easily viewed online and available on cell phones through MyHealthRecords or by downloading the MyHealthRecords app.

- A negative COVID-19 test result from an approved testing provider taken within 48 hours of the game's scheduled start time (for example: if a game is on Thursday at 7:00 PM, the COVID-19 test must be taken any time beginning 7:00 PM on Tuesday)
- glennjpawlak22

Are both required, or one or the other?

The only familiarity that Connolly has with Johnson, was when Johnson made Tampa as a rookie, it was Connolly that was sent down.
- LAHawk

Thanks LA. My mistake. Connolly was with Florida and Johnson was with Tampa.

Are both required, or one or the other?
- Chunk

Looks like both Ill bet Mayor Lori is drafting this up for Bulls/Blackhawks games

Thanks LA. My mistake. Connolly was with Florida and Johnson was with Tampa.
- -Doh-

My mistake really, I should of been more diplomatic with my answer