NJ should be able to pay him.

For the big guy depends on how his skating is. Reichel has looked very good in international tournaments as well and that hasn't translated into NHL play yet.

Maybe Montreal does something crazy and Wright doesn't go first.

A lot of variables. I think taking the 2 this year, if they can, is a very good option - along with sitting on some salary should get them some solid assets and futures. (Mrazek would be the perfect vet to get beat up next year and if Strome is gonzo then taking Monohans contract from Calgary would also be smart)
- fattybeef

THe other variable to this is IF you are trading DeBrincat, than you have to also assume Kane and Toews both will asked to be traded or you push hard to get both to waive. Zero point retaining either when you are in full on rebuild. I still think Toews goes regardless of DeBrincat, but 12 leaving cements 88 leaving IMO

Have to think 88/19 are watching their old pals 2,28,72 move further along in the playoffs and have to be itching to get back there.

This is where I'm at with a DeBrincat trade to any team. If it's the Devils, then that forward prospect could be Mercer who just finished his rookie year so not a prospect anymore.

Devils receive:
DeBrincat
An asset like Kalynuk, Beaudin, or mid-round draft pick

Blackhawks receive:
2022 1st
2023 1st
2022 2nd (2023 is fine, too)
Mercer or Holtz

That 2nd rounder could also be replaced by another prospect like Foote or Stillman who may be more middle 6 talents than top 6.
- Theo Fox

You can ask but will you get somebody to pay that price? IS NJ that close to give up back to back 1sts for 1 player?

Depends on how the jersey gm views dcat. The team needs more speed and elite scoring winger and dcat is developing into a leader also. Plus if dcat is say being shopped the a lot of other teams would be interested also.
- Scott1977

100%...IMO I think for a team to pay back to back 1sts, you have to be in your "window" to win a cup. is NJ really there? Is 12 going to put them over the top because giving up that ask that people are posting....seems high for a team trending that way vs being there already.

Think you would have to look more so at a team like say Carolina, or FLorida, etc as teams willing to pay that price...and then does Davidson want back a lower 1st back?

No clue.....I am not against doing it, I just find the asking price being posted here being met by a team who isn't in the "win now" mode.....THe other question is there a UFA on the market that a team like NJ could sign and save those picks?

This is where I'm at with a DeBrincat trade to any team. If it's the Devils, then that forward prospect could be Mercer who just finished his rookie year so not a prospect anymore.

Devils receive:
DeBrincat
An asset like Kalynuk, Beaudin, or mid-round draft pick

Blackhawks receive:
2022 1st
2023 1st
2022 2nd (2023 is fine, too)
Mercer or Holtz

That 2nd rounder could also be replaced by another prospect like Foote or Stillman who may be more middle 6 talents than top 6.
- Theo Fox

I think that is a very realistic outcome

I don't see New Jersey trading that #2 overall pick for anyone they feel isnt a gen talent. Isn't that what most teams expect picking in the top 2, sometimes the top 3 depending on draft class?

If you were a New Jersey fan, would you want DeBrincat back and pay that price? I don't think I would.

Big fan of DeBrincat just don't know if he is a guy who can carry line and you can build around, or is a unicorn type add on piece....like a Kurri.
- SteveRain

I understand the sentiment but, El Gato has consistently proved the naysayers wrong.

In Erie he's on a line with McDavid who is then drafted. He then puts in 65g without him on his line.

A lot of people, myself included, felt he was too small for the NHL and that he's gonna get crushed. Aside from missing a few games because of Covid, he has played every single game in each season of his NHL career. He has been lit up a few times and just keeps coming back.

We all felt the league figured him out because he wasn't scoring. Turns out he was working on being a more responsible 2-way player and it got him some time on the penalty kill for a while.

I think Debrincat would probably be more alright without Patrick Kane feeding him then say Dylan Strome.

You can ask but will you get somebody to pay that price? IS NJ that close to give up back to back 1sts for 1 player?
- SteveRain

Looking at their roster, yes. They should be looking to add a veteran defender as well to add kind of a steadying presence as well as make a coaching change.

They need to round out the roster rather than go for more high end draft picks at this stage.

THe other variable to this is IF you are trading DeBrincat, than you have to also assume Kane and Toews both will asked to be traded or you push hard to get both to waive. Zero point retaining either when you are in full on rebuild. I still think Toews goes regardless of DeBrincat, but 12 leaving cements 88 leaving IMO

Have to think 88/19 are watching their old pals 2,28,72 move further along in the playoffs and have to be itching to get back there.
- SteveRain

I think this could play out, i.e. if DeBrincat is traded, the Kane may consider waiving and Toews, too, but his decision may not hinge too much on the Cat as Kane's decision would.

Same with Strome to a lesser extent in that Kane has vocally advocated for DeBrincat and Strome remain with the Blackhawks as he enjoys playing with them.

You can ask but will you get somebody to pay that price? IS NJ that close to give up back to back 1sts for 1 player?
- SteveRain

Definitely get what you're saying. As fattybeef pointed out in a later post, the Devils are at the stage where they need to end elite NHL talent than keep stockpiling high-end draft picks and prospects.

Sure the Devils could laugh and decline this or a similar trade offer but they need to give to get, too.

Also, the Hawks don't have to trade DeBrincat like they didn't have to trade Hagel which means they can wait for the most favorable offer which they are likely going to get some pretty good ones to consider.

If they don't like what other teams are offering, then simply walk away from the table.

I think this could play out, i.e. if DeBrincat is traded, the Kane may consider waiving and Toews, too, but his decision may not hinge too much on the Cat as Kane's decision would.

Same with Strome to a lesser extent in that Kane has vocally advocated for DeBrincat and Strome remain with the Blackhawks as he enjoys playing with them.
- Theo Fox

Theo here is another thing with Debrincat does ge want a long term contract or short term. Long term imo means he wants to stay and help and be part of the solution in Chicago. Short term he doesn't and if that what he looking for then I would trade him for a big haul there will be a lot of teams looking for his services. Detroit is another team due to dcat is from there and they some solid prospects and picks. Ottawa Buffalo also besides jersey are to consider. Trying to land a impact player a d gave the assets to do so.

Looking at their roster, yes. They should be looking to add a veteran defender as well to add kind of a steadying presence as well as make a coaching change.

They need to round out the roster rather than go for more high end draft picks at this stage.
- fattybeef

I hear you....I guess the million dollar question is there a comp player similar to DeBrincat as an UFA that they could with instead of paying a steep price to acquire and still have to pay?

100%...IMO I think for a team to pay back to back 1sts, you have to be in your "window" to win a cup. is NJ really there? Is 12 going to put them over the top because giving up that ask that people are posting....seems high for a team trending that way vs being there already.

Think you would have to look more so at a team like say Carolina, or FLorida, etc as teams willing to pay that price...and then does Davidson want back a lower 1st back?

No clue.....I am not against doing it, I just find the asking price being posted here being met by a team who isn't in the "win now" mode.....THe other question is there a UFA on the market that a team like NJ could sign and save those picks?
- SteveRain

Johnny Gaudreau

Definitely get what you're saying. As fattybeef pointed out in a later post, the Devils are at the stage where they need to end elite NHL talent than keep stockpiling high-end draft picks and prospects.

Sure the Devils could laugh and decline this or a similar trade offer but they need to give to get, too.

Also, the Hawks don't have to trade DeBrincat like they didn't have to trade Hagel which means they can wait for the most favorable offer which they are likely going to get some pretty good ones to consider.

If they don't like what other teams are offering, then simply walk away from the table.
- Theo Fox

yeah, I just try to be somewhat reasonable when we discuss asking prices for our guys or acquiring another player.....

I think IF, and to both of your points as well as others, IF DeBrincat is traded than that tells me Kane isn't far behind. What else is he left with IF he were to stay on board for a rebuild and chase the franchise points records...he needs skill and what is left here isn't enough IMO for him to go that route vs chasing another cup. Nobody knows for sure what 19/88 are deciding after meeting with Davidson but very interesting to watch from the outside.

Also, was it me or did we miss the standard locker-room cleanout day where all the players usually go in front of the media, etc? This season has all blended together for me so I can't recall if that happened, and if any tells came out of it for guys who could be moved.

Johnny Gudreau
- boilermaker100

So likely the teams who miss out on him may circle back to the Hawks...but that could be after the draft.....interesting.

Thanks Boiler...figure there was a comp avaiable and isn't Johnny hockey from out east?

Theo here is another thing with Debrincat does ge want a long term contract or short term. Long term imo means he wants to stay and help and be part of the solution in Chicago. Short term he doesn't and if that what he looking for then I would trade him for a big haul there will be a lot of teams looking for his services. Detroit is another team due to dcat is from there and they some solid prospects and picks. Ottawa Buffalo also besides jersey are to consider. Trying to land a impact player a d gave the assets to do so.
- Scott1977

DeBrincat's current contract is the short term deal so I can't see him looking for another short term deal. His next contract will be the big one.

yeah, I just try to be somewhat reasonable when we discuss asking prices for our guys or acquiring another player.....

I think IF, and to both of your points as well as others, IF DeBrincat is traded than that tells me Kane isn't far behind. What else is he left with IF he were to stay on board for a rebuild and chase the franchise points records...he needs skill and what is left here isn't enough IMO for him to go that route vs chasing another cup. Nobody knows for sure what 19/88 are deciding after meeting with Davidson but very interesting to watch from the outside.

Also, was it me or did we miss the standard locker-room cleanout day where all the players usually go in front of the media, etc? This season has all blended together for me so I can't recall if that happened, and if any tells came out of it for guys who could be moved.
- SteveRain

IIRC, the Blackhawks didn't have a locker clean out day and the associated media interviews. Probably wise on management's part but still peculiar.

So likely the teams who miss out on him may circle back to the Hawks...but that could be after the draft.....interesting.

Thanks Boiler...figure there was a comp avaiable and isn't Johnny hockey from out east?
- SteveRain

Gaudreau is from New Jersey. What a coincidence. But maybe he's glad he got out of that state and he doesn't want to return.

Reminds me of a joke. Why does California have the most lawyers of any state per capita and New Jersey have the most garbage dumps of any state per capita?

New Jersey had first choice.

Oilers were using speed on the attack to put on a drop pass clinic yesterday. Many times, the guys behind the play made the hustle to receive a drop pass and create offense. Something we don't see enough of lately in Chicago but an effective way to manufacture scoring chances on the rush.

IIRC, the Blackhawks didn't have a locker clean out day and the associated media interviews. Probably wise on management's part but still peculiar.
- Theo Fox

Very peculiar.

TO me this summer/off season will likely have a massive impact on the next 5 years of this organization's trajectory.

DO they retain King? If no, who do they hire.

What do they decide to do with franchise cornerstones in 12/19/88...do any go? Who do they get back.

Do they tank for a top pick next year?

What are they doing internally to help prospects like Dach, Reichel, all the D kids, etc get better and more consistent? Strength training? Skill training? Power skating?

Again, like what I saw from Davidson at the deadline, and just needs to keep this moving forward to get his structure implemented, and get the ball rolling in the right direction.

Like many others, enjoy your posts Theo. Articles are fantastic and I read you religiously as well as the general athletic and that's about it.....

Gaudreau is from New Jersey. What a coincidence. But maybe he's glad he got out of that state and he doesn't want to return.

Reminds me of a joke. Why does California have the most lawyers of any state per capita and New Jersey have the most garbage dumps of any state per capita?

New Jersey had first choice.
- boilermaker100

What a coincidence indeed......

Classic joke...I'll have to store that in one in the memory bank.

Matthews is a UFA in two years. If the hawks can get creative and get some solid prospects in the next two drafts maybe they can be in a position to make him an offer?

DeBrincat's current contract is the short term deal so I can't see him looking for another short term deal. His next contract will be the big one.
- Theo Fox

I doubt it. he will be 25 in dec who would not try and sign a long term deal after by far your best season. what if he regresses or gets hurt? you would walk away from 70 mil guaranteed to sign a one year deal for 7.5-8 mil?

Matthews is a UFA in two years. If the hawks can get creative and get some solid prospects in the next two drafts maybe they can be in a position to make him an offer?
- paulr

Big fan of his.....love this idea.

DeBrincat's current contract is the short term deal so I can't see him looking for another short term deal. His next contract will be the big one.
- Theo Fox

Theo I m be wrong on this but it seems akex turcotte has kinda fallen out favor with the Kings or his development has not gone the right way the Kings invisioned. I would at least give a call and serm if he is available your thoughts?

Theo I m be wrong on this but it seems akex turcotte has kinda fallen out favor with the Kings or his development has not gone the right way the Kings invisioned. I would at least give a call and serm if he is available your thoughts?
- Scott1977

This seems to me to be continuing the Stan Bowman modus operandi of bringing in former 1st rounders and hoping they develop into something.

Besides I think it's way too early for the Kings to give up on him.

Theo here is another thing with Debrincat does ge want a long term contract or short term. Long term imo means he wants to stay and help and be part of the solution in Chicago. Short term he doesn't and if that what he looking for then I would trade him for a big haul there will be a lot of teams looking for his services. Detroit is another team due to dcat is from there and they some solid prospects and picks. Ottawa Buffalo also besides jersey are to consider. Trying to land a impact player a d gave the assets to do so.
- Scott1977

The Kings are on a hunt for scoring. They have the picks and the prospects to make it work, and the cap space.