Blake had an interview where he said he realizes he is going to lose some RFA’s. They might even go after Hellebuck, they really want to get rid of Peterson’s contract.
- LAHawk

kupari is one I think he tries to keep. Anderson-Dolan and Vilardi I can see trying to deal.

what about Peterson and arvdison for picks and prospects? What prospects or picks be included is anybodies guess. But hawks get a stop gap goalie to pair with mrazek abs give soderbloom more time to develop in Rockford and get a a player that could play in the top six.
- Scott1977

I am giving them squat to take Peterson's contract. If they want to add Arvidsson I may give them a future 3rd.

[quote=wiz1901]

You know Wiz if Pellikka really has the potential to be a Montour type player and the Blackhawks staff feels the same way, i really wouldn't mind them drafting him at 19.

kupari is one I think he tries to keep. Anderson-Dolan and Vilardi I can see trying to deal.
- Elbows15

I wouldn’t want Villardi. With his back issues, he is Dave Bolland waiting to happen. Anderson-Dolan is a good get. I would love Fergamo.

I wouldn’t want Villardi. With his back issues, he is Dave Bolland waiting to happen. Anderson-Dolan is a good get. I would love Fergamo.
- LAHawk

I wasn't mentioning either as targets for the Hawks. More about which ones Blake will try to move for something.

I would gladly take Iafallo off their hands, tho. He fits what Kd is looking to build. Not much term. Been through a rebuild of a sort and knows the score.
Not great by any means and I wouldn't give up much for him but he is one option.

[quote=BetweenTheDots]
FORWARDS. The Hawks need s hit ton of centers/forwards. If Danielson, Leonard, Moore and a couple of other forwards are there, take one of them. This is not the year to go looking for a D-man in the first round.

Next year will be.

[quote=Elbows15]

I hear you, that's why i hope he's off the board before we pick

[quote=BetweenTheDots]
I don't think he fits the mold. Hawks are getting away from sub 6' D-men. Plus if he is like Montour, just be his 3rd team 12 years after he is drafted.

Man, nobody says the word "out" quite like Chris Cuthbert

OWUUUUDT!

Seattle Tbirds win the WHL with a win over Winnipeg 3-1. Allan with one assist.

On to the Memorial Cup.
- boilermaker100

I watched maybe 5-6 periods of this series keeping an eye on Dach, Korchinski and Allen. Korchinski was as expected. Excellent skater, lotta skill, head up. I'd add he split time on the #1 PP unit with Hanzel. Seems coach went with who was on the ice when goals were scored.

Dach was the most physical player in the series. Lotta wall and crease battles.

I've been an Allen fan all along but IMO he shows steady improvement. Kid is stout, plays physical but his already solid skating seems to improve. ..... Think this kid has a real chance to be a difference making shutdown 2nd paring NHLer.

WPG's Benson is the real deal IMO. Kid is simply dangerous most every shift. Great vision, game is slow for him, makes good decisions, high compete, tons of skill and IMO his skating is better than written by most.

As a fan, would you rather have your team be competitive over a period of time, or win Cups?

We've seen in Tampa, LA, and Chicago, that teams that win Cups (especially more than one in a cycle) have great high-end talent and do what they can to fill in around them while they're great. Carolina's best players are in their window and the team refuses to "overpay" for talent. If I was a fan of the Canes, I'd want them to go for it in the next couple years.
- mohel

This is a topic I could ramble on but shortest answer is I wanna win a cup, BUT my club does not have to win it all for it to be a successful, fun and/or entertaining season. If I'm a fan of SEA I loved the season. Underdogs, came outa nowhere, no quit, fun brand high speed/compete.

If either one of CAR or FLA don't win I enjoyed the season. FLA barely squeeks in then knocks off the record setting Bruins. Carolina loses Svech and Pacioretty and still makes the ECF. But I agree 100% they are way too conservative at the TDL's. When close add and they have a system that can absorb losing top prospects to add what's needed to fill holes.

As Hawks fans we've seen cap hell and still won cups. My hope is KD can figure out how to construct a roster that's in the mix every yr while staying outa cap hell and keep the pipeline relatively strong. .... Pipe dream? Maybe, but a couple of decades of data/examples to study maybe there is another way. Not quite Carolina where they refuse to give up prime assets to add and not LVG who's system is barren of prospects and cap gymnastics are needed 365 days a yr to get there and still not win.

Think it's RainMan who was posting for awhile about how many core players need to be signed to big dough? Too many and you're too top heavy not enough and you don't have enough top talent. I think that's a great question I hope KD and company have an answer for that as they build from scratch.

And as VABear is posting long term viability can't be had without excellent drafting and developing. Indeed.

And IMO a franchise wide system that is fed by players who fit that system is the best way to stay on top and not get into cap hell, ala Carolina.

Not too many many core players so you have depth and are not top heavy, strong drafting/developing (cuz you ain't gonna be picking high being good every yr) and a strong system. I think this is a doable approach hat is a good recipe for success in a hard/flat cap world.

Florida Panthers almost seem to be destiny datlings, eh?

Another OT victory propels them to a 2-0 series lead

Talk about how they looked like even making the playoffs was in jeopardy late in the regular season

I just don’t think Vegas is quite a worthy Cup finalist. Dallas yes but Ottinger needs to be better

Could you imagine Florida beats Vegas for the Cup? Believe it!?

Florida Panthers almost seem to be destiny datlings, eh?

Another OT victory propels them to a 2-0 series lead

Talk about how they looked like even making the playoffs was in jeopardy late in the regular season

I just don’t think Vegas is quite a worthy Cup finalist. Dallas yes but Ottinger needs to be better

Could you imagine Florida beats Vegas for the Cup? Believe it!?
- jhawk59

This year may be the least watched final in modern history.

I'm sure the big wigs at NBC are breathing a sigh of relief that they got out when they did.

This year may be the least watched final in modern history.

I'm sure the big wigs at NBC are breathing a sigh of relief that they got out when they did.
- dahawks8819

Not so sure, playoffs been pretty exciting, I've heard people who aren't long time fans comment on playoff hockey being exciting

Looking at a few mock drafts and have seen Reinbacher and Pellikka drafted in the top 15 consistently

Michkov to SJ every time

Riley Heidt is a guy that we seem to keep drafting at 19.

And the more i read of Heidt the more i like

Milwaukee is an obvious choice.

- rpeters01

Milwaukee is part of the Blackhawk’s area. No way Wirtz lets it happen. The cheese heads will remain an AHL city for all of eternity.

If/when ARI moves, it should be to Houston. It’s the 5th largest metro area in the USA (NY, LA, CHI, DAL/FTW, HOU), and a successful run in the WHA with Gordie Howe’s Aeros. Plus, a natural rival for DAL.

Bob’s contract is looking much better recently. If they win it all, it’s worth every penny.

Not so sure, playoffs been pretty exciting, I've heard people who aren't long time fans comment on playoff hockey being exciting
- vabeachbear

The Eastern final has been amazing for the 1st 2 games. Everything that’s good about hockey has been on display.

I was just thinking Suter doesn't look like he's got much thread left on his tires.

I was just thinking Suter doesn't look like he's got much thread left on his tires.
- BetweenTheDots

Bad give away on the tying goal, then he didn’t pick up the goal scorer.

Agreed, the game is being played at an all time high. Regardless of the audience size of the final teams, hockey fans are tuning in.

There were some dandy goals last night too

Looking at a few mock drafts and have seen Reinbacher and Pellikka drafted in the top 15 consistently

Michkov to SJ every time

Riley Heidt is a guy that we seem to keep drafting at 19.

And the more i read of Heidt the more i like
- BetweenTheDots

Seems similar to Nazar and Bedard as far as size. He might in the "can't have to many of the same type" category as mentioned by KD.

Hawks need to find skilled size on the wings/center in this draft, imo. Them being dirty, edgy, whatever you want to call it is all the better.

If/when ARI moves, it should be to Houston. It’s the 5th largest metro area in the USA (NY, LA, CHI, DAL/FTW, HOU), and a successful run in the WHA with Gordie Howe’s Aeros. Plus, a natural rival for DAL.
- scottak

I think they are holding onto Houston as an expansion target. Higher fees for one and with the current expansion draft rules, it would give their fan base a jump start like in Vegas and Seattle.

I was just thinking Suter doesn't look like he's got much thread left on his tires.
- BetweenTheDots

If ever there was a guy who needs a two hander to the face...