If we're looking at a player who can actually contribute on the ice and not just towards the salary cap then Conor Garland would be the best option. I know KD doesn't want to take on a long term contract, but I think 3 year at < $5 million is quite manageable. I still don't see the Hawks gaining assets to take on Garland, but he may be available for a deep discount.
- DarthKane

I've liked the idea of Garland to skate with Bedard right from the start. He checks a lot of boxes. High energy, plays with pace, at 27 yrs old and inked for 3 more yrs you'll get his prime yrs, he won't block any of the prospects over just 3 yrs, can effectively slot up and down a lineup and puts up 50ish pts with limited minutes and no PP time. Skate him with Bedard and some PP time I see him easily getting to the 60 pt mark.

I see Garland and Bunting as very similar players and are the same age. Bunting is a UFA and it's said a 5.5 mil per for 5 yrs is what is expected in free agency. Yes, Garland may be a bit overpaid but with VAN in cap trouble they have no leverage and I'm guessing at the very least would have to give Garland away like LVG did with Pacioretty.

Would love to get something for taking on Garland's salary but even if he were simple free I like the fit Garland brings.

Someone will overpay Zucker after he had his first healthy season in 6 years.

Meh on the other two but whateves on 1 year deals. Wouldn't go any longer for either.
- Elbows15

Just placeholders, I guess you can put Domi in the mix too, but I think he is looking multi-year also. Unfortunately, I do not see any internal candidates for at Least another couple of years.

Seems more and more, guys are going to American college route.

I guess it makes sense in that you have better control over your own destiny.

if enough do it, maybe the leagues will change their rules about players being able to leave to play in minors.

Leagues give you many more games though. Look out if College Hockey were to add 20 games a season..........
- vabeachbear

The worry in Canada is top prospects like Fantilli and Celebrini are going the NCAA route. Many have before but now the elite of the elite are and that's concerning for Major Junior.

And for sure being stuck in the CHL with nothing or little left to prove there, like Kochinski next yr, instead of playing AHL is going to hurt the CHL more and more.

I've liked the idea of Garland to skate with Bedard right from the start. He checks a lot of boxes. High energy, plays with pace, at 27 yrs old and inked for 3 more yrs you'll get his prime yrs, he won't block any of the prospects over just 3 yrs, can effectively slot up and down a lineup and puts up 50ish pts with limited minutes and no PP time. Skate him with Bedard and some PP time I see him easily getting to the 60 pt mark.

I see Garland and Bunting as very similar players and are the same age. Bunting is a UFA and it's said a 5.5 mil per for 5 yrs is what is expected in free agency. Yes, Garland may be a bit overpaid but with VAN in cap trouble they have no leverage and I'm guessing at the very least would have to give Garland away like LVG did with Pacioretty.

Would love to get something for taking on Garland's salary but even if he were simple free I like the fit Garland brings.
- Mr Ricochet

If Vancouver buys out OEL, they save $7 mil. This year, cap problems solved.

Can you find us a Sam Bennett in the draft Wiz - nasty, mean, hits to hurt with a horrible on ice disposition? I don't care what position he plays.
- RickJ

Bennett is a beauty, isn't he? Not huge at 6ft 1 200lbs but when he hits people they crumple..... Lotta back class too. 4th overall and is a natural centerman. It could be argued he was over drafted a tad but the change of scenery has done a world of good as he's a legit top 6 guy with tons of intangibles and is living up to a top 10 pick

I was watching film of Koehn Ziemmer, another poor poor skater, and what jumped out was Carson Rehkopf, his linemate. Listed at 6ft 2in 193lbs kid has real speed, skill and hands. Pronman has him at #39 and would really love if the Hawks drafted him. ..... Can he develop into a Bennett lite?

If Vancouver buys out OEL, they save $7 mil. This year, cap problems solved.
- LAHawk

It's hilarious to see Suter on the list again

If Vancouver buys out OEL, they save $7 mil. This year, cap problems solved.
- LAHawk

Cool, let them buy out OEL. Hawks move on to the next guy cuz they don't have to do anything. VAN does. ...... Everybody's problem is solved.

Cool, let them buy out OEL. Hawks move on to the next guy cuz they don't have to do anything. VAN does. ...... Everybody's problem is solved.
- Mr Ricochet

Exactly, problem solved till next year, they can be like Minny and keep dancing around the buy out of Suter and Parise.

Well once the Vegas Dallas game got really out of hand at least there was Memorial Cup game 1st time really watched our prospects playing for Seattle .It was a decent game tough to get anything going Remparts came out on top with a empty netter ,Allan made it close late but not enough . Thought Allan played very well at both ends Dach was good going to the tough areas . Korchinski for a top 10 pick he has all the tools just needs to bulk up a bit and quit trying to do to much . It was a tough game the Remparts play a very good defense .
- oldduffman

I've liked Allen since I hunted video on him after they drafted him 2 yrs ago. Kid has improved every yr and now he's showing some excellent poise. Unhurried he does well at beating the forecheck.

IMO the closest possibility the Hawks have had to Hammer since Hammer. ....... A kid I look forward to watching at RKF with Del Mastro.

Gotta love that Memorial Cup. Some damn fine hockey.

Just placeholders, I guess you can put Domi in the mix too, but I think he is looking multi-year also. Unfortunately, I do not see any internal candidates for at Least another couple of years.
- LAHawk

Yeah I got that part and its why I said whatever on them. My point was I am fine if that is who they bring in but I still wouldn't go more than a year on JVR and Tatar. Zucker does nothing for me plus given his history, he will be injured at least half the season. So what will he really bring.

The 1 year might make them more attractive to potential buyers at the TDL is my reasoning. If not, oh well, you move on or give em another year is they fit the culture LR is trying to build.
There are FA after every season and at the moment, flexibility would be one of my bullet points if I were GM.
As far as Domi goes, I have no problem giving him more than one year. He did his service in the rental game for the Hawks. By all accounts he loved playing here and was well liked in the room as they say. He came to play every night for the Hawks.

If Vancouver buys out OEL, they save $7 mil. This year, cap problems solved.
- LAHawk

But still doesn't leave them much room to try to add the pieces they want in reality. It for sure gives a little breathing room.

From what I read they want to add a top 6 FWD and a top 4 D-man. Those types do get traded but it ain't cheap

Exactly, problem solved till next year, they can be like Minny and keep dancing around the buy out of Suter and Parise.
- BetweenTheDots

Is anyone talking about Vegas cap problems or Bobrovsky’s bad contract ? Or that Florida was one Buddy Robinson goal from not even making the playoffs?

You think Guerin didn’t know he would have cap problems when he took over and did the buyouts? Should he not have paid Kaprizov?

NHL is a copy cat league, let’s see if more clubs get as ruthless in acquiring the best team they can every year, no matter who’s feelings are hurt, or how hard it would be the next year to be cap compliant.

Is anyone talking about Vegas cap problems or Bobrovsky’s bad contract ? Or that Florida was one Buddy Robinson goal from not even making the playoffs?

You think Guerin didn’t know he would have cap problems when he took over and did the buyouts? Should he not have paid Kaprizov?

NHL is a copy cat league, let’s see if more clubs get as ruthless in acquiring the best team they can every year, no matter who’s feelings are hurt, or how hard it would be the next year to be cap compliant.
- LAHawk

Then let the buy outs begin, it will only put more free agents out there for the Hawks

Then let the buy outs begin, it will only put more free agents out there for the Hawks
- BetweenTheDots

I thought you wanted draft picks, not free agents?

Is anyone talking about Vegas cap problems or Bobrovsky’s bad contract ? Or that Florida was one Buddy Robinson goal from not even making the playoffs?

You think Guerin didn’t know he would have cap problems when he took over and did the buyouts? Should he not have paid Kaprizov?

NHL is a copy cat league, let’s see if more clubs get as ruthless in acquiring the best team they can every year, no matter who’s feelings are hurt, or how hard it would be the next year to be cap compliant.
- LAHawk

As has been written, there hasn't been a big name player on the market that Vegas wasn't linked to. They don't always get him but they always at least kick the tires.

No doubt the organIzation is creative. Curious LA, would you rather have the Hawks take on the LVG model of yearly chaos or the CAR model of slow but sure careful to consider the cap with every move?

I know CAR gets too conservative, especially at the TDL, but you get my point. A lotta upheaval or consistency in approach and the roster?

As has been written, there hasn't been a big name player on the market that Vegas wasn't linked to. They don't always get him but they always at least kick the tires.

No doubt the organIzation is creative. Curious LA, would you rather have the Hawks take on the LVG model of yearly chaos or the CAR model of slow but sure careful to consider the cap with every move?

I know CAR gets too conservative, especially at the TDL, but you get my point. A lotta upheaval or consistency in approach and the roster?
- Mr Ricochet

Bill Foley said Vegas will win the cup in 5 years when he was awarded the franchise. This is year 7, hasn’t done it yet but been in the mix every year. He has gone thru 3 GM’s and 3 coaches in those 6 years in addition to all the players. To the Vegas owner, if they win, the end justifies the means.

So what KD is doing is not chaos? A different type of chaos, but still chaos none the less? Next years squad, how many do you expect yo be on hhe Hawks 3 years hence? Hopefully it works, but you are going to have more moving parts then Vegas will have.

Bill Foley said Vegas will win the cup in 5 years when he was awarded the franchise. This is year 7, hasn’t done it yet but been in the mix every year. He has gone thru 3 GM’s and 3 coaches in those 6 years in addition to all the players. To the Vegas owner, if they win, the end justifies the means.

So what KD is doing is not chaos? A different type of chaos, but still chaos none the less? Next years squad, how many do you expect yo be on hhe Hawks 3 years hence? Hopefully it works, but you are going to have more moving parts then Vegas will have.
- LAHawk

Cmon, LA. Comparing a total teardown to an expansion team given all kinds of advantages is not even apples to oranges.

I'm not badgering you just asking which model you prefer, LVG or CAR. If you'd rather not answer no problem at all. ........ I do know you abhor tanking and even then no right no wrong. Just different philosophies.

(frank) no. He was terrible on a rebuilding team in Buffalo in a leadership role. He"lost his love for the game". I don't want him anywhere near this team.

Plus, he is slow AF.
- Elbows15

Elbows who would you pick at 19, if hawks do not move up?

Cmon, LA. Comparing a total teardown to an expansion team given all kinds of advantages is not even apples to oranges.

I'm not badgering you just asking which model you prefer, LVG or CAR. If you'd rather not answer no problem at all. ........ I do know you abhor tanking and even then no right no wrong. Just different philosophies.
- Mr Ricochet

Vegas. Aho only got paid because the Canadiens offer sheeted him. Do you think the players are happy if your team does not act to improve your team when you have a chance to win?

The worry in Canada is top prospects like Fantilli and Celebrini are going the NCAA route. Many have before but now the elite of the elite are and that's concerning for Major Junior.

And for sure being stuck in the CHL with nothing or little left to prove there, like Kochinski next yr, instead of playing AHL is going to hurt the CHL more and more.
- Mr Ricochet

I think we’ll see more Canadian kids take the US college route. The BCHL officially ends its arrangement with Hockey Canada tomorrow. The league will now have less restrictions and can get more players from outside BC. The BCHL already sends more kids to US colleges that all the other junior leagues in Canada…combined.

Elbows who would you pick at 19, if hawks do not move up?
- Scott1977

I have seen so many different players be available at 19 in different mocks I really have no feel for who will be there.


Be happy with any of these four if they are there

Moore
Edstrom
Danielson
Colby Barlow


Heidt , Musty and But are okay too.

Each of those players have been there at 19 on some, picked later on others.

I think it just means the group of players between 10 and 20 can go anywhere in there and each have qualities that are appealing

And I don't think moving up in that range makes sense unless its a player the Hawks absolutely feel is head and shoulders above. I think its more likely to try to move up later in the draft.

I have seen so many different players be available at 19 in different mocks I really have no feel for who will be there.


Be happy with any of these four if they are there

Moore
Edstrom
Danielson
Colby Barlow


Heidt , Musty and But are okay too.

Each of those players have been there at 19 on some, picked later on others.

I think it just means the group of players between 10 and 20 can go anywhere in there and each have qualities that are appealing

And I don't think moving up in that range makes sense unless its a player the Hawks absolutely feel is head and shoulders above. I think its more likely to try to move up later in the draft.
- Elbows15

Would love if Danielson was available at 19. That would be an amazing foundation for the Hawks.

On a different note, what do you think it would take to get Logan Cooley from AZ? He sounds disgruntled and not happy with the situation w/the arena. A low second this year and first next? Would that do it? Would the hawks do that?

My recent post on the Leafs board;

You all should feel good about the hiring, look what a great job he's done as Panthers GM

Wait.....


I know it wasn't nice, and its piling on, but in my defense it is the Leafs

Would love if Danielson was available at 19. That would be an amazing foundation for the Hawks.

On a different note, what do you think it would take to get Logan Cooley from AZ? He sounds disgruntled and not happy with the situation w/the arena. A low second this year and first next? Would that do it? Would the hawks do that?
- Revco38

Will never happen, but I assume it starts with the 2#1s next year, and maybe #19 and those 2 #1s.

I thought you wanted draft picks, not free agents?
- LAHawk

I would prefer prospects at this point since KD has a ton of draft capital now. We have to get to the Cap floor one way or another hey and if any of them perform well if we are fortunate to sign them to 1 year deals, we can then flip them at the trade deadline.

I get the sense you don't like this model of building a team but here we are.