FWIW,

Appears #Blackhawks could be closing in on deal with 22-year old forward Dominik Kahun, who was a star for Germany during 2018 Winter Olympics, I have no idea what this says lol:

https://www.merkur.de/spo...-wohl-rennen-9693300.html
- walleyeb1

Mentioned Hawks were ramping up efforts and honing in on some Euro talent. Looks like they are doubling down on Czech players.

Could be a good signing. He played well in the Olympics.

Mentioned Hawks were ramping up efforts and honing in on some Euro talent. Looks like they are doubling down on Czech players.

Could be a good signing. He played well in the Olympics.
- Justin Lowe

At least we know jersey #72 is available....maybe this is the real motivation for the Panarin/Saad trade?

Well, if we can wish for anything, I wish for 2010 Marian Hossa.

Well, if we can wish for anything, I wish for 2010 Marian Hossa.
- 35Tony0

didnt Hossa join the team on the T Giving West Coast trip and we just kind of steam rolled after that - it was amazing times. BTW, how old was HOSSA in 2010? around the same age 19 is now - just saying that a portion of Toews salary should go to Hossa.

Mentioned Hawks were ramping up efforts and honing in on some Euro talent. Looks like they are doubling down on Czech players.

Could be a good signing. He played well in the Olympics.
- Justin Lowe

It seems that Bowman is bent on augmenting entry draft picks with european and Swedish/Finnish signings. No matter how good these past and present type of signs, it is mandated that the team gets tougher, grittier and some more size would help as well. Failure to comply, stan, would mean you cannot get much better and fans will stay away in larger numbers.

Some season ticket holders have already or are seriously showing their displeasure. You won't get chased out of town but booed to the point that you are going to really feel the heat if you do not get tougher. Tougher means in your top six forwards and one in your top four defense. I doubt anyone on the board disagrees all of this

Did some research on this guy and he seems to be pretty skilled but the thing that stood out for me was the "afraid of contact" part.
- 67hawks

A stan specialty. A back up plan if Sikura does not sign. So for the new guy to fit in, another soft skill guy has to be traded? No?

A stan specialty. A back up plan if Sikura does not sign. So for the new guy to fit in, another soft skill guy has to be traded? No?
- jhawk59

you know that Stan is itching to bring back Hammer - hasnt he brought EVERYONE back at least once

Wishes
1) Murphy - Agree
2) Hayden - I just want him to play regular minutes on a regular consistent line with the same center and same winger with offensive talent. I also want to see him onthe PP.
3) Sikura - Agree
4) Ejsdell - I hope his team loses in the first round of the playoffs and comes here over to play a few games before the season is over.

Other unrelated comment - I like the way Sharp has played and contributed this year. Still has decent speed and a good shot. Has not been hampered by injuries. Has not had that many points because he has been put through the Q blender 50 times this year with different linemates every night and sometimes playing on his off wing. He always plays with energy, enthusiasm and physicality. Makes a lot of heady plays. Plays a 200' game (almost all of the time). I have to believe younger players could learn a lot by watching him. I would not mind them resigning him. Shooters/snipers are hard to come by. (Kane/Debrincat/???) You could argue he is taking ice time from the younger forwards. But the alternate argument would be that he is allowing some of the "not ready for prime time players" to get some valuable time at the Rock.
- -Doh-

Would bring him back on the same contract. Good guy to have. He can fill a role on a checking line. If he sits, much better than some young guy who needs PT. Still moves well, has an edge and good mentor for the kids.

you know that Stan is itching to bring back Hammer - hasnt he brought EVERYONE back at least once
- glennjpawlak22

Please no. Guy is done. He has looked terrible in Ariz. the games I have watched.

Mentioned Hawks were ramping up efforts and honing in on some Euro talent. Looks like they are doubling down on Czech players.

Could be a good signing. He played well in the Olympics.
- Justin Lowe

Any idea what happen to the swed they were intrested in any news on that

A stan specialty. A back up plan if Sikura does not sign. So for the new guy to fit in, another soft skill guy has to be traded? No?
- jhawk59

I was thinking something similar as the Kahun signing is a bit of a head scratcher like the Gustafsson and Rutta re-signings. While talented, Kahun doesn't necessarily fill an immediate need. It's good that Bowman and the scouting staff are scouring Europe for free agents, but wouldn't it make sense to find talent that fills needs like blueliners who play stellar defense or forwards who have both size and skill or a checking center who can win draws? Kampf may possibly be that checking center but I like him better as a 4C.

Also, in today's blog, Justin projected a possible top 9 of the following (I'm listing a possible lineup to make it easier to envision):

Saad - Toews - Sikura
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane
Hinostroza - Anisimov - Hayden

Where would Kahun play? It does make sense for him to be a backup option in case Sikura doesn't sign or does sign but needs seasoning first in Rockford next year.

This also doesn't count Duclair which the Kahun signing might indicate that his days are numbered. Then there's also Edjsell if he impresses in camp and can make the jump.

Lots of questions marks with Sikura, Kahun, and Edjsell so pursuing some NHL veteran experience for forwards, defense, and goalies seems like a more logical game plan.

If - after 4 years and apparently a lot of interaction - Stan hasn't been able to sell him on coming to Chicago, it ain't likely to happen between now and April (or August).
- StLBravesFan

I bet he was curteous but just concentrating on playing better and moving closer to a degree. Then poof he becomes a big scorer and he is reminded that he COULD PL AY THE FIELD. ALONG COMES Sullivan, too. It never was so much that he wanted to wait out for largest team offer so much or best team fit so much.

It is like winning the lottery after years of winning a few dollars here and there but nothing much. Suddenly you have excitement to make plans, new thoughts are stirring, you have new aspiration.....he surely like Chicago but a young man has a lot to think about. Selling job, Stan

My kind of town, Chicago is .......tell him why Sinatra croons that but with a modern update!

I was thinking something similar as the Kahun signing is a bit of a head scratcher like the Gustafsson and Rutta re-signings. While talented, Kahun doesn't necessarily fill an immediate need. It's good that Bowman and the scouting staff are scouring Europe for free agents, but wouldn't it make sense to find talent that fills needs like blueliners who play stellar defense or forwards who have both size and skill or a checking center who can win draws? Kampf may possibly be that checking center but I like him better as a 4C.

Also, in today's blog, Justin projected a possible top 9 of the following (I'm listing a possible lineup to make it easier to envision):

Saad- Toews - Sikura
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane
Hinostroza - Anisimov - Hinostroza

Where would Kahun play? It does make sense for hi to be a backup option in case Sikura doesn't sign or does sign but needs seasoning first in Rockford next year.

This also doesn't count Duclair which the Kahun signing might indicate that his days are numbered. Then there's also Edjsell if he impresses in camp and can make the jump.

Lots of questions marks with Sikura, Kahun, and Edjsell so pursuing some NHL veteran experience for forwards, defense, and goalies seems like a more logical game plan.
- AEL_Fox

If you were a betting man, if there was Vegas odds....only Sikura sounds like a good bet. The other two might be ok but much to discern about them once they start at Rockford. Veteran help, Wingels and Highmore.....whomever......whatever...... those kids aren't all on board skating at the United Center pronto

I was thinking something similar as the Kahun signing is a bit of a head scratcher like the Gustafsson and Rutta re-signings. While talented, Kahun doesn't necessarily fill an immediate need. It's good that Bowman and the scouting staff are scouring Europe for free agents, but wouldn't it make sense to find talent that fills needs like blueliners who play stellar defense or forwards who have both size and skill or a checking center who can win draws? Kampf may possibly be that checking center but I like him better as a 4C.

Also, in today's blog, Justin projected a possible top 9 of the following (I'm listing a possible lineup to make it easier to envision):

Saad - Toews - Sikura
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane
Hinostroza - Anisimov - Hinostroza

Where would Kahun play? It does make sense for him to be a backup option in case Sikura doesn't sign or does sign but needs seasoning first in Rockford next year.

This also doesn't count Duclair which the Kahun signing might indicate that his days are numbered. Then there's also Edjsell if he impresses in camp and can make the jump.

Lots of questions marks with Sikura, Kahun, and Edjsell so pursuing some NHL veteran experience for forwards, defense, and goalies seems like a more logical game plan.
- AEL_Fox

Hayden as well. I think he needs to be in the top 6, and I think 88 needs to stay with 19, and, 20. So where does Sikura even fit? On a line with AA and Vinny?

If you were a betting man, if there was Vegas odds....only Sikura sounds like a good bet. The other two might be ok but much to discern about them once they start at Rockford. Veteran help, Wingels and Highmore.....whomever......whatever...... those kids aren't all on board skating at the United Center pronto
- jhawk59

In a relative sense, Sikura may have the upperhand as far as top shelf talent but Kahun and Edjsell are already under contract so they have the upperhand as far as eligibility to even make the team.

Wingels would be a good place to start to add in NHL veteran experience. He and a guy like Bouma would be nice to round out a 4th line with Kampf centering. Highmore is in the mix but still a rookie so I wouldn't count him as a veteran option.

If Sikura, Kahun, or Edjsell don't pan out, an experienced winger would be needed. Same with a center if Anisimov somehow gets shipped out this summer, ideally one who can play a checking role, win draws, and offer solid defense.

Hayden as well. I think he needs to be in the top 6, and I think 88 needs to stay with 19, and, 20. So where does Sikura even fit? On a line with AA and Vinny?
- SoftServe

Bring back wingles in the off-season. Sharp/Duclair Kampf Wingles as a fourth line.

Hayden as well. I think he needs to be in the top 6, and I think 88 needs to stay with 19, and, 20. So where does Sikura even fit? On a line with AA and Vinny?
- SoftServe

Sorry, typo on my end with Hinostroza listed twice. Meant to say Anisimov with Hinostroza and Hayden. The young wingers are interchangeable until water finds its level and they show where they truly belong.

Bring back wingles in the off-season. Sharp/Duclair Kampf Wingles as a fourth line.
- SoftServe

If it's between Sharp and Duclair, I'd go with Sharp hands down. Better price tag, strong defense, plays physical, and good role model for the young wingers.

Justin and others suggest Murphy could be a #4 slot dman. This despite his wheels are a tad slow but would suffice as a third pair. Maybe he settles in as a second pair but his muscle could also be appreciated third pair. Using him in first pair oh my gosh because no one else can fit with Keith, because Murphy could learn to cover for Keith the rover.

Would it be the best idea if we could just have him in third pair and find someone else with first or second pair capability. Oh the defense is fraught wiith problems galore. OH how i expect Stan's response is going to be underwhelming. We shall see. I detect a lot of doubt to outright questioning Stan

STAN the man with a plan but the fan says man he no can.

If it's between Sharp and Duclair, I'd go with Sharp hands down. Better price tag, strong defense, plays physical, and good role model for the young wingers.
- AEL_Fox

Lets play hypothetical. If everything works out with Sikura, Crow is good to go, and we bring in a reasonable top 4 D man via F/A, would people be confident in this lineup to make the playoffs next season? I know a lot hinges on which D man they can bring in, Corey's health and if Saad, Toews rebound and Seabs is a serviceable bottom pairing.

Saad Toews Kane
Cat Schmaltz Hayden
Sikura AA Vinny
Sharp Kampf Wingles

Keith F/A
Murphy Forsling
Rutta/Gus Seabrook

Crow
Forsberg

Lets play hypothetical. If everything works out with Sikura, Crow is good to go, and we bring in a reasonable top 4 D man via F/A, would people be confident in this lineup to make the playoffs next season? I know a lot hinges on which D man they can bring in, Corey's health and if Saad, Toews rebound and Seabs is a serviceable bottom pairing.

Saad Toews Kane
Cat Schmaltz Hayden
Sikura AA Vinny
Sharp Kampf Wingles

Keith F/A
Murphy Forsling
Rutta/Gus Seabrook

Crow
Forsberg
- SoftServe

Cmon' still a struggle. Keith plays better? Same Toews. Might be somewhat more competitive but other teams are getting better and passing us by. Say it ain't so the truth hurts.

didnt Hossa join the team on the T Giving West Coast trip and we just kind of steam rolled after that - it was amazing times. BTW, how old was HOSSA in 2010? around the same age 19 is now - just saying that a portion of Toews salary should go to Hossa.
- glennjpawlak22

A portion of your salary should go to whoever taught you to do your job. See how moronic that sounds.

I was thinking something similar as the Kahun signing is a bit of a head scratcher like the Gustafsson and Rutta re-signings. While talented, Kahun doesn't necessarily fill an immediate need. It's good that Bowman and the scouting staff are scouring Europe for free agents, but wouldn't it make sense to find talent that fills needs like blueliners who play stellar defense or forwards who have both size and skill or a checking center who can win draws? Kampf may possibly be that checking center but I like him better as a 4C.

Also, in today's blog, Justin projected a possible top 9 of the following (I'm listing a possible lineup to make it easier to envision):

Saad - Toews - Sikura
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane
Hinostroza - Anisimov - Hayden

Where would Kahun play? It does make sense for him to be a backup option in case Sikura doesn't sign or does sign but needs seasoning first in Rockford next year.

This also doesn't count Duclair which the Kahun signing might indicate that his days are numbered. Then there's also Edjsell if he impresses in camp and can make the jump.

Lots of questions marks with Sikura, Kahun, and Edjsell so pursuing some NHL veteran experience for forwards, defense, and goalies seems like a more logical game plan.
- AEL_Fox

You do realize that not every guy signed has to play in Chicago their first year right? They can fill spots in AHL or echl or maybe have an out clause that allows them to go back to Europe if it doesn't work out. Everything isn't always so black and white as many of you put it on here

didnt Hossa join the team on the T Giving West Coast trip and we just kind of steam rolled after that - it was amazing times. BTW, how old was HOSSA in 2010? around the same age 19 is now - just saying that a portion of Toews salary should go to Hossa.
- glennjpawlak22

he was 30 when he signed with the hawks...his best scoring days were behind him: 30 goals once as hawk; best year was 77 pts in 2011-12 and then torres destroyed him in the playoffs

Bring back wingles in the off-season. Sharp/Duclair Kampf Wingles as a fourth line.
- SoftServe

sharp will not be back...duclair is not a grinder 4th line type of player; he may be gone