Lol. That Karlsson trade. Bobby Ryan is going to be tied to that mess. Overpay for Price. and No way Montreal does that deal for Chuck.
- fattybeef

No thanks each of those trades

I think when you take an objective look at this team, a few things come into focus that suggest it will be a long while before the Hawks can build a contending team again.

1. 50, 19, 2 and 7 all are on the other side of the mountain and likely will never see their old level of performance again.

2. There are NO prospects in the pipeline ANYWHERE that come close to replacing any of the above talent, now, or in the foreseeable future.

3. At best, some of the prospects in Rockford may become decent lower tier players, and nothing more. Kampf, Hayden, Highmore - bottom six upside at best.

4. The decent talent that has made the roster - ADB, Schmaltz, Hino - all lack any grit to speak of to keep a puck in the zone. That said, they also lack anyone with size and speed to partner with on their lines.

When you watch teams like Boston, Tampa, Vegas - that level of balance, skill, speed, grit and attitude is the new benchmark. This Hawk team is VERY far from closing that gap.
- Return of the Roar

You say objective. I say subjective. Let's start with Toews.
People are writing off Toews. The same people were writing off Eric Staal when he was 30, saying he was toast. When he signed with Minny people thought he would be a bust. They wanted the Hawks to steer clear of him when he was a FA. Then look at this year and last year with Minnesota. Averaged 35 goals and 35 assists +12. I think Toews/Staal are comparables. If you compare their careers by their age the numbers are very similar. If their team plays well and with the right linemates Toews will put up about 70 points with good plus minus numbers, wins faceoffs, plays in all situations and leads the team. Is that worth $10.5 mil? No. But if they win another cup .........

I haven't been this pumped for a Blackhawks offseason in a long time.

Sunday we find out if we get a lottery pick.

July we actually get to draft someone in the top ten. There's a strong possibility we can get one of Boqvist, Tkachuk, Wahlstrom, Veleno, Bouchard, Dobson, Kupari.

All would be a big win, and would probably instantly take the #1 Prospect spot away from Henry.

It will be nice to have the Hawks prospect cupboard somewhat restocked with two 1st round talents. Toss in some cap space instead of cap crunch, look out world.

Remember, only one team is going to have this season end feeling great. Everyone who doesn't win in the playoffs likely gave up something at the deadline that will bite them in the butt for the future. The Hawks improved at the deadline, and our future looks brighter. Hopefully our retool goes just like Boston's and we can boast the next Pastrnak/McAvoy draft steals. McAvoy went 14th, Pastrnak went 25th. The worst the Hawks can have at the draft is #10 and #31. The best they can have is #1 and I believe #27 because Nashville won PT.

Ummm. Probably best USA born player for sure.

Outside of Crosby and McDavid and maybe Malkin probably the best player in the league with the puck on his blade coming up the ice.

One of 4 players who has amassed +800 points in the last 10 years.

He's kind of a big deal.
- fattybeef

He's good but I can think of 6 or 7 players I'd rather have on my team than him.

I'm not saying Panarin is better than Kane, but if you're gonna use the argument that Kane wasn't shut down because of point totals then neither was Panarin. He had 7 points in the 6 games. His team just wasn't good enough. Swapping Kane for him wouldn't have advanced Columbus either.
- GPHawksfan

Panarin raked only in first 2 games.

People advocating trading Keith, please take a lap
- ObeseOprah

Got your back Chubbie.

yeah 20+ players and 3 coaches in on a tank job for a draft pick
- riozzo

Hello, Buffalo...

He's good but I can think of 6 or 7 players I'd rather have on my team than him.
- GPHawksfan

Name them...

I'd personally rank Kane in the same breathe as McDavid/Crysby etc...
Bear in mind I think McDavid is the #1 already, but I can't name a better winger than Kaner.
Some wingers are closely behind him, but who's actually legitimately better... or even "arguably as good."

My assessment comes from a couple places:
Hardware: Kane has both the individual, and team awards to support this. Regular season and post season. His trophy shelf is earned and diverse, he's not a "one trick pony"
Statistics: looking at long term stats, Kane ranks quite well compared to the rest of the league.
Eye test: few players can take over the offensive zone (and entire game) the way Kane can.
Drive: He was arguably the only 'hawk veteran who still played hard down the stretch this season.
And lets not forget the fact that he's respected around the league for his on-ice skill... so he's putting these numbers up against the very best competition every night.

Hello, Buffalo...
- Slofire94

1) How can you honestly gauge that without being in the room or on the bench? Perception isn't always reality. I think we only see a small piece and the coaches/team know better than any of us what is going on.

2) Impossible to know how Kane would handle the it or and does he really want it?

3) If as you say, Kane is the clear leader and so many fans are complaining about poor leadership, why would you give him the "C"
- breadbag

Re#1 - Simply watch what Kane does. Always will take the heat after a loss. Always available even in the tough times. Keith and Seabrook don’t take the heat as a rule. Keith rarely takes. Kane takes more than the Captain. This is not an easy thing. Stays in Chicago - works out with young players. Toews in Machu Picchu.

Re#2 - Yes please don’t give me an “A” - really?

Re#3 - Few suggest or nobody at all suggests Kane is not setting an example by how hard he trains, how hard he plays or how hard he tries to help younger players - and he does this while not wearing an “A” or a “C”. Toews has become a scatterbrain.

Kane is not generational. Crosby was of his generation now McDavid is but not Kane. He's a tier below. Still very good but not the best of his era
- GPHawksfan

Almost every year now there is a “generational” talent in the Draft. Sometimes there is even two. Not my rules. Kane certainly qualifies when you consider he has rarely had elite line-mates and has excelled in the runs to 3 Cups. He should actually have 2 Conn Smythes because Toews was invisible in the first Cup Final versus Philly.

Name them...

I'd personally rank Kane in the same breathe as McDavid/Crysby etc...
Bear in mind I think McDavid is the #1 already, but I can't name a better winger than Kaner.
Some wingers are closely behind him, but who's actually legitimately better... or even "arguably as good."

My assessment comes from a couple places:
Hardware: Kane has both the individual, and team awards to support this. Regular season and post season. His trophy shelf is earned and diverse, he's not a "one trick pony"
Statistics: looking at long term stats, Kane ranks quite well compared to the rest of the league.
Eye test: few players can take over the offensive zone (and entire game) the way Kane can.
Drive: He was arguably the only 'hawk veteran who still played hard down the stretch this season.
And lets not forget the fact that he's respected around the league for his on-ice skill... so he's putting these numbers up against the very best competition every night.
- Slofire94

With you Slofire.

Already have seen one response who you pick to win next round. Plus there is game seven yet Boston - Toronto.

I originally thought Boston would win
But now i say either team could win. Toronto has incredible deep number skill forward/centers and Andersson has been better than Rask. Previously in the series Toronto could not corral the Bruins top line.

Nashville-Winnipeg
Vegas-Sharks
Toronto/Boston - Tampa
Penguins - Capitals.

Who do you like?
- jhawk59

I like the leafs to upset the bruins but it will take another super anderson performance...that leaf defense is bad.

preds in 7
knights in 6
tampa
ovie will be at the worlds with his buddies bobro and panarin in about two weeks

Who

I haven't been this pumped for a Blackhawks offseason in a long time.

Sunday we find out if we get a lottery pick.

July we actually get to draft someone in the top ten. There's a strong possibility we can get one of Boqvist, Tkachuk, Wahlstrom, Veleno, Bouchard, Dobson, Kupari.

All would be a big win, and would probably instantly take the #1 Prospect spot away from Henry.

It will be nice to have the Hawks prospect cupboard somewhat restocked with two 1st round talents. Toss in some cap space instead of cap crunch, look out world.

Remember, only one team is going to have this season end feeling great. Everyone who doesn't win in the playoffs likely gave up something at the deadline that will bite them in the butt for the future. The Hawks improved at the deadline, and our future looks brighter. Hopefully our retool goes just like Boston's and we can boast the next Pastrnak/McAvoy draft steals. McAvoy went 14th, Pastrnak went 25th. The worst the Hawks can have at the draft is #10 and #31. The best they can have is #1 and I believe #27 because Nashville won PT.
- ObeseOprah

who do you think will be a steal when the hawks pick at 27 -31?

Almost every year now there is a “generational” talent in the Draft. Sometimes there is even two. Not my rules. Kane certainly qualifies when you consider he has rarely had elite line-mates and has excelled in the runs to 3 Cups. He should actually have 2 Conn Smythes because Toews was invisible in the first Cup Final versus Philly.
- Z3Hawk

Another perspective is considering Kane's draft class when the top 3 was highly contested as to who the Hawks should have picked at #1: him, van Riemsdyk, or Turris. It was Kane all the way for many but others in the hockey world, pros and fans alike, who didn't think so.

Not to take anything away from JVR and Turris, but Kane is heads and heels better and in retrospect a no brainer to be top pick.

Similarly, Kane will go to the Hall and have his number retired. Can't say the same with JVR, Turris, or anyone else in that draft class.

You say objective. I say subjective. Let's start with Toews.
People are writing off Toews. The same people were writing off Eric Staal when he was 30, saying he was toast. When he signed with Minny people thought he would be a bust. They wanted the Hawks to steer clear of him when he was a FA. Then look at this year and last year with Minnesota. Averaged 35 goals and 35 assists +12. I think Toews/Staal are comparables. If you compare their careers by their age the numbers are very similar. If their team plays well and with the right linemates Toews will put up about 70 points with good plus minus numbers, wins faceoffs, plays in all situations and leads the team. Is that worth $10.5 mil? No. But if they win another cup .........
- -Doh-

There is the physicality issue, being afraid to battle and suffering another concussion
Until i hear Toews rebuff this in a direct Q & A, at minimum I do not have faith in his total compete effort each time out. His performance this past season shows an aversion to being hit. These words merely echo the voices whom complained as the season unfurled.

Almost every year now there is a “generational” talent in the Draft. Sometimes there is even two. Not my rules. Kane certainly qualifies when you consider he has rarely had elite line-mates and has excelled in the runs to 3 Cups. He should actually have 2 Conn Smythes because Toews was invisible in the first Cup Final versus Philly.
- Z3Hawk

Generational to me means best of his generation, which he is not. Also he shouldn't even have one conn Smyth award. Crawford or Bickell deserved it more.

Generational to me means best of his generation, which he is not. Also he shouldn't even have one conn Smyth award. Crawford or Bickell deserved it more.
- GPHawksfan

Crawford? Bickel? Stop. Boston was making fun of Crawford at one point. “Generational” doesn’t mean Best of a Generation anymore. McDavid, Eichel, Mathews, Dahlin just the last few years have received this moniker. Again not my rules.

I'm not arguing that....my point was they cater to 19 all day, every day. I give 88 credit....at some point it would grow tiresome and you may think about moving on.

Looking up UFAs
F: Jvr, Tavares, Neal, Kane
D: Green, Cole, Carlson

If bowman stands pat, you will see a mass exodus of fans and season ticket holders when this team duplicates this year's performance. Already hearing about Hawks ticket reps refusing to take no on non renewals and hammering talking points......
- SteveRain

If the goal is one goal, then this will be a 2 to 3 year plan, to many holes to fill for now, from what i hear there is still a waiting list for season tickets anyways

Name them...

I'd personally rank Kane in the same breathe as McDavid/Crysby etc...
Bear in mind I think McDavid is the #1 already, but I can't name a better winger than Kaner.
Some wingers are closely behind him, but who's actually legitimately better... or even "arguably as good."

My assessment comes from a couple places:
Hardware: Kane has both the individual, and team awards to support this. Regular season and post season. His trophy shelf is earned and diverse, he's not a "one trick pony"
Statistics: looking at long term stats, Kane ranks quite well compared to the rest of the league.
Eye test: few players can take over the offensive zone (and entire game) the way Kane can.
Drive: He was arguably the only 'hawk veteran who still played hard down the stretch this season.
And lets not forget the fact that he's respected around the league for his on-ice skill... so he's putting these numbers up against the very best competition every night.
- Slofire94

Name them?
This one's easy. 6 or 7 Hossa's in their prime!

Re#1 - Simply watch what Kane does. Always will take the heat after a loss. Always available even in the tough times. Keith and Seabrook don’t take the heat as a rule. Keith rarely takes. Kane takes more than the Captain. This is not an easy thing. Stays in Chicago - works out with young players. Toews in Machu Picchu.

Re#2 - Yes please don’t give me an “A” - really?

Re#3 - Few suggest or nobody at all suggests Kane is not setting an example by how hard he trains, how hard he plays or how hard he tries to help younger players - and he does this while not wearing an “A” or a “C”. Toews has become a scatterbrain.
- Z3Hawk

Yep to all

I haven't been this pumped for a Blackhawks offseason in a long time.

Sunday we find out if we get a lottery pick.

July we actually get to draft someone in the top ten. There's a strong possibility we can get one of Boqvist, Tkachuk, Wahlstrom, Veleno, Bouchard, Dobson, Kupari.

All would be a big win, and would probably instantly take the #1 Prospect spot away from Henry.

It will be nice to have the Hawks prospect cupboard somewhat restocked with two 1st round talents. Toss in some cap space instead of cap crunch, look out world.

Remember, only one team is going to have this season end feeling great. Everyone who doesn't win in the playoffs likely gave up something at the deadline that will bite them in the butt for the future. The Hawks improved at the deadline, and our future looks brighter. Hopefully our retool goes just like Boston's and we can boast the next Pastrnak/McAvoy draft steals. McAvoy went 14th, Pastrnak went 25th. The worst the Hawks can have at the draft is #10 and #31. The best they can have is #1 and I believe #27 because Nashville won PT.
- ObeseOprah

The lottery is on Saturday...but you don't have to wait that long, all you need to do is listen to me.

You say objective. I say subjective. Let's start with Toews.
People are writing off Toews. The same people were writing off Eric Staal when he was 30, saying he was toast. When he signed with Minny people thought he would be a bust. They wanted the Hawks to steer clear of him when he was a FA. Then look at this year and last year with Minnesota. Averaged 35 goals and 35 assists +12. I think Toews/Staal are comparables. If you compare their careers by their age the numbers are very similar. If their team plays well and with the right linemates Toews will put up about 70 points with good plus minus numbers, wins faceoffs, plays in all situations and leads the team. Is that worth $10.5 mil? No. But if they win another cup .........
- -Doh-

Yeah, but sadly, it is not going to happen. Unless he comes back with another 15 lbs of muscle and a commitment to work the boards again he’s done.

The lottery is on Saturday...but you don't have to wait that long, all you need to do is listen to me.
- DarthKane

Your mouth to God’s ear DK. Dahlin or Tkachuk.

But Ill bet on not getting the lottery pick, and Stan trading the #8 pick down for multiple lower picks so he can draft another 5’10 165 pound Hobie Baker winning forward at #31, two more sub-six foot D guys who “play big” and have “good hockey IQ”, and pick up another reclamation project or two like Duclair or Murphy who will play for league minimum.

20/19/88 first line, a second line with ADB and Schmaltz and ? that cant hold the puck in the zone, and two fourth lines that will change every night - half of them with I-Passes doing the Rockford shuffle, 2/7 and seven D guys rotated all year for the bottom four slots. Again.

Feels a lot like the end of McD’s reign with the Cubs. Stuck with bad contracts with pariahs, nothing in the pipeline, and a GM in Hendry looking for lightning in a bottle from rushed prospects and washed up vets.

Generational to me means best of his generation, which he is not. Also he shouldn't even have one conn Smyth award. Crawford or Bickell deserved it more.
- GPHawksfan

GP I actually completely agree with what you are saying regarding the word. The problem with truly using “generational” properly is the list is very, very short. A “Generation” is actually a very long period of time. So if you say “Orr” are you done for a “generation”? “Gretsky” similar thing? That overlooks lots of great players. Now “generational” doesn’t even mean a decade.