I think selling low on Saad would be a mistake, but I'd like to give something else for Hamilton. Calgary needs depth scoring, unfortunately we don't have much to give. It's hard to trade skaters when your team's talent pool is depleted. Our talent pool drops off fast after Kane, Keith, Toews, Saad, DBK, Seabrook, Schmaltz. No more Sharp, Panarin, Hossa, Versteeg, etc. to fill in the 'non-Toews Kane' spots.
- ObeseOprah

Agreed on Saad's value being at it lowest this summer...but in Fatty's hypothetical, acquiring a top pair Dman and PP QB with size and youth in Hamilton.....that's a no-brainer move for me.

I think selling low on Saad would be a mistake, but I'd like to give something else for Hamilton. Calgary needs depth scoring, unfortunately we don't have much to give. It's hard to trade skaters when your team's talent pool is depleted. Our talent pool drops off fast after Kane, Keith, Toews, Saad, DBK, Seabrook, Schmaltz. No more Sharp, Panarin, Hossa, Versteeg, etc. to fill in the 'non-Toews Kane' spots.
- ObeseOprah

Its a fair deal and a guy who can help Keith in both ends and they can build around for the next group if there is a next group, Hamilton gives them that guy. Gotta give to get.

I think he has more value than Saad with this group but then again I'm not a doctor and i don't play one on TV.

Its a fair deal and a guy who can help Keith in both ends and they can build around for the next group if there is a next group, Hamilton gives them that guy. Gotta give to get.

I think he has more value than Saad with this group but then again I'm not a doctor and i don't play one on TV.
- fattybeef

But I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. Calgary will be looking to shake things up after a VERY bad finish to their season. Saad + Forsling for Hamilton and they might bite....

But I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. Calgary will be looking to shake things up after a VERY bad finish to their season. Saad + Forsling for Hamilton and they might bite....
- EnzoD

While I like the trade, and think Hamilton would be a great fit... I still really really like Saad. He had a bad year obviously, but he still plays the game in a way that improves our team a lot. The Hawks have few 'power' skaters, I could go on and on about the things Saad does but I just wanted to say I hope we keep him. I can't handle a double heartbreak.

While I like the trade, and think Hamilton would be a great fit... I still really really like Saad. He had a bad year obviously, but he still plays the game in a way that improves our team a lot. The Hawks have few 'power' skaters, I could go on and on about the things Saad does but I just wanted to say I hope we keep him. I can't handle a double heartbreak.
- ObeseOprah

Agreed Saad is a very solid player. But, if the Hawks add a strong Top 6 forward in Wahlstrom/Tzchuck, then his loss is mitigated. The Hawks desperately need top pair Dmen and Hamilton fits the bill with many years of good hockey ahead of him.

While I like the trade, and think Hamilton would be a great fit... I still really really like Saad. He had a bad year obviously, but he still plays the game in a way that improves our team a lot. The Hawks have few 'power' skaters, I could go on and on about the things Saad does but I just wanted to say I hope we keep him. I can't handle a double heartbreak.
- ObeseOprah

As much as I would absolutely love Hamilton, I personally prefer to retain Saad. The asking price for Hamilton may be too rich for Bowman's tastes.

What about pursuing another Flames defender instead in Brodie? Still a top 4 talent. Relatively more affordable contract, solid on defense, experienced, and with some offensive abilities (not Hamilton levels but not non-existent either).

As much as I would absolutely love Hamilton, I personally prefer to retain Saad. The asking price for Hamilton may be too rich for Bowman's tastes.

What about pursuing another Flames defender instead in Brodie? Still a top 4 talent. Relatively more affordable contract, solid on defense, experienced, and with some offensive abilities (not Hamilton levels but not non-existent either).
- AEL_Fox

Brodie is a huge upgrade on D compared to what the Hawks currently have. It is not a good sign that Jokiharju did not make Finland as far as his NHL readiness this year IMO. Brodie is older and less physical than Hamilton, though.

Brodie is a huge upgrade on D compared to what the Hawks currently have. It is not a good sign that Jokiharju did not make Finland as far as his NHL readiness this year IMO. Brodie is older and less physical than Hamilton, though.
- EnzoD

If there is a reasonable trade to be made to get Hamilton, even if Saad is part of it, then I'm all for it. Would be sad to see Saad leave again but defense is the biggest team weakness and needs to be addressed ASAP. Hamilton would be a huge step in a better direction.

Brodie would be a more realistic target and, like you said, is a huge upgrade over our current D men. I'd be happy with him being our 2nd best defensemen but anchoring the 2nd pair.

Trading Saad, even for Hamilton, would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. I just don't see it working.
Does Calgary need C depth? Would they be interested in a slightly slow AA for one of their lesser defenseman?

Trading Saad, even for Hamilton, would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. I just don't see it working.
Does Calgary need C depth? Would they be interested in a slightly slow AA for one of their lesser defenseman?
- Slofire94

Good way to put it. That's why I think the more realistic trade that doesn't handcuff us elsewhere in the lineup is trading for Brodie or even Stone.

Hamonic was a rumored option last year before he signed on with the Flames.

Giordano would cost a bit like Hamilton. Maybe not as much but probably too much where we would fill one hole while creating a new one on our roster.

Trading Saad, even for Hamilton, would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. I just don't see it working.
Does Calgary need C depth? Would they be interested in a slightly slow AA for one of their lesser defenseman?
- Slofire94

Anisimov for Stone is an interesting idea...stone and Murphy are pretty similar players

Anisimov for Stone is an interesting idea...stone and Murphy are pretty similar players
- EnzoD

PASS. We don't need more "useless" on the roster then

Trading Saad, even for Hamilton, would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. I just don't see it working.
Does Calgary need C depth? Would they be interested in a slightly slow AA for one of their lesser defenseman?
- Slofire94

Hard to figure what the missing ingredient(s) is with Calgary, a team that looks solid and had some top players too. They have both skill and brawn, a deep defense, adequate goaltending with Smith but could develop some goaltenders due to Smith age creeping up.

It is very tempting to take the best player even if not a defenseman at #8 or if they move up even one or two slots (like the Bears did to ensure they would draft Trubinsky).

But we all do know --

It all starts with being strong down the middle. Perhaps with a different coach and team mentality Kane could lead them. Four deep lines, even if two of the lines are more checking lines plus enough push back is what you need up front.

On the back end there needs to be some push back too. We could be competitive with even only two dmen who will knock the opponent on their derriere. Truth be told, if even third dman would battle for pucks, not be a totally non physical dman, that could suffice. Just some degree of push back, doesn't have to be a heavy checker.

There is a possibility by playoffs that either or both Gilbert and Hillman could be on the roster. Someone like Dobson would fit in nicely as well.

Here is a thought about that scenario which you also need a plan for: who is going to be the dman who one day replaces Keith as the leader. Not DeHahn, although he is fine to employ on second pair or if absolutely necessary supports a #1 [Keith] in a first pairing.

If you move up maybe only one or two spots you might get an offensive dman you like more than Dobson. This dman would be in the running with Jokiharju to be a top pair one day. It is not that Jokiharju actually may ascend and be good enough; it is more like he is the best candidate. I really, really suspect that Mitchell and Carlsson would develop into more effective dmen than the guys we have behind Keith.

Because i do not see Bowman bringing in two free agent or one through a trade, i am willing to keep Seabrook one more year. Then maybe compliance buyout would be part of a new CBA.

Here's a link to my write-ups on the top 12 guys available: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...post_id=18641257#18641257

Here's also the 'plausible comparison' that each player might turn into, not the best case scenario or worst case scenario, in between:
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Comparison: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Hedman
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Comparison: Thomas Vanek, Alexander Radulov
3. Filip Zadina, LW, Comparison: Filip Forsberg, Mike Hoffman
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Comparison: Matthew Tkachuk, Wayne Simmonds
5. Adam Boqvist, D, Comparison: Hampus Lindholm, Tyson Barrie
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, Comparison: James van Riemsdyk, TJ Oshie
7. Evan Bouchard, D, Comparison: Matt Niskanen, Jacob Slavin
8. Quinton Hughes, D, Comparison: Ryan Ellis, Josh Morrissey
9. Noah Dobson, D, Comparison: Colin Miller, Jeff Petry
10. Joe Veleno, C, Comparison: Mikael Backlund, Tyler Bozak
11. Joel Farabee, LW, Comparison: Nik Ehlers, Jonathan Huberdeau
12. Barret Hayton, C, Comparison: Kyle Turris, Sam Reinhart
13. Ty Smith, D, Comparison: Morgan Reilly
14. Grigori Denisenko, LW, Comparison: William Nylander
15. Rasmus Kupari, C, Comparison: Sebastian Aho
16. Isac Lundestrom, C, Comparison: Travis Konecny
17. Martin Kaut, RW, Comparison: Michael Frolik
18. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Comparison: Sean Coutourier
19: Jared McIsaac, D, Comparison: Josh Manson
20: Ryan Merkley, D, Comparison: Justin Schultz
21. Bode Wilde, D, Comparison: Jake Gardiner
22: Serron Noel, RW, Comparison: Blake Wheeler
23. Alexander Alexyev, D, Comparison: Radko Gudas
24. Jacob Bernard-Docker, D, Comparison: Ron Hainsey
25. Ryan McLeod, C, Comparison: Ryan Kesler
26. Adam Ginning, D, Comparison: Brooks Orpik
27. Akil Thomas, C, Comparison: Mikael Backlund
28. Denoit-Olivier Groulx, C, Comparison: James Neal
29. Dominik Bokk, LW, Comparison: Alexander Semin
30. Jonathan Tychonick, D, Comparison: Tyson Barrie
31. K’Andre Miller, D, Comparison: Darnell Nurse
32. Jacob Olofsson, C, Comparison: Carl Soderberg
- ObeseOprah

He reminds me of a bigger, young Patrick Sharp.

Smooth!!!!
- dahawks8819

He reminds me of a bigger, young Patrick Sharp.
- hawks2010

If they draft that kid and sign JVR as a free agent, Win-win, ?I guess ?

watching the Penguins is depressing. So good.

on edit: a devastating forecheck can disrupt them. not a great D unit.

watching the Penguins is depressing. So good.
- kwolf68

That's why you don't go toe to toe with Tom Wilson at full speed. Destroyed and Pierre is wrong they both squared up shoulder to shoulder and that dude got destroyed. Great hit.

watching the Penguins is depressing. So good.

on edit: a devastating forecheck can disrupt them. not a great D unit.
- kwolf68

can't stand the caps...I am pulling for a pen 3 peat...

alot of tom wilson fans...count me not one of them...the guy is flat of assassin head hunter...not understand how he continue gets away with the poop he pulls...guy seems to have suspendable hits every other game...

one day that ass will get his...

That's why you don't go toe to toe with Tom Wilson at full speed. Destroyed and Pierre is wrong they both squared up shoulder to shoulder and that dude got destroyed. Great hit.
- EnzoD

respectfully disagree...

can't stand the caps...I am pulling for a pen 3 peat...

alot of tom wilson fans...count me not one of them...the guy is flat of assassin head hunter...not understand how he continue gets away with the poop he pulls...guy seems to have suspendable hits every other game...

one day that ass will get his...
- bogiedoc

Pens 3-peat erases Hawks as a potential team of the post 04 lockout era and it wouldn't even be close.

respectfully disagree...
- bogiedoc

It's very much walking on the line...Pens player saw him coming, went to lower his shoulder to engage contact with Wilson, then the taller and stronger Wilson exploded straight through the shoulder initially and head happened to be behind the shoulder based on his approach angle

and now this game will degenerate into vigantilism...cuz wilson continue to get a free pass for his felons..

It's very much walking on the line...Pens player saw him coming, went to lower his shoulder to engage contact with Wilson, then the taller and stronger Wilson exploded straight through the shoulder initially and head happened to be behind the shoulder IMO
- EnzoD

interesting how wilson's history is always "walking on the line"

It's very much walking on the line...Pens player saw him coming, went to lower his shoulder to engage contact with Wilson, then the taller and stronger Wilson exploded straight through the shoulder initially and head happened to be behind the shoulder based on his approach angle
- EnzoD

Wilsons hit on Doumilin in game 2 was blatantly dirty. He has a wrap sheet building up. The guy is a chump.