Agreed, this is something the Hawks need. We've grown accustomed to the Hawks taking the first 55 minutes off to then bust their butts trying to tie it up in the last 5 minutes.

If Q can get full compete out of the team that will help, but that also means not punishing guys for mistakes. The last three years have been a revolving door of young guys who play with one eye on Q because they know a couple mistakes equals bench/press box/bus to Rockford.

If they can solidify the lines early (bottom 6 ala 2013), that will really help.
2013 had this bottom 6:
Bickell-Stalberg-Shaw
Bolland-Kruger-Frolik

In today's NHL that bottom 6 would cost you over $12 million, so obviously we'd need a new version. Bickell, Shaw, Bolland, and Kruger were all drafted by the Hawks in middling rounds. Stalberg and Frolik were trades, with Frolik being the only one cracking a first round draft selection at #10.

If you can solidify some combination of Hayden, Hinostroza, Anisimov, Duclair, Sikura, and whoever else... great.
The main thing you need from a good bottom 6 is: strong possession play (start in your zone, end in their zone), and be a pain in the butt to play against. The 2013 bottom 6 was largely undersized, with only Bickell and Stalberg being average or taller height. Bolland, Kruger, Frolik, and Shaw were very hard to play against. I don't know if I see the 'rat' tendencies from Sikura or Duclair, but Hinostroza has the bug and Hayden can definitely mix things up.

This is why I'm not entirely opposed to getting a guy like Antoinne Roussel, despite how much I hate his guts. There are plenty of strong possession players out there, Stan just has to know which one to pick. A speedster like Torrey Mitchell would be nice, or a gamer like Riley Nash could help.
- ObeseOprah

Great post. I would second the notion of adding guys like Roussel, Mitchell, and Nash (Riley not Rick) to the bottom 6. There's also the option of re-signing Wingels, too. Supplement these veterans with homegrown talent like Hayden and Hinostroza as well as guys like Martinsen and Kampf, then that could be a winning formula to make the team more competitive and hard to play against.

Yes they do... and they need to be turned loose to hammer opposing players. We are seeing the effect that Buff is having on the Preds.
- z1990z

That's always been my fear: Bowman could go out and sign hard hitting, tough as nails players to complement the skill guys, but Q's system does not allow for the type of physical game that the successful playoff teams employ and use as an overall strategy to win in the post season.

Is this the year that Bowman and Q are on the same page? IMHO, I thought last off season was that summer of reckoning to say "enough is enough, let's all get on the same wavelength" but alas that wasn't the case. Not holding my breath that this summer and upcoming season will be different as far as alignment of Bowman and Q.

I think the Hossa contract would be a perfect part of an Erik Karlsson trade
- Slofire94

Sure would.

I think the Hossa contract would be a perfect part of an Erik Karlsson trade
- Slofire94

Hossa for Karlsson, straight up. Get it done Stan!!!

Hossa for Karlsson, straight up. Get it done Stan!!!
- DarthKane

Melynik would save REAL dollars off the cap... a win/win in my book...!

Melynik would save REAL dollars off the cap... a win/win in my book...!
- Slofire94

This trade is obvious. If Stan doesn't make this exact deal or makes any other variation where he gives up more than Hossa for Karlsson he should be immediately fired.

Let's assume all four can play better.

Can each play as well as he did during the 2013-2015 run?

And if not (and except for Saad, I would say "not"), then who replaces those 2013-2015 players in the line-up (even if there is room for today's Toews, Keith and Seabrook on the Blackhawk ice)?
- StLBravesFan

kane, kane, craw maybe; toews keith seabs that would be no...

and the supporting cast is no where near those teams...

That's always been my fear: Bowman could go out and sign hard hitting, tough as nails players to complement the skill guys, but Q's system does not allow for the type of physical game that the successful playoff teams employ and use as an overall strategy to win in the post season.

Is this the year that Bowman and Q are on the same page? IMHO, I thought last off season was that summer of reckoning to say "enough is enough, let's all get on the same wavelength" but alas that wasn't the case. Not holding my breath that this summer and upcoming season will be different as far as alignment of Bowman and Q.
- AEL_Fox

I don't recall the 2013 or 2015 Blackhawk teams outhitting anyone on their way to the Stanley Cups. 2010 was a little different, as there were some more physical guys like Buff & Ladd.

Let's assume all four can play better.

Can each play as well as he did during the 2013-2015 run?

And if not (and except for Saad, I would say "not"), then who replaces those 2013-2015 players in the line-up (even if there is room for today's Toews, Keith and Seabrook on the Blackhawk ice)?
- StLBravesFan

No, I don´t think so but they can play better as they did this year. Reality is and what I believe that this team won´t win another Stanley Cup in anytime soon and even adding player or two won´t make a difference in that case. But I think this team can do much better than they did this season.

The biggest concern for me with this team, and in particular the core players is that they may just not have the drive to win anymore. Without that drive, there is no way that Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabs ever recapture glory. So a big question for me is how do you reignite that fire in someone that has had that level of success?

I think that one thing the Blackhawks have to try very hard to find is one or two vets that have been around the game, who are well respected across the league, still have some game, but have never hoisted the cup. I think that sort of player can really add some spark to a team, and I think the Blackhawks need a spark more than anything. Are there any players out there that you guys can think of who could fill such a role on the team and hopefully actually fill a need?
- LaheysBRandy

I wouldn’t include Kane in this group as far as drive, and fire in the belly to win goes. But I think you’re right with the other three. I’m not sure if your plan to fix it could work, but I don’t know what else you do to rekindle that fire.

I am thinking something similar as well. Compete level and relentlessness can be coached (i.e. see Gallant and the Golden Knights) but there is something to be said about the hunger to win a championship. The Hawks have signed veterans who thirst for the Cup but they tended to be role players (i.e. Vermette, Timonen, Oduya, Handzus, Desjardins) or guys who already won a Cup earlier in their careers with other teams (i.e. Richards). One could argue that Oduya and Richards weren't role players, but they weren't the core either.

Adding a veteran who has never won the Cup and who is more than just a role player such as a top 6 forward or top 3 defender may be worth exploring to give the team a natural boost of competitive fire that may rub off on the aging core and especially on the youth as well. I know they are pipe dreams and pretty tough for the Hawks to pursue, but think veterans like Tavares or Carlsson/Karlsson.
- AEL_Fox

I think a consideration with these veteran players can be do they have what it takes on a case by case basis. I'd have to imagine some of these guys just don't have what it takes to win and that is why they never have, versus some who maybe just haven't been in the right situation.

Take Anisimov for example...He does his job more or less but he is a vet that I don't see having very much hunger in his game. He goes to the front of the net and plays a fairly safe game but he doesn't really seem to step it up when the going gets tough. He plays defense, but typically doesn't make life difficult for the opposing players. I really do hope they can land a couple guys with a extra helping of heart and determination.

I think a consideration with these veteran players can be do they have what it takes on a case by case basis. I'd have to imagine some of these guys just don't have what it takes to win and that is why they never have, versus some who maybe just haven't been in the right situation.

Take Anisimov for example...He does his job more or less but he is a vet that I don't see having very much hunger in his game. He goes to the front of the net and plays a fairly safe game but he doesn't really seem to step it up when the going gets tough. He plays defense, but typically doesn't make life difficult for the opposing players. I really do hope they can land a couple guys with a extra helping of heart and determination.
- breadbag

Agreed on Anisimov's ho-hum drive. He doesn't have a step-on-their-throat mentality, ever. I think a couple of our replacements from the last 3 years also don't have it (Ruutta, Jurco, etc.)

I don't recall the 2013 or 2015 Blackhawk teams outhitting anyone on their way to the Stanley Cups. 2010 was a little different, as there were some more physical guys like Buff & Ladd.
- scottak

I get your point and agree that we have won a few Cups without being a physical team. "Tough to play against" can be defined in many ways which includes composure and relentlessness. With the current makeup of the roster, though, it will take more than these other ways to compete in the playoffs given the aging core and seemingly decreased will to win.

I don't think the Hawks need to hit the other team out of the building but rather need to push back when teammates are getting mugged, push back when the other team is attacking and defending in waves, and push back when the team is down on the scoreboard. This requires both a balance of skill and physicality as well as an overall team philosophy to stick up for each other.

Then there's that new Q buzzword of relentlessness. Yes, the team needs to be relentless which to me includes attacking and defending in waves like they used to do in their championship caliber years. Can Bowman deliver? Can Q deliver? Can the players deliver?

I think a consideration with these veteran players can be do they have what it takes on a case by case basis. I'd have to imagine some of these guys just don't have what it takes to win and that is why they never have, versus some who maybe just haven't been in the right situation.

Take Anisimov for example...He does his job more or less but he is a vet that I don't see having very much hunger in his game. He goes to the front of the net and plays a fairly safe game but he doesn't really seem to step it up when the going gets tough. He plays defense, but typically doesn't make life difficult for the opposing players. I really do hope they can land a couple guys with a extra helping of heart and determination.
- breadbag

Good post. Anisimov is a nice example of being an effective player but may be lacking a killer instinct to be a playoff warrior. But could the rest of the team including the core, save for possibly Kane and Crawford, be trending in that direction: players that bring skill and experience but not enough to compete and do what it takes to win in the playoffs?

Good post. Anisimov is a nice example of being an effective player but may be lacking a killer instinct to be a playoff warrior. But could the rest of the team including the core, save for possibly Kane and Crawford, be trending in that direction: players that bring skill and experience but not enough to compete and do what it takes to win in the playoffs?
- AEL_Fox

He is capable of the timely big hit or net front presence goal. Just not frequently enough to be a top 6 as he is paid.

He is capable of the timely big hit or net front presence goal. Just not frequently enough to be a top 6 as he is paid.
- riozzo

Anisimov is solid for his pay, but if his trade lands us two solid depth forwards, great.

I'd take a flier on Sam Bennett, the Flames are looking for more offense after their top line. The #4 pick hasn't come close to meeting expectations (just finished his third full year and only cracked 30 points three years ago). Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.

Frolik was a #10 overall pick who did pretty well his first two years in Florida (over 40 points each year), but Dale wanted Jack Skille back (he drafted him). Stan took advantage of this to yank Frolik away from him.

People are expecting change after Calgary's disappointing year, Bennett could be a casualty of this. I'd also love Mikael Backlund, who's just a possession freak.

Fun stat I found on Frolik: in 2013 (the year him and Kruger were a great PK), he had a Corsi of 56% and Fenwick of 57%. Those are stupidly good numbers, especially for someone getting mostly defensive zone draws.

Anisimov is solid for his pay, but if his trade lands us two solid depth forwards, great.

I'd take a flier on Sam Bennett, the Flames are looking for more offense after their top line. The #4 pick hasn't come close to meeting expectations (just finished his third full year and only cracked 30 points three years ago). Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.

Frolik was a #10 overall pick who did pretty well his first two years in Florida (over 40 points each year), but Dale wanted Jack Skille back (he drafted him). Stan took advantage of this to yank Frolik away from him.

People are expecting change after Calgary's disappointing year, Bennett could be a casualty of this. I'd also love Mikael Backlund, who's just a possession freak.

Fun stat I found on Frolik: in 2013 (the year him and Kruger were a great PK), he had a Corsi of 56% and Fenwick of 57%. Those are stupidly good numbers, especially for someone getting mostly defensive zone draws.
- ObeseOprah

2013 was a very good year for the PK:
Toews
Hossa
Kruger
Frolik
Saad
Stahlberg
they all excelled at the PK.

Saad will bounce back: his Shooting% was 7.6 this last year, which is 2.4% below his career average of 10%. He would've had 5 more goals at his normal percentage. He also had 1 Power Play Point the whole season, which is likely due to two things: the Hawks PP stinks, he wasn't on the top unit enough.

Saad's PDO was 97.5% for the year, which indicates he'll return to 100% with better shooting percentages next year.

Saad's Corsi and Fenwick scores were still 56% and 54%, respectively. These are both among the top in the league, especially on a losing team.

Yes he had a bad year, but we must consider the overall bad year of the team and Saad's usage/bad luck.

Saad is not part of the problem, he'll be back to his usual 50 points and ice tilting ways next season.

We need mid-level players. When we won championships, we had several players making $2-3m who had very important roles. Kruger as shut down D and PK. The Rat Bolland. Oduya. Shaw. Richards, Versteeg, several others.

Now we have 6 players at $6m+, AA and Murpy at $4m each, and everyone else at $1m. We are completely missing that middle element. That very important middle element.

This line stands out for me: * John Hayden – from all I've heard, Hayden will be a staple for the Blackhawks next year as they shift into their youth movement.

So it's official then? The Blackhawks have started a youth movement? It was true on the ice last year, but not really talked about in that way that I recall. How old of a free agent or major trade acquisition would they be willing to add to the team?

If it were me, I'd be willing to add a few rental players to see what the core 4 still have in the tank. If by the TDL there isn't much, then trade the rentals too. If not, make a run.

I don't recall the 2013 or 2015 Blackhawk teams outhitting anyone on their way to the Stanley Cups. 2010 was a little different, as there were some more physical guys like Buff & Ladd.
- scottak

You are right about the 13 and 15 teams: they didn't outbid anyone. But they played fearlessly and made all the plays in the face of whatever hit they knew was coming. Very tough teams.

This line stands out for me: * John Hayden – from all I've heard, Hayden will be a staple for the Blackhawks next year as they shift into their youth movement.

So it's official then? The Blackhawks have started a youth movement? It was true on the ice last year, but not really talked about in that way that I recall. How old of a free agent or major trade acquisition would they be willing to add to the team?

If it were me, I'd be willing to add a few rental players to see what the core 4 still have in the tank. If by the TDL there isn't much, then trade the rentals too. If not, make a run.
- matt_ahrens

I heard it wasn't a coincidence that there was a Saad-Toews-Kane line for a bit there while the young guys played together.

They need that next wave to be very strong next year if they are to succeed and the best way might be to let them play together. However if your top 6 is: Saad-Toews-Kane and Hayden-Schmaltz-Debrincat they will need a much very deep and productive bottom-6 to compete night-in-and-night-out.

Ps... I don't think this is how it will net out and waaaayyyy too early for line combinations, just connecting some dots from what I heard at the end of the year.

I heard it wasn't a coincidence that there was a Saad-Toews-Kane line for a bit there while the young guys played together.

They need that next wave to be very strong next year if they are to succeed and the best way might be to let them play together. However if your top 6 is: Saad-Toews-Kane and Hayden-Schmaltz-Debrincat they will need a much very deep and productive bottom-6 to compete night-in-and-night-out.

Ps... I don't think this is how it will net out and waaaayyyy too early for line combinations, just connecting some dots from what I heard at the end of the year.
- Justin Lowe

I wouldn't mind sticking with the Saad-Toews-Kane for a little while. It worked for Philadelphia (Giroux-Couts-Voracek), Tampa (Stamkos-Namestnikov-Kucherov), and Boston (Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak).

The only difference is that those three teams also have some very good players underneath those lines, while the Hawks have Schmaltz, Debrincat, and a handful of borderline NHLers.

Anisimov is solid for his pay, but if his trade lands us two solid depth forwards, great.

I'd take a flier on Sam Bennett, the Flames are looking for more offense after their top line. The #4 pick hasn't come close to meeting expectations (just finished his third full year and only cracked 30 points three years ago). Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.

Frolik was a #10 overall pick who did pretty well his first two years in Florida (over 40 points each year), but Dale wanted Jack Skille back (he drafted him). Stan took advantage of this to yank Frolik away from him.

People are expecting change after Calgary's disappointing year, Bennett could be a casualty of this. I'd also love Mikael Backlund, who's just a possession freak.

Fun stat I found on Frolik: in 2013 (the year him and Kruger were a great PK), he had a Corsi of 56% and Fenwick of 57%. Those are stupidly good numbers, especially for someone getting mostly defensive zone draws.
- ObeseOprah

I would support the idea of taking a chance on Bennett, not as a top 6 talent but as a middle 6 guy who can play a strong two-way game and possibly be a 20-20 forward in the right situation. He's definitely gotten bigger and stronger since being drafted. IIRC, he was the draftee who was embarrassedly known as the skinny kid who couldn't do a pull up during the combine. In the Flames games I've seen the past two seasons, he plays physical, goes to the dirty areas, and doesn't get overpowered anymore. Not putting up points but has been noticeable on the ice.

Also, a Daniel Bryan "yes yes yes" to Backlund. He's a difference maker defensively and has offensive skills to boot.

And no offense to Tallon as I think he is a good GM (sorry if this opens up the whole Tallon vs Bowman can of worms again), but the fact that someone wanted Skille makes me chuckle.

You are right about the 13 and 15 teams: they didn't outbid anyone. But they played fearlessly and made all the plays in the face of whatever hit they knew was coming. Very tough teams.
- Spec41971

That fearlessness can also pay dividends by getting in the heads of the opponent. Exhibit A: Ryan "no human can withstand that many hits" Kesler. I'm sure the Timex Watch mentality of the Hawks was demoralizing to some degree or other.