Watched some of the Titan vs. Pats CHL championship game last night, which featured Noah Dobson.

He looked pretty good, had 3 points. Made a few good stick checks in his own zone, and generally kept calm and won battles in his own zone. He looks pretty solid and I won't be pissed if the Hawks grab him at #8.
- ObeseOprah

That's the type of defensemen scouting report I like to see. It gets frustrating to see the Hawks draft blueliners who are great offensively but have reports that read something like "need a lot of work in their own zone." Hughes seems to fit this mold which to me makes drafting someone like Dobson or even Bouchard more attractive.

Another poster said drafting Veleno may be worth exploring. He's well balanced offensively and defensively. A descriptor I like to read in scouting reports is "tough to beat 1 on 1." I read a report on Veleno that said that about him. Draftsite has him consistently going 11th to the Isles.

This is NEVER happening. The Hawks will not give up a real asset to move the contract as LTIR relief exists. If a team desires Hossa’s contract it will give to the Hawks to get it. You don’t give for convenience so the Hawks will never be the giver. Traditionally this type of trade only exists when the other team is trying to artificially make the floor.
- Z3Hawk

You could be right. Time will tell.

sidenote - I was not suggesting the Hawks would not get anything back. They could get back "future considerations". (Remember the Kruger deal.)

You could be right. Time will tell.

sidenote - I was not suggesting the Hawks would not get anything back. They could get back "future considerations". (Remember the Kruger deal.)
- -Doh-

"Future considerations" is a loophole instead of having to say "get nothing back"

"Future considerations" is a loophole instead of having to say "get nothing back"
- BlazinMike

Another way of looking at it is that the Hawks traded Kruger for cap space straight up. Sometimes that can be a good thing. (Given Kruger's season with Carolina it looks like a win for Stan.)

Of course you have to tip your hat to Vegas which got a 5th round pick and cap space when they dealt Kruger to Carolina.

Then tip your hat to Carolina for trading Kruger and a 3rd round pick for cap space, Martinook, and a 4th round pick.

side note - You think the Hawks have it bad with Toews at $10.5 mil. 3 of the 4 highest paid forwards on Arizona are Bolland, Kruger and Panik. The Yotes have $11.075 mil tied up in those 3 players. (Of course Bolland will be LTIR'd on day one of the season.)

Trade Hossa’s cap hit
Trade Anisimov for help on defense or cap space (prospect/picks)

That’s basically an extra $10mil in cap space to use on one or two of Stasny, John Moore, Calvin de Haan, Luca Sbisa, Grubauer, Bernier, Khudobin or Evander Kane.

Sign a couple gritty depth guys with an edge like Komarov or Brodziak and find out what the price to acquire Alex Tuch, Tom Wilson or a young Dman from Carolina might be.

I don’t think any of us will be able to predict Stan’s moves this year....much like last summer.
- EnzoD

Brodziak and tuch dont play with a edge. Komarov can hit but so can martinsen and he's less expensive. A guy to look at is Wilson's understudy liam O'Brien might be available

astonishing run so far...and ryan (frank)n reaves gets the game winner...
- bogiedoc

I love that a enforcer scored the deciding goal

That's the type of defensemen scouting report I like to see. It gets frustrating to see the Hawks draft blueliners who are great offensively but have reports that read something like "need a lot of work in their own zone." Hughes seems to fit this mold which to me makes drafting someone like Dobson or even Bouchard more attractive.

Another poster said drafting Veleno may be worth exploring. He's well balanced offensively and defensively. A descriptor I like to read in scouting reports is "tough to beat 1 on 1." I read a report on Veleno that said that about him. Draftsite has him consistently going 11th to the Isles.
- AEL_Fox

Veleno seems to be the most risky/rewarding pick available in the top 12. He gets praised a ton but I also see every pundit exercising caution about him, why I still don't know. Maybe he risks being a bust, but being the top center in a draft is rarely a bad thing.

On May 18th, the Florida writer posed a possible trade with Chicago:

To FLA:
Brent Seabrook

To Chicago:
2nd rd pick and
50% retained

or

3rd rd pick and
30% retained.

I might consider the 3rd with 30% retained...

On May 18th, the Florida writer posed a possible trade with Chicago:

To FLA:
Brent Seabrook

To Chicago:
2nd rd pick and
50% retained

or

3rd rd pick and
30% retained.

I might consider the 3rd with 30% retained...
- Chunk

or

Bag of pucks
0% retained

or

Bag of pucks
0% retained
- Dieselhead

If the Hawks are willing to retain money to move Seabrook's contract that's is the only way you can move him or take a bad contract in return plus hawks would gain 4million in capspace but would need to fill his spot. Don't see it happening his locker present and leadership is very valuable, if the hawks reduce his minutes same with kieth I think he will be a solid 3rd pairing and pp defenseman. Say 2.5 retained for McCann or a 3rd just a thought.

I love that a enforcer scored the deciding goal
- vandymeer23

Not as for myself. I do not like enforcers scoring the winning goal. Reeves is fortunate to retain a job; players like him need to have enough ability to play 4th line
Which might be the case with Reeves.

Nonetheless I prefer someone else scored

On May 18th, the Florida writer posed a possible trade with Chicago:

To FLA:
Brent Seabrook

To Chicago:
2nd rd pick and
50% retained

or

3rd rd pick and
30% retained.

I might consider the 3rd with 30% retained...
- Chunk

Option two is the choice we want. Would Tallon hold off until trade deadline?

If the Hawks are willing to retain money to move Seabrook's contract that's is the only way you can move him or take a bad contract in return plus hawks would gain 4million in capspace but would need to fill his spot. Don't see it happening his locker present and leadership is very valuable, if the hawks reduce his minutes same with kieth I think he will be a solid 3rd pairing and pp defenseman. Say 2.5 retained for McCann or a 3rd just a thought.
- Scott1977

would be real interesting to see how seabrook and keith would play if the Hawks were able to acquire one or two legitimate defensemen this summer to help with some of the load. if the salary cap gets to the $80M for next season, and hopefully goes up again the following year, the percentage that 7's contract takes up of cap space won't feel as bad. I would be surprised if they moved him. they have nothing to replace him. if they did move him, I would be shocked if SB made a deal that left them retaining salary. just my two cents on the matter.

would be real interesting to see how seabrook and keith would play if the Hawks were able to acquire one or two legitimate defensemen this summer to help with some of the load. if the salary cap gets to the $80M for next season, and hopefully goes up again the following year, the percentage that 7's contract takes up of cap space won't feel as bad. I would be surprised if they moved him. they have nothing to replace him. if they did move him, I would be shocked if SB made a deal that left them retaining salary. just my two cents on the matter.
- frafra

Would also help if the 3 forwards did something to help them out. Like fore check or back check. Create some O zone pressure. Or hit someone and force a turnover. Vegas is showing everyone you dont need an all world roster to get it done. The problem is this.. this current core (19, 2, 7) may no longer have that desire/ability to do that.

Good to see Raddysh get a contract. Can see him with the big club after another year in Rockford.

Would also help if the 3 forwards did something to help them out. Like fore check or back check. Create some O zone pressure. Or hit someone and force a turnover. Vegas is showing everyone you dont need an all world roster to get it done. The problem is this.. this current core (19, 2, 7) may no longer have that desire/ability to do that.
- z1990z

that's a great and valid point. I just have a hard time thinking that is it. we as fans look for every reason to point the finger at these guys. at some point I just feel that the constant roster turnover and losing very good players was going to catch up to them- and it seems it has during the last 18 months. sure, they are "the core", but they had some very serious roster turnover this past season with a youth movement. it also doesn't help that their youth has zero size. very different group than ten years ago when they were on the rise. like I have said a few times, I want to see what they do this off season before I make judgments. I would not be surprised at all to see the #27 pick, debrincat, or schmaltz dangled in any moves.

that's a great and valid point. I just have a hard time thinking that is it. we as fans look for every reason to point the finger at these guys. at some point I just feel that the constant roster turnover and losing very good players was going to catch up to them- and it seems it has during the last 18 months. sure, they are "the core", but they had some very serious roster turnover this past season with a youth movement. it also doesn't help that their youth has zero size. very different group than ten years ago when they were on the rise. like I have said a few times, I want to see what they do this off season before I make judgments. I would not be surprised at all to see the #27 pick, debrincat, or schmaltz dangled in any moves.
- frafra

Schmaltzy and the Cat are the future core in my book. Cant move them. The biggest thing Q can do is change up his coverage schemes and play a heavier game. Will see what Stan does. The team needs D in the worst way. May have one or two good years left with Keith. Seabs? Love him, but he really needs the minutes cut and some protection. May be a guy who gets PP/PK minutes, but gets regular time really cut back. Hard to swallow with his salary. If a team like Florida tried to swing a deal for him? Hmmm

I draft at 8, but I try to move that 27 for a guy that can play. A bottom 6 who can win draws and bring some nasty.

If the Hawks are willing to retain money to move Seabrook's contract that's is the only way you can move him or take a bad contract in return plus hawks would gain 4million in capspace but would need to fill his spot. Don't see it happening his locker present and leadership is very valuable, if the hawks reduce his minutes same with kieth I think he will be a solid 3rd pairing and pp defenseman. Say 2.5 retained for McCann or a 3rd just a thought.
- Scott1977

The only places that I can see Seabrook going are Edmonton or Vancouver. Both teams could use his leadership and I could see him waving his NMC to be closer to his hometown. Although I think Old Duff said that Seabs and his family recently bought a home behind a McDonald's, so he might not be moving anywhere, anytime soon.

Some thoughts to chomp on
Wiz: May 20 NHL Entry Draft Review

#6 Hughes. Makes sense local kid goes hometown team. They need his offense too. Yada yada yada re; his size. The league is going more toward small quick dmen at the expense of their coverage with size/strength disadvantage, Wiz recently explained to me. This is in spite of the Winnipeg Jets moose size dmen. Yet they also employ the quick fast offensive type too in Morrisey. Morrisey reportedly was good, defensively early in playoffs. Whom was irresponsible among dmen as last three games unfolded? I digress somewhat

#7 Bouchard. I think Vancouver won't let him pass. I "dk" if any team would move up to draft him or someone else tickles their fancy at #7

#8 Kotkainemi, a RW to Chicago
Really!? A player his description because we couldn't grab Walhstrom and ....well....would Bowman like him more than the ability of the remaining dmen? Read each player's scouting review at draftsite.com Please before you craft your opinion agreed or not. It is difficult truly to not be attracted to any of the prospects available in the range down a few spots

#9 Boqvist has dropped in ratings from earlier in this year; is he whom you take or another dman?

#10 Another smaller dman. What is your response to his defensive game. Is he a right hand shot. Do you like him more than Boqvist, or this next player...

#11 Dobson. Seen to be a safe choice by some bloggers on his hockeybuzz/Justin Lowe Chicago site. One blogger a tad earlier than this post, likes what he saw in Dobson game in person attendance.
#12 Velano and #13 Hayton look like nice players but do you feel they are sort of like consolation prize if Bowman trades down?

Here is maybe an interesting dilemma (which surely will give Z3 blogger a headache after he reads through the following comments)

#19 Samuelson and #20 Merkely.
Two players opposite end of spectrum. Are you despising dirty Ulf coaching because ironicly his kid here plays a big man game, understands how to do so and keeps it simple. He is committed to Western Michigan so you wonder whom is their coach he must think is a good fit? Yet Ulf was a big man could be nasty dman in his playing days. His son is exactly whom we should crave to play with our offensive dmen. Ulf here as his coach is imho a 100% no brainier his kid becomes the successful big mean dman we need

OR you may not be able to pass on the reportedly immature but great talent of the very young Merkely. His ability a steal at #19 or #20? You do know you trade up from #27 for this pick. Which is what really what excites me to see happen.

No trading down #27 for two #2 round choices. Go for what is available at #19. A conditional trade, of course, if either Samuelson or Merkely is available.

Now go ahead and give a shout out how you play Stan's draft hand. The above is soley my thoughts and you may have another scenario. Yours and mine are merely a guess and there really is no right or wrong.....unless someone has some darkhorse no where close in the ratings.,...then that might be criticized here.

On May 18th, the Florida writer posed a possible trade with Chicago:

To FLA:
Brent Seabrook

To Chicago:
2nd rd pick and
50% retained

or

3rd rd pick and
30% retained.

I might consider the 3rd with 30% retained...
- Chunk

I'd rather not have the Hawks retain any salary, but I'd go as high as 15% for a favorable deal.

Would also help if the 3 forwards did something to help them out. Like fore check or back check. Create some O zone pressure. Or hit someone and force a turnover. Vegas is showing everyone you dont need an all world roster to get it done. The problem is this.. this current core (19, 2, 7) may no longer have that desire/ability to do that.

Good to see Raddysh get a contract. Can see him with the big club after another year in Rockford.
- z1990z

Everything you say: oh very true.

Everything you say: oh very true.
- jhawk59

Thanks. What I don't want to see if Toews spending the summer climbing a mountain. Get back in the gym brother and get on that squat rack. Get the lower body strength back. Steak, chicken and potatoes. Eat!!!! That is what you are. A relentless puck hunter and stud in the corner. Get back to that.

TheFourthPeriod.com reporting that Ekman Larsson may be close to an 8x8 deal to stay with the Coyotes.

TFP also reporting that the Oilers supposedly offered Klefbom and 10th overall to Sabres for Ristolainen. I'd prefer Nurse instead of Klefbom. Wonder if that's worth pursuing a deal for Nurse and the Oilers 10th. He traded Hall for Larsson so would Chiarelli bite on a package of say Seabrook, Forsling, and our 27th?

that's a great and valid point. I just have a hard time thinking that is it. we as fans look for every reason to point the finger at these guys. at some point I just feel that the constant roster turnover and losing very good players was going to catch up to them- and it seems it has during the last 18 months. sure, they are "the core", but they had some very serious roster turnover this past season with a youth movement. it also doesn't help that their youth has zero size. very different group than ten years ago when they were on the rise. like I have said a few times, I want to see what they do this off season before I make judgments. I would not be surprised at all to see the #27 pick, debrincat, or schmaltz dangled in any moves.
- frafra

DeBrincat and Schmaltz are untouchable.

Thanks. What I don't want to see if Toews spending the summer climbing a mountain. Get back in the gym brother and get on that squat rack. Get the lower body strength back. Steak, chicken and potatoes. Eat!!!! That is what you are. A relentless puck hunter and stud in the corner. Get back to that.
- z1990z

We hope he returns to that style. I expect in some skirmishes he will battle like the old version Toews but due to BOTH back and concussion concerns.......he will never be exactly the old Toews. I wouldn't hold your breath on this...just wait and see....we have no other choice

that's a great and valid point. I just have a hard time thinking that is it. we as fans look for every reason to point the finger at these guys. at some point I just feel that the constant roster turnover and losing very good players was going to catch up to them- and it seems it has during the last 18 months. sure, they are "the core", but they had some very serious roster turnover this past season with a youth movement. it also doesn't help that their youth has zero size. very different group than ten years ago when they were on the rise. like I have said a few times, I want to see what they do this off season before I make judgments. I would not be surprised at all to see the #27 pick, debrincat, or schmaltz dangled in any moves.
- frafra

DeBrincat and Schmaltz untouchable. I would move up from #27 to get Merkley. Hawks must get Merkley.