3 goalies in PHI... something has to give.

Just heard the Hawks really.... really don't want to run into goalie issues again. It was unfair to them considering the team and effort night-in-and-night-out.

Personally, I would like to see them improve the defence and overall defensive scheme to give someone like Forsberg a better shot a success... but if someone like Elliott is brought in... it signals concerns around Crawford's health.
- Justin Lowe

And don't forget McDonough's dislike of Crawford. This past winter's issues may have been the last straw.

All of these draft picks sound nice....... But what does it do for next year? Especially drafting a 17 year old kid ( which Bowman probably won't be around to see because he'll be fired by then). Lot of the wishes in the 5 questions still equal the Hawks not making the playoffs again.
I would love tobe a fly on the wall at the UC , just to see , what they are cooking up. I don't believe Bowman for 1minute when he said not many changes for next year , If so, then one of the few changes will be ,both him and Q will be looking for jobs by Christmas. I'll ride with Rocky's words the other day, " fix it immediately or else" ! Which translates to me that McD and Rocky want results now, so I doubt they wait for a 17 year old kid to develope. I think they are gonna grab someone who can play within a year.

All of these draft picks sound nice....... But what does it do for next year? Especially drafting a 17 year old kid ( which Bowman probably won't be around to see because he'll be fired by then). Lot of the wishes in the 5 questions still equal the Hawks not making the playoffs again.
I would love tobe a fly on the wall at the UC , just to see , what they are cooking up. I don't believe Bowman for 1minute when he said not many changes for next year , If so, then one of the few changes will be ,both him and Q will be looking for jobs by Christmas. I'll ride with Rocky's words the other day, " fix it immediately or else" ! Which translates to me that McD and Rocky want results now, so I doubt they wait for a 17 year old kid to develope. I think they are gonna grab someone who can play within a year.
- wonthecup10

That's why I think they'll go with a forward at #8, and try to fix the back end through trades and free agency. Forwards would be more likely to make an impact this year or next, and no one aside from Dahlin would help fix the train wreck that was our defence last year.

That's why I think they'll go with a forward at #8, and try to fix the back end through trades and free agency. Forwards would be more likely to make an impact this year or next, and no one aside from Dahlin would help fix the train wreck that was our defence last year.
- tvetter

Wahlstrom, I’m game. I still think Bouchard or Dobson are the big bodied 200ft Dmen that the Hawks despetately need.

https://www.nhl.com/black...c-298953388?tid=298248780

Wahlstrom, I’m game. I still think Bouchard or Dobson are the big bodied 200ft Dmen that the Hawks despetately need.

https://www.nhl.com/black...c-298953388?tid=298248780
- EnzoD

I'm honestly with you and think Bouchard and/or Dobson is the way to go if they are available, I just think even if they are, the Hawks are taking a guy like Wahlstrom.

Those 3 goalies in Elliott, Mrazek, and Neuvirth doesn't even count their prospects particularly Carter Hart who they're really high on.

I would have to agree, if the Hawks acquire a goalie the caliber and experience of an Elliott, then that would hint at Crawford not being 100 percent (and likely not even close to it).
- AEL_Fox

I think even if he feels 100% healthy they'd be smart to have some insurance in net because last year when goal scoring was tight they couldn't get the big saves at the right time.

3 goalies in PHI... something has to give.

Just heard the Hawks really.... really don't want to run into goalie issues again. It was unfair to them considering the team and effort night-in-and-night-out.

Personally, I would like to see them improve the defence and overall defensive scheme to give someone like Forsberg a better shot a success... but if someone like Elliott is brought in... it signals concerns around Crawford's health.
- Justin Lowe

This is a good point. Without the Hawks saying a word how they address the backup spot will speak volumes on what they think about Crawford's health and future. Elliott is at best a 1A and worst a legit NHL backup. A huge improvement over a playing a Delia or Glass, and unfortunately even Forseberg, should Crawford not be 100%.

I had the same line of thought answering Cam Ward to your question as a free agent target. It would take assets to acquire Elliott but Ward is a free agent and as someone else noted so is Lethonen.

I think even if he feels 100% healthy they'd be smart to have some insurance in net because last year when goal scoring was tight they couldn't get the big saves at the right time.
- breadbag

I agree with that sentiment which reinforces what Justin shared about management really not wanting goaltending to be an Achilles heel again. Thank you for clarifying.

Elliott, though, deserves to be a starter or part of a 50/50 platoon so I just don't see him as an option. Maybe other goalies like Bernier, Ward, Johnson, Hutchinson, or Hutton would be a better fit although Hutton may be striving to be a starter after his solid season with the Blues.

I think even if he feels 100% healthy they'd be smart to have some insurance in net because last year when goal scoring was tight they couldn't get the big saves at the right time.
- breadbag

Just to add it was highlighted with the Hawks record in 1 goal games....they were tied for 27th with Vancouver in win% in one goal games.


LA 0.424%
Colorado 0.423%
Arizona 0.421%
Ottawa 0.395%
Montreal 0.393%
Chicago 0.379%
Vancouver 0.379%
Carolina 0.368%
Buffalo 0.324%
Detroit 0.270%

They had 11 one goal game wins which was one better than dead last Detroit. The other thing that stings is they lost 21 games by 3 goals or more, which was 4th worst and only 2 better than last place.

Second worst win % when leading after 1 period and 5th worst when leading after 2. Actually only 2 teams scored more 1st period goals than the Hawks, but they could not defend their leads. They were also one of the worst teams scoring after the 1st period, so they failed to make many comebacks or build on leads.

Fix the PP to hopefully get some more goal scoring and shore up the D and goal tending. Two of those three things can be improved with a good Dman addition who can bring a point shot and help lock down the top pair next to DK.

I agree with that sentiment which reinforces what Justin shared about management really not wanting goaltending to be an Achilles heel again. Thank you for clarifying.

Elliott, though, deserves to be a starter or part of a 50/50 platoon so I just don't see him as an option. Maybe other goalies like Bernier, Ward, Johnson, Hutchinson, or Hutton would be a better fit although Hutton may be striving to be a starter after his solid season with the Blues.
- AEL_Fox

Could come down to price he wants to sign for, but I guess time will tell. I could be wrong, but I think Forsberg would have to clear waivers if the Hawks sign another goalie, so decent chance they lose him if that is the case and then the return on that Panarin trade takes a bigger dive.

All of these draft picks sound nice....... But what does it do for next year? Especially drafting a 17 year old kid ( which Bowman probably won't be around to see because he'll be fired by then). Lot of the wishes in the 5 questions still equal the Hawks not making the playoffs again.
I would love tobe a fly on the wall at the UC , just to see , what they are cooking up. I don't believe Bowman for 1minute when he said not many changes for next year , If so, then one of the few changes will be ,both him and Q will be looking for jobs by Christmas. I'll ride with Rocky's words the other day, " fix it immediately or else" ! Which translates to me that McD and Rocky want results now, so I doubt they wait for a 17 year old kid to develope. I think they are gonna grab someone who can play within a year.
- wonthecup10

Rocky has played ball with Bowman and Q and Hockey Ops on everything for a couple of years now and like many of the fans he's finally p$ssed off and lighter in the pocketbook for being the nice guy. And now he's seeing the resistance to renewing season tickets because the product on the ice doesn't look to be worth the expenditure.

Rocky just overruled Bowman's bullsh$t about no major changes happening. The real fans know this isn't a playoff team any time soon in the Central without a considerable overhaul to the roster. Guys like Duclair, Jurco, Gustafsson, Oesterle and those Junior B goalies they suited up last season aren't going to ever get it done on the ice or sell any tickets. Winning does. Look first for incoming help on the blueline and in goal - veteran NHL'ers not college boys used to playing in full face shields.

Just to add it was highlighted with the Hawks record in 1 goal games....they were tied for 27th with Vancouver in win% in one goal games.


LA 0.424%
Colorado 0.423%
Arizona 0.421%
Ottawa 0.395%
Montreal 0.393%
Chicago 0.379%
Vancouver 0.379%
Carolina 0.368%
Buffalo 0.324%
Detroit 0.270%

They had 11 one goal game wins which was one better than dead last Detroit. The other thing that stings is they lost 21 games by 3 goals or more, which was 4th worst and only 2 better than last place.

Second worst win % when leading after 1 period and 5th worst when leading after 2. Actually only 2 teams scored more 1st period goals than the Hawks, but they could not defend their leads. They were also one of the worst teams scoring after the 1st period, so they failed to make many comebacks or build on leads.

Fix the PP to hopefully get some more goal scoring and shore up the D and goal tending. Two of those three things can be improved with a good Dman addition who can bring a point shot and help lock down the top pair next to DK.
- breadbag

Great summary. When you boil down the issues, it does come down to the basics: stronger D to prevent goals, solid goaltending to not let in weak ones and provide more goalie wins, a respectable PP conversion rate, and a consistently strong PK. For the PK, I believe they were top 10 for the first half of the season then regressed to middle of the pack and then ended in the lower third.

This is a good point. Without the Hawks saying a word how they address the backup spot will speak volumes on what they think about Crawford's health and future. Elliott is at best a 1A and worst a legit NHL backup. A huge improvement over a playing a Delia or Glass, and unfortunately even Forseberg, should Crawford not be 100%.

I had the same line of thought answering Cam Ward to your question as a free agent target. It would take assets to acquire Elliott but Ward is a free agent and as someone else noted so is Lethonen.
- Mr Ricochet

Since they are still paying him a salary just use Hossa to call Jaro Halak and tell him he"ll play 25-30 games and there is $2.0M/yr in it for him. Put an NHL quality defence in front of Halak and he is as good or better than Elliott and definitely better than most of the other free agent backups out there.

I heard Wahlstrom just committed to BC, hate to pick someone at #8 that we won’t see for four years.

As far as a center I still like Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
- walleyeb1

Walleye, do you really think the Hawks can compete for the cup in the next 2-3 yrs? I don't but think they should definitely try and catch lightning in a bottle and try but in reality they have to look at a core of Dcat, Schamltz, Saad, maybe a Forsling/Jokiharju/Krys/Ian Mitchell/Sikura and this 8th pick along with an older but still somewhat effective Kane to be a legit threat in 3 yrs.

Firstly I don't think Wahlstrom plays all 4 yrs in the NCAA, even 3, and will be an NHLer in 3 yrs. My point is no matter the position I'd hope the Hawks simply take the very best player on the board regardless of position or when his expected arrival in the NHL is.

The Kotkaniemi kid is intriguing no doubt especially cuz he's a natural centerman with size. I've personally seen Wahlstrom live a handful of times in the USHL and there is simply no doubt he's very very very dynamic in all phases. Hate to say he's a can't miss but with his skating, IQ, size, hands and shot very hard not to see him as a top 6 NHLer. ........ Who knows how they have the Dmen and Kotkaniemi rated but have to believe if Wahlstrom is on the board they draft him.

Could come down to price he wants to sign for, but I guess time will tell. I could be wrong, but I think Forsberg would have to clear waivers if the Hawks sign another goalie, so decent chance they lose him if that is the case and then the return on that Panarin trade takes a bigger dive.
- breadbag

Bowman or even the "committee" saving face is definitely a factor in personnel decisions. If Forsberg is traded or lost through waivers, and as much as Saad may deny it impacts him, you have to wonder the indirect pressure that puts on Saad to have an epic comeback season.

Since they are still paying him a salary just use Hossa to call Jaro Halak and tell him he"ll play 25-30 games and there is $2.0M/yr in it for him. Put an NHL quality defence in front of Halak and he is as good or better than Elliott and definitely better than most of the other free agent backups out there.
- RickJ

Halak would be huge as a back-up. would be a smart move.

Walleye, do you really think the Hawks can compete for the cup in the next 2-3 yrs? I don't but think they should definitely try and catch lightning in a bottle and try but in reality they have to look at a core of Dcat, Schamltz, Saad, maybe a Forsling/Jokiharju/Krys/Ian Mitchell/Sikura and this 8th pick along with an older but still somewhat effective Kane to be a legit threat in 3 yrs.

Firstly I don't think Wahlstrom plays all 4 yrs in the NCAA, even 3, and will be an NHLer in 3 yrs. My point is no matter the position I'd hope the Hawks simply take the very best player on the board regardless of position or when his expected arrival in the NHL is.

The Kotkaniemi kid is intriguing no doubt especially cuz he's a natural centerman with size. I've personally seen Wahlstrom live a handful of times in the USHL and there is simply no doubt he's very very very dynamic in all phases. Hate to say he's a can't miss but with his skating, IQ, size, hands and shot very hard not to see him as a top 6 NHLer. ........ Who knows how they have the Dmen and Kotkaniemi rated but have to believe if Wahlstrom is on the board they draft him.
- Mr Ricochet

Wahlstrom has the bulldog build with skill at 6’1” 205lbs at just 18 years old. Similar to Saad’s build with Oshie skill (but bigger than TJ) Oshie has been a key piece for WSH providing grit, strength, compete and offensive production all playoffs..That reverse hit on miller was fantastic. ..Saad did that too when he was good at hockey from 2013-2016 before he caught The Toews Flu last year. Wahlstrom could easily fill out to add 5-10lbs as he ages and trains more as a pro. His build combined with his shot release, puck skill, and skating ability....A lot to like. I truly believe that whoever they get will be an impact player, how good all these guys ranked 4-10 turn out to be is no more than a highly educated guess. I think the floor is higher for Dobson/Bouchard but a lower offensive ceiling than Hughes/Boquist. Hawks need size with skill in this pick IMO Hughes would be redundant.

Btw, who do you think Rocky is referring to with the, “now they gotta earn it”??? Johnny and Seabs 100% IMO

Since they are still paying him a salary just use Hossa to call Jaro Halak and tell him he"ll play 25-30 games and there is $2.0M/yr in it for him. Put an NHL quality defence in front of Halak and he is as good or better than Elliott and definitely better than most of the other free agent backups out there.
- RickJ

Been a fan of his, despite his scrambly style, going back to his MTL days. Didn't he have a freakish playoff run with the Canadiens way back when then moved to make room for Price?

Halak, Lethonen, Ward are about the same to me although I do like Elliott and always have but why give up assets for him when the other 3 are similar?

Breadbag brings something up that got past me. Assuming they sign a backup Forseberg would have to clear waivers to go down, no? If the Hawks still like him that's a monkey wrench.

Wahlstrom has the bulldog build with skill at 6’1” 205lbs at just 18 years old. Similar to Saad’s build with Oshie skill (but bigger than TJ) Oshie has been a key piece for WSH providing grit, strength, compete and offensive production all playoffs..That reverse hit on miller was fantastic. ..Saad did that too when he was good at hockey from 2013-2016 before he caught The Toews Flu last year. Wahlstrom could easily fill out to add 5-10lbs as he ages and trains more as a pro. His build combined with his shot release, puck skill, and skating ability....A lot to like. I truly believe that whoever they get will be an impact player, how good all these guys ranked 4-10 turn out to be is no more than a highly educated guess. I think the floor is higher for Dobson/Bouchard but a lower offensive ceiling than Hughes/Boquist. Hawks need size with skill in this pick IMO Hughes would be redundant.

Btw, who do you think Rocky is referring to with the, “now they gotta earn it”??? Johnny and Seabs 100% IMO
- EnzoD

Anyone but Kane but Johnny and Seabs have to top the list. I'm just happy to read he acknowledges his unhappiness. Add that to his public assertion he'll make changes if things don't improve those who think changes have been needed have to like what their hearing from the boss.

Still getting used to the Hawks drafting so high and am getting excited the closer it gets. You know after the top 3 some think 4-10 is kinda bunched. Could the Hawks drop down a few spots and still get their man while adding another 1st? Or use their 27th and 8th to move up to get a Tkachuk or Zedina? I guess anything can happen but would like to see them just grab Wahlstrom with the 8th.

Just to add it was highlighted with the Hawks record in 1 goal games....they were tied for 27th with Vancouver in win% in one goal games.


LA 0.424%
Colorado 0.423%
Arizona 0.421%
Ottawa 0.395%
Montreal 0.393%
Chicago 0.379%
Vancouver 0.379%
Carolina 0.368%
Buffalo 0.324%
Detroit 0.270%

They had 11 one goal game wins which was one better than dead last Detroit. The other thing that stings is they lost 21 games by 3 goals or more, which was 4th worst and only 2 better than last place.

Second worst win % when leading after 1 period and 5th worst when leading after 2. Actually only 2 teams scored more 1st period goals than the Hawks, but they could not defend their leads. They were also one of the worst teams scoring after the 1st period, so they failed to make many comebacks or build on leads.

Fix the PP to hopefully get some more goal scoring and shore up the D and goal tending. Two of those three things can be improved with a good Dman addition who can bring a point shot and help lock down the top pair next to DK.
- breadbag

Helpful post............ Doesn't the blackened section speak to coaching, and or lack of in game adjustments? Worst win % when leading after 1 and one of the worst scoring in the 2nd and 3rd?

I'm honestly with you and think Bouchard and/or Dobson is the way to go if they are available, I just think even if they are, the Hawks are taking a guy like Wahlstrom.
- Justin Lowe

Agree, the Hawks will grab Wahlstrom if available. Helluva scouting report here that goes back to when he was 8 yrs old: https://www.milehighhocke...-wahlstrom-scuting-report

One of those silly hockey rumor "insider" accounts. Great for entertainment but has pointed out smoke in the past. Figured a little more discussion outside of, to some, future HOFer Michal Kempny wouldn't hurt anybody in the dog days of June. Would anybody accept this trade? I really don't think I would. Fun to ponder though.

"Hockeyy Insiderr
‏

@HkyInsiderr
9m9 minutes ago
More
*BREAKING NHL NEWS*:

IF the Habs offer is rejected by the Oilers they will turn their attention to the Hawks. The Habs are willing to offer Galchenyuk+Pacioretty+Fucale+3rd overall for Toews+8th overall. It would be a HUGE deal. Toews would have to waive NMC as well."
- Trammelt

Whether this is a strong rumour or not there does seem to be something off regarding Toews. I may have missed it but I don’t think there has been an announcement that Toews is attending the Convention. Would seem like a given for a Captain especially after last season. Same for Assistant Seabrook. Kane, of course is going as the Hawks #1 current Fan Ambassador.

Read that in recent interviews in Canada Toews looks small not strong. TT drove the team crazy with his lack of off-season training with team imput. Don’t know what Toews is doing but have to think team not happy with ONNIT and other off-ice things. Whatever is going on Toews doesn’t seem to be acting like a proud, committed Captain putting the Hawks first.

Maybe a huge change is coming. Maybe World Championship Captain America Kane was just a sign of things to come. Maybe of the big 4 just Kane and Keith remain and just they will still be Hawks when the Convention comes. Of course, maybe not as the Hawks have not been good at addressing dysfunction lately, which there seems to be plenty of from player and former player interviews. However, Rocky has never been so front and center before either.

One of those silly hockey rumor "insider" accounts. Great for entertainment but has pointed out smoke in the past. Figured a little more discussion outside of, to some, future HOFer Michal Kempny wouldn't hurt anybody in the dog days of June. Would anybody accept this trade? I really don't think I would. Fun to ponder though.

"Hockeyy Insiderr
‏

@HkyInsiderr
9m9 minutes ago
More
*BREAKING NHL NEWS*:

IF the Habs offer is rejected by the Oilers they will turn their attention to the Hawks. The Habs are willing to offer Galchenyuk+Pacioretty+Fucale+3rd overall for Toews+8th overall. It would be a HUGE deal. Toews would have to waive NMC as well."
- Trammelt

For a number of reasons including cap relief would do this trade.

I don't even care that he was traded...I care that he was a capable and quality asset completely misused and mismanaged by the coaching staff. His recent quotes say it all about Q + Ulf's failures with Kempny (and Daley).

Time and time again whether by the coaching staff or General Manager, this team has been terribly managed ever since 2015. The list of errors is so long that there is NO surprise that Rocky Wirtz publicly threatened the job security of Bowman and Quenneville. There is no subtlety to Rocky Wirtz's interview earlier this week. He has seen the ugly results and like many on this board, he doesn't view them as acceptable. Bowman hasn't drafted a good NHL Dman in 10 years and the best one he drafted in 2010, Stephen Johns, he gifted to a Division Rival. Bowman has overpaid every single "Core" player with the exception of Hjallmarsson, and the "illegal" contracts of Hossa+Keith. Combining Bowman's lack of drafting, trading and contract negotiation skills with Quenneville's stubbornness and lack of adjustment in system/usage of players and you have a last place team.

As I said months ago, when Stan Bowman is fired, I will stop complaining about the moves he has made to tank this once great team built primarily on the drafting of his predecessors. Until Q is replaced it is more than fair to question the absurdity of Kempny not being able to crack the Top 6D for the worst team in the Central Division, but being a staple at 4D for the likely Cup Champions (same story different year with Trevor Daley).

With better drafting, cap management, contract negotiation, and trading ability, the Hawks SHOULD have had a Detroit-esque run of many many years in the playoffs and ENTERTAINING HOCKEY. They Hawks were terrible to watch and if they didnt have Patrick Kane I probably wouldn't watch 80 games like I did this year. Instead, they nosedived into the basement, with very little reason to expect much different results next season. Same coaching staff, same GM, and essentially the same players (we will see what, if any, "big changes" are made)...why would you expect a miraculous climb back to Cup Contention?

Every person who comes to this site in (frank)ing June is a die-hard Hawks fan. They watch almost every game, and spend thousands on tickets and merchandise. IMO it is very fair and well within their rights to voice grievances towards those who are responsible for icing a garbage product and generally failing at their job duties for 3 seasons.
- EnzoD

Agreed. There is obvious serious dysfunction in player treatment.

Elliott?? hmmmm
- z1990z

Yes - hmmmm