Justin Lowe: What Does This Team Really Need? Rumours and crazy ideas are being tossed around like beers in a rec hockey dressing room these days. So that must mean it's either NHL Trade Deadline or Draft/Free Agency time.

This time of year is very exciting for most fans (unless you're cheering for the Ottawa Senators) and I'm hearing/reading some wild conversations this past couple of weeks.

This blog is focusing on the larger picture and strategy vs. specific players, but I will offer a little bit of the latter as well in the below.

This will impact Hinostroza's next contract, I'd expect his to come in at a bit less.

Not sure if reported elsewhere or not, 1.5m x 2 for Caggiula contract.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 14, 2018

More cap space.

More cap space.
- Glak18

Ha. CHI is in the best spot that they have been in a while for cap space!

This will impact Hinostroza's next contract, I'd expect his to come in at a bit less.

Not sure if reported elsewhere or not, 1.5m x 2 for Caggiula contract.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 14, 2018

- DarthKane

Nice catch DK.

I can see a very similar contract for him. I don't know it it will be less... you know Stan. He did give Rutta $2.3M for no reason.

To rid themselves of the Seabrook contract

To rid themselves of the the guy who gave Seabrook his contract
- Avsrchamps01

Fixed!

Fixed!
- EnzoD

a time machine

Nice catch DK.

I can see a very similar contract for him. I don't know it it will be less... you know Stan. He did give Rutta $2.3M for no reason.
- Justin Lowe

fair point... we should expect 6 years @ $6 million AAV with full NTC and NMC.

Hino 900k per year for 2 years
hayden 1.5 per year for 3 years

That's what I give those 2 players I think Hayden has more upside and importance than hino. For hino is a utility player energy guy he is ok lots of speed smaller version of stalberg in my opinion.

DeHaan, Roussel, Maroon, Hickey, Brodziak.

Hino 900k per year for 2 years
hayden 1.5 per year for 3 years

That's what I give those 2 players I think Hayden has more upside and importance than hino. For hino is a utility player energy guy he is ok lots of speed smaller version of stalberg in my opinion.
- Scott1977

I'd swap those numbers, Hinostroza has how more than Hayden to this point. We're all hopeful that Hayden becomes a consistent contributor this season but there's no guarantee.

a time machine
- Nucker101

Stan Bowman played by Rob Corrdry. Lol

I'd swap those numbers, Hinostroza has how more than Hayden to this point. We're all hopeful that Hayden becomes a consistent contributor this season but there's no guarantee.
- DarthKane

I m not big hino fan like hayden more just hayden physical aspect and goes to the net is what the hawks are lacking and need more of hino can be replace easier than hayden. Hope both become mainstays and solid contributors for the hawks going forward.

Stan Bowman played by Rob Corrdry. Lol
- EnzoD

Justin nice job!

Two things, first:

B) execute a "better" defensive scheme than last year.

I didn’t know we had a scheme!

Second, the link on the old blog to this blog is broke.

TRADE:

To #Sabres:
D Brandon Hickey
F Mike Sislo

To #Coyotes:
F Hudson Fasching

DeHaan, Roussel, Maroon, Hickey, Brodziak.
- Mr Ricochet

I'd endorse that as a shopping list to give to Bowman.

I'd swap those numbers, Hinostroza has how more than Hayden to this point. We're all hopeful that Hayden becomes a consistent contributor this season but there's no guarantee.
- DarthKane

Was thinking the same thing but a variation of it: higher salary per year at 2 years for Hinostroza and lower salary per year at 3 years for Hayden (or just have them both at the same term length). Hinostroza has more NHL games under his belt and has proven more in comparison which warrants a higher salary compared to Hayden.

Justin Lowe: What Does This Team Really Need?
Rumours and crazy ideas are being tossed around like beers in a rec hockey dressing room these days. So that must mean it's either NHL Trade Deadline or Draft/Free Agency time.

This time of year is very exciting for most fans (unless you're cheering for the Ottawa Senators) and I'm hearing/reading some wild conversations this past couple of weeks.

This blog is focusing on the larger picture and strategy vs. specific players, but I will offer a little bit of the latter as well in the below.
- Justin Lowe

An updated version of a comment I posted today in the last blog:

IMHO, Justin, you laid out well what the pivotal needs are for the Hawks, particularly (A) changing how the team plays (i.e. strategies, structure, discipline, desire) and (B) acquiring new guys to fill needs especially the blueline. (B) is important as key players are needed to allow for proper slotting of everyone else based on what they can bring to the ice (or not bring). But (B) may not matter if (A) doesn't change for the better.

25th in 5x5 scoring.

2nd in SAT 5x5; 4th in SAT%.

Seems in addition to defining a defensive system, they need to design a better offensive system - one with more shots with a chance of becoming a goal - better SATs, more skaters going to (and being at) the net, fewer shots that the goalie has a good view of and is in position to stop, fewer shots right into opposition shinpads

Justin nice job!

Two things, first:

B) execute a "better" defensive scheme than last year.

I didn’t know we had a scheme!

Second, the link on the old blog to this blog is broke.
- walleyeb1

Ha. No there wasn't much of a system.

And 2... thank you... fixed!

Well and put Keith in a position to have success. He is best when he is disrupting things between the blue lines rather than retreating behind his own. Certainly someone who can play on his right side would be helpful as well.

Getting the defenders moving the puck forward with their feet is probably necessary and the centers will need to come lower to retrieve the puck. The ring around the boards and 200ft pass to the off side winger are kind of predictable at this point.

Anyway, they need to add 25 goals in free agency or guys taking the next step. They probably have 3 years left with this group so going ham now before both the Sox and Cubs are good at the same time makes sense to me. Plus I'm not one to save a pitcher for tomorrow - it might rain.

You know Stan. He did give Rutta $2.3M for no reason.
- Justin Lowe

I am not saying I agree with the number, but with 20 points in only 57 games, Rutta would be 4th or 5th best UFA-to-be dman. If you see where he ranks against this years group, it is hard to argue with him looking for this amount of money. The price range at the top, even after Carlson and De Haan, will be higher than 2.3M. Not a bad haul for 27 yr old rookie, though, good for him and hope he can justify the salary. If he does not, he's off the books next year anyway.