Grubauer is not worth the 27th. We won the Hartman trade, let's not waste it on a guy with one decent 1/3rd of a season.

Every offseason has some backup goalie that teams overvalue:
Eddie Lack
Scott Darling
Anton Khudobin
Chad Johnson
Carter Hutton (this year)

There's plenty more that are now out of the league. The 27th pick should (in theory) be better than the BEST PROSPECT that the Blackhawks currently have, Henri Jokiharju.

I'll repeat it again: The 27th pick should (in theory) be better than the BEST PROSPECT that the Blackhawks currently have, Henri Jokiharju.
- ObeseOprah

This ^.

Crawford, Holtby, Price, Quick, Vasilevskiy, Rinne, etc. are all homegrown talents.

Teams don’t let #1-quality goalies walk, and smart teams don’t trade worthwhile assets for a backup in the hopes of that goalie stepping in and succeeding right away. Plus Grub is a RFA, so the Caps don’t really have much leverage IMO, and they need the cap space.

Yes, you can point to guys like Martin Jones and Cam Talbot, but the Oilers sent mid-round picks, and the Sharks wanted a replacement for Niemi.

If the Hawks aren’t comfortable with Crawford moving forward, then you bring in a younger goalie on the cheap and have him compete with Forsberg (who I still have faith in) while some of the younger goalies in the system develop.

No point to trade a valuable asset for a potential bandaid. If the Hawks don’t use the pick, get a top-four d-man in a package. The team will be much better off.

Wiz has Zadina falling to the Hawks on his website, this would be a dream come true. I think it's more likely that we get one of Wahlstrom or Tkachuck. Any of these three would look great flanking Toews or opposite Kane.

Hope springs eternal!
- Q-stache

well someone is gonna drop...NOTHING here, team meetings are scheduled....still walking like mule through the place, hoping to jump some unsuspecting NHL guy and blindside him...

As long as we're correcting things and forgive me if it's your auto correct acting out...but it's "volatility".

Wasn't going to say anything but you had another post that used it that way several times...thought you may want to know...or not.
- HawkintheD

I know its “volatility” but thanks. Can’t help if my phone can’t read my mind.

well someone is gonna drop...NOTHING here, team meetings are scheduled....still walking like mule through the place, hoping to jump some unsuspecting NHL guy and blindside him...
- wiz1901

Just tackle someone wiz - lol

To me the most kickass thing he could do would be to get anything in return for Anisimov or Ruutta.

I'd like to see us somehow get back into the second round without sacrificing our first round picks. The backup goalie spot can be addressed with either Lehner, Hutton, Halak, Ward, Lack, Bernier, Johnson, Hammond, and maybe even Gudlevskis (The hero goalie from the 2014 olmpyics who nearly stole a game from Team Canada).

A solid middle line forward who can play all three positions would be great. A Riley Nash or Michael Grabner would be nice, someone who can win puck battles and put up 35-40 points would be nice.

I'm not ready to sell on Duclair yet. He still has some glimpses of raw talent, and he got hurt for the end of last year. He, like Murphy, was developed poorly and perhaps just needs more time to round out his game.
- ObeseOprah

Yes to all of this, but you forgot the most pressing need....adding 2 quality 18-20 minute per night NHL dmen....

All this interest in a Goalie makes me wonder if CC is heading to the Islanders?
- SaskHawkFan

If CC plays, he stays. BIG IF. More likely scenario is get someone in here now because Corey isn't ready/is done - and they prob already know if this is the case.

I know its “volatility” but thanks. Can’t help if my phone can’t read my mind.
- Z3Hawk

Careful what you wish for. Coming soon to IPhone and Android.

If CC plays, he stays. BIG IF. More likely scenario is get someone in here now because Corey isn't ready/is done - and they prob already know if this is the case.
- Carnage71

I've though he was gone since the end of the season.

Hawks are talking to the Oilers about Talbot. Would rather have him than Grubauer, if they were to trade Crow.

Hawks are talking to the Oilers about Talbot. Would rather have him than Grubauer, if they were to trade Crow.
- SecondCitySavage

It'd be interesting.

Talbot took a lot of lumps over the years and seems kind of hot and cold.

But, again...if you can improve the blueline, I'm down to roll the dice on any goalie they bring in.

Yes to all of this, but you forgot the most pressing need....adding 2 quality 18-20 minute per night NHL dmen....
- EnzoD

I don’t think we need 2, I think 1 will suffice.

I’m probably in the minority but I really, really believe that Gus will continue to develop and become an important part of this organization as Q begins to hopefully trust him more and let him make his mistakes.

If he’s given 75+ games next season, I think 35 points is a realistic target for him. He’s one of the better passers on the team and I liked the way his shot came along as the year went on and became more confident in it.

Rutta I think can have a solid year too since he’s adjusted to the NA ice, has a complete summer under his belt, and Q deploys him properly.

Big step ups this season from those two will go a long way.

Keith - _____
Goose - Seabs
Rutta - Murphy

Has anybody mentioned the possibility of Crow on LTIR ? Maybe that's why the goalie
interest? What about his available money then? When and how much ??

Yes to all of this, but you forgot the most pressing need....adding 2 quality 18-20 minute per night NHL dmen....
- EnzoD

Good point, agree. Although at this point I feel like Q will only play a kid who he has molded to his own exact specs. Maybe one of Hillman, Gilbert, Dahlstrom, Joki, or one of the other 10 D prospects will step in as a Hjalmarsson repeat for Joel.

Another thing to consider, Arizona is likely not making the playoffs this year. Hammer will be Deadline fodder unless they somehow convince him to extend. I would like to have Hammer back, the last year was a major aberration for him and I'd like to think it was do to circumstance and injury more than sudden decline.

Careful what you wish for. Coming soon to IPhone and Android.
- HawkintheD

Well that will fit in with our Smart TV monitoring our conversations. Out of the blue we can mention something unusual that we never talk about for example “Cannolis” and youtube for the first time will provide a bunch of videos about Cannolis.

I don’t think we need 2, I think 1 will suffice.

I’m probably in the minority but I really, really believe that Gus will continue to develop and become an important part of this organization as Q begins to hopefully trust him more and let him make his mistakes.

If he’s given 75+ games next season, I think 35 points is a realistic target for him. He’s one of the better passers on the team and I liked the way his shot came along as the year went on and became more confident in it.

Rutta I think can have a solid year too since he’s adjusted to the NA ice, has a complete summer under his belt, and Q deploys him properly.

Big step ups this season from those two will go a long way.

Keith - _____
Goose - Seabs
Rutta - Murphy
- TommyHawk

I don't like that lineup AT ALL, that's a bottom 10 D...UNLESS Seabrook finds the fountain of youth and Gus, Rut, and Murphy step up (which theoretically could happen).

I am interested in Blake Hillman. I know he's not a big time prospect, but was it ME or did anyone else notice how calm he looked in his own zone. He was able to withstand a strong forecheck and work the wall. Most of our guys were like poodles surrounded by Mike Vick's fighting dogs in their own zone. Hillman wasn't like that. I want to see more from him.

Has anybody mentioned the possibility of Crow on LTIR ? Maybe that's why the goalie
interest? What about his available money then? When and how much ??
- Gary0301

I did. Someone asked how you would get CC to agree to trade. I said the team can still apply pressure. One way saying maybe you should go on LTIR.

It'd be interesting.

Talbot took a lot of lumps over the years and seems kind of hot and cold.

But, again...if you can improve the blueline, I'm down to roll the dice on any goalie they bring in.
- Hank3Henshaw

Agreed. He was not too far from the Vezina a couple of years ago, but the Oilers had a pretty underwhelming year last season, with the exception of McDavid. At least Talbot has been a starter with the Oilers and with the Rangers when Henrik was out. Grubauer, to me, is still unproven, but has potential. Just depends on what gamble Bowman wants to take.

Also agree. Improving the blueline should be a priority this off-season.

Hawks are talking to the Oilers about Talbot. Would rather have him than Grubauer, if they were to trade Crow.
- SecondCitySavage

Welcome to the boards! I agree with Hank that Talbot may have a better fate with a stronger defense in front of him. Although the Hawks defense is better than the Oilers defense, right now it's not by a lot. So if the Hawks can strengthen their blueline this offseason, then Talbot should be considered an option if Crawford is on the block.

Careful what you wish for. Coming soon to IPhone and Android.
- HawkintheD

"Hey Siri, what am I thinking?"

Your thinking; that Kane needs a ton of help before his skills diminish.

I don't like that lineup AT ALL, that's a bottom 10 D...UNLESS Seabrook finds the fountain of youth and Gus, Rut, and Murphy step up (which theoretically could happen).

I am interested in Blake Hillman. I know he's not a big time prospect, but was it ME or did anyone else notice how calm he looked in his own zone. He was able to withstand a strong forecheck and work the wall. Most of our guys were like poodles surrounded by Mike Vick's fighting dogs in their own zone. Hillman wasn't like that. I want to see more from him.
- kwolf68

I think Rutta could have a decent season. I think most of his bad games were with Forsling and more about Forsling blowing it than Rutta being bad. Difficult to really say since it was his first season in the NHL, but he might be more solid in his second year with the team in North America.

I don't like that lineup AT ALL, that's a bottom 10 D...UNLESS Seabrook finds the fountain of youth and Gus, Rut, and Murphy step up (which theoretically could happen).

I am interested in Blake Hillman. I know he's not a big time prospect, but was it ME or did anyone else notice how calm he looked in his own zone. He was able to withstand a strong forecheck and work the wall. Most of our guys were like poodles surrounded by Mike Vick's fighting dogs in their own zone. Hillman wasn't like that. I want to see more from him.
- kwolf68

I love what I saw from Hillman. I think he can be an admirable bottom pairing d-man who is fundamentally solid and can be counted upon in his own end. I didn’t include him because I think the tentative plan from where I saw somewhere earlier this offseason was for him to start off in Rockford and get comfortable there before being entrusted with the Hawks. Hopefully Ian Mitchell joins soon and the Denver boys can be reunited as partners.

If Murphy, Goose, and Rutta step up this season (along with the rest of the underachieving team), I think the Hawks will be in pretty darn good defensive shape going forward, especially with the youth infusion. Hopefully it won’t be as painful as many imagine.

I think Rutta could have a decent season. I think most of his bad games were with Forsling and more about Forsling blowing it than Rutta being bad. Difficult to really say since it was his first season in the NHL, but he might be more solid in his second year with the team in North America.
- breadbag

Maybe. Rutta looked awesome in pre-season. As the year went on he was exposed a bit. But I think there is potential there.

There is ALSO potential in Murphy and in Gus...but ANY TEAM can say that...those guys "could be" good.

What the Hawks need is another D (or 2) where we say WE KNOW he's good. With Seabrook on his precipitous decline as a top 4, let alone a top pair guy well on its path the Hawks have to find someone legit. Keith is also 35 and while he wasn't great last year, he still has the speed and skill to keep up. But he needs help.

I don't like that lineup AT ALL, that's a bottom 10 D...UNLESS Seabrook finds the fountain of youth and Gus, Rut, and Murphy step up (which theoretically could happen).

I am interested in Blake Hillman. I know he's not a big time prospect, but was it ME or did anyone else notice how calm he looked in his own zone. He was able to withstand a strong forecheck and work the wall. Most of our guys were like poodles surrounded by Mike Vick's fighting dogs in their own zone. Hillman wasn't like that. I want to see more from him.
- kwolf68

I would have to agree. The Hawks need at least 2 young but experienced D-men who actually play defense to strengthen the blueline. Having a starting D-corps with Gustafsson, Oesterle, and Rutta (even if one of them is the 7th man) will result in more of the same crap as last season.

I would start with Keith, Seabrook, and Murphy (assuming he's not traded) then supplement them with at least 2 UFAs such as de Haan, Moore, Holden, Hickey, and/or Pateryn.

Swing for the fences and try for Hamilton? Sure, but it may handcuff the ability to strengthen other parts of the lineup.

Faulk? Maybe. I personally am not sold on him improving the defense. PP, possibly if the schemes are better, but not sure about defending our zone.

As for Hillman, I liked what I saw too in his brief stint. He needs ideally at least a year in Rockford but I do see him as a future 2nd or 3rd pair defender who stays at home to clean up the crease, take the body, etc. Gilbert as well.

Maybe. Rutta looked awesome in pre-season. As the year went on he was exposed a bit. But I think there is potential there.

There is ALSO potential in Murphy and in Gus...but ANY TEAM can say that...those guys "could be" good.

What the Hawks need is another D (or 2) where we say WE KNOW he's good. With Seabrook on his precipitous decline as a top 4, let alone a top pair guy well on its path the Hawks have to find someone legit. Keith is also 35 and while he wasn't great last year, he still has the speed and skill to keep up. But he needs help.
- kwolf68

Right, there’s no doubt they need to make an addition to the top-four. I just think that the team has enough (positive) depth as is to round out the remaining pairs.

I very much think 27 + Forsling is in play tonight.

I love what I saw from Hillman. I think he can be an admirable bottom pairing d-man who is fundamentally solid and can be counted upon in his own end. I didn’t include him because I think the tentative plan from where I saw somewhere earlier this offseason was for him to start off in Rockford and get comfortable there before being entrusted with the Hawks. Hopefully Ian Mitchell joins soon and the Denver boys can be reunited as partners.

If Murphy, Goose, and Rutta step up this season (along with the rest of the underachieving team), I think the Hawks will be in pretty darn good defensive shape going forward, especially with the youth infusion. Hopefully it won’t be as painful as many imagine.
- TommyHawk

Re: Hillman. Makes sense Tommy. I think they want to keep grooming him, but he looks like a real capable third pairing guy. We just need a guy on that third pair you can trust. Who can eat some minutes. I think he can.

Yes, I agree about "guys stepping up", but you know that's still prognostication and there isn't a single team with crummy defense not saying the same thing..."if X or Y step up we'll be great."

That is the CHIEF difference in the winners and losers. The Winners KNOW they got studs. Harken back to 2013...our top 4 were Keith, Seab, Hammer and Oduya...we KNEW that was a nasty crew to go against. There was no hopes, dreams or speculation.

AT MINIMUM the Hawks need a LEGIT Top Four D-man. They can NOT hope and dream their way to THREE guys stepping up...1 likely will, maybe 2 at some point, but 3? Not a chance.