Willie O'Ree in HHOF - way overdue.

So if we are to believe Eklunds rumor chart, Stan Bowman is heading back to the “dug out with the bat in his hands like most of the cubs the last few games, and I am a cub fan ”, striking out in the free-agent market especially with JVR Among others. Saw someone else’s suggestion about rebuilding, count me in as far as not staying, got to send them almost $12,000 by August 3 for this year, wondering how the season is going to look. So I understand it both ways.
- wonthecup10

I can see Stan trying to trade for Nyquist at this point.

The smart thing to do would be to do whatever is necessary (minus trading A level prospects) to move Crawford, Seabrook and Anisimov and tank again for a top 5 pick. This team is so far away from Cup contention when compared to every other team above them in the West, it's nothing more than a fanboys dream to think they have a shot in the Central Division this year with some minor tinkering. Hawks need to tank again this year, shed as much cap space as possible in the process, hope for another couple million dollar salary cap increase next summer, and then have a realistic goal to compete again in 2020.
- EnzoD

A full tank doesn't guarantee a #1 pick, or even a top 3 pick (Buffalo before this year, AZ previous years, Vancouver). It also wastes the last year of Kane's prime, and likely the next couple years where Kane is still elite. Keith is still outstanding, I don't want his last years to be a return to the basement.

We don't have to tear it down, you can get back to cup-contender without burning the building down. The Caps didn't tear it down, nor did the Penguins since they got Malkin/Crosby. The Kings and Bruins haven't torn it down. The teams that have made deliberate, clear-cut tanks in the last 5 years are still struggling (EDM, BUF, AZ, TOR, VAN). Toronto is relevant again but hasn't sniffed a playoff run, the others have nearly nothing to show in terms of winning.

Keep Kane, Keith, Saad, Schmaltz, Debrincat, and the prospects. Everything else is available while we retool, not rebuild.

I think people are referring to AA as a third line player on this team moving forward.

Whether he’s a 3C or a 3W, he’s still a valuable piece to this team. Not sure why people are rushing to have him moved. He had a down year as did the rest of the team, but considering the market-place today and the rise of the cap, his contract is perfectly fine IMO for what he brings to the table. He led this team in PP goals, and he’s one of the only players on the team willing to play in front of the net which is something people always clamor for.

I get the game is getting faster and the Hawks have been committed to getting younger and faster as well so naturally he’s a candidate to be moved, but he’d be a terrific third line center if this team is contending.
- TommyHawk

Spin it all you want (and not directing this at you, just using your comment as the catalyst to my comments), but the objection of the game is still to score 1 more goal than the opponent. Fast does not always mean good. Look at the PP, that is usually where the games are won or lost. Don't need much speed when a team can control possession in the O zone and SCORE! Defensemen who know how to tie up players, position themselves to block shots, and use sticks to take away passing lanes don't have to be blazing fast.

So if we are to believe Eklunds rumor chart, Stan Bowman is heading back to the “dug out with the bat in his hands like most of the cubs the last few games, and I am a cub fan ”, striking out in the free-agent market especially with JVR Among others. Saw someone else’s suggestion about rebuilding, count me in as far as not staying, got to send them almost $12,000 by August 3 for this year, wondering how the season is going to look. So I understand it both ways.
- wonthecup10

Your first mistake was talking about believing Ek.

Willie O'Ree in HHOF - way overdue.
- riozzo

Absolutely good for him.

He really had it rough when he came up.

3rd line at 5v5
- EnzoD

Nope...he was actually top 6 in ES minutes as well

Nope...he was actually top 6 in ES minutes as well
- PatShart

Averaged out yes, but he had some games where he wasn't playing in the top 6. i.e. when Toews/Schmaltz were C in the top 6 and AA was playing with guys like Sharp/Debrincat/Hartman etc...

Averaged out yes, but he had some games where he wasn't playing in the top 6. i.e. when Toews/Schmaltz were C in the top 6 and AA was playing with guys like Sharp/Debrincat/Hartman etc...
- breadbag

So...your determining factor is who he was playing with versus his actual time in ice?

You're first mistake was talking about believing Ek.
- L_B_R

Yep, it's like watching a magician try a do a trick for the first time. 95% confident it isn't going to work, but sometimes, holy sh*t, there it is..

Example: Here are four-six teams who either could use the guy, have the cap space, popular on this site, or have been rumored to talking to them. Let's throw some percentages at them and BINGO....now pay me for this information.

Not a bad approach, but you can expect Kane to demand a trade and ticket sales will plummet if your plan was put in place.
- Dieselhead

Even if the Hawks could miraculously trade a Crow who hasn't been on the ice since December and a Seebs with one of the worst contracts in the league, can you explain why Enzo's plan would not be a bad approach if Kane would demand a trade and ticket sales would plummet?!

Where do you guys see Chad Krys in Three years? He had a good season with BU.
- Panarin27

Hopefully could one day become a second pair. Had to become more careful protecting puck when carries it on a foray. Good speed puck carrier but his strength and defensive game needs to keep improving. Rockford one year fir sure. Perhaps his niche early in NHL might be offensive push third pair. He has elite skill but has iddyes to work on.

DSP!!!!!!!! Get it Done Stan!

A full tank doesn't guarantee a #1 pick, or even a top 3 pick (Buffalo before this year, AZ previous years, Vancouver). It also wastes the last year of Kane's prime, and likely the next couple years where Kane is still elite. Keith is still outstanding, I don't want his last years to be a return to the basement.

We don't have to tear it down, you can get back to cup-contender without burning the building down. The Caps didn't tear it down, nor did the Penguins since they got Malkin/Crosby. The Kings and Bruins haven't torn it down. The teams that have made deliberate, clear-cut tanks in the last 5 years are still struggling (EDM, BUF, AZ, TOR, VAN). Toronto is relevant again but hasn't sniffed a playoff run, the others have nearly nothing to show in terms of winning.

Keep Kane, Keith, Saad, Schmaltz, Debrincat, and the prospects. Everything else is available while we retool, not rebuild.
- ObeseOprah

That's what I was getting at.....Seabrook, Crawford (if not playing) Hossa, Anisimov (if not playing with Kane), Murphy (if not a regular at 4D) all are handicapping this team's ability to add quality players and get them back in contention.

Not to believed. He posted, and then deleted, on Saturday that Tavares had signed with NYI. He also said on Sunday that Pacioteretty (spell) had been traded to San Jose.

Most of these guys just throw crap at the wall and hope something sticks. This way they cover all the bases and can say "reported here first"


- SteveRain

The rumor break guy is 10 years old. Not saying you can’t be chill and smart at 10 but just saying.

That's what I was getting at.....Seabrook, Crawford (if not playing) Hossa, Anisimov (if not playing with Kane), Murphy (if not a regular at 4D) all are handicapping this team's ability to add quality players and get them back in contention.
- EnzoD

I agree that we have cap weight that isn't getting us near the value. One caveat I'd say to freeing up space is... there's really not that many good free agents available this year.
Can't afford Tavares, Carlson is already signed, Hutton will get overpaid.

When the biggest fishes to land are de Haan, Neal, Perron, Moore... that's a really weak free agent pool.

That was exactly my point. That is why I responded to the original post. Carry on Sir.
Semper Fi..
- BGKarras

We agree 100 percent.

I respect the hell of of the eagle, globe and anchor group - past, present and future! But I belonged to the group more actively referred to as G.I.s.. thanks.

So if we are to believe Eklunds rumor chart, Stan Bowman is heading back to the “dug out with the bat in his hands like most of the cubs the last few games, and I am a cub fan ”, striking out in the free-agent market especially with JVR Among others. Saw someone else’s suggestion about rebuilding, count me in as far as not staying, got to send them almost $12,000 by August 3 for this year, wondering how the season is going to look. So I understand it both ways.
- wonthecup10[/quote

I have mention it before they would've been better doing a full rebuild this offseason especially with a deep good draft. I would rather see the hawks suck for 2-4 years than just go with the white sox did for so long plug the holes and hope it works. The team as it currently constructed, we will have see what happens in the next couple weeks, is far from being a playoff team let alone a contender. In hindsight after the last cup win seabrook sharp and Crawford should've all been traded that's when the rebuild or retool should have started. Bowman and company fell in love with his players first mistake and paid them for past performance second mistake. Bowman and company after the cup win that players were getting older and a lot of miles on the core. This where the blame lands on wirtz and mcego about keep going for it and depleting are depth for one last ride when it was clear even the 15 finals they were looking like they were done. Tampa should've won that year but because key injuries to key players they didn't hockey gods were shining down on the hawks in that playoffs. Hawks need another top 6 forward 2 centers that can actually win faceoffs consistently at 50% or better 2 top 4 d man a veteran back up goalie who can play 25 to 30 games and be 500 or better. 2-3 players with speed size edge to there game physical players with pushback and can win board battles and are willing to into the corners and in front of the net. Finally play as a team and not a divided locker vets against young players. All for one one for all to quote a saying.

I agree that we have cap weight that isn't getting us near the value. One caveat I'd say to freeing up space is... there's really not that many good free agents available this year.
Can't afford Tavares, Carlson is already signed, Hutton will get overpaid.

When the biggest fishes to land are de Haan, Neal, Perron, Moore... that's a really weak free agent pool.
- ObeseOprah

But the opportunity here is that these are exactly the kind of players the Hawks dont have on their roster - guys with experience, that are proven NHL talent, that make between $1M-$3M per year, and play the missing roles in a respectable fashion.

Right now they have too few guys eating up too much cap paired with wannabes, has beens or TBDs making league minimum to $1.5M who all have big flaws due to that being their ceiling, or getting on the job training that should be happening in Rockford.

Look at the holes in the roster.....1RW, at least 2 QUALITY Top 4 Dmen, possibly a starting goalie, possibly a 2C if you don't trust Schmaltz there, DEFINITELY a backup goalie. Every team has a hole or two but those are MAJOR gaps in talent on this roster, and over $10mil for Seabrook and Murphy is just not a good use of cap space. Same can be said for Anisimov at nearly $5mil playing 3rd line minutes.
- EnzoD

Oh Enzo - you seem a little edgy and it is making all your thoughts negative. What NHL play-offs did you watch? You keep spouting that the Hawks are just so far away from contention. Why? That presumes that the 16 play-off teams were just so powerful which wasn’t true at all. Unlike you I didn’t see a single team that was wildly dominant or not full of holes and question marks moving forward. Teams like LA who couldn’t score, not couldn’t score a lot, just couldn’t score at all. Vegas who were carried forward by one player MAF, just like Nashville and Rinne the year before. So many people clamoring about how intense and pressuring Vegas was. It is easy to win when your Goalie is keeping out .950. Soon as both MAF and Rinne fell back to earth - oops average maybe even below average teams. I could go through every play-off team.

Wrt the Hawks they lost loads of games last year that were simply gifted to their opponents through immature and amateurish goaltending and a Defensive System that was so stupid an alien observer would have thought the goal of the System was to create as many odd-man breaks against as possible. Presumably both of these issues will be 100% addressed. As well the Hawks had loads of losses at the end of the season when they had, not surprisingly, no intensity for the meaningless games. I predict the end of year games will be be very meaningful this year. I predict the Hawks win at least 12 more games in 2018-19. That would make their record 45-27-10 for a cool 100 points. I actually think they will win more than 12 more games but just 12 more gives a hun.

You have to stop with the doom and gloom concerning just about any topic.

But the opportunity here is that these are exactly the kind of players the Hawks dont have on their roster - guys with experience, that are proven NHL talent, that make between $1M-$3M per year, and play the missing roles in a respectable fashion.

Right now they have too few guys eating up too much cap paired with wannabes, has beens or TBDs making league minimum to $1.5M who all have big flaws due to that being their ceiling, or getting on the job training that should be happening in Rockford.
- Return of the Roar

Yeah, but will Stan actually....do anything or pay to get them. It's a wait and see approach sometimes with him, maybe this year is different? Who knows, I have a feeling it's going to be quiet on Sunday.

[/img]

Willie O'Ree in HHOF - way overdue.
- riozzo

Nice - Willie and his Hat are Hall bound. Congrats.

Yeah, but will Stan actually....do anything or pay to get them. It's a wait and see approach sometimes with him, maybe this year is different? Who knows, I have a feeling it's going to be quiet on Sunday.


- Crawford[/img]

With his job on the line i think he will very active snd involved question is when and for whom.

Oh Enzo - you seem a little edgy and it is making all your thoughts negative. What NHL play-offs did you watch? You keep spouting that the Hawks are just so far away from contention. Why? That presumes that the 16 play-off teams were just so powerful which wasn’t true at all. Unlike you I didn’t see a single team that was wildly dominant or not full of holes and question marks moving forward. Teams like LA who couldn’t score, not couldn’t score a lot, just couldn’t score at all. Vegas who were carried forward by one player MAF, just like Nashville and Rinne the year before. So many people clamoring about how intense and pressuring Vegas was. It is to win when your Goalie is keeping out .950. Soon as both MAF and Rinne fell back to earth - oops average maybe even below average teams. I could go through every play-off team.

Wrt the Hawks they lost loads of games last year that were simply gifted to their opponents through immature and amateurish goaltending and a Defensive System that was so stupid an alien observer would have thought the goal of the System was to create as many odd-man breaks against as possible. Presumably both of these issues will be 100% addressed. As well the Hawks had loads of losses at the end of the season when they had, not surprisingly, no intensity for the meaningless games. I predict the end of year games will be be very meaningful this year. I predict the Hawks win at least 12 more games in 2018-19. That would make their record 45-27-10 for a cool 100 points. I actually think they will win more than 12 more games but just 12 more gives a hun.

You have to stop with the doom and gloom concerning just about any topic.
- Z3Hawk

While you are correct that no team had a complete roster, the amount of holes on the Hawks is why they finished dead last (by a mile) in the Central Division. Duncan Keith was -30 and looked his age. Corey Crawford will be 34 this December and hasn't played a game since 2017. Seabrook was a pylon and is unlikely to get any faster (the biggest reason for his struggles). Jonathan Toews is 30 years old and looked like an average 2C last year with his legs slowing down. Connor Murphy is fine as a 5D but not up to par as a 4D due to foot speed. Oesterle, Rutta, Gustafson and Forsling all are best served in the AHL or Euro League. No backup goalie. No true top line winger to help Toews + Saad.

Telll me what portion of this is not accurate? You say doom and gloom, I say realistic analysis of a deeply flawed, aging, and not up to par NHL Roster. Time will tell, but barring some savvy moves and a complete upgrade in goal and on defense, as well as miraculous bounce backs from 30+ yr old athletes, Hawks will be looking up at everyone in the Central again next year

You got me Googling the thing. Indeed he'll still be 17 but wasn't sure of eligibility, namely are drafted players eligible. The tournament is basically the kick off for scouting draft eligible 17/18 yr olds for the next draft........... But yes looking at the dates and if drafted players are eligible he is.

But the WJSS (world junior summer showcase), the tournament to look at 35 or so kids for the 2019 WJC U-20 ends 2 days before the Hlinka tournament starts, so I assume he'd attend the WJSS instead.
- Mr Ricochet

Hlinka is always in August this year in Red Deer Alberta I think...the under 20 is at Christmas into January...