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
- EnzoD

So if you have the team all planned out, what are you upset about?

They only have what..3-4 guys "north of 30". If they suck again, as you presume, they will get another high pick to go along with the ones they picked this year and last, and are playing a bunch of young guys along the way.

They cant dump "everyone" - or Keith, Seabrook and Crawford - so just be realistic.

Just accept the fact, that Keith, Toews and Kane aren't going anywhere. Crawford may go before his deal is up, may not. But that's only 2yrs left. Not horrible. Seabrook may get bought out at some point but hes 33. And his 7 mil...if they're so far in the cellar by miles as you put it...moving him wont make a dent so theres bo point in moving him, right?

But other then those 4-5...who's the old, horrible players the team has?? Sheez

This is part of a TSN article I enjoyed concerning a Carolina player that is highly revered here:

What any interested trade partner has to answer is whether or not Faulk is having a detrimental impact on his team’s goaltending performance, or a victim of circumstance.

Carolina’s had bad goaltending for years but it certainly appears exacerbated with Faulk on the ice. And although we know that defenders appear to have very little control over the save percentages their team realizes, Faulk’s numbers stick out because (a) they are objectively bad; (b) have been objectively bad for a considerable period of time; and (c) are an exceptional outlier even in comparison to other players with poor numbers.

If you think Faulk is a big-minute, point-producing blueliner who has been hampered by the play of his goaltenders and/or teammates for years now, then he’s a no-brainer add this summer. He has a diverse skill set and is suited for today’s speed game. Perhaps that’s why Carolina, historically, has lived in the offensive zone whenever he’s on the ice.

But if you think he has any control over the save percentage his teams have realized over the last six years, then this is quite the red flag. Again, no other defender has seen this type of foul stop rate for such an extended period of time. And at the age of 26, he’s probably hit the apex of his development curve. He’s either tremendously unlucky or a top-four blueliner who has significant difficulty in his defensive third.

Not an easy question to answer considering the craziness that’s enveloped Carolina for years. I imagine some team will roll the dice here though, and it will be a great storyline to follow in 2018 and beyond.

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]

He made an offhand comment in one of the draft interviews about having to run things by the group before acting. That he couldn’t make a big move before doing that. Wish I could remembet the specific interview. Decision by committee is never going to be the fastest.

So if you have the team all planned out, what are you upset about?

They only have what..3-4 guys "north of 30". If they suck again, as you presume, they will get another high pick to go along with the ones they picked this year and last, and are playing a bunch of young guys along the way.

They cant dump "everyone" - or Keith, Seabrook and Crawford - so just be realistic.

Just accept the fact, that Keith, Toews and Kane aren't going anywhere. Crawford may go before his deal is up, may not. But that's only 2yrs left. Not horrible. Seabrook may get bought out at some point but hes 33. And his 7 mil...if they're so far in the cellar by miles as you put it...moving him wont make a dent so theres bo point in moving him, right?

But other then those 4-5...who's the old, horrible players the team has?? Sheez
- PatShart

That’s the ticket like I said before, it’s the new marketing plan: “Building for a Better Future!” heck might as well add “brick by brick”!

This is part of a TSN article I enjoyed concerning a Carolina player that is highly revered here:

What any interested trade partner has to answer is whether or not Faulk is having a detrimental impact on his team’s goaltending performance, or a victim of circumstance.

Carolina’s had bad goaltending for years but it certainly appears exacerbated with Faulk on the ice. And although we know that defenders appear to have very little control over the save percentages their team realizes, Faulk’s numbers stick out because (a) they are objectively bad; (b) have been objectively bad for a considerable period of time; and (c) are an exceptional outlier even in comparison to other players with poor numbers.

If you think Faulk is a big-minute, point-producing blueliner who has been hampered by the play of his goaltenders and/or teammates for years now, then he’s a no-brainer add this summer. He has a diverse skill set and is suited for today’s speed game. Perhaps that’s why Carolina, historically, has lived in the offensive zone whenever he’s on the ice.

But if you think he has any control over the save percentage his teams have realized over the last six years, then this is quite the red flag. Again, no other defender has seen this type of foul stop rate for such an extended period of time. And at the age of 26, he’s probably hit the apex of his development curve. He’s either tremendously unlucky or a top-four blueliner who has significant difficulty in his defensive third.

Not an easy question to answer considering the craziness that’s enveloped Carolina for years. I imagine some team will roll the dice here though, and it will be a great storyline to follow in 2018 and beyond.
- wiz1901

I'm curious about it too, to be honest.

I think his play has sewered his D partners for a few years now, but he also looked extremely competent when playing with Andrej Sekera.

His positioning has actually gotten worse over the past couple years and, my guess, is that he's more likely to wind up as a Jack Johnson type guy than he is a legit top flight defenseman ever again.

It's so weird how he somehow has seemingly got worse as he's got older.

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.
- Spec41971

👍.... Yeah I know that you are Army buddy. I have alot friends that are Army strong I just give them grief every now and again.. Lol
Thank you for your Service!

Hlinka is always in August this year in Red Deer Alberta I think...the under 20 is at Christmas into January...
- wiz1901

Z was asking if Boqvist would play in the Hlinka this yr. I responded that the Hlinka ends two days before the WJC U-20 Summer Showcase begins (not the WJC tournament). IMO the kid goes to the Summer Showcase and skips the Hlinka which provides no developmental value for a kid like Boqvist.

So if you have the team all planned out, what are you upset about?

They only have what..3-4 guys "north of 30". If they suck again, as you presume, they will get another high pick to go along with the ones they picked this year and last, and are playing a bunch of young guys along the way.

They cant dump "everyone" - or Keith, Seabrook and Crawford - so just be realistic.

Just accept the fact, that Keith, Toews and Kane aren't going anywhere. Crawford may go before his deal is up, may not. But that's only 2yrs left. Not horrible. Seabrook may get bought out at some point but hes 33. And his 7 mil...if they're so far in the cellar by miles as you put it...moving him wont make a dent so theres bo point in moving him, right?

But other then those 4-5...who's the old, horrible players the team has?? Sheez
- PatShart

I think all the Hawks top dogs want to have a better season next year. Not a completely bad year on all fronts but when I look at the Hawks key vets, it was career average or lower for all of them except for the injured Crawford.

Dreger: "Tavares isn't talking. Pat Brisson isn't going to give you that sort of intel because they're being respectful of the process. But the word that I received from a secondary source, I will call it, was that (JT) was very impressed w/ the Toronto Maple Leafs

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
- EnzoD

I'm curious what the next year brings for the team. The team needs to be playing like a playoff team by the winter holiday break or else at least some of the guys you're talking about will be on their way out of town, and Q might be joining them. Everyone in the league knows that, which might make the Blackhawks a harder sell for the top free agents. I'm curious who Stan adds to the roster before the opener (or second night, depending on the LTIR situation.)

I'm curious what the next year brings for the team. The team needs to be playing like a playoff team by the winter holiday break or else at least some of the guys you're talking about will be on their way out of town, and Q might be joining them. Everyone in the league knows that, which might make the Blackhawks a harder sell for the top free agents. I'm curious who Stan adds to the roster before the opener (or second night, depending on the LTIR situation.)
- matt_ahrens

Maybe Justin or someone else have the hawks been in touch or have had conversations with any free agents and if so who?

If Stan does the band-aid spproach, is Filppula, Matthias, Schenn, Calvert, and Lehner/Mrazek what we are looking at?

Just a thought

McGuire: "I think Cam Ward is going to end up in Chicago."

McGuire: "I think Cam Ward is going to end up in Chicago."
- ikeane

Possible. He's not one of the goalies they've talked to yet. Powers said it's only Hutton and Bernier so far.

If Stan does the band-aid spproach, is Filppula, Matthias, Schenn, Calvert, and Lehner/Mrazek what we are looking at?

Just a thought
- ikeane

Filppula has been on steady decline for a few years, Matthias and Calvert have both struggled in a shutdown / checking roles for at least a couple of season, Schenn is yet another bottom pairing d-man, and Mrazek has had subpar numbers for a while.

Lehner is coming off a bad season (Forsberg had the same sv%) but had two strong seasons before.

So if you have the team all planned out, what are you upset about?

They only have what..3-4 guys "north of 30". If they suck again, as you presume, they will get another high pick to go along with the ones they picked this year and last, and are playing a bunch of young guys along the way.

They cant dump "everyone" - or Keith, Seabrook and Crawford - so just be realistic.

Just accept the fact, that Keith, Toews and Kane aren't going anywhere. Crawford may go before his deal is up, may not. But that's only 2yrs left. Not horrible. Seabrook may get bought out at some point but hes 33. And his 7 mil...if they're so far in the cellar by miles as you put it...moving him wont make a dent so theres bo point in moving him, right?

But other then those 4-5...who's the old, horrible players the team has?? Sheez
- PatShart

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).
- EnzoD

I’d say more of a realist. I hope you’re wrong too but realistically speaking you’re probably right.

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).
- EnzoD

Ok. They were last place last year. With a few injuries to key pieces and they played a ton of rookies from January on.

Where did they finish the year before? Just curious?

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).
- EnzoD

Yep. It's been the same story since about December last year. To get a different result the guys that were here last season need to play better and the new guys (TBD) need to add add something.

Filppula has been on steady decline for a few years, Matthias and Calvert have both struggled in a shutdown / checking roles for at least a couple of season, Schenn is yet another bottom pairing d-man, and Mrazek has had subpar numbers for a while.

Lehner is coming off a bad season (Forsberg had the same sv%) but had two strong seasons before.
- L_B_R

Watched a ton of Filpulla this year, Flyer Bruins Sabres are my second teams. He’s slowed down, and his possession numbers have tanked.
Yzerman was wise to ship him out. At this point I’d steer clear unless we get him on a minimum deal. Someone will overpay for his name. He still has hands and could’ve been somewhat victimized by PHI’s top heavy offense, but he’s certainly a declining asset.

Ok. They were last place last year. With a few injuries to key pieces and they played a ton of rookies from January on.

Where did they finish the year before? Just curious?
- PatShart

That team had Hossa with 25 goals, Keith and Hammer playing together, Campbell in the top 4, and Panarin with 70 points.

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

AA isn't the spark arrestor.

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).
- EnzoD

You'll be pleased to know I don't consider you "gloom & doom"!!
I label you as one of those people who think they are the smartest person in the room.
Based on your posts, it appears you've had a career change, and I'm betting you're running thru inventory without actual sales?
grow some hair, lose the "IMO" on every statement as your crutch.
Once again I offer you....., Hawks make playoffs next season.....you go away. Hawks miss playoffs, I go away.
It's June, why not wait to see opening roster before you declare Armageddon, pallie???

You'll be pleased to know I don't consider you "gloom & doom"!!
I label you as one of those people who think they are the smartest person in the room.
Based on your posts, it appears you've had a career change, and I'm betting you're running thru inventory without actual sales?
grow some hair, lose the "IMO" on every statement as your crutch.
Once again I offer you....., Hawks make playoffs next season.....you go away. Hawks miss playoffs, I go away.
It's June, why not wait to see opening roster before you declare Armageddon, pallie???
- dpard

He made an offhand comment in one of the draft interviews about having to run things by the group before acting. That he couldn’t make a big move before doing that. Wish I could remembet the specific interview. Decision by committee is never going to be the fastest.
- pdx2ord

I think every GM reviews all options with his group of hockey people. He does not get a trade proposal or a signing proposal and have to decide in a minute. At the end of the day it is his decision. If he gets something he likes I am sure he can call all the involved parties and finalize the deal in short order.

People on this blog will say McD, Rocky and Scotty make the decisions. But I doubt Stan sticks around if his deals are vetoed or tabled on a regular basis.