Great News JL! This board by far and away has a diverse set of opinions and great contributors that will debate their point. There was no need for his/her angst.

Hello Mods
- riozzo

Agreed and agreed.

Now back to the good stuff.

Great insight and tips from JJ this morning. Stan is def working the phones and there are a lot of moving parts right now.

I would be very much against trading Brandon Saad. Why sell low on him now? I say he has a monster bounce back year.

Murphy and Anisimov's names I've heard out there as well. I've heard that they really want to clean up the RHD because they want to add one to play with Keith via trade/FA, one of Rutta or Murphy would likely go. I would like to see Murphy stay and move Rutta. Moving Murphy would free up even more cap space for the future though as Rutta's on a 1-year deal.

Now back to the good stuff.

Great insight and tips from JJ this morning. Stan is def working the phones and there are a lot of moving parts right now.

I would be very much against trading Brandon Saad. Why sell low on him now? I say he has a monster bounce back year.

Murphy and Anisimov's names I've heard out there as well. I've heard that they really want to clean up the RHD because they want to add one to play with Keith via trade/FA, one of Rutta or Murphy would likely go. I would like to see Murphy stay and move Rutta. Moving Murphy would free up even more cap space for the future though as Rutta's on a 1-year deal.
- Justin Lowe

Justin--I'm right there with you regarding Murphy. I know he gets a lot of flak on here, but I think he has a lot of potential that can be tapped into.

He's the only blueliner on the Hawks with some legit size and ability/willingness to throw the body.

I'd like to give him another season to see what he can do.

Now back to the good stuff.

Great insight and tips from JJ this morning. Stan is def working the phones and there are a lot of moving parts right now.

I would be very much against trading Brandon Saad. Why sell low on him now? I say he has a monster bounce back year.

Murphy and Anisimov's names I've heard out there as well. I've heard that they really want to clean up the RHD because they want to add one to play with Keith via trade/FA, one of Rutta or Murphy would likely go. I would like to see Murphy stay and move Rutta. Moving Murphy would free up even more cap space for the future though as Rutta's on a 1-year deal.
- Justin Lowe

Would there be any kind of backlash if Rutta is moved (Kempney) with future Euro free agents signing here? It just seems like it is bad practice to trade the guys you bring here.

You are so unbelievably clueless when it comes to Panarin.

When Washington started to play big boy hockey - Panarin did his usual spring disappearing act. The last four games of that series - Panarin had 0 points and was a -6.

So please just get over your man love with him. There is a reason why he was traded - and a reason why Columbus is in no hurry to resign him.

If a contending team pays him - it will cost that G.M. his job.
- dahawks8819

Lol, I was at the first game they lost in Columbus. Panarin was hands down the most electric player on the ice. He is an incredible talent and he is the one who said he wasn't ready to talk about a contract extension so you are incorrect about a lot of things there.

The team with 3 hall of fame calibre players and the better coach won. On paper and behind the bench and on the ice Washington was better as they should have been.

Panarin was traded because in a years time he will cost 9 or 10 million and Saad will cost 6 for the next few. Pretty simple math.

Now back to the good stuff.

Great insight and tips from JJ this morning. Stan is def working the phones and there are a lot of moving parts right now.

I would be very much against trading Brandon Saad. Why sell low on him now? I say he has a monster bounce back year.

Murphy and Anisimov's names I've heard out there as well. I've heard that they really want to clean up the RHD because they want to add one to play with Keith via trade/FA, one of Rutta or Murphy would likely go. I would like to see Murphy stay and move Rutta. Moving Murphy would free up even more cap space for the future though as Rutta's on a 1-year deal.
- Justin Lowe

I wouldnt be if it brings back a return that helps the back end immensely. I think all of us are realizing how big a loss Marian Hossa was to this team and more specifically Toews and Saad and their effectiveness.

I wouldnt be if it brings back a return that helps the back end immensely. I think all of us are realizing how big a loss Marian Hossa was to this team and more specifically Toews and Saad and their effectiveness.
- nickmo2699

Agreed.

I like Saad and his game (when he's playing it), but my big peeve with the Hawks is bringing back ex-players. Majority of the time it doesn't work and it feels more like a PR move than a hockey move. Like, "Hey, fans! Remember (insert player name)?? Well he's coming back!"

If Saad can get you a Defenseman that can come in now and contribute, let's do it.

Hey Everyone - I wanted to let you all know that I am dedicated to keep this board civil and as positive/fun as possible.


- Justin Lowe

Goalie-33 has been temporarily banned for breaking CoC on this site.

If you have any issues with a specific poster - please do not let your emotions get the best of you and break any codes yourself (I won't be able to save you). Instead, just send me a PM.

The mods are watching this board more closely now so behave and have some fun out there.

NICE! But why only temporarily? The guy is clearly a troll and I'm somewhat convinced he's not even a Hawks fan.

Would there be any kind of backlash if Rutta is moved (Kempney) with future Euro free agents signing here? It just seems like it is bad practice to trade the guys you bring here.
- powerenforcer

Don't think so. While Kempny has been vocal about lack of confidence he got from the coaches in Chicago, Rutta on the other hand has always been pleased with Chicago. In the recent Czech interview couple days ago, he said Blackhawks kept all their promises and he couldn't ask for a better treatment. He had other options, but figured that Chicago would give him the best chance to succeed. I believe it was the same with Panarin and Kempny in the first place. Some guys make it (like Niemi and Kämpf to a degree) and some don't (like Tikhonov or Olimb). No big deal. The problem is that while the currect roster structure gives more space for fresh faces on low salary, it also isn't the No. 1 go-to place for winning anymore. I am curious where Kahun fits next year.

FYI Rutta mentioned that in the middle of the season when his play dropped, he was dealing with some minor lingering injuries. Not an excuse, just hinting that he has room to grow a bit and fairly quickly.

If Saad can get you a Defenseman that can come in now and contribute, let's do it.
- Hank3Henshaw

By filling one hole, you would be creating another. Let's wait and see how the FA shakes out in the next couple weeks first.

By filling one hole, you would be creating another. Let's wait and see how the FA shakes out in the next couple weeks first.
- stonefire

Yes, but I assumed they would be bringing in another Winger from a different trade. I should have stated that in my original post.

By filling one hole, you would be creating another. Let's wait and see how the FA shakes out in the next couple weeks first.
- stonefire

Difference is, you're creating a hole that you can fill because there are options available. Idk that there is a difference maker out there on D in FA that will cost you 6mil or less.

Lol, I was at the first game they lost in Columbus. Panarin was hands down the most electric player on the ice. He is an incredible talent and he is the one who said he wasn't ready to talk about a contract extension so you are incorrect about a lot of things there.

The team with 3 hall of fame calibre players and the better coach won. On paper and behind the bench and on the ice Washington was better as they should have been.

Panarin was traded because in a years time he will cost 9 or 10 million and Saad will cost 6 for the next few. Pretty simple math.
- fattybeef

The one problem I have with the Saad /Panarin deal is that Panarin has gained a lot of value since. He would bring back a lot more than Saad now (even during his contract year).

Would there be any kind of backlash if Rutta is moved (Kempney) with future Euro free agents signing here? It just seems like it is bad practice to trade the guys you bring here.
- powerenforcer

In most cases, these guys have gotten good deals out of it.

You think Rutta would have gotten the contract he did somewhere else? Or look at Panarin, he wasn't drafted was a bit older, he got those contracts and got to play with Kane, make all those bonuses, then got another 6 mil deal.

I think if I was a sales guy (kind of am), I would use the Rutta, and Panarin case when selling guys to come to Chicago. Hell even Kempney got a ring, a strip show, and is going to get a much bigger deal.

I'm not sure why, but everything the Hawks do is perceived to be bad and no one will sign here down the road.

Other teams do this stuff to, you just don't pay attention to it.

Its like the thing where no GM is going to help out Stan, they are all against him. Well, the Hawks suck now, so I assume that one goes away now????

I think regardless of who is brought in, this coaching staff needs to find a way to get everyone on the same page with their defensive structure. There simply were way too many times last year where either players were out of position to defend, or not covered on a pinch, or chasing the puck, etc...

At this point, I wouldn't really mind if they traded everyone and started over from scratch on D. Unless Keith comes back with a vengeance this year, there isn't a top tier D-man on the roster. Get everyone to understand and execute their responsibilities and you will have much better results.

Hey Everyone - I wanted to let you all know that I am dedicated to keep this board civil and as positive/fun as possible.

Goalie-33 has been temporarily banned for breaking CoC on this site.

If you have any issues with a specific poster - please do not let your emotions get the best of you and break any codes yourself (I won't be able to save you). Instead, just send me a PM.

The mods are watching this board more closely now so behave and have some fun out there.
- Justin Lowe

Justin as long as the MODS are fair and consistent with the enforcement with the policy that would be a great start.

Justin as long as the MODS are fair and consistent with the enforcement with the policy that would be a great start.
- BGKarras

Like the Department of Player Safety...

Just messing around

Still think the Danault for Weiss and Flieshman and picks still is Stan's worst trade.

Need a 3C, wouldn't mind Danault still being around. You had Kruger with more O upside for a lot less dollars. Drives me crazy.

yes, its one of my horses i continually beat to death.
- vabeachbear

Do you have an extra club? I still hate that trade more than any other move Stan has made with the exception of the Runbad extension.

Agreed.

I like Saad and his game (when he's playing it), but my big peeve with the Hawks is bringing back ex-players. Majority of the time it doesn't work and it feels more like a PR move than a hockey move. Like, "Hey, fans! Remember (insert player name)?? Well he's coming back!"

If Saad can get you a Defenseman that can come in now and contribute, let's do it.
- Hank3Henshaw

If the asking price for Faulk is Saad as has been speculated, why not expand the deal and do it?
To Carolina: Saad, Anisimov, Ruuta +prospect (defenceman)
To Chicago: Faulk, Staal, Darling (at full cap hit)

This would help solve our D, C, and G problem in one deal.

If the asking price for Faulk is Saad as has been speculated, why not expand the deal and do it?
To Carolina: Saad, Anisimov, Ruuta +prospect (defenceman)
To Chicago: Faulk, Staal, Darling (at full cap hit)

This would help solve our D, C, and G problem in one deal.
- 67hawks

If they take the Hossa money also then sure.

If the asking price for Faulk is Saad as has been speculated, why not expand the deal and do it?
To Carolina: Saad, Anisimov, Ruuta +prospect (defenceman)
To Chicago: Faulk, Staal, Darling (at full cap hit)

This would help solve our D, C, and G problem in one deal.
- 67hawks

I like that trade, except I really don't want to bring Darling back.

Man, he was atrocious last year and I already don't like them bringing back ex-players. Maybe it was a fluke year for him and he'll bounce back, but I don't want the Hawks to try and find out--especially with the contract he has.

Justin as long as the MODS are fair and consistent with the enforcement with the policy that would be a great start.
- BGKarras

Working on it BG!

If the asking price for Faulk is Saad as has been speculated, why not expand the deal and do it?
To Carolina: Saad, Anisimov, Ruuta +prospect (defenceman)
To Chicago: Faulk, Staal, Darling (at full cap hit)

This would help solve our D, C, and G problem in one deal.
- 67hawks

thats a lot of cap hit coming back, and the jury is out on whether Faulk is even good at hockey. Darling is broken and expensive. Staal is expensive as well, kinda good but ive never been a fan of any of the Staal's really.

If the asking price for Faulk is Saad as has been speculated, why not expand the deal and do it?
To Carolina: Saad, Anisimov, Ruuta +prospect (defenceman)
To Chicago: Faulk, Staal, Darling (at full cap hit)

This would help solve our D, C, and G problem in one deal.
- 67hawks

I don't want to get rid of Saad, but I think we need to be open to the possibility and look at the big picture.

If Saad is dealt for help on defense then replaced with TvR then we have to consider which is better: Saad + the current defense or JvR + an improved defense (i.e. Faulk). One could argue that "the current defense" could be replaced by a free agent and the Hawks keep Saad. But the free agent pool for d-man is fairly shallow this season.

I'm not advocating trading Saad, I'm just saying it could make sense in some situations.

I like that trade, except I really don't want to bring Darling back.

Man, he was atrocious last year and I already don't like them bringing back ex-players. Maybe it was a fluke year for him and he'll bounce back, but I don't want the Hawks to try and find out--especially with the contract he has.
- Hank3Henshaw

Taking Darling off their hands at no salary or cap cost would be the enticement, otherwise I don't think there would be any interest on Carolina's part.