The D being one thing, I think it has become pretty clear just how important Hossa and Sharp both were to this team in it's prime. Kane/Toews/Hossa/Sharp really were the big 4 up front for the offense. Sharp to me doesn't get enough credit. He had a pretty cap friendly contract and during the good years 08/09 to 14/15 he was tied with Hossa/Kane in goals per game and those three only trailed Toews in that dept. I think the Hawks are restocking their depth (even if slowly) but they could really use someone to reach that level. Maybe Schmaltz/Debrincat will hit/maintain that level in the next couple seasons. It would take some pressure off the back end.

Lebron could clear the crease and screen the goalie on the PowerPlay and be a physical force on the ice...if only he could ice skate..

#FireStanley


- EnzoD

And he didn't get paid $38M a year.

Oh okay lol. I'm missing everyone's sarcasm today. 5 day weekend starts in like an hour for me so maybe I should just call it a day on here.
- L_B_R

go pound the Rose eh

Seriously get over yourself! I know how hockey works as I’ve been watching since 88’. Wanting and established player over taking a gamble for a long term/dollar amount on a rookie isn’t unreasonable, nor am I the first person to have this thought in the NHL. We all have opinions on this board, I rarely if ever agree with yours. It is what it is, let’s just be civil and not post about each other’s. Deal?
- Murph76

I rarely, if ever even post on here, so your one disagreement with me makes sense. All I'm saying is your wants aren't actually reality here. You want Seguin at $6M instead of Schmaltz... no kidding. This is the price of the business. You have a young up and comer, you have to pay him, or you lose him. You won't find someone like him on the FA market, after he's improved, at $6M. You gamble and hope it pays off.

Makes you wonder if Stan signed Manning thinking he had a deal in place to move Forsling or another D and now that deal is not happening.

Still cant believe Stan ate up 6 mill in cap space on Ward, Kunitz and Manning. Who, what and why!

Makes you wonder if Stan signed Manning thinking he had a deal in place to move Forsling or another D and now that deal is not happening.

Still cant believe Stan ate up 6 mill in cap space on Ward, Kunitz and Manning. Who, what and why!
- z1990z

I think Manning is better than Gustafson, Forsling, Oesterle, and possibly Murphy, so I don’t hate the signing. As for Ward and Kunitz they will be 1 year and done so no biggie. My issue with signing Ward is that it epitomizes the “limbo” that this organization seems to be stuck in. Unsure of whether they want to tank, contend, or maybe just pretend they’re trying to win but knowing they aren’t close with the current roster? Idk man but I think you have 2 young goalies in Forsberg/Delia that need NHL reps to see if they are the future or not.

I think Manning is better than Gustafson, Forsling, Oesterle, and possibly Murphy, so I don’t hate the signing. As for Ward and Kunitz they will be 1 year and done so no biggie. My issue with signing Ward is that it epitomizes the “limbo” that this organization seems to be stuck in. Unsure of whether they want to tank, contend, or maybe just pretend they’re trying to win but knowing they aren’t close with the current roster? Idk man but I think you have 2 young goalies in Forsberg/Delia that need NHL reps to see if they are the future or not.
- EnzoD

Cam Ward is the personification of "good enough to be somewhat competitive but not good enough to actually win games"

Cam Ward is the personification of "good enough to be somewhat competitive but not good enough to actually win games"
- BINGO!

It doesn’t matter how good - or bad - Ward is - what matters is that he is here instead of letting them see what Forsberg really has - and unless they carry three goalies (meaning - I don’t know what about how much Forsberg plays) - they could easily lose Forsberg to waivers.

Not the way to go when your starting goalie is still a question mark (not having been on the ice for over nine months when the season starts), will be 34 in any case, and whose contract is up in two seasons - without any proven potential replacement in the system.

It doesn’t matter how good - or bad - Ward is - what matters is that he is here instead of letting them see what Forsberg really has - and unless they carry three goalies (meaning - I don’t know what about how much Forsberg plays) - they could easily lose Forsberg to waivers.

Not the way to go when your starting goalie is still a question mark (not having been on the ice for over nine months when the season starts), will be 34 in any case, and whose contract is up in two seasons - without any proven potential replacement in the system.
- StLBravesFan

Is Forsberg a risk to waiver claim if sent to Rockford?

The lineup, without any trades***lindberg** that has the best chance to win IMO.

Saad-Toews-Kane
Debrincat-Anisimov-Schmaltz
Hinostroza-Lindberg***-Kunitz
Martinsen-Kampf/Johnson/Other?-Hayden

Forwards look pretty decent if Lindberg can lock down 3C. Q can swap Kunitz/Hayden depending on how they’re playing. Top line will score a goal a game and 2nd line is a nice balance of passing, finishing, and dirty work from Artem.

The defense group however.....that’s still ugly. LOL
- EnzoD

No disrespect to you because I am in your corner
But that lineup gets you to the top three lotto pick for next year .Kempney couldn’t playbut he goes and signed Manning?

Is Forsberg a risk to waiver claim if sent to Rockford?
- z1990z

Yes

No disrespect to you because I am in your corner
But that lineup gets you to the top three lotto pick for next year .Kempney couldn’t playbut he goes and signed Manning?
- wonthecup10

Yup that's an average 2nd line, bad 3rd line, average 4th line. Bad 1C and 1LW. (compared to Cup contender standards).

That was once said about Olson and Lalonde. How did that turn out?
- Beaver-Warrior

Also was said about Keith and Seabrook,

see anyone can do this.

Cam Ward is the personification of "good enough to be somewhat competitive but not good enough to actually win games"
- BINGO!

I thought someone posted back on the 1st that he had a winning record

It doesn’t matter how good - or bad - Ward is - what matters is that he is here instead of letting them see what Forsberg really has - and unless they carry three goalies (meaning - I don’t know what about how much Forsberg plays) - they could easily lose Forsberg to waivers.

Not the way to go when your starting goalie is still a question mark (not having been on the ice for over nine months when the season starts), will be 34 in any case, and whose contract is up in two seasons - without any proven potential replacement in the system.
- StLBravesFan

I'm still not sure Crow is OK, didn't like the way Stan answered that question again today.

I thought someone posted back on the 1st that he had a winning record
- vabeachbear

He sure did. He also had a .906 Save percentage and hasn't made the playoffs in 9 years.

That .906 is exactly what his save percentage over the past 6 years combined works out to as well. In that time frame he's 113-95-38.

Point is he's below average. And has been for a while.

For that kind of money? Hell yes! You think the kid has done anything at all to earn that kind of money? I don't, that's what Saad makes and he has at least the history to prove he can be worth 6/6 (he wasn't last year, but potentially).
- Murph76

Look I know you want Schmaltzy to prove it a year or to more but what if...Yes I know if...he blows out the next two seasons 70 then 80 pts, almost 1.00PPG then the Hawks are ahead on the deal, getting with term early ala Keith way back. BTW is his projection is straight north and young and local. Also he is Kaner's buddy!

I'm still not sure Crow is OK, didn't like the way Stan answered that question again today.
- vabeachbear

I’ve not been sure since this whole thing started. Unfortunately only time will tell.

He sure did. He also had a .906 Save percentage and hasn't made the playoffs in 9 years.

That .906 is exactly what his save percentage over the past 6 years combined works out to as well. In that time frame he's 113-95-38.

Point is he's below average. And has been for a while.
- BINGO!

That’s because he was playing for the Hurricanes. Unfortunately he’ll probably find it the same playing for the Blackhawks now.

That’s because he was playing for the Hurricanes. Unfortunately he’ll probably find it the same playing for the Blackhawks now.
- walleyeb1

I don't think his individual save percentage is related much to the team.

Over the last six seasons he's played behind 31 different defensemen, 4 back up goalies, had 3 different goalie coaches and 2 different head coaches.

We could have re-united Kane and Gagner when Gagner was younger and cheaper, but we did not. Why would we do that now? I do not believe that posted rumour at all.
EDIT: Unless Seabrook is going the other way.
- 67hawks

This just proves that Kaner made Gagner (same line) at London Knights in Juniors. They both came out highly touted and Gagner flopped and has gone from team to team since then.

JJ


Source this AM: Hawks kicking the tires/discussing C/W Oscar Lindberg, VGK and W/C Sam Gagner, VAN
- mrpaulish

Lolololololololol

(frank)kkkkkk

NHL source tells The Athletic he thinks Dallas has emerged as front runner for Karlsson and Bobby Ryan will not be part of the deal. No other details.

So you want Bowman to wake up and trade for crappy toys that cost too much?
- L_B_R

It's not that bad of a contract the leafs paid a big bonus I think its .750 cap hit.

Or (if Lindberg is traded for without giving up AA)
Saad-Toews-Hino
Debrincat-AA-Kane
Schmaltz-Lindberg- Hayden
Kunitz-Kampf-Sikura(if he has a good camp)
- -Doh-

very soft lineup schmaltz wouldn't be a 3rdliner.