Best defenseman in Hawks history for a 3rd line center.

And Chevy does so much meth that he thinks trading his best defenseman for a declining $10.5 cap hit is a good idea.

Did your NHL18 disc get scratched or something?
- ObeseOprah

A third line centre who has scored 30 goals two years running. The Leafs would never do that trade . .

I suspect that this is exactly what the Hawks' braintrust is thinking, but refuses to admit publicly. I do not know why they will not say so unless they are afraid of the public backlash (which I doubt would happen).
- hpk90

The fans are so fragile. They overreact to a lot of things.

My guess is the Hawks are certainly afraid to say anything "negative" about their current situation--even if it's just speaking the truth.

"The sky is falling" fans probably outnumber folks like a lot of us and I think the Hawks fear a potential return to the dark days should they say anything that could imply they won't be a contender or something.

Agreed. Been saying that all along as well.

If AA goes... Stan better have a plan to back fill or Chicago is no better off. Anisimov is still a valuable player to this team.
- Justin Lowe

AA is a good third line center, and a just below average second line center. I don't like him personally, and think his $4.5 is worth more to the Hawks as space than the player it's spent on.

He is a solid player, I just don't think he's a winner or that die hard of a player.

If we lose him it looks really thin at Center: Toews, Schmaltz... Todd Simpson, Mark Bell

The remaining UFA centers are Torrey Mitchell (speedy), Matt Stajan, Joe Colborne, Mark Letestu, Dominic Moore, and a bunch of other nobodies.

Maybe the Hawks get an RFA center back: https://www.spotrac.com/n...l/free-agents/center/rfa/

Stan would be far better off to come out and state the team's plan going forward is to draft, develop and promote from within to the maximum extent possible. And to be completely honest like Ron Hextall was this morning when he said the Flyers had interest in a number of the FA's but he wasn't prepared to offer the term these players (Dmen specifically) ultimately got elsewhere.
- RickJ

I do agree, but at the same time to me its pretty obvious, I'm sure McD is like we can't say the R word, just can't do it.

What did Sikura do last year that makes people think he is a lock for the NHL next fall? He showed me nothing more than another 170lb sub 6' player with nice hands and absolutely no grit.
- EnzoD

I agree. Toews, Kane, Saad, Schmaltz, Hino, AA (if not traded), Debrincat, Kunitz (maybe as 13th forward in press box some nights) should be locks. Beyond that let the younger players win a roster spot in camp. No need to rush them at this point. No matter which 13 forwards make the squad they are unlikely to make the playoffs unless:
- Crow is healthy all year and stands on his head
- the core plays better
- the D is greatly improved
- a couple of the younger players (forwards and D) have breakout/surprise years
That is a lot to ask for (hope for).

A third line centre who has scored 30 goals two years running. The Leafs would never do that trade . .
- HamiltonHawk

The Leafs would do that trade because it'd be an awful trade. I don't want a middling center with 2 years of prime left and documented attitude issues.

http://calgaryherald.com/...ituation-with-maple-leafs

This trade also would provide $1MM in cap savings, no thanks.


Keith retires a Hawk, you people are a damn circus.

Any chance Stan does a blockbuster with Ottawa?
- Assman22

Sure:

To Blackhawks

Bobby Ryan 1/2 salary retained
Eric Karlsson

To Ottawa

Artem Anisimov
Marian Hossa
Connor Murphy

The Leafs would do that trade because it'd be an awful trade. I don't want a middling center with 2 years of prime left and documented attitude issues.

http://calgaryherald.com/...ituation-with-maple-leafs

This trade also would provide $1MM in cap savings, no thanks.


Keith retires a Hawk, you people are a damn circus.
- ObeseOprah

I'd take that bet. He's 35 in 2 weeks, is the Hawks best dman by a mile (scary given his play and -30 last year), and was clearly frustrated by the team, his d-partners, and I'd argue the overall state and direction of the Hawks. He is a top pair D on 29 teams even at 35, with a managable cap hit and desire to WIN. Keith will be traded this deadline, book it! The Hawks moves yesterday signal a rebuild IMO. Keith on Toronto and they win the Cup with even decent goaltending from Anderson.

Sure:

To Blackhawks

Bobby Ryan 1/2 salary retained
Eric Karlsson

To Ottawa

Artem Anisimov
Marian Hossa
Connor Murphy
- walleyeb1

I think Ottawa's asking price is probably higher.

I think Ottawa's asking price is probably higher.
- breadbag

I think he was joking around. Haha.

I'd take that bet. He's 35 in 2 weeks, is the Hawks best dman by a mile (scary given his play and -30 last year), and was clearly frustrated by the team, his d-partners, and I'd argue the overall state and direction of the Hawks. He is a top pair D on 29 teams even at 35, with a managable cap hit and desire to WIN. Keith will be traded this deadline, book it! The Hawks moves yesterday signal a rebuild IMO. Keith on Toronto and they win the Cup with even decent goaltending from Anderson.
- EnzoD

I have always liked when a legendary player stays with the same team his whole career. I'd really like it if Keith did that. His number is already going to be retired, he's a first ballot Hall of Famer, I hope he stays til he's done.

Stan would be far better off to come out and state the team's plan going forward is to draft, develop and promote from within to the maximum extent possible. And to be completely honest like Ron Hextall was this morning when he said the Flyers had interest in a number of the FA's but he wasn't prepared to offer the term these players (Dmen specifically) ultimately got elsewhere.
- RickJ

And how much did they give JVR?

Maybe Stan hasn't said anything, because free agency is a whopping 1 day old and they have like 3 months before the season starts.

And how much did they give JVR?

Maybe Stan hasn't said anything, because free agency is a whopping 1 day old and they have like 3 months before the season starts.
- PatShart

But I am sure Stan knows this board female dog's every action or inaction. I mean how in the "He double hockey sticks" does he loose out on Traveres, JVR, and Lebron in the same offseason?

Calgary loaded up this year.

Noah Hanafin
Elias Lindholm
James Neal
Derek Ryan
Austin Czarnik

Sure:

To Blackhawks

Bobby Ryan 1/2 salary retained
Eric Karlsson

To Ottawa

Artem Anisimov
Marian Hossa
Connor Murphy
- walleyeb1

I get why Anisimov seems like a likely trade target, but Stan would need to address the depth at centre if he’s dealt. Toews would be the only experiences centre, Schmaltz is solid but I’m still not sure if he’ll play C or LW.

But I am sure Stan knows this board female dog's every action or inaction. I mean how in the "He double hockey sticks" does he loose out on Traveres, JVR, and Lebron in the same offseason?
- riozzo[/quote]

I'd take that bet. He's 35 in 2 weeks, is the Hawks best dman by a mile (scary given his play and -30 last year), and was clearly frustrated by the team, his d-partners, and I'd argue the overall state and direction of the Hawks. He is a top pair D on 29 teams even at 35, with a managable cap hit and desire to WIN. Keith will be traded this deadline, book it! The Hawks moves yesterday signal a rebuild IMO. Keith on Toronto and they win the Cup with even decent goaltending from Anderson.
- EnzoD

That is how I felt also until someone posted the list of past free agency signings.

Aside from 4 or 5 of those guys over the years, none were really impact players. Whether it was due to being priced out of the market or those available really weren't what they were looking for, I don't know.

I think recent history shows that any impact moves that Stan has made have been via trade. And yes, I know, that some of those trades haven't worked out.

I think he was joking around. Haha.
- Hank3Henshaw

Yeah a guy can dream lol!

Yeah a guy can dream lol!
- walleyeb1

Yep! Haha.

Calgary loaded up this year.

Noah Hanafin
Elias Lindholm
James Neal
Derek Ryan
Austin Czarnik
- Hank3Henshaw

maybe they'll get closer to the playoffs.................

With the signing of JT, do you see what it will take to pry a William Nylander from the Leafs?

maybe they'll get closer to the playoffs.................
- vabeachbear

Maybe...

I get why Anisimov seems like a likely trade target, but Stan would need to address the depth at centre if he’s dealt. Toews would be the only experiences centre, Schmaltz is solid but I’m still not sure if he’ll play C or LW.
- DarthKane

Also, Anisimov has a modified NTC list of 10 teams. How much should we bet that the biggest dumpster fire of an organization isn't on that list?

Also, Anisimov has a modified NTC list of 10 teams. How much should we bet that the biggest dumpster fire of an organization isn't on that list?
- ObeseOprah

Always really curious to see the lists these guys put out. I don't know why teams keep them so "hush-hush."

Why does it matter?

If AA goes... Stan better have a plan to back fill or Chicago is no better off. Anisimov is still a valuable player to this team.
- Justin Lowe

Unless the rebuild becomes closer to be spoken. Sure they would need to replace AA at C but if they didn't and got a Zhykov, Thomas or Petterssen type top prospect that would signal a real rebuild. A kid ready for an NHL spot now but projects as a serious 1st liner in 3 yrs.

Then Keith goes for the same return + at the TDL and this group is making real noise in 2-3 yrs.