Is the OHL a higher level of play then where he was playing?
- z1990z

The SHL is considered higher as it's men vs. men for the most part and is often viewed as one of the best leagues outside of the NHL (with the KHL).

However, the reason the Hawks signed him was clearly to have control and "help him" make this decision to go to London.

This way he will be closer to them, under a great program (Dale Hunter is the coach) and will play a ton! He will also get used to the smaller NA ice.

He should light up the OHL and could very easily be an OHL defenceman of the year type candidate by the end of next year.

That is great news .London is a breading ground for great players ,and the Hunters show the players how to be real pros .. And I can go see him at my local arena
- oldduffman

Hey Duff, hope you are able to give us some insight on his progress through the year, try to get to some of the early games and compare to what strides/improvements are being made. Would rather hear it from "boots on the ground" rather than a Hawk mouthpiece.

That is great news .London is a breading ground for great players ,and the Hunters show the players how to be real pros .. And I can go see him at my local arena
- oldduffman

You in London Duff?

I will be planning on going to see him a few times this year. Just not sure where yet. I'm closer to Guelph/KW

Hey Duff, hope you are able to give us some insight on his progress through the year, try to get to some of the early games and compare to what strides/improvements are being made. Would rather hear it from "boots on the ground" rather than a Hawk mouthpiece.
- savvyone-1

I'll have a couple live updates as well Savvy.

Boone Jenner for under $4mil??? WOW. Nice day at the office for Jarmo.
- EnzoD

That's pretty much market value for a player who hasn't topped 35 points two seasons in a row while on his show-me bridge deal and has about a .46 PPG in the NHL so far. Like Colin Wilson, Bärtschi, Hagelin, Backlund, etc etc.

Scotty Bowman's son has shown time and time again that he possesses absolutely ZERO negotiating ability. Inflated cap hits WITH no trade clauses, like a record stuck on repeat with this guy who is only in his job due to nepotism. Rocky should've sent Stanely Bowman back to Notre Dame to teach freshman year finance classes.
- EnzoD

A couple too many, but not that far out of line with much of the rest of the league in terms of NMC/NTC/Modified NTC given out:

The great Stevie Y at Tampa has given out 10, as has Detroit.

Pittsburgh, Boston, Anaheim, Calgary and Dallas have given out 7; Kings, Sharks, Caps, and Wild have 6.

Yeah - not sure why Kunitz (maybe because it's an "old man" contract?) and Ward have them, wish Seabrook didn't, Anisimov not really deserved, but the rest - Kane, Toews, Keith, Crawford, Hossa, even Seabrook - not sure how you don't give them in a league that makes it legal.

But - a couple too many for sure.

Hey, we made another "Top" list this off-season

https://nhl.nbcsports.com...worse-this-summer-so-far/

Maroon still unsigned, any interest?
- Revco38

Not sure how the Hawks made themselves worse this summer (yet) - Gretz seems to be hanging a lot on uncertainty about Crawford.

But - Crawford didn't play last year.

Certainly not better - but not #4 on the "worse" list, I wouldn't think.

I'll have a couple live updates as well Savvy.
- Justin Lowe

Excellent Justin, as we know, there is no replacement for seeing the boys live, especially if you are fortunate enough to be at ice-level. You can really get a handle on skating ability, vision, etc. Looking forward to these updates (Duff's too hopefully).

Excellent Justin, as we know, there is no replacement for seeing the boys live, especially if you are fortunate enough to be at ice-level. You can really get a handle on skating ability, vision, etc. Looking forward to these updates (Duff's too hopefully).
- savvyone-1

Agreed. I love it.

I spoke with Brandon Manning's uncle yesterday and Brandon is super stoked about joining the Hawks. He is one of those players that will stick up for his teammates and will grind it out with anyone, regardless of size. He is one tough kid. And that is something we've been sorely lacking on our backend. I am excited to see what he brings to the Hawks. In my opinion this could be a solid pickup. A decent 5/6 D-man with grit and toughness.
He is attending Claude Giroux's wedding this week, and then heads to Chicago to find a place to live.

Excellent Justin, as we know, there is no replacement for seeing the boys live, especially if you are fortunate enough to be at ice-level. You can really get a handle on skating ability, vision, etc. Looking forward to these updates (Duff's too hopefully).
- savvyone-1

Let's suppose that the Hawks are a bubble team by next year's Trade Deadline. Jokiharju gets his 9 games and sent down, Boqvist stays in London all year, Hillman/Gilbert/others stay in AHL to marinate longer, Forsling gets 60 games or so...

Gustafsson, Ruutta, and Murphy might fetch a decent return at the deadline. Do you hold onto them hoping for magic in the playoffs? Or do you sell for more picks and prospects to stick with the retool?

I must say it does feel really nice to have a few layers of defensive prospects, some might even call it a logjam. I didn't even mention Snuggerud, Krys, Beaudien.

Let's suppose that the Hawks are a bubble team by next year's Trade Deadline. Jokiharju gets his 9 games and sent down, Boqvist stays in London all year, Hillman/Gilbert/others stay in AHL to marinate longer, Forsling gets 60 games or so...

Gustafsson, Ruutta, and Murphy might fetch a decent return at the deadline. Do you hold onto them hoping for magic in the playoffs? Or do you sell for more picks and prospects to stick with the retool?

I must say it does feel really nice to have a few layers of defensive prospects, some might even call it a logjam. I didn't even mention Snuggerud, Krys, Beaudien.
- ObeseOprah

It's interesting how this can play out. I guess the biggest hope is that the #3-#7 defense plays real well, there are few hit prospects, and our futures hold true to their improvement. Potential to have a couple players who can fetch a good return. Also... the potential of nothing but #5/6 defense throughout.

A couple too many, but not that far out of line with much of the rest of the league in terms of NMC/NTC/Modified NTC given out:

The great Stevie Y at Tampa has given out 10, as has Detroit.

Pittsburgh, Boston, Anaheim, Calgary and Dallas have given out 7; Kings, Sharks, Caps, and Wild have 6.

Yeah - not sure why Kunitz (maybe because it's an "old man" contract?) and Ward have them, wish Seabrook didn't, Anisimov not really deserved, but the rest - Kane, Toews, Keith, Crawford, Hossa, even Seabrook - not sure how you don't give them in a league that makes it legal.

But - a couple too many for sure.
- StLBravesFan

It will never happen of course but I really wish they'd get rid of NTC/NMC.

It will never happen of course but I really wish they'd get rid of NTC/NMC.
- tyweb69

You would figure the GMs could get together and say hey fellas no more NTC NMCs. You figure it would help all of them.

Who was the first pro to ever have a NTc?

Let's suppose that the Hawks are a bubble team by next year's Trade Deadline. Jokiharju gets his 9 games and sent down, Boqvist stays in London all year, Hillman/Gilbert/others stay in AHL to marinate longer, Forsling gets 60 games or so...

Gustafsson, Ruutta, and Murphy might fetch a decent return at the deadline. Do you hold onto them hoping for magic in the playoffs? Or do you sell for more picks and prospects to stick with the retool?

I must say it does feel really nice to have a few layers of defensive prospects, some might even call it a logjam. I didn't even mention Snuggerud, Krys, Beaudien.
- ObeseOprah

Good question.
I think it depends on whether Q is at the helm. If not, then a question of when he was replaced (and by whom) and the "scheme" they are attempting to run.

IMO, guys like Murphy don't have a place in today's NHL except under the right circumstances. Gus, Ruuta are decent skaters (better than Murphy) but don't have great speed either. I would want to see the others against NHLers and make that determination. Without excellent wheels, a defender in today's NHL is going to be hard-pressed to be successful except in a great situation.

If Colliton can develop some of those guys and the best of them get NHL slotted, would be possible to restock some of the F's we're lacking via trade.

The SHL is considered higher as it's men vs. men for the most part and is often viewed as one of the best leagues outside of the NHL (with the KHL).

However, the reason the Hawks signed him was clearly to have control and "help him" make this decision to go to London.

This way he will be closer to them, under a great program (Dale Hunter is the coach) and will play a ton! He will also get used to the smaller NA ice.

He should light up the OHL and could very easily be an OHL defenceman of the year type candidate by the end of next year.
- Justin Lowe

The Hunter boys like to win first and foremost and they develop plenty of NHL players in their hockey factory. The Knight's best players get huge amounts of ice time. Boqvist could wind up playing with Evan Bouchard for the season unless Edmonton does their normal stupid stuff and put him on their NHL roster too early.

Who knew Victor Mete was an NHL defenceman? The Habs didn't.

Good question.
I think it depends on whether Q is at the helm. If not, then a question of when he was replaced (and by whom) and the "scheme" they are attempting to run.

IMO, guys like Murphy don't have a place in today's NHL except under the right circumstances. Gus, Ruuta are decent skaters (better than Murphy) but don't have great speed either. I would want to see the others against NHLers and make that determination. Without excellent wheels, a defender in today's NHL is going to be hard-pressed to be successful except in a great situation.

If Colliton can develop some of those guys and the best of them get NHL slotted, would be possible to restock some of the F's we're lacking via trade.
- savvyone-1

While I agree with the top part, it begs the discussion as to if we're going to get decent F's in return, or just AHL fodder. If they don't have a place in today's NHL, except a few teams, then most teams won't be looking to trade for these players. And if there is a place where the system works, odds are they already have a few players who fit that mold. Teams will trade for them, and you might get a good return from a playoff team come trade deadline, but you have to wonder with the influx of crazy fast/skilled forwards, if these defenders just keep losing value.

While I agree with the top part, it begs the discussion as to if we're going to get decent F's in return, or just AHL fodder. If they don't have a place in today's NHL, except a few teams, then most teams won't be looking to trade for these players. And if there is a place where the system works, odds are they already have a few players who fit that mold. Teams will trade for them, and you might get a good return from a playoff team come trade deadline, but you have to wonder with the influx of crazy fast/skilled forwards, if these defenders just keep losing value.
- HawksHype

Excellent post & question. My belief: yes. It's only when guys like this understand their limitations and role and play within themselves. Used to piss me off to no end when a guy like Steve Montador (God rest his soul) who Stan WAYYYYYYYYYY overpaid to get, would think he was Bobby Orr and find himself attempting to rush the puck up-ice, get caught and before you knew it, odd-man break the other way. He'd be back in time to fish the puck out of our net.

Maybe it's pride. Maybe it's a guy's image of what he can/can't do is simply skewed. Maybe it's trying to please a coach or even show off to your teammates that you can do it.

Guys like Brent Sopel OTOH were OK skaters (much like Murphy although I think Sopes was smoother from what I remember) but knew his limitations and fit perfectly as to what he was asked to do and what he could do. I don't recall many times when he went outside that envelope. Sopel was slotted correctly, used correctly and trusted by Q. And I think the match of coach trusting and slotting a player appropriately is what is going to matter for a guy that is not necessarily physically gifted as a very good skater.

EDIT: that was my biggest beef with TVR -- had Q slotted him correctly and used him the right way by NOT slotting him in the 1st or 2nd pairing, he would have been fine. I'd love him back -- but only as a d-minded 3rd pairing guy (and we have plenty of those).

I'm sure there will be lots of disagreement with my thinking.

The Hunter boys like to win first and foremost and they develop plenty of NHL players in their hockey factory. The Knight's best players get huge amounts of ice time. Boqvist could wind up playing with Evan Bouchard for the season unless Edmonton does their normal stupid stuff and put him on their NHL roster too early.

Who knew Victor Mete was an NHL defenceman? The Habs didn't.
- RickJ

I think Edmonton will pull their normal stupid stuff. 'We will be sending him back'... Bouchard has one secondary assist in his 4th game of his 9 game tryout....

'How could we send this phenom back? He's obviously beyond ready.'

Bouchard plays 70 games, 15 points and has hundreds of articles written about how he's the second coming of Paul Coffey.

You in London Duff?

I will be planning on going to see him a few times this year. Just not sure where yet. I'm closer to Guelph/KW
- Justin Lowe

Sarnia . London just a hour down the road ,

Excellent post & question. My belief: yes. It's only when guys like this understand their limitations and role and play within themselves. Used to piss me off to no end when a guy like Steve Montador (God rest his soul) who Stan WAYYYYYYYYYY overpaid to get, would think he was Bobby Orr and find himself attempting to rush the puck up-ice, get caught and before you knew it, odd-man break the other way. He'd be back in time to fish the puck out of our net.

Maybe it's pride. Maybe it's a guy's image of what he can/can't do is simply skewed. Maybe it's trying to please a coach or even show off to your teammates that you can do it.

Guys like Brent Sopel OTOH were OK skaters (much like Murphy although I think Sopes was smoother from what I remember) but knew his limitations and fit perfectly as to what he was asked to do and what he could do. I don't recall many times when he went outside that envelope. Sopel was slotted correctly, used correctly and trusted by Q. And I think the match of coach trusting and slotting a player appropriately is what is going to matter for a guy that is not necessarily physically gifted as a very good skater.

EDIT: that was my biggest beef with TVR -- had Q slotted him correctly and used him the right way by NOT slotting him in the 1st or 2nd pairing, he would have been fine. I'd love him back -- but only as a d-minded 3rd pairing guy (and we have plenty of those).

I'm sure there will be lots of disagreement with my thinking.
- savvyone-1

True, and I think that is maybe what defines a stay at home defenseman. He can't go head to head in speed, but can position his body/stick to create awkward angles, drive players to boards, give time for help to arrive, etc. And maybe that's where these types of players retain their value, because every team needs that. Nothing flashy, but solid on the back end and can be trusted. And maybe, as you mentioned, that's where some coaching to play within themselves can improve their stock and prime them to move up. It would be nice to have a surplus of high end d prospects.

Anisimov or Seabrook (unlikely) would have to go to Ottawa if the Hawks got Stone. Stan has made it clear he wants to re-sign Schmaltz and DeBrincat and he wouldn't re-sign Stone if that hurt his ability to do so.
- DarthKane

I take stone over dcat and smaltz just my opinion. That trade proposal of trading murphy forsling would not be good for the future of the hawks so the hawks give up youth so hawks get older doesn't make sense. Pick a lane one last ride and if thats what think then shoulda done better in free agency or continue with youth movement and rebuild on the fly. Only way murphy should get traded is the hawks are getting a number 2 center in return otherwise no deal. I like murphy a lot lot of potential and upside and room to learn and get better skating needs work yes but that can imorove if he is committed to do so. What about this forsling only because were deep on the left side hossa's contract knott and a 2022 3rd for pageau.

The Athletic: Blue Jackets sign Anthony Duclair, 22, to one-year, $650,000 contract

The Athletic: Blue Jackets sign Anthony Duclair, 22, to one-year, $650,000 contract
- walleyeb1

Another Stan fail!!!

I take stone over dcat and smaltz just my opinion. That trade proposal of trading murphy forsling would not be good for the future of the hawks so the hawks give up youth so hawks get older doesn't make sense. Pick a lane one last ride and if thats what think then shoulda done better in free agency or continue with youth movement and rebuild on the fly. Only way murphy should get traded is the hawks are getting a number 2 center in return otherwise no deal. I like murphy a lot lot of potential and upside and room to learn and get better skating needs work yes but that can imorove if he is committed to do so. What about this forsling only because were deep on the left side hossa's contract knott and a 2022 3rd for pageau.
- Scott1977

Stone is 4 years older than Schmaltz and 6 years older than Debrincat, so that's something you have to consider. Also, Stone just filed for arbitration and he can now use E.Kane as a market value comparable for the high end.

I'm personally not attached to Murphy beyond I don't want him thrown away. If he + something was used to secure a different cost certain top 4 RD or a good center of some sort, I'd be down.