And what if Entwistle becomes a credible #3/#4 and Kruger approaches the Kruger of old....

Ya pays yo money and ya takes yo chances.
- StLBravesFan

That would work

I liked the trade. Getting Kruger back isn't ideal but it's only for a year and hossa contract needed to be gone last year.
I like the prospect maletta could be a dark horse for a cup of tea.
Dont get why people want rick nash you can tell his heart isn't in it completely if he's this worried about getting hurt it will probably effect his play.
Also little worried everyone is banking on ejdsell and sikura opening day. Both guys and maybe kampf would benefit from some extra time in the AHL. I'm excited to see how Luke Johnson looks at camp. Still some solid free agents out there to fill out the roster.

Saad Toews Cat
Patches Schmaltz Kane
Hayden Kruger Sikura or Kunitz Kruger Hayden?
Kunitz Johnson Kahun

Keith Faulk
Murph Seabs
Rutta Manning

Corey
Ward

Would you trade Sikura in a Faulk deal?
- SoftServe

I would not.

Saad Toews Cat
Patches Schmaltz Kane
Hayden Kruger Sikura or Kunitz Kruger Hayden?
Kunitz Johnson Kahun

Keith Faulk
Murph Seabs
Rutta Manning

Corey
Ward

Would you trade Sikura in a Faulk deal?
- SoftServe

I consider Sikura one of the (3) top prospects along with Boqvist, and Jokiharju. I would not trade any of those three unless it were for a long term top-6 or top-4 player. Certainly not for a player with only 1 or 2 years before UFA.

remember this from twitter:

A Central Scouting
@MarkSeidel
Mackenzie Entwistle is a STEAL by Arizone. Tim Bernhart/Jeff Twohey can't believe he was there. Not many I can guarantee as NHL'ers...He is!
11:06 AM - Jun 24, 2017

remember this from twitter:

A Central Scouting
@MarkSeidel
Mackenzie Entwistle is a STEAL by Arizone. Tim Bernhart/Jeff Twohey can't believe he was there. Not many I can guarantee as NHL'ers...He is!
11:06 AM - Jun 24, 2017
- wiz1901

Wiz what are your thoughts can he? I read your review of him already

D hope you had a good 4th...

meantime I think you know what Rainman is referring to - the two trades where Stan held his cards too long in consecutive offseasons and was fleeced by both Snow on Leddy and Nil on Sharp. Those remain horrid deals for Stan. In particular the Sharp deal because of the other moves it effected.

If that cap space is there at the start of free agency this summer that might change things a bit. But who knows?

And once again Bowman was forced to dump a decent younger player to move an unwanted salary out. TT w/ Bicks Johns w/ Sharp Hino w/ Hossa.

As far as the deal yes cap space cleared - we'll see what Stan does. Could the Hawks acquire both Patches and Stralman somehow? In the meantime your center depth remains a concern and you still have done nothing to fix the defense for this coming season. Unless you think Kunitz and Manning are game changers.

But let's see how it plays out.
- DK002

Good morning DK.

First of all...what Rick said.

Also, like you said, it may have chenged a bit, but how much?

Other than maybe Riley Nash who I think would have been a decent 3C for the Hawks, there wasn't a lot out there that was worth further handcuffing the team with long term contracts.

Kruger doesn't provide any offense but he does give you center depth provided he's healthy and can perform in more a of a shutdown role again.

I'd have to read SR's post again but I'm not sure he was referring to those trades at all, but I appreciate you sneaking them into your post.

And both soft as feathers
- Assman22

Unlike Kane and Schmaltz who are tough as (frank) and could have been on the '75 Flyers

If I had to choose between Faulk and Stralman, I go with Stralman. I feel the offensive acumen and PP prowess of Faulk can be had in house with someone like Gustafsson as early as this season and down the line with the eventual (and hopeful) emergence of Boqvist, Jokiharju or even Mitchell. Stralman, however, can help stabilize the top 4 and particularly the top pair as far as actual defense.

From the little I know about Cirelli, he is projected to be a very good checking center. A player like him could be a solid 3C. Current center prospects like Kampf, Johnson, and Highmore have potential but I see them as being very good 4Cs but serviceable 3Cs. And if each player is very good at their position and line, then everyone is slotted appropriately. But if players are serviceable, i.e. decent but not ideal, then that can illustrate lack of depth and certain players playing beyond their means.
- AEL_Fox

No question I would take Stralman over Faulk for a couple of reasons: he is the better all-around D with more experience, much better fit with Keith if paired together, help mentor young Swedes (to lesser extent young Fins), and finally flexibility in expiring contract after one season.

remember this from twitter:

A Central Scouting
@MarkSeidel
Mackenzie Entwistle is a STEAL by Arizone. Tim Bernhart/Jeff Twohey can't believe he was there. Not many I can guarantee as NHL'ers...He is!
11:06 AM - Jun 24, 2017
- wiz1901

So I google Entwhistle and Elite Prospects says he likes to throw his weight around. I'm all for that. But please no with the train whistles like they used to do in Nashville when Tootoo was blowing guys up. That's the only down side I can see.

Was...RIP Ox

#boristhespider
- HawkintheD

#mywife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUl1loKFQxg

*NEW* blog: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=93922

Not sure what the advanced stats comparison is between them, but I would take Pacioretty over Skinner, too.
- AEL_Fox

We are aligned in our thinking about possible Hawks pick ups and potential fits. I would take Patch as well and put him on the LW with Schmaltzy and Kaner that size they got some size and proven finisher for the two creaters. Also Kaner is somewhat familiar with Patches from the Team USA days of the Olympics.

Also if Stralman isn't available I would take Girardi (perfect fit for Keith and use to playing with O style D's like McDonoagh and Hedman. This still would be over taking Faulk. Just not sold on the total package of Faulk.

D hope you had a good 4th...

meantime I think you know what Rainman is referring to - the two trades where Stan held his cards too long in consecutive offseasons and was fleeced by both Snow on Leddy and Nil on Sharp. Those remain horrid deals for Stan. In particular the Sharp deal because of the other moves it effected.

If that cap space is there at the start of free agency this summer that might change things a bit. But who knows?

And once again Bowman was forced to dump a decent younger player to move an unwanted salary out. TT w/ Bicks Johns w/ Sharp Hino w/ Hossa.

As far as the deal yes cap space cleared - we'll see what Stan does. Could the Hawks acquire both Patches and Stralman somehow? In the meantime your center depth remains a concern and you still have done nothing to fix the defense for this coming season. Unless you think Kunitz and Manning are game changers.

But let's see how it plays out.
- DK002

No doubt they still are weak at center, no idea of Crow's health, after Keith no sure 1st or 2nd rotation Dman in the system (without 1 or 2 ascending to that role this yr), still only have a legit top 4 at forward and that's counting Toews and not AA.

There are still numerous holes. Too many to logically fix to make a deep run if even A run. But assuming Kruger is healthy they are better on the ice today than yesterday. Kid at 28 on a 1 yr deal can win a draw, suppress shots and take some leg burning PK minutes and defensive draws from Toews.

I hope the Hawks realize they are still in the unspoken rebuild and realistically won't "contend" for 2-3 yrs. Keep adding young pieces and absolutely no vets with term or using young assets/draft picks to acquire any vets. Nash for 1 yr, fine. No to Pacioretty cuz he will cost assets unless AA is in the deal and they are thinking long view by moving Pacioretty at the TDL for a load (but you're fooling with the bull cuz he could get hurt).

For me Stan and the organIzation has been clear eyed this offseason. Nobody added with term in FA and he showed patience moving the Hossa money which there was no rush to do, really.

I'm hoping this approach continues.

remember this from twitter:

A Central Scouting
@MarkSeidel
Mackenzie Entwistle is a STEAL by Arizone. Tim Bernhart/Jeff Twohey can't believe he was there. Not many I can guarantee as NHL'ers...He is!
11:06 AM - Jun 24, 2017
- wiz1901

Read somewhere he had mono in his draft yr but that yr he played in the WJC U-18 and played 54 games with Hamilton.

Do you remember anything like that in his draft yr?

Skinner's value might be somewhat low rn because he has been reported saying no to every trade option brought to him thank to his NMC and instead provided a short (possibly 3-4 team) list of teams he would be willing to waive for. LAK was on that list (deal almost happened before draft but CAR ask was too much), but they're out now with the Kovalchuk signing.

I only trade for Skinner if the ask isn't high, which seems unlikely. He's good but I'm not for selling too much of the future to get him.
- L_B_R

Skinner's agent claimed he hadn't been asked to waive his NMC for any particular teams.

Skinner's agent claimed he hadn't been asked to waive his NMC for any particular teams.
- BINGO!

The reports weren't that it was an official request - just that Skinner/agent had been asked on the DL and he said no. That is how many teams approach their NMC players.

Skinner then gave the Canes a short list to work with.

Read somewhere he had mono in his draft yr but that yr he played in the WJC U-18 and played 54 games with Hamilton.

Do you remember anything like that in his draft yr?
- Mr Ricochet

Entwistle was diagnosed with mononucleosis in February, and started losing much of his wright and muscle. He only played 54 games this season, where he scored 12 goals and 25 points for the Hamilton Bulldogs, including him coming back to score just one point in his last nine games in the regular season. He did add two points in seven playoff games.
The post mono play is what had him lasting into the start of the third round, when it looked like a goos solid season would have had him as a late first rounder in the Hayton mold, where you draft him and watch closely and help build his game into a stronger one with improving hs puck skills and improving his later agility.
The issue was he was on an upward track with Hamilton, learning to use his size and was adding grit.
He was viewed as a top six JUNIOR league forward, one who was smart, could hold off defenders and drive on offense, and set up positionally on defense, and when pucks came his way he would quickly advance it so his team could transition out of their end.
The coaches loved him b/c of the work ethic, as penalty killer.
He works and works at both ends relentlessly.
He’s willing to do the little things to help your team succeed, even if it doesn’t show on the score sheet.
What makes Entwistle interesting for me is that he has some offensive upside. He is a good skater with underrated hands. He also showed a nice ability to finish, especially in the Top Prospects game.
He has seen lots of time on wing but also might have enough North-South ability to be a centre.
Arizona probably felt they had similar guys in age and ability and were willing to let him develop elsewhere (or not).
Here is the thing:
because they hawks are continuing to build around quick and fast handed, no thinking attackers at both positions, it might be a perfect place for this kid to gain confidence when he gets more chances with the skilled guys.
So far, there was not the scoring side bubbling, or the confidence that starts to happen when the younger guys see they can be scoring factors.
So he appears to be this one dimensional guy, but that may very well start to change...lots on NHL players have been drafted later who looked very similar to him and have blossomed into confident scorers....the other thing is he looked realty good in the Ivan Hlinka and the later in the U-18 tourney and those international events are good measuring sticks...