Justin Lowe: "What If" Signings Welcome to the 2nd edition of the "What If" scenario series.

The last blog, we explored some "what if" trades; "what if" Stan was able to pull off a trade to better this hockey club before now and September's training camp.

The trade route does still look like an option, but maybe a more plausible road to take would be an addition via free agency.

I don't know for the Hawks, but most teams have draft picks whose rights they'll lose if unsigned, so you dont want to use up all your contract spots now and not have them when needed next spring.

Hey Justin. Good write-up.

I also don't mind Nash on a 1 yr deal But, dont see him coming here.

As for the rest, I don't think Stan and the Hawks Brass are really "Happy" with this lineup, I just think they see the FA additions are just lateral moves, and that the trade candidates will require some of our youth moving out, and rightly so they are not willing to part with our 3-4 Blue-chippers.

Unfortunately, we are 2-3 years from being able to contend for Lord Stanley, so he is being smart, not over-paying for a Pacorietty type trade and looking for the moves that won't mortgage our future.

Right thing, in my opinion!

I would take a nibble at Nash, only on a one-year contract without a NTC. It would be a no-lose proposition; if he does well and the Hawks are out of contention then he would be a trade bait rental with draft picks coming from it. I would put him on this line: Nash / Schmaltzy / Kaner

I would do the same with Sbisa. However, he should not impede the progress and development of the younger D core. This band-aid would buy a year. And I agree with you, I thought he hasn't looked bad all these year, maybe 4-6 D man.

Wow on Shore. I never that he possessed all those qualities. When I saw him at LA I saw a lot of energy and willingness to forecheck and grind in the corners. Sounds like a more refined (offensive skill and instinct) and better skater than Hayden

I'm OK with, as you put it, a lot of ups and downs this year, and I'll be more direct - I'm OK with whatever the results end up being in order to put the team in the best position for success in the years to come.

The Hawks currently have $5.4M in cap space. They also have some ELC players who will probably earn bonus money this season and there needs to be cap space left to pay those bonuses so Stan doesn't have to dip into the 2019/20 cap to do so. Now, most likely the bonus money is not going to add up to $5.4M so there is some cap space that could be used for something else. My preference would be to hold on to it to have it available at the TDL so that in the event the Hawks are doing better than expected they would have it available to add a player to help them in a playoff push. In that event, we would know what we need and what's available at that time.

Lastly, anyone they pick up this summer has to either be a guy who could be in the long range plans or we don't pick him up and we let more young prospects get time to see what they can do.

Let's keep our powder dry and not feel the need to spend the cap space just because we have some. We aren't a bunch thirsty sailors on shore leave.

I agree that signing a veteran depth forward for a 13th/14th forward role makes sense, so that we don't see kids having to sit too many games.

Justin, is there an installment for PTO' s coming? If not (or so), why no mention of Tommy Wingels? Was he signed? For a 4th line center/W without a contract, I would think he would get a look. He fetched the Hawks a 4th round pick at the TDL, nothing to sneeze at.

Absolutely think they should fill out the roster with cheap-ish vets like you mentioned. Low risk.

For those concerned with roster spots, I think some number of these guys will end up on injured reserve at some point anyway.

Justin, thanks for the write up on Nick Shore. I asked about him on the boards a couple times, but never got a response. Out of the 3, he is the one I'd like to see Stan sign. He would be cheap, and would give Q the ability to use him and Kruger on defensive zone draws. This would allow Toews to take more OZ draws, and hopefully, boost his point production.

Saad-Toews-ADB (I'd like the wingers to switch sides)
AA-Schmaltz-Kane
Kahun-Shore-Sikura
Kunitz-Kruger-Hayden
Edjsell or Kampf for 13th

ETA: Please, God, no to Sbisa!!!!

Justin, is there an installment for PTO' s coming? If not (or so), why no mention of Tommy Wingels? Was he signed? For a 4th line center/W without a contract, I would think he would get a look. He fetched the Hawks a 4th round pick at the TDL, nothing to sneeze at.

Absolutely think they should fill out the roster with cheap-ish vets like you mentioned. Low risk.

For those concerned with roster spots, I think some number of these guys will end up on injured reserve at some point anyway.
- phantasmo

I might do a PTO version, although I think all these players could be in the camp invite list. We'll see how it unfolds.

Honestly, I heard both Wingels and the Hawks wanted a reunion at one point. I didn't hear what changed.

My thinking is, if there was mutual interest, the deal would have been done by now. That's why I didn't add him in.

He's still a UFA and I have to wonder if that concussion in the playoffs might have changed his health and/or how teams looked at him. He's a useful player. I liked him on the Hawks.

Justin, thanks for the write up on Nick Shore. I asked about him on the boards a couple times, but never got a response. Out of the 3, he is the one I'd like to see Stan sign. He would be cheap, and would give Q the ability to use him and Kruger on defensive zone draws. This would allow Toews to take more OZ draws, and hopefully, boost his point production.

Saad-Toews-ADB (I'd like the wingers to switch sides)
AA-Schmaltz-Kane
Kahun-Shore-Sikura
Kunitz-Kruger-Hayden
Edjsell or Kampf for 13th
- tvetter

Nice! You and I were thinking the same thing on Shore than it sounds like.

Lineup makes sense although sounds like Saad-Schmaltz-Kane might be a line that starts the season (if no major moves are made).

Overall though, you would be close I think and I like Shore in that bottom 6 (or 13th forward spot) as a depth option.

Shakes head --- mate, mate, maaaaate.... I see as a cultural ambassador to Australia I have failed miserably .... being a Chicago board, it is far better to be talking about Chicago Dawgs, Deep Dish Pizza (technically there is no other types), and Italian Beefs, maybe even Gyros (close to souvlakis).


I think you do trade (if it is decided to go that route), because otherwise you have a potential surplus of wingers -it gets a little silly (in general - not here necessarily) reading about needing to re-sign RFAs ... the point is basically about the depth chart - you don't need 3 top 6 wingers that play on the same wing -relying on future depth. Plus you got the money now for this year --- why wouldn't you? (Ok- asking price -is the reason... but it isn't about team finances).

If you do, do Panarin - it has to be part of the rebuild -as I doubt he comes without an NMC ... and I mean, you know fair enough ... if a guy doesn't want to play long term in a city once, I doubt he'd be prepared to risk being moved from some place that he might really want to be.

And- I am pretty sure he would be- in the sense of - what winger wouldn't want to? The entire 'wants to be the man somewhere .... ' I mean yes, ok -but I mean have another winger maybe with more than half the number of points of the guy -I think one can only carry a team so far --- even Gretzky had Kurri, after all.
- steve-hist-sdc

Italian Beef, Sausage and Combos? Yes! Gyros? Sure. Chicago Dogs? Hell yes and better than a NY style with kraut and mustard or a Detroit Coney (though both not bad). Deep dish?

Nothing better than a pie that's all dough and cheese. You can keep deep dish AFAIC. Piece was my go to when I was living in East Village.

I don’t care about this offseason. Just please make Panarin happen next season.🙏

Italian Beef, Sausage and Combos? Yes! Gyros? Sure. Chicago Dogs? Hell yes and better than a NY style with kraut and mustard or a Detroit Coney (though both not bad). Deep dish?


- HawkintheDNothing better than a pie that's all dough and cheese. You can keep deep dish AFAIC. Piece was my go to when I was living in East Village.

Good call on Piece

Justin, thanks for the write up on Nick Shore. I asked about him on the boards a couple times, but never got a response. Out of the 3, he is the one I'd like to see Stan sign. He would be cheap, and would give Q the ability to use him and Kruger on defensive zone draws. This would allow Toews to take more OZ draws, and hopefully, boost his point production.

Saad-Toews-ADB (I'd like the wingers to switch sides)
AA-Schmaltz-Kane
Kahun-Shore-Sikura
Kunitz-Kruger-Hayden
Edjsell or Kampf for 13th

ETA: Please, God, no to Sbisa!!!!
- tvetter

Potentially 5 of 13 forwards with last names that start with K.
It doesn’t mean anything but that’s where we’re at as far as excitement for the upcoming season is concerned. I was expecting a couple more moves.

Not to crap on the concept of this blog, but I don't see how any of these signings would be of any help.

We have guys on our roster that provide what Brouwer currently can.

Does Sbisa provide anything different than Murphy? The only way this signing makes sense to me is if they find a taker for Murphy and get Sbisa at like $1.5-2M.

Maybe on Shore, but how long can you have "untapped potential" before you just are what you are?

We have plenty of guys that can fill out lower lines. We are short difference makers (or at least guys performing that way). #1 goalie, Top 4 D, Top 6 F.

Aside from maybe making us slightly better this year, what benefit do we gain?

Potentially 5 of 13 forwards with last names that start with K.
It doesn’t mean anything but that’s where we’re at as far as excitement for the upcoming season is concerned. I was expecting a couple more moves.
- matt_ahrens

I was but I’m fine with them not making them to maybe make the playoffs and get bounced in the first round.

I’ve seen people screaming about what Toews or Kane might think with the lack of moves. How about just worrying about their own games (not Kane so much but Toews obv.)

I’d rather they play a long game than band aiding some false hope for this year together.

Three Cups buys you time AFAIC, and I’d rather see the season play out, good or bad, than trade away assets for fantasy players.

Justin why even bother mentioning any of these scraps? It's time to let the kids come up and put their big boy pants on and compete to make the team and prove their impact. We need to get young , skillful, fast .

Why waste cap money on non impact productive players. Either make a impactful trade or trade away useless players to free up more cap space and go with the youth movement to see how you can improve next July. Stan should be doing everything possible to move Seabrook , his contract is what will determine the future .

I think that the Hawks at this very moment, are stuck in no mans land. Which of the kids ... and how many ... will be able to make an impact on the club ? When will they make an impact ... sooner or later

Once these questions are answered, then they will know who to possibly sign to fill some needs. This way, they won't have a veteran taking a kids spot, but rather a veteran keeping a spot warm for the kids. I would like to see the Hawks pick up a veteran with some size to compliment some of the smaller players, and let the smaller kids like Dylan Sikura or Dominik Kahun, play their game and get some space to play their game. Nash for a year, could work if say a player like Ejdsell can't fill a role on second line or John Hayden. Defense is little trickier, because there might be one ready this year. Have to see how the kids shake out before making moves for veteran

Justin, thanks for the write up on Nick Shore. I asked about him on the boards a couple times, but never got a response. Out of the 3, he is the one I'd like to see Stan sign. He would be cheap, and would give Q the ability to use him and Kruger on defensive zone draws. This would allow Toews to take more OZ draws, and hopefully, boost his point production.

Saad-Toews-ADB (I'd like the wingers to switch sides)
AA-Schmaltz-Kane
Kahun-Shore-Sikura
Kunitz-Kruger-Hayden
Edjsell or Kampf for 13th

ETA: Please, God, no to Sbisa!!!!
- tvetter

First...I agree 100% about Sbisa, hopefully Stan has enough good sense to pass on him.

I don't see the Hawks signing ant free agents at this point. I would expect a couple guys to get PTOs but that's about the extent of it. I don't think any of the UFA d-men are an upgrade over what we have today.

There are a couple decent bottom 6 forwards left but I think the Hawks will want to see what they have in their young guys before they make any moves. Further to D's point the Hawks need to play the long game here. I know the core is aging but I think they can transition from a leading role to more of a support role (with the exception of Kane).

I would expect the opening night roster to look like this, but the team will make in-season moves (trades or different call-ups) if these guys don't cut it:

Saad - Toews - DeBrincat
Kahun - Schmaltz - Kane
Ejdsell - Anisimov - Sikura
Hayden - Kruger - Kampf
Kunitz

Keith - Murphy
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Manning - Jokiharju
Rutta

Ward
Forsberg

LTIR - Crawford

The line combinations and d-pairings will vary over game to game, period to period and shift to shift with Q.

First...I agree 100% about Sbisa, hopefully Stan has enough good sense to pass on him.

I don't see the Hawks signing ant free agents at this point. I would expect a couple guys to get PTOs but that's about the extent of it. I don't think any of the UFA d-men are an upgrade over what we have today.

There are a couple decent bottom 6 forwards left but I think the Hawks will want to see what they have in their young guys before they make any moves. Further to D's point the Hawks need to play the long game here. I know the core is aging but I think they can transition from a leading role to more of a support role (with the exception of Kane).

I would expect the opening night roster to look like this, but the team will make in-season moves (trades or different call-ups) if these guys don't cut it:

Saad - Toews - DeBrincat
Kahun - Schmaltz - Kane
Ejdsell - Anisimov - Sikura
Hayden - Kruger - Kampf
Kunitz

Keith - Murphy
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Manning - Jokiharju
Rutta

Ward
Forsberg

LTIR - Crawford

The line combinations and d-pairings will vary over game to game, period to period and shift to shift with Q.
- DarthKane

I know you said line combos will last about 6 minutes, but I'm intrigued that you started with Kahun in the top 6. I haven't seen much aside from some highlights. Have you seem much of his play? What does he do to merit such a high spot in the lineup?

I know you said line combos will last about 6 minutes, but I'm intrigued that you started with Kahun in the top 6. I haven't seen much aside from some highlights. Have you seem much of his play? What does he do to merit such a high spot in the lineup?
- Chunk

Just a gut feeling. I debated between Sikura and Kahun in the top 6 and I wouldn't be surprised if they were swapped.

DeBrincat can play both wings and I really don't know where he'll line up to start the season. We could easily see this top 6 as well:

Saad - Toews - Sikura
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Kane

I don't think we'll see Anisimov in the top 6, at least to start the season.

I was but I’m fine with them not making them to maybe make the playoffs and get bounced in the first round.

I’ve seen people screaming about what Toews or Kane might think with the lack of moves. How about just worrying about their own games (not Kane so much but Toews obv.)

I’d rather they play a long game than band aiding some false hope for this year together.

Three Cups buys you time AFAIC, and I’d rather see the season play out, good or bad, than trade away assets for fantasy players.
- HawkintheD

Agreed same page.

Panarin the only way they have a remote chance in h-ll to get him back would be to wait IF he gets to UFA. Thats' it. For what it will take to get him out of Columbus they can't afford to give up.

Signing a band aid, past his prime, UFA at this point does nothing but take up a roster space for a kid who needs to be evaluated. They need to know what they have.

I've embraced the tank. Save the cap room. Give me more hype on Alex DeBrincat and preseason games on sale and pray all goes right for a possible chance at a wildcard, but realize a lottery pick helps this team out a helluva lot more LT.

Justin

All due respect, none of these UFA moves help this team LT. They just waste money and roster spots.

Time to embrace the tank....and use the word that is toxic at 1901 w Madison right now.....REBUILD

The only drama coming in the next 45 days is if 50 can take the ice....if he can't, if I were a media member, I'd be all over Bowman and Q about why not.....Time to press....he's been "close" for 8 months now.....or has he...….

Agreed same page.

Panarin the only way they have a remote chance in h-ll to get him back would be to wait IF he gets to UFA. Thats' it. For what it will take to get him out of Columbus they can't afford to give up.

Signing a band aid, past his prime, UFA at this point does nothing but take up a roster space for a kid who needs to be evaluated. They need to know what they have.

I've embraced the tank. Save the cap room. Give me more hype on Alex DeBrincat and preseason games on sale and pray all goes right for a possible chance at a wildcard, but realize a lottery pick helps this team out a helluva lot more LT.
- SteveRain

I'm always trying to find the silver lining in a situation. The draft is in Vancouver in 2019 and I will do my best to attend. It would be exciting to see the Hawks with another high draft pick (fully acknowledging it would suck to see them have another poor season in 18/19).

Justin

All due respect, none of these UFA moves help this team LT. They just waste money and roster spots.

Time to embrace the tank....and use the word that is toxic at 1901 w Madison right now.....REBUILD

The only drama coming in the next 45 days is if 50 can take the ice....if he can't, if I were a media member, I'd be all over Bowman and Q about why not.....Time to press....he's been "close" for 8 months now.....or has he...….
- SteveRain

The risk would be the likes of Hayden, Sikura and Kahun not being NHL ready and being forced to play in NHL and damaging their development. I think the Hawks will give these guys a chance, at least through training camp. If the Hawks make any moves with these UFAs it will be closer to the end of camp or early into the season.