To evaluate that... let's look at who is on a 2-way first of the bubble players at forward:

* Sikura
* Kampf
* Johnson
* Kahun (has Euro clause)

When looking at that, my guess is Sikura. He might be sent to play with his brother in Rockford to get his feet wet as a pro.

I thought he was a lock but he hasn't impressed and guys like Kampf, Kahun and Johnson have leaped him.

The other option is of they send Martinsen down but Q seems to like him. I doubt he would be claimed but he would have to clear waivers.
- Justin Lowe

Hayden has a 2-way too. My guess is it's between Hayden and Sikura.

Yeah, I prefer Gustafsson and Jokiharju as the PP QBs over Keith and Seabrook but see seniority taking precedent.
- AEL_Fox

Its the interesting ying and yang of Seabrook and Keith on the PPs

Keith couldnt hit the net to save his life but provides good movement and vision on passing for the other 4 players

Seabrook pretty much can only blast the puck and actually does a decent job of getting it through, but he is so slow and has no footwork anymore he rarely gets a clean look to get a shot through while having no mobility to create passing opportunities

Then you have guys who should have been PP specialists in the past in Franson, Rundblad, Gustafsson, Forsling, etc, and most of them barely sniffed 2nd unit PP duty because you know Q is deathly afraid of a shorthanded chance going the other way because he doesnt trust any of them in the D zone

Hayden has a 2-way too. My guess is it's between Hayden and Sikura.
- EbonyRaptor

Ahhh... missed that. He does.

He could be the one sent down as well.

These next two games will be determine a lot but then again, Q might already have his lineup in mind.

Hayden has a 2-way too. My guess is it's between Hayden and Sikura.
- EbonyRaptor

Two-way is just about money.

I doubt they would make a decision based on a couple hundred thousand even if it is US.

Ahhh... missed that. He does.

He could be the one sent down as well.

These next two games will be determine a lot but then again, Q might already have his lineup in mind.
- Justin Lowe

Hayden was already demoted once, after he formed a pretty effective line with Bouma and Wingels. I feel that he might be the odd man out, again. Sad, I like what he brings to the table.

Saad-Toews-Kane
Schmaltz-Anisimov-DeBrincat
Kahun-Kampf-Kunitz/Hayden
Johnson-Kruger-Martinsen

Keith-Jokiharju
Gustafson-Seabrook
Davidson/Manning-Rutta

Forsberg
Ward

The top 2 lines should be effective scoring....andddd ya hold your breath on literally all 3 D pairs, the goalies, and offense from the bottom six forwards....

Two-way is just about money.

I doubt they would make a decision based on a couple hundred thousand even if it is US.
- StLBravesFan

It's the waiver exempt factor that plays a part with most.

Hayden can be sent down without having to deal with that as he would likely be claimed.

You're right, I don't think the money is the biggest issue.

It's the waiver exempt factor that plays a part with most.

Hayden can be sent down without having to deal with that as he would likely be claimed.

You're right, I don't think the money is the biggest issue.
- Justin Lowe

Martinsen should be sent down and Kunitz can be the 13th forward.

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

Martinsen should be sent down and Kunitz can be the 13th forward.

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

I don't know what is going on with him. I know it's preseason, he has less time, different linemates ... he still gets pp and pk time ...
But he just seems different to me.

Martinsen should be sent down and Kunitz can be the 13th forward.

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

I would roll with that, too, at least to start. Three lines that can score and a checking 4th line with endless motors and mix of agitation and physicality.

Those first 3 lines each have a playmaker (Kahun, Kane/Schmaltz, Sikura) and a triggerman (DeBrincat, Kane/Schmaltz, Saad) as well as a center who can create space for his linemates and score a number of ways including from in close.

All 4 centers (6 if you count Schmaltz and Anisimov as interchangeable at 2C and Kruger and Johnson as interchangeable at 4C) are also solid defensively.

Having Saad and Sikura on the 3rd line may help jump start their seasons offensively by facing lower QOC compared to the top 2 lines.

I would roll with that, too, at least to start. Three lines that can score and a checking 4th line with endless motors and mix of agitation and physicality.

Those first 3 lines each have a playmaker (Kahun, Kane/Schmaltz, Sikura) and a triggerman (DeBrincat, Kane/Schmaltz, Saad) as well as a center who can create space for his linemates and score a number of ways including from in close.

All 4 centers (6 if you count Schmaltz and Anisimov as interchangeable at 2C and Kruger and Johnson as interchangeable at 4C) are also solid defensively.

Having Saad and Sikura on the 3rd line may help jump start their seasons offensively by facing lower QOC compared to the top 2 lines.
- AEL_Fox

I think Kahun can take draws also

When I was at the Traverse City at the tournament I keep saying none of these players are ready for the NHL.
Boqvist is a year away as is Jokiharju. The only forward that I thought had a chance was Fortin he has the speed for the pro game.
I know everyone wishes and hopes that Sikura or Ejdsell make it but they are not ready also. None of the other defensemen there were even close.
- Hockeygirl222

Agree on Boqvist; would not mind him getting a few games before going to London but not needed either.

I only saw Jokiharju once last year in the WHL. He had pretty much advanced beyond juniors at that point, but as you say he is not really NHL ready now. Send him to Rockford (provided Portland does not object) with a list of things to work on.

Let him play top pairing at Rockford with Keith-like minutes. At the trade deadline a vet can be moved to make room.

After that, Hawks should be able to "set it and forget it" with him for quite a few years.

Martinsen should be sent down and Kunitz can be the 13th forward.

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

Agree with this. If you assume they aren't going anywhere this year, what good does it do for Hayden's future to play in Rock. He's been there done that, and been fairly successful.

Martensen is the epitome of just a guy. Doesn't make any sense to keep him over Hayden. Can't see this being the difference of playoffs or not.

Think Rockford is good for Sikura, don't think it is for Hayden.

Agree on Boqvist; would not mind him getting a few games before going to London but not needed either.

I only saw Jokiharju once last year in the WHL. He had pretty much advanced beyond juniors at that point, but as you say he is not really NHL ready now. Send him to Rockford (provided Portland does not object) with a list of things to work on.

Let him play top pairing at Rockford with Keith-like minutes. At the trade deadline a vet can be moved to make room.

After that, Hawks should be able to "set it and forget it" with him for quite a few years.
- totem

He will get his trial games next year before going back to London again for a second year.

Agree with this. If you assume they aren't going anywhere this year, what good does it do for Hayden's future to play in Rock. He's been there done that, and been fairly successful.

Martensen is the epitome of just a guy. Doesn't make any sense to keep him over Hayden. Can't see this being the difference of playoffs or not.

Think Rockford is good for Sikura, don't think it is for Hayden.
- vabeachbear

It could be the Sikura may need that stint in Rockford (somewhat similar to Schmaltz a couple seasons back) to get him focused on what he needs to do to stick in the NHL.

https://theathletic.com/5...g-game/?source=dailyemail

Nice analysis of Ward and the Hawks defensive woes the other night. Note on goal one 3 hawks in the right position to play the pass and cat and sebs miffed it...

It could be the Sikura may need that stint in Rockford (somewhat similar to Schmaltz a couple seasons back) to get him focused on what he needs to do to stick in the NHL.
- breadbag

Not that I have a problem with Sikura, I don't, I know he will be a better playmaker. The thing I don't like with younger/college players making the jump is they sign the max deal, 2 yr contract, and want that first year burned. We don't want to lose them to Aug 15 free agency or whatever it is, so we pay it. Then they need the following year and maybe even more (you know about marinating youngsters) and they are already up for the second contract, and we can't fully guage if they are good for the money or let them walk.

Not that I have a problem with Sikura, I don't, I know he will be a better playmaker. The thing I don't like with younger/college players making the jump is they sign the max deal, 2 yr contract, and want that first year burned. We don't want to lose them to Aug 15 free agency or whatever it is, so we pay it. Then they need the following year and maybe even more (you know about marinating youngsters) and they are already up for the second contract, and we can't fully guage if they are good for the money or let them walk.
- I Am The Breadman

Still better than the K. Hayes situation.

Still better than the K. Hayes situation.
- vabeachbear

They screwed that up on a couple of different levels

He will get his trial games next year before going back to London again for a second year.
- vabeachbear

Boqvist plays for the Hawks next season.

Saad-Toews-Kane
Schmaltz-Anisimov-DeBrincat
Kahun-Kampf-Kunitz/Hayden
Johnson-Kruger-Martinsen

Keith-Jokiharju
Gustafson-Seabrook
Davidson/Manning-Rutta

Forsberg
Ward

The top 2 lines should be effective scoring....andddd ya hold your breath on literally all 3 D pairs, the goalies, and offense from the bottom six forwards....
- EnzoD

DeBrincat should NEVER play Right Wing - NEVER. If Kane and DeBrincat play on different lines you build the lines based on each of them playing their off-wings.

DeBrincat should NEVER play Right Wing - NEVER. If Kane and DeBrincat play on different lines you build the lines based on each of them playing their off-wings.
- Z3Hawk

I said something similar earlier in the summer. He apparently prefers it.

DeBrincat should NEVER play Right Wing - NEVER. If Kane and DeBrincat play on different lines you build the lines based on each of them playing their off-wings.
- Z3Hawk

While I tend to agree with you, I've read that he feels more comfortable on his right side. It has something to do with receiving passes, and skating through the neutral zone, IIRC. My hope is that he works on transitioning to LW during the off season, and feels comfortable there by next year.

Boqvist plays for the Hawks next season.
- Z3Hawk

I second that!!!

Boqvist plays for the Hawks next season.
- Z3Hawk

I would be surprised if he didn't.