*NEW* blog up: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=95682

Duclair (Columbus) -8 points
Hartman (Nashville) -7 points
Both would be in the top 6 in Hawks stats.

Replaced by aging Kunitz -2 points
Nice asset management. No wonder this team is struggling!

Holy crap! The dreaded white jersey for Schmaltz. I still like the third line, but wow. I'm actually surprised Rutta isn't getting playing time.
- I Am The Breadman

Rutta is not getting playing time because he has no idea what an NHL D-Man is supposed to do. Rutta is awful. That StanBo gave him a big contract, based on poor play, was ridiculous. StanBo’s most recent moves have all been indefensible. Also gave Gus a chunk of money although for some reason much less than Rutta - also a waste of money as Gus cannot play defence.

Manning a total waste of money - should have been a huge red flag that Philly wouldn’t resign him for basically the same money as his expiring contract - they knew something. Kunitz - whew. Whatever TB did that got him 13 goals last year should be documented/bottled. However, again TB knew something by season’s end as Kunitz is barely a player now. TB didn’t want him back. Kunitz may never score with the Hawks. We had a younger Sharp who loved the Hawks, could still skate and score, and could teach and Q treated him like garbage - with no respect - last season and he just retired. Then we get a 40 year-old Kunitz for no reason and Q just keeps trotting him and his zero goals out there. Kunitz is just blocking young forwards at this point.

What do you say about Ward? All I know is that in many of his starts he seems to give up a LOT of goals. Didn’t think he was the answer - he is a waste of money. Craziest component is StanBo seems to have given him an NMC which is insane! Especially so when the team has Forsberg, even Delia if he continues to develop. Again a huge red flag as Hurricanes couldn’t get rid of him fast enough.

Not like StanBo has not been spending money, as these contracts add up. However, not one actual impactful player who makes the Hawks better. Total waste of money ignoring accepted thinking and huge red flags.

Duclair (Columbus) -8 points
Hartman (Nashville) -7 points
Both would be in the top 6 in Hawks stats.

Replaced by aging Kunitz -2 points
Nice asset management. No wonder this team is struggling!
- 67hawks

some context is important as usual..

Duclair played poorly in his time with the hawks (even he admitted it) then got hurt in a cheap shot and missed the the last 10 games. Hawks were not going to resign him...so good for him.

Hartman was done here: bad pens, mediocre performance and bad attitude (depending on who you want to believe); also he basically MIA with the preds and was a eating popcorn during the playoffs...ang again I now say good for him.

you can't cherry pick 13-14 games and say wow wish we still had him

Rutta is not getting playing time because he has no idea what an NHL D-Man is supposed to do. Rutta is awful. That StanBo gave him a big contract, based on poor play, was ridiculous. StanBo’s most recent moves have all been indefensible. Also gave Gus a chunk of money although for some reason much less than Rutta - also a waste of money as Gus cannot play defence.

Manning a total waste of money - should have been a huge red flag that Philly wouldn’t resign him for basically the same money as his expiring contract - they knew something. Kunitz - whew. Whatever TB did that got him 13 goals last year should be documented/bottled. However, again TB knew something by season’s end as Kunitz is barely a player now. TB didn’t want him back. Kunitz may never score with the Hawks. We had a younger Sharp who loved the Hawks, could still skate and score, and could teach and Q treated him like garbage - with no respect - last season and he just retired. Then we get a 40 year-old Kunitz for no reason and Q just keeps trotting him and his zero goals out there. Kunitz is just blocking young forwards at this point.

What do you say about Ward? All I know is that in many of his starts he seems to give up a LOT of goals. Didn’t think he was the answer - he is a waste of money. Craziest component is StanBo seems to have given him an NMC which is insane! Especially so when the team has Forsberg, even Delia if he continues to develop. Again a huge red flag as Hurricanes couldn’t get rid of him fast enough.

Not like StanBo has not been spending money, as these contracts add up. However, not one actual impactful player who makes the Hawks better. Total waste of money ignoring accepted thinking and huge red flags.
- Z3Hawk

Ward (like Frosberg most of last year) has been the victim of a clown skates defense. He is no crawford but he kept the hawks in games and kept at least 2 games from being 8-10 GA...(think TB).

The hawks were going to give bernier 3 years; they settled on ward for 1 year and to get him to accept they offered the NTC...he may still be gone by spring if this most hyde team continues to show up.