To Trade: AA, Keith, Kruger, any one or two of the young defenders they're pimping

To Get: top pairing D man, pieces for the bottom 6.

- Forsling is coming back from an injury, so it's ok to ease him back in.
- I want Joki to play a lot as well, but it might be better for him to play 60 games and not hit the wall.
- Dahlstrom is a guy that should probably play if you want to keep him with Murphy long-term.
- I like what Gus brings to the table offensively, but he can't have a 1/1 GF/GA ratio as a d-man. That isn't going to win games. Is it worth it to keep him for one more year to see if he can be taught Colliton's defensive scheme? Maybe. But it's really hard to watch him in his own zone.

As for who I want:

Brock Nelson
Olli Maatta

What changed and why is the powerplay better? Simple! Options! A big shot from the point and a sniper in Gus and ADB. Two things the Hawks haven't had together since 2010.

Gus may be brutal defensively and may not be the smartest player in certain situations but he's in his element running a powerplay. He moves the puck well, he finds open ice for himself and he knows what to do. He opens areas up with good passing but what i think his most important element is he has a good point shot with a quick release.

ADB is that triggerman who can unleash a shot on net as quickly as Panarin or Patrick Sharp ever could.

Those two make it impossible for the opposition to Key on Kane and Toews opening up room for them. And as someone mentioned Strome is helping Toews with the net front presence and behind the net spadework and puck battles. The balance and options of ADB and Gus is what has improved the powerplay in my mind.
- paulr

The power play is better because players are moving not standing around and watching Kane.

Toews and Strome rotating through the slot and between the circles is opening lanes to the other side where Debrincat is good enough to keep guys honest. And Gus is a better passer than Keith and more mobile than Seabrook so he can go left to right more effectively again creating more movement and creating space in the slot or on the back side.

Don't think anyone is crapping on Gus. Just clamoring for reduced minutes on 5x5 play. Keep waiting for "average" defensive skills to emerge. Am actively rooting for him, but fear and trembling is all we sense. No real need to trade him, just yet. Just be more selective in his usage.
- gabriel

Gus is awful in his own zone. Really regressed lately too. If they could flip him for a late round first that would be cool.

Or since hes a lefty hang onto him as a bum slaying PP specialist for another year and go from there.

Hawks first unit on power play:
Toews - too old
Strome - too slow
Debrincat - too small
Gus - makes too many bad decisions
Kane - also too small, but no one on this board has talked about that for years.

Want:

-Panarin
-Simmonds
-Palat
-Kadri
-Dzingel (Just because he played with my brother)
-Nurse

Willing to move:
Everyone but 19,88,91,12, 17 and Dahlstrom

>>As for the defence (a topic I covered in my last blog) and preventing shots themselves, the Hawks gave up 34 shots and I liked that they were blocking shots (20-16 advantage) but still gave up 34(!) scoring chances, 15 of those of the high danger variety. In comparison, the Hawks had 18 scoring chances for with 8 being HD.<<

until this team improves the talent, skill, and learns to play a structured team game and decrease the sog's and high danger chances they; will continue to be a bottom dweller despite kane, toews, cat combining for over 250 points.

Interesting last night, that on the Islander goal where Murphy got his shot blocked, Ken Daneko on the NHL Network was adamant that Murphy made the right play in trying to get it to the net, but the fault was on the other defenseman (I could not tell who was on the ice on the replay), for not supporting and being behind Murphy and in the middle of the ice, especially since the block was made by the second layer of defense (Murphy actually got the puck through the first layer).

Sorry for the run on sentences. Anyone know who was the second defenseman on that play?

In theory, I think you're right. Don't forget about the human element though.

They are all still highly competitive athletes and if they are playing great but get scratched, it can also create a "if I'm playing so great, why the hell am I eating a hotdog in the press box right now."
- Justin Lowe

I see what you are saying, but if he is being very communicative, then it shouldn't be an issue. At some point these guys have to be professionals and understand that everything isn't going to go the way they want or plan all, or even most, of the time.

As for gus, I think his biggest detriment is turnovers. I actually have seen him make some pretty good defensive plays. He still makes mistakes, but I don't think they expect him to be even close to perfect on D. If they can sort out the rest of the defense, then they should be able to utilize him more correctly, which will keep his mistakes from costing the Hawks so much.

Gus is awful in his own zone. Really regressed lately too. If they could flip him for a late round first that would be cool.

Or since hes a lefty hang onto him as a bum slaying PP specialist for another year and go from there.
- fattybeef

hmmm and the tv guys were complementing him last night on his renewed committment to defense...

Want:

-Panarin
-Simmonds
-Palat
-Kadri
-Dzingel (Just because he played with my brother)
-Nurse

Willing to move:
Everyone but 19,88,91,12, 17 and Dahlstrom
- nickmo2699

You could probably get Nurse, he is having an awful year.

Love seeing Toews show everyone that he's still an elite player in this league...still can't believe some were saying he's 3C at this point

For as much crap as I get for saying Cam Ward isn't as bad as people make him out to be, he sure played a good game last night behind a spotty Defense against one of the best in the NHL. If Crawford is coming back this year before the Deadline he could very well get moved to a contending team as a backup for a late round pick. Just depends on if he would be willing to waive his NTC to a team that is interested in him.

As far as trade routes...

I'd suggest calling up Toronto and seeing if they would have interest in Kruger as their 4C and PK guy as that seems to be a small hole for them. Perhaps for a 4th Rd pick?

Also, as suggested yesterday, like the idea of trading Saad to Carolina for Brett Pesce as he's a Defensive D-Man that we need right now.

Lastly, I threw out the idea of trading Joki to get a young stud forward back in return (suggested Kapanen) if the Hawks were able to get Pesce to balance out all the RHD D-men they would have.

I like the kid a lot and I think he can most definitely become a solid Top 4 D-man (if developed right, which some question if the Hawks are doing him good on that), and I'm not advocating trading him or "giving up" on a 19 year old kid who's in his first year in the league, but to give ya gotta get. IMO, it seems like the Hawks have already shown that they prefer Boqvist (which is why they wanna try Joki on the left side) and see him on this team sooner rather than later. Plus, they have two other potential Top 4 D-Men in Beaudin and Mitchell in the Pipeline that could come into play soon for the team. Again, not pushing for it but if you could work two separate deals out where you move a Forward for a D-Man and a D-Man for a Forward that improves the team overall its worth exploring

Justin, my wish would be and I’ve been beating the drum on this for a bit since Bob Murray seems to Open for business.
I want a vdefensemen that can play in today’s game.......Josh Manson.??????for Saad?
Let’s hear your thoughts.

Love seeing Toews show everyone that he's still an elite player in this league...still can't believe some were saying he's 3C at this point

For as much crap as I get for saying Cam Ward isn't as bad as people make him out to be, he sure played a good game last night behind a spotty Defense against one of the best in the NHL. If Crawford is coming back this year before the Deadline he could very well get moved to a contending team as a backup for a late round pick. Just depends on if he would be willing to waive his NTC to a team that is interested in him.

As far as trade routes...

I'd suggest calling up Toronto and seeing if they would have interest in Kruger as their 4C and PK guy as that seems to be a small hole for them. Perhaps for a 4th Rd pick?

Also, as suggested yesterday, like the idea of trading Saad to Carolina for Brett Pesce as he's a Defensive D-Man that we need right now.

Lastly, I threw out the idea of trading Joki to get a young stud forward back in return (suggested Kapanen) if the Hawks were able to get Pesce to balance out all the RHD D-men they would have.

I like the kid a lot and I think he can most definitely become a solid Top 4 D-man (if developed right, which some question if the Hawks are doing him good on that), and I'm not advocating trading him or "giving up" on a 19 year old kid who's in his first year in the league, but to give ya gotta get. IMO, it seems like the Hawks have already shown that they prefer Boqvist (which is why they wanna try Joki on the left side) and see him on this team sooner rather than later. Plus, they have two other potential Top 4 D-Men in Beaudin and Mitchell in the Pipeline that could come into play soon for the team. Again, not pushing for it but if you could work two separate deals out where you move a Forward for a D-Man and a D-Man for a Forward that improves the team overall its worth exploring
- Savetheembers33

One bad game and you'll hear it again I'm sure. It's what happens when people make assessments in real time instead of making them over a number of games.

Justin, my wish would be and I’ve been beating the drum on this for a bit since Bob Murray seems to Open for business.
I want a vdefensemen that can play in today’s game.......Josh Manson.??????for Saad?
Let’s hear your thoughts.
- wonthecup10

Sign me up!

hmmm and the tv guys were complementing him last night on his renewed committment to defense...
- bogiedoc

I'm OK with Gus as he has been great in the Offensive Zone and PP, but his 5x5 minutes should be limited and try not to be in the D zone when draws are taken. I hope Brookbank can work with him more and perhaps explain to him a Swedish K.I.S.S method. When the Hawks are a better team next year, we can complain more about him. He is what he is right now and can only improve on D (We can hope). He's a guy you would love to pair with a guy like Hjalmarsson who can cover his ass when a mistake is made. This year, there is no guy who can help out to cover his mistakes and bail him out.


It's a shame the money and term that Seabrook has or I'd think he'd be a hot commodity in my opinion at the trade deadline. He's virtually untradable. I'd like to see him get drafted by Seattle. He'd be a great leader in the locker room and the Seattle Rusty Cages need a few players with a high salary to reach the cap floor. The Hawks would probably have to give up a draft pick or two but could be worth it with the D prospects they have in the pipeline.

I would not be in a hurry to move a top 6 forward (Saad) or top 4 defender (Keith/Murphy). I also would not be in a hurry to move Gus. Of course if the deal was right you would have to consider it. This team is not that far away from being a playoff contender, with a 2 major additions (#1 Pick and 1 FA stud) and few tweaks in the depth category (3rd line center). If a few of their prospects (Boqvist, Beaudin, Entwistle, Kusrashev or others) turn into really good NHL'ers the turn around could be 2 years.

Now if you could move AA for a 3rd line center that is cost controlled for a couple of years it is a no brainer. If you could move Kruger or Kunitz for draft picks or prospects that would be great.

Saad - Toews - #1 pick or FA
ADB - Strome - Kane
There is a need for a 3rd line center. I like Kampf. He could be a 3C, but probably more like a 4C.
The bottom 6 would include Caggiula, Kahun, and maybe Perlini. Perlini has started slow, but remember Patrick Sharp did not score his first goal as a Hawk until his 25th game.

On D you need a stud. Then slot Joki, Keith, Murphy properly.
Joki - Stud Dman
Murphy - Keith
Seabs - Gus
That would be a decent top 4. Gus would be a 3rd pairing and PP specialist. Seabs is impossible to move. So there is room for one more defender. Maybe Dahlstrom / Forsling / Koekkoek or one of the other guys at the Rock right now.

I would not be surprised for this team to have a strong finish to the season. Of course if they do they will be back picking 7th or later. You can still get a pretty good player with the 5th to 10th pick.

How different would this season have been if the PP was effective in the first 30 games of the season?

hmmm and the tv guys were complementing him last night on his renewed committment to defense...
- bogiedoc

He made a few nice plays last night. Hopefully, it is the start of something.

He made a few nice plays last night. Hopefully, it is the start of something.
- hpk90

did you notice the TWO bad plays in our zone, 10 seconds apart. whiffed on a clearing attempt, ISLEs have puck back, then GUS gets it back and haphazzardly tries to clear it thru the slot and the ISLE player is standing right there, thank you very much for one of those high danger chances against. Just brutal and following similiar pattern all year.

[quote=Savetheembers33]Love seeing Toews show everyone that he's still an elite player in this league...still can't believe some were saying he's 3C at this point :lol:

The same people that were saying Toews was only a 3C are saying Keith is not even worthy of being a 2nd pairing defender on a good team. I wonder if Keith has it in him to turn it around next year like Toews did this year. I would hold on to him unless the offer was crazy good. You are not going to replace him with a better player at a lower cap hit. Boqvist and the others are not going to be ready next year. I would keep Keith another year.

The power play is better because players are moving not standing around and watching Kane.

Toews and Strome rotating through the slot and between the circles is opening lanes to the other side where Debrincat is good enough to keep guys honest. And Gus is a better passer than Keith and more mobile than Seabrook so he can go left to right more effectively again creating more movement and creating space in the slot or on the back side.
- fattybeef

It works well and you are right on about the PP. For a while now, when the Hawks set someone up across from Kane, that lane was not open because the Hawks PP didn't get any movement. So Kane would just send it down low, or to the point and they were suck playing perimeter pass until they turned it over. Right now, Toews and Strome and opening lanes and the opposition has to shift. Plus all three guys playing more outside Kane, Gus and DeBrincat are all a threat to shoot and get it on net. The PK can't key in on any one guy as the the one with the good shot. Gus, while he doesn't seem to have a booming slapper very often, he gets wrist/snap shots through and has scored some goals.

I think Keith was no real threat to shoot anymore, because it was wide or blocked or super easy to stop lately. Seabrook can shoot, but man he has not looked good when under pressure. He bobbles the puck too much and when guys are on him, he seems to be just throwing it away.

Interesting last night, that on the Islander goal where Murphy got his shot blocked, Ken Daneko on the NHL Network was adamant that Murphy made the right play in trying to get it to the net, but the fault was on the other defenseman (I could not tell who was on the ice on the replay), for not supporting and being behind Murphy and in the middle of the ice, especially since the block was made by the second layer of defense (Murphy actually got the puck through the first layer).

Sorry for the run on sentences. Anyone know who was the second defenseman on that play?
- LAHawk

Slater Koekkoek

Jay Zawaski saying that according to one of his best sources, the Hawks will trade a d-man when Forsling comes back after the all-star break (and he doesn’t think it’ll be Forsling).

With Seabrook and Joker not going anywhere, that leaves Keith, Murphy, and Gus as the candidates (not including Dahlstrom), and I’d hold on to Murphy as he’s finally growing into that top-4 d-man we hoped we’d be getting when trading Hammer, and is the best defensive d-man we have right now. We need more of those, not less.

I don’t think Gus would fetch much on the open market, and he’s more valuable to the team than in in a trade IMO. If it were up to me, I’d give Boqvist one more year to develop before transitioning to the NHL. In that case, we won’t need both Gus and Boq as they are both offense-first with big defensive deficiencies. Plus, Gus still has another year on a very team-friendly deal.

I really want to move Keith and hope that ultimately some team (Toronto) decides that he is the missing piece they need and give the Hawks a nice offer, but I have my reservations as to if this team is truly ready to move on from him.

Will be interesting to see how this plays out. If Keith is moved (unlikely), I’d like to see:

Gus - Joker
Dahlstrom - Murphy
Forsling/Koekkoek - Seabrook

[quote=Savetheembers33]Love seeing Toews show everyone that he's still an elite player in this league...still can't believe some were saying he's 3C at this point :lol:

The same people that were saying Toews was only a 3C are saying Keith is not even worthy of being a 2nd pairing defender on a good team. I wonder if Keith has it in him to turn it around next year like Toews did this year. I would hold on to him unless the offer was crazy good. You are not going to replace him with a better player at a lower cap hit. Boqvist and the others are not going to be ready next year. I would keep Keith another year.
- -Doh-

This 100%. We would be fools to give him away for some chump offer by a contender. Imagine how badly we would feel if we got one of the silly Toronto offers of a 2nd, Zaistev for him....

If a team wants a top pairing D, they better pay big (like we had to do). Otherwise they can bend over to Tampa Bay...

did you notice the TWO bad plays in our zone, 10 seconds apart. whiffed on a clearing attempt, ISLEs have puck back, then GUS gets it back and haphazzardly tries to clear it thru the slot and the ISLE player is standing right there, thank you very much for one of those high danger chances against. Just brutal and following similiar pattern all year.
- glennjpawlak22

Yes, but he also saved a goal by falling on a loose puck in the crease, and made one heck of a poke check in the 2nd period breaking up a possible breakaway. Glass half full? Glass half empty?