Justin Lowe: Bold Trade Deadline Predictions for Blackhawks
The Blackhawks suffered a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. While the Hawks had a ton of shots – 41 to be exact – the BJs came out on top in a big way.

The two Russian question marks for Columbus, Bobrovsky and Panarin were great and on the other side Patrick Kane factored in on both Hawks goals.

Below is the first edition of predictions leading up to the NHL trade deadline. I will look at conversation starters in the form of headlines of some “Bold” predictions from the Blackhawks corner. The next will be the “No-So-Bold” predictions which will be out mid-week.

First

I think the first scenario is the most likely. Just some tinkering around the edges by possibly moving Krueger, Anisimov or one of the 7th, 8th defenseman. The return probably won't be much, maybe some lower round draft choices, but moving Anisimov's 4.5M would be nice.

I expect to see some of the other bolder moves this summer.

Happy Monday Tyler. Your blog was spot on. I've read a article that Chicago could or is pursuing these 3 names Simmonds, Johansson, stone.

I think the later in stone would be more beneficial, Chicago clearly won't draft in the top 5 , but getting stone if possible would be something along a sign and trade deal involving a 1st round pick, plus either sikura or kahun?


Any thoughts ? And how do you see Duchene working out here in Chicago?

Simmonds? Give me a break here. Hawks need to NOT be buyers. They either need to stand pat or do a "quiet sale". I don't want Duchene either, not for what he'll cost. I'd be fine moving Gustaffson if the price is right. Although he has helped the PowerPlay so there is risk in that move.

Hawks are absolutely NOT in position to be buyers, unless they are moving guys off the current roster. The minors either has junk or higher level types who should not be part of ANY deal. You want to trade Adam Boqvist for a fantasy land dream run? Neither do I.

The trade deadline is Feb 25th, not Dec. 25th

The trade deadline is Feb 25th, not Dec. 25th
- hawkss81

Maybe he knows something is up, and it will be like Christmas for us????????

Simmonds? Give me a break here. Hawks need to NOT be buyers. They either need to stand pat or do a "quiet sale". I don't want Duchene either, not for what he'll cost. I'd be fine moving Gustaffson if the price is right. Although he has helped the PowerPlay so there is risk in that move.

Hawks are absolutely NOT in position to be buyers, unless they are moving guys off the current roster. The minors either has junk or higher level types who should not be part of ANY deal. You want to trade Adam Boqvist for a fantasy land dream run? Neither do I.
- kwolf68

Buyers for older players i agree with you. But I'd have no problem seeing Bowman do what he's done the last few trades, pick up younger roster players or prospects.

Ideas #1 and #3 are quite possible and the most likely to happen.

I think Kruger is as good as gone, maybe Hayden too. I would sell high on Gus, I like his game and I'm an overall fan but if he's not part of the long term plan and a team is willing to provide a decent recent (i.e. first round pick) then I say go for it.

I think a month ago Chicago felt that they where sellers now just being 3 points out of a wild card spot in a weak western conference they have a chance at a playoff spot with Crawford coming back that's a upgrade and toews and Kane have maybe 2 to 3 more years so they feel now is am great time to push.

I agree Simmonds would not be the right move but if they could get stone that's a huge upgrade and giving up a 1st for him provided he was signed would be a win for Chicago.

Sikura is 3 to 4 years away from being a impact player if he even can be, Kahun is expendable as well.

Simmonds? Give me a break here. Hawks need to NOT be buyers. They either need to stand pat or do a "quiet sale". I don't want Duchene either, not for what he'll cost. I'd be fine moving Gustaffson if the price is right. Although he has helped the PowerPlay so there is risk in that move.

Hawks are absolutely NOT in position to be buyers, unless they are moving guys off the current roster. The minors either has junk or higher level types who should not be part of ANY deal. You want to trade Adam Boqvist for a fantasy land dream run? Neither do I.
- kwolf68

100% agree. The Hawks should not be buyers especially for rentals like Simmonds or Duchene. The Hawks have made a nice run recently and should let the season play out with what they have or a minor subtraction like Kruger or Anisimov to get something for the future. A Simmonds or Duchene will not guarantee a playoff spot .

I think a month ago Chicago felt that they where sellers now just being 3 points out of a wild card spot in a weak western conference they have a chance at a playoff spot with Crawford coming back that's a upgrade and toews and Kane have maybe 2 to 3 more years so they feel now is am great time to push.

I agree Simmonds would not be the right move but if they could get stone that's a huge upgrade and giving up a 1st for him provided he was signed would be a win for Chicago.

Sikura is 3 to 4 years away from being a impact player if he even can be, Kahun is expendable as well.
- Taylorst1

Why give anything up for a player you could sign for free in July? Stan watched the Boston and Columbus games- playoff caliber teams in the heart of the playoff push and how did those turn out? There is no way Stan goes the rental route for this year's team. They're not close and certainly not in a position to give away a high/mid first and cheap contributor like Kahun...

Why give anything up for a player you could sign for free in July? Stan watched the Boston and Columbus games- playoff caliber teams in the heart of the playoff push and how did those turn out? There is no way Stan goes the rental route for this year's team. They're not close and certainly not in a position to give away a high/mid first and cheap contributor like Kahun...
- Davewn

You have to look at Chicago's situation now, they are 3 points out of a wild card spot and they want to make the playoffs that's obvious, they won't get a top 5 draft spot , so if they did give up a 1st and say sikura or kahun for stone who would get signed in order for the deal to manifest that's a win win .

Anismov, Kunitz, Kruger get You late draft round picks , Keith and Seabrook highly unlikely moving but if Keith does your looking at a 2nd round pick plus giving up sikura or kahun either way. Seabrook your eating 50 percent of his salary.

Toews and Kane you have to look at the big picture they have 2 maybe 3 more years so if Chicago gets in they feel they have as good a shot as anybody with Crawford in net and toews and Kane leading the charge.
Even if they get stone while giving up a 1st and sikura, he is a upgrade top 6 young guy that still no matter what if they make the playoffs or not having him over kahun , sikura only helps.

#1 Yes! Move Kruger, AA & any of the other marginal pieces for picks & prospects. Or bundle them with someone else (Gustafsson) for a shot at a bigger haul.

#2 No. The young draftee D need to learn how to play at the NHL level. Who better to mentor them than a Gold Medal, Norris, Conn Smythe, Stanley Cup winner. If everything works out, some of the kids hit big, and DK is playing 3rd pair during the next Cup run. And, BTW, he’s still the team’s best defenseman.

#3 YES! He’s 27 in April. He’s not going to learn how to play D at this point of his career. Move him to a team that needs PP specialist for the playoffs, Sell high.

#4 Yes. CC could be attractive to a contender with goalkeeper questions. He’ll likely be on the downside of his career when the Hawks next contend. Of course, I assume he’s got one of Stan’s NMC, so there’s that hurdle.

#5 maybe. The only way you acquire an expiring contract on a player you want to keep is by having an agreement on an extension signed. If not, it makes no sense.

You have to look at Chicago's situation now, they are 3 points out of a wild card spot and they want to make the playoffs that's obvious, they won't get a top 5 draft spot , so if they did give up a 1st and say sikura or kahun for stone who would get signed in order for the deal to manifest that's a win win .

Anismov, Kunitz, Kruger get You late draft round picks , Keith and Seabrook highly unlikely moving but if Keith does your looking at a 2nd round pick plus giving up sikura or kahun either way. Seabrook your eating 50 percent of his salary.

Toews and Kane you have to look at the big picture they have 2 maybe 3 more years so if Chicago gets in they feel they have as good a shot as anybody with Crawford in net and toews and Kane leading the charge.
Even if they get stone while giving up a 1st and sikura, he is a upgrade top 6 young guy that still no matter what if they make the playoffs or not having him over kahun , sikura only helps.
- Taylorst1

Defense, defense, defense. That's what wins championships. Until the Hawks solidify theirs, the Hawks won't be a serious contender. Yes they have a boatload of defense prospects, but most are 2-3 years away.

Even if a Beaudin or Boqvist make the team next year, they are not the reincarnation of Bobby Orr. They will have to grow and learn the game for a couple of years much like Seabrook and Keith did 10-12 years ago.

Hawks need to add a solid top 4 Stralman type defenseman as a placeholder for a couple of years, and hope Keith and Seabrook can contribute for a couple of more years until the prospects are ready.

as bad/bold as this sounds, i think kane and keith would get a boat load in return. if you want to talk bold move kane to his hometown, the sabre for some young players. who they would be willing to give up, i'm not sure, but i'm sure it would be someone the hawks could extend. trade keith to the leaf for a decent young defencman and a first rounder. heck, i'd trade crow to any team that could take him for a decent draft pick.

Justin Lowe: Bold Trade Deadline Predictions for Blackhawks

The Blackhawks suffered a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. While the Hawks had a ton of shots – 41 to be exact – the BJs came out on top in a big way.

The two Russian question marks for Columbus, Bobrovsky and Panarin were great and on the other side Patrick Kane factored in on both Hawks goals.

Below is the first edition of predictions leading up to the NHL trade deadline. I will look at conversation starters in the form of headlines of some “Bold” predictions from the Blackhawks corner. The next will be the “No-So-Bold” predictions which will be out mid-week.
- Justin Lowe

Good blog, TC. 1 & 3 could happen. There are some winnable games, but the schedule won't get easier. They need to get on a hot streak again, and it should start against Ott in their W.C. sweaters!

Justin Lowe: Bold Trade Deadline Predictions for Blackhawks

The Blackhawks suffered a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. While the Hawks had a ton of shots – 41 to be exact – the BJs came out on top in a big way.

The two Russian question marks for Columbus, Bobrovsky and Panarin were great and on the other side Patrick Kane factored in on both Hawks goals.

Below is the first edition of predictions leading up to the NHL trade deadline. I will look at conversation starters in the form of headlines of some “Bold” predictions from the Blackhawks corner. The next will be the “No-So-Bold” predictions which will be out mid-week.
- Justin Lowe

I have to imagine there is a few GMs that can't see Gustos deficiencies defensively and believe they would pull a fast one on the Hawks by trading for him now, especially since our power play looks great.

Defense, defense, defense. That's what wins championships. Until the Hawks solidify theirs, the Hawks won't be a serious contender. Yes they have a boatload of defense prospects, but most are 2-3 years away.

Even if a Beaudin or Boqvist make the team next year, they are not the reincarnation of Bobby Orr. They will have to grow and learn the game for a couple of years much like Seabrook and Keith did 10-12 years ago.

Hawks need to add a solid top 4 Stralman type defenseman as a placeholder for a couple of years, and hope Keith and Seabrook can contribute for a couple of more years until the prospects are ready.
- boilermaker100

I agree, it's rare for a young dman to come up and be effective the entire season

How about Hawks send Toews home to the Peg for really not that much while retaining half his salary? 👍😜

as bad/bold as this sounds, i think kane and keith would get a boat load in return. if you want to talk bold move kane to his hometown, the sabre for some young players. who they would be willing to give up, i'm not sure, but i'm sure it would be someone the hawks could extend. trade keith to the leaf for a decent young defencman and a first rounder. heck, i'd trade crow to any team that could take him for a decent draft pick.
- stazrulez

Kane, Keith, Crow all have NMC. In theory, you're right that a lot of assets could be acquired for those 3, but it isn't going to happen.

1) Hawks narrowly miss playoffs.
2) Keith is not moved.
3) Gus is not moved (may be moved at next years TDL after Boqvist and the other young defenders have another year of development).
4) Crow is not moved. Outside chance Ward is moved.
5) Chicago does not acquire Duchene.

My bold prediction. Stan tries to move AA for cap space next year, but is unable to until after July 1st. Stan makes a few minor moves at the TDL dealing a fringe defenseman, a fringe winger, maybe one of the Rockford goalies, a draft pick or two. He targets a young RW that can play in the top 9 (and hopefully/eventually in the top 6) and draft picks. He also reshapes the AHL roster a little in the process.

How about Hawks send Toews home to the Peg for really not that much while retaining half his salary? 👍😜
- Ross77

Love it! $5.25 million in glorious cap space. That would be the smartest move Stan could make. Sell on Toews, Kane and Gus while they're all at their highest value.

You have to look at Chicago's situation now, they are 3 points out of a wild card spot and they want to make the playoffs that's obvious, they won't get a top 5 draft spot , so if they did give up a 1st and say sikura or kahun for stone who would get signed in order for the deal to manifest that's a win win .

Anismov, Kunitz, Kruger get You late draft round picks , Keith and Seabrook highly unlikely moving but if Keith does your looking at a 2nd round pick plus giving up sikura or kahun either way. Seabrook your eating 50 percent of his salary.

Toews and Kane you have to look at the big picture they have 2 maybe 3 more years so if Chicago gets in they feel they have as good a shot as anybody with Crawford in net and toews and Kane leading the charge.
Even if they get stone while giving up a 1st and sikura, he is a upgrade top 6 young guy that still no matter what if they make the playoffs or not having him over kahun , sikura only helps.
- Taylorst1

Just stop, we are for now better poopty team, we will probably make the playoffs even if we trade players away for draft picks, to give up draft picks right now is a joke. One goal isn't making the playoffs its winning the SC. This team has shown against 2 playoff teams they are not good enough to win 1 of those games. I root for them to win but at the same time one has to be realistic of how bad our defense is right now.

* Crawford says he’s healthy but hasn’t played a game since December 16th, 2018. The Hawks play 4 games from now until the Dec 25th TDL. Could Crawford get into a couple of those, play lights and get moved to a team like Calgary or the Islanders? Sure. It wouldn’t be crazy to think that the Hawks are moving on from Corey after the Delia signing. Crawford has this year and next still on the books (@ $6M per) so it wouldn’t be a high-risk move for a team like those listed above, I just don’t think CHI gets the return they would want in such short notice.

not sure you've looked at the stats lately but it doesn't appear the isles need a goaltender..