Good summary of what Anisimov brings and the value he brings. Yes, not a requirement to retain him if a better option is attainable but he's a contributor more than he is a liability to the Blackhawks.
- AEL_Fox

I stated this elsewhere. I would not be upset if the moved AA. Nor would I be disappointed if he returned.

I think that is exactly what JC has done with him. His team mates, Kunitz especially, were in his ear this season. How many times does a coach have to sit you before you get it?

I have said this before. His problem is he stops moving his feet and glides all over the ice. If its noticeable to us watching on TV, it must be a huge red flag on the coach's video. JC seems to be good at communicating to the players and I would venture to guess, his expectations have been given to Perlini multiple times.

At some point, the player has to take ownership of his motivations.
- Elbows15

No doubt a player is responsible for his play. But I would be disappointed if the team gives up on him after half a season. The Hawks are not in a position to give up on young talent, especially young talent with very good skills.

I'd like to see him provided with a defined role going into camp and then see him stay in that role and not being moved into other roles or lines. If after next season he isn't proving himself then look to move him. But I'd like him to have a full season as a Hawk.

My fear with Perlini is the Hawks move him and he goes to a team where a coach is able to get his ear and get him to play to his potential. We saw a few games what he can be, a big, fast, confident forwrd with a big shot and quick release. I really want to see Colliton work with him to try to motivate him and define a role for him.
- paulr

Yep - he might end up being one of those maddening players who never gets it but unless he can't be signed for little or nothing - why give up on him yet? He has all the tools - maybe Colliton can find a toolbox in there somewhere.

Central Scouting has released their final rankings.

NA Skaters: http://www.nhl.com/ice/dr...&sort=finalRank&year=2019

International Skaters: http://www.nhl.com/ice/dr...&sort=finalRank&year=2019


Dach and Turcotte ahead of Cozens.

No doubt a player is responsible for his play. But I would be disappointed if the team gives up on him after half a season. The Hawks are not in a position to give up on young talent, especially young talent with very good skills.

I'd like to see him provided with a defined role going into camp and then see him stay in that role and not being moved into other roles or lines. If after next season he isn't proving himself then look to move him. But I'd like him to have a full season as a Hawk.
- paulr

He hasn't shown the ability to stay in the line-up to own his role, tho. That is kinda the problem. I definitely wouldn't be signing him for more than he is making now. He gets a show me deal. I don't think it matters. This was a contract year for him. Physical skills? Yes. His mental skills appear to be lacking. AS far as it applies to playing hockey.

I would definitely take on Callahan' contract if the accompany piece(s) were good enough. His contract only has one year so its not an issue moving forward. He would definitely help in a 4th line role and the PK. He seems to be considered a good team mate and would fit into the locker room.
- Elbows15

I like Callahan as an option. Tough as nails and great leadership qualities.

I stated this elsewhere. I would not be upset if the moved AA. Nor would I be disappointed if he returned.
- Elbows15

Same here. I recall you saying that in the past.

I think one of the ways to fix the PK is to sign a Roman Polak, Luke Shenn, or Jordie Benn and put them in the Brent Sopel, Brookbank roll as a 6th defenseman and a PK specialist. It would only cost about a $1 mil.and can split time on the PK or play with Seabrook.

Central Scouting has released their final rankings.

NA Skaters: http://www.nhl.com/ice/dr...&sort=finalRank&year=2019

International Skaters: http://www.nhl.com/ice/dr...&sort=finalRank&year=2019


Dach and Turcotte ahead of Cozens.
- Justin Lowe

Byram has really moved up. He is still my choice at BPA which is how we should be drafting. Get forwards via free agency.

Qualified statements don't count around here Palie.
- paulr

*hangs head in shame, shuffles feet as I walk to the corner*

I know we are talking about players but how long is Colliton's and his staff's leash? Will he/they be gone if the Defense and PK do not step up? I know it's Bowman's hand picked guy and I believe he was the guy to take over after Q, but I would have preferred he be called up as an assistant first.

While I'm excited for next season with some new fresh faces on the team, the jury is still out in my book on JC as I'm still trying to see what kind of coach he is and if the players are actually on the same page because I don't believe his man to man system will work in the NHL with the speed and how soft the Hawks are. That slot is always wide open at least 3-5 times a game for no reason what-so-ever.

I hope he turns out to be a HOF coach and coaches the Hawks to some Cups, but it's hard to grade him right now.

Since when have you liked Eakin, McNabb, and Miller? Just kidding.

Poaching from cap impacted teams is definitely an option. And that’s totally fine if the players available are depth players. Many of them are pretty good depth pieces.

The Hawks are fine in the top 6. Could always use another weapon but it’s not a weakness. Strengthening the bottom 6 and obtaining 1-2 reliable defenders who can eat minutes are critical. Those new D men don’t necessarily need to be 1/2/3 material as long as they are solid in their own end.

So depth players from other teams may be sufficient. Helps to preserve cap space for later.
- AEL_Fox

Yes, depth players are the way to go for next year. Try to get three players (2 bottom 6 forwards and a top 4 D) for 10M per year. Maybe one of these is Kubalik for 1M.

The Hawks have 15 players signed and over 22M in cap space for next year. They can submit qualifying offers or a little more and sign their RFA's Kampf, Perlini, Koekkoek and Forsling for 5M tops.

Let's say three of them are on the team next year, so that's 18 players with 18M available. Add to that the 3 new faces for 10M = 21 signed and 8M available. Heck, maybe even worthwhile to pick up Callahan's 5.8M for a year if there is a nice sweetener. That 5.8M and Cro's 6M, plus any 20-21 cap increase goes toward Strome, Cat, Kahun new contracts.

Trade bait could include 2 of Dahlstrom, Koekkoek, Forsling, and Hayden, and some lower round picks. Remember that the cap stressed teams do not want to take back much salary. If a less expensive, capable replacement for AA is obtained along the way, he then could be moved too.

Note, if a veteran goalie to back up Corey is in the cards, may have to reserve 3M or so in cap space for him.

I am also assuming that the Hawks 3# pick, whoever it is, will not be on team til 20-21. If by chance he does makes the leap his ELC cost will be less than 1M.

Edit - Forgot about Sikura who's a RFA also. Signing him for about 1.5 shouldn't effect my plan that much.

Byram has really moved up. He is still my choice at BPA which is how we should be drafting. Get forwards via free agency.
- 67hawks

I saw a Youtube highlight package of Byram and all I could think of was a more physical Duncan Keith. Cozens interestets me too. The problem with Central scouting is they had Kyle Turris ranked ahead of Patrick Kane in 2007. Since then I have been leery of their predictions. If the Hawks scouts rank Byram ahead of Couzens and all other NA prospects I too would like the Hawks to select him

I saw a Youtube highlight package of Byram and all I could think of was a more physical Duncan Keith. Cozens interestets me too. The problem with Central scouting is they had Kyle Turris ranked ahead of Patrick Kane in 2007. Since then I have been leery of their predictions. If the Hawks scouts rank Byram ahead of Couzens and all other NA prospects I too would like the Hawks to select him
- paulr

I think it speaks to just how hard it is to rank them and how only so much of this game can't be analyzed, because of the human factors. The face to face discussion with the players would be a big thing for me if I was involved in this decision.

Not 100% the same thing, but I'm sure there were a lot of experts that had Tampa crushing a lot of teams in the playoffs too, but reality is not lining up so far. That is what I like about the NHL. We don't really know what will happen or who the heroes will be.

I saw a Youtube highlight package of Byram and all I could think of was a more physical Duncan Keith. Cozens interestets me too. The problem with Central scouting is they had Kyle Turris ranked ahead of Patrick Kane in 2007. Since then I have been leery of their predictions. If the Hawks scouts rank Byram ahead of Couzens and all other NA prospects I too would like the Hawks to select him
- paulr

Trust in Kelley is my mantra. I think the upcoming U18's will scramble the rankings.

Kadri's hearing is in New York today. What's the over under on games suspended?

I say 4.

Kadri's hearing is in New York today. What's the over under on games suspended?

I say 4.
- boilermaker100

I'll go 4 as well.

I also think his days as a Maple Leaf are done. And he and his ten cent head had better not end up in Chicago.

I'll go 4 as well.

I also think his days as a Maple Leaf are done. And he and his ten cent head had better not end up in Chicago.
- paulr

When you think about it, the Leafs will probably have to give him away now for a lower round choice or a lower tier prospect. His 4.5M off the books will help their cap situation going forward.

Agree that the Hawks should not pursue him. I just hope he doesn't land in the Central, since the Leafs probably want him shipped out of the East.

Kadri's hearing is in New York today. What's the over under on games suspended?

I say 4.
- boilermaker100

4 reduced to 2 after appeal.

I'll go 4 as well.

I also think his days as a Maple Leaf are done. And he and his ten cent head had better not end up in Chicago.
- paulr

Wait wait wait ... let's not be hasty. I think Stan should offer to take the miscreant off their hands ... for a fee ... let's say something around Seabrook going the other way.

Wait wait wait ... let's not be hasty. I think Stan should offer to take the miscreant off their hands ... for a fee ... let's say something around Seabrook going the other way.

- EbonyRaptor

I like the way you think, I don't think Seabs will agree to any trade...

Kadri's hearing is in New York today. What's the over under on games suspended?

I say 4.
- boilermaker100

I’m going six.

I’m going six.
- walleyeb1

I agree...they will make him sit out this series if it goes 7 and then an extra game or two in the next one if they win.

Wait wait wait ... let's not be hasty. I think Stan should offer to take the miscreant off their hands ... for a fee ... let's say something around Seabrook going the other way.

- EbonyRaptor

I like your enthusiasm but Seabrook has a larger contract. I already know your repsonse .... "so give us Kapanan to balance it out"

I think one of the ways to fix the PK is to sign a Roman Polak, Luke Shenn, or Jordie Benn and put them in the Brent Sopel, Brookbank roll as a 6th defenseman and a PK specialist. It would only cost about a $1 mil.and can split time on the PK or play with Seabrook.
- LAHawk

I would consider options like Benn and Polak for the 3rd pair and PK. Experience, defense first, physical. Not sure what their advanced stats say but I'd at least have them on a long list of options.

If a player like them plays 3rd pair with Seabrook, then that assumes Gustafsson is playing top 4 or is traded. As an example:

Keith - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Murphy
Benn - Seabrook
Dahlstrom

Gustafsson's status on the team is key as he would dictate whether the team needs 1 or 2 new defenders on the back line, i.e. at least someone in Benn's spot from the example and possibly his own spot in the top 4. This also assumes Jokiharju makes the team again which I think the likelihood is higher he does than not.

Personally, I think the team should sell high now and trade Gustafsson for at least a 1st rounder and/or high-end prospect. Then sign 2 new blueliners on 2-3 year deals at affordable AAV so as to not impact the cap to sign DeBrincat, Strome, and whoever else and to not block D prospects from graduating to the Hawks over the next few seasons.