You must have enjoyed that hit on Donskoi last night tho.
- RickJ

I did. Surprised Donskoi got up from it.

Just bought my season tickets. The Blackhawks will be back in the playoffs next year calling it now!

More on Barratt, credit Scott Powers at The Athletic:

Barratt took some time after the season to decide whether he wanted to turn pro, but the decision was ultimately made for him. He will return to Penn State for his junior season after recently having an undisclosed surgery, according to a source. He is expected to be out 2-3 months and should be 100 percent come August and be ready for next season, the source said.
- walleyeb1

That makes sense from watching after the WJC. Something was off with him. Pretty sure he was dinged up at the WJC and played through something. He also missed the last couple of weeks of the NCAA season.

Thanks AEL!

I thought Saad was going for US but maybe he declined.
- Justin Lowe

I haven't seen an official word as of yet. Last I saw he was considering it. They only have named 17 players at this point. I suspect Murphy will be added if Carlo and McAvoy advance with the Bruins.

I'll say this, for as big (tall) as he is, he can skate like the wind.

First time I've seen him, pretty impressive.
- vabeachbear

He is playing wing and Krebs is his center. Krebs may be moving up after his performance so far. He has been really good for Canada.

Kris Versteeg has signed a contract with the Piggies. So there is a vet for the kids. Good move for the Hogs.

Way off topic, but is anyone going or has gone in the past to the Blackhawks Convention? I bought my ticket when they first went on sale, but have never actually received my ticket. Is this typical? Not sure if I am able to go now, but it a little hard to sell my "ticket" when I don't have anything physically to sell.

I also find it a bit disappointing how the Hilton raise the prices on their rooms to 3X the normal cost during that weekend. If I go, I guess Airbnb is my best bet.

Kris Versteeg has signed a contract with the Piggies. So there is a vet for the kids. Good move for the Hogs.
- Elbows15

How long before he's back in Chicago's top 6?

I thought he would never return to the organization after being dealt twice.

How long before he's back in Chicago's top 6?

I thought he would never return to the organization after being dealt twice.
- DarthKane

Technically, he isn't part of the organization. Its an AHL contract with Rockford.

Kris Versteeg has signed a contract with the Piggies. So there is a vet for the kids. Good move for the Hogs.
- Elbows15

Thanks for the update on the Versteeg signing with the Hogs. Agree, great addition for a veteran on the forward ranks. Just need a veteran for the defense. Maybe Campbell is re-upped. Captain material and tons of AHL experience.

That said, though, there are a handful of Hogs forwards with at least 3 years of experience, i.e. L Johnson, Louis, Knott. T Sikura, Schroeder, and Broadhurst, too, if either of them are re-signed.

Kris Versteeg has signed a contract with the Piggies. So there is a vet for the kids. Good move for the Hogs.
- Elbows15

Love it.

Thanks for the update on the Versteeg signing with the Hogs. Agree, great addition for a veteran on the forward ranks. Just need a veteran for the defense. Maybe Campbell is re-upped. Captain material and tons of AHL experience.

That said, though, there are a handful of Hogs forwards with at least 3 years of experience, i.e. L Johnson, Louis, Knott. T Sikura, Schroeder, and Broadhurst, too, if either of them are re-signed.
- AEL_Fox

Versteeg is a guy I see spending some time in the AHL and ending up coaching... that or a career in media.

not sure what you are seeing...a powerhouse??

that plenty of cap room; a suspect they let varlomov walk with the way grubs is playing; they look pretty avg to me with plenty of holes
- bogiedoc

Pretty average? They just ran over the #1 seed in the West. They have the best player still playing in the NHL right now. They have Cale Makar who is about to be a superstar. They have the #4 pick in this year's draft. The guy behind the bench can really coach too. All they have to do is dump Varlamov and find a good replacement.

Would not surprise me if they made the Cup Final this year. They are resting while the other teams are beating the crap out of each other.

With the addition of Stone Alex Tuch is regulated to 3rd line right wing ($4.5 mil.), a big power forward with hands. Brayden McNabb ($2.3 mil), is a top 4 defenseman who is a stay at home tough physical defenseman. I wonder who Vegas would want (considering the cap hell they are in) from the Hawks to trade those 2?
- LAHawk

That’s why Vegas probably wouldn’t want to trade him.

Versteeg is a guy I see spending some time in the AHL and ending up coaching... that or a career in media.
- Justin Lowe

I can see Versteeg going the Sharp and Burish analyst route. Not sure how analytical he is but he is an engaging personality.

Justin trading with vegas any idea if the two teams talked at the TDL about possible offseason trade between the two teams? I watch last night game McNabb was a visable and physical player all over the ice just what the hawks need eakin at 3rd line center position would take a load of toews. Any chatter going on or all quiet? One last how soon after the playoffs can teams start trading?

Thanks AEL!

I thought Saad was going for US but maybe he declined.
- Justin Lowe

I'd be surprised if Saad did anything "extra" to improve his game. He'd be part of any big package the Hawks may be considering if it were me. Horrible year last year, better this year, but overall disappointing 2 years since his return. He'd be a nice fit in Vegas for a couple of those hi-energy guys they need to move......Tuch ??

That’s why Vegas probably wouldn’t want to trade him.
- walleyeb1

They are not trading Theodore, Schmidt, maybe there is a market for Colin Miller at $3.8 mil, whose left? Merrill is at $1.25 they need to shed way more than that, Engelund will probably sign again (since he is from Vegas for about $1 mil).

Also will be interesting to see how Vegas handles RFA Karlsson.

Kris Versteeg has signed a contract with the Piggies. So there is a vet for the kids. Good move for the Hogs.
- Elbows15

Wonder what an AHL team pays a guy like Versteeg?

I'd be surprised if Saad did anything "extra" to improve his game. He'd be part of any big package the Hawks may be considering if it were me. Horrible year last year, better this year, but overall disappointing 2 years since his return. He'd be a nice fit in Vegas for a couple of those hi-energy guys they need to move......Tuch ??
- Hawkytalk

Does anyone think that Saad's game translates to more value in the Playoff than reg season hockey?

I can see Versteeg going the Sharp and Burish analyst route. Not sure how analytical he is but he is an engaging personality.
- AEL_Fox

As long as he doesn't (frank)ing rap any more

As long as he doesn't (frank)ing rap any more
- 6628

who was in the LIMO? Madden, Kane - who else?

Wonder what an AHL team pays a guy like Versteeg?
- walleyeb1

Really low 6 figures is my guess. Maybe between 100-200K? Could be just a way for Versteeg to maybe latch on in the NHL for the vet min. Show he is healthy and still has something to bring to a team? Think he might be able to make a bit more in Europe.

I'd be surprised if Saad did anything "extra" to improve his game. He'd be part of any big package the Hawks may be considering if it were me. Horrible year last year, better this year, but overall disappointing 2 years since his return. He'd be a nice fit in Vegas for a couple of those hi-energy guys they need to move......Tuch ??
- Hawkytalk

He doesn't fit in Vegas because of the salary cap. Vegas is already at 82M for next season with only 17 guys signed. They need to shed salary. A lot of salary.