Of the veteran forward additions not named Shaw since he's a former Hawk, I think Smith will have the biggest impact with his grit, leadership, defense, and experience.

On defense, de Haan is my pick for best new veteran addition over Maatta but that's not to say Maatta's contributions will be junk. Collectively they will help to stabilize the back end to even out the load especially for Keith and Seabrook.
- AEL_Fox

Agreed AEL, I'm really happy that Smith and Shaw are in the lineup for the grit aspect they bring. Not that I want players who can't play the game and only fight in the lineup, but it was disheartening watching 4 Hawks prospects get manhandled by the junior Wild. Obviously different leagues, but we've seen the "soft" Hawks had that happen to them before too. I fully expect Smith/Shaw/Murphy/.etc to answer the bell if some a-hole tries to injure our best players.

Last half of the season,the Hawks were 21-14-6 for 48 points. With an arguably better roster, if the Hawks play the same pace they did in the second half, they project our at 96 points, which probably puts them in the playoffs as a wild card
- LAHawk

I agree, on paper Chicago is vastly improved. The only point I'd challenge is a wild card spot. Last year I believe Nashville had 100 points for 1st if 100 points is the baramoter 96 would put Chicago well above a wild card spot?

Last half of the season,the Hawks were 21-14-6 for 48 points. With an arguably better roster, if the Hawks play the same pace they did in the second half, they project our at 96 points, which probably puts them in the playoffs as a wild card
- LAHawk

I've heard this a few times, and as optimistic as I normally am (especially about this team) I think we have to caution about projecting how last year's team finished into this year. This team is drastically different (and all of the teams in our division have changed as well).

Like with the players in Traverse City, I'm not making any projections (or setting any expectations) until I see this team on the ice against quality competition.

I had just landed in Cincinnati (CVG) when the poop started to hit the fan. Saw UAL175 hit the South Tower live on TV in our Cincinnati Flight Ops office. Spent the next 3 days in Cincy.

Then on the flight back to ORD on the 14th, we got struck by lightning. Great week.
- Ogilthorpe2

I was in the air - we had just taken off on a flight to Tucson so we could visit our Company's mequila in Nogales, Mexico. They brought us down in Quad Cities - we rented a car and drove back to Chicago.

But - had it been a couple of hours later - we'd have been in Mexico when the planes hit the towers - who knows how long it would have taken to get back into the US.

I've heard this a few times, and as optimistic as I normally am (especially about this team) I think we have to caution about projecting how last year's team finished into this year. This team is drastically different (and all of the teams in our division have changed as well).

Like with the players in Traverse City, I'm not making any projections (or setting any expectations) until I see this team on the ice against quality competition.
- Chunk

Agreed, but look at how the Hawks changed from first half to second half:

In: Strome, Perlini, Cagiula, KoeKoek

Out: Schmautz, Manning, Rutta

So you can argue that the team the Hawks had the second half of the season was stronger than the first half, and it reflected in its record.

I was in the air - we had just taken off on a flight to Tucson so we could visit our Company's mequila in Nogales, Mexico. They brought us down in Quad Cities - we rented a car and drove back to Chicago.

But - had it been a couple of hours later - we'd have been in Mexico when the planes hit the towers - who knows how long it would have taken to get back into the US.
- StLBravesFan

A friend of mine that I played hockey with out here in California was on flight AA 11, RIP Lenny Taylor.

I appreciate the knowledge shared . In your opinion where does Nylander and Saarela compare ? Pros / cons who has a higher ceiling and etc?
- Taylorst1

I've admittedly seen less of Saarela, but he seems more of a "shoot first" type guy. His shot (and only his shot) remind me of Sharp. Quick release, pretty accurate, doesn't seem to get knocked off the puck. He's also quite fast.

Nylander is more of an "all-around" offensive player where he can shoot (and from what I've seen he'd be more productive if he did more of that), but he creates space and can pass very well too. Obviously, consistency is an issue for both.

Neither will impress in their own end, but I think Nylander will ultimately be better in that aspect. He's taller than Saarela, but seems to have a better base.

I'm more bullish on Nylander only because I think his skill is that much better and I hold that in a higher regard. I'm hoping he takes advantage of the chance.

Agreed, but look at how the Hawks changed from first half to second half:

In: Strome, Perlini, Cagiula, KoeKoek

Out: Schmautz, Manning, Rutta

So you can argue that the team the Hawks had the second half of the season was stronger than the first half, and it reflected in its record.
- LAHawk

Oh sure! I just never discount the effect of turnover. NHL history is riddled with too many examples of teams bringing in players only to have them take a dump.

Agreed AEL, I'm really happy that Smith and Shaw are in the lineup for the grit aspect they bring. Not that I want players who can't play the game and only fight in the lineup, but it was disheartening watching 4 Hawks prospects get manhandled by the junior Wild. Obviously different leagues, but we've seen the "soft" Hawks had that happen to them before too. I fully expect Smith/Shaw/Murphy/.etc to answer the bell if some a-hole tries to injure our best players.
- Murph76

Right on, Murph. Caggiula can bring that grit and physicality as well although I do worry if his style of play will catch up to him in terms of injuries.

Even though it's preferred they just stick to their games, we also know Toews and DeBrincat push back when the going gets rough.

On the blueline, besides Murphy, nobody is a bruiser or fighter but the D corps as a collective unit brings size and muscle. Keith, Gustafsson, and de Haan are in the 6'1" range yet by no means are the weakest. Lots of snarl from Keith and even Gustafsson has shown a mean streak if push comes to shove.

Going with:

Nashville
Colorado
Winnipeg
Hawks
St. Louis
Dallas
Minny

Dallas
St. Louis
Colorado
Nashville
Winnipeg
Chicago
Minnesota

Gonna be a tough year due to a tough division.

Going with:

Everyone else
Hawks

Just watched the interview with Mark Bernard (VP of Hockey Operations). He said all of the injuries sustained at the Traverse City tournament were basically bruising (and a couple lost teeth). All should be ready for camp, but they will re-evaluate when camp starts.

Teaching about it today to my 7th and 8th Grade classes. Hard to believe these kids were not even alive when 9/11/01 occurred. Time flies, but that date is so etched in my brain like yesterday, as I can tell you exactly what I was doing that day like it was yesterday. I have taught about 9/11 every every year since the terrorist attacks happened. Never Forget is right, a day that changed the United States forever!!
- ChicagoHope

Not to get political, but these A$$hole socialist idiots want to change this country for the worst. They have forgotten about 9/11, and everyone needs to know that. Never let them have any power.

Now back to hockey talk, yes Bettman sucks!

Going with:

Everyone else
Hawks
- Beaver-Warrior

Woof

I've heard this a few times, and as optimistic as I normally am (especially about this team) I think we have to caution about projecting how last year's team finished into this year. This team is drastically different (and all of the teams in our division have changed as well).

Like with the players in Traverse City, I'm not making any projections (or setting any expectations) until I see this team on the ice against quality competition.
- Chunk

The last 10 games of last year don't project very well either.

Not to get political, but these A$$hole socialist idiots want to change this country for the worst. They have forgotten about 9/11, and everyone needs to know that. Never let them have any power.

Now back to hockey talk, yes Bettman sucks!
- powerenforcer

Then don't get political, genius.

In lieu of posting where I think the division will end up I will say this:

I think the Hawks have theoretically improved their team. The defensive additions alone cannot be understated (forwards and d-men). I think as it stands they are a solid wild card (maybe even 3rd seed) with the ability to be much better.

I think the most critical factor is getting all of the new faces not only on the same page with the system, but slotted correctly. As well as Caggiula played with 19 and 88 last year, I don't think it's ideal to have him play there. It will be a fun year to watch.

In lieu of posting where I think the division will end up I will say this:

I think the Hawks have theoretically improved their team. The defensive additions alone cannot be understated (forwards and d-men). I think as it stands they are a solid wild card (maybe even 3rd seed) with the ability to be much better.

I think the most critical factor is getting all of the new faces not only on the same page with the system, but slotted correctly. As well as Caggiula played with 19 and 88 last year, I don't think it's ideal to have him play there. It will be a fun year to watch.
- Chunk

whats more crazy is the schedule this year. There are months they are home almost exclusively and month on the road almost exclusively. Im not sure what would be better, the schedule as it is now, almost all home cooking first month or to be on the road first two weeks to bond as a new team? thoughts?

whats more crazy is the schedule this year. There are months they are home almost exclusively and month on the road almost exclusively. Im not sure what would be better, the schedule as it is now, almost all home cooking first month or to be on the road first two weeks to bond as a new team? thoughts?
- glennjpawlak22

Indeed. I just bought my tix for the game in Anaheim right after Halloween. I'm hoping I haven't soured on them by that time.

Severe weather sweeping across the northern suburbs, be careful kids.

Then don't get political, genius.
- BMWChiFan

Way to read the obvious. Proof you cannot have an adult conversation with children.

I had just landed in Cincinnati (CVG) when the poop started to hit the fan. Saw UAL175 hit the South Tower live on TV in our Cincinnati Flight Ops office. Spent the next 3 days in Cincy.

Then on the flight back to ORD on the 14th, we got struck by lightning. Great week.
- Ogilthorpe2

I had flown to MI from Phoenix on 9/6. I flew back on the 10th. My gf picked me up, and we drove to Vegas. We gambled all night, and were eating breakfast at the MGM Grand when I heard about the attacks. When we went out that night, no one was talking; the only noise was from the slot machines.
We had to find a different route home because they closed the Hoover Dam.

The longer you live, the more events like that there will be, for better or worse.

For me:

JFK, RFK, and MLK assassinations. (Altho the RFK event happened while I was asleep, I recall clearly hearing about it on the radio when I awoke the next morning.)
Man on the Moon.
9/11.
- StLBravesFan

I remember being in class in Rhinelander Wisconsin (4th grade I think) when the teacher left the room and came back about 10 minutes later and announced in a jittery voice that President Kennedy had been shot. I don't think we were told he was dead at that time - just that he was shot. Definitely one of those stick in your memory moments.

good luck