Same problem as A. Nylander except he has 5 years in the league, with only last year being consistent. You can put him in the Anthony DuClair category, great talent, but what are you going to get from him day in and day out.
- LAHawk

Another Perlini?

Weren't we saying the same about Schmaltz at around the same age? He was sent down for a bit.
- LAHawk

Yeah same profile. Schmaltz got almost two and half full seasons under his belt and had an expiring RFA contract that lead to the Hawks deciding to move on from him. Plus, their biggest need at the time was C and not another scoring wing so Stan took a gamble that's paid off for the most part.

This is technically Nylander's fourth year playing NHL games but this is the first time he's actually gotten significant playing time. Now, if it continues into next season then you you can kinda start questioning whether he has the want to be an all around consistent player.

Who know's for sure though! Teraveinen was thought of the same way and is a very good 2-way player in the league now

There are reports from Bob Mackenzie and Pierre Lebrun that the hawks are looking to extend Gustafsson for three or four years at about 4,000,000
- GPHawksfan

My exact reaction. I think he has very strong loyalty to Stan and Rocky, after living with Stan as a rookie and to both for sticking by him after his public off-ice issues.

But, after being split from Toews and Sharp way back when for balance, he got a taste again with Panarin of what it could be like, playing consistently with a high-skill player with whom he has a ton of chemistry. While chemistry isn't guaranteed, he's also played with quite a few other pros in international and summer play and may have some in mind. This year, he's just been put on the THIRD line with the dregs - it's frankly disrespectful considering his contributions to and role on team. When reunited with Toews, there's often a goal almost immediately.

Kane's at the stage of his career where winning is still paramount, but he's also chasing records of the greats and he is well aware of that. Don't buy for a second he doesn't have them all memorized.

His demeanor on ice and on the bench is worse than I think I've ever seen since I started following the team. Kid does not have a poker face. He's also, for the first time I can remember, skipping almost every optional practice. May be an age, rest thing and may be absolutely nothing, but it says something to me.

I want him to stay, of course, but would not shock me at all to hear he has requested a trade to a near-term contender. If Stan is fired, all bets are off for a multitude of reasons.

P.S. Kane didn't get a single shot on goal against DETROIT - that is just sad and cannot continue if due to his assigned line mates.
- pdx2ord

I agree with this line. He comes off the ice frustrated a lot.

- Savetheembers33

Idk...isn't this the same poster who matter of factly stated yesterday that Mitchell isn't signing here?

Could be wrong? Who had the troll flowchart last?

Carlsson but would also be good with McCoshen as well.

Carlsson is the most ready of the D prospects. He brings a similar package as Gilbert but I think he has better coverage and is a smoother skater.

McCoshen has some NHL experience and will be a free agent this summer so may be worth seeing what he can bring or else just cut him loose.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks

I agree with this line. He comes off the ice frustrated a lot.
- 6628

In all fairness, success came VERY easy to him (and the team) after one growing season in '07 (still finished only a few points outta the Playoffs) and then after that they were in the Playoffs and the following year their run began. These past few seasons are the first time that he and the team have faced adversity in the form of not being stacked with top end talent and an extremely good supporting cast. Having the success you've had and playing with some of the talents you have as well, you would be frustrated at times as well when you go to make a play and your linemates botch a pass or turn the puck over.

Idk...isn't this the same poster who matter of factly stated yesterday that Mitchell isn't signing here?

Could be wrong? Who had the troll flowchart last?
- HawkintheD

Idk too hard to keep up with that kinda stuff...lol could be who knows

It wouldn't shock me if Stan re-signed Gus hoping he can somehow find his offensive form from last year while the team defense around him improves to mask his defensive deficiencies.

I just don't wanna see the disaster if/when that doesn't work out. I'd much rather sell him for what they can and let another kid like Carlsson (who can actually grow and improve their game) play and learn for better or worse this year so perhaps next year this team can maybe make some strides to compete.

I'd be surprised if Mitchell doesn't sign here, but ya never know. I know he's stated since he was drafted that his idol is Duncan Keith and he'd love nothing more than to play for the Blackhawks and learn directly form him. Now, a lot has changed since then and the team isn't as good as they used to be, but based on what I've heard about the kids character I'd be surprised if he didn't ink a deal in the spring. If he doesn't sign by the draft then all bets are off and you gotta sell him to highest bidder rather than risk losing him for nothing.

This is technically Nylander's fourth year playing NHL games but this is the first time he's actually gotten significant playing time. Now, if it continues into next season then you you can kinda start questioning whether he has the want to be an all around consistent player.

Who know's for sure though! Teraveinen was thought of the same way and is a very good 2-way player in the league now

Mostly I agree with you. We all know plenty of players that did not develop consistency until they were in their mid 20's. Of course we also know players that never brought it every shift every night.

Saying "technically" this is his 4th year is a stretch. It's like saying someone who vacationed in the Bahamas for a week per year lived in the Bahamas at one time.
4 games as an 18 year old.
3 games as a 19 year old.
12 games as a 20 year old.
39 games as a 21 year old.

There are reports from Bob Mackenzie and Pierre Lebrun that the hawks are looking to extend Gustafsson for three or four years at about 4,000,000
- GPHawksfan

Just hurled the beef sammich I had for lunch.

There are reports from Bob Mackenzie and Pierre Lebrun that the hawks are looking to extend Gustafsson for three or four years at about 4,000,000
- GPHawksfan

You mean 4 years for a total of $4 mil, right. Not per year.

If not I am calling BS on that. Not doubting you. But would like to see this in print or a sound clip. Also could be Bowman trying to blow some smoke hoping to convince someone that Gus has value. At the end of the day I think he gets moved at the TDL for a late round pick, or a "B" level prospect, or in a bigger package with other assets going both ways.

Yeah same profile. Schmaltz got almost two and half full seasons under his belt and had an expiring RFA contract that lead to the Hawks deciding to move on from him. Plus, their biggest need at the time was C and not another scoring wing so Stan took a gamble that's paid off for the most part.

This is technically Nylander's fourth year playing NHL games but this is the first time he's actually gotten significant playing time. Now, if it continues into next season then you you can kinda start questioning whether he has the want to be an all around consistent player.

Who know's for sure though! Teraveinen was thought of the same way and is a very good 2-way player in the league now
- Savetheembers33

TT drove play and had a sense of where to be on the ice. Nylander not so much

Mostly I agree with you. We all know plenty of players that did not develop consistency until they were in their mid 20's. Of course we also know players that never brought it every shift every night.

Saying "technically" this is his 4th year is a stretch. It's like saying someone who vacationed in the Bahamas for a week per year lived in the Bahamas at one time.
4 games as an 18 year old.
3 games as a 19 year old.
12 games as a 20 year old.
39 games as a 21 year old.
- -Doh-

Haha I don't disagree with you. I said that as a way to shield from anyone coming running saying that this isn't the first year he's play in the NHL and blah blah blah lol

In all fairness, success came VERY easy to him (and the team) after one growing season in '07 (still finished only a few points outta the Playoffs) and then after that they were in the Playoffs and the following year their run began. These past few seasons are the first time that he and the team have faced adversity in the form of not being stacked with top end talent and an extremely good supporting cast. Having the success you've had and playing with some of the talents you have as well, you would be frustrated at times as well when you go to make a play and your linemates botch a pass or turn the puck over.
- Savetheembers33

All true - I can completely understand the frustration and disorientation of being not as successful as you've always been.

However, that's the reason I would not be at all surprised to see him ask for a trade to a contender for the last few years of his career. He's first and foremost a competitor and if he feels at all like he's trapped on a sinking ship or his talents are being otherwise wasted, it'd be a natural move.

Idk too hard to keep up with that kinda stuff...lol could be who knows

It wouldn't shock me if Stan re-signed Gus hoping he can somehow find his offensive form from last year while the team defense around him improves to mask his defensive deficiencies.

I just don't wanna see the disaster if/when that doesn't work out. I'd much rather sell him for what they can and let another kid like Carlsson (who can actually grow and improve their game) play and learn for better or worse this year so perhaps next year this team can maybe make some strides to compete.

I'd be surprised if Mitchell doesn't sign here, but ya never know. I know he's stated since he was drafted that his idol is Duncan Keith and he'd love nothing more than to play for the Blackhawks and learn directly form him. Now, a lot has changed since then and the team isn't as good as they used to be, but based on what I've heard about the kids character I'd be surprised if he didn't ink a deal in the spring. If he doesn't sign by the draft then all bets are off and you gotta sell him to highest bidder rather than risk losing him for nothing.
- Savetheembers33

I could see signing Gus for $4 mil. for the total of a 3 or 4 year contract, but $4 mil. for 4 years? No way, we have too many youngn's that he would block, besides $4mil. per would take over from Seab's contract as the worst in the NHL

TT drove play and had a sense of where to be on the ice. Nylander not so much
- fattybeef

That's fair. TT's problem was that he floated and shy'd away from physical play. I was just using the example of being a young player in the league trying to find their way and not having it all figured out right away

All true - I can completely understand the frustration and disorientation of being not as successful as you've always been.

However, that's the reason I would not be at all surprised to see him ask for a trade to a contender for the last few years of his career. He's first and foremost a competitor and if he feels at all like he's trapped on a sinking ship or his talents are being otherwise wasted, it'd be a natural move.
- pdx2ord

It's entirely possible that he gets to that point, but I have a feeling being a Hawk his entire career is important to him. Now, if they just continue to get worse and worse and get into the extreme bottle of the barrel situation then I could definitely see him wanting a way out. We'll see what the Hawks can do over the next year here

Just hurled the beef sammich I had for lunch.
- 6628

Agreed. That has to be a joke.

He'll be getting $400k/year for every shorthand goal he gives up.

I could see signing Gus for $4 mil. for the total of a 3 or 4 year contract, but $4 mil. for 4 years? No way, we have too many youngn's that he would block, besides $4mil. per would take over from Seab's contract as the worst in the NHL
- LAHawk

I've said it for awhile that he's going to get a deal similar to Jake Gardiner and Shayne Gostisbehere. Both are offensively good players but struggle mightily on defense. I wouldn't take Gus over either of those guys, BUT people get crazy at the Deadline and ESPECIALLY in FA. Someone will pay him around 4M a year to be an offensive and PP specialist.

[quote=-Doh-]
Somebody is saying Dach is a bust playing at 18 in the NHL because some guys playing against pee wee players look better.

I've said it for awhile that he's going to get a deal similar to Jake Gardiner and Shayne Gostisbehere. Both are offensively good players but struggle mightily on defense. I wouldn't take Gus over either of those guys, BUT people get crazy at the Deadline and ESPECIALLY in FA. Someone will pay him around 4M a year to be an offensive and PP specialist.
- Savetheembers33

Hopefully that's so they can trade him. I would let him walk before I went over $3.3 he may not be tradable at $4.0?

I've said it for awhile that he's going to get a deal similar to Jake Gardiner and Shayne Gostisbehere. Both are offensively good players but struggle mightily on defense. I wouldn't take Gus over either of those guys, BUT people get crazy at the Deadline and ESPECIALLY in FA. Someone will pay him around 4M a year to be an offensive and PP specialist.
- Savetheembers33

I think Gus goes the Phillip Holm route and is playing overseas next year.

Stan didn't say anything about trading Keith and Toews for Doughty and Kopitar today?

You mean 4 years for a total of $4 mil, right. Not per year.

If not I am calling BS on that. Not doubting you. But would like to see this in print or a sound clip. Also could be Bowman trying to blow some smoke hoping to convince someone that Gus has value. At the end of the day I think he gets moved at the TDL for a late round pick, or a "B" level prospect, or in a bigger package with other assets going both ways.
- -Doh-

Ya, i'm just messing with you guys. I have no idea if they want to sign him. I hope not but stranger things have happened. The Mitchell thing i'm not joking about though. I know his family in Calahoo near Edmonton and he's a small town kid with no real desire to play in a huge market like Chicago. He might actually sign with the Hawks but i wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't

Stan didn't say anything about trading Keith and Toews for Doughty and Kopitar today?
- rpeters01

hahaha savage!