Not saying you're wrong or that Dach will most certainly be a better pro...they're still all 18 so who knows.

But I guess I question why you'd draw that conclusion from guys playing against other 18 year olds when Dach is playing in the NHL. Apples to watermelons?
- HawkintheD

Granted it's the WJC, but this is the premier tournament that has often times dictated where a kid is drafted. Yes, it is certainly not the NHL, but I recall watching a lot of very successful NHLers play in that tournament and you can just see the difference in how they see and think the game and how they execute. It was wrong to compare them to Dach, who didnt play in the Tourney and is playing 15+ min a night at the NHL level.

But I want to see the kid produce and drive the play with his size and skill. I think seeing Kane at age 18 light it up has made me spoiled.

Kane needs someone opposite him to whom he can get the puck in position to score. Like Panarin - like AdB.

If - if - Nylander can perform there....
- StLBravesFan

Kane has proven he just needs to be on the ice.

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

He also is 3rd in the league in TOI for forwards. He needs to rest. Honestly, I am with you. It is disrespectful for this guy to be on any line outside the top6. THis is not the 2010 Hawks where they had two second lines. Put him with Toews and Kubalik and let him tear it up, who knows, might even get 19 going.

You can doubt it but you'd be wrong. I'm not sure how Hughes is being utilized in NJ but my guess would be he's likely in a top 6 role and being counted on for scoring.

Until about 4 games ago, Dach was getting the bulk of his time in the bottom 6 forward group and has shown to be pretty responsible defensively for his age while providing some scoring.

Since being put on a line with Strome and DeBrincat, he and that line as a whole are generating offense. Like Hughes, the numbers for Dach while maybe not as high, will likely be there as well.

Seems like you're guilty though of the same thing you're accusing the other poster of.
- HawkintheD

I don't follow the Devils but I like to pay attention to some of the rookies and happenings around the league. Seems NJ has been playing Hughes in the bottom six as well more with big physical guys rather than skill guys which might be why he's not producing as much. I think they're worried he's gonna get flat lined if he doesn't have some muscle around him or he'll looked embarrassed against top competition.

Say what you want about Dach and whether or not other guys from this past draft will be better players in the long run, part of why the Hawks drafted Dach was because his floor was much higher that a lot of other guys are and we're seeing that now. Dach is showing at 19 that he can hold his own against grown men already and is only going to get better as he learns the league and how to navigate it and then his skill will be able to start to come through even more. That's just my two cents so take it for what its worth

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

If Kane asks to be traded, that doesn't mean Stan has to trade him. If he is going after records, he won't do it by sitting out or not trying on the ice. Even if Kane wanted to go back to Buffalo, the package suggested is underwhelming to me, and doesn't fit IMO with the assets the Hawks need going forward. Why if we are rebuilding would we wnat Opkoso's contract at $6mil. for 3 more years? That is dead money. Hawks aren't a cash strapped team that needs a higher cap hit than cash paid out.

If Kane asks to be traded, that doesn't mean Stan has to trade him. If he is going after records, he won't do it by sitting out or not trying on the ice. Even if Kane wanted to go back to Buffalo, the package suggested is underwhelming to me, and doesn't fit IMO with the assets the Hawks need going forward. Why if we are rebuilding would we wnat Opkoso's contract at $6mil. for 3 more years? That is dead money. Hawks aren't a cash strapped team that needs a higher cap hit than cash paid out.
- LAHawk

Agreed. To trade our #1 asset, the return would need to be sizeable in order to insure the franchise would continue to take steps forward.

If Kane asks to be traded, that doesn't mean Stan has to trade him. If he is going after records, he won't do it by sitting out or not trying on the ice. Even if Kane wanted to go back to Buffalo, the package suggested is underwhelming to me, and doesn't fit IMO with the assets the Hawks need going forward. Why if we are rebuilding would we wnat Opkoso's contract at $6mil. for 3 more years? That is dead money. Hawks aren't a cash strapped team that needs a higher cap hit than cash paid out.
- LAHawk

Kane doesn't have it in him to not play hard.

Granted it's the WJC, but this is the premier tournament that has often times dictated where a kid is drafted. Yes, it is certainly not the NHL, but I recall watching a lot of very successful NHLers play in that tournament and you can just see the difference in how they see and think the game and how they execute. It was wrong to compare them to Dach, who didnt play in the Tourney and is playing 15+ min a night at the NHL level.

But I want to see the kid produce and drive the play with his size and skill. I think seeing Kane at age 18 light it up has made me spoiled.
- nickmo2699

Dach dominated in the under 17, and the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament when he played. Wouldn't he basically be playing against the same players in the WJC? Also, Kane played his first year with Toews, and got top 6 minutes, averaging 18:22 minutes a game, and had 28 PPP. Don't get me wrong, Dach will never be the scorer than Kane is, but I beleive he could be a Toews in his prime.

With the team starting to get on a bit of a roll and find their way, my questions to you guys is once Saad and Caggiula (assuming that Shaw is done for the year) how should the lineup be set up and who should sit?

It depends to me who gets sent down once they both come back. I'm gonna assume that Nylander gets sent down since Sikura has played well overall since coming up and they should be focusing on giving Nylander as much playing time as they can to continue his development. If that is the case, I kinda like the idea of this...

Kubalik-Toews-Sikura
Saad-Carpenter-Kane
Cat-Dach-Strome
Caggiula-Kampf-Quenneville/Highmore
Smith

Keith-Boqvist
Gus-Murphy
Maatta-Gilbert
Koekoek

Lehner
Crow

Out of all the aging core members, it’s hilarious some of you choose Kane to trade versus everyone else whom have all declined greatly while Kane continues to thrive regardless of what line he is on or the status of the team. I’m all for trading the core away except Kane. Toews can go yesterday, Keith and Crow too. Not Kane.
- Assman22

I'm not actively trying to trade Kane, but Dahlin + Cozens is the type of return that should make anyone think hard. You get a potential #1 D to pair with Boqvist for years to come and another big forward for a guy who is great, but may not be around by the time they are ready to compete again.

If Kane asks to be traded, that doesn't mean Stan has to trade him. If he is going after records, he won't do it by sitting out or not trying on the ice. Even if Kane wanted to go back to Buffalo, the package suggested is underwhelming to me, and doesn't fit IMO with the assets the Hawks need going forward. Why if we are rebuilding would we wnat Opkoso's contract at $6mil. for 3 more years? That is dead money. Hawks aren't a cash strapped team that needs a higher cap hit than cash paid out.
- LAHawk

You would take back the bad contract to get BOTH Dahlin and Cozens. If it's Ristolainen instead of Dahlin coming over then, yes, there is no point in taking Okposo's back in said proposed deal.

With the team starting to get on a bit of a roll and find their way, my questions to you guys is once Saad and Caggiula (assuming that Shaw is done for the year) how should the lineup be set up and who should sit?

It depends to me who gets sent down once they both come back. I'm gonna assume that Nylander gets sent down since Sikura has played well overall since coming up and they should be focusing on giving Nylander as much playing time as they can to continue his development. If that is the case, I kinda like the idea of this...

Kubalik-Toews-Sikura
Saad-Carpenter-Kane
Cat-Dach-Strome
Caggiula-Kampf-Quenneville/Highmore
Smith

Keith-Boqvist
Gus-Murphy
Maatta-Gilbert
Koekoek

Lehner
Crow
- Savetheembers33

I like that, only I would try Quenville with Saad and Kane and let Carpenter play 4th line/penalty kill. At the end of the game (or maybe last minute of periods), if Kanes line is on the ice with Saad, substitute Carpenter for Quenville for defensive purposes.

Kane puts up points no matter who is next to him. He doesn't need anyone. Be nice to have but Kane is the last player I worry about being productive.
- Elbows15

That's for Kane's numbers. Yeah - he's productive with almost any line mates.

Wouldn't it be nice if he could also be setting up a sniper / scorer on his left who he could help get to 25-30 goals?

It ain't gonna be Sikura (as much as I like him) or Carpenter....1 SOG total, 6 SAT total for those three against Detroit.

That's for Kane's numbers. Yeah - he's productive with almost any line mates.

Wouldn't it be nice if he could also be setting up a sniper / scorer on his left who he could help get to 25-30 goals?

It ain't gonna be Sikura (as much as I like him) or Carpenter....1 SOG total, 6 SAT total for those three against Detroit.
- StLBravesFan

Just think how many more points would have if ADB converted on all those cross ice passes in his wheelhouse.

Strome Cat Kane does not work because once the puck is in their own zone, they spend most of their shift trying to get it out.

Lehner back on the ice today. So good news there.

Expect Crow to start tonight still though.

Lehner back on the ice today. So good news there.

Expect Crow to start tonight still though.
- Tyler Cameron

That's great to hear. I'm a little surprised that they don't wanna get Lankinen in for at least ONE game to find out how he handles the NHL game before having to hand him a contract this offseason. I know they're trying to win and they wanna keep Crow happy too but ya gotta keep an eye on the future. Anaheim or Ottawa would be a good game to get him but it sounds like Lehner will be back before then

I like that, only I would try Quenville with Saad and Kane and let Carpenter play 4th line/penalty kill. At the end of the game (or maybe last minute of periods), if Kanes line is on the ice with Saad, substitute Carpenter for Quenville for defensive purposes.
- LAHawk

I haven't got to see much of Quenneville play since coming up (holiday's and family being sick), but from what I've heard he's looked good. Enough to play himself into a long term spot with the team (at least for this season)?

I've heard Highmore has looked good as well. It'll be curious to see how the team handles Saad and Caggiula coming back. At least one of Nylander, Sikura, Quenneville, and Highmore is going to have to go down once both are back. That'll be interesting to follow

Trading P Kane would be the Blackhawks version of The Great Gretzky trade (first one from Edm). Worse than B Hull
absconding ("jet" -isoned) to a new league. Mutiny by the Blackhawks fans would surely follow.
- jhawk59

Only way Kane is traded is if he asks to be traded.

Lol he plays on a way better team then Hughes and im willing to bet Hughes has more scoring chances and high danger chances and stronger possesion numbers. The points are going to come for jack he gets a pretty good scoring chance every night he plays I doubt Dach is making that impact with the Hawks right now even with him close AT THIS POINT in pts to Hughes and Kakko.

You are looking at one tree in the entire painting and making a comparision.
- Devilish4

Hawks way better team than what, a junior team?

You’re assuming he wants to stay in Chicago. It was an easy assumption to make 4 years ago...I’m not so sure anymore.
- Ogilthorpe2

Fake news, another Ek rumor. Got it from "Bob."

Fake news, another Ek rumor. Got it from "Bob."
- rpeters01

My guess (only a guess - no inside information) is that he would like play his whole career with one team - Chicago - but that he would also like to contend for another Cup - preferably in Chicago.

I don't think he's moving this year or next year - we'll see how it plays out after that.

John Hynes in as Nashville's new coach. He wasn't unemployed that long having been fired from NJ a couple of months ago. Quote from GM Dabvid Poile:

John Hynes is bright young coach and great leader who has a track record of both effectively developing young players and successfully motivating veterans. We love his coaching resume and are confident that he has learned from every stop during his career, and has the best skill set to get the maximum potential out of our team.

My guess (only a guess - no inside information) is that he would like play his whole career with one team - Chicago - but that he would also like to contend for another Cup - preferably in Chicago.

I don't think he's moving this year or next year - we'll see how it plays out after that.
- StLBravesFan

Well Buffalo is no closer to a cup than Chicago is.

Just think how many more points would have if ADB converted on all those cross ice passes in his wheelhouse.

Strome Cat Kane does not work because once the puck is in their own zone, they spend most of their shift trying to get it out.
- LAHawk

ADB is the guy to trade, take a mid #1 in a heartbeat.

You would take back the bad contract to get BOTH Dahlin and Cozens. If it's Ristolainen instead of Dahlin coming over then, yes, there is no point in taking Okposo's back in said proposed deal.
- Savetheembers33

Exactly! Okposo is beloved by fans here and likely even more in the locker room. Just not a great contract. If it’s Risto hypothetically getting moved with Cozens Maybe it’s another piece and/or a pick. Hate to give up any of these guys but Kane is the exception.

You guys have been great and the discussion has been very interesting. Kane coming back here would put the Sabres (when healthy) into the discussion as potential contenders coming out of the East. Might need some grit next year though to become serious contenders.

We all know he’s that good!

Olofsson-Eichel-Reinhart
Skinner-Johansson/Mitts-Kane
Vesey-Mitts/Johansson-Sheary
Girgensons-Larson-Frolik

Risto-McCabe
Montour-Miller
Jokiharju-Bogosian

PP 1
Reinhart-Eichel-Kane
?-Risto

PP 2
Skinner-Johansson-Olofsson
Miller-Montour

Thanks again Hawks fans.