Stan is not desperate right now and he won't be. He's got some flexibility and some contracts that he can move/bury.
- Chunk

yea, I'm talking about next season. When Dcat's and probably Strome's new caphit are a total of 10m+

Right now their combined caphit is around 1.65 + whatever bonuses they received

If everyone here thinks Saad is "limited" and not worth keeping nobody would come close to giving an NHL ready player and a #1 back.
- rpeters01

It's not that Saad is "limited", but that he's peaked as to what he's going to be (more than likely but it obviously could change). Which his "peak is a middle six forward who can help drive secondary scoring for a team which is extremely valuable on a Cup contending team. I think it's silly to think that he wouldn't fetch AT LEAST a 1st, and two top end talents when Ryan Hartman got you a 1st, a 3rd, AND Victor Edjsell and he hasn't had half the career Saad has

well in my defense, I never said Saad is "limited" I said he's the best tradeable asset (outside of the 2 goalies). NHL-ready + 1st rounder is the BEST case scenario, not necessarily the only scenario

you can offer Saad to Pittsburgh (hes from there isn't he?). Ask for Sam Poulin it or Hallander and a second rounder (turns to first if they win the cup). Same offer with Boston or Edmonton or Buffalo (or other teams that wants a forward). A high-touted prospect (granted, some might not be NHL-ready) + a high draft pick.
- squishy24

I agree with you and I would be surprised if we could obtain both a top prospect and a #1 (preferably 2020 draft). I would aim for the better option wherin whomever you think had higher upside, be that mid/late first 2020 or a prospect. Do not lessen the value or rating of a prospect by taking a lesser rated player because you also had a "B" prospect included. Pass on the "B" prospect.

Truth be told I would be disappointed if Saad is not traded at the trade deadline. Saad will not make enough difference in winning a first round series if we even get in. Saad is a third line guy teams need as depth in a playoff run. We hopefully receive a prospect whose ceiling is higher than what Saad is. I am willing to wait for Hagel and Entwhistle ...so trade Saad before his value is less ( as has been explained on this hockey board)

I agree with you and I would be surprised if we could obtain both a top prospect and a #1 (preferably 2020 draft). I would aim for the better option wherin whomever you think had higher upside, be that mid/late first 2020 or a prospect. Do not lessen the value or rating of a prospect by taking a lesser rated player because you also had a "B" prospect included. Pass on the "B" prospect.

Truth be told I would be disappointed if Saad is not traded at the trade deadline. Saad will not make enough difference in winning a first round series if we even get in. Saad is a third line guy teams need as depth in a playoff run. We hopefully receive a prospect whose ceiling is higher than what Saad is. I am willing to wait for Hagel and Entwhistle ...so trade Saad before his value is less ( as has been explained on this hockey board)
- jhawk59

See my post above of why they should be able to get more than that.

Right now it seems rather obvious that you use the money (the amount)Crawford is paid not on him next season, but to cover Lehner raise and for KK. Let Smith go and use that money for Kubalik. Now as for covering the pay raise for Strome, some decisions need to be made to free up more money. Gus gone for a draft choice helps somewhat. I don't know if Shaw tried to come back once more. Seabrook on long term injury list?

Also once more and I won''t ask again: we cannot ask Seabrook to waive his no trade but we would also tell him that after the draft he is already agreed upon to be traded back to us.

Right now it seems rather obvious that you use the money (the amount)Crawford is paid not on him next season, but to cover Lehner raise and for KK. Let Smith go and use that money for Kubalik. Now as for covering the pay raise for Strome, some decisions need to be made to free up more money. Gus gone for a draft choice helps somewhat. I don't know if Shaw tried to come back once more. Seabrook on long term injury list?

Also once more and I won''t ask again: we cannot ask Seabrook to waive his no trade but we would also tell him that after the draft he is already agreed upon to be traded back to us.
- jhawk59

My guess is that going into next year Seabrook and maybe even de Haan start the year off on LTIR. Depending on the health of de Haan perhaps Maatta is the guy they look to move to clear some space, but it'll be interesting to see how Stan navigates it for sure

Right now it seems rather obvious that you use the money (the amount)Crawford is paid not on him next season, but to cover Lehner raise and for KK. Let Smith go and use that money for Kubalik. Now as for covering the pay raise for Strome, some decisions need to be made to free up more money. Gus gone for a draft choice helps somewhat. I don't know if Shaw tried to come back once more. Seabrook on long term injury list?

Also once more and I won''t ask again: we cannot ask Seabrook to waive his no trade but we would also tell him that after the draft he is already agreed upon to be traded back to us.
- jhawk59

Gus is UFA, no one will give you a draft pick for him in the offseason. I doubt SB trades him this TDL.

As for getting rid of player's contracts like Smith or Shaw or Seabs, its not that simple. you have to pay a team (with draft picks or other assets) for them to take on the contracts. I doubt any team would give you picks for them. Also, you have to replace them in the roster. So Smith 3.25 going out will only give you around 2.25-2.40 capspace gained, depending on who replaces him. Not enough to re-sign Kubalik.

but who knows, maybe SB can do what you suggested, tons of trades of multiple players to create capspace. But that will seems like a loss if you add all the assets going out just to get rid of their contracts

Last chance for questions for the Mailbag blog... writing it now!

AEL, when Fortin was last up, he made Stalberg look like Gretzky. What improvements have you seen this year versus last year? Thanks in advance.
- Angotti

Like Tomkins, Fortin is much improved from his first few years in the minors. Fortin is getting smarter at using different gears rather than just being fast all the time. Change speeds to make appropriate plays at both ends.

With that in mind, Fortin has been more effective at playing a 3rd line role as a checking forward who can be disruptive with his varied speeds, nose for the puck, and soft hands.

Perhaps he is realizing his ticket to success in the pros isn't as a top 6 goal-scoring speedster but as the aforementioned checking forward.

I agree with you and I would be surprised if we could obtain both a top prospect and a #1 (preferably 2020 draft). I would aim for the better option wherin whomever you think had higher upside, be that mid/late first 2020 or a prospect. Do not lessen the value or rating of a prospect by taking a lesser rated player because you also had a "B" prospect included. Pass on the "B" prospect.

Truth be told I would be disappointed if Saad is not traded at the trade deadline. Saad will not make enough difference in winning a first round series if we even get in. Saad is a third line guy teams need as depth in a playoff run. We hopefully receive a prospect whose ceiling is higher than what Saad is. I am willing to wait for Hagel and Entwhistle ...so trade Saad before his value is less ( as has been explained on this hockey board)
- jhawk59

While I think Hagel and Entwistle have a future with the Hawks, I don't think either of them are the heir apparent to Saad. Totally different players.

Saad is a top 9 forward who can play lines 1, 2, or 3 effectively while netting a consistent 45-55 points on 20ish goals per season (if healthy).

Hagel and Entwistle have the skill set and ceiling of bottom 6 forwards who likely wouldn't be effective on lines 1 and 2. Their compete level is sky high so you can win with players like them. But they would be hard pressed to generate offense at the level Saad has in his career.

100% agreed with you and that's how I feel as well.

This is going to be a challenging offseason for Stan.

Especially if he tries to deal a Shaw or Seabrook given their health concerns.
- SteveRain

Yes it will be very challenging to deal Seabrook. NMC correct?

While I think Hagel and Entwistle have a future with the Hawks, I don't think either of them are the heir apparent to Saad. Totally different players.

Saad is a top 9 forward who can play lines 1, 2, or 3 effectively while netting a consistent 45-55 points on 20ish goals per season (if healthy).

Hagel and Entwistle have the skill set and ceiling of bottom 6 forwards who likely wouldn't be effective on lines 1 and 2. Their compete level is sky high so you can win with players like them. But they would be hard pressed to generate offense at the level Saad has in his career.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks for the analysis. I had not looked closely at their scouting reports, which is not really common with me. Anyway, I was impressed with Entwhistle sounding and producing more clutch playoff scorer, played in the WJC. Seemed like a strong third line type. In Hagel I was told he is not too line material but again he looked like a third line type. So neither is really a fill in on a top line. Well this can also mean that those two and others are able to outplay their opponent in bottom line match up
So rolling four strong lines and the bottom line(s) have a high level of complete.......is one way to storm past the opponent. The 2010 team was strong in that way. Apparently I haven't been giving Saad enough praise for what he brings in a trade.

Anyway, I have gone so far as to request a lady in Blackhawks office who deals with minor league stuff, to leave a message exactly how long term injury or illness (or even healthy scratch) regarding Kurasaev and Soderlund. The Icehogs refuse to give out that information over the phone or on website. Believe it!

Like you said, my biggest issue with the move was that he had a lot of injuries when acquired and it seemed like a "let's get the band back together" move. Shaw right now is good in theory, but he has been a sub 0.5 PPG player for his career outside of last year. It's kind of like that one year where Smith scored 25 goals. That's not what you are going to get out of them every year. With what we had on the roster, I saw him as an extra (and unnecessary) piece.
- Chunk

We needed a player like Shaw regardless of him being here before. It was desperate because a concussion history with the way Shaw plays is not going to be sustainable as we have unfortunately seen. Would love to see him alter his game to be effective but not looking good so far. If he didnt get it before maybe he gets it this time around when he comes back. Definitely a stretch of a pick up for Stan hoping Shaw would stay healthy. That's how desperate we were

I agree with you and I would be surprised if we could obtain both a top prospect and a #1 (preferably 2020 draft). I would aim for the better option wherin whomever you think had higher upside, be that mid/late first 2020 or a prospect. Do not lessen the value or rating of a prospect by taking a lesser rated player because you also had a "B" prospect included. Pass on the "B" prospect.

Truth be told I would be disappointed if Saad is not traded at the trade deadline. Saad will not make enough difference in winning a first round series if we even get in. Saad is a third line guy teams need as depth in a playoff run. We hopefully receive a prospect whose ceiling is higher than what Saad is. I am willing to wait for Hagel and Entwhistle ...so trade Saad before his value is less ( as has been explained on this hockey board)
- jhawk59

Ok say saad bowman does trades saad to what team and for what be the appropriate return.

Thanks for the analysis. I had not looked closely at their scouting reports, which is not really common with me. Anyway, I was impressed with Entwhistle sounding and producing more clutch playoff scorer, played in the WJC. Seemed like a strong third line type. In Hagel I was told he is not too line material but again he looked like a third line type. So neither is really a fill in on a top line. Well this can also mean that those two and others are able to outplay their opponent in bottom line match up
So rolling four strong lines and the bottom line(s) have a high level of complete.......is one way to storm past the opponent. The 2010 team was strong in that way. Apparently I haven't been giving Saad enough praise for what he brings in a trade.
- jhawk59

What you stated about team's bottom 6 lines is spot on. There's that adage that the team that wins the Stanley Cup is the team that has the best 3rd and 4th lines. A corollary is the team with the best 3rd and 4th lines will routinely win playoff series.

With that in mind, prospects with the potential and pedigree like Entwistle, Kurashev, and Soderlund as impact players who thrive in high-stakes games would be welcome for a rebuilding team like the Hawks.

Prospects like Hagel may not have the same resume as these 3 but he does have a fearlessness and compete level with a decent amount of skill that all teams need to round out the bottom 6.

Tyler-
Do you think on ice team chemistry is underrated here by commenters on hockey blogs?
IMHO, it is.
Thanks-
35Tony0
- 35Tony0

Got it! You're in the blog, sir.

Like Tomkins, Fortin is much improved from his first few years in the minors. Fortin is getting smarter at using different gears rather than just being fast all the time. Change speeds to make appropriate plays at both ends.

With that in mind, Fortin has been more effective at playing a 3rd line role as a checking forward who can be disruptive with his varied speeds, nose for the puck, and soft hands.

Perhaps he is realizing his ticket to success in the pros isn't as a top 6 goal-scoring speedster but as the aforementioned checking forward.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks for the update, appreciate getting to back to me.

With an eye to the future and a disregard for how Stan rids himself of players still under contract next season - who would you keep from the current roster?

I'm more of a spread the offense over three lines guy than concentrating the top offensive player on the top-2 lines - so with that - I'm going to go with 4 categories of players: (1) top-9, (2) 4th line and 13th forward, (3) d-men, and (4) goalies.

Top-9: Toews, Kane, Cat, Strome, Dach, Kubalik, Saad - need 2 more.
4th line / 13th forward: Kampf, Carpenter, Cagguila, Highmore
D-men: Keith, Boqvist, Murphy, Koekkoek, deHaan - need 2 more
Goalies: Lehner, Lankinen

For top-9: maybe Nylander earns a spot in the last 30 games of the season. Maybe the Hawks win the lottery and Lafreniere get one of the top-9 spots. ( )

For d-men: Maybe Mitchell takes one of the spots and unless he retires it will be Seabrook.

With an eye to the future and a disregard for how Stan rids himself of players still under contract next season - who would you keep from the current roster?

I'm more of a spread the offense over three lines guy than concentrating the top offensive player on the top-2 lines - so with that - I'm going to go with 4 categories of players: (1) top-9, (2) 4th line and 13th forward, (3) d-men, and (4) goalies.

Top-9: Toews, Kane, Cat, Strome, Dach, Kubalik, Saad - need 2 more.
4th line / 13th forward: Kampf, Carpenter, Cagguila, Highmore
D-men: Keith, Boqvist, Murphy, Koekkoek, deHaan - need 2 more
Goalies: Lehner, Lankinen

For top-9: maybe Nylander earns a spot in the last 30 games of the season. Maybe the Hawks win the lottery and Lafreniere get one of the top-9 spots. ( )

For d-men: Maybe Mitchell takes one of the spots and unless he retires it will be Seabrook.
- EbonyRaptor

Injuries, there is always the injury factor. So while you break it down just fine, it would come as no surprise to see one or two Icehog bottom line players get a cup of coffee. Or even a longer stay. Fortin is an intriguing player who might become more effective, given AEL_FOX report if his progress/change in how he uses his speed.

Well if a Saad and or a goaltender or Gus is traded, any players coming back to us just muddies the picture of how to stay under the salary cap.

Hey AEL_FOX
I noticed that this season you upgraded your opinion on Tuulola. Do you feel like if he had an opportunity to play in a third pair for an expansion team, he is talented and with enough AHL experience to play NHL?

Injuries, there is always the injury factor. So while you break it down just fine, it would come as no surprise to see one or two Icehog bottom line players get a cup of coffee. Or even a longer stay. Fortin is an intriguing player who might become more effective, given AEL_FOX report if his progress/change in how he uses his speed.

Well if a Saad and or a goaltender or Gus is traded, any players coming back to us just muddies the picture of how to stay under the salary cap.

Hey AEL_FOX
I noticed that this season you upgraded your opinion on Tuulola. Do you feel like if he had an opportunity to play in a third pair for an expansion team, he is talented and with enough AHL experience to play NHL?
- jhawk59

Tuulola is much improved this season protecting the house, playing physical, and making smarter decisions. However, there are just too many D prospects ahead of him that his path to the NHL will likely be with another team.

His ceiling is at the 6/7 spot as a purely stay-at-home defender who could also yo-yo constantly between the NHL and AHL once he does get a break to crack the lineup in the big show. Or he could head back to Finland and play the pro league.

He and Carlsson have one more year left on their ELCs. Chances are starting to run out for them, especially if Boqvist, Mitchell, and Gilbert are on the Hawks blueline next season with Beaudin and Krys developing at an incremental pace that could have them NHL-ready by 2021-22.

Tuulola is much improved this season protecting the house, playing physical, and making smarter decisions. However, there are just too many D prospects ahead of him that his path to the NHL will likely be with another team.

His ceiling is at the 6/7 spot as a purely stay-at-home defender who could also yo-yo constantly between the NHL and AHL once he does get a break to crack the lineup in the big show. Or he could head back to Finland and play the pro league.

He and Carlsson have one more year left on their
- AEL_Fox[codetquote=boilermaker100]Wellhat serum he was taking earlier in the season because Mr. Hyde hasn't made an appearance ELCs. Chances are starting tquote=boilermaker100]Wellhat serum he was taking earlier in the season because Mr. Hyde hasn't made an appearanceespecially if Boqvist, Mitchell, and Gilbert are on the Hawks blueline next season with Beaudin and Krys developing at an incremental pace that could have them NHL-ready by 2021-22.

What area(s) is Carlsson not so good. He is rated [šceiling] as only a third pair. Yet he possess some qualities that would stand out on the Blackhawks bottom pair. He has paired with Boqvist and has a good shot on the Pp

Interesting scheduling quirk, ARI plays twice after the break

29th @ Ducks
30th host Kings

before they host the Hawks on February 1st.

Is Bettman trying to make sure the Hawks are stale, or make sure they're rested and refreshed, before taking on the Coyotes?
- scottak

Enuf with the stupid conspiracy theories! The collective agreement has each team receiving a minimum 5 day break (or something like that). It would seem the Coyote break was going INTO the all-star game, the Hawks break is COMING OUT of the break. No Bettman hate. Just scheduling.....sheesh....people....

Does anyone know what the divisions will look like when Seattle joins the league? Logically the should fall into the Pacific, but then they will have 2 more teams than the Central. Who moves where?

Does anyone know what the divisions will look like when Seattle joins the league? Logically the should fall into the Pacific, but then they will have 2 more teams than the Central. Who moves where?
- powerenforcer

Yotes move into the Central, Seattle the Pacific

Month out trade deadline predictions and suggestions for every. team in the NHL. Only Hawk mentioned as attractive trade bait (to another team) is Lehner.

https://theathletic.com/1...efore-the-trade-deadline/