Mikita and P. Esposito, but nobody will ever top 2013, Toews and Handzus!
- rpeters01

Gretzky and Messier, case closed.

I sign Lehner sooner then later ,and if Crow is upset by his role he could be moved . It really a simple numbers game for Crow . Would love to keep him as the backup going forward , but it will be his decision .Lehner will be cheaper the longer the duration IMO ,give him 8 years at 6 mil. He be 36 same as Crow or close .

The Hogs have called up D-man Jack Ramsey from Indy. Ramsey was one of the last picks in the 2014 draft. Played 4 years at University of Minnesota. Not likely to be a difference maker but could be okay AHL depth.

Forward converted rearguard Jake Ryczek is a similar D prospect. Minor league contract to start in Indy but likely tops out as AHL depth.

Northeastern captain and senior Ryan Shea is having a monster season on the Huskies blueline. I think he could push for an ELC and be on the Hogs roster next fall. Otherwise, he would go the same route as Ramsey and Ryczek.
- AEL_Fox

I really liked what I saw of Ramsey in Traverse City. I thought he looked better than Krys and it is his first year as a dman.

Just a quick question to see people’s opinions.

If StanBo does any trades before deadline... would you rather get “prospects” back, who might be 1-2 years down the development curve.... or load up on draft picks in 2020 and 2021 draft?

Obviously the “prospects” are subjective to scouting.... but more of a general question. Do you want closer to NHL ready prospects to try and make a run in 2-3 years with T&K or more picks in a deep (?) 2020 draft and add maybe another year of development to the timeline.

I guess the trade off is, prospects may be closer to NHL ready.... but you didn’t draft them...and maybe StanBo feels more comfortable drafting “his own” players?

Anyway, I thought I would see what people would prefer more....prospects or the draft picks.
- DrewDawg

The answer is the hawks want prospects that were actually highly ranked by their scouting staff prior to they draft year and are still highly regarded by them as they have continued.
I don't think they waste their time if the trade partner is not necessarily interested in trading these type players...when the trade partner isn't nibbling on the hook with already developing guys, you simply try and get a pick in a draft year that you think you can Hirt with a choice...

Haven't been here in a while, busy week. The quote down below is related to the last posts I made.

Read this morning and it might have been posted already, but just in case not;

"Defenseman Slater Koekkoek, who was in and out of the lineup earlier this season, has looked solid in seven consecutive games. Prospect Ian Mitchell recently told the Chicago Sun-Times he plans on signing with the Hawks after he finishes with the University of Denver this season. "

The Nucks show up at #13 today in the Athletic for the midseason countdown of team prospect rankings.

Still have no sign of the Hawks.

In reading thru some of the Canuck prospects I also found Darth's next Cole Caufield to crowbar into fantasy deals between Chicago and Vancouver...

Artyom Manukyan, RW, 21 (Avangard Omsk)
Manukyan is one of the smallest players in pro hockey but he oozes skill and I don’t think anybody would be surprised if he worked his way into the NHL later in his career (I’m talking mid-to-late 20s) after slowly beginning to dominate in the KHL. I would normally have him higher on this list but he just returned from a five-month layoff with a hand injury so I want to watch him play and update my notes before I give him a definitive ranking. Consider him an honourable mention for now. He’s one of the more fun young Russians right now and was a terror in the MHL.

Manukyan is listed at 5'7" / 139 lbs

The Nucks show up at #13 today in the Athletic for the midseason countdown of team prospect rankings.

Still have no sign of the Hawks.
- HawkintheD

The Hawks ranked 32nd, Seattle is even ranked ahead of them and they don't yet exist.

Haven't been here in a while, busy week. The quote down below is related to the last posts I made.

Read this morning and it might have been posted already, but just in case not;

"Defenseman Slater Koekkoek, who was in and out of the lineup earlier this season, has looked solid in seven consecutive games. Prospect Ian Mitchell recently told the Chicago Sun-Times he plans on signing with the Hawks after he finishes with the University of Denver this season. "
- vabeachbear

Until Stan moves him at the deadline for Mikkel Boedker.

The Hawks ranked 32nd, Seattle is even ranked ahead of them and they don't yet exist.
- DarthKane

Must've missed that. So Wheeler deemed them not even worth mentioning and I've been waiting on pins and needles for nothing...

Until Stan moves him at the deadline for Mikel Boedker.
- DarthKane

Boedker is exactly who this team needs to get our 3rd line center going.

*NEW* blog up: http://bit.ly/37MaScD

The Blackhawks are finally back in action tomorrow vs. ARI.

They have a tough FEB ahead of them:

* 14 games in 29 days
* 3 home games / 11 on the road
* 3 back-to-backs
* 10 vs. Western conference teams

Woof.

This is going to be fun.

Kane may be the 3rd best offensive player. But overall not in the top 10.
- -Doh-

Lol. Nope in the top 5 though for sure.