Tyler Cameron: Heelloooo, Edmonton! I'll admit it, the NHL has come further than I thought they would with this return-to-play.

While they are not in the clear just yet, the Hawks – and the rest of the Western Conference "playoff teams" are in Edmonton.

Here are some notes on the Hawks roster.

Seabs taking shots. He needs to. He's one of my favorite hawks.

Tyler Cameron: Heelloooo, Edmonton!
I'll admit it, the NHL has come further than I thought they would with this return-to-play.

While they are not in the clear just yet, the Hawks – and the rest of the Western Conference "playoff teams" are in Edmonton.

Here are some notes on the Hawks roster.
- Tyler Cameron

Seabrook has more credibility than Colliton IMO.

I think he should be on the roster even if he doesn’t dress for the games...but that’s just me.

Seabrook has more credibility than Colliton IMO.

I think he should be on the roster even if he doesn’t dress for the games...but that’s just me.
- Ogilthorpe2

Seabs will have a job with the Blackhawks longer than Colliton (and Bowman). In fact, I could see Colliton gone by August 15 if his team gets dusted by the Oil.

Seabrook has more credibility than Colliton IMO.

I think he should be on the roster even if he doesn’t dress for the games...but that’s just me.
- Ogilthorpe2

Seabrook could (and should have) been at least the #10 defenseman on the roster. I think it would have done the team good to have him around. I get that changes need to be made, but if Seabrook is on his way out I hope the Hawks do it respectfully, he’s earned as much.

So are the forward lines pretty much set?

DeBrincat-Toews-Saad
Nylander-Strome-Kane
Kubalik-Dach-Caggiula
Highmore-Kampf-Carpenter

Isn’t that what they’ve been throughout summer camp?

Seabrook could (and should have) been at least the #10 defenseman on the roster. I think it would have done the team good to have him around. I get that changes need to be made, but if Seabrook is on his way out I hope the Hawks do it respectfully, he’s earned as much.
- DarthKane

Being 10th blue liner on the roster - would Seabrook want that - being stuck in Edmonton for however long without being able to play?

He’s not a kid who would be excited just to be part of that - he’s a vet who has been to the playoffs a lot.

I’m guessing he’d rather be with his family, wherever they are.

I assume deHaan is ready to go...?

And wouldn’t you give Crawford playing time against the Blues Wednesday night as part of his “rehab stint” - might give everyone some indication of whether he can be ready by Saturday or not.

I suspect we will see Crow in one of the back to back games...

So what they're saying is Seeler is better than Seabrook. I don't see that if Seabs had a leg amputated. Regula on the team is trying to make the Schmaltz trade look good?

So are the forward lines pretty much set?

DeBrincat-Toews-Saad
Nylander-Strome-Kane
Kubalik-Dach-Caggiula
Highmore-Kampf-Carpenter

Isn’t that what they’ve been throughout summer camp?
- SimpleJack

That's what I would think about the forward lines being set as you laid out.

As attrition happens, I would think next in line are Sikura, Kurashev, and Hagel (in that order) based on how they performed in camp.

On the blueline, it's looking like:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek

My preference is Carlsson and Beaudin waiting on deck but can see Seeler getting the nod first by Colliton.

So what they're saying is Seeler is better than Seabrook. I don't see that if Seabs had a leg amputated. Regula on the team is trying to make the Schmaltz trade look good?
- rpeters01

No. They are saying that Seabrook is not fully healed and cannot compete right now. He just had three major surgeries and is still working his way back to health. From what I understand, this was his decision.

That's what I would think about the forward lines being set as you laid out.

As attrition happens, I would think next in line are Sikura, Kurashev, and Hagel (in that order) based on how they performed in camp.

On the blueline, it's looking like:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek

My preference is Carlsson and Beaudin waiting on deck but can see Seeler getting the nod first by Colliton.
- AEL_Fox

Theo, what are your thoughts on Entwhistle getting the spot over Johnson? That was the biggest surprise to me.

Re Seabrook:

I get that he is pissed and I guess he should be, but if true that Colliton is the one who says that he wasn't playing well enough, he is not wrong. I am one of the biggest Seabrook supporters (despite his contract). That said, he was not pulling his weight this year, or last. If the surgeries corrected most/all of what ails him, then I believe he should be given all opportunity (and then some) to get his spot back. I think he means that much to this team. If he shows little to no improvement, as much as it pains me to say, you can't keep giving him time over someone else that has earned it.

Any Seabrook/Colliton "rift" is overblown in my opinion. Seabrook is mad he was scratched and not playing (understandable). Colliton was trying to win games with the best available roster (also understandable). Those two ideals didn't line up, hence we are where we are. Let him fully recover and see what he has left.

Theo, what are your thoughts on Entwhistle getting the spot over Johnson? That was the biggest surprise to me.
- Chunk

I like Entwistle on the team as he earned it with his unheralded but fundamental play.

To me, the head scratcher was taking Quenneville over Johnson. Quenneville was injured for a good portion of camp and was non-existent in scrimmages.

Johnson, on the other hand, played well showing good form at the dot and supporting the play no matter the zone.

In an actual game, Quenneville could give you a heavy shot but was not a force as a power forward should be during his cup of coffee this past season.

I feel Johnson could give much more in a playoff atmosphere with his ability to agitate the crap out of opponents, constant chirping, and physical play.

Theo, what are your thoughts on Entwhistle getting the spot over Johnson? That was the biggest surprise to me.
- Chunk

Also, I agree with Tyler that it's odd how Krys didn't get the nod over Regula for the reasons he stated.

Regula didn't skate at all with the main group or in scrimmages. Even though Krys did, he wasn't really put in a situation to succeed by having him play wing where he struggled.

Sort of an apples to oranges comparison if that was a basis for judging who to take and who to leave behind.

Guessing that there was more at play. Not a big deal for us as fans but could be for them.

FWIW, in a scrimmage where he did play D, Krys looked just as good as say Koekkoek or Seeler.

So are the forward lines pretty much set?

DeBrincat-Toews-Saad
Nylander-Strome-Kane
Kubalik-Dach-Caggiula
Highmore-Kampf-Carpenter

Isn’t that what they’ve been throughout summer camp?
- SimpleJack

I still don't understand why Kubalik is not on the top line with Saad and Toews. Wasn't that the big line that shut down the Oilers the last game they played? I guess I can understand ADB-Dach-Caggiula has it's own pitfalls, but I don't think it outweighs the effectiveness of Kub-Toews-Saad.

I agree I think Kubalik should be with Saad and Toews. And ultimately I’d like to see Dach moved up to 2C with Nylander and Kane because I think Cat and Strome are better together.

Also, I agree with Tyler that it's odd how Krys didn't get the nod over Regula for the reasons he stated.

Regula didn't skate at all with the main group or in scrimmages. Even though Krys did, he wasn't really put in a situation to succeed by having him play wing where he struggled.

Sort of an apples to oranges comparison if that was a basis for judging who to take and who to leave behind.

Guessing that there was more at play. Not a big deal for us as fans but could be for them.

FWIW, in a scrimmage where he did play D, Krys looked just as good as say Koekkoek or Seeler.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks. My guess is that Krys was never going to be named as a member of the team and they just wanted to get a feel for what he brought to the ice. Everything that I've seen on him (including your reviews) says that Krys needs another year or two in the AHL. Taking Regula over him is no big deal.

It think it also is worth noting that - once again - this shows that it is no simple feat to switch from D to wing (as everyone was clamoring for Gus for ages).

Re Seabrook:

I get that he is pissed and I guess he should be, but if true that Colliton is the one who says that he wasn't playing well enough, he is not wrong. I am one of the biggest Seabrook supporters (despite his contract). That said, he was not pulling his weight this year, or last. If the surgeries corrected most/all of what ails him, then I believe he should be given all opportunity (and then some) to get his spot back. I think he means that much to this team. If he shows little to no improvement, as much as it pains me to say, you can't keep giving him time over someone else that has earned it.

Any Seabrook/Colliton "rift" is overblown in my opinion. Seabrook is mad he was scratched and not playing (understandable). Colliton was trying to win games with the best available roster (also understandable). Those two ideals didn't line up, hence we are where we are. Let him fully recover and see what he has left.
- Chunk

Very good points, Chunk.

One thing that is frustrating and is something pdx2ord has pointed out which is why did it take Seabrook so long to just get the darn surgeries if he was in so much pain for many years.

Not only was it tough for him to play but he was also having difficulty doing the simplest of things at home.

It's one thing to be a warrior but another to not bite the bullet ASAP to take care of a physical ailment.

Also, where were the team doctors, physical therapists, Goodman, etc. in all of this?

I agree I think Kubalik should be with Saad and Toews. And ultimately I’d like to see Dach moved up to 2C with Nylander and Kane because I think Cat and Strome are better together.
- SimpleJack

I actually don't mind Strome with Nylander and Kane. They have shown a lot of chemistry, and play well together. The scary part of that line is that Nylander may be the best overall defensive player.

Very good points, Chunk.

One thing that is frustrating and is something pdx2ord has pointed out which is why did it take Seabrook so long to just get the darn surgeries if he was in so much pain for many years.

Not only was it tough for him to play but he was also having difficulty doing the simplest of things at home.

It's one thing to be a warrior but another to not bite the bullet ASAP to take care of a physical ailment.

Also, where were the team doctors, physical therapists, Goodman, etc. in all of this?
- AEL_Fox

I wanted to chime in on pdx post as well, but I got caught up. I agree completely, but at the end of the day, if he can pass whatever test they have then I guess he is "fit to play". I'm actually glad he wasn't well enough to play in this tournament. I want to give him as much time as possible to get back to where he was originally. I really want him to succeed. I just don't know what the end looks like for him.

Thanks. My guess is that Krys was never going to be named as a member of the team and they just wanted to get a feel for what he brought to the ice. Everything that I've seen on him (including your reviews) says that Krys needs another year or two in the AHL. Taking Regula over him is no big deal.

It think it also is worth noting that - once again - this shows that it is no simple feat to switch from D to wing (as everyone was clamoring for Gus for ages).
- Chunk

I was thinking the same thing (the bolded part) when I first saw Krys moved to wing. Krys is at least open to the idea whereas Gustafsson even stated he had no desire to play up.

As a winger, Gustafsson would get less touches of the puck and would have to work hard to retrieve it. Defensemen naturally control the puck more in any game which is what he likes to do.

I wanted to chime in on pdx post as well, but I got caught up. I agree completely, but at the end of the day, if he can pass whatever test they have then I guess he is "fit to play". I'm actually glad he wasn't well enough to play in this tournament. I want to give him as much time as possible to get back to where he was originally. I really want him to succeed. I just don't know what the end looks like for him.
- Chunk

Totally agree. At the end of the day, it's Seabrook's decision. Whatever he decides to do is his business.

It will be an interesting saga to continue viewing as we see if he can get 100% healthy and play a reliable defensive game again.