I agree, but some on this board think the rebuild is over, and the Hawks should be playoff contenders.
- LAHawk

All they need is Torts, didn’t ya know!

Hopefully not. The last thing the Hawks need is a 28 year old good, not great defenseman, who’s lack of physicality in a big man will drive most of this board crazy.
- paulr

Heck, we could bring back Svedberg for a fraction of the cost!!

Agree with most of what you said, but I think Suter would be a solid middle 6 player, and Hagel may even be better. They were both in the top 10 for rookie scoring, and Hagel often played with below average quality of teammates (at least offensively). If Hagel would have gotten the playing time that Suter got, and played with Kane and ADB more, he probably would have been top 5. Hagel's puck retrieval abilities would be great to have on a good 4th line, but his offense, especially his passing, puts him higher IMHO.
- tvetter

It's all about "tilting the ice" in your favor. I admit I missed Kubalik. I think he tilts the ice our way...if playing 3rd line not top six. I think the same of Suter and Hagel. Hustle only gets you so far. Toews, Hossa and Sharp hustled but they were also bigger, faster and more talented and would kick Hagel, Suter's and Kubalik's asses. Hagel reminds me of Burish more than any other player.

The missing part of the equation is if your defense is above average they will get the puck out and make up for lessor offensive players. We are hoping for that but are still a few years away.

Heck, we could bring back Svedberg for a fraction of the cost!!
- Chunk

Why settle for Svedberg when we could get John "Captain of the allstar team" Scott?

Why settle for Svedberg when we could get John "Captain of the allstar team" Scott?

- rpeters01

Either works, then we might not consider Strome as slow

I'm going to sound sort of defeatist here, but I think many people are just assuming that the Hawks are inevitably going to get back to being Cup contenders (or at least a perennial playoff team) in the next 3 years. The Hawks could just as easily become Buffalo/AZ/EDM. I am personally assuming that the Hawks are AT LEAST 5 years out from being a cup contender.

I'm not discounting players of that age, but I think the Hawks need to be able to show they can compete to a certain level before they bring on a guy who is going to command that kind of contract. I don't see one guy propelling this team to meaningful results. Especially not Hamilton.
- Chunk

I don't think you're sounding defeatist at all, I'm with you I don't think this team is anywhere near the playoffs in the next 3 years it's likely going to be five or more

I don't think you're sounding defeatist at all, I'm with you I don't think this team is anywhere near the playoffs in the next 3 years it's likely going to be five or more
- GPHawksfan

I agree. We need to build out the ledge to a balcony to accommodate the ledge sitters. Or maybe some rooftop bleachers?

I don't think you're sounding defeatist at all, I'm with you I don't think this team is anywhere near the playoffs in the next 3 years it's likely going to be five or more
- GPHawksfan

That makes three of us.

Oh, they may squeeze or eek their way into a playoffs due to some extenuating circumstances that fall into their lap but going anywhere I highly doubt anytime soon. The defense would have to make unbelievable strides and we hit on all the question mark Forwards. Then there's still the goalie thing.

I agree. We need to build out the ledge to a balcony to accommodate the ledge sitters. Or maybe some rooftop bleachers?
- LAHawk

Leaf fans already have that ledge at over capacity, no room at the Inn.

What does everyone believe the cost of a Dougie sign and trade to be? A 2nd rounder?

*I do not want him but was curious

The Hawks have way too many average forwards. Some could still be playing in Rockford. While this team is improved, they are still a ways off from making a deep playoff run. Kane and Toews (pending his mysterious illness) will always be legends in Chicago. They should be moved for draft picks or quality younger players. By the time the Hawks can contend again, they will most likely be well past their prime or retired. I would also look to move Keith. While not a #1 anymore, he could be an excellent 2nd or even 3rd pair D on a contending team.

What does everyone believe the cost of a Dougie sign and trade to be? A 2nd rounder?

*I do not want him but was curious
- zm333

If history is any indication, it would be quite a bit more than a 2nd. Likely, a 1st, and a prospect to start.

The Hawks have way too many average forwards. Some could still be playing in Rockford. While this team is improved, they are still a ways off from making a deep playoff run. Kane and Toews (pending his mysterious illness) will always be legends in Chicago. They should be moved for draft picks or quality younger players. By the time the Hawks can contend again, they will most likely be well past their prime or retired. I would also look to move Keith. While not a #1 anymore, he could be an excellent 2nd or even 3rd pair D on a contending team.
- MNHawksfan

The Hawks no doubt have - at a minimum - at least entertained the idea of moving one or all three (four when Seabrook was still playing). The walked away from Crawford when he was still, be far, the best option for them.

The problem is that these players all have almost complete control over where they play. As you alluded, this team is chock full of 3rd liners with some 1st and 2nd liners sprinkled in. That is as it stands today. There are several examples of players that started off average and built themselves into top line talent. There are a few guys that have that potential, but not enough (in my eyes) to be all that optimistic right now.

Cue the outrage/Stan is a moron blabbering...

BREAKING: Rangers have reached agreement to hire Gerard Gallant as head coach, Post has learned.

Cue the outrage/Stan is a moron blabbering...

BREAKING: Rangers have reached agreement to hire Gerard Gallant as head coach, Post has learned.
- Chunk

#ASF!

I don't think you're sounding defeatist at all, I'm with you I don't think this team is anywhere near the playoffs in the next 3 years it's likely going to be five or more
- GPHawksfan

If they’re still not a playoff team in fives years, they’re doomed to mediocrity for a long time. It’s a league of fast rebuilding. Gotta get good while your lottery picks re still affordable, or you may as well start over again.

Cue the outrage/Stan is a moron blabbering...

BREAKING: Rangers have reached agreement to hire Gerard Gallant as head coach, Post has learned.
- Chunk

See if he can get the big money Rangers as motivated as the castaway Knights .

#ASF!
- HawkintheD

Right? Like we needed that news to know Stan is hopeless.

Hope not. He is not what the hawks need right now. If was 2 years from now then i would at least have conversation with his agent.

If they’re still not a playoff team in fives years, they’re doomed to mediocrity for a long time. It’s a league of fast rebuilding. Gotta get good while you’re lottery picks re still affordable, or you may as well start over again.
- Ogilthorpe2

Good post. In 5 years by the way., Debrincat will be 28 which some people here think is over the hill. Got to find another top 6 forward to replace him by that time I guess.

And does everyone think that Rocky will want to go nine years in a row (if you exclude the league gifting them a spot they didn't deserve last year) without making the playoffs and missing out on that home game playoff revenue? I doubt it.

If they’re still not a playoff team in fives years, they’re doomed to mediocrity for a long time. It’s a league of fast rebuilding. Gotta get good while your lottery picks re still affordable, or you may as well start over again.
- Ogilthorpe2

Which is impossible without real bridge deals. GM has to have balls to be willing to lose early lottery picks.

That makes three of us.

Oh, they may squeeze or eek their way into a playoffs due to some extenuating circumstances that fall into their lap but going anywhere I highly doubt anytime soon. The defense would have to make unbelievable strides and we hit on all the question mark Forwards. Then there's still the goalie thing.
- rpeters01

Make it 4 hawks are on right track but have many holes to fill before they are competing for a cup. Overall team speed, physicality up front and on the back end, goaltending( number 1) consistent forecheck in the offensive zone not one and done, more top 6 forwards and top pairing defense men. Now hopefully a lot of these needs can come from within the organization. And one last thing better pro scouting. International scouting and drafting have been very good.

Make it 4 hawks are on right track but have many holes to fill before they are competing for a cup. Overall team speed, physicality up front and on the back end, goaltending( number 1) consistent forecheck in the offensive zone not one and done, more top 6 forwards and top pairing defense men. Now hopefully a lot of these needs can come from within the organization. And one last thing better pro scouting. International scouting and drafting have been very good.
- Scott1977

"Too slow to be small, too small to be slow" is what they're now. Defense is a fire drill getting out of their own end. Too many Forwards not good at more than one thing.

If they’re still not a playoff team in fives years, they’re doomed to mediocrity for a long time. It’s a league of fast rebuilding. Gotta get good while you’re lottery picks re still affordable, or you may as well start over again.
- Ogilthorpe2

That may be true but teams that turn it around quick trade away a lot of their high price talent. The Hawks high price talent has all the say if they get traded or not

He’s garbage. I’d leave him unprotected, and if the Kraken want him they can have him. Gaudette showed me more in his brief stint than Nylander has so far.
- Ogilthorpe2

I am certain this Gaudette/Nylander issue gets settled before the year is out.