With the Hawks loss coupled with wins by the Ducks and Sharks last night, Chicago in last place by 4 points over San Jose and 8 over Anaheim.

3-3-1-3-1

For 22-24 year olds they are going to have to scout Europe and pray.

Sam Reinhart is 28 and Unrestricted. Maybe a $9-10 million player. Probably a top 50 type NHL player. Great passer. Real smart. Do you think it would kill the rebuild to go sign him for 7 years at $13 million and put him next to Bedard? Just like my friend from Toyota, they are going to have to "over pay" him to leave a beach for the Midwest.


The Hawks can always choose to passively build internally and keep Kurashev on Bedard's wing.
- stevefrmglencoe

That's an awful idea.

With the Hawks loss coupled with wins by the Ducks and Sharks last night, Chicago in last place by 4 points over San Jose and 8 over Anaheim.

3-3-1-3-1
- boilermaker100

1-1-3-1-2

Read somewhere that Buffalo may want to move Middlestadt. 25yo center having a decent year with 12G and 31A. He's an upcoming RFA and supposedly the Sabres are expecting he'll want a big raise from his current 2.5M and won't be able to afford him. Trying to think of a hockey trade the Hawks can make with BUF and extend him for 5 or 6 years at 5M or so. Maybe Murphy can be involved.
- boilermaker100

Oooo I didn't see that. He'd be a good pick up to anchor the second line. Would need to overpay but probably a scenario where that is ok.

Based on amount of games played i believe he's talking about Crevier.
- BetweenTheDots

His post was in response to a post about Korbustsky so it kind of left me scratching my head. I thought it may be Crevier he was referring to.

Best defensive, no check that, best game Korbustsky has played all season. Strong in all zones, broke up some plays and kept forwards to the outside. His passing has been great all season, last night I saw him make a 50-60 foot tape to tape pass on his backhand.

I understand LAHawk and Steve’s frustration but signing 30 year olds to seven year contracts complete with no movement clauses isn’t the way to go. Now if KD were to overpay to sign Reinhart to a two or three year deal with no extraneous clauses, go for it, but there’s zero chance Reinhart is signing that deal. I played against his Dad a couple times in tournaments when I was a kid.

His post was in response to a post about Korbustsky so it kind of left me scratching my head. I thought it may be Crevier he was referring to.

Best defensive, no check that, best game Korbustsky has played all season. Strong in all zones, broke up some plays and kept forwards to the outside. His passing has been great all season, last night I saw him make a 50-60 foot tape to tape pass on his backhand.

I understand LAHawk and Steve’s frustration but signing 30 year olds to seven year contracts complete with no movement clauses isn’t the way to go. Now if KD were to overpay to sign Reinhart to a two or three year deal with no extraneous clauses, go for it, but there’s zero chance Reinhart is signing that deal. I played against his Dad a couple times in tournaments when I was a kid.
- paulr

The only problem with that is he'd be setting a new market and you don't want to do that when he's going to have to dish out cash to sign our own players

Added, The luxury we have since we are in a rebuild is patience. The right deal will come along he just has to wait for it.

His post was in response to a post about Korbustsky so it kind of left me scratching my head. I thought it may be Crevier he was referring to.

Best defensive, no check that, best game Korbustsky has played all season. Strong in all zones, broke up some plays and kept forwards to the outside. His passing has been great all season, last night I saw him make a 50-60 foot tape to tape pass on his backhand.

I understand LAHawk and Steve’s frustration but signing 30 year olds to seven year contracts complete with no movement clauses isn’t the way to go. Now if KD were to overpay to sign Reinhart to a two or three year deal with no extraneous clauses, go for it, but there’s zero chance Reinhart is signing that deal. I played against his Dad a couple times in tournaments when I was a kid.
- paulr

Very strong game from the kid last night. On the first bolded, I saw that as well, that was a major league pass. On the second bolded, are you sure that wasn’t his grandpa.

His post was in response to a post about Korbustsky so it kind of left me scratching my head. I thought it may be Crevier he was referring to.

Best defensive, no check that, best game Korbustsky has played all season. Strong in all zones, broke up some plays and kept forwards to the outside. His passing has been great all season, last night I saw him make a 50-60 foot tape to tape pass on his backhand.

I understand LAHawk and Steve’s frustration but signing 30 year olds to seven year contracts complete with no movement clauses isn’t the way to go. Now if KD were to overpay to sign Reinhart to a two or three year deal with no extraneous clauses, go for it, but there’s zero chance Reinhart is signing that deal. I played against his Dad a couple times in tournaments when I was a kid.
- paulr

Would be nice to see another 6 or so complete games like that from K2 to close out the season. I think that is a fairly reasonable expectation and would be a great building block going into next year.

Agreed with the bolded. I think they want to see what they have in Nazar before doing anything overly aggressive but also Hayes, Ludwinski and Green seem like interesting prospects. Players like Slaggert maybe. Misiak probably needs another year in eerie.

But for a player in that 25 year range - Mittlestadt was mentioned as an example - I think you get a player like that unless the ask is just egregious (like this year's lottery pick for example).

Very strong game from the kid last night. On the first bolded, I saw that as well, that was a major league pass. On the second bolded, are you sure that wasn’t his grandpa.
- Angotti

Have you been told!

Would be nice to see another 6 or so complete games like that from K2 to close out the season. I think that is a fairly reasonable expectation and would be a great building block going into next year.

Agreed with the bolded. I think they want to see what they have in Nazar before doing anything overly aggressive but also Hayes, Ludwinski and Green seem like interesting prospects. Players like Slaggert maybe. Misiak probably needs another year in eerie.

But for a player in that 25 year range - Mittlestadt was mentioned as an example - I think you get a player like that unless the ask is just egregious (like this year's lottery pick for example).
- fattybeef

Not sure why you’re that big on Middlestat? There’s nothing in his stats or game to suggest he’s worth pursuing, and he’s especially not worth a top 60 pick. I think if Chicago are going to pursue anyone they have to be 22-26, and they have to show promise to be a core piece of the puzzle, I don’t see Middlstat as anything but a placeholder.

Very strong game from the kid last night. On the first bolded, I saw that as well, that was a major league pass. On the second bolded, are you sure that wasn’t his grandpa.
- Angotti

Loved that he didn't hesitate blasting a shot when Jones fed him. The other thing i noticed past few games, his ability to get a shot on net from the blue line with a forward on him. I was always impressed how OEL could find the smallest hole while defended by the forward. Valuable skill set for a dman in the NHL. Sometimes when i watch him play defense he reminds me of Campbell but with a strong base.

Not sure why you’re that big on Middlestat? There’s nothing in his stats or game to suggest he’s worth pursuing, and he’s especially not worth a top 60 pick. I think if Chicago are going to pursue anyone they have to be 22-26, and they have to show promise to be a core piece of the puzzle, I don’t see Middlstat as anything but a placeholder.
- paulr

Solid number 2 get what you see center. Drives play consistently well, has a decent frame - not huge by any means but should be durable enough.

Not every player has to be or should be a dynamic 10 million dollar guy. They need some reliable 50-60 points you'll never remember guys and he fits that description very well.

Not every player should be in the same age bracket.

And I don't think they have anyone that projects second line center right now. Seems like they have fast wingers or probably solid 3rd or 4th line Richardenson type. Nazar maybe but I kinda of think he ends up being more disruptive on the wing and for how much I support size not mattering - It would be difficult to run two guys under 5'10 as your 1 and 2 centers and be successful in the playoffs.

If they end up getting Celebrini or Lindstrom that def changes their need there but if they draft Eiserman, for example - having a vanilla center to win battles, finish sitters and feed the shooter (with some reach) is probably a good thing to have.

Solid number 2 get what you see center. Drives play consistently well, has a decent frame - not huge by any means but should be durable enough.

Not every player has to be or should be a dynamic 10 million dollar guy. They need some reliable 50-60 points you'll never remember guys and he fits that description very well.

Not every player should be in the same age bracket.

And I don't think they have anyone that projects second line center right now. Seems like they have fast wingers or probably solid 3rd or 4th line Richardenson type. Nazar maybe but I kinda of think he ends up being more disruptive on the wing and for how much I support size not mattering - It would be difficult to run two guys under 5'10 as your 1 and 2 centers and be successful in the playoffs.

If they end up getting Celebrini or Lindstrom that def changes their need there but if they draft Eiserman, for example - having a vanilla center to win battles, finish sitters and feed the shooter (with some reach) is probably a good thing to have.
- fattybeef

I am curious if the Sabres want to get out from under Skinners contract?

His post was in response to a post about Korbustsky so it kind of left me scratching my head. I thought it may be Crevier he was referring to.

Best defensive, no check that, best game Korbustsky has played all season. Strong in all zones, broke up some plays and kept forwards to the outside. His passing has been great all season, last night I saw him make a 50-60 foot tape to tape pass on his backhand.

I understand LAHawk and Steve’s frustration but signing 30 year olds to seven year contracts complete with no movement clauses isn’t the way to go. Now if KD were to overpay to sign Reinhart to a two or three year deal with no extraneous clauses, go for it, but there’s zero chance Reinhart is signing that deal. I played against his Dad a couple times in tournaments when I was a kid.
- paulr

Crevier had a good game too. Not the passing like KK displayed. But glad he played well with Tinordi. We should hope to see Crevier become a solid defensive dman who is well balanced and able to contribute offensively when opportunity knocks. Sure more AHL time would likely help development but the kids on defense are learning and can develop up here too. On the other hand, Phillips maybe just needs to learn the hard way what he has to do insofar as to earn trust and a job on the blueline. Could part of his development be mental - being smart about his choices? One thing I am certain about, is that Richardson and Dean know “what’s what.” And I am certain if KD was wondering, he would ask the coach his opinion or a few questions anyway

My bet is for Kaiser and Crevier to eventually become a third pair or work into the six slots in defense. Phillips right now is not so much bad as more just unknown until he shows better. I suggest Phillips had it in him but it might be a process he learns the hard way when press box and minor league demotion once Murphy returns

I am curious if the Sabres want to get out from under Skinners contract?
- BetweenTheDots

Probably but I don't know who would be willing to eat that one and he has a NMC. He's on pace for 30ish goals.

Guess if anything thats a cautionary tale about signing the wrong 25 year old to big money to anchor a rebuild or being wrong about your window of opportunity depending on how you want to look at it.

The only problem with that is he'd be setting a new market and you don't want to do that when he's going to have to dish out cash to sign our own players

Added, The luxury we have since we are in a rebuild is patience. The right deal will come along he just has to wait for it.
- BetweenTheDots

It wouldn’t be a prudent move to sign anyone long term for big dollars just yet, and must be very careful if in a few years this is an option on the table

What I bet KD is more attuned to completion, is to lock up his top young players with nice contracts based only upon one year or even a half season of showing well.

Once the team is pretty darn good THEN KD can ADD and SUBTRCT pieces. I would hope we have four solid lines, oozing speed and compete because when a top star is added to the mix the team can challenge seriously for a Cup run


Long ways off though. Acquiring top young players in the first round this draft and next is first step in adding anchors to the Bedard show. We need a second top center and a tough two way dman plus at least one goal scorer on the wing. We hope our goalie pipeline is going to provide us a backstop in net

Not sure why you’re that big on Middlestat? There’s nothing in his stats or game to suggest he’s worth pursuing, and he’s especially not worth a top 60 pick. I think if Chicago are going to pursue anyone they have to be 22-26, and they have to show promise to be a core piece of the puzzle, I don’t see Middlstat as anything but a placeholder.
- paulr

He's actually a decent player now. His fancies the last two years have been above 50% and he's producing consistently. As Fatty mentioned, they need a couple more solid top six options, and he shouldn't be egregious to acquire or pay.

He's actually a decent player now. His fancies the last two years have been above 50% and he's producing consistently. As Fatty mentioned, they need a couple more solid top six options, and he shouldn't be egregious to acquire or pay.
- Chunk

I was following him a bit until last season and came away less than impressed. I see his numbers have improved as you said. But a question I have is why would Buffalo, a team that keeps tripping over its Richard and unable to get out of their own way want to give up on a guy like that?

Hard to see anyway out of this debacle without signing 5+ quality free agents over the next 2 years. They have to spend to the floor and he's proven that he will over pay by $3 million per year for average players, now he should overpay a handful of great players to play with Bedard. Bedard will need to get paid after 2 more years. Sounds like Vlasic is going to be an 8x$5 million. Korchinski, Kurashev and Reichel aren't breaking the bank with their next deals so the money is available.

Would love to see Moore, Nazar or any of the young guys jump in and dominate but this league is too tough and unless the Hawks load up with some real talent, the results aren't going to change much.

He has 17 picks in the first 3 rounds stockpiled in the next 3 years. 60% of 1st rounder in the last 10 years have played 300 games. 25% of 2nd and 3rd rounders have played 300 games. Don't see being able to turn any of this roster into extra first rounders anytime soon.

Hate hearing him say they aren't going to be active in the summer. Make Reinhart the highest paid player in the league for the next 4 years. Vegas can't match a big money deal for Marchessault. Hanifin wants out of Calgary.

Hawks under Bowman pulled some quality free agents out of Europe, hope Davidson can do the same.
- stevefrmglencoe

No way Vlasic signs a $5M deal for 8 years. Kid could end up double that with inflation.

I was following him a bit until last season and came away less than impressed. I see his numbers have improved as you said. But a question I have is why would Buffalo, a team that keeps tripping over its Richard and unable to get out of their own way want to give up on a guy like that?
- paulr

I think you just answered your own question there bud.

Loved that he didn't hesitate blasting a shot when Jones fed him. The other thing i noticed past few games, his ability to get a shot on net from the blue line with a forward on him. I was always impressed how OEL could find the smallest hole while defended by the forward. Valuable skill set for a dman in the NHL. Sometimes when i watch him play defense he reminds me of Campbell but with a strong base.
- BetweenTheDots

The more I watch him play he reminds me of Jay Bouwmeester with a higher upside. Both early 1st round picks.

I was following him a bit until last season and came away less than impressed. I see his numbers have improved as you said. But a question I have is why would Buffalo, a team that keeps tripping over its Richard and unable to get out of their own way want to give up on a guy like that?
- paulr

It comes down to cap space. The big pay days to Dahlin and Power (11M and 8.3M respectively) kick in next season. They have 25M in cap space next year with 12 players signed. Mitts may get up to 6M. Per the guys over on the Buffalo board, they still need a #1 goalie and some physicality on the team especially on D. Hawks can't help them with the goalie market, but have excess D in the pipeline and Murphy to offer up.

Edit - Earlier Dots mentioned Skinner (3 more years at 9M). Don't know if he is a cap dump at this stage in his career. He's a regular 25+ goal scorer. If Buffalo wants to take the next step to become a playoff contender, maybe they will shake things up over the summer and move him too for cap space.

I think you just answered your own question there bud.
- Chunk

Unless they get a deal they can’t refuse, the Hawks should wait until after the draft to determine who else they should bring in. That being said I’d be okay with Mittelstadt, but it really depends on what goes the other way. No way should KD include a #1 or their own #2 in that transaction.

Unless they get a deal they can’t refuse, the Hawks should wait until after the draft to determine who else they should bring in. That being said I’d be okay with Mittelstadt, but it really depends on what goes the other way. No way should KD include a #1 or their own #2 in that transaction.
- Angotti

Agreed. Sabre’s have Peterka and Benson although actually to be a more rounded team they should consider retaining Middlestadt over even one of those two. Actually best move for them is to part ways with veteran Skinner because they will be needing to pay young players much more and in one year or sooner.

As much as Granoti is called a good coach for young kids, that team wasn’t and won’t click and the reason in part is the coach. Need a system and a strong leader in their coach

Maybe Queeniville?

Agreed. Sabre’s have Peterka and Benson although actually to be a more rounded team they should consider retaining Middlestadt over even one of those two. Actually best move for them is to part ways with veteran Skinner because they will be needing to pay young players much more and in one year or sooner.

As much as Granoti is called a good coach for young kids, that team wasn’t and won’t click and the reason in part is the coach. Need a system and a strong leader in their coach

Maybe Queeniville?
- jhawk59

Buffalo and Edmonton were 2 teams where I could see Q going. Now that Edm has made a coaching change and looking ok it looks like Buffalo and maybe NJ could be landing spots?

By the by,looking at Buffalo and Anaheim in the standings,and realizing they are still lottery teams even though both teams have a few of their top prospects in the big league reminds me of what the Blackhawks still have to go through

Davidson needs to take a few swings and try and find a player or two that aren't producing for their current team and might need a change in scenery.