With both him and Blashill, I think the focus on structure and defending will mean the Hawks will put more premium on making the safe play. I think probably less of the open track meet we had at times with Sorensen.
- breadbag

Ideally, they'll learn how to play as a team away from the puck so that they don't have to "sacrifice" offense and instead just be puck hunting to transition the other way.

This is where I think Arty and Rinzel will ultimately help immensely. They both have the tools to shut down entries and plays in their own end, and have enough skill to quickly turn the puck going in the other direction, be it with a pass or their skating. I think it was Fatty who used to harp on the fact that the D-corps being able to push the puck is paramount. I can't agree with him more. Being able to make that quick switch from defense to offense is critical to not get stuck in your own end.

Ideally, they'll learn how to play as a team away from the puck so that they don't have to "sacrifice" offense and instead just be puck hunting to transition the other way.

This is where I think Arty and Rinzel will ultimately help immensely. They both have the tools to shut down entries and plays in their own end, and have enough skill to quickly turn the puck going in the other direction, be it with a pass or their skating. I think it was Fatty who used to harp on the fact that the D-corps being able to push the puck is paramount. I can't agree with him more. Being able to make that quick switch from defense to offense is critical to not get stuck in your own end.
- Chunk

If I recall correctly, I think Peca was a pretty good forechecker as a player. Maybe he will help the forward group get better success when they choose to dump the puck and need to get it back. The Hawks seemed to me that they haven't been great at executing dump/chase when needed. I think it often just resulted in having to defend a breakout and going back to their own end again.

I'm a bit wary of trading for Robertson. His next contract is likely to be much higher than it should be and comes up same time as Bedard RFA. Is he really a cornerstone piece?

No doubt he is a really good / excellent player. BUT he benefitted from exceptional chemistry with Pavelski and Hintz. His production, possession, and overall game have not been as good separated from Pavelski. He was largely MIA in playoffs this year. So far, his 22-23 season is an anomaly. Is he LW1 with Bedard? The size is nice, but that pairing would scare the hell out of me in hte D zone. Zone entries would be a risk with those two also.

It just seems adding Robertson is too big of a gamble given acquisition cost, next contract value, his declining performance, and questionable fit with Bedard. Gotta think, why is he the piece Stars are willing to give up on in a re-tool?
- LetsGoHawks

W...T...F...

Nothing against you personally, but I've brought up two young (26 or younger starting next season), high production in multiple years, forwards and the universal first reaction thus far is "why are they available"?

Do we or do we not want the Hawks to improve the forward ranks? If you want to do more than just resign Donato, you are going to have to pay up. Whether it's Marner (somewhere near $13M?) or Ehlers/Boeser ($8-10M?), or trading for a guy, you have to give to get.

Dead horse: The Hawks have tons of prospects, draft picks and cap space. When/if the opportunity presents itself to dramatically improve the team, they need to at least explore it. Otherwise, you end up hoping that you've made the right choice on all the draft picks and waiting 2-3 years for them to be good enough to actually compete.

What are the chances that Misa, Hagens, Desnoyers, Frondell, etc will be as good or better than Robertson have PROVEN to be in the NHL and how long would it be for them to get to that level in the NHL? I think it's malpractice to just wait and hope all your draft picks pan out. Even if they traded away the two firsts this year, they have two next year to make up for it (in what appears to be a stronger draft class).

If I recall correctly, I think Peca was a pretty good forechecker as a player. Maybe he will help the forward group get better success when they choose to dump the puck and need to get it back. The Hawks seemed to me that they haven't been great at executing dump/chase when needed. I think it often just resulted in having to defend a breakout and going back to their own end again.
- breadbag

He was pretty consistently a 40-50 pt guy (for a full 82 games). Won two Selke's, and was great at pressuring the puck. Above average FO guy and lots of blocks. All at 5'11" and 185lbs.

You are completely correct about that last sentence.

W...T...F...

Nothing against you personally, but I've brought up two young (26 or younger starting next season), high production in multiple years, forwards and the universal first reaction thus far is "why are they available"?

Do we or do we not want the Hawks to improve the forward ranks? If you want to do more than just resign Donato, you are going to have to pay up. Whether it's Marner (somewhere near $13M?) or Ehlers/Boeser ($8-10M?), or trading for a guy, you have to give to get.


- Chunk

I'm with you Chunk. I've posted in support of signing Marner. We have to support Bedard for him to take the next step. I do not mind paying up, I just want to do it carefully and not jump at the limited good options this year because we have to do 'something.'

W...T...F...

Nothing against you personally, but I've brought up two young (26 or younger starting next season), high production in multiple years, forwards and the universal first reaction thus far is "why are they available"?

Do we or do we not want the Hawks to improve the forward ranks? If you want to do more than just resign Donato, you are going to have to pay up. Whether it's Marner (somewhere near $13M?) or Ehlers/Boeser ($8-10M?), or trading for a guy, you have to give to get.

Dead horse: The Hawks have tons of prospects, draft picks and cap space. When/if the opportunity presents itself to dramatically improve the team, they need to at least explore it. Otherwise, you end up hoping that you've made the right choice on all the draft picks and waiting 2-3 years for them to be good enough to actually compete.

What are the chances that Misa, Hagens, Desnoyers, Frondell, etc will be as good or better than Robertson have PROVEN to be in the NHL and how long would it be for them to get to that level in the NHL? I think it's malpractice to just wait and hope all your draft picks pan out. Even if they traded away the two firsts this year, they have two next year to make up for it (in what appears to be a stronger draft class).
- Chunk

KD demonstrated with Knight that he will look outside to improve a spot if he doesn't believe he has the solution in house. I'm interested to see what he does regarding forwards this offseason, too.

W...T...F...

Nothing against you personally, but I've brought up two young (26 or younger starting next season), high production in multiple years, forwards and the universal first reaction thus far is "why are they available"?

Do we or do we not want the Hawks to improve the forward ranks? If you want to do more than just resign Donato, you are going to have to pay up. Whether it's Marner (somewhere near $13M?) or Ehlers/Boeser ($8-10M?), or trading for a guy, you have to give to get.

Dead horse: The Hawks have tons of prospects, draft picks and cap space. When/if the opportunity presents itself to dramatically improve the team, they need to at least explore it. Otherwise, you end up hoping that you've made the right choice on all the draft picks and waiting 2-3 years for them to be good enough to actually compete.

What are the chances that Misa, Hagens, Desnoyers, Frondell, etc will be as good or better than Robertson have PROVEN to be in the NHL and how long would it be for them to get to that level in the NHL? I think it's malpractice to just wait and hope all your draft picks pan out. Even if they traded away the two firsts this year, they have two next year to make up for it (in what appears to be a stronger draft class).
- Chunk

A GM would be negligent not to ask why a productive, good young player is available. Teams don’t try to give them away. Lots of questions to ask. Is said player a problem in the dressing room? Is the player weak in other aspects of the game? Is the player a complimentary player or does he drive a line? Does the player elevate his game in big games?

A GM would be negligent not to ask why a productive, good young player is available. Teams don’t try to give them away. Lots of questions to ask. Is said player a problem in the dressing room? Is the player weak in other aspects of the game? Is the player a complimentary player or does he drive a line? Does the player elevate his game in big games?
- paulr

Sure, but that shouldn't be the first question. Not to mention a cursory look at the Stars' cap and roster situation makes it easier to understand why he is at least being talked about. They have about $4.5M in cap space and only 8 signed forwards for next year. I'm assuming they want to sign Bourque, but not sure there either.

Sure, but that shouldn't be the first question. Not to mention a cursory look at the Stars' cap and roster situation makes it easier to understand why he is at least being talked about. They have about $4.5M in cap space and only 8 signed forwards for next year. I'm assuming they want to sign Bourque, but not sure there either.
- Chunk

It absolutely should be the first question. If Robertson is so valuable there’s no chance Dallas is looking to move him. What is the reason they wish to move from him? And I say this without really knowing his game. I agree you have to give up something to get something but before KD moves anyone he’s going to want to know why Dallas doesn’t covet a player based on stats should be coveted. If Dallas want to move him because of cap constraints then it’s an easy decision for Davidson. However if it’s another reason KFC will have to understand what it is and if he can live with it.

It absolutely should be the first question. If Robertson is so valuable there’s no chance Dallas is looking to move him. What is the reason they wish to move from him? And I say this without really knowing his game. I agree you have to give up something to get something but before KD moves anyone he’s going to want to know why Dallas doesn’t covet a player based on stats should be coveted. If Dallas want to move him because of cap constraints then it’s an easy decision for Davidson. However if it’s another reason KFC will have to understand what it is and if he can live with it.
- paulr

Did the Hawks want to get rid of Ladd, Buff, Sopel, Sharp, etc? Was everyone asking why the Hawks were looking to trade them? No, it was pretty well known why.

W...T...F...

Nothing against you personally, but I've brought up two young (26 or younger starting next season), high production in multiple years, forwards and the universal first reaction thus far is "why are they available"?

Do we or do we not want the Hawks to improve the forward ranks? If you want to do more than just resign Donato, you are going to have to pay up. Whether it's Marner (somewhere near $13M?) or Ehlers/Boeser ($8-10M?), or trading for a guy, you have to give to get.

Dead horse: The Hawks have tons of prospects, draft picks and cap space. When/if the opportunity presents itself to dramatically improve the team, they need to at least explore it. Otherwise, you end up hoping that you've made the right choice on all the draft picks and waiting 2-3 years for them to be good enough to actually compete.

What are the chances that Misa, Hagens, Desnoyers, Frondell, etc will be as good or better than Robertson have PROVEN to be in the NHL and how long would it be for them to get to that level in the NHL? I think it's malpractice to just wait and hope all your draft picks pan out. Even if they traded away the two firsts this year, they have two next year to make up for it (in what appears to be a stronger draft class).
- Chunk

I'd have to agree, if Robertson is available, be pretty hard to pass it up.

The answer to why he is available, is the same for all the Hawks good teams

Glorious cap space, you can't sign everyone, and you trade away a player or two you really never want to, because they bring back the most in the trade for keeping the pipeline filled to replace pieces you are forced to lose.

Did the Hawks want to get rid of Ladd, Buff, Sopel, Sharp, etc? Was everyone asking why the Hawks were looking to trade them? No, it was pretty well known why.
- Chunk

And you just made my point.

And you just made my point.
- paulr

It wasn't a point, it was a thought exercise. Either there is some fundamental flaw with the player, or they need space.

They need space, so the majority of the rest of your post is moo. It's like a cow's opinion. It doesn't matter. It's moo.

It wasn't a point, it was a thought exercise. Either there is some fundamental flaw with the player, or they need space.

They need space, so the majority of the rest of your post is moo. It's like a cow's opinion. It doesn't matter. It's moo.
- Chunk

I see you're using Ai to improve your writing again

And you just made my point.
- paulr

Why didn't Bowman get rid of Toews or Kane when they had cap issues later on. Would have saved a lot of depth. Lots of teams have cap issues, and those teams will usually get rid of depth players, like the Hawks did. Why are the Stars shopping Robertson instead of their depth pieces?

I see you're using Ai to improve your writing again
- BetweenTheDots

Whatever I'm writing it certainly is artificial. To call it intelligence is a big stretch.

Did the Hawks want to get rid of Ladd, Buff, Sopel, Sharp, etc? Was everyone asking why the Hawks were looking to trade them? No, it was pretty well known why.
- Chunk

Boys, go to your rooms. But it usually helps to be somewhat subtle during a negotiation. That's not to say you don't need to get all your questions answered.

Boys, go to your rooms. But it usually helps to be somewhat subtle during a negotiation. That's not to say you don't need to get all your questions answered.
- rpeters01

Dammit mom. You always ruin the fun.

Desnoyers is a good player who scouts believe is the best two way forward with the highest IQ in the draft. If KD and his staff believes he projects as a Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar, Barkov he will be Chicago’s choice.
- paulr

Honestly think Kyle has Hagens posters taped up on all 4 walls of his room and 1 on the ceiling above his bunk bed. Could easily argue BPA at that spot and he fits Kyle's type to the T.

Honestly think Kyle has Hagens posters taped up on all 4 walls of his room and 1 on the ceiling above his bunk bed. Could easily argue BPA at that spot and he fits Kyle's type to the T.
- Assman22

Imo I think he trades down or trades pick for immediate help

Boy what a Cup game. I am gonna watch the first two periods again tomorrow.

So much

..so beter than the bygone years in terms of speed & excitement.

Robertson is obviously a productive offensive player. Robertson’s line struggled against the Oilers, lack of speed is the rumored reason of why he’s on the market. Show me a slow forward, and I’ll show you a defensive liability. That doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t want him in my team, however he will struggle defensively. As far as Paterka, I’d love him on the Hawks, however KD bettter find out why he’s rumored to be available, I’m with Paulie on this one. Good discussion, and yes I also would like an upgrade or two upfront. Add Peterka and Lundell(could be a cap casualty)and I’ll be one happy camper.

Robertson is obviously a productive offensive player. Robertson’s line struggled against the Oilers, lack of speed is the rumored reason of why he’s on the market. Show me a slow forward, and I’ll show you a defensive liability. That doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t want him in my team, however he will struggle defensively. As far as Paterka, I’d love him on the Hawks, however KD bettter find out why he’s rumored to be available, I’m with Paulie on this one. Good discussion, and yes I also would like an upgrade or two upfront. Add Peterka and Lundell(could be a cap casualty)and I’ll be one happy camper.
- Angotti

I didn’t say I didn’t want the Hawks to get Robertson, I just commented on why a good, young, big, productive forward is on the market. Although he puts up good numbers I’m not really that familiar with his overall game. For instance I didn’t know he was slow.

[quote=totem]CHI news will be a little slow until draft time. Thought I would post some mini-profiles for players that will go a little later in the draft that I thought were interesting.

Totem, I want to message you somethime in the enext couple about sum thing...so try looking for it.

As far as my board.

If looked tonight, --TOTALLY RE-RANKED.

2025 nhl draft Lines.com

LAURIA IS NOW AT Slotted 117, andDAVEY ROSZIVAL to rhe Chicago Blackhawks in slot 107.


I love overtimes. thx McD !!!!

Good, Nelsons skills are diminishing right before our eyes just like Zibadejad

Watching Sakic making so many right moves until the Rantanen trade... now just made another bad move for his team.
- BetweenTheDots

I never talk about Brock Nelson's birth country, because the the Balckhawks drafted kevin Hayer and not Nelson that year. And all we got was a lousy 2nd in a weaker drfat class.