Was it ever confirmed that Schmaltz had/has a concussion?

The possible improvement has to do with the system change and less with personnel, though there's more of an offensive threat now. The Canes PK has been aggressive for a while and Kruger looks great in that system too.
- L_B_R

I never stated we got better because Kruger moved on. My point still stands. Kruger was replaceable at his price. As long as the fourth line plays well, kills some Penalties and creates havoc (which they've done, irrespective of the system), Kruger's 5 points a year won't be missed.

>From Q's press conference last night
>“Those guys have been really good together,” Quenneville said of DeBrincat and Sharp. “Whether they’re scoring or not, we like the way they’re playing without the puck, and they’re moving around the ice where it seems like things develop almost every single shift. Whether they’re looking for one another, they both have that patience where something can potentially develop and usually does. I thought
- SnapitUpstairs[Tanner] Kero was better tonight. I think that line had a really good game. And the Cat getting that first goal in a special place like this will be a very good memory in a win.”
>Notice line 6: "Kero was better last night."
>My eyes are just fine, thank you.
>Still have 20/10 vision
>I expect more out of Kero and so did Q
>Glad he woke up

I'm kind of surprised that Q is so effusive about DeBrincat. Maybe he has learned to not say overly negative things publicly, but the kid had 3-4 brutal turnovers. Two of which became high scoring chances against. I like him a lot offensively, but he is going to need to protect the puck better to keep playing.

How can that be without the great Marcus Kruger? Oh wait, maybe he was a bit overrated on this board.
- onehundredlevel

Who was terribly overrated on this board by JJ and others? 1) Marcus Kruger, the scoring machine, or Marcus Kruger the stay-in-the-box non-agressive penalty killer? 2) Also, how about Hammer, who slowed down noticeably the last two years and did little besides shot blocking and backhanders out of the d-zone to set up the opposition's return.

Not to mention those greatly underrated by JJ and other impatient posters,such as Nick Schmaltz and Kempny last year; Debrincat, Murphy and Forsling this year. And of course, the always unappreciated work of John McDonough (who totally rebuilt the organization) and Stan Bowman (who has repeatedly retooled the Hawks to keep them in contention.)

I'm kind of surprised that Q is so effusive about DeBrincat. Maybe he has learned to not say overly negative things publicly, but the kid had 3-4 brutal turnovers. Two of which became high scoring chances against. I like him a lot offensively, but he is going to need to protect the puck better to keep playing.
- Chunk

"He was alright" is the Q kiss of death. I agree, Alex had had a few rough moments, but I am not worried. Those mistakes were just panicking moves. No way a kid with his vision and passing ability should toss the puck away like that. I chalk it up to him just getting acclimated to the speed. Otherwise, he has been VERY defensively responsible, plays the body, and is very creative. Every player has had some horrible moments in the early season (except maybe that first line) so we'll be OK

Who was terribly overrated on this board by JJ and others? 1) Marcus Kruger, the scoring machine, or Marcus Kruger the stay-in-the-box non-agressive penalty killer? 2) Also, how about Hammer, who slowed down noticeably the last two years and did little besides shot blocking and backhanders out of the d-zone to set up the opposition's return.
- BMWChiFan

Yep, Kruger survived on guile and heart. Loved the kid and he played his part, but no way does losing him cause an after-shock of misery in Chicago, especially at his salary. I don't care how often Carolina fan comes in here saying how AWESOME he is. Sure he's a fan favorite who tries hard, but frankly I am not worried about him and won't miss his completely non-existent offensive game. He's a niche player. Time to move on. Ditto for TVR...TVR would be battling just to get on third pairing in Chicago. I already like Ruuta better than him.

Now Danault? That's a tough one to swallow. On the top 3 list of worst trades Stan has ever made....Leddy trade being in that mix as well.

I never stated we got better because Kruger moved on. My point still stands. Kruger was replaceable at his price. As long as the fourth line plays well, kills some Penalties and creates havoc (which they've done, irrespective of the system), Kruger's 5 points a year won't be missed.
- kwolf68

He averaged .265 points per game... which is about 21 or 22 per season.

That's dragged down a lot by that one bad year in 2015-2016 where he only put up 4 in 41 games. Beyond that he produced at a pretty stead ~20 point clip.

Not great, and not worth his salary, but not a bad number for a 4th line shut-down guy.

Yep, Kruger survived on guile and heart. Loved the kid and he played his part, but no way does losing him cause an after-shock of misery in Chicago, especially at his salary. I don't care how often Carolina fan comes in here saying how AWESOME he is. Sure he's a fan favorite who tries hard, but frankly I am not worried about him. Ditto for TVR...TVR would be battling just to get on third pairing in Chicago. I already like Ruuta better than him.

Now Danault? That's a tough one to swallow. On the top 3 list of worst trades Stan has ever made....Leddy trade being in that mix as well.
- kwolf68

But compared to the multiple great moves Stan has made, I'll give up Danault and John. Not sure any GM has ever made all great moves, but if anyone can name one I'd listen...

I also remember the "Stan doesn't make enough trades because he wants to win every one" meme from a couple years back.

Yep, Kruger survived on guile and heart. Loved the kid and he played his part, but no way does losing him cause an after-shock of misery in Chicago, especially at his salary. I don't care how often Carolina fan comes in here saying how AWESOME he is. Sure he's a fan favorite who tries hard, but frankly I am not worried about him and won't miss his completely non-existent offensive game. He's a niche player. Time to move on. Ditto for TVR...TVR would be battling just to get on third pairing in Chicago. I already like Ruuta better than him.

Now Danault? That's a tough one to swallow. On the top 3 list of worst trades Stan has ever made....Leddy trade being in that mix as well.
- kwolf68

I didn't say he was awesome.

And TVR is the #6 guy in Raleigh too.

He averaged .265 points per game... which is about 21 or 22 per season.

That's dragged down a lot by that one bad year in 2015-2016 where he only put up 4 in 41 games. Beyond that he produced at a pretty stead ~20 point clip.

Not great, and not worth his salary, but not a bad number for a 4th line shut-down guy.
- BINGO!

The 5 points was sarcasm. The dude has scored more than 20 points 1 time in 6 years. Glad you like him, he's likable, but he's not really a player that's going to cause too much heartburn if he's not playing here for 3 million a year in Chicago.

The 5 points was sarcasm. The dude has scored more than 20 points 1 time in 6 years. Glad you like him, he's likable, but he's not really a player that's going to cause too much heartburn if he's not playing here for 3 million a year in Chicago.
- kwolf68

Twice.

and 13 in 47 games... and 17 in 70... those get you close.

You're right, though, those numbers don't justify his salary, he's just a real useful, somewhat overpaid player.

Twice.

and 13 in 47 games... and 17 in 70... those get you close.

You're right, though, those numbers don't justify his salary, he's just a real useful, somewhat overpaid player.
- BINGO!

And he has been capably replaced by someone who is not overpaid. Again, I am glad you like him, as I said he's likable. But bottom pairing D-men or checking line players don't bother me if we have to move them (during our Cup run the bottom line was always in flux anyhow). What pisses me off is losing a 2/3 Center (probably more a 3 on a great team) like Danault (for trash). That's the one that got away. It also hurt he tore us up in the circles last night. Hawks couldn't use a center who can actually win draws. I'd rather have him than Anisimov I can tell you that much.

I'm kind of surprised that Q is so effusive about DeBrincat. Maybe he has learned to not say overly negative things publicly, but the kid had 3-4 brutal turnovers. Two of which became high scoring chances against. I like him a lot offensively, but he is going to need to protect the puck better to keep playing.
- Chunk

>Public praise
>Private punishing

Who was terribly overrated on this board by JJ and others? 1) Marcus Kruger, the scoring machine, or Marcus Kruger the stay-in-the-box non-agressive penalty killer? 2) Also, how about Hammer, who slowed down noticeably the last two years and did little besides shot blocking and backhanders out of the d-zone to set up the opposition's return.

Not to mention those greatly underrated by JJ and other impatient posters,such as Nick Schmaltz and Kempny last year; Debrincat, Murphy and Forsling this year. And of course, the always unappreciated work of John McDonough (who totally rebuilt the organization) and Stan Bowman (who has repeatedly retooled the Hawks to keep them in contention.)
- BMWChiFan

Let's not call anybody underrated till we see what they can do. Far too early to call any of them a success just yet, outside of the small body of work for Nick. Stan and John were handed a pretty nice core to work with, and have made some good move, and been robbed too.

I know he is a whipping boy defensively, but Franson is one of the few D-men that can actually get an accurate shot through to the goalie (I see Seabrook, and Ruuta as the other). If he can clean up his positioning I think he can be a useful piece.

I read a few posts earlier wishing Johns didn't have to go in the Sharp trade. Not trying to be a tool, but why? He is maybe as good as Kempny, and that is being generous.

I know he is a whipping boy defensively, but Franson is one of the few D-men that can actually get an accurate shot through to the goalie (I see Seabrook, and Ruuta as the other). If he can clean up his positioning I think he can be a useful piece.

I read a few posts earlier wishing Johns didn't have to go in the Sharp trade. Not trying to be a tool, but why? He is maybe as good as Kempny, and that is being generous.
- Chunk

This fan base has a tendency to over value their past d prospects: Clendening, Johns, Lalonde, Paliota, Dahlbeck, etc

And he has been capably replaced by someone who is not overpaid. Again, I am glad you like him, as I said he's likable. But bottom pairing D-men or checking line players don't bother me if we have to move them (during our Cup run the bottom line was always in flux anyhow). What pisses me off is losing a 2/3 Center (probably more a 3 on a great team) like Danault (for trash). That's the one that got away. It also hurt he tore us up in the circles last night. Hawks couldn't use a center who can actually win draws. I'd rather have him than Anisimov I can tell you that much.
- kwolf68

that was a tough trade, still pissed about that one.

Kruger was a hero when he was here. Seeing him shut down top guys in the 13, 14, and 15 playoffs was really fun.

I know he is a whipping boy defensively, but Franson is one of the few D-men that can actually get an accurate shot through to the goalie (I see Seabrook, and Ruuta as the other). If he can clean up his positioning I think he can be a useful piece.

I read a few posts earlier wishing Johns didn't have to go in the Sharp trade. Not trying to be a tool, but why? He is maybe as good as Kempny, and that is being generous.
- Chunk

I can live with the mistakes guys like Debrincat, Forsling and Rutta make because they are still adapting to the NHL. Franson may not be as bad as some people make him out to be but he's not among the top 6 for the Blackhawks.

I can live with the mistakes guys like Debrincat, Forsling and Rutta make because they are still adapting to the NHL. Franson may not be as bad as some people make him out to be but he's not among the top 6 for the Blackhawks.
- DarthKane

Franson is a serviceable 6D that can generate some possession and points offensively. that's it. He can be a PP point guy too, I suppose.

This fan base has a tendency to over value their past d prospects: Clendening, Johns, Lalonde, Paliota, Dahlbeck, etc
- JRoenick97

God I hate Dahlbeck.

I can live with the mistakes guys like Debrincat, Forsling and Rutta make because they are still adapting to the NHL. Franson may not be as bad as some people make him out to be but he's not among the top 6 for the Blackhawks.
- DarthKane

He's the fourth (or maybe 5th behind Oesterle) right defenseman on the team. I think Q sees that too. Maybe he plays every 4 or 5 games. The play of Rutta has hurt Franson's playing time projection. I'm curious to see if he's still on the team come playoff time. I know Q likes his veterans but Franson might become disgruntled ala Daley if he isn't getting the TOI he needs to get another contract next season.

Left defense is interesting too. I'm glad Kempny and Forsling have both been getting ice time so far this year. I think Oesterle plays soon and one of them sits but they are the 2nd and 3rd pair LDs for now. Come playoff time, will any of them be a good enough second pairing D or does the team need an upgrade?

that was a tough trade, still pissed about that one.

Kruger was a hero when he was here. Seeing him shut down top guys in the 13, 14, and 15 playoffs was really fun.
- BlazinMike

Danault should still be in Chicago. That was a retarded trade. Since then I've been happy with Stan, but man that one and the leddy one blew (the silliness with Scuderi coming then going was perplexing, but no real loss either way). We literally got NOTHING for either unless you think Pokka is ever gonna play NHL hockey.

BTW-did we ever get our "future considerations" for Kruger? I am sure it will be something like what Carolina gave them, a low round pick.

Interesting article on the Captain, echoing what many (some?) on here think

https://twitter.com/vanco...status/917992681254608896

Interesting article on the Captain, echoing what many (some?) on here think

https://twitter.com/vanco...status/917992681254608896
- Hawkjet

He looks pretty damn good so far this year.

ummm...there is a new CBA in about 2 years most likely with a "work" stoppage...

my guess this another BS loop hole that gets changed...
- bogiedoc

I think the salary floor teams want that loophole to stay. Beats having to actually pay out real money.