- kwolf68

That guy is a raging hemorrhoid... Can't stand that Troll.

I would have to strongly disagree with your view of the situation. As far as his Agent and Vadim have said, he is not pouting, he came to the NHL to play in the best league in the world and I completely understand why he would be frustrated considering he is by far the Top Center on that team and belongs in the NHL. McPhee overplayed his hand regarding the roster and how much he will get back via a trade so now he is playing hardball and it forced him to send two NHL quality players in Theodore and Shipyachov to the AHL. He sent down Shipyachov (who is their #1 Center) bc of Cap reasons and his 2-way contract, not attitude or performance. Shipyachov is a heck of a player when I saw him in the Preseason and over the years in International Tourneys.
- EnzoD

Yeah, that one is on McPhee. He hosed up his situation by getting all of the D-men while trying to be greedy about draft picks, now his team is cap strapped. You don't put 2 NHL caliber players in the AHL because you f*cked up. that's on him.

I would have to strongly disagree with your view of the situation. As far as his Agent and Vadim have said, he is not pouting, he came to the NHL to play in the best league in the world and I completely understand why he would be frustrated considering he is by far the Top Center on that team and belongs in the NHL. McPhee overplayed his hand regarding the roster and how much he will get back via a trade so now he is playing hardball and it forced him to send two NHL quality players in Theodore and Shipyachov to the AHL. He sent down Shipyachov (who is their #1 Center) bc of Cap reasons and his 2-way contract, not attitude or performance. Shipyachov is a heck of a player when I saw him in the Preseason and over the years in International Tourneys.
- EnzoD

I am glad you feel his is justified to be frustrated, but he needs to sack up and deal with it. McPhee is a bumhole I will admit, but a professional deals with it and moves on. Was it right? No, but life isn't always right, deal with it...if he's as good as they say he'll be in the NHL soon enough.

Now Theodore, did go down, has dealt with it ..oh yea, Theodore actually HAS A SPOT in Chicago (I think). The Russian center does not, unless you think he replaces our current Russian center.

That guy is a raging hemorrhoid... Can't stand that Troll.
- BGKarras

Have you noticed sometimes he tries to post "normal" hockey comments. He's so transparent. I ignore him and this is the first I've spoken about since he first arrived.

You know that Kruger only had less than 10 points once (season he got injured and only played half the games) and had a .26 PPG / would have averaged about 21-22 points per season, right? If he'd played all games last year, he'd have gotten 20.

Kruger is a luxery player than cannot be afford by cap strapped team, that I agree with. But replacable is not the right word because Kruger still hasn't been replaced really by anyone. Kero is taking some of the PK, but none of the 5v5 responsibility, for example. Maybe if Kero had better linemates at 5v5, but then, Kruger had some lugs as well and Q still gave him heavy assignments.

Edit: should have finished reading the thread where the points was already disucssed but ah well.
- L_B_R

I stand by my statement Kruger has been replaced. Now, I will admit it's based on projections. I think our fourth line with Hayden/Wingels/Kero (once Schmaltz is back and Kero can slot into Line 4) is going to be awesome. Wingels AND Kero both had excellent games last night, as did Hayden (though he eventually ended up with Wingels and Kane). Toss in Dauphin and Vinnie and you have tons of speed, skill, some blue color guys, big guys, small guys, etc...MORE than capable of locking down a good solid fourth line mix. I purposely left out Bouma, but if you care to add him you can, he does hit and block shots.

In the end I am NOT worried at all about our fourth line. And when #8 is back not sure I am worried about any of the others. AND we have some great depth in the minors that are all very close (Flipper, Hino, Kampf)...Yes without Schmaltz we've stagnated a bit because now you slow L2 down with AA and slow L3 down with Kero. But slot AA on 3 and Kero on 4 and BLAM, looking good.

my concerns are on the blue line. And I will admit I have great concerns there....

Have you noticed sometimes he tries to post "normal" hockey comments. He's so transparent. I ignore him and this is the first I've spoken about since he first arrived.
- kwolf68

Yeah I have. I've tried to ignore him but he just doesn't stop it's annoying and not necessary. I'm happy for him and his Preds on getting a participation award....

I would have to strongly disagree with your view of the situation. As far as his Agent and Vadim have said, he is not pouting, he came to the NHL to play in the best league in the world and I completely understand why he would be frustrated considering he is by far the Top Center on that team and belongs in the NHL. McPhee overplayed his hand regarding the roster and how much he will get back via a trade so now he is playing hardball and it forced him to send two NHL quality players in Theodore and Shipyachov to the AHL. He sent down Shipyachov (who is their #1 Center) bc of Cap reasons and his 2-way contract, not attitude or performance. Shipyachov is a heck of a player when I saw him in the Preseason and over the years in International Tourneys.
- EnzoD

Agreed. Forsling was in a similar situation IIRC last year. Shipy is the real deal. Would love to add him or either of Merrill/McNabb.

All things considered, I'm glad all of us opinionated posters have some hockey to watch again. We are 4 games into the season and it feels like it is going by fast already.

These next 4 games are interesting. 3 of the biggest division rivals Minny, Nashville, and St Louis, followed by an up and coming Edmonton team.

Should be fun to watch.

All things considered, I'm glad all of us opinionated posters have some hockey to watch again. We are 4 games into the season and it feels like it is going by fast already.

These next 4 games are interesting. 3 of the biggest division rivals Minny, Nashville, and St Louis, followed by an up and coming Edmonton team.

Should be fun to watch.
- breadbag

It might be petty, but I hope we destroy the Preds 10-1.

I don't think anyone would be opposed to getting Duchene - just that the Hawks don't have the asking price, which revolves around an established young d-man. If all it took was Forsling+Debrincat+1st, I think most would be totally fine with it. It's just obvs that's not the ask. The Hawks also don't have the space currently. It seems unlikely the Avs would be interested in Anisimov, who is the only big piece that can be moved (maybe, if he waives his NMC).

I think many would like Duchebe on the team but also don't feel it's useful to pine about a player that is unlikely to ever be a Hawk. Constructive looks at current players is more interesting imo, especially as it's only been 3 games.
- L_B_R

Did Sakic tell you that?

>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

Yes

Good on ADB that he got his first goal last night and a nice snipe it was.

Will be interesting to see what clip he's scoring at after 40 games or so. He needs to score about one goal every three games as he doesn't bring much else—in spite of the "look at how tough he is" narrative the paid gasbags keep pushing. Horrible TO on one of the power plays last night that Crow bailed him out on, too.

Work in progress.

Agreed. Forsling was in a similar situation IIRC last year. Shipy is the real deal. Would love to add him or either of Merrill/McNabb.
- Assman22

What is the fascination with Merrill? I am not sure what appeal he has for the Hawks. Merrill would only be 6 or 7 d-man but that spot already belongs to Franson and the Hawks did not have give anything up for Franson. Only d-men on VGK worth considering would be Nate Schmidt or Shea Theodore but pretty sure McPhee is not parting with either.

That guy is a raging hemorrhoid... Can't stand that Troll.
- BGKarras

Man, Badass Ryan Johansen's off to a raging start this year, though!

Did Sakic tell you that?
- John Jaeckel

Does Hayden make Hartman expendable in a potential Duchene trade? Ryan found himself in Q's doghouse after that brutal TO in the D-zone on MTL's first goal. It looked like Anisimov-Hartman were relegated to 3rd/4th line minutes last night after the first period.

Good on ADB that he got his first goal last night and a nice snipe it was.

Will be interesting to see what clip he's scoring at after 40 games or so. He needs to score about one goal every three games as he doesn't bring much else—in spite of the "look at how tough he is" narrative the paid gasbags keep pushing. Horrible TO on one of the power plays last night that Crow bailed him out on, too.

Work in progress.
- John Jaeckel

Wasn't that TO initiated by Franson with a terrible cross-ice pass? And rookies - without pro experience - make mistakes - as do soph (re: Hartman on the second shift of the game) - the key is to see if the quantity of mistakes diminish over time.

And the key in this particular case - and I've mentioned it before - a ton of potential - is he best served by OJT at the top level, or by dropping down a level to the AHL?

I like what I've seen of AdB so far - not the final product yet, I certainly hope, but I've seen good ice sense, good passing, excellent shot - altho a bit easy to knock off the puck at times.

As far as toughness - he at least is willing to go after the puck.

I don't know about 1 goal every three games - 25 goals is asking a lot out of a 19 year old - but 15-20 and a similar number of assists is what I would expect.

Darling was real good last night.

He looks a bit funny out there, but he doesn't give up on anything and the puck seems to stick to him. Canes lose that game 4-1 last night if Ward is in net.
- BINGO!

that first goal he gave up was crap, he should have had it. i watched only portions of the game, but saw a fairly even battle. Also not sold on Columbus's offense. I did like the first pk unit; kruger and nordstrom.

Curious if anybody knows how many of the Hawks goals this year have been scored right around the net...appears to me much more activity around the net vs. the previous years...

That is my eye test...as long as we are getting to the dirty areas then the team should be much improved from previous years....

Curious if anybody knows how many of the Hawks goals this year have been scored right around the net...appears to me much more activity around the net vs. the previous years...

That is my eye test...as long as we are getting to the dirty areas then the team should be much improved from previous years....
- Beaks99

I think every one of Saad's 5 goals have been within a foot of the blue paint.

Man, Badass Ryan Johansen's off to a raging start this year, though!
- John Jaeckel

Also coming back from a very serious injury so there is that to account for. Winning a lot of draws and at a PPG. Based on how many goals he scored last year, probably about right. Also, only makes 8 million which for a player of his size and skill is pretty reasonable compared to the absurdity of the rest of the league.

Still got the better of Toews when it mattered so that is a statement probably more appropriate for the spring when it means something.

Saad looks every bit a young Hossa on the opposite side so that comparison is turning out to be spot on if we are playing 4 games into the season told you so.

Might be a little behind on this, but did Nashville have a banner ceremony for Conference Championship!?!?!?!?!
- nickmo2699

Yeh ... that was awesome ... #seal clap ...

On another note: I think Saad has the gwg in all three wins so far.

I love the way he crashes the net, and seemingly is always in the right spot at the right time to make something happen.

Let me throw out a topic for discussion along the trade lines: Should a GM always try to “win” a trade or is it in his best interests to try to match value to value with his trading counterpart?

Instead of the hockey game however, let’s say Stan Bowman “won” a similarly lopsided trade against the Pens GM. Would Stan ever be able to trade with that GM again? Could this come down the road long term and hurt the Hawks in the future by possibly eliminating a trading partner they might need as some future time?
- Spec41971

Ideally, trades involve players or packages of players, picks, etc. of similar perceived value at the time each transaction is made. All teams have scouts constantly evaluating potential acquisitions. If a general manager is not satisfied with what he is receiving in a trade, he simply does not make that particular trade. The purpose of making a trade is to improve one's own team. If a GM needs to give up greater value to acquire what his team needs, he is still a winner in the trade, if the player(s) he trades perform as expected.

As for trading an established player for prospects or draft picks which may or may not develop into NHL players, that is the risk the GM has to take. He is gambling on his and his advisers' ability to select that value in the future.

It always irks me when fans gripe retrospectively about "losing" a trade because a draft pick their team traded away turns out to be a stud for the other team. That is not a "lost" trade if the player they received filled a need on their team at the time the trade was made. Further, had that draft pick been retained, their own GM may not even have used it to select the same player.

Ultimately, any GM who glaringly "loses" in a trade has only himself to blame.

It is equally annoying to hear fans constantly "reevaluating" trades after the added or departed players are traded again. Each trade should be judged on what it does for the team at the moment in time the trade is consummated.

As for the second question, I think any GM who refuses to deal with another GM simply because that GM has seemingly "bested" him in a previous trade should be fired on the spot. If a team offers what you need for what you are willing to pay, you make the deal!

Man, Badass Ryan Johansen's off to a raging start this year, though!
- John Jaeckel

I think they need Neal back

I stand by my statement Kruger has been replaced. Now, I will admit it's based on projections. I think our fourth line with Hayden/Wingels/Kero (once Schmaltz is back and Kero can slot into Line 4) is going to be awesome. Wingels AND Kero both had excellent games last night, as did Hayden (though he eventually ended up with Wingels and Kane). Toss in Dauphin and Vinnie and you have tons of speed, skill, some blue color guys, big guys, small guys, etc...MORE than capable of locking down a good solid fourth line mix. I purposely left out Bouma, but if you care to add him you can, he does hit and block shots.

In the end I am NOT worried at all about our fourth line. And when #8 is back not sure I am worried about any of the others. AND we have some great depth in the minors that are all very close (Flipper, Hino, Kampf)...Yes without Schmaltz we've stagnated a bit because now you slow L2 down with AA and slow L3 down with Kero. But slot AA on 3 and Kero on 4 and BLAM, looking good.

my concerns are on the blue line. And I will admit I have great concerns there....
- kwolf68

We're fundamentally disagreeing about what type of 4th line Kruger was the center of vs what the 4th line is now. They are not the same in usage at all.

Kruger was used as a shutdown center - deployed heavily in the DZ against mid/high QOC. Kero is used as an energy line center - deployed in the DZ but against the lowest QOC, 4th line vs 4th line. Not all 4th line are used/deployed the same way so it seems to silly to pretend they're all created equal. Currently, no one on the Hawks is used like Kruger was. Same way no one was used like Bolland after he left. Kero has been used like Madden was in 2010, which is useful, but is not the same level of responsibility at all.

Look, Q has pulled the Kero's line off the ice as quick as possible whenever another team tried to line up their top line, so the trust just isn't there. Not necessarily Kero, but the line. When Kero was away from Wingels-Bouma, the latter two barely sniffed the DZ, so it's probably one or both of them Q doesn't trust. I actually really like what I've seen from Wingels and Hayden, and Kero had an excellent defensive game last night, so I wouldn't be surprised if Q eventually uses them in such a manner, but he's just not so far. This is not a knock on Kero - it's an assessment of how Q has/is rolling his lines and how his 4th lines have been different over the years.

I'm also high on Dauphin and Kampf, think Kero is doing his role well and could probably handle a bit more, but 'replacement' isn't the correct word to use right now because none of them are fulfilling that role yet. Key word possibly being yet. Maybe they could, like I said I wouldn't be surprised if Kero slowly becomes that as the season progresses - but Q isn't asking him/them to so we just don't know. With the center depth as is, it may not be necessary as the 2010 model works well too.