So . . . I am 99% sure the Hawks QUIETLY shopped Seabrook this summer before they dealt Hammer. Because they didn't want to have to deal Hammer. QUIETLY meaning, they reached out to his hometown Canucks and tried to work something with Tanev coming back (larger deal, more players involved). Never went anywhere, and you see what happened.

All that said, I think they see the contract now as a mistake. Are they panicking? No, and now is not the time. Will their be a compliance buyout (or buyouts) with the new CBA that is likely? Yes, probably.

Is he a candidate for a "platoon" with Murphy and Franson. No, that is asinine. has he lost half a step? Yeah, probably. But he is still a very solid top 4 defenseman in the NHL. Overpaid? Sure. But because of Bowman's work this summer, the Hawks are also for once not in cap hell anymore. And it's Rocky's money, which he has more of than likely all of us combined.

Sure, Seabrook's Corsi through 6 games is underwater. So are a lot of guys on the team and I believe the team as a whole. It's stilly for everyone to start procliaming Seabrook done.

Wait and see on his contract and hw that plays out. Right now, don't panic.
- John Jaeckel

It's barely underwater, but so is Keith's. Only Lance Bouma and Schmaltz are actually above 50% Too small a sample size to worry. Seabs has only been on the ice for 1 goal against, and tha'ts pretty good. Him and Keith shut down Auston Matthews Line and Artemi Panarin's line hard. The downfall of Seabs has been greatly overstated because he "looks slow"

It's barely underwater, but so is Keith's. Only Lance Bouma and Schmaltz are actually above 50% Too small a sample size to worry. Seabs has only been on the ice for 1 goal against, and tha'ts pretty good. Him and Keith shut down Auston Matthews Line and Artemi Panarin's line hard. The downfall of Seabs has been greatly overstated because he "looks slow"
- JRoenick97

Whu-whu-whu-WHAT?!?!?!?!

a couple good articles on the ATH. he thinks a buyout is unlikely and that Seabs contract could be the undoing of mini rebuild compared to just getting AVG. I assume he means seabs money will not be able to be used for Rutta, kempny, hart, Nick, panik, Who all would be up for raises in the next 2 years. Bickell got a contract after a huge playoffs. Seabs contract was untradeable before it even started that is my real issue. You should not get Max AAV, MAX term and NMC/NTC on a contract. when you are 30. That is the part I have a problem with Seabs Agent got everything. When everybody knows most players slow down starting at 30 if not sooner and some fall off a cliff. If you are hoping for Hossa and Jager you are not playing the %. Inregard to shalnuv we will still hold his rights in 3 years but he is not bound be ELC correct?

You know its funny, I very rarely listen to Eklund's podcasts but I did today for some reason I can't explain. Russ Cohen makes the statement that the Hawks know that they were absolutely taken to the cleaners trading Panarin for Saad but they had to do it because of the comparative contract situations. In essence he proclaims Panarin as great, a steal by Columbus. Of course, that's after 5 games of a new season.

I say bullsh$t. I firmly believe in horses for certain race courses and Brandon Saad fits the Hawks to a T, IMO. And I hated Panarin's game because I knew the team would never win in the playoffs with a guy like him who would and will never engage to the extent necessary when it counts the most. I was totally thrilled when Stanbo bounced his Russian ass outta Chicago. (Just my opinion of course.)

I believe about the same with Evander Kane - great natural talent, skilled, big and tough but until somebody can re-arrange his focus into being a team first player focused on winning as a group he will always just be 'great potential' and nothing more than that. And then soon he will fade away into a guy just trying to stay in the league playing for bottom feeder teams with little chance to win anything.

End of sermon.
- RickJ

Jesus, I am going to respond to that.

Whu-whu-whu-WHAT?!?!?!?!
- John Jaeckel

I laughed at that too. He just gets sheltered minutes and does his energy role well. He's fine, but unspectacular.

So . . . I am 99% sure the Hawks QUIETLY shopped Seabrook this summer before they dealt Hammer. Because they didn't want to have to deal Hammer. QUIETLY meaning, they reached out to his hometown Canucks and tried to work something with Tanev coming back (larger deal, more players involved). Never went anywhere, and you see what happened.

All that said, I think they see the contract now as a mistake. Are they panicking? No, and now is not the time. Will their be a compliance buyout (or buyouts) with the new CBA that is likely? Yes, probably.

Is he a candidate for a "platoon" with Murphy and Franson. No, that is asinine. has he lost half a step? Yeah, probably. But he is still a very solid top 4 defenseman in the NHL. Overpaid? Sure. But because of Bowman's work this summer, the Hawks are also for once not in cap hell anymore. And it's Rocky's money, which he has more of than likely all of us combined.

Sure, Seabrook's Corsi through 6 games is underwater. So are a lot of guys on the team and I believe the team as a whole. It's stilly for everyone to start procliaming Seabrook done.

Wait and see on his contract and hw that plays out. Right now, don't panic.
- John Jaeckel

I'm wondering what weight Seabrook has played at and what he's at currently ??
Yes he seems to have lost a step and I wonder if dropping some weight could help. He is not needed to be a banger anymore at his age, but his lateral movement is necessary to get back quicker and turn lighter to the corners. Many an athlete have decided to play at a lighter weight as they've gotten older in their playing days. He is still the heartbeat of this team and may be the internal Captain that we don't read about, and obviously we'd all love to see him be as effective as possible for years to come.

Whu-whu-whu-WHAT?!?!?!?!
- John Jaeckel

the only guys that are getting more O zone starts then bouma are Wingels and Keith with Seabs just below him so that probably helps. The eye test tells me Bouma has very little positive effect on the game. Not terrible but I think wingels shows more scoring and speed. I know everybody talks about Role which in my opinion is a Crock. If you are deep enough to have sharp and Hartman on the 4th line would they be worse DEF? No and would they score goals taking pressure of the top 3 yes. When people say Role they are basically saying they are not deep enough with guys that can play D and score so they just go with guys that play D. IMO

the only guys that are getting more O zone starts then bouma are Wingels and Keith with Seabs just below him so that probably helps. The eye test tells me Bouma has very little positive effect on the game. Not terrible but I think wingels shows more scoring and speed. I know everybody talks about Role which in my opinion is a Crock. If you are deep enough to have sharp and Hartman on the 4th line would they be worse DEF? No and would they score goals taking pressure of the top 3 yes. When people say Role they are basically saying they are not deep enough with guys that can play D and score so they just go with guys that play D. IMO
- kmw4631

He does have a role, and I don't blame him for having one, I blame the coaching staff for using that role over something like Hayden-Kero-Wingels/Hino, which, IMO, would be a nightmare to play against.

the only guys that are getting more O zone starts then bouma are Wingels and Keith with Seabs just below him so that probably helps. The eye test tells me Bouma has very little positive effect on the game. Not terrible but I think wingels shows more scoring and speed. I know everybody talks about Role which in my opinion is a Crock. If you are deep enough to have sharp and Hartman on the 4th line would they be worse DEF? No and would they score goals taking pressure of the top 3 yes. When people say Role they are basically saying they are not deep enough with guys that can play D and score so they just go with guys that play D. IMO
- kmw4631

Yeah, just saying, Bouma is not "the problem." Neither is 7.

You know its funny, I very rarely listen to Eklund's podcasts but I did today for some reason I can't explain. Russ Cohen makes the statement that the Hawks know that they were absolutely taken to the cleaners trading Panarin for Saad but they had to do it because of the comparative contract situations. In essence he proclaims Panarin as great, a steal by Columbus. Of course, that's after 5 games of a new season.

I say bullsh$t. I firmly believe in horses for certain race courses and Brandon Saad fits the Hawks to a T, IMO. And I hated Panarin's game because I knew the team would never win in the playoffs with a guy like him who would and will never engage to the extent necessary when it counts the most. I was totally thrilled when Stanbo bounced his Russian ass outta Chicago. (Just my opinion of course.)

I believe about the same with Evander Kane - great natural talent, skilled, big and tough but until somebody can re-arrange his focus into being a team first player focused on winning as a group he will always just be 'great potential' and nothing more than that. And then soon he will fade away into a guy just trying to stay in the league playing for bottom feeder teams with little chance to win anything.

End of sermon.
- RickJ

My response on the thread accompanying the podcast:

"Gotta take issue with the assertion by Russ that CBJ got a steal in the Panarin-Saad trade.

By what metrics?

Through 5 games, Panarin has a goal and 6 assists and is +5.
Through 6 games, Saad has 6 goals, 2 helpers and is +6.

???

Haven't looked at the fancy stats, but I've seen literally every game for both teams. Not sure how many can say that, by the way.

Each guy, so far, is doing exactly what each GM hoped for. Panarin is a nice left flank scorer complement for Wennberg, Saad has literally re-ignited the Toews line which was probably been the best line in hockey so far this season—while Kane's line suffered after Nick Schmaltz went down in Game 2.

I don't see how you could actually see Saad play so far ths year and call this a steal for Columbus.

Taking that further, the other two players in the deal matter, too. Tyler Motte may have an NHL future, but he is stuck in the minors for now, and Anton Forsberg has been outstanding for the Hawks through two preseason games and one regular season game.


About a week before this trade went down, when I heard the Hawks were actually shopping Panarin, I theorized on my message board that CBJ might want him to play with Wennberg. There ya go.

But Saad has ALWAYS played well for Joel Quenneville. I call this deal, at this point anyway, at minimum a push for both teams, and really, when you factor in the nice backup goalie Chicago got (who may become a number one), it's actually a win for Chicago, as nice a player as Panarin is."

So . . . I am 99% sure the Hawks QUIETLY shopped Seabrook this summer before they dealt Hammer. Because they didn't want to have to deal Hammer. QUIETLY meaning, they reached out to his hometown Canucks and tried to work something with Tanev coming back (larger deal, more players involved). Never went anywhere, and you see what happened.

All that said, I think they see the contract now as a mistake. Are they panicking? No, and now is not the time. Will their be a compliance buyout (or buyouts) with the new CBA that is likely? Yes, probably.

Is he a candidate for a "platoon" with Murphy and Franson. No, that is asinine. has he lost half a step? Yeah, probably. But he is still a very solid top 4 defenseman in the NHL. Overpaid? Sure. But because of Bowman's work this summer, the Hawks are also for once not in cap hell anymore. And it's Rocky's money, which he has more of than likely all of us combined.

Sure, Seabrook's Corsi through 6 games is underwater. So are a lot of guys on the team and I believe the team as a whole. It's stilly for everyone to start procliaming Seabrook done.

Wait and see on his contract and hw that plays out. Right now, don't panic.
- John Jaeckel

There really is not much choice but to accept and play Seabrook. Everything John said makes sense, so let's just appreciate Seabs for what he does provide. We may not agree that he is a very solid top four, but he can be mean and physical, offers experience and a booming slapshot. I hope that Q will realize too much TOI is not beneficial for Seabs or the team. Can we refocus upon some of the young guys improving even in small incremental ways as the season progresses. They have some experience so maybe Samuelson can bring them to another better level.

I do not pretend to pencil in future Blackhawk prospects on the Blue line before their time. Their time is difficult to gauge, but when and if they turn up in a Blackhawk sweater on the frozen pond in Chicago we will wipe our brow and exclaim, these new guys sure skate BETTER than Seabs.

Well better the most over paid #2C than #1C, no? ........ Remember when Kesler was a FA how many here wanted the Hawks to sign him? I was one but knew no way they could afford him.

A bastard no doubt but nice if he's your bastard.
- Mr Ricochet

Kelser is Ramsey Bolton

You know its funny, I very rarely listen to Eklund's podcasts but I did today for some reason I can't explain. Russ Cohen makes the statement that the Hawks know that they were absolutely taken to the cleaners trading Panarin for Saad but they had to do it because of the comparative contract situations. In essence he proclaims Panarin as great, a steal by Columbus. Of course, that's after 5 games of a new season.

I say bullsh$t. I firmly believe in horses for certain race courses and Brandon Saad fits the Hawks to a T, IMO. And I hated Panarin's game because I knew the team would never win in the playoffs with a guy like him who would and will never engage to the extent necessary when it counts the most. I was totally thrilled when Stanbo bounced his Russian ass outta Chicago. (Just my opinion of course.)

I believe about the same with Evander Kane - great natural talent, skilled, big and tough but until somebody can re-arrange his focus into being a team first player focused on winning as a group he will always just be 'great potential' and nothing more than that. And then soon he will fade away into a guy just trying to stay in the league playing for bottom feeder teams with little chance to win anything.

End of sermon.
- RickJ

Is Cohen Ridin' Dirty?

My response on the thread accompanying the podcast:

"Gotta take issue with the assertion by Russ that CBJ got a steal in the Panarin-Saad trade.

By what metrics?

Through 5 games, Panarin has a goal and 6 assists and is +5.
Through 6 games, Saad has 6 goals, 2 helpers and is +6.

???

Haven't looked at the fancy stats, but I've seen literally every game for both teams. Not sure how many can say that, by the way.

Each guy, so far, is doing exactly what each GM hoped for. Panarin is a nice left flank scorer complement for Wennberg, Saad has literally re-ignited the Toews line which was probably been the best line in hockey so far this season—while Kane's line suffered after Nick Schmaltz went down in Game 2.

I don't see how you could actually see Saad play so far ths year and call this a steal for Columbus.

Taking that further, the other two players in the deal matter, too. Tyler Motte may have an NHL future, but he is stuck in the minors for now, and Anton Forsberg has been outstanding for the Hawks through two preseason games and one regular season game.


About a week before this trade went down, when I heard the Hawks were actually shopping Panarin, I theorized on my message board that CBJ might want him to play with Wennberg. There ya go.

But Saad has ALWAYS played well for Joel Quenneville. I call this deal, at this point anyway, at minimum a push for both teams, and really, when you factor in the nice backup goalie Chicago got (who may become a number one), it's actually a win for Chicago, as nice a player as Panarin is."
- John Jaeckel

That's quite the response JJ and accurate IMO.

Cohen's exact words were "Chicago loves Brandon Saad but didn't love losing Panarin. Down the road long term Columbus killed them on this deal." Now in fairness to him, he did qualify a few things by talking about the Hawks developing draft picks and being able to put a guy like Hayden into the lineup.

I've got nothing against Russ Cohen but on that podcast sometimes he speaks with great conviction of things he really doesn't know, especially when it comes to teams that are not NYR, Philly or NJD.

Good to hear that 38-8-88 was the 2nd line at practice today

If they can pick up where they left off opening night we're really going to start causing teams matchup nightmares because we essentially have 2 top lines(something we haven't had since 2015).

Sharp-Anisimov-DeBrincat is a very solid 3rd line compared to most contending teams

Wingles, Kero, Hayden, etc....lots of great 4th liners on this roster too

Rolling 4 lines come playoff time is more important than anything else, and we should be able to make that happen with the pieces we have.

So again, when we upgrade the roster with the cap space we have IMO it MUST be a defenseman and not a forward that we acquire.

As I've said Keith-Seabrook(despite their regression) are a legit top pairing. And between Rutta, Kempny, Forsling, and Murphy we can form a legit bottom pairing. But not a legit 2nd pairing IMO. We need another very solid defenseman added to this roster, to balance out 3 D pairs, to spread out the minutes so 2 and 7 don't get worn down, etc. Then when you combine that with us getting healthy and gaining chemistry/rhythm with our 4 forward lines, I think there will eventually be hope for our puck possession and advanced metrics to drastically improve by seasons end and as we enter the playoffs.
- SimpleJack

Which defenseman is going when we upgrade? Keith and Seabrook are going nowhere. Murphy is probably not going anywhere either, but who knows. Early returns say Rutta is here to stay as well. So are we ready to give up on Forsling and Kempney? Time to platoon them?

Whu-whu-whu-WHAT?!?!?!?!
- John Jaeckel

When you start almost 60% in the OZS against the lowest QOC, a player should having a positive shot attempt differential and his is break even. Though of note, can't judge him beyond what role he's placed in and he's been fine.

new blog.

Which defenseman is going when we upgrade? Keith and Seabrook are going nowhere. Murphy is probably not going anywhere either, but who knows. Early returns say Rutta is here to stay as well. So are we ready to give up on Forsling and Kempney? Time to platoon them?
- TheTrob

The timing for a trade is very interesting, not usually predictable, and may depend on any number of factors which could change more than once between today and the date a trade actually occurs.

Your analysis regarding whom gets replaced brings up this notion that so many variables are in play.

Investment has been made is the defensemen on the NHL roster. Do you obstruct any of the young guys development by acquiring a defenseman. If so, do you prefer one of your young defensemen to develop through practice between games under Samuelson's guidance but few games played. The prospect could develop on his own, and or with different input in Rockford

So you put out a help wanted sign and you have salary cap space. Oh sure everyone is knocking down the door to give us a fairly good defenseman......they are so abundantly available. I believe Mr Sakic has been reduced to talking to cows about trades...He is so frustrated and he has a potential star to offer

We would offer What? A star? A first round choice. A herd of cows?

Now to be sure injuries occur, sometimes players emerge or fall to a greater or different level than a GM expected. Later on the trade deadline looms. There may be somewhat limited assistance from a collegiate or farmhand [Fortin, Sikula, Highmore, Kampf, Snuggerud].

I am uncertain when the waves come crashing down if Stan parts ways with the #1 - not swimmingly good to trade a future asset which is where top players derive. At minimum nice to retain some of those lofty dream picks, eh. Well, cough cough Stan and Joel couldi be on the clock if the team is on the playoff bubble.

So how soon and is it assuredly a defenseman comes aboard. Fragile in the Blackhawks dictionary: Toews, Schmaultz, diminutive DeBrincat.

As the young guys on the Blue line play more games perhaps we gain better perspective between what we want in trade and what in reality is an outcome.

I feel like laughing about this whole scenario, like Colonel Klink examine the evidence with his monocle. But if Stan makes a move, I trust he has more common sense than Klink. Btw whatever happened to Klinkhammer?

I forgot that I don't reply to you anymore because you are clearly blind and have no hockey sense. Do you know who else stil plays 20 minutes a night and on the PP and PK? (frank)ing Seabrook. You know Phaneuf makes MORE than Seabs right? 7m cap hit. Everything you've said proves that you literally have no idea what you're talking about
- JRoenick97

You realize Seabiscut deal is until 23-24 & Phaneuf is done 20-21.

Again have ZERO clue!

I know more in my little finger than you will know in a lifetime

Keep being a cheerleader your good at that.

I don't care what you guys think but Kero should not be playing. Hino and Kampf looked better all preseason. Kero does nothing great and everything at an average AHL level. Not good speed, not good hands, not good shot, not good playmaking. He's and OK penalty killer. He's also a line killer.