We'll see how they do tonight against the Preds...
I
as far as AA's deal another no mover...shocker there...I think the thing that was surprising was what was the rush to extend the guy right after the trade was made. I think it was more of a take that Saad moment by Stan.
J.
- DK002

AA was a third line center in Columbus back then which did not have good enough depth at the time. It was strange that when Hawks got him and upper his pay to second line center right away. I wonder if Bowman is sometimes thinking 'If I pay them that much they will deliver value according to their future $'? Same with Bickell, Toews, Seabrook, etc contracts? And the fanbase sometimes supports it "Well they got their big bucks now they will deliver accordingly". No, they will not, they will play same as before or worse as they got their contracts or aged...

Rough go for Hammer in AZ so far.

https://theathletic.com/1...s-struggling-without-him/

Something is definitely up. I still think dumping him at a loss for iffy prospects would hurt more than help.

Many feel the same about Toews, Seabrook, etc. It's a tough spot to be in.
- kinigitt

Agreed......hence the "bad contracts" comment holds water strictly because they are NMC's.

I guess that's fair. But I'm looking at it from a points perspective as well. Anisimovs
yearly 40-45 points cancels out Rasks, and then you have the 19 goals and 12 apples from Hartman, that's another 31 points. Plus you move Teuvo back to his natural position which is center which would only benefit him, I guess I kinda see that as a win win for both teams but maybe I'm wrong.
- Toew Drags 4 Daze

But adding Hartman takes somebody else out of the lineup as well.

are Hartman's 35~ points significantly more than those that could be scored by Brock McGinn right now?

Really you're trading away a cost-controlled C for a more expensive Vet and about 10-15 points, assuming AA is healthy.

AA is signed for about the same time period for more money. I'm not sure Hartman is enough to make it worth it.

Shipachyov’s agent has reportedly been granted permission to seek a trade.

It hasn’t worked out yet, it may, it’s just taken him a little bit longer to assimilate, to adjust to the North American way of playing. It’s a smaller rink, it’s a faster game, and his pace of play hasn’t picked up yet. We’re trying to be patient.

Unfortunately, we have a lot of players here, and we have certain people that have really blossomed and are playing extremely well right now, and they deserve to be in the lineup.

And so we said to people all along it doesn’t matter your draft position, or how much money you make, or where you came from, the guys who that are working their guts out and playing well are going to play. It’s done on merit and nothing else.

We are in a bit of a jam here in terms of the number of people we have. So (I) decided I could assign him without putting him on waivers. We’ve done that to give us some breathing room for a little bit here.

He hasn’t reported yet but he may. His agent asked if I mind if he talk to some other teams, I said I don’t mind, so that’s where we are. -George McPhee

But adding Hartman takes somebody else out of the lineup as well.

are Hartman's 35~ points significantly more than those that could be scored by Brock McGinn right now?

Really you're trading away a cost-controlled C for a more expensive Vet and about 10-15 points, assuming AA is healthy.

AA is signed for about the same time period for more money. I'm not sure Hartman is enough to make it worth it.
- BINGO!

Well guess this is where it would come down to personal preference, to me Hartman has FAR more upside than McGinn. Plus won't McGinn be out of the lineup once Stempniak comes back anyway? Maybe I just haven't seen enough of him. Just started watching the Canes last year when I moved to Charlotte, but to me he hasn't shown much where as Hartman putting up 19 goals in his rookie season is a big increase from McGinns career high of 7. To me Hartman is a good enough addition to rid yourself of McGinn/Nordstrom type of guy.

But adding Hartman takes somebody else out of the lineup as well.

are Hartman's 35~ points significantly more than those that could be scored by Brock McGinn right now?

Really you're trading away a cost-controlled C for a more expensive Vet and about 10-15 points, assuming AA is healthy.

AA is signed for about the same time period for more money. I'm not sure Hartman is enough to make it worth it.
- BINGO!

I don't see any reason why Carolina would want to take on Anisimov, even if there was a sweetener added to the deal. Rask is a solid, cost-controlled young forward. Those guys are absolutely gold it the salary cap era. Carolina doesn't really have any bad contracts, with Staal being the possible exception. If Carolina was looking to acquire Anisimov (which they are not) then I'd expect Staal to be part of the package going back to Chicago. That deal wouldn't make much sense from Chicago's perspective.

I think it's a product of that line he's on and that he's possibly nursing something. Him, ADB and Sharp just haven't clicked much.
- JRoenick97

Lol.....Lots of excuses there for a poor AA. If he's injured, sit him. Theres absolutely no reason to play an injured Anisimov. If it's his linemates, oh well. Let's keep blaming them for his recent lack of production.

I like the idea of moving him and Hartman together though, for a cost controlled younger center. Wonder if Montreal would take those 2 for Danault ?? That team is in desparation mode now and changes are going to happen up there soon.

Well guess this is where it would come down to personal preference, to me Hartman has FAR more upside than McGinn. Plus won't McGinn be out of the lineup once Stempniak comes back anyway? Maybe I just haven't seen enough of him. Just started watching the Canes last year when I moved to Charlotte, but to me he hasn't shown much where as Hartman putting up 19 goals in his rookie season is a big increase from McGinns career high of 7. To me Hartman is a good enough addition to rid yourself of McGinn/Nordstrom type of guy.
- Toew Drags 4 Daze

I don't think Stempniak is coming back for a while.

Nice Section 328 shirt, by the way.

Lol.....Lots of excuses there for a poor AA. If he's injured, sit him. Theres absolutely no reason to play an injured Anisimov. If it's his linemates, oh well. Let's keep blaming them for his recent lack of production.

I like the idea of moving him and Hartman together though, for a cost controlled younger center. Wonder if Montreal would take those 2 for Danault ?? That team is in desparation mode now and changes are going to happen up there soon.
- Hawkytalk

It has been 10 freaking games, are you kidding? New lines, new combos, new players. Get a grip. The sky is apparently falling because AA hasn't lit the lamp twice in his defensive role after 10 games.

It has been 10 freaking games, are you kidding? New lines, new combos, new players. Get a grip. The sky is apparently falling because AA hasn't lit the lamp twice in his defensive role after 10 games.
- JRoenick97

I have been a fan of Anisimov in his 2 previous seasons with the Hawks. However, one has to wonder what his real value/on-ice contribution is to the team if he becomes a complete enigma when he isn't playing with 2 of the top 20 offensive players in the entire world on his line. Anisimov has looked slow, weak on the puck, and simply not playing nearly well enough for this team to be successful. Over the last couple of games, Anisimov's line has been almost like the 4th line with their ice team mirorring the Wingels/Hayden/Bouma line. Hawks need more from Animisov, without a doubt.

I don't think Stempniak is coming back for a while.

Nice Section 328 shirt, by the way.
- BINGO!

Sh*t!!! I've been spotted! 😂

I have been a fan of Anisimov in his 2 previous seasons with the Hawks. However, one has to wonder what his real value/on-ice contribution is to the team if he becomes a complete enigma when he isn't playing with 2 of the top 20 offensive players in the entire world on his line. Anisimov has looked slow, weak on the puck, and simply not playing nearly well enough for this team to be successful. Over the last couple of games, Anisimov's line has been almost like the 4th line with their ice team mirorring the Wingels/Hayden/Bouma line. Hawks need more from Animisov, without a doubt.
- EnzoD

I have no issues with that, but he's saying AA needs to be traded because of 10 games of play. the best guy on that line so far is a 19 year old rookie. Sometimes linemates don't mesh. Give them more than 10 games.

I have no issues with that, but he's saying AA needs to be traded because of 10 games of play. the best guy on that line so far is a 19 year old rookie. Sometimes linemates don't mesh. Give them more than 10 games.
- JRoenick97

Exactly right. Debrincat has been the best guy on that line as far as possessing the puck for extended periods of time, making a smart play, and creating offense. Sharpie has been very mediocre (at best) over the last 2 weeks. If the same level of play continues from Art and Sharpie, maybe a healthy scratch for #10 and/or 15 will motivate them to work harder.

I know JJ mentioned Debrincat is not good along the boards, but I just don't see it. I see a little guy that is stocky, and protects the puck as well or better than any forward not named Kane/Toews/Saad/Panik. Debrincat is a much better passer/playmaker than I expected and he can facilitate the puck to the shooters in Saad/Toews. I'm excited to see the revamped Top 2 Forward lines, as I think Panik is a more physically imposing player than Hartman. Ryan plays tough as nails for his size, but he is only 5'11" 190 lbs vs Panik who is 6'2" 210lbs.

Big character test tonight. Playing like crap and now you get the team that waxed your a$$ outa the playoffs last year. Would like to see a full game effort tonight. Edge, push back and the damn desire to fight through traffic to get the puck.

Rough go for Hammer in AZ so far.

https://theathletic.com/1...s-struggling-without-him/
- JRoenick97

mentioned after the az game: that hammy might be moved to a contender he would bring alot of interest...

looks like he hates it there...cant say i blame him...

ADB has certainly figured out that a goal plus/game of ohl is not the nhl...

2 days off for the hawks...means trouble for the hawks...

expect more of the same: slow start, craw gets bombed, fall behind, desperate pushes fail and a nice tidy 4-1 loss

ADB has certainly figured out that a goal plus/game of ohl is not the nhl...

2 days off for the hawks...means trouble for the hawks...

expect more of the same: slow start, craw gets bombed, fall behind, desperate pushes fail and a nice tidy 4-1 loss
- bogiedoc

If they show up tonight with the effort they had in Vegas, it will be a 6-1 kinda night.

Big character test tonight. Playing like crap and now you get the team that waxed your a$$ outa the playoffs last year. Would like to see a full game effort tonight. Edge, push back and the damn desire to fight through traffic to get the puck.
- z1990z

Damn right. Tonight should be a fun one. At least it better be.

Bummed to see you leave JJ! Hockeybuzz has been a great outlet for us die-hard Hawkey fans.

"And pressure grows on Quenneville and GM Stan Bowman to find other answers."

IMO, that pressure is already on. Anyone who believes this team has the horses to win 16 playoff games needs to pass the joint. Depth scoring, depth center production, and essentially the entire defense core past Duncan Keith are HUGE question marks that have been far from answered through 10 games. Additions are needed to round out this roster and fill at least 1 hole in the lineup. How, or if, Bowman can accomplish this is yet to be seen.
- EnzoD

Agreed. How could you expect the team to jell after whatever game marker you choose if these issues remain. It all starts in the back end so obviously the defense has to at least be adequate. Adequate for these defensemen means few puck turnovers, forwards backhecking and making an effort to team defense, and lines play cohesively. Then too is the puck movement quickly up ice.

Start seeing more of this stuff and then you can think playoffs. Start seeing the resemblance of a solid first and second pair defense. Compete and not be thoroughly outplayed. If incremental steps then it all builds up to playing good hockey by DATE TBD might be late to earn enough points to qualify for post season.

I'm largely just a lurker on this board with the occasional comment, but I have to say it is sad to hear that JJ is leaving hockeybuzz.

These last ~8 years of Blackhawks hockey have been truly unbelievable. It has been a blessing to witness this run of success, and few fans of other franchises will ever get to have an experience similar to what we have seen in the Kane/Toews era.

For me, this hockeybuzz community has been an important piece of my "fandom" over the years. The amount of knowledge of the game that the people on this board have is spectacular, and has made being a Blackhawks fan all that much more enjoyable. Without the activity of this board over the years, my experience as a Blackhawks fan would not have been as enjoyable as it has been.

Although I know the Blackhawks still have a wealth of talent and could make a run at it over the next couple of years, the news of JJ leaving just aligns all too well with the reality that all of us fans are experiencing that perhaps our team is truly sliding into the inevitable mediocrity that we have portended through the years of success.

In short, to me, JJ leaving hockeybuzz feels like an end of an era.

So JJ, I wanted to say thank you for creating this awesome community through your consistent coverage of the Blackhawks over the years, and I for one will certainly be following you as a reader to your new gig!

The one silver lining is that I will not have to deal with Hockeybuzz on mobile anymore, which has been an incredible pain in the A$$!

I'm largely just a lurker on this board with the occasional comment, but I have to say it is sad to hear that JJ is leaving hockeybuzz.

These last ~8 years of Blackhawks hockey have been truly unbelievable. It has been a blessing to witness this run of success, and few fans of other franchises will ever get to have an experience similar to what we have seen in the Kane/Toews era.

For me, this hockeybuzz community has been an important piece of my "fandom" over the years. The amount of knowledge of the game that the people on this board have is spectacular, and has made being a Blackhawks fan all that much more enjoyable. Without the activity of this board over the years, my experience as a Blackhawks fan would not have been as enjoyable as it has been.

Although I know the Blackhawks still have a wealth of talent and could make a run at it over the next couple of years, the news of JJ leaving just aligns all too well with the reality that all of us fans are experiencing that perhaps our team is truly sliding into the inevitable mediocrity that we have portended through the years of success.

In short, to me, JJ leaving hockeybuzz feels like an end of an era.

So JJ, I wanted to say thank you for creating this awesome community through your consistent coverage of the Blackhawks over the years, and I for one will certainly be following you as a reader to your new gig!

The one silver lining is that I will not have to deal with Hockeybuzz on mobile anymore, which has been an incredible pain in the A$$!
- LaheysBRandy

Good post. RIP Mr. Lahey!

What player is the same guy he was 8 years ago? Maybe a handful of guys in the league? Those are expectations not based in reality.
- JRoenick97

Crosby, Malkin, Kessell is arguably better, Kopitor, Getzlaf, Bergeron, Kane is a more complete player. Plenty of players that are about the same if not better than they were then.

Obviously the north of 30 guys are going to be hitting the twilight of their career or look like Seabrook has but it is still factual that the role players aren't as good as in their more dominant years and Keith isn't the force t be reckoned with that he was when they were dominant.

Probably should have been more clear with that statement. Mah bad.

Agreed and that's my point......

This team overall seems complacent. IMO you look at coaching and your core and while others can say "who is better after 8 years" I'll point to 88 who used to be a defensive liability, didn't truly have a great shot and was a pass first guy, and look now....his overall game is strong, and his shot forehand or backhand is arguably the best on the team. A guy who routinely wants to get better and improve, and not complacent.

Has Keith worked on his offensive game? His point shot?
Has Seabrook worked on his skating so he isn't torched nightly?
Has toews worked to improve his overall game?

I just dont' see our so called big 3 leaders improving year after year and how does a lesser tiered guy get demanded of that by coaching/organization while these 3 are left to NOT be judged?

72 was an easy scape goat in the offseason and brought 20 in to solely revivie 19 who can't/couldn't do it on his own......
- SteveRain

Seabrook is probably an age problem. The dude's been drilled in the head enough times and eaten enough minutes where the tread may finally be off the tires.

Keith is miles most likely. He's 34 and can't eat the minutes and doesn't seem to be able to flip the ice the same way he could even 2 or 3 years ago.

Crosby, Malkin, Kessell is arguably better, Kopitor, Getzlaf, Bergeron, Kane is a more complete player. Plenty of players that are about the same if not better than they were then.

Obviously the north of 30 guys are going to be hitting the twilight of their career or look like Seabrook has but it is still factual that the role players aren't as good as in their more dominant years and Keith isn't the force t be reckoned with that he was when they were dominant.

Probably should have been more clear with that statement. Mah bad.
- fattybeef

Kopitar had a very Toews like fall off last season. Getzlaf has gotten a lot more streaky, similar to Toews as well. Age catches everyone.