2020 NHL Free Agency thread

[KBIB]

Even with Zadarov being an upgrade over Maatta, with the personnel and the youth they have at d, the Hawks are going to give up a lot of chances and those young and inexperienced goalies are going to get roasted. I think they'll sign a vet goalie in training camp to 1 year deal or a pto at least for competition.

Yeah? But who's left?

Watch them bring in a washed up Howard.

Has Schneider signed? Miller?

The pickings are slim

 

[Raskolnikov]

No srsly, wtf are you gonna do with Strome?

Do you sign him and run a sheltered line with Kane and Cat? Then stunt the development of your top three pick who would benefit more playing with Kane? And if, your putting a saddle bag in Nylander on Dachs wing who actually has a great shot but don't shoot?

Nylander/Dach/Shaw I could get behind if Shaw is 100%. I would rather see Carp on that line and use it as a bumslayer line with quite possibly a top three fourth line in Janmark/ Wallmark/ Kampf

Ok, if that's the fourth line that might be the best fourth line in the NHL.

I think the locks for 4th line are Walmark and Smith if he is around.

With Janmark/Carp/Strome able to be there but allowed in higher competitions while lines are sorted out.

I'm still pissed about Lapierre because this core won 2 with Hossa and the draft spits out the number 1 rated 2-way player at fucking 17...not to accept your good fortune is a slap in the face of Hossa's memory. #1!! And only because doctors weren't allowed examinations...only reason he is there!!

But yeah....

Which I think is going to usually work out...

Suter/Shaw/Cat-Toews-Kuba
Suter/Cat/Pirri-Strome/Carp/Dach-Kane
Janmark/Nylander/Cat-Dach/Carp-Shaw/Cat
Carp-Walmark-Smith-Janmark-Nylander-Sha

Probably if everything falls right

Shaw-Toews-Kubalik
Suter-Strome-Kane
Janmark-Dach-Cat
Carp-Walmark-Kampf

13. Smith/Nylander/Pirri/Morrison/Barrett

It makes sense if Strome and Smith are gone though, maybe Shaw too.

Martini could be right about the third, buts its speculation just like

Janmark-Dach-Cat having good chemistry and balance, each winger enhancing a different aspect of Dachs game.

Suter/Cat-Toews-Kubalik
Cat/Suter-Dach-Kane
Janmark-Strome-Shaw
Carp-Walmark-Kampf

Is another strong possibility after guys play into their best positions.

I dont know why Kubalik-Kane aren't already a thing...kubalik/Suter-Strome/Dach-Kane

Are the wild cards. Maybe Dachs defense frees up Toees-Kane sooner than later?

 

[Raskolnikov]

Yeah? But who's left?

Watch them bring in a washed up Howard.

Has Schneider signed? Miller?

The pickings are slim

Why when we have Suppan-Delia?

LOL!!!!!

 

[KBIB]

I think the locks for 4th line are Walmark and Smith if he is around.

With Janmark/Carp/Strome able to be there but allowed in higher competitions while lines are sorted out.

I'm still pissed about Lapierre because this core won 2 with Hossa and the draft spits out the number 1 rated 2-way player at fucking 17...not to accept your good fortune is a slap in the face of Hossa's memory. #1!! And only because doctors weren't allowed examinations...only reason he is there!!

But yeah....

Which I think is going to usually work out...

Suter/Shaw/Cat-Toews-Kuba
Suter/Cat/Pirri-Strome/Carp/Dach-Kane
Janmark/Nylander/Cat-Dach/Carp-Shaw/Cat
Carp-Walmark-Smith-Janmark-Nylander-Sha

Probably if everything falls right

Shaw-Toews-Kubalik
Suter-Strome-Kane
Janmark-Dach-Cat
Carp-Walmark-Kampf

13. Smith/Nylander/Pirri/Morrison/Barrett

It makes sense if Strome and Smith are gone though, maybe Shaw too.

Martini could be right about the third, buts its speculation just like

Janmark-Dach-Cat having good chemistry and balance, each winger enhancing a different aspect of Dachs game.

Suter/Cat-Toews-Kubalik
Cat/Suter-Dach-Kane
Janmark-Strome-Shaw
Carp-Walmark-Kampf

Is another strong possibility after guys play into their best positions.

I dont know why Kubalik-Kane aren't already a thing...kubalik/Suter-Strome/Dach-Kane

Are the wild cards. Maybe Dachs defense frees up Toees-Kane sooner than later?

The only thing is, I don't see the Hawks giving up on Nylander. I see Nylander stapled to either Kane or Dachs line with Kane being the main because Stan wants to look like a genius.

If Nylander could pot 25, I will bet you money the Hawks will force the media into writing articles on how great that trade was. The thing is, he just refuses to shoot. Same as Strome. Yes, Nylander has moments where he actually looks decent defensively, but I think your wasting both Kane and Dach if he's stuck on either ones line.

And after watching some tube on Suter, count me in on that guy. He's a tank. A complete tank. And I wonder why he hasn't been signed previously and if there's mentals that teams shyed away from or if his game wouldn't translate on smaller ice.

Suter/Toews/Kubi has the makings of being a force. Suter has a high IQ and great vision. There's gotta be something behind the scenes because I don't think Stan can hit that high two years in a row.

 

[KBIB]

Why when we have Suppan-Delia?

LOL!!!!!

I really think they're gonna go with Lankinen, who could have potential to be at least a decent top guy if the team in front of him plays defense.

I don't care what anybody says, the Hogs were the drizzling shits last year outside of Delia, Lankinen, Carlsson, and Entwistle. I watched 90% of their games and they were the only stand outs. Delia will make an impossible save and be dramatic about it, then let in a soft putt. Lankinen is more consistent, in my opinion and plays a more stable, NHL style.

 

[Target35]

Agree , the dark horse is Lankinen . Don't forget he was fantastic in the World Championships in 2019 Finland,s MVP.

Either way it will be a long year , these kids will learn under fire but success will be a few years away . Like most don't understand why Bowman wouldn't bring in an established goalie on a short term deal to help the kids ??

 

[LordKOTL]

I wanted them to get a vet goalie too -- in many ways, I'm still shocked that they didn't, because even on a rebuild, that's needed -- but the next best thing would be to improve the blueline.

I'm actually really looking forward to seeing Zadorov. I mean, I don't know how long the fanbase -- me included -- has been pining for a big-bodied d-man who is not only mean but can actually clear the fucking crease. In addition, I don't know how long the fanbase has been pining for a guy who plays physical....Zadorov checks these boxes. And he fights too -- I know, I know, some people think fighting has no place in the game anymore, but I disagree completely, especially on a rebuilding team.

We disagree on Keith and we've gone over that many times, so I'll just leave it at that. In all honesty, Murphy has been bad since he was acquired -- he has never lived up to his billing, at least on the Hawks. I think Zadorov will. I still think you will get a good look at the D and that a lot of kids will see action on the blueline this year.

A couple of things. I don't hate Zadorov: I hate the timing of the move. He checks a lot of boxes guys like Murph don't, but he's Zadorov, not Hedman or Pronger in his prime. He's a middle pairing guy and that in and of itself is fine, but we shouldn't be thinking he's something he's not--specifically a big-bodied top-pair defenseman that can fix the actual defensive issues the team defense has. If he does reach that level I'll gladly eat crow, but I think he's a middle pairing guy who, like you said, is most likely an upgrade over deHaan, Maata, and Murph. I'm okay with that move in-and-of-itself.

I agree to disagree about Keith.

The other thing is the amount of roster D-men we have. Unless a move is made Keith needs a slot, Murph needs a slot, DeHaan needs a slot, Zadorov needs a slot, and Seabrook needs a slot. That's 5 guys who have waivers affixed, and make more than enough money that even if they pass waivers, they will take a chunk of the cap. The only exempt guy we got is Boqvist. Now, I've got no real issue about cycling out Boqvist (or trading him if he's not going to stick), but that's not a lot of room to see our prospects--this goes doubly so if they show that they're better than any single player of our current crop of D-men. If a lot of kids see action, it will be on a rotating basis and we got zero room in case one sticks--and that's not the best for development. Assuming Mitchell is everything his fans have hoped for--it would suck if he's gotta go down so we can see Beaudin. And, since it's not like we should be geared for winning, we can always use a guy like Seeler to fill-in if needed.

If Stan manages another D-move that gives us some breathing space, then cool. but in my opinion he should have done something with the extra middle paid guy (i.e. Murph or DeHaan) before pulling the trigger on Zaddy.

 

[Raskolnikov]

I agree with most of ya'll. I think the issue is you might hope to get more from Murphy if paired with Seabs or Zadorov, mainly Zadorov. Where Murphy isn't alone anymore and gets more physical again.

DeHaan is the guy who doesn't fit, but he is JCs friend and requires a penalty to move right now.

They have a slot for a yewt on D, plus Seabs slot and nights off.

I think the plan is to buy some time early season, settle the yewts in Rockford, see who earns the shot, while DeHaan proves he is healthy enough to trade or you get a decent offer on Murphy.

I wouldn't even be surprised if Lindholm starts out ahead of Beudin and/or Mitchell.

Patience, season hasn't even begun and the 3 guys we would like to move would all cost us longterm to do so.

Got to let this play out.
The biggest thing is you need two teams and Seabs permission to move him. One team to get paid a ransom to eat another 1.5 million, after Chicago eats over 3.

At the end of the day you just play him or box him for now.

I dont know about this but you could reduce minutes to get the most of these guys...by mixing pairing in game.

By pairing.
KEITH-Zadorov/Bovquist
Zadorov/Seabs-Murphy
DeHaan-Seabs/Boqvist

Lol...clusterfuck. we don't even know what Mitchell is. But if he is good you can either press seabs or trade deHaan. Murphy if you want assets back.

So I think you can see why they won't make a move until at least pre-season. Let's have this conversation on new years day because right now its premature.

It looks like they are well set up to make 1 or 2 preseason moves for both fwds and D...IF young guys show up and take jobs.

In a rebuild we are salary eaters, so no reason to pay for a move prematurely until the kids come and take it.

This is complicated by all 3 of Shaw-DeHaan-Seabs needing to prove they can play to even be tradeable.

I'll Panik about it on Valentines day.

 

[Granada]

A couple of things. I don't hate Zadorov: I hate the timing of the move. He checks a lot of boxes guys like Murph don't, but he's Zadorov, not Hedman or Pronger in his prime. He's a middle pairing guy and that in and of itself is fine, but we shouldn't be thinking he's something he's not--specifically a big-bodied top-pair defenseman that can fix the actual defensive issues the team defense has. If he does reach that level I'll gladly eat crow, but I think he's a middle pairing guy who, like you said, is most likely an upgrade over deHaan, Maata, and Murph. I'm okay with that move in-and-of-itself.

I agree to disagree about Keith.

The other thing is the amount of roster D-men we have. Unless a move is made Keith needs a slot, Murph needs a slot, DeHaan needs a slot, Zadorov needs a slot, and Seabrook needs a slot. That's 5 guys who have waivers affixed, and make more than enough money that even if they pass waivers, they will take a chunk of the cap. The only exempt guy we got is Boqvist. Now, I've got no real issue about cycling out Boqvist (or trading him if he's not going to stick), but that's not a lot of room to see our prospects--this goes doubly so if they show that they're better than any single player of our current crop of D-men. If a lot of kids see action, it will be on a rotating basis and we got zero room in case one sticks--and that's not the best for development. Assuming Mitchell is everything his fans have hoped for--it would suck if he's gotta go down so we can see Beaudin. And, since it's not like we should be geared for winning, we can always use a guy like Seeler to fill-in if needed.

If Stan manages another D-move that gives us some breathing space, then cool. but in my opinion he should have done something with the extra middle paid guy (i.e. Murph or DeHaan) before pulling the trigger on Zaddy.

You can always healthy-scratch a d-man, so that's two spots if you cycle Boqvist. Two spots out of six isn't bad, assuming no other moves are made on the blueline, but I sincerely doubt that's the case. Something will be done -- Seabrook on waivers or maybe Murphy traded.

Eh, not sure it works that way as far as timing for Zadorov goes. If Bowman didn't act when he did, Colorado moves him somewhere else, etc. You have to make the move when you can, especially if the market wasn't seeking any of those guys (Murphy, De Haan, etc.) at that particular time.

 

[Team Chicago]

Yeah? But who's left?

Watch them bring in a washed up Howard.

Has Schneider signed? Miller?

The pickings are slim

Yup, the pickings are slim, I'm a little surprised the Hawks didn't make more of an effort once Corey turned down their offer.

Down to old guys that are borderline washed up, Howard, Miller, Schneider (who is totally cooked). Another name out there is Craig Anderson, he's even an Illinois guy.

Like I said I can see them bringing in a guy even off the scrapheap for more competition from the young guys in camp and see how they play. If some of the young guys aren't ready or fall flat, if nothing else a depth veteran can shield them and you aren't worried about spoiling their development. We aren't going to be a goalie friendly team.

 

[MassHavoc]

The Hawks started last year with 8.9M worth of goalies last year at the worst. Thats what they just resigned to make next dead. And they still couldn't get their shit sorted. Much much bigger issues on the roster than goalie. At this point bring them all in sign them all and pray one goes all Scott Darling to get you through the year.

 

[Target35]

Does anyone know what the plans are for the Russian goalie Ivan Nalimov ? Drafted back in 2014 , big goalie who has played well in the KHL and if i'm not mistaken signed a PTO with Icehogs last year just before the Covid stoppage ?

Will he be invited to camp?

 

[Granada]

Yup, the pickings are slim, I'm a little surprised the Hawks didn't make more of an effort once Corey turned down their offer.

Down to old guys that are borderline washed up, Howard, Miller, Schneider (who is totally cooked). Another name out there is Craig Anderson, he's even an Illinois guy.

Like I said I can see them bringing in a guy even off the scrapheap for more competition from the young guys in camp and see how they play. If some of the young guys aren't ready or fall flat, if nothing else a depth veteran can shield them and you aren't worried about spoiling their development. We aren't going to be a goalie friendly team.

Not only is Anderson an Illinois guy, he's an ex-Blackhawk. And you know Bowman and ex-Blackhawks, lol.

 

[LordKOTL]

You can always healthy-scratch a d-man, so that's two spots if you cycle Boqvist. Two spots out of six isn't bad, assuming no other moves are made on the blueline, but I sincerely doubt that's the case. Something will be done -- Seabrook on waivers or maybe Murphy traded.

Eh, not sure it works that way as far as timing for Zadorov goes. If Bowman didn't act when he did, Colorado moves him somewhere else, etc. You have to make the move when you can, especially if the market wasn't seeking any of those guys (Murphy, De Haan, etc.) at that particular time.

With respect to the Zadorov move--I wasn't saying to try and get Zaddy later--but ditch one of DeHaan or Murph earlier. The issue about "too many middle-pairing D-men" was also an issue l;ast season.

The issue with healthy scratches is like it is pressboxing: We're still sitting on all of that dead cap and the 'hawks ion the past have shown some reluctance to do that over multiple games for guys making over 1.5M. Let's be positive for a moment and let's say 2 of our youth hit and no other moves are made...even if we swap out Boqvist and Rockford him, We'd still be sitting 3M plus in the pressbox no matter who sits.

Waiving is no better of an option. If we waived Seabrook I sincerely doubt anyone would take him. He clears we're still eating nearly 6M in dead cap.

Now, I understand if the rookies doesn't hit or are even "just guys" the situation is less dire, but we've been in a similar situation before where Stan's moves effectively locked guys out of the roster (guys like O'donnel). But I still think things could have been done better--even if Stan has shown a bit of improvement over last offseason.

 

[Team Chicago]

Not only is Anderson an Illinois guy, he's an ex-Blackhawk. And you know Bowman and ex-Blackhawks, lol.

lol, it's a slam dunk

 

[Granada]

With respect to the Zadorov move--I wasn't saying to try and get Zaddy later--but ditch one of DeHaan or Murph earlier. The issue about "too many middle-pairing D-men" was also an issue l;ast season.

The issue with healthy scratches is like it is pressboxing: We're still sitting on all of that dead cap and the 'hawks ion the past have shown some reluctance to do that over multiple games for guys making over 1.5M. Let's be positive for a moment and let's say 2 of our youth hit and no other moves are made...even if we swap out Boqvist and Rockford him, We'd still be sitting 3M plus in the pressbox no matter who sits.

Waiving is no better of an option. If we waived Seabrook I sincerely doubt anyone would take him. He clears we're still eating nearly 6M in dead cap.

Now, I understand if the rookies doesn't hit or are even "just guys" the situation is less dire, but we've been in a similar situation before where Stan's moves effectively locked guys out of the roster (guys like O'donnel). But I still think things could have been done better--even if Stan has shown a bit of improvement over last offseason.

But again, maybe the market wasn't there for de Haan or Murphy. I want a proactive GM -- I don't want some guy to just sit on his hands -- if he sees a player he thinks will help next season, he should act. Like I said, I think Zadorov will help. I'm excited to see him, and I have no problem with Bowman acquiring him when he did.

I just read somewhere (on twitter I think) that the market for Saad was dry as well. So again, there are other factors at play here you have to consider. Moving Saad was a priority too, obviously -- it wasn't solely about acquiring Zadorov. He couldn't afford to hold off on trading Saad before moving one of de Haan or Murphy.

 

[hawkinmontreal]

But again, maybe the market wasn't there for de Haan or Murphy. I want a proactive GM -- I don't want some guy to just sit on his hands -- if he sees a player he thinks will help next season, he should act. Like I said, I think Zadorov will help. I'm excited to see him, and I have no problem with Bowman acquiring him when he did.

I just read somewhere (on twitter I think) that the market for Saad was dry as well. So again, there are other factors at play here you have to consider. Moving Saad was a priority too, obviously -- it wasn't solely about acquiring Zadorov. He couldn't afford to hold off on trading Saad before moving one of de Haan or Murphy.

I don’t think it’s the Saad trade per say and what the Hawks acquired for him, every time Brandon’s name was called and referenced in a trade, we as fans can’t help but feel cheated by Stan when he was brought back and we lost one of the most dynamic offensive players in the game currently in Panarin. In relation to the trade I am rather excited to see what Zandorov can bring to the team, we have not seen an over powering presence on the back since maybe Wiz.
Obviously majority of us have a real dislike for Stan and no matter what he does, he will be scrutinized to the bitter end even if a trade such as this will work out for the best.

 

[hawkinmontreal]

With respect to the Zadorov move--I wasn't saying to try and get Zaddy later--but ditch one of DeHaan or Murph earlier. The issue about "too many middle-pairing D-men" was also an issue l;ast season.

The issue with healthy scratches is like it is pressboxing: We're still sitting on all of that dead cap and the 'hawks ion the past have shown some reluctance to do that over multiple games for guys making over 1.5M. Let's be positive for a moment and let's say 2 of our youth hit and no other moves are made...even if we swap out Boqvist and Rockford him, We'd still be sitting 3M plus in the pressbox no matter who sits.

Waiving is no better of an option. If we waived Seabrook I sincerely doubt anyone would take him. He clears we're still eating nearly 6M in dead cap.

Now, I understand if the rookies doesn't hit or are even "just guys" the situation is less dire, but we've been in a similar situation before where Stan's moves effectively locked guys out of the roster (guys like O'donnel). But I still think things could have been done better--even if Stan has shown a bit of improvement over last offseason.

Seabs is not going anywhere, his contract is not movable. With the hip surgeries and his massive contract it would take a miracle. Boqvist on the hand had a poor season and definitely looked like a player who regressed, this season will be telling on what the Hawks will do with him, Mitchell will be waiting to take someone’s minutes if he is all what the Hawks say he is.

 

[Raskolnikov]

I dont care one damn about how much money is in the press box.

Put the best 18 on the ice, especially especially especially if its the best 18 for 2022-23.

They can leave if they don't like it. But if the yewt is the answer to both now and later, the money is a sunk cost and why put it on the ice if it harms you?

There has to be a point to it, like with DeHaan...prove you can stay healthy for 15 games, and play a middle pairing roll so we can eat half your cheddar and get you the **** out in exchange for a fish and chips dinner.

 

[Team Chicago]

still some good players on the market a week into free agency. Teams are leary of spending:

Hoffman, Granlund, Vatanen among remaining unrestricted free agents