Guard minutes against Boston

[Ton]

Since when is Versteeg good on the PK? News to me. Let Q know, because he hasn't played one second on the 29th ranked PK since he was acquired.</p>


 </p>


I'd rather have the guy that can fill a role that we need. Not saying Morin is that guy, but he's not that far off Versteeg talent-wise.</p>

 

[puckjim]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tony DeFrancesco" data-cid="215201" data-time="1385351017">


Since when is Versteeg good on the PK? News to me. Let Q know, because he hasn't played one second on the 29th ranked PK since he was acquired.


I'd rather have the guy that can fill a role that we need. Not saying Morin is that guy, but he's not that far off Versteeg talent-wise.</p></blockquote>
Versteeg and Morin aren't even in the same zip code of talent level.


And Quenneville plays Bollig on the PK, so got to figure that one out first.


Bowman had Versteeg's PK ability in mid when re-acquiring him: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-11-14/sports/chi-kris-verteeg-chicago-blackhawks-trade-20131114_1_blackhawks-deal-kris-versteeg-2010-cup-team


That last part is key as Versteeg could fill the gaping hole on the penalty kill left with the departure of Michael Frolik in a trade the Jets during the summer.


“(Versteeg) can certainly do that,” Bowman said. “He has played a big role the last couple of years in Florida. He has been a primary power-play guy and he has killed penalties as well. One of the things Joel (Quenneville) has always preached is he likes forwards who have that ability to play a couple of different ways.”

 

[Variable]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tony DeFrancesco" data-cid="215201" data-time="1385351017">
<div>


Since when is Versteeg good on the PK? News to me. Let Q know, because he hasn't played one second on the 29th ranked PK since he was acquired.</p>


 </p>


I'd rather have the guy that can fill a role that we need. Not saying Morin is that guy, but he's not that far off Versteeg talent-wise.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


Well when he was here, he averaged about 2 minutes per game of PK time his first season and a minute per game his second and totaled 7 short handed goals. So I think it can't hurt to try him out on it, he might bring some of the aggressiveness that's been missing back, even if it's more through being an offesive threat more than anything defensive.</p>

 

[Ton]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Variable" data-cid="215205" data-time="1385373700">
<div>


Well when he was here, he averaged about 2 minutes per game of PK time his first season and a minute per game his second and totaled 7 short handed goals. So I think it can't hurt to try him out on it, he might bring some of the aggressiveness that's been missing back, even if it's more through being an offesive threat more than anything defensive.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


If we are talking about whether or not he will be more effective than Bollig now, then obviously I'd rather play Versteeg on the PK.</p>


 </p>


Regardless, my point was that Versteeg is not going to be the guy that takes the 29th PK and vaults it into the top 5... not that he's playing on it right now anyway.</p>


 </p>


Jim - As far as Morin/Versteeg not being in the same "zipcode" talent-wise, I think you'll end up taking that back someday. Probably before Versteeg's contract ends. How many times have you seen Morin play the game? Have you ever really watched him? Or when he steps on the ice, is that when you grab a beer? It's not easy to catch him with his 5-6 minutes a game.</p>


 </p>


Q is never gonna change. We're talking about the same guy who snubbed Pirri last year for Handzus and even before we had Handzus he still wouldn't call him up, plays guys like Andrew Brunette (on the top line), Matt Walker, Brookbank (at forward), and Boynton, benched Troy Brouwer for stretches at a time for no reason.</p>


 </p>


Saad and Shaw are just about the only two young players that he's ever embraced not named Toews or Kane, and even with that, he's benched them countless times. Hell, he sent down Joakim Nordstrom for ONE mistake, and that was probably the type of guy that could have helped our PK.</p>


 </p>


Oh well... 2 cups, 4 years. Nothing is ever perfect. Luckily for Q he has just about the best core that the NHL has ever seen in the modern era.</p>

 

[R K]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tony DeFrancesco" data-cid="215220" data-time="1385395767">
<div>


If we are talking about whether or not he will be more effective than Bollig now, then obviously I'd rather play Versteeg on the PK.</p>


 </p>


Regardless, my point was that Versteeg is not going to be the guy that takes the 29th PK and vaults it into the top 5... not that he's playing on it right now anyway.</p>


 </p>


Jim - As far as Morin/Versteeg not being in the same "zipcode" talent-wise, I think you'll end up taking that back someday. Probably before Versteeg's contract ends. How many times have you seen Morin play the game? Have you ever really watched him? Or when he steps on the ice, is that when you grab a beer? It's not easy to catch him with his 5-6 minutes a game.</p>


 </p>


Q is never gonna change. We're talking about the same guy who snubbed Pirri last year for Handzus and even before we had Handzus he still wouldn't call him up, plays guys like Andrew Brunette (on the top line), Matt Walker, Brookbank (at forward), and Boynton, benched Troy Brouwer for stretches at a time for no reason.</p>


 </p>


Saad and Shaw are just about the only two young players that he's ever embraced not named Toews or Kane, and even with that, he's benched them countless times. Hell, he sent down Joakim Nordstrom for ONE mistake, and that was probably the type of guy that could have helped our PK.</p>


 </p>


Oh well... 2 cups, 4 years. Nothing is ever perfect. Luckily for Q he has just about the best core that the NHL has ever seen in the modern era.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 Always boils down to that in the end.</p>


 </p>


I'd take Versteeg over Frolik.  I love the complete turn around on Frolik though.  If we could go back to trading for him some of those posts were funny.  When he was a Center and all.</p>

 

[Ton]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="R K" data-cid="215224" data-time="1385400066">
<div>


 Always boils down to that in the end.</p>


 </p>


I'd take Versteeg over Frolik.  I love the complete turn around on Frolik though.  If we could go back to trading for him some of those posts were funny.  When he was a Center and all.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


True, but thats because the expectations on Frolik were too high. He is what he is, a bottom six player with great puck pressure and fantastic PK abilities. I think most of us accepted that last year and moved on from his offensive handicaps.</p>


 </p>


For this team, I'd rather have a guy like Frolik. Who knows, we won't find out of Versteeg can fill that PK void unless Q puts him there. Until then, I don't really understand why they needed to acquire him, for the role he's filling now, it wasn't a necessity IMO. That can change though, all it takes is one spin of the Quenneville Line Generator.</p>

 

[LordKOTL]

Ultimately when it comes to prospects, no matter how good they are, or what their "projection" is, they either fill a void or there traded to fill a void or stock the pipeline into the future.</p>


 </p>


As such, guys like Olsen, Hayes, and maybe even Morin may not get a legit shot on the team in a void they specifically could fill without staganting in the minors.  Hell, just look at the D we have.  There's no way plenty of our up-and-coming D-prospects (like Olsen) would have a chance of breaking into it within the near future, so you flip them for a need now or a prospect/draft pick to stock up later down the road.</p>


 </p>


I am not losing sleep over losing Hayes.  He seems to be a Bickell clone and Bickel is signed for awhile.  If we let go of Morin I won't lose sleep because we have Versteeg for awhile.  As for Olsen, Leddy doesn't play well with LHD's (as shown by his game in the past with Hammer & Keith), and I don't think Hammer, Oduya, Keith, or Seabs are going anywhere for awhile.</p>

 

[Ton]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="LordKOTL" data-cid="215241" data-time="1385403393">
<div>


Ultimately when it comes to prospects, no matter how good they are, or what their "projection" is, they either fill a void or there traded to fill a void or stock the pipeline into the future.</p>


 </p>


As such, guys like Olsen, Hayes, and maybe even Morin may not get a legit shot on the team in a void they specifically could fill without staganting in the minors.  Hell, just look at the D we have.  There's no way plenty of our up-and-coming D-prospects (like Olsen) would have a chance of breaking into it within the near future, so you flip them for a need now or a prospect/draft pick to stock up later down the road.</p>


 </p>


I am not losing sleep over losing Hayes.  He seems to be a Bickell clone and Bickel is signed for awhile.  If we let go of Morin I won't lose sleep because we have Versteeg for awhile.  As for Olsen, Leddy doesn't play well with LHD's (as shown by his game in the past with Hammer & Keith), and I don't think Hammer, Oduya, Keith, or Seabs are going anywhere for awhile.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


While Versteegs contract is pretty low, and probably tradeable if the situation were to arise, remember the Hawks have nearly $64 mil locked up in 16 players next season. Either the salary cap goes up significantly or someone with a hefty contract gets dealt.</p>


 </p>


Bollig, Kostka, Brookbank, Handzus, and Khabibulin are all UFAs.</p>


 </p>


Smith, Pirri, Morin, Raanta are RFA's.</p>


 </p>


Who knows, maybe the plan is to put a cork on Morin's season so they can re-sign him cheaply. We all already know Pirri is well on his way to getting a nice raise. I don't think Smith will see much of an increase, but who knows.</p>


 </p>


All the departing UFA's are pretty much replaceable, so I'm not too worried about that. Nordstrom, LeBlanc, Mills, Dahlbeck and maybe even the Broadhurst brothers and Garrett Ross will be given a look at those bottom line/healthy scratch roles along with Morin and Smith next year depending on if they can keep the later two. Guys like Danault and McNeill can probably use the AHL seasoning much like Pirri was the last few years until they are ready for an expanded role. Teuvo has got to be top six or bust.</p>

 

[The Count Dante]

I think the fact that there is a thread dedicated to analysis and debate over the 4th line for the Hawks is a pretty good sign that:</p>


 </p>


 </p>


1. There is a great need to ***** about the Hawks</p>


2. Aint much to ***** about with the Hawks</p>


3. Hawks will have another fantastic year</p>


4. Go to 1.</p>

 

[R K]

Salary Cap will go up 10 mil and they already know this.</p>


 </p>


As for Versteeg and the PK, Q specifically said he would not throw him into that role until he go used to playing witht he team in one of his pressers.</p>


 </p>


Versteeg at 2.2 > Frolik at 2.2.  He just adds so much more versitility IMO.</p>

 

[R K]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="The Deadliest Man Alive" data-cid="215248" data-time="1385404656">
<div>


I think the fact that there is a thread dedicated to analysis and debate over the 4th line for the Hawks is a pretty good sign that:</p>


 </p>


 </p>


1. There is a great need to ***** about the Hawks</p>


2. Aint much to ***** about with the Hawks</p>


3. Hawks will have another fantastic year</p>


4. Go to 1.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


End thread now. </p>

 

[LordKOTL]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tony DeFrancesco" data-cid="215244" data-time="1385404189">
<div>


While Versteegs contract is pretty low, and probably tradeable if the situation were to arise, remember the Hawks have nearly $64 mil locked up in 16 players next season. Either the salary cap goes up significantly or someone with a hefty contract gets dealt.</p>


 </p>


Bollig, Kostka, Brookbank, Handzus, and Khabibulin are all UFAs.</p>


 </p>


Smith, Pirri, Morin, Raanta are RFA's.</p>


 </p>


Who knows, maybe the plan is to put a cork on Morin's season so they can re-sign him cheaply. We all already know Pirri is well on his way to getting a nice raise. I don't think Smith will see much of an increase, but who knows.</p>


 </p>


All the departing UFA's are pretty much replaceable, so I'm not too worried about that. Nordstrom, LeBlanc, Mills, Dahlbeck and maybe even the Broadhurst brothers and Garrett Ross will be given a look at those bottom line/healthy scratch roles along with Morin and Smith next year depending on if they can keep the later two. Guys like Danault and McNeill can probably use the AHL seasoning much like Pirri was the last few years until they are ready for an expanded role. Teuvo has got to be top six or bust.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


Agreed with the UFA's.  I think Zeus and Khabi retire after this year. </p>


 </p>


As for the Cap, All indications are that it goes up--probably enough to keep everyone.  If not, I'm sure fringe vs. core will be reevauated.


But as much as people are mourning the loss of Olsen--really, I don't think he had a place in the lineup anytime soon.  Ditto on Hayes. </p>

 

[puckjim]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tony DeFrancesco" data-cid="215220" data-time="1385395767">
<div>


If we are talking about whether or not he will be more effective than Bollig now, then obviously I'd rather play Versteeg on the PK.</p>


 </p>


Regardless, my point was that Versteeg is not going to be the guy that takes the 29th PK and vaults it into the top 5... not that he's playing on it right now anyway.</p>


 </p>


Jim - As far as Morin/Versteeg not being in the same "zipcode" talent-wise, I think you'll end up taking that back someday. Probably before Versteeg's contract ends. How many times have you seen Morin play the game? Have you ever really watched him? Or when he steps on the ice, is that when you grab a beer? It's not easy to catch him with his 5-6 minutes a game.</p>


 </p>


Q is never gonna change. We're talking about the same guy who snubbed Pirri last year for Handzus and even before we had Handzus he still wouldn't call him up, plays guys like Andrew Brunette (on the top line), Matt Walker, Brookbank (at forward), and Boynton, benched Troy Brouwer for stretches at a time for no reason.</p>


 </p>


Saad and Shaw are just about the only two young players that he's ever embraced not named Toews or Kane, and even with that, he's benched them countless times. Hell, he sent down Joakim Nordstrom for ONE mistake, and that was probably the type of guy that could have helped our PK.</p>


 </p>


Oh well... 2 cups, 4 years. Nothing is ever perfect. Luckily for Q he has just about the best core that the NHL has ever seen in the modern era.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


Not one thing that Morin has done in his professional career could possibly lead you to this conclusion.</p>


 </p>


The best thing that can happen to him, or any other prospect is to develop into an NHL player.</p>


 </p>


Well, Versteeg is already there...What is the point of waiting?</p>

 

[Shantz My Pants]

The Hawks core is locked down for a long time. You have 6 guys locked in for more than 3+ years including Kane and Toews who will be signed long term. Saad will take another spot as well as Pirri. That leaves 1 spot in the top 9, and right now Shaw is occupying it.


It's a very tough roster to break into, and I have to believe that when Terravinen comes over, Shaw may get bumped down. Or Bickell/Versteeg become trade bait.

 

[puckjim]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Trev" data-cid="215259" data-time="1385407237">
<div>


The Hawks core is locked down for a long time. You have 6 guys locked in for more than 3+ years including Kane and Toews who will be signed long term. Saad will take another spot as well as Pirri. That leaves 1 spot in the top 9, and right now Shaw is occupying it.


It's a very tough roster to break into, and I have to believe that when Terravinen comes over, Shaw may get bumped down. Or Bickell/Versteeg become trade bait.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


Shaw was signed recently to a 2 year extension.  I believe he's locked up until 2016.</p>


 </p>


An embarrassment of riches. </p>

 

[Shantz My Pants]

Bumped down a line I meant.

 

[EspoForever]

<div>


But as much as people are mourning the loss of Olsen--really, I don't think he had a place in the lineup anytime soon.  Ditto on Hayes. </p>


 </p>


To support your statement, Florida has sent him to San Antonio...so he cannot crack their lineup either right off the bat. Florida may have a fire-sale of veterans to get future picks at some point and then he may come up, but you're certainly right about him not getting called up in Chicago unless HUGE injury issues cropped up.</p>
</div>

 

[Pez68]

Fire-sale of WHAT veterans? :lol:</p>

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="EspoForever" data-cid="215271" data-time="1385411382">
<div>


 </p>
<div>


But as much as people are mourning the loss of Olsen--really, I don't think he had a place in the lineup anytime soon.  Ditto on Hayes. </p>


 </p>


To support your statement, Florida has sent him to San Antonio...so he cannot crack their lineup either right off the bat. Florida may have a fire-sale of veterans to get future picks at some point and then he may come up, but you're certainly right about him not getting called up in Chicago unless HUGE injury issues cropped up.</p>
</div>


 </p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


No... both Olsen and Hayes have an assist already tonight for Florida.</p>

 

[Ton]

Lucky assist for Morin, no skill involved. Not in the same zipcode.</p>


 </p>


Imagine if that kid actually had some ice time. He'd be Versteeg!</p>