Show me where they have above-league average assets in any of the following areas:
* Top-6 IMO is somewhere near average but closer to below-league average
* Bottom-6 IMO is average
* Depth for both is Average
* Defense: well below league average (still)
* Prospects: other than our two most recent 1st-rounders, it's all MEH
* Overall trade assets: below league-average, we don't have any contracts that other teams are pining for, Saad at $6mm is the most tradeable asset and his inconsistent efforts limit his trade value
When you compare the current state of affairs with where we were for the Cup years, it's pretty eye-popping because the team was ABOVE average in all areas in those seasons.
My answer to the top 6 is Kubalik
My answer to the bottom 6 is Dach, next year. Thats why I've said 2020 is really the year we can peak some forces together provided we can retain Cat, Strome, Kubalik.
Maybe on the defense. I didn't feel that way but if you call me out, yeah, I could see why that might be the case or you feel that way. They made some significant changes defensively as a team and I'd like to see how that functions, how they work in Boqvist and Dach, and what the goalie situation is after some important signings.
Does Crow or Lehnar stay?
Kurashev could be alot like Kubalik with a 200 foot game. You might even end up Kurashev leading a speedy third line, and having a young Dach flip the ice 200 feet...because of Smith face-offs...
Jewels-Toews-Kane
Cat-Strome-Perlini
Saad-Kampf-Kubalik
Shaw-Dach-Smith
I'm so high I came up with a beautiful first 9 line-up instead.
But Kurashev will upgrade the offense with similar good speed, and will get that look this year. He has been brilliant for country lately.
1. Kurashev
2. Saarela
3. Nylander
4. Holm
5. Boqvist
6. And then some brawn if necessary in Gilbert/Entwhistle
7. Hagel (ahl star type)
8. Wedin
Beudin is a good pick developing, and so are Barrett/Mitchell. For early start on next years reserves.
I don't see many flaws on this Hawks team. I think Kane is generational and the boost takes what might be an average but building team behind him, and makes it dangerous in the same way that a Kucherov or Gretsky would. WE have fucking Patrick Kane, we always have hope.
If Seabs or Keith can't get it done they are finally ready to move on.
This year may yet be awkward, but the pendulum is swinging up and swinging high. Maybe they get crazy and keep Dach, I don't know. I say go for it and get Kurashev up as soon as possilb. e
