If I were to guess, this team likely won't be legitimate contenders until the 2021-22 season. Here's what I believe they should do to prepare themselves for that.
PROSPECTS
-Boqvist and Beaudin won't make the team next, and it is likely that they both won't be full time NHLers until the 21-22 season. Both have top 4 potential.
-Jokiharju should be a top 4 guy next year and beyond.
-Mitchell could be ready next year, but likely not until the 20-21 season. Since he's behind Boqvist/Jokiharju on the organizational depth chart, he could be a good trade asset.
-Krys and Carlsson will likely spend time in the AHL next year, then compete with Dahlstrom for the 7D spot.
-Barratt and Entwistle will both have the opportunity to make the team next year, and I would guess that one does. Both project to be skilled bottom six players.
-Kurashev and Hagel will likely compete for a roster spot in the 20-21 season. Both seem to have top 9 potential, but are also more likely to be busts.
-Kubalik has impressed in the Swiss league, and I would guess that he spends some time in the NHL next year, filling a roster spot until other prospects are ready.
-Shalunov's KHL contract ends before the 20-21 season. Could compete for a roster spot.
-Wise and Nordgren will need to prove themselves in juniors next year, and would probably compete for a roster spot in the 21-22 season.
-Zegras/Turcotte/Krebs/Dach, whoever the Hawks draft this year, all have the potential of making the team by the 21-22 season.
ROSTER PLAYERS
-Toews, Kane, DeBrincat and Strome are all locks for the future top 6.
-Perlini and Kahun are both top 9 wingers that can plug into the 2nd line, and because they play similar roles on the team, one of them is likely to be moved before the 21-22 season.
-Saad is an interesting case. He could be used as a valuable trade asset, but he has also been impressive this year and has provided good scoring depth. It would have to be a great offer for him to be traded.
-Anisimov is probably going to be traded this summer or before the 2020 TDL
-Kampf and Caggiula should be solid bottom 6 players for the next few years.
-Hayden, Sikura, Highmore, Fortin, and Johnson will compete for one or two depth spots, the rest will be let go or sent to the AHL.
-Keith and Seabrook are here for a while, for better or worse.
-Murphy is similar to Saad, he has good trade value, but has been one of our best defenseman this year. It would take a lot for him to be traded.
-Gustafsson will probably either be traded at the 2020 TDL or let go in free agency, given that he is replaceable by the prospects.
-Forsling and Koekkoek will likely be traded or let go, especially given Dahlstrom's recent contract extension.
-Dahlstrom will continue to compete for the 6/7th defenseman role.
-Crawford, as long as he stays healthy, will probably be here until he retires
-Ward could be re-signed next year, just in case Crawford is injured again.
-Delia is the goaltender of the future, paired with Crawford as a 1A/1B for the foreseeable future and then potentially as the primary starter after that.
NEEDS
-Top 4 defenseman: obviously our biggest need. By the time Boqvist and Beaudin make the team, Keith will likely need replacing, so a long term option is preferable.
Klefbom, Nurse, Faulk, and Murray would be the best options.
-3rd line center: Bowman has been rumored to be looking for a defensively reliable center who is 50%+ on faceoffs.
Lowry, Jenner, and Pageau would be the best options.
-Goalie prospect: Crawford isn't getting younger, and I'm not completely convinced that Delia can be a starter for a full season.
-1st line winger: This is the sexy option that everyone on here seems to want to fill, but I don't think this should be a priority. We need depth scoring and defense more than anything, and spending precious cap space on a offensively-skilled top 6 forward actively works against those needs. When the Hawks are back in contention, they can go after a rental if scoring is a problem.
EXPANSION DRAFT
Forwards
Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Strome, and Saad (if he isn't traded) are locks to be protected. That leaves two spots for Perlini, Kahun, Caggiula, Kampf, and any other acquisitions.
Defensemen
Keith and Seabrook have to be protected, and Jokiharju will also definitely be protected. That leaves Murphy and any other acquisitions exposed, though it is possible that Seabrook waives his NMC.
Goalies
Delia will likely be protected, given that Crawford will be 36 at the time of the draft.
My guess is that one of Perlini/Kahun will be protected, as well as a 3C that they trade for, and a top 4 defenseman they acquire will be the final protections. That would leave one of Caggiula, Kampf and Murphy to be picked, though they could also pay Seattle to take Seabrook's contract.
Top 4 - Jokiharju
Keith - Boqvist
Beaudin - Murphy
Crawford
Delia
Mitchell, Anisimov, and Kahun, and picks are used to acquire the 3C and Top 4 D
Seabrook is hopefully bought out or traded, but could rotate on the bottom pair if he stays.
Caggiula is picked in the expansion draft, after the Hawks trade Seattle a mid round pick or B/C prospect to prevent them from taking Murphy.
This is what we can all hope for, but it requires the assumption that all of our prospects will be NHL caliber and ready by the 21-22 season. Interesting to think about.
I think Chicago should take a long look at Dustin Wolf in the 2nd round of this years draft. 61 gp, 1.69GAA , ,936sv% with WHL Everett. The kid is legit and Everett can really develop goalies as you see with Carter Hart
I think Chicago should take a long look at Dustin Wolf in the 2nd round of this years draft. 61 gp, 1.69GAA , ,936sv% with WHL Everett. The kid is legit and Everett can really develop goalies as you see with Carter Hart
I would be a huge fan if the Hawks drafted a goalie in the first 3 rounds. Could end up being a bust, but at least it shows they recognize the need.
Good write up! I tend to agree with @ChiHawk that Gus won't leave for nothing. It's definitely a long term play (which I'm fine with), but he might get traded @ the TDL next year. I'm looking squarely @ MTL, NSH, NYI, and AZ. They're all playoff teams that need SERIOUS help on the PP and that's precisely what GUS provides. NSH seems like a longer shot because they've been bleeding their farm system for a while now. MTL and AZ have tons of prospects to use. I 110% agree with the #3C decision. Just like a Handzus...quality depth centers can be game changers. I don't want to pay the trade price for Pageau, but he would indeed be a solid option. As for the defense...I think Bowman's going to keep (1) of either Boqvist or Beaudin in the AHL...maybe both next year. That's the new trend. Don't keep them in the OHL, WHL or the Q, but get them playing against adults in the AHL. They're both expansion protected. My larger concern is getting Mitchell to sign though. I know I need to let go, but Kevin Hayes...man he would be useful these past few years.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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