I would imagine Hamilton only takes that money if he can get 8 years in Carolina. Otherwise I imagine he might go around 8.5 - 9

These moves don’t set us up for a cup run. At this point let the kids play and pray is the team strategy.

If thats the case they might as well try to trade Kane and Toews. Its been 6 years since this team has been relevant even with Kane and Toews playing amazing hockey dragging a team of bums to being average.

Hagel is the perfect fourth/third liner but nothing more. I have loved Vinnie coming back but hes also a fourth/third liner. Kurashev is still only 21 but haven't seen anything that makes me go hes integral to the future. Same with Suter. Kalynuk looks solid and at the moment want him on the team for the future, but don't think hes the next Keith or Seabrook. Dougie gives the team a point producing D-man they don't have right now. Hoffman gives them a real top 6 forward opposed to rotating guys all season there. What kids do you want to see play that you haven't seen yet? Personally. think this makes them a quality playoff team and if they get hot a Stanley Cup. Might be too idealistic but tired of surrounding Kane and Toews with no one and wasting the second half of their careers. They had three cups by age 26 and since then the organization has made nothing but poor moves. When you have top players in the league you have to maximize your time with them. Atleast try and be competitive.

I'm not even sure I want Dougie Hamilton. If we got him...fine I guess. I've watched a lot of Canes games throughout the years and I do like his Dougie's offensive abilities, but we have players that can generate offense...OR at least we've drafted players for that reason...so let's develop them. We also need to be aware of his weaknesses. Dougie's best defense is his ability to stop the opposing rush at the opponents blue line. He sells out offensively. It's not the worst strategy, but he has very good defensive defenders on his team and his line. Dougie isn't the best when he's already in the defensive zone and THIS is where the Hawks need help. I don't think Dougie solves our problems.

That is fair and agree. Just trying to find players that make a difference. I don't think this team is that far off. Need probably two high end guys to make them really competitive and that was my reasoning on Dougie and Hoffman. UFAs this year and produce. I do agree that Dougie's weakness is the Hawks weakness the last 6 years though. Have any alternative in mind?

Same thing goes for Hoffman. Hoffman is going on 32 years old shortly after the start of next season and more importantly, while he can pot goals, when he's been on the ice throughout his career he actually has a negative goal differential that has followed his career with various linemates. Defensively he's that bad.

Thoughts above on Hoffman and Hamilton.

That said, keith is not a first liner anymore. Relying on him to be such, is the biggest problem for this team's defense. We need a legitimate top line LHD that can shut down players and that is very difficult to find and would only happen through trade likely. Hampus Lindholm would be a good fit but he'd only be a 1 year rental. Not sure who else fits the bill, but lindholm probably won't re-sign in Anaheim so grabbing him and convincing him to sign a long term extension may be the best fit.

Totally agree on Keith. Can still play but should not be the number 1 guy. Would love lindholm. That could be a great get if its a long term deal.