Give Sikura chance to play with Saad. He is good again so Sikuras playmaking might be great for him as well. And Highmore as C. Just get rid of Anisimov he sucks..

This would be mine lineup:

Perlini-Toews-Kahun
DeCat-Strome-Kane
Saad-Highmore-Sikura
Fortin-Kampf-Hayden

Strome is not a 2C yet and not sure he ever will be. Debrincat has chemistry with Strome and because Debrincat's size, I think he's a good fit for the 3rd line and will see better production there. Rumor is, Kane has already told management he doesn't want Strome on his line.

How does that kind of rumor even get out? Holy smokes.

Apparently someone in the head office mentioned this to one of the former retired players who's also now doing analysis coverage for the team.

Meanwhile, Schmaltz has 5 points in 5 games for Arizona...well done Bowman.

That is insane if it's true. How does he not want to play with a new teammate already?

Kane's been around a while. I'm guessing he can tell pretty quickly if someone else plays the way he likes, but yeah, damn.

You could argue it makes him look like a baby and potentially cancerous.

Not a great argument when the guy has won how many awards plus a huge part of 3 cups. He's an elite talent, he can tell if the player has or doesn't.

Also, apparently Kane is telling the front office to go hard on Panarin and Kane has been talking to Panarin about coming back. I think there's about a 70% chance Panarin in wearing a Blackhawks sweater next year. Then begs the question, who's going to center Kane and Panarin as Strome can't do it and Anisimov i'm not sure can do it anymore. If that Hawks made any 2 moves, I would give OTT and offer they can't refuse to acquire Duchene now and Panarin arrives in the offseason. A line of Panarin - Duchene - Kane would probably be the best line in hockey.

@ChiHawk Sources?

Do you think Duchene signs an extension wherever he is dealt? Could just wait until free agency to make him an offer?

Comcast Sportsnet podcast from a few days ago but they didn't cite their source other then saying "an insider"

I've heard this as well.I think Kane wants to get back up with Johnny but who knows

That's fair. I hadn't heard that, other than Kane is still upset Schmaltz was sent out. I HAVE heard Kane really wants Panarin though. AND that would lead to a natural fit to bring back the AK72, but those two pieces doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't like Dylan Strome OR his style of play. I could see where an assumption is made there, but you know what assuming does. With that said, it does indeed mean Kane doesn't like seeing talent leave CHI.

***EDIT*** In my dream world, Panarin and Stone come to CHI. Panarin and Kane again...Stone would be like the new Hossa with Saad and Toews...WOW! Very hard to do though. I was thinking that there might be something bigger with VAN if Stan is willing to take back Sam, but who knows.

Yeah, but I think the Gagner rumor was not confirmed. Stan Bowman has been to the last 3 LA Kings games so that's interesting to say the least.