I like this team, I think it's more well-rounded and hopefully a little more balanced than the current iteration.
Smith for Strome is risky, I admit. He's much older and a contract that takes him to 33 could come back to bite us. However, he's a very versatile player, valuable on the power play and responsible in all three zones. We really don't have a player like that and I think he could help some of the young guys put all of that together for years to come. For Strome, the Hawks get a first round pick in 21 or 22 that could be used at the draft or in a trade to acquire other assets.
As for the other trades, Sikura for Koivula is a little deal between my two favorite teams. I don't know where Koivula fits in with the Islanders long term and he's still probably another year away from the NHL. Meanwhile, Sikura is on a cheap contract and can provide valuable two-way depth for the Islanders as they try to shed some salary. I'd love to keep him in Chicago, but they've shown no interest in playing him despite positive signs in his development. CDH/Maatta to NJ is a common suggestion, no explanation really needed. Caggiula to Toronto I think would be a great pick up for the Leafs. Get a hard working grinder who can play almost anywhere in the lineup and provide some sandpaper for a team with little of it. Also negates the need to keep Clifford and allows them to keep their 2nd round pick next year.
One move I wanted to include but didn't was bringing Antti Raanta back to Chicago. Instead, I took the cheaper option and kept Crow for a year. He'll turn 36 in December and with his injury history, you never know when he might start to step back. However, he was great (for the most part) in the postseason and borderline elite in the 19-20 regular season. If he's as good next year as he was this year, goaltending shouldn't be an issue for the Hawks. Other than that, we'll be looking for more positive development from Dach, Nylander and Boqvist, as well as guys like Kubalik, Highmore and Koekkoek proving that their breakouts were real and that they can be legitimate pieces going forward. Hopefully Suter and Mitchell can be legit contributors as well, but there's plenty of insurance in case they aren't.
He's a good skater I think, defensively responsible. More pass first in the NHL, but scored decently enough in the AHL. His ceiling is probably like a good 3rd liner.
I think Winnipeg would be interested in Strome, but not for a first and it would depend on what he is looking for in a contract.
I think he's worth a low first. Still young, pretty gifted offensively. I think Winnipeg will be a lot better next year and the draft doesn't seem to be as good, so the pick would be a bit less valuable than it might be this year.
But I do see where you're coming from, Strome definitely took at step back this year
I think he's worth a low first. Still young, pretty gifted offensively. I think Winnipeg will be a lot better next year and the draft doesn't seem to be as good, so the pick would be a bit less valuable than it might be this year.
But I do see where you're coming from, Strome definitely took at step back this year
Yes, that is one of the things that worry me. Along with his skating ability and what kind of contract he is looking for. A first, for me, is too much to risk. However, with Chevy's Chicago ties, he may think much different than us fans.
I think Strome should be traded for a LD, that would fix some of the Hawks problems instead of trading him for a player that won't contribute to the team for a few seasons
He's a good skater I think, defensively responsible. More pass first in the NHL, but scored decently enough in the AHL. His ceiling is probably like a good 3rd liner.
Interesting. It's a good deal by but I just love Koivula and I feel like the could be perfect replacement for Martin or Clutterbuck on the 4th once their gone. I'm saying no just because I'm a huge fan of Otto but the deal makes sense
I think Strome should be traded for a LD, that would fix some of the Hawks problems instead of trading him for a player that won't contribute to the team for a few seasons
Perhaps, usually I'd agree with that. However, in this scenario there isn't much cap space left so I had to go with the next best option. If we could find a taker for Shaw though....
Maatta is getting bought out, de Haan is staying because actually plays defense
I really hope that doesn't happen. Maatta was a very steady 4-5 defenseman for us this season. I'd be willing to retain a bit of salary if it meant getting value back for him. I guess worse-case scenario you buy him out, but that should only be as a last resort imo