I'm guessing Murphy is trade bait. The only reason I can think of for so many players looking worse than expected is conditioning or something off-ice. They all didn't forget how to play hockey in the offseason. I can't recall who Eddie and Pat said scored high on the fitness evaluation--they were talking about it on one of the few telecasts they did early in the year. It's like they knew that would come into play this season. They named about the top five scorers on that evaluation.
They need everything except a 1st line LW and a 1D. Dach needs to score, and unless he starts doing so they really can't pencil him in for a top 6 role (edited for clarity) They also basically have nothing on the farm outside of Reichel. Maybe a few guys that might top out as second pairing D.They need 2 top 9 centers, 2 top 6 wingers, a goalie, and at least 2 dmen. Thats a lot...
I will disagree. Murphy was above average for each of the last 3 years until this one. He was bad his first year with the Hawks, got better, was pretty damn good last year, and then fell off of a cliff.Murphy has always been average or below average. He did bring a physical element that was badly needed and he was younger than a battle-weary Hammer but there is no surprise here. He was overrated by Hawks fans from day 1. I think mostly to make an excuse for Stan getting fleeced once again in the one-for-one swap.
As for trade bait: good luck with that.
Top 2 only, unfortunately.Is there a protection on the first round pick ?
They need everything except a 1st line LW and a 1D. Dach needs to score, and unless he start's doing so they really can't pencil him in for anything. They also basically have nothing on the farm outside of Reichel. Maybe a few guys that might top out as second pairing D.
I meant top 6. I was talking about players to build a team around.He would be a great 3C if he didn't develop AT ALL. Right now. Stop with the f***ing hyperbole.
I meant top 6. I was talking about players to build a team around.
I wish I had that much confidence in Dach right now.He will absolutely be a 2C. At minimum.
Lol. In two games he could be a number one center or a Ahl mainstay with your swings bro.I wish I had that much confidence in Dach right now.
I don't disagree with Pez that he's at least a 3C right now. We'll see how the new lines work.Lol. In two games he could be a number one center or a Ahl mainstay with your swings bro.
There should be some discussion on him. SJ is a legit #1D. IMO definitely top ten and to me trending towards top 5. He has played his way into the Norris discussion although it is very early in the year for that.A Seth Jones thread with very little Seth Jones discussion.
No news must be good news.
Why would you assume you could of had Dougie?He certainly plays a lot of minutes and provides a lot of offense. He is fine defensively but isn't spectacular. At the end of the day I think this trade will be a negative due to team situation and how much cap space we gave up, along with the assets.
I'd rather have Boqvist, Silinger, 1st this year and Dougie Hamilton than having Seth Jones @ 9.5 and none of those assets.
I mean he went to the Devils, I'm sure we could have. Regardless. If you wanted Seth Jones that bad, you could see that your roster sucks and then just wait a year and sign him for money. Or if you trade assets for him, then get him for less than 9.5 which is pretty much UFA money. You don't give up all the assets and then all the money, especially when you aren't going to win anything.Why would you assume you could of had Dougie?
Yeah, I mean I guess, but his D isn't top tier and we suck(ed) anyway so what is the point in giving up all the assets for a guy a year away from UFA and paying him at a rate that basically sets the market for D? It was stupid.75 point pace. Playing on this dump of a team, with bargain-bin quality of D partners.
Yeah, I mean I guess, but his D isn't top tier and we suck(ed) anyway so what is the point in giving up all the assets for a guy a year away from UFA and paying him at a rate that basically sets the market for D? It was stupid.
that simple huhI mean he went to the Devils, I'm sure we could have. Regardless. If you wanted Seth Jones that bad, you could see that your roster sucks and then just wait a year and sign him for money. Or if you trade assets for him, then get him for less than 9.5 which is pretty much UFA money. You don't give up all the assets and then all the money, especially when you aren't going to win anything.
They gambled that a healthy Dach, a returning Toews, Seth Jones, and MAF would take a bottom 3 roster to contender THIS YEAR. It was a terrible decision.
He's be great but we need to get him the ideal partner. One that's very good defensively and with gaps and also isn't completely incapable with the puck on his stick.
Actually I think down the line Ethan Del Mastro is going to be great with him, but he needs to get here.