yeah oduya and even keith block a lot of shots too. hjalmarsson can definitely lay people out every once in a while, but he really doesn't have that many hits compared to the number of games he plays. but he does block a ton of shots like brtriad said. always willing to take one for the team. and olsen is pretty physical
I like Hjalmarrson, but he's been a disappointment relative to his trajectory path when he first came in the league. The offensive game is non-existant, and he's not overly physical to compensate for the lack of offense or puck movement. Sure, he blocks alot of shots, but so do other guys (as noted) and they also bring other things to the table. IMO, if you can get good value for Hammer, I'd move him and free up space to address center and bring in a cheaper upgrade on Hammer himself (Suter is a pipe dream IMO).
I'm just glad he doesn't take a delay of game penalty on every clear like he did in '10-11
Anyone ever think that ... if in doubt, Hammer et al, have been told to make the safe play? Certainly beats the giveaway in the neutral zone. I have no problem with Hammer doing this. If the individual players on the ice do their respective jobs, it is a non-issue.
The real issue is that if it results in an icing and Toews is not on the ice, we inevitably lose the resulting face-off. Losing key face-offs and winning board battles are things that need to be addressed, not a player making a safe play along the boards.
I sure hope not, Olsen was pretty bad and I can't see him being anything more than a 5 or 6. Hell, even then I'd be nervous unless he were paired up with a faster and good puck moving guy like Oduya.
I thought he looked decent for the most part. He got burned the odd time, but that's going to happen to any young guy. He is slow-footed, but he stays-at-home and clears the crease pretty (basic stuff that we could use more of) and is a decent outlet passer. I was disappointed he got shelved against Phoenix. I think he could be a #4 or #5 guy in time. I would rather give him minutes than Monty (who brings next to nothing imo).
You don't expect miracles from a guy like Olsen. He did what he did well enough and should have been protected from more skilled opposition at his experience level. I doubt he is ever above a #6, but he should be a #6.
Anyone ever think that ... if in doubt, Hammer et al, have been told to make the safe play? Certainly beats the giveaway in the neutral zone. I have no problem with Hammer doing this. If the individual players on the ice do their respective jobs, it is a non-issue.
The real issue is that if it results in an icing and Toews is not on the ice, we inevitably lose the resulting face-off. Losing key face-offs and winning board battles are things that need to be addressed, not a player making a safe play along the boards.
I don't mind the safe play at all, in fact I prefer it.... but I'd just given the choice between an icing and going shorthanded I'd take the icing 11/10 times. Hammer has been way better this season about making his clears an actually keeping the pick in play... I swear in 10-11 he must've had 40 minutes worth of DoG penalties.
Haven't seen this mentioned, but any chance Hammer could be moved in some sort of a deal for Staal?
I haven't heard about that.
One problem I have with moving anyone for Staal is it seems (1) he isn't interested in signing a long term deal; and (2) we don't know whether the season will start on time given the CBA negotiations.
...meaning, we run the risk of giving something up for Staal only to have him play for us on a condensed year and then bolt.
I wouldn't want to move Hammer for him (assuming the rest of the roster stays the same) b/c it would leave a hole in D and we may end up with a player for a year or less.
My guy on the Hogs tweeted me something about a trade centered around Yandle and Hammer. The only thing is the other pieces going to the Yotes really arent that important, so I think somebody has hit the sause early.
mixture of that and figuring they could lock him up for most of his career at a relatively small cap hit since he's *just* their #3, but they can't really afford to lose him.
My guy on the Hogs tweeted me something about a trade centered around Yandle and Hammer. The only thing is the other pieces going to the Yotes really arent that important, so I think somebody has hit the sause early.
My guy on the Hogs tweeted me something about a trade centered around Yandle and Hammer. The only thing is the other pieces going to the Yotes really arent that important, so I think somebody has hit the sause early.
If we get Yandle for a deal centered around Hammer, I will find out what a shoe tastes like.
Not a fan of trading Hammer. He and Seabrook are the only two blueliners willing to block shots and actually hit.
Oduya has had almost as many shot blocks as Nik...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martini
For what its worth;
My guy on the Hogs tweeted me something about a trade centered around Yandle and Hammer. The only thing is the other pieces going to the Yotes really arent that important, so I think somebody has hit the sause early.
If this is true, what would be those not that important pieces? Hjammer + not that good pieces for Yandle? Let's hope this is true
If thats the difference between getting Yandle and not, its not standing in the way of the deal. People love draft picks but outside of top 10 picks, rarely do those players become signficant contributers for several years. This team is ready to win now, who knows where it will be in 3-4 years when whoever they draft is ready to make an impact.
