Ep. 103: Did Blackhawks make right move in cutting ties with Nick Schmaltz?

In the latest Hawks Talk Podcast, Jamal Mayers joins Slavko Bekovic and Charlie Roumeliotis to discuss the three-player trade that saw Chicago send Nick Schmaltz to Arizona for forwards Brendan Perlini and Dylan Strome. Why did the Blackhawks give up on Schmaltz now and who are they getting in Perlini and Strome?

The guys also talk about why Schmaltz was never able to reach his full potential in a contract year, whether Alex DeBrincat and Strome can rekindle the magic they shared with the Erie Otters in the OHL and how this trade impacts the Blackhawks’ plans next summer in free agency.

0:27 – Initial thoughts on the Schmaltz for Strome/Perlini deal

1:10 – Why did the Hawks give up on Schmaltz now?

3:00 – Did contract negotiations play into the timing of the trade?

4:20 – Patrick Kane disappointed in Hawks trading Schmaltz?

5:40 – Coyotes have pursued Schmaltz for a year

7:10 – What could Schmaltz ultimately become as a player?

8:50 – Trade frees up some summer cap room for the Hawks

11:15 – Fourth trade between Hawks and Coyotes in 18 months

13:30 – Schmaltz never reached his potential with Hawks

16:37 – What are Hawks getting in Strome & Perlini?

19:50 – Hawks hope change of scenery does wonders…again

21: 45- Can Strome/DeBrincat OHL magic be rekindled?

23:45 – How does Jeremy Colliton rework his lines?

26:00 – Hawks add young forwards to promising defense prospects for future

29:30 – Another former first-round pick traded by Bowman