Confirmed with Link: Hawks Re-Up LeBlanc; Sign D's Peckham, Kostka

[Any Colour You Like]

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=678530

Peckham is coming down from the Oilers, where he split time with Edmonton and the OKC Barons (four games apiece) with one NHL assist. Kostka played 35 games for the Leafs last year, tallying eight points.

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[SLarmer28*]

Peckham will battle Byfuglien on the scales this summer.

 

[Any Colour You Like]

Mike Kostka.... ehhh.

Not thrilled.

 

[Hawkster]

It's just a couple of experienced pro's for Rockford.

Last year it was Brett Lebda and then a waived Steve Montador. This year it's this pair.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

They're AHL depth. Certainly gets thin quick for us after Stanton/Clendening

 

[HawkinMI]

I want to say this is a good sign and that Bowman will be giving tryouts to guys like Clendening, Stanton, Olsen on the NHL roster, but who would they play in place of? Unless there's an injury, there's not really a candidate for healthy scratch on the D.

Undoubtedly Kostka and Peckham will at least start the year in the AHL. Injury insurance, and like I said before possibly there for stability when some youngsters get called up.

I'm just hoping a trade isn't brewing.

 

[HockeySauce]

Yeah, neither of these guys will be playing on the Hawks. Like the added depth and toughness for Rockford.

Kostka especially should fit right in.

 

[SLarmer28*]

I'm just hoping a trade isn't brewing.

Sheldon Brookbank is expendable.

 

[HawkinMI]

Sheldon Brookbank is expendable.

I meant for an active member of the defense.

 

[sepHF]

Peckham came in last season over weight, he said the lockout came at a bad time (Christmas break) and he wasn't in shape. The small amount of games he did play this last year I thought he was actually pretty good.

I know there's still an NHL dman there, he can be a good #6/7. He'll go with anyone, just needs to remain focused and committed. Nice depth signing by the Hawks.

 

[SLarmer28*]

Peckham came in last season over weight, he said the lockout came at a bad time (Christmas break) and he wasn't in shape.

Byfuglien-esque?

 

[SLarmer28*]

They're AHL depth. Certainly gets thin quick for us after Stanton/Clendening

Klas Dahlbeck should not be overlooked. As for Dylan Olsen ......

 

[MadhouseOnMadison]

I meant for an active member of the defense.

I see zero reason for that to happen.

 

[sepHF]

Byfuglien-esque?

He was a bit more overweight than he was the season before... the Oilers asked him to focus that summer and come into camp in really good shape, he showed up with a higher body fat % and weighed more than ever before. Here's what he said :

“I was 245 pounds coming into camp last year and my VO2 score (recovery from exhaustion) was as good as before,” said Peckham. “I know people were saying things like I was 270 pounds.”

"It’s definitely tough. When I came into camp, I didn’t think I was that out of shape," he said. "I was 245 (pounds) and my bike testing was the same as last year — some numbers were actually better — so was really confused in that sense, but that was the hole I dug. I guess they decided to move on without me.

Honestly I think they were a little harsh on him, in the games he did play I thought he looked really good, like begging for more ice time. But the team obviously didn't agree...

The only reason the team traded for Fistric was because Peckham wasn't ready when camp started so in the teams eyes Peckham cost them 2x the salary and a 3rd round pick + two roster spots all season, I don't think they were going to be easily convinced to give him more opportunity regardless of how well he played. I think he could play on your bottom pairing though forsure, I don't see it as a Rockford only move IMO.

 

[ChiGuySez]

If and most probably Peckham and Kostka are slotted for Rockford, then solid signings. Rockfords d was one of the worst and Im sure the Hawks brass dont want to hang Raanta completely out to dry behind a non-existant d in his first year here.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Couple of guys who can come in and play on the third pairing in a pinch if some injuries take place. Not bad.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

I meant for an active member of the defense.

I see zero reason for that to happen.

Yeah I can't see any of Hjalmarrson, Oduya, or Leddy getting traded at this point. There's no reason to break up one of the best defensive groups in the league.

 

[HockeySauce]

The only player that the Hawks might move is Oduya, and if they do, it'll be because Clendening shows he's more than ready for an NHL role next year. Outside of that, no one's being moved to make room for Kostka or Peckham.

I mean, I still think Brookbank will be moved, but that'd be the 7th D spot anyways.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

Yeah I can see Brookbank being moved. He's a luxury at this point and can get more playing time for other teams. But I'd have no problem with it if he stayed.

And I'd be pissed if Odoodoo was traded. Hammer/Oduya are one of the better 2nd pairings in the league. But I really don't think there's a chance that he will at this point.

 

[nullterm]

Glad to see Peckham get another shot. If he keeps serious about his career he could be a decent 5/6/7 guy. Was hoping he'd have a second shot with the Oil but wasn't in the cards. He was already on thin ice with conditioning and when he showed up after lockout too heavy it was pretty much game over in Edmonton.

Good for physical play and always willing to drop the gloves for the team.

 

[snizzbone*]

He's a beaut.

 

[Diatomic]

He's a beaut.

Kostka has one of the worst personalities I've seen on the leafs and is one horrible hockey player, I don't know how you could call him a 'beaut' lol.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

I actually really liked Peckham two years ago. Good physical #6/7 guy possibly.

 

[deytookerjaabs]

Yeah, I could see Brookbank being moved, and also it's not like having 3 Dmen injured during the same time frame in unheard of. Insurance is a very good thing to have.

 

[EmeticDonut]

None of these guys (Kostka & Peckham) should see NHL ice this upcoming year, unless it's dire on the injury front.