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Confirmed with Link: Tom Kuhnhackl 1 year deal

Chapin Landvogt

Registered User
Jul 4, 2002
19,999
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Germany
As others have mentioned, we've gone a long way in beefing up our bottom six and creating a situation much like Washington had, namely 6 interchangeable, yet dependable, bottom six forwards. Gotta say, those guys played a big role in winning the cup.

So we're shooting for that.

At the same time, it currently looks like the scoring roles will be placed in the hands of Barzal, Beau, Eberle, Lee, Bailey, Nelson, and perhaps Ho-Sang.

Then again, PLENTY of time for trades. Plenty.

As for Kuhnhackl, I covered this guy a bit back in the day when he was coming up and looked like a big scoring star in the future. Ages 13-16, he looked like another Draisaitl. His winger every year was Toby Rieder, by the way, who is a guy I'm sure Lou inquired about.

Kuhnhackl's father is Germany most famous ever hockey player. He's the Gretzky of the German leagues. I only mention this, because I think there may be some untapped potential in this guy. Who knows if he just needed a change of scenery? In any case, he can play competently on lower lines and that's what he's likely here to do.
 
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KahunWOW

KahunWOW

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Apr 14, 2006
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Surprised to see all the negativity regarding this signing, especially at minimum salary. Kuhnhackl is a total warrior on the ice with a team-first mentality.
It´s true that his goal scoring abilities are not where they once were (scoring machine in Juniors). Part of the reason is, that the Pens completely changed his style of play to a defensive forward that PK´s, blocks shots...

I am not sure what his ideal role is right now. Probably indeed a No 12/13 on a contender, but imo easily at least a decent enough 4th liner for any other NHL team.

Some clips of him showing decent hands:



 
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Sidney the Kidney

Sidney the Kidney

One last time
Jun 29, 2009
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KahunWOW said:
Surprised to see all the negativity regarding this signing, especially at minimum salary. Kuhnhackl is a total warrior on the ice with a team-first mentality.
It´s true that his goal scoring abilities are not where they once were (scoring machine in Juniors). Part of the reason is, that the Pens completely changed his style of play to a defensive forward that PK´s, blocks shots...

I am not sure what his ideal role is right now. Probably indeed a No 12/13 on a contender, but imo easily at least a decent enough 4th liner for any other NHL team.

Some clips of him showing decent hands:



Click to expand...


Kuhnhackl should be a better goal scorer than he is. It's weird. He's actually got a nice shot. The problem seems to be shot placement and his awareness on the ice about when to shoot.

With his shot, he should be closer to a Brett Connolly or Eric Fehr. But for a variety of reasons, he's not.
 
Wanderson

Wanderson

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Aug 1, 2011
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Sidney the Kidney said:
Kuhnhackl should be a better goal scorer than he is. It's weird. He's actually got a nice shot. The problem seems to be shot placement and his awareness on the ice about when to shoot.

With his shot, he should be closer to a Brett Connolly or Eric Fehr. But for a variety of reasons, he's not.
Click to expand...

Do you think Kühnhackl can rebound?
 
Sidney the Kidney

Sidney the Kidney

One last time
Jun 29, 2009
55,705
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Wanderson said:
Do you think Kühnhackl can rebound?
Click to expand...

Rebound to what? I think the ship has sailed on him ever being a scoring threat. Aside from his questionable awareness/vision, as someone else alluded to, he had a serious shoulder injury that also seemed to affect his puck skills.

At best, you might see a return to the 2016 version of Kuhnhackl, a guy capable of roughly 20 points, solid defense, and will block shots on the PK. At worst, he's a PK specialist who you'd rather have as a 13th forward rather than an everyday player.
 
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Islanders4Cups

Islanders4Cups

Registered User
May 4, 2002
4,673
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Boston, MA USA
Nice piece on this guy between periods vs the Pens. You can see why Lou wanted him. He is a warrior and you need a guy like this to win especially a team that was as defensively challenged like the Islanders. Kuhnhackl got a warm reception from the Pens faithful
 
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danteipp

danteipp

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Aug 3, 2005
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seafoam said:
He’s good depth.
Click to expand...

Agreed, he is a step up from the typical AHL vets and plugs the Isles have rolled out in the past for depth, spot starts and such. Definitely good to have around right now.

If there is a long-term injury to a top-six forward, and if a player like Bellows, MDC or JHS is deemed ready, he shouldn't block them from playing either.

Worst case, if the Isles stay healthy and/or the young guys develop and push him off the roster, he can probably be flipped for something like a fourth round pick. He could be attractive to a team with cap issues, since he is on a $700k contract.

Nothing wrong with that.
 

NC 1972

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Dec 8, 2017
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Liked what I saw from him the other night the goal was gravy, he went to the corners retrieved pucks caused havoc in front I thought he was noticeable most shifts and like his size also.
 
PK Cronin

PK Cronin

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Feb 11, 2013
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Islanders4Cups said:
Over who, Kuhnhackl? Let just say it is a nice problem to have this depth and Kuhnhackl is probably the best of the three in my opinion.
Click to expand...

I think Kuhnhackl is easily the worst of the three. I don't see anything he does better than the other two. Having him on the team doesn't bother me, he's NHL level depth for sure and I'm not upset with his presence on the roster.
 
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