Alec Regula To Make NHL Debut
Defenseman Alec Regula will make his NHL debut on Thursday night. He will become the ninth Blackhawks rookie to make his debut during the 2021 season.
Regula, 20, was acquired from Detroit in the trade sending forward Brendan Perlini to the Red Wings in Oct. 2019. He was originally a third round pick (#67 overall) by Detroit in the 2018 NHL Draft. He’s a right-handed shot listed at 6-4 and 209 pounds.
He will dress in place of Ian Mitchell.
Excellent – looking forward to seeing him play
There’s a good article by Powers today asking various scouts their opinion of some of the Hawks players – bear in mind that even though these scouts are far more knowledgeable about what makes an NHL player than average fans like us they are also not infallible – one scout admits to being “shocked” at how well DCat has done this year after last year – he thought at the start of the year that the Hawks had overpaid for him
Likewise another scout was surprised that Hagel has been able to transfer his AHL success to the NHL
That being said I think they still offer some good insights – remember as well I’m cherry picking quotes from the article – if you want the full story you’ll have to read it yourself
I’ve picked one section on only some of the players discussed
Alex DeBrincat
He’s a great scorer, but he’s a great character guy. He wants to win and he’s a tough little bugger.
Brandon Hagel
I love Hagel. To the Blackhawks’ credit, I know teams were trying to get him in deals even last year and they weren’t interested
Vinnie Hinostroza
I don’t think he plays on a good team in the top nine, and he’s not a fourth-liner.
Dominik Kubalik
I like him as a player, whether he’s part of the future or a nice piece to move. He’s shown he’s legit.
Phillip Kurashev
Just a skilled, intelligent young player. I think he’s got a lot of smarts for a young guy. He’s only going to get better.
Pius Suter
Maybe moving forward he’s a piece in your bottom six, a secondary scorer.
Adam Boquist
I love Boqvist’s offense, but right now the defense is still weak. He still struggles on the D side.
Wyatt Kalynuk
I think he’s smart. I think he makes good decisions with the puck. He competes.
Ian Mitchell
I’m just not sure what’s there anymore. I see a lot of value in his puck-moving ability but that’s a player that has to play with the right D partner.
Nicolas Beaudin
I like him, I think he’s going to get better. There’s still more upside there. I just don’t know how high his ceiling is, offensively or defensively.
Kevin Lankinen
But I think they realize that Kevin Lankinen’s not a No. 1. He’s a really good 1B or a backup, but he’s not a starter on a championship team. At least you know that now.
One final comment on the young D generally
Especially now when you have to go every other night and back-to-backs and three-in-fours, it’s crazy in the NHL. I think it’s that, and it’s hard to tell where the kids are at. Let’s be honest, defensemen take longer. The maturity level just takes longer.
Haven’t commented in a long, long while. But why in the hell is Dunc still suiting up and Ian gets benched again?
Greyhawk, Mitchell is spent and overwhelmed at this point. There is no reason for him to play anymore this year. He needs a lot of work in the off-season.
Would have rather seen Evan Barrett up here. To Greyhawk: or Herman. Have you watched Mitchell play?? Obviously not.
Good to get a look at Regula, should be in picture next season as a callup, if he isn’t of camp.
Not happy to see Mitchell scratched, but really excited to see Regula in an NHL game for the Hawks. Hope he ends up being a keeper long term…
Good for Regula to get a cup of coffee in the NHL ! Let’s see what the kid has.
That’s a very interesting move to play the Regula and he must be soooo excited..hope he will just play his normal game and not try to impress the hockey world.
Wrap
Good to look at your Powers scouts opinion .
Off course they see that the Hawks made many rookies play this past 3-4 months and like many of us they have no clues about Mitchell and like the comment…the maturity level just take longer …and that’s a fact and some guys here knows it will take another 2-3 years minimum to know what we have .
Play the kids and let them have fun playing their dream .
When Mitchell played at Denver, he had confidence and was constantly thinking out there not just all skill. He is just in his rookie year and hasn’t seemed to figure out the Nhl game yet. Once he does that and regains his confidence he should improve pretty fast. Agree on partner and schedule being an issue, with Dehaan early in the year he looked pretty promising but after getting minutes increased and drawing tougher assignments of opponents top lines, plus adapting to Keith from Dehaan things deemed to go south for him and struggled with his confidence. He himself said the compressed schedule overwhelmed him compared to what Denver played, I still think he has alot of promise that will come in a year or so once he figures it out at the Nhl level, just takes time.
Wonder if Regula playing is another little message for Zadorov.
This time next year I hope we’ve seen significant progression from all the young guys – that would be exciting
I thought he looked solid tonight and stood up at the blue line making some nice defensive plays. He looks further along in his development than Mitchell. It would be nice if he got to play the last 2 games of the season.
Didn’t watch the game. How did he play?
Play him the 2 next game please …good for the kid and he can see what he need to work on for next season …
Wow. DCat again tonight … 29 goals…can reach 30 in next 2 games.
I thought Regula had a solid game. He kept it simple. His size was definitely noticeable. He doesn’t get pushed around like Mitchell, Beaudin, and Boqvist. I think SB totally lost in the Zadorov for Saad trade. The team needs that balance of defensive defenseman and the offensive defenseman. Mitchell is thinking rather than playing. That hesitation is biting him in the ass. It’s also frustrating him and causing him to lose confidence…which makes him think more. Kalynuk has a nice balance. If Regula is at that level, he should be with the team next year.
Wraparound, I like that synopsis of the players. I agree about the majority of it. There will be off season dealings and guys like Suter, Strome, Zadorov may be package deals to get better prospects or draft positions.
Lastly, bring up Johnson. Let’s see what he can do at center. Why not?
ian
how many messages do you think 16 deserves? an inconsistent, underachieving player. strome as well. if either are back next year i will be disgusted.
Hold the presses Big Z played a great game tonight – consistently separating guys from the puck without taking a penalty making solid defensive choices hitting players I saw two Canes literally hit the ice to avoid being hit by Z – if he played like that every game I want him on the team but can he?
Regula had an awesome first game – very calm no blatant errors some good O instincts as well skated well and he’s 20 – he seems like he has to be to the convo for next season
The added size from Regula Entwhisle Hardman Stillman even Gaudette is very noticeable and welcome
After about the half way point of the first the Hawks played a very good game at both ends – almost like a different team – if that’s a sign of things to come great
Didn’t miss Strome or Mitchell and actually didn’t miss Keith after her took that knee – hope he is ok but why not sit him the last 2 games
One of the most complete efforts for the Hawks this year including Delia who was rock solid against the best team in the league on the road and the Canes played hard – that was no mail in performance from them – so great team win and another young guy gets his first. NHL goal this year
Congrats to Riley
Was that Keith (-13) the one who feel down AGAIN , who can’t skate anymore and cost the Hawks a goal against AGAIN?
Then the Hawks play the rest of the game WITH ONLY 5 Dmen (excluding old man dunce), NEVER give up another goal and WIN THE GAME… Hummertime— You getting it yet?
Delia played great as did Regula…
Go Hawks!!!!
LMFAO.
Mitchel “adopting to dunce keith from DeHaan, things went south” for him….
Wonder why….All others did too. Boquist went south this year also after finishing last year playing with Dehaan. Wonder why that is…
Keith has toe picked or found a way to end up on his ass more this season than probably all the rest of his seasons combined. He still knows how to play better defensively than any of the Hawks other d-men but his body just can’t do it consistently like he used to. Kind of sad but old man time catches all of us eventually.
I thought Regula played well but the word lumbering comes to mind. There are other big lumbering d-men in the league so I wouldn’t write him off but I’d say the odds are against him making a career as an NHL d-man.
I think Hagel, Kurashev and Gaudette have a good chance to be part of the Hawks long term plans. Suter can hopefully be used to help our draft position. Hinostroza is one small guy too many on the roster. Connolly was a Florida cap dump that got us Stillman and Borgstrom, both of whom could be part of the rebuild. Entwistle and Hardman could be useful players in the right circumstances but neither look to be solid top-9 forwards.
Kalynuk and Stillman could be two pieces to a rebuilt d-corps. The jury is still out on Boqvist, Mitchell and Beaudin – but there’s still plenty of time for them grow physically and grow their game.
It will be interesting to see what happens over the summer but I think next season will be similar to this season where the objective is development of individual players and solidifying the team game. Winning will be secondary. Again.
With SIZE and PHYSICALITY in the lineup minus the jittery play of Mitchell and the irresponsibility and laziness of Strome this team looked much more like a NHL team tonight. Stillman,Regula,Hardman,Entwhistle,and Gaudette all looked active,hard on the puck,and legitimate tonight. Give this team a couple of solid centers that can win faceoffs a #1 D Man, and this could be an interesting team. Great job by Delia tonight. You can tell that he has worked hard on his game since the start of the year.
Big game for Delia, nice to see him get the win. If Suter is traded he is building his stock, what a shift in ot before Cats snipe on winning goal. Keith and Connelly both concussions so likely done for the year. Great effort being down players but Canes 31 giveaways probably tells alot too. Zadorov pretty noticeable, his best game in awhile, too bad overall he wasn’t a better hockey player. Regula looked fine in his first game, 1 game doesn’t make or break a career, Keith and Connelly out with concussions probably don’t play last 2, so he may see more time. Strome, Kampf, Dehaan and either Zadorov, seems more likely now than Stillman will be most likely bo one of them Seattle takes. Watch to see how that plays out. Expect the 7 forwards now are Toews, Kane, Cat, Hagel, Nylander, Gaudette and Borgstrom and 3 D are Keith, Murphy and Stillman. Goalie would think still has to be Lankinen. With Goalies that should be available to them, doubt Delia or Subban not being waiver exempt draw alot of interest from Seattle. Entwistle’s being too slow for Nhl talk should be put away now.
Hey Bi-Polar Billy: You’re upset Keith will be in the HOF. All you have is Herman and a finger to hit keys on a laptop.
I guess the game didn’t warrant a post game write up again.
ER I think what you see is what you get with Regula-but if he uses his reach, strength and positioning he will be an asset. Pretty good for a first game. Stillman is intriguing, it seems there is some upside and perhaps a nice steal. At least the Hawks have many possible D candidates for 3 thru 5-but need two guys to really step up or be found soon. They lack that Fox, Makar or Heiskanen to lead the way.
Treating Keith with such disrespect is hard to stomach, but heh, it’s a free country.
One of the better efforts in quite sometime. Also one of the most physical efforts of the year. We actually had guys finishing checks. The size was very noticeable to those of us who have watched the team all year. We need to see more of Regula but I thought his skating was borderline although he looked pretty comfortable handling the puck. I figured giving Hardman a game was just part of the package to get him to sign. It’s nice to see that his performance has kept him in the lineup. He understands what his role will be to make it in the NHL – I have been pleasantly surprised. I agree with Ian’s protected list although I think Kampf is in the mix as well. Maybe you offer a late round draft choice to Seattle to not pick him.
Hummertime,
Open your eyes, Dunce can’t skate or play anymore… He avoids contact and treats the puck like “a hot potato”….He’s SLOW..
Ignoring his bad play in Tarnishing his legacy.. He’s past his expiration date.
Hey Wrap, what do you mean “…average fans like us…”? Everyone here is above average, lol.
The Canes should be embarrassed by losing last night. They are fighting for number one overall and playing a disinterested team that’s getting ready for golf season. Also missing their top two centers, ice a bunch of rookies, unproven goalie, an AHL coach, a GM that can’t provide them with decent players… Should have been a cakewalk. Maybe, just maybe, the Hawks aren’t that far away from being a decent team?
Puck – definitely there was a glimmer last night of a decent team in a couple of years
Like I’ve said many times I’m happy with the progress this year but it has to continue going forward and there are some reasons to think that it will so that makes it interesting
The big question in the Seattle draft is whether they protect Z and if they don’t do they work out a deal with Seattle that they take say CDH or someone else possibly and what would that cost the Hawks
Not sure why there is such hatred for Strome….we must be watching different games…..anyway….Delia played great, covered for some bad D moments, Regula ( The Regulator ) * watch Clint Eastwood Pale Rider * Regula had a very good first game, did not seem out of place or nervous, used his stick very well on some poke checks at the blue line, hope he plays the final 2 games, with Keith out, personally I would like to see Philips draw in and bring back Strome with Connolly being out.
I’m glad we beat the Canes even though it doesn’t help with draft positioning. It’s a morale boost for the boys and a nice reward for playing hard. It also makes for a better end to the season after the hard landing of the last few weeks. So now with two games left and at home hopefully it’s not just the kids playing, but playing big minutes. Eyes to the future.
No worrys about any player this yr they got good experience in a no pressure greyhorn 56 game season. Next yr is the greenhorn 82 season and real rookie yr.
Except for those who are aready 24 like Strome/others give young wavers lots of time to see what they are. Cant go by any bad stretchs now/learning and prob playing simple/one dimention to just do good. So when these yong wavers get more time games experience and come into there own then we can see what we got I donot think were seeing the whole package now with any of these guys.
Trickle effect major difference.
Good for them to get better comp and then as these guys get better then we trickle and they wil fit in where they are most ideal for.
Herman you need new glasses. or Billy. Meds will take care of your Bi-Polar.
Puck .
I don’t think that the kids are disinterested at all and I really think that they want to finish the year with pride and showing that they want to win those last games. But the Canes should be embarrassed to not sweep the Hawks with the team they have but at same time the young Hawks battle hard and won ..good game to be able to come back again against the number one team in the league .
In that Scott Powers article in TheAthletic were he talks about the defensive style used by the Hawks (for all you JC haters – don’t read it because it won’t fit your favorite narrative) – he also says that he texted Shalunov to ask if he’s interested in signing with the Hawks, to which Shalunov answered yes. Nothing new there because we’ve been down that path a number of times already, but what is new news – at least for me – is that due to Shalunov’s age (28), he would not be eligible for an ELC contract which means he would be a UFA after the contract expires. That puts the Hawks in a dilemma because even if the Hawks want to sign him AND he want to come over to the NHL and sign with the Hawks – the contract will probably be a one and done contract which doesn’t play well in a rebuilding process still a few years out from completing the rebuild. If they give him a long term deal so he would be part of the rebuild – that’s a risk he won’t be worth it, but if they give him a short term deal and he’s good, he will price himself out of Chicago, and if he’s not good he will just clog up the lineup for a player who could end up being part of the rebuild.
Unless I’m missing something – I don’t see a fit for Shalunov with the Hawks. Maybe they can trade his rights and get something for him.
If Shalunov came over on a one year deal and was moved at tdl for a pick, at least you get something for him, better than leaving him in Russia and get nothing. Maybe he works out and signs a reasonable 3 or 4 deal after next season, who knows.
Bowman on another podcast, said it’s his job to add impact players in the next 12 to 18 months, to bolster to bolster the roster, couple of ways they could go, but lots of capspace next after this season to allow that. Lots of praise for Lankinen, said he needs to find consistency over a full year, sounds like he is secure for no. 1 next season to start year. Continue letting younger players develop next year.
Ian, good point on potential to get something for him at the TDL if he’s having a good season AND Stan determines Shalunov’s demands are more than he wants to pay.
With more size needed in the lineup – there may be some internal options to provide more size with Borgstrom and with Gaudette finding out the mystery illness that prevented him from gaining weight to go along with Toews if he comes back. Hopefully Dach can gain some size/strength over the summer and that would be 4 guys that were either literally or virtually not there this season.
Actually when Bowman was asked about Toews, his answer was trying to respect to Toews privacy, he talked to Toews a couple of weeks ago, he was feeling better and is positive about his future. Then said he will speak about that when he tells his story. Still sounding hopeful. Also on Colliton, he talked about he has ability of getting more out of a less talented team and has good communication skills with younger players, something that is important to this team right now.
So it’s confirmed that both Keith and Connolly have concussion and won’t play their last 2 games …so a few guys here will be happy not to see the best Dman in last fifteen years out for rest of the season .
So the next 2 games will be more kids on the ice to finish the season .
Now Hawks have …Seabrook,Keith,Shaw, Connolly,Toews ,Dach,Nylander not playing plus Smith. Wow ..Covid years are really bad for the Hawks but on a positive side they will have a top 11 draft pick ( Morrison dream to get a top pick is there iff Coyote win their last 2 games and Hawks loose one of their last 2
Sad ending for Keith who really played 22.23 minutes/ game this year ..wish him a fast recovery and hope he will take a good decision for his career. Thank you for all you done for the Hawks .
Regarding Toews health,I have said for the last 3 months or so that it should not be relevant regarding Bowman,s future plans. If Toews is physically or mentally able to return next season he is a #3 Center at best on a playoff team. Waiting on or hoping for Toews return is living in the past After watching Dach for about a month,I would be intensely looking for 2 top line Centers,hopefully he has 1 of them in Borgstrom but thats a long shot. Bowman also should have his focus on finding a top 2 Defensive pairing this summer or next instead of looking for the next European find at forward. Hopefully a significant amount of damage was not done to Dach,s wrist to slow his off-season work because he has ton to do in the weight room and on his skating. I have a feeling that Gaudette is going to emerge very quickly now that he is healthy. It would be nice also if we did not have to take too long of a ride on the Nylander train. If there is a hint of previous lackadaisical/soft play form him,move on. Hopefully with Entwhistle,Hardman,Johnson,Barratt,and Reichel in camp,Nylander will be on a short leash.
ian
do you really believe one word that comes out of bowman’s mouth?
tim w is spot on. hawks should be making their plans with the assumption toews has played his last game. big bonus if that changes, but don’t count on it.
already a terrible start to the off season for the hawks with the two players who need to be skating hard and living in the weight room sidelined with wrist injuries.
Respect Toews privacy Ian….more like protect the fact that there is nothing wrong with him….other than the hissy fit he had and then decided to take the season off with an ” illness “……I call bullshit on that one. JMO
Tim W …Hawks 29
The good things is both those guys can work on the it’s skating in the next few months …and you don’t need your wrist to do the lower body training. So they can just focus on their lower Body …means they will be at their best when they come back
Plus if …iff Toews come back healthy that will be a big boost for the kids and the team .wish to see Keith take his retirement and become part of the coach development for Dmen .
After they might have a chance to get a good Dman who is available on the market.
TimW, you state with certainty that Toews, if he comes back, will be a #3 center – based on what exactly? If he comes back at the same level he played in 2019/20 he is a #1 center. He scored 60 points in 70 games and 9 points in 9 playoff games while still one of the best faceoff guys in the league. His Selke days are behind him but he was still a terrific 200′ player. Now, he might come back at all and even if he does he might not be able to play at the same level – we simply don’t know. Nor do we KNOW he will ony be a #3 center.
Here’s a thought for a non game day
I’ve read that CBL wants to know Seth Jones’s intentions regarding free agency by training camp – of course he’s not trying obligated to tell them but if he does tell them he’s going to yeah free agency or if CBL senses that he is going to take that route they may decide to trade him before the season rather than wait until TDL to maximize the return – it’s not completely unrealistic then that Jones could be on the market soon – there would be a huge bidding war but getting Seth Jones on the Hawks would be huge – of course then you’d have to pay him or see him walk after one year – just a thought – it’s hard to get those #1 D without drafting them
Missing word alert in my previous post – “not”.
Now, he might NOT come back at all and even if he does he might not be able to play at the same level – we simply don’t know.
So we have posters here who think there’s nothing wrong with Toews and others who think he has a career ending condition – just a byproduct of the fact nobody amongst us knows
I’m just gonna wait and see – I imagine we’ll get a public update once the season is done
Hawks2010, the Coyotes have to forfeit their #1 pick this year so they are of no significance to the Hawks draft position, however Seattle will get the #3 overall pick so essentially if they’re in 12 position now – they would move to 11th position based on Arizona either being below them or the Hawks moving to 11th due to Arizona having more points but then they would move back to 12th based on Seattle getting to pick before them.
If that makes sense.
Hawks29, your theory on Toews is based on more than hate for Bowman i hope, when has he knowingly mislead about a players intentions to return or not return. I compare the Toews sky is falling on here to, Crawford, Dehaan, Shaw, etc. or Mitchell, Sikura or Hayden signing with other teams, not the most credible takes. Seabrook tried to comeback but lack of cartiledge left in his hips caused back issues the eventually ended his career, no conspiracy there just a fact of hours on skates. If you don’t believe look it up, it’s easy to read up on.
I’ m just saying it’s hopeful he is returning, we will find out in due time, i don’t get all this next player is done talk folishness without a clue to the facts, everytime an opportunity to cry coverup is available is not a bandwagon i jump on. Actually Bowman basically said his wishes were irrelevant, Toews has the call on it on many occasions. Toews said himself he wanted to be 100% when he returns, we know he wasn’t 100% last summer because of his condition, why would you assume he couldn’t play at that level and hit the negative bandwagon it.
Ebony, you are describing a #3 Center. There is no disgrace in that for Toews. It is a very necessary position to advance in the playoffs. He wins faceoffs,plays responsible defense,and plays below the end line. He has stopped being relevant in the slot area and explosive rushes up ice a few years ago. I know it’s not a fair comparison at this point but your top line centers should look like McDavid,McKinnon,Barzal,Barkov,Scheiffle,etc. Hopefully Dach and Borgstrom can evolve into that.
TimW, please list all the #3 centers who score 0.85ppg (60 points in 70 games), top-5 in faceoffs and play solid defense in all 3 zones.
By definition, there are 31 #1 centers in the league. You listed the cream of the crop but that doesn’t mean Toews playing at the 2019/20 level wouldn’t be a #1 center, and certainly the Hawks’ #1 center.
Even when Toews was unquestionably a #1 center he was never a top scoring guy. I’m not sure how to quantify the intangeables Toews has always brought to the team, nor am I sure he would still command the respect those intangeables provided him after taking a year off – but if yes, then he most certainly is a #1 center and to state he isn’t is just nonsense.
Raptor
According to Tim W
He is a number 3 center on a playoff team . Not in the league..so there is 16 nom 1 center in front of Toews and 16 number 2 center in front of Toews so all those team have really good centerman …wow ..
I still think many of those top 5 teams would love to have Toews in their top 2 center anytime ….. specially in playoff…..would they be Glad to have a top notch 2 way second line player like Toews. 100% sure . Hahaha that’s a funny one to put him in third center on any team . Wow…can’t believe I read this today…haha
He also wrote ….third line …at best..at Best …hahaha.. OMB …at Best …WOW .
Another random thought on a non game day
What if the Hawks want to protect Z and Stillman in the Seattle draft would Duncan Keith waive his NMC in order to open up another slot – I don’t think he would retire a) because he still wants to play and b) because of the recapture penalty on his contract
It seems unlikely Seattle would select a 38 year old Keith (by draft day) or perhaps Stan could throw a low end draft pick Seattle’s way to not take Keith
Just an idea because I get the feeling Z will be back on a reasonable contract just based on things Stan and Z have both said
I was waiting for the write-up to comment and give my annoying ratings to us “average fans”, because I think it’s fun. So, I read a bunch of posts as you guys are way more interesting than anything a Blackhawks writer has to say. So, here goes:
Regula – he looked so poised and his excellent skating ability is what surprised me, but his overall defensive game and size is what really impressed me. Another keeper!
Zadarov – He’s not 20, he’s a 5 year vet who hasn’t improved. Just look at Gustav Forsling! He’s 24 and is greatly improved since we dumped him. Do you think we could trade Zadarov for Forsling straight up? Not a chance! Zadarov has to go.
Strome – There are games where Strome is so active and involved and looks like a difference maker, and other games where he is in a fog and nowhere to be found. So, that got me thinking about his concussions. He must have some serious health issues and we should either let him heal, or let him heal somewhere else. We cannot count on him to be a vital part of this team.
Gaudette-Hinostroza-Connelly – Of the three, I prefer Vinnie the most. I love his IQ, his effort, and his speed. But, he is a UFA, so we will see. I would like to see Gaudette back because he looks like he could really contribute. I think Connelly will be back because he is under contract and he is a more than capable bottom six forward.
Towes – Now, this is my educated guess. I could be wrong, but when there is a veil of secrecy by the front office and by the player and his reps, it usually means substance abuse issues and rehab is involved. If Towes were sick, what is the shame in that – being sick? We are all human and susceptible to illness, but if there are substance abuse issues, then those have adverse repercussions to a players reputation, his future prospects, and the club culture. Lest we forget that we had Crawford’s and Kane’s substance and alcohol abuse and situations. I doubt that Towes will be a member of the Blackhawks again!
Would CBJ take Z, Strome, Kurashev and a #2 this year for Jones? If not add a #3 for next year.
Or same players and our #1 next year for Jones and their lowest #1 this year.
JR – no I don’t think so from CBL POV
Start with next year’s #1 add Kurashev (or Hagel) and Boquist (or whichever young D man they like) and maybe that’s enough – it would be pricey but worth it
sports illustrated projected kraken draft. de haan goes from the hawks. perfect.
don’t sign 16 and four spots every night along with 2 & 5 for young guys to learn their trade.
Last draft Bowman traded Kruger for future considerations and TVR was picked by Vegas. Wouldn’t be surprised if a similar type pf deal was done again with Dehaan and maybe Carpenter, 2 players in about the same standing with the team this time around.
@wrap @jr roman..Seth Jones starts at Dach plus a first or Debrincat straight up..Taylor Hall was traded for Larsson straight up..and Jones is a legitimate number 1 defenseman who is right handed..besides a number one center, it’s the most coveted position on an nhl roster..and Columbus doesn’t have cap concerns..unless they’re blown away by an offer, they’ll probably look to hang on to Jones and Werenski and try to built their roster around them plus Laine..however, they are weak down the middle and at winger besides Laine..so Dach plus picks or Debrincat would be who Columbus would want..either of which is a pass for me.
@ian..agreed..I see DeHaan getting picked by Seattle if for no other reason than it give them an upcoming ufa defenseman come next year’s tdl..and I see at least one or two smaller moves happening as well since the Hawks have so many forwards in line to compete for spots in the bottom six next year..could easily see Carpenter being moved to try and free up a roster spot..
@timw..I see one fatal flaw in your logic regarding Toews..you stated that in the nhl today, your number one center should be in the same class of player as McDavid,McKinnon,Barzal,Barkov, etc..but these are all players that are 25 or younger (and the reason each of these teams was in a position to draft these centers is because, while the Hawks were winning three cups, they were in the lottery for the past decade)..Toews is 33 years old..his contemporaries weren’t drafted five years ago..his contemporaries are Kopitar, Staal, Bergeron, Crosby, Malkin, etc..You wouldn’t compare Kopitar to McDavid, so why is Toews being compared incorrectly? As far as nhl centers who are now in their 30s, Toews compares favorably to each except for Crosby, but Toews was never a 100 point scorer even in his prime..Toews is certainly a number 1 center right now regardless of which of the top two lines he centers..or is your argument that you would rather have McDavid or McKinnon on the Hawks right now? Because in order for that to be reality, it means forgoing three cups in six years..I’d much rather have the stanley cups.
@ebonyraptor..there is still value in bringing over Shalunov for a season if he’s interested..the Hawks could use some additional size down the middle but they could also use a bit of experience on their roster..whether khl or nhl experience, the Hawks are going to be fielding an incredibly young roster next year. Shalunov can help offset that from an age and physical maturity standpoint. His presence also means that the Hawks could better evaluate their wingers. Whether it’s Nylander, Reichel, Suter, etc..it would be nice to see how our young wingers look when they’re on a line with a center who has the size to drive the middle of the ice and create space..so from a rebuilding and evaluation point of view, Shalunov can certainly assist, even if it’s only one year. But I don’t think it will be one year. I think Strome is moved before next season..I think the Hawks have really soured on him..so if he’s moved, his cap hit goes to Shalunov and I think he signs for two years to begin his nhl career. Just my assumption for how our roster may look next year.
Off the top of my head I have a short list of 1st line playoff Centers. You can decide if you think Toews will be playing at their levels I guess. McDavid,McKinnon,Scheiffle,Matthews,Barkov,Pointe,Crosby,Barzal,Bergeron,Oreilley,Aho,Staal,Kopitar,Seguin,. Time marches on. Teams need a dynamic top line Center and they need a shutdown Center that can kill penalties and win faceoffs. This is a site for opinions based on watching lots of NHL games hopefully without denigrating someone’s opinion. I too can type a bunch of WOW,s about what I read but I choose just to provide my opinions on what I see.
Slayer, I completely agree that it’s not fair to compare Toews to young dynamic Centers. I believe though that is exactly what the Hawks need and I think we agree that Toews is no longer that at this time age wise and health wise.
World Championships start May 21st and end June 6th, Reichel, Borgstrom and Shalunov are all going to playing in them, get a look at them there hopefully. Usually that’s often when elcs are signed too, then or shortly before or after.
Many of you have brought up some great points. So, let’s talk about them some more. Toews may come back. If he does, there is zero shame in dropping to #2. Steve Yzerman had to, but Federov was #1. Dach has A LOT of offseason work to do. Get stronger, skate better, and work on his FO%. He’s bad at it. Will Borgstrom sign with the Blackhawks? If he does, does he start with the team? Is he a #1 Center? I’d like to see more of Gaudette at center. If he has a good FO% that would be a definite plus. Kampf is with the team solely because of his FO ability. Although I won’t discount his defensive PK prowess either. Until then, if Toews comes back, he’ll most likely be #1.
The draft has some interesting possibilities. The team could possibly draft D-Carson Lambos or Daniil Chayka. Offensively, it’s possible the team could draft Cole Sillinger or Mason McTavish. Both centers. For my money, either Lambos or Sillinger would be my preference.
There’s a bunch of scenarios with the kids. Who stays, who goes. Guys like Johnson, Hardman, and Entwistle are just as fun to watch as Hagel. I do hope that Lukas Reichel can make the jump, but he’ll probably start in Rockford. I just don’t see a place with Hinostroza or Suter on the active roster. One or the other…not both. Both are fast and have skills. The problem is that neither one is a top 6 FWD. Josiah Slavin is really interesting. Nylander is not even in my thoughts. He may have million dollar talent but he has a 10 cent head. I really do hope that I am wrong. Strome played his way off the roster. Which is a shame. I was rooting for him to step up. All in all, it will be an interesting off season, draft, and mini-camp, preseason and then 2021-22.
Borgstrom was over 50% on fos in his league this year and continued to remain well over the 50% mark during his playoff run. Dach will improve on his fos, players like Mcdavid, Mackinnon, Barzal and Pointe etc. struggled to get over 40% on fos early in their carers and still haven’t gotten over 50 % in a season yet. They could end up having a nice well rounded group of centers, Toews, Dach and Kampf are all strong defensively, Toews and Kampf are make a strong fo combo, Dach and Toews can add some offense, all 3 can battle for pucks and are strong on pk. Throw in Borgstrom who has the offensive skills, fos potential looks good, would be able to help a pp unit like Toews and Dach. Can’t really say where his defensive game is and basically Shalunov would say same as Borgstrom if he were to finally come. Both bring good size especially if Dach bulks up little make a difference there. Possible center could become a strength of a forward group that could be pretty decent by end of next season after they decide what wingers are sticking around. Edman any one of those for a first draft pick would be a very good player.
After chatting with a couple of NHL Hockey fanatics over a few beers last night I learned that I slighted a few quality top line Centers from my original list off the top of my head. So I decided just for the heck of it to check the NHL web site to see who they had listed as their top 20 Centers and I found that I missed-Tavares,Draisaital,Malkin,Eichel,Giroux,Couturier,Petterson,Zibanejad. I assume that they did not have Toews listed because he did not play this season.
TimW, you’re entitled to your opinion, as you point out, and you’re entitled to express your opinion at this site. Just as I’m entitled to my opinion and I’m entitled to express my disagreement with your opinion with no personal animosity intended.
My opinion is the 2019/20 Toews qualified as a #1 center whether he was or wasn’t better than other #1 centers in the league. Aside from league-wide perspective, the 2019/20 Toews would be the best center on the Hawks roster by a far margin, thereby making him the Hawks #1 center irrespective of other teams.
TimW as noted in your list Philly is deep at Center, actually Giroux has played mostly wing this year with, Couturier as no.1 C, Hayes and just extended Laughton look like their middle 6 fixtures. That leaves Nolan Patrick as the odd man out, kinda of an injury risk, however looks like the migraine cluster headache issue is under control with medication. May never be a no 1 C, but at 22 should be a top 2 or 3 C with offensive upside and his size allows him to play a shutdown game. His career fos nos are north of 51%, would sooner see Bowman take a chance him over Shalunov in middle 6 C until Borgstrom devolops and give a long term future at center with Dach, Borgstrom, Patrick trending up, as Toews continues to age and play a reduced over next few years.
Veteran winger Cam Atkinson, who played for Tortorella during the coach’s entire tenure in Columbus, talked about how much he appreciated his time with him. “It’s been six years together. Learned a lot from him. Definitely grown, not just as a hockey player, but as a person,” he said. “That’s all you want as a player. A coach that trusts you.”
Sounds like the kind of guy that could develop young players AND take the team to the next level. A proven winner with every team he has coached and a Stanley Cup.
It’s sad that Bowman is probably too insecure to hire him.
WIJG when Colliton was hired I commented shortly after, that when time was ready to win another coach would be hired and Colliton would move up to Gm and Bowman to McDonough’s spot. Well Bowman got his promotion, and Gm job is vacant and to be filled at a later date, not sure if it’s coincidence or not but sure looks to me like that may still happen.
I don’t see Colliton as a General Manager. I have always been a Tortorella guy. He holds players accountable. John Davidson,Ken Hitchcock, Gerard Gallant Dale or Mark Hunter,would all look good as GM,s working with Tortorella. It certainly would not be boring and the end of soft play would arrive with a loud bang.
Ian and Tim W. – both good points.
Colliton seems like the ideal guy – then and now – for Rockford. I know of no qualifications he has to be a GM. There may be, I just don’t know it.
On the other hand, as Tim W. points out, there are many known entities with experience and successes to choose from.
But, then again, Bowman had known entities with experience and successes to choose from for a Head Coach 3 years ago.
Lankinen in the net tonight with Beaudin and Mitchell entering the lineup. 7 D and 11 Forward lineup tonight. The Stars don’t play real motivated hockey when there is nothing on the line. With them being eliminated and coming off a couple of games with the Bolts,I could see them mailing it in tonight and maybe Monday night too.
Until Toews returns and we can see with our own eyes what kind of player he will be, it’s pointless to speculate. The argument about him being a first line center is also pointless. Take any of the centers that were being compared to Toews and put them on the Hawks, does that make this team a playoff/contender without any other moves? No? Then what the hell are we talking about? One player is not enough to fix this team right now, so why don’t we lighten up on the guy who captained this team to three Cups in the previous decade? He isn’t the answer nor is he the problem with this roster.
Like this to see these guys play and think future young waver core players.
IAN
May 8, 2021 at 8:47 pm
World Championships start May 21st and end June 6th, Reichel, Borgstrom and Shalunov are all going to playing in them, get a look at them there hopefully. Usually that’s often when elcs are signed too, then or shortly before or after.
How about Torts as asst GM?
Miroslav agree, that’s my point of having a well rounded group of centers who can play in all or most situations, nobody has to be superman and carry the team, whether it’s Toews, Dach or or whoever. We all want a generational type 1C who never gets old and a team that keeps winning but that’s not reality of the game. Roster is just taking shape, not a finished product yet.
JR – Bowman would never let anyone into the organization that knows more about hockey and – more importantly – that he cannot lord over.
Very True JG
Ditto John Galt: StanBo would never hire Torts, plus I don’t see StanBo giving up the GM job either. He can always whine to Rocky about how valuable he is to the Organization. If and when it gets too hot in the kitchen next year, he can just tell Rocky he made a mistake with Kid Coach and then he’d be forced to hire a veteran coach or then he’s out the door. But that will be a couple more years probably with him running the ship. And what decent seasoned coach would take the job??? He’d have to take a retread.
Did Hawks win again today?
Who didn’t play in the WIN?
Hawks finally looking like a Fast competing team again.
See tomorrow if it continues….
Go HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!
Just trying to remember. Wasn’t Q hired as a consultant or something first then made Head coach?
JR, Q was hired as scout a month before becoming head coach.