Blackhawks Lose 8-5 Despite 4-Point Night From Patrick Kane
After battling with some of the better teams in the NHL over the last couple weeks, the Blackhawks went into New Jersey on Monday night looking for a victory.
Their effort did not reflect a team that wanted a W, however.
The first period was ugly. Chicago was out-shot 11-5 but trailed only 1-0 thanks to a nice effort from Cam Ward in net. The Hawks’ skaters were flat footed from the jump and Jersey’s speed was controlling the action.
If the Hawks were bad and lucky in the first period, their good fortune ran out in the second.
Patrick Kane was able to tie the game up with a power play goal three minutes into the second.
Jonathan Toews and Dylan Strome were credited with assists on Kane’s 26th of the season.
Over the course of the next 15 minutes the Devils scored five times to take a 6-1 lead. The ugly Blackhawks of October and November came out to play and the Devils took every advantage.
But even as the wheels were completely off, the crap had taken a couple turns in the fan and every other negative cliche had come to fruition, the Hawks once again showed some comeback ability.
Just 21 seconds after Kevin Rooney scored his first career NHL goal to make the score 6-1, Kane scored his second of the period off a nice pass from Henri Jokiharju.
Brent Seabrook sniped home the 100th goal of his NHL career 42 seconds later to make the score 6-3.
And things were at least intriguing going to the third.
New Jersey had a 25-18 shot advantage after 40 minutes and a three-goal lead but the Hawks had a little momentum. Jeremy Colliton tried to catch some of that fire by inserting Collin Delia into the game to start the third period in place of Ward, who had allowed six goals against those 25 shots. Ward wasn’t sharp, but he didn’t get much help.
Unfortunately, the Hawks needed to score the next goal to make things really interesting but they didn’t. Brett Seney scored eight minutes into the third to give the Devils a 7-3 lead.
Chicago came right back, though, Dominik Kahun scored his seventh of the year 38 seconds later to get the Hawks back to within three again.
The only assist on the Kahun goal went to Carl Dahlstrom.
With 90 seconds left in regulation, after Kane just missed a hat trick, Brandon Saad scored his 13th of the season to cut the lead to 7-5. Kane did pick up an assist on the play, his fourth point of the evening.
Delia went straight to the bench after the faceoff to give the Blackhawks an extra attacker.
That didn’t work, though. Blake Coleman scored his second of the night with 33 seconds left on the clock to make the score 8-5. An exhausted, frustrated Kane skated to the bench after the goal. His night ended with nine shots on net.
A full line brawl broke out with 14 seconds left. Rooney hit David Kampf clean and it got crazy. Connor Murphy jumped in and then Drake Cagguila dropped the gloves and threw hands with Ben Lovejoy. Plenty of early showers to end the night on a debacle.
The Blackhawks skated seven defensemen in the game with Slater Koekkoek (wearing number 68) making his Chicago debut. He was beaten badly by Kyle Palmieri on his first of two goals in the second period – which gave Jersey a 2-1 lead at the time – and found himself stapled to the bench for a while. He finished on the ice for 12:27 with two shots on net.
Erik Gustafsson was benched for the entire third period.
Kane skated 28:50, the highest total of his career. He was the only Chicago skater with a multi-point game.
Dahlstrom was plus-three while Duncan Keith was minus-five. Dahlstrom skated six fewer minutes than Keith. Go figure.
Delia stopped 14 of 15 in the third period.
Where would the Hawks be (how much worse) without Hall of Fame player and play of Kane? He could easily pack it in this year, and he is only playing better without a supporting cast on a dog breath team.
This what you get w Bowman wasting (yes I am repeating myself) another full season of Kane & Toews. Who constructs a terrible team, leave the hall of fame coach hanging out to dry, fires him, and hires his replacement with a year and change coaching in North America? Brookbank looks the part on the bench more than the head coach. Really.
It’s wonderful Bowman got rid of Rutta s cap hit for this season, whoopee. Why on Earth would you trade for another D man? Does Bowman collect D men? There is a dire shortage of forwards, and yet another D man is brought onto the team.
Speaking of forwards (and Q did this as well as few times unsuccessfully to be fair), what kind of lineup was that tonight? Not only the 7 D men, but the bottom 5 forwards were a joke. Kampf has how many goals playing heavy minutes this season? He is barely an NHL forward, and a 4th liner at best.
At least the coach has the excuse he is as green as Kermit the frog; Bowman has no more excuses. Get him on the next bus back to Notre Dame or Europe where he can scout players.
They should not play Kane so many minutes. He will be exhausted for the Stanley Cup Finals. In all seriousness, what is the point of 28 minutes? Colliton has done some questionable things but if Kane gets hurt during one of these marathons, they will really come calling for Colliton’s head.
This game merits no additional comment beyond the fact that Duncan Keith was minus 5. Amazing.
If the Hawks played again before Thursday I’m sure Kane’s minutes wouldn’t have been as big. Worth noting the schedule does play a role in that.
Rob’s – great point. Keith with possibly his worst game ever and Gustafson gets benched. Why not both of them?
At this point in the season it is hard to argue with these statements. I would agree with the addition of Hossa’s aging, and now his retirement. That was also not for seen.
Are the hawks going to admit they are playing for a lottery pick and a couple of free agents?
Iceman-I understand him getting defensemen. What I dont get is why he keeps trying to find gold in these 6th or 7th dmen. Go get a stud already.
Sometimes teams have these types of games where they stumble and bumble around and are a half step slow and out of position all game long. We saw a lot of those games earlier in the season but not many lately until tonight. The poor effort wasn’t due to playing 7 d-men and only 11 forwards, nor was it due to Colliton being a rookie coach and not handling the game situation as well as a veteran coach may have. The loss tonight was because the Hawks don’t have a very good lineup and when they don’t play their best they can get outclassed like they did tonight – even by a team that isn’t very good either.
Colliton’s decision to play 7 d-men meant Kunitz and Hayden didn’t play – big deal! Everyone wants Kunitz to sit and Hayden hasn’t been any better than any of the other bottom feeders the Hawks have on their roster. Colliton’s decision to staple Gustafsson to the bench for the 3rd period is something he should be appreciated for. Gustafsson was -3, eclipsed only by Keith’s -5 tonight. Unfortunately, not all d-men can be stapled to the bench even though more than just Gustafsson played bad enough to warrant it.
Just think how bad this team would be without Kane. Amazing player having a very good season and a very very good run lately.
I vote Iceman for head coach-GM-President-
Could they have a better team this year-yes. But they’re doing this the right way, under the circumstances handed to them by winning three Cups. You can’t win three Cups and then be really good forever. Don’t some people get that?
Have there been mistakes-yes. But I’ll repeat this again-Kane and Toews won three Cups, and combined are getting ridiculous money–they have one of the best jobs in the world and are adored by thousands. They will survive a wasted year and can hopefully stick around long enough for another run at a Cup. Will it work out again-probably not as there are 30 other teams chomping at the bit to win just one freaking Cup-it’s hard to do.
I’m actually OK with Bowman being fired but this ongoing narrative is insane.
Loags: if they believe they have studs coming in Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin, Carlsson + Jokiharju….
Why does this coach not use the timeout? If nothing else to break the other teams rhythm or chew some ass when needed. He just stands there with that deer in the headlights look. And did Toews look like he was skating in mud tonight when he wasn’t picking his ass off the ice. If Kane had a winger that could keep up his numbers would be out of sight. Yes we could use Panarin!!
God forbid Keith should have a seat on the bench. It’s sickening already. I’m also sick of Foley and Enzo constantly looking to praise Keith but never pointing out his mistakes. It’s always someone else to blame. I also agree 7 D men dressed is ridiculous. No one looked in sync.
This team constantly loses board battles, which leads to turnovers. Again, when March gets here and this team is at the bottom, Stan should be fired because he told everyone, “this is a playoff team”.
The rumor since Q was fired was that he was told to not take any other job offers because he (Q) is the next GM. According to a source within the Hawk organization, Q was on the bandwagon to get Brookbank to the NHL level because when Q becomes the new GM, Brookbank will be the new head coach.
The other thing that really bothers me is all the “no trade” clauses that Stan has given out. You can tell that other GM’s have watched the tumbling down of the Hawks because all of them are of the mind set that they no longer put “no trade” clauses in their player contracts.
The one thing that I do like is we play a little more of a physical game and it’s nice to see Murphy stand up for his team mates when somebody takes liberties with them.
As far as Ward goes, he let in 3 goals that he should have stopped, tonight. Let’s just ship him off to a contender and get a draft choice. He’s not going to lead us to any playoff spot. Let Delia and an AHL back up handle the load until Crow gets back, then let Crow play and show him off for a contender and then trade him for a high draft pick. Crow will be 36-37 when this team is good enough to win, again.
Can you tell that I am slightly disgusted? I just wanna get to the playoffs and see the Predators lose so I can go down there and make fun of another banner that will say, “We almost made it 2018-2019”.
I’m not saying Q shouldn’t have been let go; how about before or after the season? Whoever believes this coach can handle an NHL in-game bench and command the room is smoking some good stuff. He would make a good assistant coach, he has some good ideas, but that’s apples and oranges compared to being the head coach of the Hawks.
At best, he is learning on the job; this is acceptable to the Hawks’ hierarchy who thought (for certain said) this was a playoff team? Hired by the GM who found him in Europe on a scouting vacation? Did he consult with the Bulls GM — who told us Fred hoiberg was the next Steve Kerr — before hiring Colliton?
Give me a break, Bowman.
Yikes. That was awful and ugly. No reason to over analyze. The Lose for Hughes crowd should be ecstatic. Monday night hockey after a long weekend of sports generally stinks. Case in point, tonight.
Playing 7 d is silly AHL nonsense.
Why are so many hung up on Bowman saying they were a playoff team – what else is he going to say?
If you believed him shame on you – you’re not paying attention to how NHL GMs speak for public consumption
When the Hawks land a top draft choice and Colliton has most of a year’s experience under his belt, and do the young players, a couple of UFAs are signed (possibly Panarin) and some other young players like Boqvist and/or Kurashev are added people will be singing a different tune
Isn’t this what we should want – the young players learning (looking at you Gus) and a top draft choice
Stop the whining or give back your 3 cups
I don’t know if Colliton is a “good coach” everything considered but I also can’t agree with the notion that he is in over his head and a deer in the headlights – and neither can anyone else not in the locker room. Conjecture and opinion is all well and good on a message board as it is the fuel that keeps message boards active but that’s all it is. We fans don’t know what the inside objectives are and therefore are in no position to judge whether or not Colliton is meeting or falling short of those objectives. The “run Colliton out of town” crowd were very vocal when the Hawks couldn’t win a game but have been pretty quiet when they’ve been playing better until tonight when they played poorly and out of the woodwork scurry the Colliton critics. It’s nonsense. Q couldn’t win with this team and he’s a future HOF’er, and neither could any other coach. One thing that Colliton may have over Q is the willingness to sacrifice games to the loss column in service to the greater good for the future. That’s not to say Colliton isn’t trying to win games but maybe he prioritizes future development more than Q did – maybe – I don’t know that for a fact – mere conjecture on my part.
How do we get Q as GM??? Brookbank as coach OK, he knows this crew….Just Fire Bowman please….I’m ready to move on from where we are currently at which is second to last place. I would be more than happy with Q and Brookbank running things rather than Bowman and Colliton. Colliton has been ok so far…..I have more faith in Brookbank/Q handling the Veterans and Rookies than Colliton. Maybe Brookbank will use a timeout also, we can only hope….
I have no comment on the current game but I have to call Toews out on the OT looser against Nashville the other night….How do you let Forsberg just man handle you???? This looks like the last Playoff run all over again. Ohh Captain my Captain please learn how to beat that guy….
Was stuck in traffic listening on the radio. When they gave Kane’s minutes I thought the same thing as Tab. The Hawks have three day’s rest, otherwise they would not have worked him like that. Of course, 4 points is enough to charge up even a future Hall Of Famer.
Agree with Wrap and ER. Stop criticizing Colliton. This is a rebuilding year and he should be given a chance. Now is the time to give the youngsters lots of playing time so that the line-up gets sorted out for next season. Q would have been in about the same spot. With good quality in the pipeline, I believe better years are just ahead of us.
One bright side: All other teams with losing records won tonight, keeping the Hawks in play for a very high pick.
I have no problem with them getting so many defenseman right now; nothing wrong with it. The bigger problem to me was the signing of Ward and Kunitz……yeah Ward has been entertaining and thanfully leading the team to a better draft pick , but Kunitz is time and money wasted on what could have been….anyone else….anyone; Steve Maltais would have been a better choice than Kuntiz.
Holy thats a lot of goals.
Good for top 6 pick.
Every time we do not get win, thats good for that.
Every time we win thats good.
Cant go wrong this yr.
Top 6 pick, gets us back to top 5 team/roster wise.
OTT-COL 7
CHI 7
LA 7
PHI 6
DET 6
gap
NWJ 2
ARI 2
FLR 2
@ Iceman:
“Whoever believes this coach can handle an NHL in-game bench and command the room is smoking some good stuff. ”
Never smoked anything but your statement is just frustration spilling over.
1. None of us have any idea if Colliton can command the room. Any speculation in that regard is pure conjecture. What we do know is Colliton is an excellent communicator and the young players he had in Rockford rave about him. He also was recently lauded in a TSN poll “Top 40 Under 40” in hockey in terms of respect, ability, potential, and impact to date.
2. The handling a bench comment is just an opinion of a fan vs. what Colliton actually does. There are reasons, and probably good reasons, why ice time and line match ups are what they are. Reasons none of us are privy to, it is only guesswork on our part.
This organization’s focus at the moment is development, they are seeing who can be part of things moving forward. As such, players are put in different roles to see what they can handle (see Joki being tried out on left side).
Agree with the poster who commented on Bowman saying a few months ago this is a playoff team. What was he supposed to say at that point, “we are terrible, we will tank this year, we will sink like a stone in the standings”. No NHL GM says that. Plus things change in a matter of weeks in the NHL, look at St. Louis, they were awful and now sit 3 points out of a wildcard.
To close, Bowman is not saying those things now because there are a lot less games left on the schedule.
@ Knox:
Quenneville is a coach, not a general manager. It’s a good idea to not believe everything you hear or read in today’s social media world. The idea of Quenneville transitioning to a GM role at age 60 is far fetched, his skill set is coaching.
Brookbank being promoted to the NHL staff was Colliton, it was the plan all along. Barry Smith was/is a placeholder because he has a ton of experience behind an NHL bench and the two (Smith and Colliton) had an excellent rapport in Rockford last year with Smith’s role in player development.
Bad game forget about it, on with the reload. Ok with Colliton coaching the young guys at this point. Frustrating watching the man on man defensive system sometimes, not 100% sold on that.
For this game I will focus only on Kane’s second goal. WOW!
Perfect crisp pass to Kane for the wicked one timer that had the goalie stunned.
That was a highlight reel beauty.
Next.
A Steve Maltais reference… wow, this has been a bad year! Kane isn’t giving up though.
ER, Wrap and Row A thanks for clarifying/adding to my comments-people do have the right to be frustrated and voice that-
but this year, and last we’re inevitable and normal-enjoy the changing tide (the good, bad and ugly of it) and hopefully things get better.
Even the really good teams are losing by big scores lately–to use a baseball term, the ‘dog days’-Tampa, Caps , Pens and then the Hawks are out of one game (kept fighting) and the Colliton talk starts again. Relax.
The scoring lead is very impressive this year-Kucherov at 75 points -53 assists wow! And then Kaner rising up the board at 30 yrs old-with the young changing face in the top 10-McDavid 21, Rantanen 22, MacKinnon 23, Point 22 and Marner 21 (and Gaudreau who looks 18 but is actually old at 25)
“Loags: if they believe they have studs coming in Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin, Carlsson + Jokiharju….”
Tab, I would agree with this but I do worry that theyre all in the same mold. Could wind up in the defense version of Edmonton Oilers of drafting. Look at all the high picks they had but picking center after center. Theyre still a mess after what ten years of high picks? Yikes. Winnipeg did it right if you look at all their 1st rd draft picks. Chose all sorts of types. Chicago kept drafting the undersized dman with good wheels who likes to carry puck up. Wheres the shot blocker? Wheres the defensive stud? We’ll see I guess.
Just a question on the side. What would a buyout of Seabrook cost? How much space is created? Whats the exact penalty? (I seriously dont know)
Loags buyout happens in offseason.
So caphit for next 5yrs.
3.7m, 6.7m, 3.7m, 6.7m, 5.2m. Then .833m for 5 yrs as it paid overtwice remaing term.
A team needing help to reach cap minimum could have that caphit on a buyout for a cost of .833m annually for the actual cost for term of buyout. His nmc would have to be waived before that could happen.
Loags – there have been times that the organIzation has been higher on a player than the rest of the world (Crawford). There have been times that the rest of the world was higher on a player than the Hawks (Teravainen). Both sides – scouts/analysts + the organization – all feel that Boqvist, Mitchell & Jokiharju have the goods.
Yeah, buyout really doesn’t fit what we want going forward. I think Seabrook ends up in Seattle, or gets bought out if we get a free one with the next CBA (doubtful). He has a lot of pride and would likely opt to retire if he continues to spiral downward. Quality person. Will always be thankful for his “Wakey Wakey” hit on Backes in the playoffs that changed the way the games were being officiated. We don’t win the cup that year if the league didn’t start allowing hockey to be played instead of the crap that was going on out there. Biggest check thrown by a Blackhawks player in recent memory.
Steve Maltais I can live with. Heck of a passer and a true goal scorer. Knocked the living crap out of Jimmy Roy’s face with about 3 solid crosschecks to it while Roy was laying face up on the ice. Cost him a few games but was one of the best things to ever happen in minor league hockey.
Just don’t ask to bring back Bob Nardella.
We thought we saw a difference when simply not have 23/44/14 and 63/5/17/11 in. Just wait until the Four Horsemen are in and then after they get established/and then to 200 gamesish. Going to be a thing of beauty.
Keith was sick. WTH is he even being played, let alone given heavy minutes? Playing Kane almost 1/2 of this hirsesh&t game? Coaches need to have heads examined.
Loags the Oilers were in a position that every year they were drafting 1st overall or close to it looking for a franchise player which they found in Mcdavid. The Bkackhawks had one top 10 pick, Boqvist, hardly a similar trend.
For a few years we kept seeing posts about how no defencemen were drafted since Hammer. Filling a need when drafting best players available is good drafting. Debrincat was in there too, some good looking forward prospects already coming and a high pick most likely a forward in the summer.
I’m not sure Kane playing almost half the game is as big a deal as it’s being portrayed. First, it’s probably more of a one-off than a trend to be concerned about but more to the point is that Kane plays a very controlled game and is probably better at handling big minutes than most forwards in the NHL. He isn’t a “hair on fire” kind of player who is physically spent by the end of the game. He doesn’t get involved physically very often and he picks his spots when to push himself physically. Most guys couldn’t do it because they can’t be effective playing under control the way Kane does.
I’m not advocating he plays half the game all the time but every once in a blue moon isn’t a big deal.
timeout?
I think he threw a flag to contest interference, that’s how lost this coach is. Like dressing 7 dmen!
Oh Stan, Dale Weise is on waivers today, Fleishmann out of hockey since 2015, and Danault best Habs forward! Best centre!!! Best Skater!!! Best faceoff man, best worker!!!!
Thx Bowman!
I think the issue with Kane and his increased minutes is that he is being double shifted with such regularity this season that eventually it will reach a point of diminishing returns. The face that Kane needs to go out there is indicative of the lack fo scoring depth on the team. How long will he be effective playing extended minutes? I get that this last game was more of an anomaly, but he has been logging more ice time this season. Maybe he can handle it, but it would be ideal if the bottom six could be effective enough that he doesn’t have to.
I didn’t see the game, but what seems concerning is that after playing some good hockey against tough teams it sounds like came unraveled against a weak team last night. So why is that?
Honestly, I don’t really know but one thing that seems clear is that our top defensive pair is awfully fragile. DK still has good moments but he can be a turnover machine at any given time. Gus has played better and he is good with the puck which he has had a lot of lately. Without it however, I don’t know how much he has improved and I’ve never seen any clear signs that he has embraced playing better defense. From this angle maybe it’s not surprising we got blown out.
We’re still a weak team and the good news is maybe we’ve already hit rock bottom. There’s still a long ways to go though, and results like last night are good reminders of that reality.
@Silent Spot
I missed that cross checking to the face; can’t seem to find any clips online course few exist of IHL/ahl hockey.
I recall, I believe it was Jon Sim, sticking the but end of his stick in the face of a Wolve while he was getting pushed into the Phantoms bench. That Jon Sim was quite the factor in them winning the cup that year. Patrick Sharp was on that teams if I recall correctly.
Recliner – here is a link to the story about the incident. Not finding any film, but it was a thing of beauty! https://newspaperarchive.com/winnipeg-free-press-jan-04-2001-p-32/
Sim was another piece of work at that time. Sharp was on the team that beat the Wolves in the championship series 4-0 I believe, and really mucked it up. I asked a visiting Phantom fan about the mucking and mugging and if the team had played that way all year. She simply said that Phantom fans barely recognized their own team by the on-ice behavior, and they hadn’t played that way all year.
That was an NHL lockout year. The Wolves had Bowmeester and a couple other NHL future stars/regulars lent to the team for the playoffs. We were season ticket holders for about 10 years – couldn’t afford the Hawks, even in bad times!
Like Ian, have been saying to draft best available, particularly when the Hawks have so many needs. Despite drafting (small) d-men in the 1st or 2nd rounds lately, if best available is a d-man with size and strength, I wouldn’t hesitate to take him. This position takes longer to develop than offense. Even with some studs in the pipeline, you cannot bank on who will become high-quality NHL players.
Prospects: quiet night
Chl Beaudin 1a
Nordgren returned to lineup for his Finnish team today. Also Nalimov stopped 6 of 7 shots in shootout for win, 23 of 27 in regulation.
Jordy, beating the good teams/and top 10 teams and losing to bottom 10 teams is better for top 6 pick. Its also better for, now, to get better/improve to know even without a full roster we can play with top 10 teams. Playoffs is a different story as teams can cheat even more and being deep is more important then.
This is why I rather get top 6 pcik and have a better roster, with that, then get stuck with a 10-20 pick and not get rewarded for having a shit record/last and this yr. We deserve that top elite skill player. As paid our dues with salary cap winning a dynasty. We didnt get it handed to us on a platter like VEG.
Just read interesting link from another blog (forgive me if it was posted here too-)
Looking at Dismal advanced metrics on Hawk’s D men…
WOW- we are really bad!!!
example was- breaking up O-Plays at Hawk’s blue line…
Joker was highest % – around 11%!!! by comparison- Canes had 5 D-guys at around 20%!!! That is AWFUL…. Gus and Keith were actually as bad as Seabs I believe
YIKES!!!!!
In all due respect to a great Hawk and future HOF Keith is Mr Turnover and lacking awareness now. He tries to play as he did 5 years ago and it’s not there. Seabs knows his limitations now. No speed and can’t get to the pucks. Seabs is also coaching material. His locker room presence is huge for this team.
Noon, I believe were going to win a 4th Cup. Like you said Bowman could have done better last two summers with which ufas he got. I think he and crew did it by design. No terrible way overpay/yrs contracts that you see each summer and wait for the certain guys you want. Prob more then that/or in addition to that is, ufa tanking by design. Players coaches wont do that so how do you, do.
Getting these blue chip players/Boqvist and this draft and others that develop that good, is the way. or like some people want to brainwash themselves thats its impossible no matter what/unless you get lucky and draft two top 100 players of alltime hockey in two draft in the row.
I donot believe a word of that Florida shit. This is planned and smart and like people have said its part of already achieving a dynasty. Goes with the territory. Like the dudes on Yellowstone, keep her going as long as you can then reload, in anyway you possibly can and thats ufa tanks. Really brilliant.
I like Q a lot and have his back. I also like Bowan and crew, the whole organization. So whoevers doing it, do it smart and reload through draft with two top 6 skill players in the row. Also sign elite ufas, which would be fair caphits/not overpays for 2nd and 3rd liners @ 4or5 yrs for 5m caphits.
To get back 81 and 4. That Has to be done.
It has to be tottaly fine that we didnt have the energy to play a game/or forbid two, after we just played hard and good for 11 of 15 games, against top 10 teams. The teams we care about showing we can play and thats without a full roster.
@Silent Spot
unfortunately it looks like I need to pay to view that link; not sure of a way around it.
regarding the Phantoms change in play that is unfortunate. seems a lot of teams do that as the playoffs get deeper. Not sure how I feel about that.
I’m an optimist by nature and therefore think the Hawks can make another run at the Cup while Kane and Toews are still playing at a high level, maybe as early as the 2020/21 season. But, I acknowledge a number of things need to go right or fall into place for that to become a reality – the probability of that happening is lower than we wish it would be. Is it possible – sure. Is it probable – probably not. But, there is something to be said for going for it one more time with Kane and Toews because who knows when the Hawks will ever have 2 Cup winning building block players like them again, if ever. Therefore, I’m in favor of trying to do this reload/rebuild thing on the fly and take our chances.
That said, there was an intriguing trade proposal on another message board that had Kane being traded for a boatload that was probably not realistic but it begs the question is a full blown tear it down rebuild isn’t a better approach to getting the Hawks back into Cup contention, albeit most likely later than the 2020/21 season.
The proposed trade was Kane to Colorado for Ottawa’s 1st, blue chip d-prospect Cale Makar and Tyson Barrie. Putting aside the almost certainty Colorado wouldn’t make that trade – that would be about the best jump start to a full blown rebuild the Hawks could ever get.
Think about what that would mean more than just the obvious affect of losing Kane. First, think what the Hawks would be without Kane – talk about lose for Hughes. And speaking of Hughes, with Ottawa’s pick the Hawks could end up with the first 2 picks in the draft which adds Hughes and Kakko to the Hawks. Kane’s $10.5M cap hit would be off the books which clears $5M factoring in Barrie’s $5.5M cap hit. That extra cap space would provide plenty to sign a Mark Stone. Makar was the #4 OA in 2017 and is projected as the best d-prospect not currently playing in the NHL – better than Joki, Boqvist and everyone else in the Hawks system.
Like I said, I doubt Colorado would do it – but would you?
NO!
Maybe if we did not have several blue chip players already on the way. Being able/having 20-21 m in cap space to get back a 81 and 4 quality of players from ufas this and next summer. Then prob getting some guys like Richards/91 etc to sign for 1 yr for a lot less to stack the roster.
If we had nobody coming, like LA, PIT and other recent top 5-ish teams, and wernt already 2-3 yrs into transition to being fast team speed again, younger and faster and good.
19/88 are to get a 4th Cup and have a chance at a 5th Cup as Black hawks and be those kind of guys like 21 was playing whole career here (not that 2 doesnt deserve to to).
Were not praying to win one Cup at any cost like most teams are and do. Were adding to the best dynasty in hockey since the 80s Islanders and Oilers, then your going back to what the 50s. The salary cap makes it that. This only happens once to 4/5? times every 50 yrs.
We want to add to it, not restart. Not sure if we should have done anything different then exactly what we ve done these two seasons/82 to reload better/unless get Dahlin. We really are doing it the most ideal way.
I understand it’s tough to think about moving on from the T&K era when there’s still a chance to take a run at the Cup with T&K. But, at some point the Hawks will move on and if you don’t get a king’s ransom for Kane sooner you won’t get one later. It’s the same dilemma faced by many sports organizations and the direction taken effects the team for the next decade or more. The question isn’t whether the assets acquired in the trade make the team better the next season or 2 or 3 – it probably would not, The question is whether the assets acquired would improve the team enough to be a contender over the next decade or more.
Would any rational human being on the planet give one second of thought to trading Patrick Kane INSIDE THE DIVISION?
No.
This isn’t trading a 40-year-old Chelios to Detroit. Kane’s 30 and at his peak.
No.
The end.
Just following up on my UFO sighting. :) Ufo being Venus and so forth. https://www.yahoo.com/news/venus-jupiter-conjunction-super-blood-181524015.html
Inside the division-not at all-but most important he has the right to decline
and would he want to-2nd no–but would he go to Buffalo to be with Eichel and Dahlin-maybe as an example
If the premise is could it be possible? Perhaps but not likely:
The only reason I really watch most games the whole way is 88
I find it hard to see this team doing but trying to win with Toews and Kane in the next couple of years. Maybe in 2 or 3 years if things don’t progress as planned then moving them might be an option. Could definitely see something along the lines of moving Keith and/or Seabrook happen in the next year, realistically though.
Thats another thing is were going to be a lot deeper next yr, but still not as deep as we want. Its gotta be that 20-21 season where were deep again and next guys have one full yr. Buckaroo will have 160-240 games under belt. Lets give it up for how good Buckaroo is. Dang good, cant wait until were seeing Four of them out there. just makes the Defense calm and collected.
Stable is the word that feels right and we have a stable of them.
We know Bread Man/Stone this summer.
Who are the elite ufas next summer. Any top pair Defensemen.
Really I am looking at replacing 81 and 4 with elite players. Prob isint any 81 or 4 out there, just elite top 6 FW that is legit and same for a legit top pair guy.
Get those two guys back and have all the young players emerge. Bingo Bango.
Sorry Ebony, there is only one blue chip all star and that is Kane not Makar! Let’s be serious! Fire Bowman
I said Makar was the best d-prospect not currently in the NHL – I didn’t compare him with Kane.
Guys, this season is serving as a great learning experience for the younger guys and hopefully keeping the older guy’s in shape. The Hawks have the room to bring in Panarin no problem with the projected cap space. I am really hoping they move Anisimov for a 2nd or 3rd round pick and that will provide even more space to pick up someone like a Dzingel (Chicago born and raised) if they don’t land Hughes or Kakko in the draft. Boqvist is ready next year, but doubt Krys, Beaudin or Mitchell are, that will come in 2020/2021. Barrat and Kurashev, especially Kurashev, will also likely be ready next year but we have flexibility. Based on my projections taking cap into consideration, this is the team if they get Panarin. Kakko is my top pick personally. Any way you look at this, the Hawks have a lot more options next year up front. Between the draft (all top 5 guys could play next year) and the continued development of Kurashev and Barratt plus the cap room.
The defense will be better next year. Murphy is looking better and better as a shut down physical defender and he can play both sides of the ice. Gus has single handily changed our power play albeit needs to work on Defense. Boqvist will arrive. Jokiharju will get another year under the belt and more confidence. I think the Hawks can grab a wildcard spot next year, and make a legitimate run in 2020/2021 as Mitchell, Krys and Beaudin become more defensive power and our young forwards develop further (Draft pick 2019, Barratt, Kurashev, Kampf, Perlini, Caggs, Strome, Cat.).
Last note; if Crawford retires and I hope he’s putting his health first, then he’ll go on LITR for the last year of his contract of course. That will allow the Hawks to bring in someone like Lehner or I’d be okay with Ward for another year and Delia will get better albeit have some rough patches. Delia has the tools and the kid is only 24 which is very young for a goalie.
The arrow is definitely pointing up!
Forwards:
Saad – Toews – Debrincat (if Kakko)
Panarin – Strome – Kane
Kahun – Kurashev – Dzingel (Debrincat if Kakko…no Dzingel)
Perlini – Kampf – Caggs
depending on draft…Barratt, Cozens, Dach (who’s ready to work into the lineup?)
Defense:
Keith – Jokiharju
Murphy – Boqvist
Gus – Seabs
7th man – Dahlstrom/Forsling
Goalie:
Crawford – if he is LITR, grab Lehner
Delia
Eddie-just a caution-I’ve seen Boqvist play a bit-mostly on TV and once in person–teams that have big quick wingers attack him and to be honest he gets hit a lot-he’s not big with some injury history and worry about him a bit-not offensively, (skating, passing vision) as it’s NHL ready-
He will get stronger but needs to avoid certain type of hits.
Really good post sums it up for what a lot of people have been saying, overall, for going forward. No matter how anyone looks at it, were going to be deep again in 2yrs.
Nice post Eddie….some interesting options as soon as next year as long as two things happen…..they sign Panarin (or Stone) and one of the young defensemen step up to top 4 quality next season.
I would put the brakes on Boqvist being top 4 next season. I’ve seen him try to defend guys protecting the puck along the wall, and he can’t. He just pokes his stick at them hoping to get lucky and knock it away. Think of a grown man trying to be defended by a 5th grade kid. That’s what it looks like. And that is why some of the London coaches were asking if he shouldn’t be moved to forward. The Hawks want him to be the next Karlsson but the book is very much still out on his defensive / physical game.
If the Hawks are fortunate to get the #1 pick – they should check with Vancouver to see if they would be interested in having another brother combo with Jack and Quinn Hughes. if yes, then trade the #1 (Hughes) and our 2nd to Vancouver for Elias Pettersson and Vancouvers’s 1st (they are in 12th positions right now). There would be a pretty good player sitting there at #12 – maybe a Lavoie or Zegras.
I read somewhere Sam Pollock told the board of Governors that a rule should be adopted not allowing the new expansion teams in 1967 to trade their potential 1st overall draft picks. It was rejected and he proceeded to pile up no. 1 picks from weak teams and the Habs went on to win 8 of the first 12 cups in expansion era.
Not saying its exactly the same today but look at ness Sens have themselves in trading their no.1 pick to Avs.
Also imagine if in 2007 Blackhawks management had listened to naysayers that the no.1 overall pick didn’t have size and strength to be a force in NHL and traded it.
Not going to start ripping on two worst dynasty teams. Red wings had 95m payrolls in mid 90s when every other team had 25m? and Canadians had first 10 draft picks every draft then other teams got to pick players, for how many yrs? Seems like that stuff would make those two the worst dynastys of the 7 teams that had.
Theres a reason why Montreal hasnt won/or much since the 70s they donot have that bog of a advantage anymore. Same with Red wings, they really won once with same draft selections/salary cap when it was the same as every other team.
Eddie, great post. Have been saying that next year may be just making the playoffs, as our young players gain experience, a couple of pipeline studs are ready to make the leap, and fa signings. But for a serious run, it will take an additional two years. I know, the clock is ticking on K&T.
Regarding AA, I think he could fetch a late 2nd rounder for a playoff-bound team with an injured center. If our GM would trade a 2nd and conditional 4th (which became a 2nd) for washed up Timonen (are you kidding me?), I would think we could do better with AA. Also, if Keith could return a late 1st rounder, the Hawks should do this.