Blackhawks Win Preseason Opener In OT
It took 3:01 into overtime for the Blackhawks to earn a victory, but the 2014-15 preseason got off to a winning start at the United Center on Tuesday night.
Jonathan Toews scored the overtime game-winner to send the fans home happy, and Patrick Kane scored a gorgeous game-tying goal on a breakaway in the second period. Duncan Keith had assists on both goals and skated 24:20 on the night.
Among the other regular NHL players on Tuesday night, Brent Seabrook skated 23:52 and was credited with two blocked shots and three hits. Niklas Hjalmarsson was credited with two blocked shots in 19:06 and Brandon Saad led Hawks forwards with 19:54 on the ice and was credited with one hit and one blocked shot.
One interesting play by coach Joel Quenneville was pairing Saad with Phillip Danault on penalty kill duty. Danault spent his even strength ice time stuck between a couple pylons (Brandon Mashinter and Cody Bass), but played very well while short-handed with Saad. In the game, Danault skated 3:50 on PK and was credited with two blocked shots and two hits in the game. He also won eight of 12 faceoffs on the night.
Bass was credited with four hits and dropped the gloves with Aaron Rome after Rome chirped Patrick Sharp late in a shift. Both Mashinter and Bass challenged Rome, but Bass was the guy who got into the worthless fight (that ended with him on his back).
On the blue line, Klas Dahlbeck was paired with Niklas Hjalmarsson and looked more comfortable as the game progressed. He finished with 19:38 on the ice, including 3:57 on penalty kill. Kyle Cumiskey skated well and blocked two shots in 18 minutes of ice time; he was paired with Michal Rozsival.
Brad Richards skated 17:28 and was credited with one assist, one hit, one takeaway and two shots on net. He won eight of 14 faceoffs.
The only Hawks center to struggle at the dot was Dennis Rasmussen, who won only three of 11. He spent the night between Jeremy Morin and Matt Carey at even strength, and was credited with three hits and one blocked shot in 13:55. At times, Rasmussen did an effective job of establishing position in front of the Detroit net.
Detroit killed four penalties easily in the game, and the Hawks killed four as well (including three in the first period). The Wings out-shot the Hawks 12-4 in the second period and 22-19 in the game. Luke Glendening scored the only goal for the visitors.
Corey Crawford started the game and allowed one goal against 14 shots in 31:47. Scott Darling earned the victory in relief, stopping all eight shots he faced in 31:14. Darling looked good in the game, making a number of tough stops through traffic.
And this happened:
I thought Cumiskey looked very good. He has good wheels and showed he knows how to skate the puck out. His positioning and decision making looked good too. If Stan trades a d-man to get under the Cap, I think Cumiskey may have a legit shot at making the team.
The Hawks started kinda slow and it looked like their timing was off, but they got better as the game wore on. Not bad for the first preseason game.
Jeez, I wish I knew how to edit a post – I should have added this to my previous post regarding Cumiskey: it’s only one game and the Wings didn’t do much in the way of forechecking. We’ll have to see how Cumiskey reacts under a withering forecheck.
With Cumiskey, barker, dahlbeck, rundblad all pushing to make the club where is the room ? I realize a trade of leddy is possible but there seem to be a lot of defensemen vying for very few spots and trying to differentiate might even be tough.
Cumiskey did look/skate well- Great call by Mike (I think it was him)…
ER- I agree- we need to see how he skates/works/holds up under a real forecheck…
but so far looks like a real shot of sticking
Darling– looks like Smith/Yotes size… imo- this kid could put up great numbers with right type of D in front of him (yotes or 2013 Hawks for example)
Nice to see PP in mid-season form!!!!!! yikes
Barker DOES NOT HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION. Please stop including him in the list of potential contributors at the NHL level this season. The Hawks have 7 defensemen on the NHL roster now as it is (including Rundblad, not including Cumiskey) and Cumiskey joins a talented list of prospects fighting for a call if/when a d-man is dealt. Dahlbeck looked good last night, Johns is a beast and Clendening has a brighter future with the organization than a veteran rental like Cumiskey. The best case scenario for Barker is an AHL contract and he starts the season w/ the IceHogs – and even that will be tough w/ the depth there.
Long time reader and admirer of this site and the thoughtful analysis from Tab and contributors. The Hawks are deep at D. I think Leddy is really going to have to prove himself this preseason beyond just being able to carry the puck on the PP. He needs to take a big step, the last two years in the playoffs and down the stretch the Hawks needed to hide him. He seems to lose confidence with the puck and wilts under playoff intensity physical pressure. As Keith and Seabrook get older they can’t keep carrying consistently heavy minutes all season long. I thought Dahlbeck looked good last night. Really interested to see Johns and Clendening play this preseason. Also liked Danault last night. Maybe a possible successor to Kruger in a year or two as a defensively responsible C4. Of course it is only one preseason game. Thank goodness hockey is back.
Barker is a camp body and the Hawks have given the courtesy to him to show other teams he can maybe play in North America.
I know his defense is a question, but Matt Carey has some wheels. And he did have a little PK time as well.
I know that analysis of a preseason game must always carry that disclaimer, but I couldn’t help but get excited by that Saad power move in OT where he clanged a backhander off the pipe … yeah, he didn’t bury it but man oh man I love it when he shows that beast mode and ain’t nuthin anyone can do about it. Stay healthy young Saader and you have a big season in front of you. YEAH BABY!
As ER described, it was a slow game and it took the Hawks a while to “wake up”, but not bad for pre season. Lots of good comments from Tab and others about last night…I think we have found a keeper in Scott Darling. I watched him 3 times last year against Rockford, and he looked unbeatable, and he’s had a very good camp, plus a good game last night. I don’t know how or why he wasn’t resigned by his former organization, but I am glad this Illinois kid is home where he belongs. He can help us in net.
The Moose was a little uneven with his game, but he got better and better…he has size and speed, and if learns to play an aggressive forecheck, he could become a very good NHL’er…bad at the dot, but with his size and history, I am sure he’ll get back over 50%.
Danualt looked great (great description Tab centring Bass and Mashinter) and you can see that if won’t be much longer before he’s a long term fixture with the Hawks. He does EVERYTHING WELL and at a high speed. Plus with his fearlessness going to the net, he’ll get his fair share of goals in the NHL.
Dahlbeck and Hammer made a great pairing…you could see the nervousness and tentativeness with Dahlbeck early, but he settled down and he and Hammer gave up NOTHING for the last 2 periods…very impressive! I really hope he sticks!
Carey and Morin made a nice pairing on the wings…I think Carey can be a player but he just needs time…a season and half in Rockford with a good Centre, will help him a lot…I could see Carey scoring 25+ goals in Rockford this season skating with TT…
How about Richards chemistry with Kane…on the breakaway, Richards was fully aware of Kane out past the blue line, and as soon as he got the puck from Keith, he quickly flipped it ahead for Kaner. None of us have any idea just how much not having an effective 2nd line Centre the past 4 seasons has hurt Kane’s production…while Zus was injured last year, Kane was just 2 points short of Crosby for the league lead, when Zus came back Kane went on a 10 game pointless streak. Richards, Kane and Saad give us TWO top lines…Kruger, Smith, Morin give us TWO 3rd lines…we don’t need nor do we have any room for the Cody Bass’ and Brad Mashinter’s of the world.
We have a highly skilled, dedicated team that wants to win…Dahlbeck, Johns and Clendening will give us the extra size, toughness that we need…I like this team a lot.
Tab, I think Rockford is an excellent place for Barker to start…
Wall, PP in midseason form…hilarious, and sadly true…come on Kevin!
ER, I was crazy for that move as well…when he did it I called him Lil Hoss…which is what this young man is becoming! Huge season ahead of him with Richards and Kane…as Tab said, I hope he gets a regular call on the PK as well…he’s fast, and he has great instincts…
Sorry, Comisky looked good, using his attributes quite well…we just need to see how he stands up to the forecheck…I still think we should move forward with the youth though…
Brad- agree on Mashinter/Bass… there is NO ROOM!!!
One of them should only suit up as 13th Fwd… if 23 or 29 is moved… and I just don’t see it happening…
10/19/81
20/91/88
28/16/11 and I know it was just Scrimmage (monday)… but I can’t help love 16 – and LOVE the rumor that his Agent is working on trying to keep in Hawks Uniform… the kid is a PURSUER of the puck!!!!
so 29/65/23 — 12, 42, 15, 24, TT, 70 are ALL way more useful than Mash!
Brad . Why would you want to move on with the youth when you have a awesome defenseman in cumiskey . You have to go with the tea that is going to get us the cup . The youth wi make the team when it’s their time . He is going to make everyone better . Trust me
Bob McKenzie is reporting teams have been contacting the Hawks about Leddy but if a team wants Leddy Steeger needs to be included.
Also Hawks fans can count on Q uses the fourth line winger as a tough guy. Its between Mashinter, the guy with the long name and another forgetable name.
SB spent about 20 mins with Pat and Eddie and broke it all down for those listening. I wouldn’t count on Mark McNeil anytime soon on the big club. He went out of his way to praise other prospects and didnt name McNeil at all. Needless to say Danault, Clendening, Dalbeck and Tuevo arent far off the radar.
I would expect Clendening & Johns in the lineup next game.
Cumiskey will be in the top 5 by years end . Go blackhawks
re: McKenzie – I read that rumor as “the guy the Hawks want to dump is Versteeg, and they’ll give up as much as Leddy if that gets a deal done.” If Leddy goes, Cumiskey is a decent bet to replace Leddy immediately but Clendening is the long-term play. I would prefer Johns… and we don’t know what we’re getting in Rundblad yet so it continues to be wait-and-see…
Gotta agree with Brad on the youth movement. Cumiskey is 27 with 132 games of NHL experience and last played in North America for the Syracuse Crunch in 11/12. It’s worth noting he did actually sign with the Ducks last year, but after being sent to the AHL both sides agreed to terminate the contract.
He’s 5’10 185, so he doesn’t have size but he does have wheels. Great. Hawks have 2 guys younger with similar attributes, and while 1 is more expensive he knows the system and has never had a consistent defensive partner. Flip flopping between Rozsival and Brookbank the last 2 years. Leddy has nearly twice as many games played in the NHL and well over double the points as Cumiskey. I think you pair Dahlbeck with Hammer and Johns with Leddy. Each pairing then has a left and right handed defenseman. Rozsival is dead weight sadly, and barring a trip to LTIR they’re stuck with that cap hit.
re: Michael – Cumiskey might be top 5… somewhere else… when the 2014-15 season ends. He’s a rental who might provide depth and, ultimately, value at the trade deadline if he makes the NHL roster. I wouldn’t spend my money on a Cumiskey sweater
Also, Cumiskey is on a 2-way deal. 600k NHL, 400k AHL. He’s cheap but HARDLY a known commodity.
Rosey- is still the highest paid Hawk in min./played/paid…. even more than 88/19 @ $10+M
Can we force them to take 32 ,23, 8???
leaving Hawks close to $5M for late season add on-
agree on Cumiskey (assuming Leddy is moved)… he can’t “turtle” any more than 8 does when forechecked…
Everyone that didn’t play last night is obviously getting TRADED!
All kidding aside, Rad Brichards is going to get so many assists its stupid. It is going to be so fun getting Saad a bridge deal after he taps in more goals than Sharp. And that only counts empty netters where the goaltender and every other skater are staring at Kane doing magical things. Someone needs to find me a prop bet where that happens.
Ummm trade wise, I don’t think they have any good options. I would love to see them salary dump Sharp but I think I’m the only one who is delusional enough to think that is a viable option.
Packaging Leddy with Verbeauty is fine. However if the NHL decides to enforce holding and interference again then his pure skating ability will greatly benefit someone because large buttheads will no longer have a place in the league until they do again. Plus it doesn’t do much to free them any space if they want to resign Kooga and Saad with the big raises Kane and Toews got.
Liked what I saw from Dalhbeck. Big guy, moves well, seems to be in the right spots, throws the puck at the goal when he gets confused, I’m hip to all those things.
Hilarious that TT got caught by Barker. Kinda proves he needs some time. Maybe not a lot but definitely a little.
I am with you wall, Rozy is the guy I think should go first and foremost. I know that isn’t easy to do, but if I had my pick 32 would be long gone.
What is this rental player talk about cumiskey , He will be as committed as any of the young guys to the team . He is only 27 and has a great future ahead of him . I just hope he stays with us
Already bought one ,
If Leddy goes, then you can have my Mom, she is just as quick and twice as physical as Leddy will ever be.The only player as quick to avoid contact was Victor Stallberg. The fastest player to loose the puck, or to miss an open net. Sorry , I know for a fact that if you are going to play defense in the NHL , you can’t be afraid of contact. I challenge any one to show my two hard defensive hits by Leddy in one game.
To be able to defeat the Kings and allow CC to be his best, our D needs to get bigger, stronger and younger..Comisky doesn’t help us in any of these regards…I do like having him in Rockford though, as he can help us immediately if there is an injury, and will really help the Hog defence with more speed. But to block the path of Dahlbeck, Clendening or Johns at this point would just be wrong.
As for the trade, it should be Oduya, not Leddy, however, if it is Leddy it will be because Bowman couldn’t get any value for Johhny and his broken foot. Leddy is still a RFA after this season and thus “controlled”…Oduya’s play really slipped down the stretch and in the playoffs, plus he’s a FA after this season…
Wall, that’s a massive list of guys, and Regin needs to rotate in on a regular basis, as he’s a good hockey player. So, as you say, there’s no room for any of the so called muscle. Plus Nordstrom and the Moose should also be given chances this season.
Wall I’m also unsure what to do with Kruger as Danault can take his spot with a little more speed and toughness, for less money. I like Kruger a lot, but it doesn’t look like (at this point) that he warrants matriculating up to the 3rd line Centre role. Plus, we have so many more players to come up over the next 2 years…I would honestly rather us promote a Garret Ross next season over keeping Kruger, because Ross would give us Kruger’s speed and tenacity, plus more scoring potential and much more physical play. Ross can also PK because he understand positioning and use of stick so well…
Its a good problem to have I guess…but I sure like Kruger…I think that Kruger, Smith, Morin line is going to be dynamite this year!
I would LOVE to see two two hard defensive hits as a Blackhawk.
Who is gonna take Rosival and for what? Nothing personal, but Rosy is a huge drag on the CAP right now. We talk about trading Leddy, Oduya, Versteeg, Sharp etc. because the Hawks have to trade around Rosy. If SB could have moved Rosy it would have been done a month ago. And, let’s not forget, Rosy has some sort of NTC.
That said, the Hawks must use Rosy the best way they can. It will be tough to scratch $2.2mm night in and night out. Even sending him to Rockford will cost the CAP $1.275mm according to CapGeek. Add his replacement and your back to being over the Cap by $2mm+ again.
I hate to see Leddy or Oduya go….and Leddy alone probably won’t do the trick. Since bith are marketable players I guess I would keep the player who may represent a better deadline deal for us and trade the other.
Truth be told my only Cumisky exposure was last nights game and Mondays scrimmage. Cumisky is just a guy and a fringe guy at that. He had a few awful turnovers and w so much depth I am not sure why the Hawks would look at him outside of his limited NHL experience. He’s clearly just Ryan Stanton/Jordan Hendry part 2 and hopefully not seeing alot of games for the Hawks this year.
However, I’m still not sure about moving Leddy. At times he looks like a great player and at other times he looks like a 6th d-man. If it was up to me I would try like mad to move the combo of Rosy, Steeger & prospect for low round draft picks or prospects. Mark McNeil is a guy the comes to mind.
Sr Brad the rumor was that Oduya was “hurt” for much of the playoff run and gutted it out which may have contributed to his play. I think if Klas Dalhbeck has a good showing he will partner w Hammer on the 2nd line. That might be asking A LOT from a youngster.
Rozsival’s contract is up after this year. Just have to swallow it for this year. Maybe they work out a deal similar to what they did with Huet. Huet played overseas for a team very close to France. I don’t know if the current CBA would allow such a move anymore or not.
At 3 million he’s a relative bargain and a team like Edmonton or the Islanders could use his help.
I think Huet didn’t count against cap (before cba).
I think Bowman can get a deal for 32. There will be a few teams who need D and would like a decent prospect.
Rosy is a right hand shot so teams will be interested in him. Not too many rights in the league. He is a good cheap veteran rental who hits hard, blocks shots, and has a cup win. He would be a great player on a young tem. He will probably end up in Florida like every other blackhawk.
I think there is strong legitimacy to the Leddy trade rumors. Clendening can nearly step into a 3rd pairing quarterback role right now and Johns is absolutely the blueliner this team needs. I love everything I see out of Johns. The kid gets it and has a hockey IQ to boot.
Oduya was never going to be the guy moved. His contract is a good one and only has one year left. The Oduya-Hammer pairing was generally excellent last year too. So you keep Oduya for a legitimate Cup run this season then let him walk next offseason.
I have no opinion on Versteeg trade rumors. I don’t like the guy and it would be nice to move the contract. Plus room is needed very shortly for Danault.
With all due respect you guys are trying to hard with Rosival trade speculation / wishing. He’s on his last legs and a 50 game type max on any team as this stage. His contract is also kinda pricey for what he is. I don’t see a trade market for him unless Bowman sweetens the deal with a semi-upside prospect and can make the pitch to a lesser teams. Beyond that Rosival will be here this season.
Michael-com’on in all honesty you’re related to Cuminsky, right?
I’ve been a huge 16 fan but agree that with Ross, Danault, Rasmussen and Nordstrom it creates new opportunities and flexibility. I remember the fight between Ross and Shaw in the ‘O’, I’m sure they have patched things up.
Southside hitman did you watch any of the games , fringe player . Let’s talk at the end of the year ,
I am with Sr. Brad, here………the kid Darling looked HUGE in the net. But the things that I like about him are his quickness from side to side and he has no holes between his arms and body. Crawford, to me, looked clumsy in the net. He has a tendency to stumble from side to side. Maybe Darling is the diamond in the rough, here.
Although Crow has won a cup and is a solid goalie, $7 mil a year is ALOT of money to pay him.
Rufus, I think that you are correct. Last year, Oduya and Hammer LED THE LEAGUE in puck control and removal from our defensive zone. LED THE LEAGUE!! That is huge. There are some great defensive pairs in the league and Oduya and Hammer got the puck out of our zone faster than any of them…….remarkable!! Oduya stays for his last year. Plus, Oduya played on a broken foot in game 7 from the middle of the 3rd period through the overtime. That kind of toughness is not found in any other sport.
I ref’d Cumiskey in Syracuse and according to coaches, he has great wheels and agility, but does not trust his wheels enough to skate the puck out of danger. At 27, that’s not something he can make his brain adjust to. Confidence is everything at this level and if he doesn’t trust his legs by now, he never will.
As of right now, we have so much talent in the system that teams are drooling to make deals with the Hawks.
Nope no relation I just know a great hockey player when I see one. Cumiskey played for team Canada and played more minutes than any player on the team . The only reason he hasn’t played in the NHL is because of contracts , I just know my players
Last comment . Played most minutes for Quinvale in Colorado
I thought Cumiskey looked pretty good last night, but it was only one game and the Wings didn’t forecheck anywhere close to what Hawk d-men will have to handle when the lights go on. So I was happy to see the positive in Cumiskey’s game last night but there might be some negative that we just haven’t seen yet.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Icehogs d-corps this year. Johns, Dahlbeck, Clendening, TvR, Cumiskey, Fournier, Svedberg – all or most of those guys will be the Icehogs blue line. That’s a lot of potential and it’s going to be fun to watch them develop.
For those of us who are out of the area and can’t see any exhibition action I really appreciate all the commentary. A few thoughts:
– Dahlbeck had a great year last year and I believe he was added to the roster during the playoffs. Given his size and continued development I have to believe he has the best shot of the young d-men to make the team;
– SB gave up a 2nd round pick for Runblad so it seems like he will be given every opportunity to make the team as well since he will have to clear waivers if he is sent down;
– Don’t know much about Cumisky (assume he is a Sox fan) but I certainly can’t recall the last guy who transitioned from a couple of years playing for a Swiss team to stepping into a regular role in the NHL.
– Love to hear the positive comments about Danault. It seemed like last year the comments were leading one to believe that he was a disappointment as a first round pick. He is listed at 200 lbs which seems bigger than I recall. Nice combination of size and speed.
– Not that anyone cares but are Simpson and Carruth one step from the door with the other goalies that have been signed? Will they be the tandem in the ECHL?
– Heard Q go out of his way to praise Nordstrom’s play at camp and also noticed that his listed weight has gone up to 189. If we are able to trade Versteeg I wouldn’t be surprised if Nordstrom earns a spot.
– Surprised I haven’t seen any comments regarding Kevin Hayes’ visit to the UC this week. It will be interesting to see whether they hold him out of the game.
Great comments by everyone as always. I come on here everyday to check out ANY type of news regarding the Hawks and am thankful to hear the insights of those that get to see these rookie and preseason games. I am in the agreement that Leddy looks like the guy that needs to go. I know he is only 23 but we have other young guys waiting and can replace him and Quenville is never going to fully trust him in the playoffs. Also it will be unlikely to resign Leddy with having to resign Saad (who should have a grat year)
I would also like the Hawks to move Versteeg if possible as he really does add much to the team that other younger cheaper guys can do and hopefully any talk of Mashinter or Bass suiting up for the Hawks is just a bad dream.
should read doesn’t add much
Leddy does seem like the logical choice……but subtracting him only gives the Hawks $500k in Cap space. Someone else has to go too.
I like Leddy. I think he performed admirably, considering the revolving door partners he had last season. He saved Rosy’s but many times. Who better to rotate some young Dmen on 3d line pairings?
Leddy is an RFA after this season. Even if he has a good season, I see a 2 year bridge contract at about $2.0mm….If he has a fantastic season, we win the Cup.
I still say if there was any interest in Rosy, he would have been gone long ago. I think I would reluctantly trade Oduya. Solves Cap issues and I think we could get a good prospect and decent draft choice. In either case, I would bet he is gone at the deadline. The Hawks know they can not (nor need to) resign him, so get something for him.
Leddy just had a bridge contract at 2 years 2.7 million per. With his points, age, and the cap increasing…his cap hit will only go up. If you do a bridge its at least 3.5 per year. Best bet is to hang on to him for this year. Then trade in the offseason and get maximum value. You’re not getting that now. I caution that AHL stats don’t always translate to NHL success in regards to Clendening and any other prospect really.
The Hawks are the favorite to win the cup, I really hope they don’t move Oduya. He is a very good 2nd pair defenseman who fits PERFECTLY in the Hawks system. However, his 3.75 salary would solve the cap issue and Oduya is only signed through this season so from a dollar perspective & long term perspective it makes the most sense. Oduya is very unlikely to be resigned after this season anyways, between his age, on ice play, and guys in the system.
This is why I am thinking more on moving Oduya despite his on ice play, even through from an on ice position I would much rather move Leddy. Contract wise Leddy is restricted next year meaning the Hawks can resign him on their terms. With Oduya moved Leddy moves into the top 4 and everyone learns just how valuable he is.
This turns into the “prove it” year for Leddy which is exactly how the organisation wants it. Leddy has nowhere to hide there are no excuses anymore. Its not unrealistic for Leddy to score double digit goals and have over 40 points with the increased minutes.
IF…. BIG IF… SB is not getting any bites on Leddy/23/32 (or any combo)… Cuz NHL knows Hawks are in a bind here…
I would love to see SB make a “splash”… move CC $6M and say a 23/32 and or Cdening. Hawks would maintain there D… and free up a lot of $$$ to rent a player and or get some more Draft Picks… I think one of or both Raanta and Darling will be that decent… especially if Hawks can add another Ladd or similar with ALL of the Cap space freed up by this deal!
I know it WILL NOT happen… but it seems like other teams might be low balling SB here w/ several D men available… (and most people here – know my stance on Goalies)….
Just to expand on the roster minus Oduya. At this stage Rosy is only a part time player and can’t be counted on for big minutes so the Hawks would really be bringing up Oduya’s replacement & Rosy 40 game platoon. That’s where it gets interesting who is that guy?
If its my decision its a combo of Johns, Clendenning & Dahlbeck. With an outside chance of 2 of these kids w Cam Barker or Runblad. (I believe Runblad can be sent down if he doesn’t make the team). Again I am a Barker fan so I wouldn’t be completely against seeing Barker in the sweater again. I am not completely against Runblad either I thought he looked decent the other night in the scrimmage.
Its not definitely not Cumisky. To answer your question Michael, Yes Cumisky is a fringe NHL player. I don’t need to see him anymore on the Hawks. RFD would be perfect for him. The Hawks don’t need another small fast defense man they already have 2 in Keith and Leddy.
SSHM- In a very small sample viewing size… Cumiskey is way better than Runbad…
Runbad makes Leddy look like an animal on the boards…
Can the Hawks fix Runbad??? They fixed Stalberg and made him an OK board/cycle guy… BUT on D— you are going to take real SPEED hits from Forecheck… Runbad has looked Mentally weak/scared… I really don’t see this guy as a Hawk (maybe Johns or 7 could protect him somewhat (but I doubt it))…
Bowman traded a 2nd round pick for Runblad so he will be given every chance to make the Hawks as a 7th DMan, but as Wall said, his main problem is FEAR of being hit…you simply cannot be an NHL DMan if this is the case…in each of his previous NHL stints, he was given ice time and then it began to shrink almost immediately as coaches cringe at DMen that won’t take a hit to move the puck…so all the off seasons and extra playing times in the world won’t fix the problem if he can’t/won’t take a hit…
Time will only tell what Bowman does, BUT if Oduya is not moved, then it has to be TWO Players, no matter if its Leddy or Rozy…one of them will not be enough…obviously with the OUTSTANDING list of 13th forwards on the Hawks right now, SB would probably like to move Versteeg as well, and may need to include Leddy to make it happen. However, if nothing happens in the next week, Bowman may be forced to dump one or two players for mid round picks…
And for those wanting to keep Oduya, he is exactly the player we need to begin replacing…broken foot or not, he is NOT physical, especially in front of our net, and EVERYONE in the world watched the King’s series and saw how to beat us…that’s why Comisky doesn’t work either…we need Dahlbeck, Johns and Clendening to strengthen our crease coverage.
Excellent comments Wall & Sr Brad. I guess will need to see more of Cumisky and Runblad to make the determination myself. I certainly know that Runblad has the pedigree that NHL teams look for otherwise he wouldn’t have been a 1st rounder. As for a fear of being hit I hope the two of you are wrong otherwise forget it he’s not any value to this team or any team. The way the Hawks move the puck on their defense if that’s not going to fly and could explain his lack of success since the draft. Hopefully the light will turn on for him soon otherwise his NHL days will most likely be over.
Sr. Brad I agree 100% The Hawks need a few big guys on the blueline to mix it up with the other Western teams, specially LA & STL. But they can’t be big guys they need to be big guys that can play too,…Barker!
Wall Stalberg was never fixed, he just happen to play with a pair of badass 3rd liners(Shaw & Bicks) that got him the puck in space and made him look good.
Many great comments – interesting.
Wall, “I would love to see SB make a “splash”… ” — WHY would a team in Chicago’s position (DEEP, favored to win the Cup…or at least a legitimate-plus shot) make any a “splash” mover?
I don’t understand that view – like there seemed to be a compulsion among some here to OVERpay for Kesler at last season’s trade deadline. Desperation when you’re one of the top three or four teams?
The several veteran defensemen in camp strongly telegraphs to me that Bowman is going to move Leddy or Oduya. Clendening and Johns are very exciting, but Bowman and Q will want veteran depth and insurance policy in place.
I will not be surprised if Leddy and Versteeg are traded within the next week.
Is the organization’s depth on the blue line just hitting your radar, Rufus?
Southsidehitman , what are you like 270 pounds of muscle and 6’10 . Cumiskey ain’t no fringe player , he can see the ice better than any defenceman out there . Granted you need your big heavy hitting players but you need guys with speed ,skill and the ability to read the ice and play as well . We can debate this all day long but only time will tell . I’m just glad your not picking the team
Michael clearly works for Cumiskey’s agent.
“Cumiskey ain’t no fringe player” – that’s why he wasn’t even on this continent last year… smh
Ya I work for his agent . Do you think whatever we have to say makes a difference . Get over yourself . Just watch cumiskey so yo know what your talking about .