Expect Blackhawks To Be Active Before Trade Deadline
Everywhere you look there are rumors popping up that the Blackhawks are looking to make moves before the NHL’s trade deadline.
No, not for a playoff push. But to cut dead weight. Or make room on the roster for younger players. Or just for the heck of it.
On Thursday the team acquired forward Dominik Kubalík from the LA Kings. He’s a 23-year-old former 7th round pick who’s playing in Europe.
That shouldn’t move the needle.
However, hearing John Hayden’s name in rumors does raise an eyebrow.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that the Hawks are gauging interest in Hayden and veteran forward (and waste of a roster spot) Chris Kunitz. Last week, Scott Powers of The Athletic reported that Kunitz as well as forward Marcus Kruger and Andreas Martinsen were available.
Many take shots at Stan Bowman’s track record, and the presence of Kunitz and Martinsen (among others) on the payroll justifies some of the criticism. But he got Drake Cagguila from Edmonton for Brandon Manning and now Cagguila is skating on Chicago’s top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. And his physical play might be a factor in Hayden being a name that isn’t off the table.
Odds are that the Blackhawks look to bolster their options in the upcoming draft(s) and move out some of the players who management don’t see factoring into the future with the organization.
Cap space is not an issue for Bowman this season – the first time that’s been the case in a decade. According to CapFriendly the Blackhawks have nearly $4.5M in cap space currently, which equates to almost $21M in cap space at the deadline.
But we’ll say it again for the folks in the back: the Hawks aren’t likely to make an enormous splash with hopes of making a Stanley Cup run.
Chicago’s cap flexibility this coming summer, however, is where the Blackhawks could look to do some damage. And moves made between now and the trade deadline will have that in mind.
Boy I hope the Blackhawks don’t part with Hayden.
THN categorized teams as Buy, Sell, and Stand. Regarding the Blackhawks, they said “sell, sell, sell!” I expect 4-6 players to be moved by the TDL,
I’m with Big Indian- I really think Hayden is a keeper, a power forward and a real presence when he’s on the ice. I think he has been short changed by others of less value on the ice- 16, 15, 14 for example
Hopefully load up some draft picks for June.
Hayden be tough to see go, if in demand and doesn’t seem to be a big part of whats happening, then may be it gets done.
Wonder if Kunitz waves hus nmc to likely be in press box somewhere else, seems a stretch.
I too like Hayden but whatever it takes to get our team back to being in the playoff hunt is just like Kaner says, “That’s hockey baby.” I hope for at least one more prolific Grant Park Cup speech from our boy Crow.
ONEGOAL forever.
I too like Hayden but whatever it takes to get our team back to being in the playoff hunt is just like Kaner says, “That’s hockey baby.” I hope for at least one more prolific Grant Park Cup speech from our boy Crow.
ONEGOAL forever. GO HAWKS!
I’ve always liked Hayden and the best he played was on a line with Toews 2 yrs ago for a few games. He had a net presence. However he just doesn’t have the quick wrists to score. As a 4th liner I think he’s fine. Watch they’ll trade him and bring back Martinsen.?
Hayden fan here too… Only Hawk who can low cycle with 2010/2013 teams…
But- he really can’t score much… and isn’t as “quick” to the Puck as Caggs
also- this Kubalik- guy- looks to be Much higher Offensive skill set… Don’t know much about his skating
+ I can see other PO teams being able to Utilized Hayden – better than the Hawks right now… so as Much as I like Hayden… like Gus- Might be one of few Hawks that fetch a “decent” amount of payback in a trade
The last few trades have brought in guys who were blocked or needed a fresh start. Strome, Perlini, Caggiula, Slater KK, now this Kubalik.
Bowman told reporter Powers aka The Irish Mafia Guy from the Athletic a few weeks ago this might be what to expect.
Betting we see these types of trades, Blackhawks trade a guy(s) who can help a team now for the above types or already drafted prospects example: Entwistle. Would also bet they work to recoup a 3rd rounder in this draft which they currently lack.
Watch also for little Anthony Louis to get a NHL game or two when it gets to garbage time late in the season as a good will gesture. Doubt A. Louis gets a contract for next year from Chicago, changes a plenty coming in Rockford.
No question Hayden could help a PO team- I wish him well … he could be a factor in a PO run, with more than 10 mins/game.
And should command a high draft pick in return. Could help Habs, Leafs, Flames- and as a physical presence, might be a great fit for Bruins type of play?!
I like Hayden’s heart and compete, but he just can’t skate and that is the reality on him and what will likely always hold him back. I find it strange that a lot of guys (wrongly) tagged Strome’s skating as being on the same level as Handzus but ignore the more obvious issue with Hayden. I had higher hopes for him, but at this point he is trade bait.
I am hopeful that our scouting teams are narrowing down to a top 10 list right now, and then choosing which of those 10 can add some scoring to our team in the next season. It’s way too early to know our landing spot in the draft, but I would like to know that we have a piece or two inside our system that we know or are now determining as an expendable piece. Knowing we have some bait to pack with our top pick to get to the top five (if we don’t fall there) should be done more so this season than in a long time. We need to know who we can afford to move as part of that package, and specifically who we want to target. We need an impact player this draft, mostly because we need some play at the NHL level to be on an ELC for cap purposes, allowing us to chase top UFAs and potentially be in the mix. For me that is a scoring winger (prefer left side, right handed) or a ready to go Dman (unlikely to be there).
Unfortunately we now have no top pair defensively and it is unlikely we can produce them this season. The logjam in defensemen needs to be addressed NOW. Bowman has tied his own hands there with NMC issues. We have two pieces of dead wood (very limited value to us moving forward) that need to get out of the way of Dmen development.
Bowman has a very important 10 months ahead of him. Probably job security on the line.
Might be a ‘you want Hayden? Well you can only have Him if you also take out some of my trash..’ kinda move coming. If the Hawks need to do it, so be it. It’s just going to be hard if we’re losing to whatever team he goes to next year with nothing to show for it.
Im not a big Hayden fan. Mostly I see a guy kinda lost out there. They gave him a chance to screen goalie on pp and he struggled with that.
I hope they can pull a trade with Kruger because it makes absolutely no sense having him AND Kampf on the roster. Not to mention Luke Johnson as depth
Please oh please trade Kunitz for something. Anything.
Agreed- take 40, but only if you take 2,7,14,15,16 and a bag of frozen pucks
It appears that Hayden’s physical play made Martinsen expendable. Both of those players were in the organization last year. Re-signing Martinsen was not necessary.
It also appears that Cagguila falling into the Hawks’ lap and his play has given the Blackhawks another physical player, whose ability to skate with the top six has given the org more options.
I’m a Hayden guy. Have been for a while. Would prefer they dump other vets (Kunitz, Kruger) before Hayden. But as I’ve consistently said all along, this isn’t the first time the Hawks have added empty vets to fill NHL roster spots when they should have been seeing what they have internally. If you don’t trust that your organizational depth can make you competitive then something in the evaluation process needs to change. If you sign vets who can’t get it done, something in that evaluation process needs to change. And if you do that multiple years in a row with the results getting increasingly worse, a lot needs to change.
Spot on Tab!!
Everyone that does not project to have a spot on the 2020/21 team should be on the trading block. The only ones that should be on the no-trade list are Kane, Toews, DeBrincat, Strome, Saad, Jokiharju, Murphy, Delia and the top d-prospects. Everyone else should be traded if a decent proposal comes along.
I like Hayden as well. He is turning into a bit of a policeman. Against the Islanders he was in the middle of the rough stuff and seemed to enjoy that role.
When he has the puck , I love that he goes straight ahead. Unfortunately, he then goes wide, around the net and takes himself out of shooting position. The coaches need to break him of that habit. I would rather see him bull his way to the net.
Still, I like what he brings.
Tab…EXACTLY!!! Which, oddly enough, may have been another reason that Q was let go. He never really trusted the young guys and he leaned on the veterans. It’s hard to evaluate when they’re on the bench or in the pressbox.
In the meantime we have half a season still to play. Hayden on ice presence means other teams are less likely to run our valuable upscale talent guys. No protection and it’s open season on Toews, Kane, D cat. etc. Get those guys hurt and well, what do we have on the depth chart?? I hope Hayden stays. Kunitz was supposed to be that muscle grit guy. He has not been that player. He is done. Hayden is a young guy that has size and a compete mindset on a team which seriously lacks in toughness. Caggiula gets credit for playing hard as a supportive line mate, but let’s face it, he is a really little guy when push comes to shove with the big boys. Plus Hayden isn’t going to push the salary cap.
That’s my take anyway.
Lets Go Hawks!
Kubalik to Koekoek to Kakko!!!! Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
say that 3 times fast!!!!
Tab- can I buy a vowel???
Tab I dont think its quite that. Hayden has been given multiple chances. Its very apparent hes not top 6. When the coaches are alternating Hayden with Kunitz it becomes obvious hes not much more than that. Sure hell bang some guys along the boards but watch him positionally and he struggles. I would believe JC is more open to the young guys playing and wants to help them succeed.
I do agree with the trade Kunitz first motto tho’. Kunitz may know where to go defensively but holy hell does he turn over pucks bad and adds no offense at all which is hard to fathom considering his resume. We get anything for him i will be smiling.
I am a Hayden fan. If they aren’t going to play him night in and out it’s probably best to get something of value in return.
I believe he has a decent future on a bang and crash line like last year early with bouma and wingels.
Maybe a 3rd rounder for him. Which wouldn’t be a bad return.
They get offered a 3rd rounder I say take it.
Besides the obvious targets, 14, 15 &16, think its time to have a sit down with 2 & 7 to see if they want another kick at the can. Will cost us a valuable asset but those assets have a higher likelihood of success slotted properly on a PO contender. Can you imagine the havoc 56 would create if he were on Nashville or Winnipeg? Don’t know who can absorb those two contracts or if 2 & 7 will waive the NMC. If they will, we should be open for business and be willing to incur collateral damage with a 40, 56, 42, Sikura etc….limitations of course. 88, 19, 5, 17, 12, 20, 28 & 60 are out of the question but everyone else is fair game.
Wall, you foreshadowing us having the 2nd overall pick? (Kakko) Grin.
We should have gotten Clutterbuck and Klinkhammer a few years back and listen to the announcers try to spit that out.
Seabs isnt going anywhere. No point in asking him to waive his no movement clause
I honestly wouldnt trade Keith either. He has definitely regressed but i think its more hes asked to do too much. He is more like a 2nd pairing guy now but someone needs to show the ropes to the new kids coming thru the pipeline.
And aboot Kakko…i would rather have him than Jack Hughes. No more 5’11” 170 lb forwards please.
Kakko is just as talented imo
Kakko or Kaliyev… would fill the KKKKKKKKKKK theme
or am I K-k-k-k-k=kraaaaazzzzyyyy!!!!
One thing about Stan is that he often deals early, so it could start any time with us.
The trades with Phoenix and Edmonton might have saved his job for now, so let’s hope he stays on the mini roll.
I agree Loags and I think Kakko very well may end up the first pick in the draft. What they both were able to do at the WJC as underage players was really impressive. But Kakko would be a perfect fit on the Blackhawks.
There is going to be a lot of value in having one of the top 2 picks this year. I am not very confident that the Hawks end up in that position, however. It will come down to the draft lottery. And, yes they are playing better now than they were earlier in the year. That won’t help draft position, but it will help their young guys learn more what it is like to win and the details involved in winning at the NHL level.
I wonder where Q ends up coaching…..probably next year, getting a gig this offseason.
If Colorado flames out in the playoffs, maybe Sakic offers him a job bringing him back to Denver.
I’d be happy with a top 5 pick – I think the Hawks can get a impact forward from any of those 5 slots – Hughes or Kakko would be great although I agree that Kakko would be a perfect fit on the Hawks but Podkolzin, Dach and Cozens are also very good prospects and have size and are forwards
Sorry but I’m not feeling the Hayden love – it was nice that he drew that penalty from Martin the other night bit it’s just a likely if not more so that he’ll take a stupid penalty himself plus he’s a below average skater with no finish
I know he’s physical but he’s a 4th liner at best – I’d be shocked if the Hawks got even a 3rd rounder for him
It’s not rocket science but not many seem to grasp it. Placeholder veterans are signed because they do not want to rush prospects. You see this in Edmonton now. An owner speaks up and says we will not rush prospects any more. Because that’s what they did and they are a mess, they develop very few players.
“Seeing what you have” internally should not mean throwing players into the deep end sink or swim style. I get it’s 2019 and no one has patience or maybe can’t even spell it but that’s what it takes with young players. People always clamor “draft and develop” and then expect the develop part to take 6 weeks. Doesn’t work.
Those penciling in Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin etc. for full time prominent roles next season will likely be very disappointed. Too soon. They will probably then point fingers at the coaching staff for doing something “wrong”.
Loags – I don’t think anyone ever thought Hayden was top 6. Not sure where that comes from but flush twice
Mike…despite the ‘Philly hiring Coach Q’ not happening I still think it will. He’s the right fit for that team afaic
I think Q is resting and enjoying life right now. Recharging and besides he’s got a nice payroll happening right now.
ER – I like your thinking about projecting to the 20/21 team but I would add a couple more to your list
Caggiula, Kahun and Kampf and probably Dahlstrom and hopefully Kubalík
I think they fit the profile of good depth players on a good team (although we don’t know a lot about Kubalik’s ability to play in the NHL)
If we could add an impact UFA forward and maybe Entwistle or Kurashev makes the jump to the NHL then we ‘re starting to look like a solid PO team (at least on the forward end of things)
Of course any of the players I mentioned could be traded for a ridiculously good offer but I wouldn’t trade them for middling draft picks – we want a good team in 2 years not a bunch more prospects that will need another 3-4 years to make it if they ever do
re: Wraparound & others – why is there a sense that there’s no value in a player that doesn’t project to be a top-six guy? If memory serves, only six guys can be “top six.”
There is absolutely room on a championship roster for a guy who brings a heavy body and plays a smart game. I think Hayden is a guy who can fill a 4th line role and make life miserable for opponents. Matt Martin and Clusterf*** play a critical role for the Islanders and they’re winning games. That’s the role I think Hayden can/should fill here – and something Kunitz shouldn’t.
The important part of that becoming a reality is the Hawks having three lines that can score. Right now the Hawks are rolling three individuals who can score – Kane, Toews and DeBrincat. Saad is also having a solid year, but 4 guys don’t make 3 lines. I’d like to see some of the dead weight cut out (including Anisimov) so we can get a long look at guys like Sikura in a 3rd line role w/ Saad.
Sikura – right now if you want more perimeter players who don’t quite grasp how to play without the puck (yet) Sikura is your guy.
Sorry for the multiple posts. Hayden: his shortfall is skating and hockey sense. He is though an inexpensive energy forward and that has some value.
If a contender / playoff team sees value and a roster fit in John Hayden, great let them pony up a bit. He is signed cheap for another year so that adds value.
re Row A – I’d like to see Sikura w/ Saad & Strome.
What if … the Hawks don’t end up with one of the top-2 picks in the draft which means they don’t get either Hughes or Kakko? It means it’s very likely that whoever they end up picking isn’t going to be ready to step right into the NHL.
I would prefer to stay away from Podkolzin because of the risk of Russian players not always willing to come to N.A. If the Hawks get Dach or Cozens or Turcotte or one of the other top centers they will probably end up being a very good top-6 player – just not in 2019/20. But that’s OK because it means that 2019/20 will be better for the rebuild to get another top-5 pick in the 2020 draft.
The 2019/20 season is not going to be a Cup contending season anyway because our D-corps will not have gotten good enough – so better to finish lower in the standings for a better draft pick again next season and not having our top pick from the 2019 draft next season will help bring that about.
Don’t misunderstand – I would rather the Hawks get either Hughes or Kakko this draft and get a 10-15 pick in the 2020 draft – BUT – if they don’t get either Hughes or Kakko and the guy they do get isn’t ready for the NHL yet – then they have a good chance to get another top-5 pick in 2020 – Lafreniere of Lundell maybe.
Be great to see Hayden traded to a contender- utilize his size and net presence in a bottom 6 role. Skating prowess was never in the scouting reports- his success was getting to the net, playing on Yale’s PP and getting into the dirty areas others can’t, or won’t, go. I think he needs to play more, and with guys who can score -players would benefit from his digging pucks out of the corner.
I dont want to see Sikura again until that kid puts on muscle mass. He looks so skinny in the jersey and i believe thats why he was underwhelming in his stint with the Hawks this season. He seemed more brave going north south in the AHL. At least what I see in the Rockford hilights.
I’m neither for or against trading Hayden. I like the guy and it’s true he’s basically the only guy on the current roster that plays with enough of an edge for the other team to even notice, but for whatever reason he doesn’t play balls to the wall consistently. Either he doesn’t have the conditioning/stamina to do it game in game out or he simply hasn’t accepted his role as wrecking ball and tries to be something more than that too often. I really don’t think he matters too much – they won’t be worse for not having him nor will they be better for having him. Is he worth more than a 7th? For sure. Is he worth more than a 3rd? That’s a tougher question to answer.
“What if … the Hawks don’t end up with one of the top-2 picks in the draft which means they don’t get either Hughes or Kakko?”
Then I pray we dont draft another Cam Barker (aka bust) again like we did after Ovy and Malkin were chosen.
I haven’t given up hope that Sikura can be an effective top-9 winger in the NHL but I have to admit he has underwhelmed so far. A player his size has to either be quicker than he is or harder to knock off the puck than he is. He’s got only average quickness/speed by NHL standards and maybe he can improve on that a little but doubtful enough to make a difference. His only chance is to get stronger to the point where he is able to hang onto the puck when receiving contact so he can use his vision and skills to make plays which he can’t do right now because he can’t elude a defender nor can he fend him off physically.
LOAGS – we did pretty well with the last #3 pick we had.
The Hawks definitely need an upgrade in the quality of the bottom six. For sure we iced more placeholder guys this year than we would like to see, but that is what teams do when the best prospects you have are still 1-2 years or more away from being ready to take on the challenge of making it in the NHL.
If we can add two top 6 forwards (UFA and draft) it would help the bottom 6 depth as guys like Cagg and Kahun become fixtures on the bottom two lines.
I am also concerned about how much we are counting on the young guys to be impact players on defense next year. I would slow the roll on moving any veteran defensemen unless it’s a great offer, because the Hawks would be fortunate if even one of the young guys was as ready as Joki seems to be this year, and even he isn’t going to play anything near 80 games, nor should he coming right out of junior.
And if the justification for trading Gus is we have Boquist making the team next year, well there is a huge difference between being and offensive defenseman in juniors and actually doing it at the NHL level.
Last 9 games Hayden has played 7-8 mins per game and has only played in 35 of 51 games this season ( don’t remember if he was hurt?) averaging less than 10 mins/game ( only Kunitz has less per game) this season so he’s played less than 350 mins this year ( less than 6 hours of playing time) Either he’s in terrible shape, not needed that much or not very good – so trade him for a 12-15 minute bottom 6 guy who is physical, fast and can score ( or a good draft pick) My guess is Hayden with prosper with more playing time on a different team.
We actually usually do ER. Is there a big dropoff after 1 and 2 in this draft tho?
Just to be fair on Hayden…despite me not being big on him I have to wonder the effects of rotating him. Im sure he was happy to make the team but is he looking lost because hes lost confidence? Being rotated takes a toll im sure. He also knows hes on the fringe so he probably is tight on the stick which leads to peoblems and hes hoping he isnt demoted the next day.
I see similar happening to Joki. Guy is making more mistakes with his ice time scaled back and now they rotate him and i see more gaffes.
He was top pairing and now he rotates with…Koekkoek? Really?
Agree with Jordy and others that the issue with Hayden is skating. Despite all his other positive attributes weak skating is very tough to overcome in today’s NHL. Also says something about how bad our depth is when there are so many posts over a 4th line player. I still think a likely trade target will be Forsling. He is young, cheap and still has upside.
I believe there is something to be said about that observation. We have seen what consistent playing partnerships can do for confidence and performance ( vis a vis Toews, Kane, DeBrincat for eg)
Re: Sikura he is 23 going on 24. It’s getting late in the development process to get stronger and more physical. We also have plenty of smaller wingers and we just signed another European with potential offensive skills. Odds seem to be working against him making it.
Hayden is the type of player you need on a team but cheap and easy to move, getting a return for. He may have aa few shortcomings but has alot going for him too. As was mentioned Cagguila and some others in pipeline can pkay his type of role. Like to keep but a good return can change that too.
Loags about 12 years ago alot of people didn’t think Kane was the best pick either.
Sikura taking time to adapt but doesn’t mean you write him off yet. Maybe he is one takes a little time, going down to minors a couple of times to find his game is quite normal.
Are we at the point of worrying about losing Hayden?
Keith, Seabrook, Toews and Kane will all finish their careers in Chicago. First of all, only Keith has a contract palatable to another team. At this point the others are too much or for too long.
Secondly, why would any of these guys drop their NMC? For what? Another run at a Cup? Don’t think so. All 4 are Chicago icons and they just have it to good here.
That said, I think all would love another chance at a Cup……In Chicago
What I do think the Hawk’s should prepare for, maybe not at deadline, but soon, is Crawford retiring. How many times are you going to come back from long recovery concussions and/or vertigo? Personally, I think he should announce his retirement now giving the Hawks a better chance at acquiring an NHL starting caliber goalie before next season starts.
I agree about making everyone available not on the top two lines. Let’s see what Saad brings back, or Gustafson. We aren’t trading 88, 19, 2, or 7. No one is touching those contracts!
“Loags about 12 years ago alot of people didn’t think Kane was the best pick either”
Ian, I remember that. They thought he was too frail and some scouts thought hed get hurt. They have similar builds but I think Kaner was way better at that age. Im sure Hughes will be a decent player but I like Kakko more.
Give up on Sikura? No way. Its all there. Just more strength to play with the big boys. What is he? 165 lbs. For 5’11” thats way too skinny. Debrincat weighs that for crying out loud and hes 5’7″.
As soon as season is over I would get a training routine to pack on 10 lbs of muscle. Itll do him wonders for confidence, endurance and winning puck battles.
I’m not so sure why everyone is so set on a top 3 pick. This team easily can move up in the standings. They could be drafting 10th overall for all we know!!
sikura at his age can easily put on muscle. Eat food lift heavy. Easy; just have to find time to do it.
TAB – I never thought Hayden was top 6 but was hopeful he could be bottom 6 but with even that I have my doubts based a lot on his below average skating and a little on his hockey IQ
Do you think Hayden could have played even 4th line on any of the Hawks Cup winning teams? – could he bring what Ben Eager or Troy Brouwer brought or Kruger or Frolik. Even Desjardins who was not a great skater was a good PKer and a smart player who played within his limitations
I’m thinking anyone who couldn’t serve a role on a championship team should be available for the right price – maybe Hayden could be a 12 -14th forward on such a team and that’s a maybe
@ Mike R
“Personally, I think he should announce his retirement now giving the Hawks a better chance at acquiring an NHL starting caliber goalie before next season starts.”
It’s not going to happen. He has a contract paying him $6M next season. He will not retire and turn that down. If he needs to go on IR because he can’t play, so be it, but he will not retire and forfeit the money.
One more comment on Sikura:
He has been strength training diligently at Rockford and before that at Northeastern Univ. to help him get stronger and he has. But he has a small frame and there is only so much which can be done.
Blackhawk / Rockford development staff works with him a lot; he is a priority. With his on ice vision if he were a center I would be more optimistic about his future. As a wing, he is a perimeter player and is not great at playing a 200 ft. well rounded game. They are trying to drill into him this: play hard away from the puck, get the puck back and you have more time on offense and can score/set up more goals. Same story with Ejdsell.
He is working hard though and the hope is he finishes this year well.
I will say it again – player development takes time and repetition. More time and repetition than most fans want to stomach.
Row A…alot you say is true or makes sense but training during the season its hard to gain ground. Many players lose 5-10 lbs over the course of season. He does have a small frame but cmon…you know even the slightest 5’11” can get to 180-185 eventually. Kaner has a similar frame to Sikura.
Saad should be on that trade list too! Hayden is not good skater period! If crow was healthy I would trade him too, if he waiveshis NMC. Don’t see anyone taking seabs, anisimov needs go too! Dump as many of vets not named Kane toews.
I don’t think Sikura has the same frame as Kane does. Sikura gets knocked off the puck easier at 23 than Kane did when he came into the league at 18. I don’t know if it’s a more solid trunk strength or that Kane is more slippery to hit than Sikura but in the few games I’ve seen Sikura play he gets stood up and/or knocked over with regularity. Some of it may be learning how to better use leverage against bigger/stronger players. Another thing that would help him is to play with players that can play at the same speed and IQ that he does but it’s hard to babysit a player just to bring the best out of him.
TSN.CA has a “trade bait” list ranking them 1-50. The Blackhawks do not appear to have any players on this list (unless I missed it).
https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-hockey-s-trade-bait-list-1.203546
some are more realistic than others. I noticed Skinner from Buffalo is on the list for example. I dont know how much research was done creating this list. I would guess Buffalo not having a playoff spot is the #1 factor there; but I have no idea if they have tried to resign Skinner or if they want to for that matter.
Skinner was a rumored target of the Blackhawks. All this talk about Panarin. Try no to be shocked if Panarin ends up…..well just about anywhere including back in the KHL.
ER…Sikuras frame now is very much so like Kanes when he was 18. Kane even talked aboot needing more strength after his rookie year because he felt he couldnt get his shot off quick enough.
Now, im not saying theyre the same talent level just a similar skillset.
Recliner Coach…agree. Tired of hearing the Panarin talk. I would be shocked if they got him.
But as for Skinner no way they get him. Hes gonna be way overpaid after this season and hes so up and down from season to season he would frustrate fans.
Personally i hope they shoot for Eberle this summer.
Prospects: Chl
Entwistle 1g
Boqvist 1a
Beaudin 1a
Hagel a period left
Ncaa
Shea 1g
Krys 1g
Ramsey 1a
Coughlin 1a
Ushl
Josiah Slavin acquired by Chicago Steel
Europe: Nordgren still out of lineup
Good update Ian. I watched Minnesota versus Wisconsin tonight. Just scrambly hockey. Even the color commentator(former NHLer) noted that college hockey players free wheel so much, as do players in the AHL, he said, that they are rarely in the right position. He said when he got to the NHL, things got way easier from a structure standpoint because everyone played their position.
The whole point of why I wrote that is, in watching Ryan Shea play defense for Northeastern, his positioning is outstanding. He’s seemingly always in the right spot defensively, he gets his stick in the shooting lane and breaks up lots of rushes.
Also, the Hawks top scout, Mark Kelley, recently told The Athletic’s Scott Powers that BU’s Chad Krys has played enough college hockey. It appeared to be a reference to Krys needing to play at the next level, meaning pro hockey.
Prospect update:
Beaudin 2a
Hagel 1g 1a
D. Sikura 1g 1a
Hagel 1g 1a 2nd star
Icehogs Sikura and Johnson 1g 1a each and Lankainen 25 of 28 saves for win.
Shea in 3rd year might go back for his 4th year next season with Mitchell and Krys good bets to sign and Boqvist and Beaudin already signed. Ryczek will be interesting choice too, had a good year and fa if not signed by this summer.
Got have patience with the development of all these young players as RowA has stated, expecting too much and i do too at times is something that needs reined in as fans.
If Nalimov and Delia have strong 2nd halfs this season, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Nalimov backing up Delia if Crawford not able to come back to start next season. Possibly if either one doesn’t work out a pickup during the season to solidify the situation. Just a thought.
Eberle-no thanks (don’t need a 40 point guy soon to be 29) And he is a character guy.
Although I think the chance of Panarin signing is low it would be a great match. Kane was very open about wanting him back.
“Happy Kane, Happy life”
Is Hagel for real? He has almost double the points of anyone on his team.
Hagel is an over-ager so it’s not unexpected he’s got better stats than guys one, two or three years younger than him. Interestingly there is another over-ager playing in the WHL with the very similar stats that put himself back into the draft – Brett Leason.
Some of you say to trade Saad but do not mention the return the Hawks should receive. No doubt, his point production has been lacking for years. But Saad has a good all-around game, such as PK. His -8 is not bad for a team with a -34, which indicates he is a decent shut-down player, considering the number of weak and inexperienced players around him.
That said, if a team were willing to part with their projected late 1st and second round picks or combination with a quality prospect for Saad, I would make the trade. For a projected #20 alone I would trade him. Even taking back a little salary for the remaining 1+ year, I think it would be worth it.
Ian- Nordgren is now playing for his U-20 team/League… guessing the Coaches like his abilities… but concerned about getting injured too much lately
small kid… who doesn’t mind going in between the dots to score… but taking some hits there … Finnish Dcat- me hopes
HAWK4LIFE, think same about Hayden. With a deep roster certain type players look better.
I do not see how any team would trade their top 5 pick, if we had a pick betwen 10-15, for anyone we have and a 10-15 pick. Maybe go from 10-15 up to 8th pick, maybe.
I would imagine what ever we are in standings, that the pick we get/lottery.
Now for moving up in draft, like our 32-35 pick to 15-20, or when we add another 1st pick from trades and move that pick up to 15-20 and get this Kayliev guy. Sure I can see that happening.
Wall is under 20 team not wjc team he was named too but didn’t play for.
Wall can’t see anything saying he isn’t with Hifk anymore. Earlier in year was in jr. A but since getting promoted, don’t see him going back. Where are you finding that?
Hawks need to lose a big contract to make room for signing Bryce Harper.
Sorry, trading Hayden is a bad idea. He was never meant to be a goal scorer but he’s a guy u want if you do make the playoffs in the future. He’s physical, and creates space for the scorers. Who else on this team plays with any physical style? Cagullia for sure, but he’s not effective against a big d man or power forward. I guess size and physicality gets you a pink slip in Bowman’s world. Hawks are nowhere near the playoffs, but thy can’t be a purely finesse team. They need size mixed with skill.
Ian- he was listed with an assist- yesterday in Finn U20 league/game
he had 3 assists couple days ago for the same team
Ian-
IFK Helsinki U20
Nordgren’s team (for now)
Ian, Leason is the known, he has turned into what teams want with his improved skating-Hagel: lots of 20 yr. old guys play (and well) but don’t have this level of success. Watched his hi-lite package and seems to have 2 givens-instinct in the scoring areas and some grit. Hard to get a real feel for how good his skating is and that may be the deciding factor.
Crawford is one of the biggest decisions of the off season. We know this much : Crawford can be counted on to play roughly 25 games. He’s like a quarterback who can’t be touched. That is no fault of his own. He is concussion prone. Head injuries have scuttled his season two years in a row.
Its the most important position on the team and your starter cannot be playing less than 1/3rd of the season if your team has playoff aspirations.
As for Hayden. He was a 3rd round pick, who excelled in college and has made it to the NHL as a feisty 4th liner. What’s the shame in that ? If they trade him for anything less than a 3rd rounder it’s a loss from a development standpoint because percentages are the guy they draft might not be ready for a 4th line spot in the NHL until the 2023 or 2024 season.
Hayden is a below average skater and he doesn’t play his wrecking ball style consistently enough to lock down a spot in the lineup. He has good shifts and an occasional game of multiple good shifts but he can’t be counted on to provide that every game. I think at some point there will be better options for the 4th line, if there isn’t already, so getting something for him now wouldn’t be a bad move.
Noonan, Leason and Hagel really picked their games up this season and improving his skating is what is credited reason for it. Agree being overage doesn’t mean success by a longshot, often is the opposite.
Nick Robertson and Leason are 2 possibilities for the 2nd round pick, Spencer Knight be hard not to take if still there when 2nd pick comes around too.
Craig asked this before, if Crawford is able to play next year, would they consider a randen like the Iskande4s of the 80s where Chico Resch ays bulk of regular season games and Billy Smith comes in and shuts the doir in the playoffs, worked well for them as Smith was kind if goalie who could play elite without playing alot as Crawford has done? It might help extend his career if he continues playing too.
Like its a tuff call on Saader, it sort of as tuff for Hayden. Top 6 player/quality top 9 when deep and 4th liners that make a difference.
Trade them both because you get more for them now and the picks are NHL ready faster. Trade them and other for picks and none of the picks make it.
I usually like to keep guys longer then sell high. You can do that and mess up chemistry and other things you might not get back with other players/even though they have more prime yrs left sort of speak. Bowman always gets crazy returns from time to time, like 5th for Scott, 3rd for Bollig, Cagilua for Manning, the untradeable 81 contract as no team would want it, same for 7 contract prob happens and others.
So I want plenty of extra picks from trades/moves. Not just everyone one to do it just to do it. It seems like we can get picks on any yr, look at those trade for picks from those kind of players.
I would say keep Saader and Hayden unless its a really good return, like the 38 trade was (that trade was be vital in us being deep again), and is a huge return like the 65 and 38 trades were. Then we still need to get guys like 65 and 36 back though at some point, have to.
@Mike R, agree only Keith has a movable contract but disagree that he is wired to play out his days on a bottom 5 team. Not so sure that scenario = having it good. If we can rake a second back, think he has earned the opportunity to go chase it somewhere else.
Seabrook, we’d have to load the wagon with some interesting prospects to make that happen. Someone like Gus May be intriguing for a team with space to absorb 7 and a responsible defense surrounding him, think Kempny with more offensive upside. Winnipeg, Nashville, Vegas and Pittsburgh are all teams that fit, just don’t know if they have the space to absorb.
Aboot Hagel
He could be the next Troy Brouwer in that hes an over ager that wins the WHL scoring title.
Depth scorer?
Which is why I like Eberle. Reasonable price tag. Can score 20+ goals 40-60 points. Can be clutch too as he was on wjc U20 Cdn team. Well liked.
To answer the earlier posed question if we’re worrying about Hayden leaving ……. the answer for me is no.
I understand the Blackhawks need to move guys and make deals. That’s reality. Play on the ice and business go hand in hand. If something good for the long term can be gained by trading Hayden then so be it.
Enforcers in today’s game aren’t what they were years ago. Players are having to alter their styles to play in today’s game. But, compete level is something that this team has been lacking and (IMO) Hayden has never lacked. I don’t see him as being as inconsistent as other see him also. His minutes are somewhat low but he is a 3rd and primarily 4th line guy. This season some other guys are seeing big minute increases as of late (i.e. the “let’s not burn out Kane” theory).
Anywho, if he has to go then I hope it is for something of real substance. Going forward the Blackhawks need to have talent but also grit and compete level. It’s Stan’s job to find both.
Going to be interesting, and debate inspiring, up through the draft and free agent signing period.
Go Blackhawks!!!!!
Noonan96…further on Eberle. Hes only a year older than Panarin who u would want but state Eberle is oldish.
Panarin will want both dollars AND term. Do we want that?
Kaner has shown now hes fine without him
Big goof on my part in the post above. Should read “if we’re DONE worrying about Hayden leaving ….”. Sorry.
Next.
Seabs will be going to Seattle. We might either have to eat half of the contract or like is mentioned package something with him. I believe he would like being a mentor on a new team, probably the Captain. I do not want him going to Vanc. He did mention once that he would like to be close to home.
@ORIGINAL6HAWKEY you are out of your mind. Trade Saad for a late first rounder!!!! or a late first rounder and a second rounder (doesn’t matter if that 2nd rounder is early or late in the draft). And a quality prospect???
No thanks; proven player over prospects and picks EVERY SINGLE TIME if you plan on doing anything in the next few years. You do that and you better A. plan to sign some quality free agents (which you’re going to overpay for in all likelihood and who knows how they’ll fit in) B. Just work on getting Toews and Kane to waive those no movement clauses because it will be 2025 before this team does anything again; heck move Debrincat too; it’s a total reset.
Statistically even mid first rounder are hardly a lock for seeing the light of day in the NHL (and you want a late one??) and even if they do it’s usually years before they start in the league; let alone produce. Heck some will not until they are on their second team! How many highly touted prospects have turned into busts; more than have turned into stars; again I ask about a prospect; if they are so good why are they not in the NHL now? It seems to me the first words out of someone’s mouth is “well Debrincat was a 2nd rounder” congratulations they found the anomaly. These happen; funny how a team that ends up with a few outliers in their favor end up doing better than expected….that’s in part because of the outliers. That’s what happens when you have outliers. But if the plan is rely on outliers in the draft …..well good luck. Let’s just assume every 2nd round draft pick for the blackhawks from now on goes on to be a proven 20+ goal scorer; heck draft a goalie or a defenseman I bet they’ll be 20+ goal scorers too if we follow this outlier pipedream.
As far as trading Saad goes there should be no rush. He can be traded now(after the freeze); at the deadline during the draft, this summer, next year, next year’s trade deadline; next year’s draft summer 2020-need I go on? That’s the reason his name comes up so much in trade rumors; he’s the most tradeable piece we have; other than say Debrincat. No doubt Saad has dissappointed especially in comparison to Panarin who was arguably a league MVP point wise last year for the Columbus Blue Jackets. But by all means let’s talk about signing him this summer…..when the main reason he was traded was because Bowman thinks the Blackhawks can’t resign him. But hey maybe he’ll see the grass is greener over here….you know with a new coach ….and a new practice facility.
Bowman should try to get crafty about 3+ teams trades to eat some salary that only lasts through this year. There is pretty much zero options on this without involving a third team, but it would be the smartest thing to do to pick up some draft picks or prospects; you know; with out moving proven players.
Like before we need to add a quality top 6 FW and D to get back 81 and 4. That is 72/similar and a top defensemen. I do not think it matters if Kaner is fine with or without Bread Man. The bottom line is we want a stacked top 6 and based on whos on what lines a loaded top 9.
The salary cap will work. There will be trades made necessary to make it happen/and keep it. We do not have to save any cap space for an younger players. When the certain guys we want are available, POUNCE. or you get hung up on, having to pay 8 6m caphit because of some red coat. That lead to missing out on what we need/want, quality top 6 players.
I would add 72 and that Eberlie. Add and make the room for two, do not limit to one because were ‘saving’ for a maybe.
To me its about getting 81 and 4 back. Keeping every young player/blue chip draft and good draft prospects. Whatever it takes. We ll make the salary cap work later.
Do it. Do it.
Why would you trade Saad for a pick and a prospect unless it is a top 5 pick and/or a grade A NHL prospect and neither of those scenarios are going to happen
Saad is still a good young player – he’ll score 25 this year if he stays healthy and should still be here when the Hawks are ready to contend again
The Hawks are not in a start from scratch mode – they’re trying to quickly rebuild so that there’s a window for Cup contention while T and K still have it going on – ideally that window should be open in 2 years (ie. the 20/21 season)
Saad in 2 years is more valuable than whatever pick you would get back for him now
Loags-the problem is Eberle has been living off the splash he made in the Junior tournament-he looked like a star in the making-
there are a few potential guys coming into the Hawks fold and possibly getting 40 to 50 points-let them develop. If you add- make it one guy that provides a big upgrade in talent.
(Eberle is making 6 million, it’s his possible last kick at money. It won’t be for less than 4.5/5 million and might be closer to what he made, with a 2-3 year term. Save that money for D-Cat etc.)
Thta will be the end of that shit. Saying the on ice call is no goal, when you can see the puck over the line/in glove or not/
Its a bout time. Get the chips in the pucks so you can do 3d instant tennis replay. Theeres no need for any challenges. The thing automatically does it every play when puck is close to goal line.
The NHL is planning to use puck and player tracking for the 2019-2020 season, league commissioner Gary Bettman announced Friday during the All-Star weekend in San Jose, California.
The NHL joins the NFL as the only major North American professional sports league with wearable tracking technology.
When the league will do a full roll out with the technology is unknown. The NHL is
testing it and receiving feedback from players, teams and others. The data is collected through mircochips created by German company Jogmo World Corp. that are inserted into pucks and players’ shoulder pads.
“The Puck and Player Tracking system can track pucks at a rate of 2,000 times per second in real-time with inch-level accuracy,” Bettman said. “We’ll instantaneously detect passes, shots, and positioning precisely. It will be equally accurate in tracking players — their movement, speed, time on ice — you name it.
Roman – been in the Seabrook to Seattle camp for a while here. Only scenario I see of him being moved, and the right location for him personally. Hopefully the package deal doesn’t hurt us too much.
Recliner and Wrap and others with the same line of thought – Yes. Trading Saad for picks or prospects that are 3 maybe 5 years from helping really doesn’t seem to be the prudent thing to do. I think we are hearing the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately mentality that is prevalent in sports today. 20 brings many qualities to the team and I believe he will hit another level of value next year as the coaching around him becomes more palatable to his psyche, and more inclined to use him in ways he can help rather trying to punish him all the time. Is he overpaid for his scoring? No doubt. Was Toews overpaid for his scoring the past couple of years? No doubt. But each brings other things to the table that influence their actual value to the team. Not putting those two on the same level of skills, but there is a $4m difference in pay too.
Noonan, your right we want elite or really good players in these positions. Not a 12 FW that are balanced like VEG with not many elites. We want enough elite players, thats what all the good top teams have, and be deep with good enough players/stack it with the wave of elc prospects. We need both elite ufas/if not drafted by us and every blue chip/and good prospects we got and get this draft.
Its the teams that have those kind of players, 19 88 2 81 4/like what TAM LA BOS have/had, that wins the Cup. Not balanced teams.
We need good depth, not balance. We want balance in having enough elite players and good deepness. We do not want 2 elite players and 10 balanced players. We want 3-5 elite players/as many as we can get and 6-7 good deep/depth players. Its having guys like 36, 65, 86, 20 on 3rd line quality deep that stacks the roster the good way.
I guess the only way trading Saader would be ideal is adding Bread Man, which we already are doing/that happens, and a player like Stone. Both. Then getting a good pick for Saader, that wont be ready for 2-3 yrs maybe, might be as good as Saader when NHL ready, ok.
The thing is only thing your gaining is getting 10 prime yrs from younger Saader, then what your already getting/have 5 prime yrs from Saader.
Only way makes sense is were adding Bread Man and Stone/similar.
81 contract trade didnt hurt any. Other then seeing Hartman and Vinny on other teams. They got to play and get drafted by Blackhawks first in the careers so thats has to be dream for them. With salary cap players cant stay on one team for 20 yrs unless your top 100 of alltime like 19 88 2 and Dunks might not because of reloading roster based on 19 88 having 8-10 yrs left.
So trading 7 contract shouldnt be, that much, more then 81 contract to get it done.
If the goal is to have 9 quality top 9 players, were 3-5 are elite. We need keep Saader.
If its to have 2 elite players and 10 decent balanced players then trade away. Maybe 10 draft picks will turn into 10 NHL players in 2-3 yrs.
We need to do both. Be creative Bowman and crew.
Noonan…living off whc? He was getting 60 pts on a crappy team in edm.
We need depth. You wont find it with 3m/yr players. Prices have gone up.
Morrison…hes better than a #12 forward. 40-60pts is not 4th line.
Saad makes 6m and hes 50pts.
6 of Eberles 8 seasons are 20 plus goals. 4 of those seasons are 25 plus.
Folks keep saying Panarin. Hell be getting 9m per at least! We want to use up that much space on one guy? Itll force Chi as a top heavy team.
Not saying that. Just that its good to have more then 2 high end players, top heavy or not.
I want to have 9 top 9 players and not balanced. I want more elite players and quality deep enough/12 FWs.
elite/decent-balance players
Rather have 5/7
not have 2/10
Every yr we were deep we had more then 2 elite players.
I know 7 is past prime, not counting him we always had 19 88 2 81 4 thats 5 right there.
We wernt top heavy because we had some on elc and bridge.
Thats what we can do again. Have to to be deep with enough elite players.
He could be in there/the top 9. Take out 15 caphit and it works with still adding 72.
I wouldnt go by pts. 19/81/20 are more important and got less pts then 10 did.
We do need everyone and enough type of players like 19/81/4/20 and enough type of players like 16/67/36/65.
Besides anything, one things for sure, we re adding an elite player and more then one these two drafts/summers coming up.
I think it better to stack roster and not be able to keep everyone for more then 2/3 yrs like we did 3 times already. Then we have the edge on other top teams because they cant/or cant that same yr. I do not think we can stack roster, like that, with only 2 elite players. Thats why I would add some elite players these two drafts/summer.
Instead of go balanced and then when we want to add/can cap hit wise, we cant get them and/or their not available.
Were only top heavy, when before/and after young guys are ready and then cant pay everyone. I am looking for that sweet spot for 2/3 yrs. It didnt work for STL and WAS, then WAS won on a yr after when they wernt as deep (but aso when the league had just got waterdowned to the point that every top 5 team wasnt as good).
Michigan is playing Penn State.
Q Hughes vs. Barratt.
Barratt 1-0 scores goal!
Next shift knocks um player down and off puck with check from behind.
Barratt 2-0.
Q. Hughes has puck all alone, and Barratt strips him clean,
makes pass to player in all alone on the goalie, goal.
Kurashev !!!!!!!!! 2 g’s tonite
Barratt 3-0
After elbow to helmet not called on um, Barratt hits a um into bench area.
After killing the penalty, psu d man long pass, that guy passes to Barratt and he goes in creating a 2 on 1 shot is blocked and other 2 on 1 guy gets it and scores. Barratt with goal and 2 primary assists.
Q. Hughes 0-3
turns the puck over on a fancy behind the pass on a PP and gets picked off.
guy goes in all alone on the goalie, short handed goal.
What disturbes me, I do not know college rules, they let um get away with elbow to helmet-no call, guy has amr around collar and drags him down go violently into baords and hits back, no-call. Then a hit in back call, um on PP again, and after faceoff their d guy stick his leg out and does a pansy knee on knee on purpose, no-call. Are the rules the same in college, wow.
Whatever, these guys shouldnt get hurt, man do those um players deserve to get punished for the stuff they get away with.
Barratt did hit one of them into bench, penalty called, paid his dues.
Penn State scores goal.
Just beating a team on score board isint good enough. Those um players need to pain.
I know some question my eye sight with refs. Even Rufus would have said the same on this.
Anyways, who cares, love watching Barratt take it to Q. Hughes that Fucking cannuck.
We agree to disagree-that’s all–You can pay 6 million for him-he’s headed for about 40 point year in his contract year. And -7 on a first place team. I believe we need another 6 million dollar guy at 29 (next year) like we need a hole in the head unless he’s a difference maker in the top 6.
Prospects: Chl
Kurashev 2g 11 of 19 fos 2nd star
Beaudin 2a 2nd star
Gravel 24 of 27 saves win
Ncaa
Barrett 1g 2a
Maissie 1g 1a
Coughlin 1a
Ess 1a after 2nd
Ushl
Hakkarainen 1g
Skavin 1g 1a after 2nd
Europe
Kubalik 1g
Nordgren 1a ( found him Wall thx)
Galvas 21mins ice time
Nalimov 15 of 17 saves in relief for win. In 6games with new Khl team 6 games .922 sv% 1.97 gaa.
Couple others still playing.
Sikura 1a tonight Forsberg 27 of 28 win. Fortin and Louis 1a each and Nilsson 1g in Hogs win.
Loags, Noonan Isles have 3 ufa pending in Lee, Eberle and Nelson. Say they want to sign Lee but Nelson be a good add too.
Ian. Good update as always.
Tough night for Chad Krys -2. Ryan Shea -1, Ian Mitchell-1. All of their teams lost.
Rockford won both games this weekend. Lucas Carlsson is having a sneaky good year. He’s on pace for about 40 points on the back end.
Looks like Luke Johnson is eager to be recalled. Goals in both games. Out there late in the games as well taking key draws.
Yeah – love the regular prospect updates Ian – awesome!
We Are.
Barratt.
Hagel Chl 2g and 1st star
Olofsson Ncaa 1g
Thanks guys, just check the propsects regularly so decided to share.
Lot’s of scoring in Jr’s… Tank is empty in Rockford
crap Forwards in Rockford
Carlsson… about only Hog that night impact Hawks in near future… Maybe Knott as 4th liner in couple years…
There was an interesting trade proposal on another message board involving the Hawks acquiring Callahan from TB. The gist of it was the Hawks would take Callahan’s $5.8M cap hit which includes next season to provide TB cap space to (1) go after a rental at the TDL this year to enhance their odds to win the Cup this season and (2) give them that $5.8M to help them re-sign Brayden Point and 3 of their top 6 d-men. For the Hawks to take Callahan off their hands TB would also send a top prospect and a high draft pick. The Hawks would send them either Gustafsson or Forsling.
Callahan is not going to be a guy that will be part of the rebuild – he’s merely a means to an end to get a prospect like Taylor Raddysh and possibly a 1st round pick, although it would be at the tail end of the 1st round. Callahan’s $5.8M would be on the books for next season which could affect the Hawks ability to sign one of the top free agents like Panarin or Stone, depending on lots of other variables.
Would you make that trade? I think I would.
Here’s my reasoning. I think it’s unlikely the Hawks can sign Panarin anyway because I don’t think he was happy about Stan trading him a couple years ago so the likelihood that has no bearing on Panarin’s decision is unlikely, IMO. Also, Stone will have many other suitors and most of them closer to winning the Cup than the Hawks – so why sign with the Hawks? But, maybe a “home town” guy like Dzingel would sign to play with his favorite team and he would cost significantly less so it works easier with Callahan’s $5.8M on the books. Callahan comes off the books after next season when that cap space can be used to re-sign DeBrincat and others. Raddysh is having a good season in the AHL and should be ready to step into the NHL next season (and re-unite the Erie line from a few years ago of DeBrincat-Strome-Raddysh).
Then maybe package the TB #1 (#31?) and the Hawks #2 (#35?) and move up in the 1st round (#15?). Or maybe package #31, #35 and Beaudin or Mitchell to move up into the top-10? Or maybe just pick two pretty good players at #31 and #35.
EB if the belief is next season is a writeoff, then that type of move makes sense minus moving Mitchell or Beaudin at this point. Marleau from the Leafs be another potential target in that kind of scenario.
Not sure if the powers that be want to do that. Defense can be bolstered at deadline next season, as a number of good rentals be available then, “if” not a sure thing but not impossible either, a bolstered forward core and settled goaltender situation emerge strong within next year, an albatross could hurt as moving them not likely be easy.
E-R, that’s an interesting scenario. I doubt Stan would give up his ability to be a major player on July 1, just for “futures”.
However, I’m reading today about Nashville and Winnipeg both being hot for Center Derrick Brassard. For us Hawks fans this bears worth watching. The team that does not get Brassard would do well to get Anisimov as a consolation prize. Also, Pittsburgh is now looking to replace Brassard with a Center.
The value of Centers goes up around playoff time. Contenders have to have depth there. We have two available = Anisimov, a legitimate big body 3rd liner, Kruger, a legitimate Stanley Cup winning 4th liner.
If Stan can accrue a few draft picks AND get cap relief by moving AA, it will be a win.
Ryan Callahan wears an “A” and has some form of no-trade clause. If he were to come here (which means we’re willing to take the salary and he’s willing to waive his no trade to come here) I think the return should be a king’s ransom and heck throw in those killer conditional picks-make the stanley cup final?-that’s an extra pick; win the Stanley Cup-oh yes, that’s another pick; those are always nice. I’m talking it’s clear Tampa loses the trade in 3-4 years in exchange for going for it now.
While we start to look at why Panarin might not work…we should take a good look at the standings; the Blackhawks are only 10 points behind the 3rd slot in the Central division(am I reading the standings right?). Maybe I’m wrong but 10 points isn’t a lot. And that’s 3rd; not a wild card slot which is only seven points. Take a look at their schedule as well. Not too many teams in the schedule are sure fire playoff teams. In fact quite a few teams they are playing are just ahead of the Blackhawks in the standings. However, I must say a majority of the Blackhawks wins of late (which….there haven’t been many wins, but anyway…) have come from purely the success of the powerplay. To me a team that relies on the powerplay to win games, I mean really relies on it, just isn’t going anywhere. However I wouldn’t be surprised if they moved up in the standings quite a bit and we’re challenging for a playoff spot, even if it’s just because of the improved powerplay.
In other words all this talk about Hughes or Kakko is ….a bit early; way too early. Let’s just start talking about a shutout at the start of the third period folks; same thing.
Tab, not sure you’re interested but I’d love to see an article here on the advanced statistics and the state of the Blackhawks this season. I know, it’s a lot to ask.
ER, thats an excellent idea and another fellow early in this season said same exact kind of thought, forget who that was.
We would infidelity have enough cap space to add Bread Man/similar and still do that. I would ok if it was the 20 season only. Could be ok of 21 season to, just tie up that amount for another yr. If return is huge though, well worth it.
Signing Bread Man/Stone/similar and Dzingel would then be tuff though.
Theres no reason to touch any of the Four Horsemen, for any reason, unless its a player like Douchknee.
That is a good creative way to add picks though, that do not entail trading everyone we have in sight.
Everytime we win a few games it will look like were close to the 7 or 8 seed.
You cant go by pts because thats misleading. Thats why I go by games over .500 and that factors in games played.
Your right though the 7 or 8 seed teams havnt got above 5 over .500 and those teams recently lost some games so they were at around 3, and now won a little and are around 5.
The only way it would work is for the 7 and 8 seed to be 5 over at 82 games. We would have to go plus 10, like 25-15 in the 2nd 40 games to do it. We could, and after the start of the 2nd 40 games people were saying same thing after we played good in like 8 of 9 games and went 6-2-1. Then we lost more games again. Point is at that moment in time we were only 6 pts from 8 seed.
The difference between top 3 picks and making playoffs is going 25-15 or 15-25.
After that 6-2-1 were around even now including that. Where still in and have been the whole time that group of 6 teams that usually has a gap after those teams that pick 7-12 or so.
Your right on the sch. Ian did and I have said, during the first 20 games, when the sch. got stupid, that the 2nd 40 games were easier then the first 40 games. That stupid sch. during that time magnified those 0-62 and 0-8 stretches. As we are Not a bottom 10 team/we just do not have a full roster. We sucked then but not that bad. That though is the only reason and our chance at a top 3 % pick. So when we look back on the blue chip players we got in a yr/2yrs remember that as being the reason why we got another stud player.
If 2 or more of any of those teams and theres prob like 5 or more of them get above 5 over, thats it cant be done. We would have to go plus 10, from -5 to get to 5. after we went that 6-2-1 we were doing good to do that, though would have to do that rest of the way basically and we then lost 5 (half were ties) and won 2 = -1. So with those 2 wins would still need one more win to get back to 5 then go plus 10.
Two and a half 6-2-1 gets you that plus 10. You would also need to go .500 in all other games combined and we didnt do that yet, to keep the 1.0 of the 2.5 of 6-2-1 needed to get that plus 10.
Prospects: Chl
Kurashev 1g
Boqvist 1a
Gravel 20 saves on 22 shots loss
Europe Altybarmakyan back with junior team also. 1g and 2a on Fri. A goal in the shootout on Thurs.
Recliner agree a good chance of a 10th-12th lottery finish. That wcould be right in Walls pick Kaliyev territtory.
Let’s see how the hawks look like after the trade deadline if and how many guys get traded out. To me that will give the indication of how far up the hawks will finish in the draft lottery.
I want to win as much as anyone. For last/this yr I would rather get that top 3 % pick and trade up to get in that 15 area for Walls guy Kaliyev.
Thing to remember is once teams are not able to make playoffs/games left wise during the last 10 or so games, teams wont try as hard to win. Top 10 teams will win every game in sight trying to get in or a certain seed. So you see a lot of teams lose or win like 8 of last 10 games. We would be out of it, so would the bottom 10 teams going for top 6 pick.
I am going with this. We ve been in that group of 6 teams since we got there a little while after the 6-2-2 start. So until were not in that group of 6 teams, I am thinking were getting a top 6 pick.
Agree with the idea that having a few players moving out at TDL could improve the Hawks draft position – let’s say Gus or Keith is traded for example or AA (although trading the latter might not make much difference)
Sorry but I might be going against the grain. I am a professional athlete. I throw darts, play pool and do 16 ounce curls. I want to win. If my team is a top 8 so be it. Anything can happen. If we’re one and done that’s where the pipeline of talent needs to show up. The picks that are made at 16th could be as good as the ones at 5 or 6. Cards show as in another sport I excel at.
Jr good post, Kaliyev is sniper yes but so far he is still pretty one dimensional.
Trading established stars for picks has a nice ring to it but as stated by other posters doesn’t make you better in next couple of years. If letting the clock tick away on 88 and 19 happens or trading them then history tells you this team is alot of years from getting back to dynasty type level again.
Having dreams of high endless draft picks looks grandiose but reality is they don’t all succeed at level hoped for. Keeping them together in a cap era long enough to win with them is almost impossible, having them peak together before having to start losing some is doubtful.
Look at Pens didn’t go full rebuild but kept trying to reload with Crosby and Malkin until it worked.
Don’t believe writing off another season is in the cards.
Don’t undrstand the rush of some people to write off Sikura and looking for any excuse to justify it. Played all 51 games of professional hockey and calling him a wash, unreal. Developing takes time, for all players not just a few.
@JR Roman I see you play real sports and aren’t trying to be the best at working out.
Those endless high draft picks haven’t worked that well for the Oilers
Kaliyev
1 shortie
1 PPG… last nite
Wall also on ice for 5 goals against too.
5 even strength goals against
I want us to win games, last/this yr. Its better to have more blue chip players though. We will be a better roster with top 5 pick then 15-25 pick.
To me a 5th pick is always going to be better then a 15 area pick. Now sometimes a 25th pick could be same/better then a 15th pick, sure.
Its not just top 6 pick. Its also getting a 32-35 pick which is much better then 45-50th pick. You can also trade up with a 32-35th pick to 15-25 pick, you cant do that with the 45/55th pick.
Where do most of core players come from, draft picks. EDM doesnt have a full core of Cup champions let alone Dynasty core champions. We still have half of a dynasty core so were only needing to top off, not build from scratch like EDM.
If were not playoffs, which we still could, then I want top 6 pick. Getting a top 6 pick will get us back to top 5 team/roster wise, faster. We also need to add an elite FW and a top defensemen in these two yrs coming. I do not think we traded 4 and 81 retired to not add those spots back. Just waited for the right time and when you have to wait two yrs for that, its better to get two blue chip players then two mid first round picks.
We ll be smiling about this/blue chip players in 2 yrs.
Wow, people are excited about Hayden being a keeper in this board? A 4thn line keeper? What about the band wagon Stan Bowman all star keeper in slow footed Edjsell??? Whatever happened to that gem. All these rejects from other teams end up with the HAWKS as Bowman tries to get a JACKPOT. Strome, Perlini, Cagg, Edjsell, Kookoo, Kubalik (7th round pick?), on and on and on.
Fire BOWMAN.
SEABS is still on 33
Toews and Kane still on 30 and to think 3 years ago against the PREDS, they were still in their prime but this GM took it all apart.
Drafting 4 tiny, lightweight Dmen who everyone thinks they are undersized instead of drafting wingers to replace stars like SHARP, HOSSA, PANARIN, etc…
Simply an idiot who belongs on the same bus ride as Peter Chiarelli.
NEWS FLASH: No human being is perfect, which includes all NHL General Managers.
It’s easy to nitpick and be an arm chair GM.
Go Hawks, including Stan.
Hawks have only one established star Patrick Kane.
Father Time and injuries have caught up with the rest of the former stars.
Seriously, can the Hawks be Stanley cup contenders within the next two years?
I’m not talking about some pipe dream. I’m talking about a Stanley cup contender.
The don’t trade Brandon Saad for a middle to late first round pick makes me chuckle. Is Saad going to be a difference between Chicago winning and losing a cup?
Shut down power forward? I doubt Saad puts fear into any apponent in the NHL.
At six million a year I don’t see Saad as any type of bargain.
Im in the opinion the Hawks should be trying to accumulate as many draft picks as possible. Does anyone remember how we got Saad in the first place???
Oh yeah, he was a second round pick number 43 overall as a matter of fact.
Yes I know the majority of the draft picks never amount to anything.
How about Griffin Reinhart going to the Islanders for pick 16 and 33.
The ultimate no-no for some on this site. Players for picks… Pick 16 is now looking pretty good for the Islanders. Mathew Barzal.
Hawks need to move some high priced former stars now instead of having a supposed two year window to win the cup.
A lot wiser to trade players one year to soon than two years to late.
Yes I realize all of the no trade contracts could turn out to be a major issue going forward.
At some point you have to be realistic about Chicago’s chances of winning the cup.
They can’t even make the playoffs…am I wrong?
Stape hasn’t watched 19 for a second this year
Tab, Toews is a very good hockey player no doubt.
Lots of very good players in the NHL these days.
I would no longer consider Jonathan Towes a star. Very good yes, star no longer.
I do not think Blackhawks be a top 5 team in 2yrs. That we ll be a 5-15 team in 2yrs. Its yrs 3, 4, 5, and on we ll be a top team again.
I expect and rely on salary cap to keep other top 5 teams at bay. TAM and NAS have been there for 4 yrs now, and in a couple/few yrs there on their way out. While WIN and CAL are coming there to take over. So by the time we get there again, it will those teams and whoever there not TAM, and maybe TOR and NAS.
Your right the more picks you have the more players you ll get. That doesnt mean trade everyone just because were not playoffs, record wise, for these two yrs when were playing without a full roster and those kind of ufas. When were playing with a full/er roster and ufas like Bread Man/similar then were right there again.
81 and 4 need to be replaced with similar players and we need every young guy we already have coming and the ones we get this draft/next two summers.
2yrs- top 5-15 team and playoffs.
3yrs and on- top 5 team for yrs.
Bergervin is still a star and hes not better then Tazer. What did he do to be good again, he has a full roster. 5 good young players starting with Patsternak. Hes like our Debrincat and we are waiting for our 4 good young players, we already drafted, to get here. Then will have what BOS has and got them back to a top 5-10 team.
We also have a top 6 pick and 32-35 pick coming, in addition, which BOS doesnt have coming to them.
Note to Hull65:
Time for you to step up. Instead of constantly complaining on a message board, write Rocky Wirtz a letter. Articulate your suggestions, complaints, etc. to someone who actually has some influence.
I notice you say the same thing every thread, it’s FIRE BOWMAN, FIRE BOWMAN, FIRE BOWMAN, FIRE BOWMAN.
Write a letter to Rocky Wirtz, he’s the one who controls the decision, not people on a message board. Copy your letter and paste it into a post so we all can see you finally decided to be productive and accountable for your opinions instead of a pigeon who flies over every day and shits on everything.
Here is Rocky Wirtz’s address:
Rocky Wirtz, Chairman
Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Team
1901 W. Madison Street
Chicago IL 60612
Heres an excellent post about draft picks on recent yrs. Some draft yrs are better then others. We might be lucky these two yrs we got a top pick and not other yrs.
In some of those years, there just weren’t many good players available. In 2013, they picked Hartman as their first rounder. Should they have passed him up for Robert Hagg? Hagg is the only defenseman drafted before Dahlstrom who is on an NHL roster from 2013. After Dahalstrom, there’s a handful of others who are on an NHL roster, including Butcher, Harpur and Pesce. Butcher was a 5th rounder and a late-bloomer, so give Stan a Mulligan on that one.
2014 and 2015…meh. The Hawks had late picks those years. Only about five of the defensemen drafted after Nick Schmaltz are currently on an NHL roster. All of the really good ones were gone before the Hawks got their pick. And, yeah. Graham Knott in 2015 will probably be a bust. But, only 7 defenseman picked after him are on an NHL roster, and I’m not so sure any of them are much better than what the Hawks have now.
As for 2016, the Hawks traded away the 22nd overall pick. But, I wouldn’t trade Alex DeBrincat for the guy who was acquired with that pick by Winnipeg, or for anyone else drafted after that, regardless of what position they play. Stan might have had his share of misses, as every GM does, but that pick was a home run. So was Jokiharju. He and the #3 overall (Heiskanen) are the only first-round defenseman from that draft currently playing in the NHL. As for anyone else drafted in 2016 or later, it’s too soon to tell.
I looked up some of the earlier years, and beyond the first round, there are rarely more than 8-10 defenseman who were drafted subsequently from any given year who are currently on an NHL roster. Maybe half of those are anything to write home about (e.g., Manson, Reilly, Carrick.) So, it’s not really “poor draftng” on the Hawks’ part.
As for Dale Tallon and his drafting, that’s worth a discussion in and of itself. 2008 and 2009…WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFF!!!!!
Right, but Tallon drafted Kane, Toews, Keith, Seabrook, Hammer, Kruger, Buff, Bickell, Brouwer. He also got Sharp for Matt Ellison.
I agree on Beach and Aliu and Skille. At the time those guys were highly rated.
I think that post was about people saying Bowmans bad drafting put us in this situation and that person/posted that saying Bowman has done good with no top 10 picks until these two yrs/last and this. That those two yrs were woof picks. That Bowman has done really good without top 10 picks, simply not due to drafting.
I do not think it was a knock on Tallon.
Its good to see though that teams did not draft good/in that there wasnt that many good players after 1st round picks these last 5 or so yrs. So for Bowman to get Debrincat, Buckaroo and other like 86, hes done good.
Stape, I discussed trading Saad in my post on 1/26, as you just did ealier today. One person slammed my scenario. Saad is a more complete player than his numbers indicate. However, there may be an opportunity to get back a lot of value from a serious contender, particularly to replace an injured player. Not going to rehash what I already posted. FYI: Saad slipped to the 43rd pick because of a groin injury, which hampered him in his draft year. He was projected as a 22-24 before the injury.
Regarding Toews, on the surface no one would say he is the star Kane is. But with 48 points vs Kane’s 71, he is a +2 while Kane is a -4. The team is a -34, meaning that Toews is a superb shut-down player. An excellent pivot and d-man rolled into one. He is the best Blackhawks captain in at least a generation and provides leadership by setting high standards for himself. He takes personal responsibility during losing streaks and poor team play. Stay healthy captain!
Trip: Tallon became GM in 2005. Keith, Seabrook, Bickell, Brouwer, Byfuglien were drafted before that.
Only two reasons to trade Saad-
1) you’re blown away by the offer (unlikely)
2) you need the cap room for another deal/offer that makes you better
Hull 65 keeps baiting people back into the (yawn) Tallon-Bowman re-visit.
Don’t bite.
Kings trade Muzzin to Leafs for two prospects and a 1st round pick.
Jets supposedly pushing hard to acquire a Center. It’s a sellers market. I thought Stan did well on the Hartman and Wingels deals last deadline. Anisimov’s value might actually ascend between now and late February.
So far so good with Cagguila for Manning and Koekkoek for Ruuta( albeit very early ).
Hopefully, Stan has one or two more good ones left in his poker deck.
I like the trade for both teams – Toronto beefs up their d-corps with a solid middle pairing guy and LA gets a late first round pick and a couple prospects that were drafted in the mid second round. Durzi is another over-ager having a very good “20 year old” season and interesting that he was just traded to Guelph which is where Entwistle was traded to. Some of the top CHL teams are loading up and Guelph is one of them but I don’t think they can handle London who also acquired a couple guys to help their push down the stretch.
Muzzin a legit top 4 defensemen get a 1st and extra. 15 not a legit top 6 center, is a legit 2nd/3rd line center, so as now to deadline goes up could get about the same as that/38 trade.
So where people say thing about Bowman. Him getting guys like Wingels, Krugs type players makes our roster deeper and if were not good record can still be interesting to teams that need more depth and get extra/picks full for these drafts. Seems like a good plan to serve more then one purpose, while allowing the time needed for the younger guys to get to NHL ready.
Cant wait to see what really good deals we get, then the draft and summer going to be a bang for us.
Agree with Craig that Stan made good trades with Hartman and Wingels, as well as the ones in recent months. LA made the right decision to get younger with 1-3 quality players coming to them. Is Muzzin the key piece to make the Leafs competitive with TB and others?
The Hawks need to do the same. AA’s value may not be higher than in the next few weeks but he will not bring in anything near what Muzzin did.
I guess should have been more specific. Think he could get a late 1st, not the extra in that trade. The 38 trade did, 15 could to.
The Leafs extra return is more than likely a bottom 6 forward and 3rd pair defenseman if they stick in LA. Pick will be late 1st and possibly very end of 1st round if Muzzin delivers what is hoped.
Also, Panerin tells Columbus no contract talks until after the season. So he’s going the Tavares route. Columbus and everybody else can bid for his services. Wow ! What a spot for the Jackets GM to be in.
Also read that Buffalo is looking for a Center. They want to move Middlestedt down the lineup and have him play fewer minutes. Buffalo has 3 first rounder and plenty of quality prospects.
On Winnipeg, GM Chevy supposedly wants a Center with term left on his deal. He does not want to trade for a rental like he did with Stastny last year and have him walk for nothing as UFA.
All of the bodes well for Stan. Hold, be patient and sell. Teams will panic and get more desperate as 2/25 approaches.
Found an interesting nugget from Jimmy Greenfield, who I guess is the Chicago Tribune hockey beat reporter.
It’s about Chris Kunitz and reinforces info most already knew, he is his tweet quoted:
“Don’t see why Kunitz would waive his NMC. He’s got 3 small kids, came to Chicago to stay put and already has four rings. Plus, he might be healthy scratched where he goes anyway.”
Kunitz’s wife is from Chicago. He may end up in the organization in some capacity too. Fans hate him because he’s pushing 40 and his production is about zero but he is very well respected by the hockey world which is what counts.
Not saying he wont waive the NMC but there it is. Clearly he was signed as a Q type player and things changed. I think they have a plan for Kunitz post playing days.
Jimmy is a long time friend of mine, and he makes a great point.
That being said, Brian Campbell waived his NTC and never sold his house in Hinsdale. Kunitz signed a one-year deal w/ the Blackhawks and isn’t playing every night, which is far from the way a proud player like him wants to bring a solid career to a close. I would be surprised if he didn’t take the opportunity to go to a contender.
That being said, I can’t imagine a contender needing Chris Kunitz. Which is why there was one team bidding for him this past summer. And why the Blackhawks never should have gone there.
I guess pretty much everybody agrees Kunitz career will end watching mostly from the pressbox. Does he want it to end early April and stay near his family, or be a healthy scratch for a playoff run and away from them. I kinda think he already made his family the choice this season and stays with it.
It’s pretty simple. Stan approaches Kunitz and says (hypothetically Pittsburgh) would like to have you around for their playoff push. If you’d like we can send you there. It’s completely up to you. Kunitz says he needs to talk to his wife. He comes back and tells Stan “no thanks we’re comfortable here” or “ go ahead and make the deal I’ll give it one more shot”.
At best, the Hawks might get a 7th round pick in 2020. At this point, I don think they view Kunitz as an “ asset”
We run into a lot of Playstation trading mentality here. NHL is less of a game, has a touch of sentimentality to it, but is greatly a business.
NMCs run the league now and for the near future. Bowman made his bed with dishing them out, and now the organization (and fans) have to share the mattress. While I understand the respect a NMC gives the player and in some cases is a reward for what they have done for the organization, I think limited NMCs are much smarter and will be the norm going forward. Players shouldn’t have that much power in running a team. Maybe for the front end of a contract, but as the contract gets over the halfway mark a team needs to be allowed some options too. We clearly have 2 core vets on our team right now that would serve the Hawks very well by moving along to new teams. However, the Hawks have no say in the matter. Blame Bowman? Yes, because he inked some of the deals (I don’t believe he inked Keith). Did they deserve NMCs in contracts? An open debate.
I hope the Hawks do away with full NMCs in the future. Unless, of course, its a contract for me.
Given the circumstances in Columbus, I think they would be insanely naïve to believe they will be re-signing Panarin. If he is not moved by the TDL and he runs away free, the GM should be fired.
He doesn’t put a CUP on their mantel. Take what you can get for him. The sooner he is moved, the more value he has.
Craig you could be right, but i would think the possibility of Kunitz being moved now was discussed in the summer. The NMC could be just to allow him full control of where he goes, or either he wanted to stay in Chicago and in that case it’s unlikely he goes anywhere.
On this NMC subject –
Many people grossly underestimate the NHL’s union structure and the Players Assoc. role in many contract perks. Contracts are almost always negotiated and structured by comparables and what the player and his team have accomplished.
Players Association is keenly interested in NTC’s and NMC because it obviously protects the player. Do not kid yourself, the Blackhawks were the standard bearer of accomplishment for much of this decade. With that comes setting the bar for contracts. This is not “Blackhawks front office hands out these clauses like candy.”
A union environment means a large part of how your contract is structured = what you have accomplished / what your team accomplished. It’s a union, to a large degree you’re compensated on what you’ve proven.
Currently there are only six NHL teams who have zero players with NMC’s. Calgary, Detroit, NJ, St. Louis, Vancouver, Washington
There is only one NHL team with zero players with NTC’s. Nashville.
The six teams who have no players with NMC’s are all at the higher end of number of players with NTC’s.
Fairness Disclaimer: Blackhawks at low end of NTC’s with two – Anisimov and Kruger, both partial. Blackhawks have most NMC players in league, seven – Crawford (partial), Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Kunitz, Ward. Last two guys one year deals.
Ward & Kunitz are because they’re 35+ players.
I am ok with with no trade clauses because they are dynasty core players. A regular Cup champion no. Theres only 4 dynastys since 1950?
Regardless of the NMC gymnastics it will be interesting to watch this trade deadline. On the Kunitz thing, none of us are in his head or his wife’s so who knows. It may come down to an injury on another team and them thinking a guy like Kunitz could help. Although I tend to agree I can’t see contenders lining up for him other than the Stanley Cup pedigree. Some teams value that more than would seem possible.
Toronto will prob. look to add a playoff tested 4th line center on an expiring deal so Kruger may be a fit.
Anisimov – Blackhawks might need to retain salary to move him, $4.5M for two more years is steep. But again, injuries …
Blackhawks biggest chip is Saad. Tons of pros and cons to moving him.
Tab nmc are negotiated seperately, not automatic, a number of 35+ contracts don’t have them. Matt Cullen, Pens, Derek MacKenzie, Panthers, Matt Hendricjs ,Wild are all just straight 35+ with no clauses attached.
Nmc are given alot to 35+ players, (not only reason though) and star players because they often take less caphit than market says they could get elsewhere as a tradeoff, to help teams with cap issues.
People said fuck no, to Saad for Faulk at first. Then during the first 10 games, most changed minds. Then Saader played and now people want a ranson for him.
What people on this trade now.
I wouldn’t be against throwing in a second tier prospect (Krys comes to mind) in order to move AA. Hard to know how other teams see him — I mean with the right guys around him he might be attractive. Kind of like a 2019 Zus for the right buyer. Those two extra years are a bit of an albatross though.
Thinking 15 gets a late 1st. 20 stays. 16 goes. Be cool for 15 and 16 to go to TOR and help them beat TAM. That could however give Cup to NAS.
Doubt AA brings back a first unless Hawks are retaining some salary
I agree that Saad stays IMO and Kruger goes
Sleeper trade may be Gus – he could be attractive for a PO team’s PP while the Hawks have lots of D men coming – Boqvist, Joki probably inherit the PP units when they’re ready which should be in time for when the Hawks are good again
Plus there’s the added bonus that trading Gus would help keep the Hawks down with LA who increased their draft odds by dealing Muzzin
Yea I would rather have a top 3 pick then top 6. Not routing to lose, we stay in the group of 6 teams. Then we get a top 6 pick. First couple picks are better, the top 6 pick is a need. Sure players between 15-25 could be as good as a 10 or so pick. That top 6 pick has to be better player and we want that.
Hoping 15 gets late 1st, not predicting.
The inverse of playoff bound teams adding pieces at the TDL to enhance their chances for playoff success is lottery bound teams subtracting pieces at the TDL to enhance their chances for higher draft positions and that’s what LA just did. LA is a worse team without Muzzin and that almost certainty will result in fewer points in the standings. The Kings are in a similar situation as the Hawks because they also have a couple core pieces from their Cup winning team in Kopitar and Doughty that they probably want to hold on to with a chance at winning another Cup with them as the centerpieces the same as the Hawks with Toews and Kane. Kopitar ($10M) and Doughty ($11M) add up to $21M, the same as T&K. Kopitar a year older the Toews and Doughty a year younger than Kane – so basically at the same stage of their careers.
But, after the 4 superstars. I think the Hawks are in a little better shape. The Kings have 4 older players not playing up to their contracts – Kovalchuk (35, $6.2M), Brown (34, $5.8M). Carter (34. $5.2M). and Phaneuf (33, $5.2M). Kovalchuk and Phaneuf hve 2 more seasons after this one and Brown and Carter have 3 more seasons after this one. The Hawks have only 2 older guys with contracts that outpace their production – Seabrook (33, $6.8M) and Keith (35, 5.5M). Again – not too dissimilar in terms of having more cap space allocated to players that may not be playing a prominent than would be helpful in getting back to contender status while the two centerpiece players are still good enough to be centerpieces.
Regarding players in the pipeline ready to be a significant contributor, I think the Hawks have a slight edge. Granted both fan bases are probably more optimistic than realistic in assessing their prospects, but the Kings only true blue chip prospect (Vilardi) has a chronic back problem and may never realize his potential.
Both the Kings and Hawks need an infusion of top level talent and need it in time to be productive before the core superstars decline. The Muzzin move tells me the Kings realize what they need to do and have started doing it. Hopefully Stan has the same mindset and does more than nibble around the edges.
Once again, we need to clarify Dale Tallon’s job history? Really? In 1998, he joined the front office in Chicago as director of player personnel before working his way up to GM. Serving in their latter capacity from 2005 to 2009 until Scotty cry baby Bowman got his little son a job, which included sending a fax to the NHL office!!!
Talking about hopes and dreams of Sikura, Edjsell and Hayden is really funny. Sikura will never make the NHL as a top 6 or 9 forward because he is a wet noodle at the age of 23. There is a reason why he was drafted in the 6th round which is because Mark Kelley is useless. Hayden and Edjsell, one can’t skate and the other has no hockey IQ.
Trades? Free agent signings? We all know Kunitz, Manning , Cagg, KOOKOO, and the rest of these low life trades are also going nowhere.
Simply read David Melton’s article in Second City Hockey on the reasons why the Hawks are at the bottom with not much to offer to get back up! Answer is bad drafting by Stan Bowman. Surprised? No! Finally, a hockey journalist that sees what some of us have seen happen the last 10 years, which is bad drafting all around by Bowman. You cannot screw up the first 3-4 rounds of your draft class if you want to remain competitive in a salary cap NHL. And by the way, he is no salary Cap genuis. STOP! No goalie drafted since Crow (Carter Hart, Gibson, Matt Murray, etc..), no Dman since the Hammer, no left winger since Saad, one little right winger after Kane (The Cat) and one center since Toews (Schmaltz). This my friends is what makes Bowman an awful GM. Read the article and stop thinking Bowman is the right man for the job. Remember the size of Boqi, Joki, Mitchie, and Beaudi…..all undersized who would not last 10 seconds playing as a unit against the NHL top teams. SEABS and Keith are still better than any of these prospects. Granted, maybe one makes it but to have an impact like Seabs and Keith, no way. Joki still has not scored or gotten his nose dirty. The rest of the tiny bubbles will be scared of their own shadow when OVI and the gang start chasing them around.
ER, it looks that way where teams are now/and like you said were in better shape going forward.
To me it looks like STL and ANA are like LA. STL does have better prospects, other wise those teams are alike that those teams did not transition to younger and faster. Were BOS did and CHI is doing.
To me CHI looks like what BOS did, get a top player in Pastrinak and 4 other good young players. Those 5 young players have BOS back to top 5-10 team. CHI has a guy like that, Debrincat and 4 good young players coming to. Only one is here now. Once those 4 are here in addition to Debrincat, thats when I think CHI has better roster then BOS.
What CHI has and BOS doesnt is this yr top 6 pick and 32-35th pick. So with the Four Horsemen and Debrincat, as well as a top 6 pick & 32-35th pick, plus a Bread Man. CHI deep again.
Basically I see STL, ANA and LA being in same boat. Where I see BOS already doing what CHI is doing now and who we have coming.
I know your breakdown was a different version of these teams. I see these teams like this, in that STL maybe, ANA and LA not. BOS did and CHI is following the transition to younger and faster and skill, those other teams are staying big slow?
To Hull65:
Noticed you conveniently avoided the suggestion to actually step up and be accountable.
Write a letter to Rocky Wirtz with your gripes. He makes the decisions, not message board posters you seem so obsessed with convincing.
Rocky Wirtz’s address is in the post above. And as for Dave Melton at Second City Hockey, if you are fond of millennial click bait “writers”, have at it.
ER, well thought out post. Mine was just about what teams I think are like each other and where their going. Not thinking those teams STL, ANA and LA cant be good again. Just that BOS did it after two bad yrs and getting 5 good young players and that looks like what were doing and we ll have more then 5 maybe.
The difference in these teams is the younger and faster and skill and not big slow.
Better yet, can tell you where he sits every game. We sat 8 seats from Rocky. Hand him the letter in person.
Wasn’t the “Second City Hockey” site, as referenced for clickbait for millenials one of the site that was quick to jump to conclusions about the accusations against Kane????? Didn’t they have articles up about how fans should punish the team and so forth???? There have been other articles up on there where they slip in some political propaganda. I’ll never visit that site garbage second city site again.
This Hull65 person labels Scotty Bowman, the greatest coach in the history of the game and a sure fire Hall of Famer, a cry baby.
This site sure attracts some clueless types.
Sadly, there appears to be no push back.
Hull, go beat your head against the wall however long it takes so you say something different.
Thank you Recliner. Yes, you are correct in all your assertions.
Further, that particular site coaches their writers to stir up controversy and appeal to the lowest common denominator of “fan”. Their motto might as well be “Notice Me! Notice Me! Notice Me!”. No surprise it sucks some people in.
Row A – I tried to have to have a fact based discussion with Hull65 when he was Makita21 on the Tallon vs Bowman debate regarding who should get credit for the Hawks 3 Cups
I gave up trying to have any reasonable debate – I don’t need a person to agree with me but if they make their points in a fact based way and respectfully I’m happy to engage and enjoy it but to have a pre-determined agenda that you gets reiterated every post is not only annoying but boring
I no longer read his posts and would advise you to do the same – it’s a complete waste of time
People made mistakes on Kane with that, like many did with Paterno. Paterno had nothing to do with it, it was the other people who didnt report what they knew, Paterno did-everything he knew about. So I would not blame any site for over reacting to stuff like that. Really nothing should be public about anything until truth comes out in court/other. Then the general public never would have thought badly on Paterno and Kane. Those guys are good guys. I believed that from the start and it took two and half yrs for the judge to see that the FBI guy lied in his report about email proving anything. The judge read them and the emails did not link paterno to any of it.
For second city hockey site, I find it the 2nd best site after this one for Blackhawks blogs. Not counting Athletic/I donot get and any official stuff from Teams site. Its the other blogs like hockey buzz espn facebook and stuff that I cant stand. Cant even read more then a few comments and I feel like puking.
Second city might be more positive then me, they know hockey though. They do get more odd ball posters then here. Its nice to see the class of the regualr poster and readers here treat people with class. Even when ripping on some people like Rufus and others did. It was good fun and hope people didnt get bullied in any way like that guy did last yr/summer/and tried to do this fall. What a Flatlander.
Hull65 says he’s a Hawks fan and I have no reason to think otherwise so I think his criticisms are heart felt because he’s genuinely disappointed with the current state of the Hawks. But I think Wrap offers sound advice for those of us who are tired of his negativity – don’t read his posts. Simple. Or do what I do which is to quickly scan to see if there’s anything different which can be done in about the same time it takes to scroll past his post. No big deal.
Wrap: Gus is proving to be a conundrum-he’s young enough-26, and stronger than I thought with a bit of an edge, and is 200 pounds-much needed with the Hawks and of course very mobile. He seems to be getting better, and hopefully will continue to improve defensively. (and Kane likes him)
He is trade chip, but is it wise?
What the Hawks have is an excess of 19-22 year old d-men-that are 2 to 3 years away from maybe being good.
Quiet couple of days prospect wise:
Chl Beaudin 1a
Europe:
Altybarmakyan 1a
Nalimov 17 saves 21 shots loss
Galvas 5 shots 20 mins, 23 mins last game, logging big ice time.
Agree that Gus could ve moved for a draft pick or prospects. Could be attractive with next years low caphit to Leafs or Tampa maybe in summer, type teams.
Wonder how much more AA would bring back if half or so of his salary was retained, could be worth it if the compensation was there
Noonan, Think its better to keep 56. Draft is ready one yr faster, then trading 56 at season 20 deadline. He might get better and we get more in trade, stay same-a yr longer or drafted, get a little worse and get not much different then now-still a yr longer. So that means to me, keep him we could be very happy we do in a couple yrs from now.
Its not worth trading guys just to get picks. We are going to get picks from some trades at deadline and draft anyways. Keep the guys that could be part of the 23man for season 21 and on. Its not worth the slight difference we would get in trade anyways.
The Four Horsemen can play, right out the gate, like Buckaroo. They will take time/200 games like every defensemen does to know how good. Like Hammer we could see he was going to be good, right out the gate, just like Buckaroo. We didnt know how special of a player he is until later.
Ian, good point on retaining. We have the space to add all we want this summer and retain like that. Do it. Do it.
ER–you say the solution to dealing with the forever-idiotic posts of Hull65 is to scroll past them.
Fine, but that doesn’t work for those of Morrison, who monopolizes this board with dozens upon dozens of meaningless and unclear posts on a daily basis.
I have tendonitis from all the extra work I must do to get past his daily onslaught of 20-30 posts that, even if I do my best to read them, make little sense.
Morrison, get a new hobby! Collect stamps. Go bird watching. Do fucking something other than clog up this site every damned day with your gibberish.
There is a potential flaw in the plan to have all 4 of the top d-prospect (the 4 horsemen) in the lineup by the 2020/21 season – over and above the very real possibility they may not be ready by then – the flaw is it’s not a recipe for success to have more than one inexperienced rookie or 1-year d-men in the lineup at the same time. If the 4 are staggered one per year, the last of the 4 will be a rookie in 2021/22, but even then one would be a rookie, one would have 1 year experience, one would have 2 years experience and Joki would have 3 years experience. If the idea is to take another run at the Cup before T&K hit their mid-30’s, having a very green d-corps is not going to be the best way to do that.
So here’s what I would do. First, make sure to get Ian Mitchell out of college and signed to a contract before he decides to go Kevin Hayes on us. Tell Mitchell the plan is for him to make the Hawks next season – ahead of Boqvist and Beaudin. Have Mitchell play 3rd pairing sheltered minutes from day one. Have Boqvist and Beaudin play in Rockford next season and play them together as a pair with the thought they will come to the Hawks and play together the following season (2020/21). That pushes the year we may be good enough to contend for the Cup back to 2021/22 but it also gives the B&B pairing 2 years of playing together – one in the AHL and the 2nd in the NHL.
It may take more time than we wish for guys like Kurashev, Barratt, Enwistle and others to be ready to be productive NHL players, if the even get there. If we don’t get one of the top two picks this year, whoever we do get is probably going to need a year or two. I guess what I’m saying is maybe thinking the Hawks will be a contender by 2020/21 may be too aggressive.
Carlo, I guess it’s personal preference but I don’t mind Morrison at all, in fact I like his posts and the reason is he’s optimistic whereas Hull65 is negative. But, that’s just me – I can read optimistic posts all day but can take only so much negativity before I tune it out.
Thinking that if the Jackets know Breadman is not signing they trade him to get something rather than nothing. Would AA be enough for him. I know we can go after him after the season but we are getting rid of a 4.5 mil at the same time.
Hey Row A ,
Why don’t you simply answer those questions? Tough? Who has Bowman drafted since 2010 in goal, on defence, on the wing and at centre? Simple, even a young Hawk fan under the age of 12 can answer a simple question? Why don’t you write to him and maybe he can give a nice salesman pitch like the one he gave you about Edjsell or Sikura. Oops, let’s move on shall we.
Never said good old Scotty was a bad coach, but if he is a senior consultant then what has he done the last 10 years? Oh, he did say recently that he watches a lot of games and thinks the tall kid in Montreal is another Jean Belliveau? Right Scotty…
Again, answer a simple question. By the way, the Bruins drafted some forwards like Bjork, Pasternak and Debrusk high, Bowman has only drafted 5’11 and under dmen, 4 of them. You want a hockey debate just look at the facts.
The one guy I am excited about is 2nd round pick Graham Knott. Or that goalie Peeters.
I hope Bowman’s dream of making the playoffs is finally over and maybe he can focus on trading AA (then again he gave that lifetime 3rd line centre so much cash) , Kruger and Ward. I would keep Kunitz as an alumini or maybe a coach in Rockford since his home is Chicago. A quick fix would mean trade those 2 players, throw in Hayden and Edjsell and maybe you get something back. Then, you fire Bowman and his dad. Bring in Sutter as President and Dean Lombardi as GM. With really hockey minds, maybe we also get a better coach.
Ebony, who’s negative? Not at all. I like this team finishing last and getting a high pick. I still love watching 88, 19, 2, 7, 50, and now 20 and 12. The rest of the roster is Bowman’s hype bust machine, that’s only negative because the facts show these players Bowman has given Coach Q and now JC, have had no impact. A big OOOO.
It is what it is, a very week roster. So, cheering for Kane to get 100 points is cool. Nothing wrong with getting rid of a bad GM. No hate just fate!
Hull65, different personalities tend to perceive things differently. I’m wired to see things more optimistically then some others and my expressions of optimism probably comes across as Pollyanna wishful thinking to them. Likewise some people come across as pessimistic to me when maybe those people think they’re just being realistic. Both of us can be true fans of the Hawks being true to ourselves in the way we express things, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get fed up with what you perceive as unrealistic expectations in the same way it doesn’t mean I cal elect to ignore what I perceive to be overly pessimistic or negative … the world keeps going around. Go Hawks.
Hull 65 your last post was actually OK-what is hard is the ditto machine-caps starting with BOWMAN etc. negative rant and then the same three, four lines over and over and over.
My eyes just glaze over and stop reading it. Doesn’t mean you can’t-just means most don’t read your efforts and that is a waste of your time. (we know how you feel)
Another thing to consider is that if the opportunity to land a Hughes or Kakko type top 5 pick who is ready to play. That type of pick usually given alot of potential to earn bonuses, like 2.5m range. So with current roster potential bonuses, it doesn’t have room without moving a Strome or Kahun to clear room to carry that much potential overage on roster.
Really when looking up cap space for next season counting Kahun, Strome as 7.2m hit to cover potential bonuses so they don’t come back and bite as we saw in past, in off season is probably a wiser way to look at it. Getting high picks will only keep these bonus overages potential up next few years too and have to be accounted for. Thats why i say continue to develop without rushing too fast the young Dmen each year and as long is needed use the trade deadline to get rentals to bolster the blueline for stretch and playoff runs. Finding the right forwards and goalies can be done while doing this and when time looks right be ready to make most of it, have chips in place to do it.
Carlo, ER, Ian and some others post just as much as I do. Maybe spread out more over the day, just as much. Theres no limit per day. Some days are longer/more posts then others. When you look at other blogs, like second city, a lot of those people post much more then us/that that post more then others. If you do not like it go somewhere else yourself.
There are people here who post, that I do not like their posts sometimes. I have class, I wouldnt tell them their posts are meaningless. Sorry you feel/think that way. No ones going to make everyone happy with the way they post/their style of talk.
Righto.
Hull65:
This will be easy.
First of all, I asked the question first. Why don’t you write a letter to Rocky Wirtz to air your constant complaints? I gave you his address. Are you afraid to step up and be accountable? It appears the answer is yes.
Now I will deal with your request on a one to one basis:
Your quote / question followed by my responses:
“Hey Row A , Why don’t you simply answer those questions? Tough?”
Not tough at all. As I said, easy. Here goes.
“Who has Bowman drafted since 2010 in goal, on defence, on the wing and at centre?”
In goal, really no one. And why is that, you keep harping on drafting for need. They had Antti Niemi who helped them WIN THE STANLEY CUP (put it in ALL CAPS as that’s your style and maybe you will understand but I doubt it). Then they had Corey Crawford who helped them WIN THE STANLEY CUP. Then they had Scott Darling who helped them WIN THE STANLEY CUP. Darling by the way was a result of good scouting, another of your beefs.
On defense, wing and center:
2010 – Hayes and Johns. Two NHL players from that draft.
2011 – Danault, Saad, Shaw. Three NHL players from that draft.
2012 – Terevainen and Hinostroza. Two NHL players from that draft.
2013 – Hartman, Dahlstrom, Hayden. Three NHL players from that draft. Note I did not add Motte and Luke Johnson as they are fringe NHL players and that won’t suit your “narrative”.
2014 – Schmaltz and Sikura. Two NHL players from that draft. If you wish to discount Sikura, go right ahead but other teams were lining up to sign him as a free agent if he went to Aug. 15 last year.
If you knew anything about drafts, the standard from the scouting fraternity is you want to get at least one good NHL player from every draft. They did.
I do not analyze 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 because it is too soon, players are still in college, overseas, and so on. You can analyze it and bitch if you wish but if you do be sure to mention Henri J. is only one of two defensemen from the 2017 draft who is already playing in the NHL and also Debrincat who is clearly shaking out to be the best 2nd round pick of that draft.
“Simple, even a young Hawk fan under the age of 12 can answer a simple question?”
Well, I’m not 12 but it seems to me I just did. Now don’t go starting with the but, but, but, but routine on those draft choices and what happened to them. YOU SAID DRAFT. Who did they draft is what you said. Don’t go moving the goal posts. YOU SAID DRAFT.
“Why don’t you write to him and maybe he can give a nice salesman pitch like the one he gave you about Edjsell or Sikura.”
I don’t need to write to Stan Bowman. I am answering your statements and having a great time doing it because your statements are so easy to debunk. You, however, will not stand up and be accountable and write a letter to Rocky Wirtz. Who by the way is the only one who has the authority to make the changes you rant about day after day. It appears you are afraid of something. Quite possibly the facts.
If you wish to write off both Sikura and Ejdsell after 1/2 of a pro season, go right ahead, no one is stopping you. It does show your clear lack of hockey knowledge though. From where I sit, it takes more than 1/2 season of development time for players to acclimate to the pro game. One guy is from Europe, the other from college. Ask any player development people, even your buddy Tallon and Rick Dudley and Doug Wilson and Dean Lombardi and all the other experts you cite. They will tell you. Will you listen or will you be too busy writing your letter to Rocky Wirtz? Oops, let’s move on shall we.
“Oops, let’s move on shall we.”
Yes, let’s. See above response.
“Never said good old Scotty was a bad coach, but if he is a senior consultant then what has he done the last 10 years?”
No, you didn’t. You called the greatest coach in the history of the NHL a crybaby. The most influential coach ever. You called him a crybaby. As for what Scotty Bowman has done the last ten years, hmmmm. I guess I would answer that by saying add three more Stanley Cup rings to his collection. That makes what, 13 or 14 in his illustrious career I think. Just a guess, but about 13-14 more than you. I don’t think Scotty Bowman is crying or being a crybaby about having 13-14 Stanley Cup rings. You on the other hand, I would equate your behavior with that of a crybaby.
“Oh, he did say recently that he watches a lot of games and thinks the tall kid in Montreal is another Jean Belliveau? Right Scotty…”
I’m sure he does watch a lot of games, he is a Sr. Consultant for an NHL team. I presume most people with that title will, you know, watch a lot of games. Seems reasonable to me, not sure what the beef is there.
As for “Jean BeLLiveau”, I don’t know, I did not hear the quote. Perhaps he meant Jean Beliveau (correctly spelled with one “L”)? The Montreal great who scored 509 NHL regular season goals.
“Again, answer a simple question.”
Yes, it seems like that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. Quite easily, in fact.
“By the way, the Bruins drafted some forwards like Bjork, Pasternak and Debrusk high,”
Yes, the NHL draft records do reflect Boston did in fact draft those players. Congratulations, you got something right.
“Bowman has only drafted 5’11 and under dmen, 4 of them. You want a hockey debate just look at the facts.”
You may want to take another look at the draft records. The Blackhawks have drafted a lot of players. There were many others besides the four defensemen and
I presume you are referring to Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, Henri J. The last of which, by the way, is one of two 2017 first rounders to be playing in the NHL already. But you did not mention those players by name, so I will not make that assumption.
“The one guy I am excited about is 2nd round pick Graham Knott. Or that goalie Peeters.”
That’s actually two guys but I will give you a mulligan on that statement. As I said i do not evaluate drafts until four summers after but if you wish to, go ahead. They both look like busts, one a second rounder and one a third rounder. Knott 2nd round 2015, Peeters 2016 3rd round.
Let’s take a look at those two draft rounds. From the 2nd round 2015, players picked after Graham Knott 2nd round 54th overall, up until the next Chicago selection. One player has played over 100 NHl games, Vince Dunn with 120, taken by St. Louis. So in your book every GM and scouting staff who presided over the NHL 2015 draft 2nd round should be fired, including some of your GM buddies named above.
Now since we’re having so much fun debunking your questions, let’s look at the 2016 3rd round. I have said it is too early to judge the 2016 draft but let’s have at it. Wouter Peeters, taken by Chicago 83rd overall. Until the next Chicago selection in that draft center Nathan Noel at #110, a grand total of ONE player drafted has played over 50 games in the NHL, Victor Mete drafted by Montreal (who by the way have not won the Stanley Cup since 1993 but I presume you know that).
“I hope Bowman’s dream of making the playoffs is finally over and maybe he can focus on trading AA (then again he gave that lifetime 3rd line centre so much cash) , Kruger and Ward.”
Quite possibly they will trade all those players. As for Anisimov, do you have comparables for his contract, based on NHL production? Or are you just grasping at straws complaining about his contract? Maybe you can include that complaint in your letter to Rocky Wirtz because it is Rocky who signs the checks.
“I would keep Kunitz as an alumini or maybe a coach in Rockford since his home is Chicago.”
Brilliant idea. Where on earth did you come up with that? Seems another poster listed the exact same thought in this thread, now who would that have been …
“A quick fix would mean trade those 2 players, throw in Hayden and Edjsell and maybe you get something back.”
Yes. Generally when you trade players you get something back. That’s how it works. As for what they might get, maybe someone like James Neal who you have been pining for. The same James Neal with the fat long term contract who has about one goal scored in his last 25 games. Yeah. THAT James Neal. You do realize you’re not much of a judge of hockey talent right? Sorry, I will get back to answering the questions (with great ease I might add).
“Then, you fire Bowman and his dad. Bring in Sutter as President and Dean Lombardi as GM. With really hockey minds, maybe we also get a better coach.”
There are a lot of Sutter’s. So now it’s Sutter. Last week it was Tallon and Rick Dudley. Also Doug Wilson. And now Dean Lombardi. And recently, unbelieveably, Eddie Olczyk. You advocated for Ed Olczyk for president of the Blackhawks. Yes you really said this. A broadcaster who was an abject failure as a coach.
Meanwhile, all those Stanley Cup rings on the hands of Scotty Bowman and Stan Bowman clearly show they know JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT HOCKEY THAN YOU DO. You do realize you are a poor judge of NHL management talent, right?
There. All your questions answered. Now don’t go moving the goalposts with your but, but, but, but, but, but, routine.
Now, time for you to answer a question. When are you going to write your letter to Rocky Wirtz and post it here for all to see so you can finally be accountable for your rants instead of puking all over an anonymous message board?
I will save you the time, I think the answer is “never”.
Game, Set, Match. You lose.
EBONYRAPTOR, When you compare the Chicago and LA situation I think your opinion seems to be very accurate. I know that you are not an Kings fan, I am wondering if you see the Kings as a Stanley cup contender any time soon?
Your assessment of Hawk prospects needing more time to develope in the minors also makes total sense.
While I agree it is always nice to hear Blackhawks fans being positive about our team, I also like to hear from the Hawks fans that can also be realistic about our team and its future.
Myself personally I get very tired of all the HULL65 bashing.
At least Hull65 is talking hockey and not attacking other Blackhawk fans on this site.
Yes sure Stape, calling Scotty Bowman (the greatest coach in NHL history) a crybaby is talking hockey. Ok.
And you thought my posts were long.
Row, nice post.
ER, your right they might not be ready by then, they are then they are that green. Very green and I think very good. NAS group came up same time? What age where they when each guy first played games. Each player, can, be different for when ready/then established. Prime yrs are what usually 23ish to 30ish, so they might be like NAS group/at same age, for season 21 or after that.
I posted a little while back that season 21, I think we’re back to a team that’s between 5-15th because of being that green and that upside. I do not care what our record is, we’re not a bottom 10 team this yr/withoutCrow, we just donot have a full roster. So I am hoping we’re back to top 5 in 3 yrs when the younger guys are in their 2nd and 3rd full yrs experience wise. While guys like 12 and 17 are wicked players and starting the prime of their prime yrs. 19 88 20 72 still very good at that point in time.
2yrs we’re deep again and playoffs with other teams playing for 4/5 seed.
3yrs and we’re playing for 1234 seed every yr, for yrs.
I am glad, very happy, we’re transitioning to younger faster skill new style of league, like BOS did, and not staying same big abd physical like STL ANA and LA. I do not think those teams get back to top 10 for a long while. Where we’re back just like BOS is with adding elite FW to replace 81 contract/spot and with several blue chip quality players coming/whenever they are ready, is ok.
I have a problem with the troll when he takes over the sight. Posting opinions is ok but if your going to post constantly negative, broken record type posts thats your choice but expecting not to be called out for it is naive, though. Like somebody else said if you don’t like it don’t read it. As long everyone has their opportunity, why sweat the small stuff.
Wraparound and the rest, to be positive about the Hawks players is always what we as fans do and we like to do when we see real potential. Do be positive about a GM who has made numerous bad decisions is your love affair.
Ask Coach Q or Mike Kitchen what they think of Stan Bowman vs Dale Tallon and maybe you can all rest easy.
Now to move forward, I have every right to think that Bowman did not need to draft 4 dmen in the first two rounds when in the past 3 years we have lost Hossa, Teuvo, Sharp, Danault, Shaw, Ladd, Saad and /or Panarin. It seems to me that we were obviously extremely thin on the wings. I mean, Sharp retired this year, did we draft a winger with his size, speed, and shot? Hossa has not played in over 2 years, did we draft a player his size, speed and shot? Again, I think one or two those dmen would have been enough considering they are all undersized. I mean maybe Dobson or Bouchard with a Boqi is enough which allows the team to draft 2 wingers. So. if you cannot examine Bowman’s rebuild strategy I guess you love his hype with all these american college or Euro free agents or 5 – 7th round picks like Sikura and Anthony Louis who are just that, hype for some Hawk fans that live in LaLaLand.
@ Hull65:
You have a question to answer. Why do you keep avoiding it?
All your questions were answered in great detail.
And none of your but, but, but, but, but, “move-the-goal posts” routine.
In the summer of 20 decisions between now and then around resigning Debrincat, Strome, Cagguila, Kahun, Hayden who will be rfas and Gus and Crawford ufas. Could be realistically be more than 15m and even 20m needed to resign some or all of them. Plus 6m in potential overage bonuses to account for may have a big impact on how much money is spent on fa this off season. Moving contracts like 15 and 20 combined with cap increases could disappear fairly quick and even come up short in those scenarios alone, without adding big contracts.
Hull65:
I will be here with rebuttals to all of your posts until you step up and be accountable for your rants by writing a letter to Rocky Wirtz and posting it here on this site for all to see and critique.
Now, on to your latest comments one by one:
“Ask Coach Q or Mike Kitchen what they think of Stan Bowman vs Dale Tallon and maybe you can all rest easy.”
Coach Q and his horse racing buddy Kitchen were fired, the merits of which are open to debate but asking them what they think of Stan Bowman vs. Dale Tallon? First they would say they got Stanley Cup rings with Bowman, and then they’d probably say one guy fired us (Bowman) the other did not. So what?
“Now to move forward, I have every right to think that Bowman did not need to draft 4 dmen in the first two rounds when in the past 3 years we have lost Hossa, Teuvo, Sharp, Danault, Shaw, Ladd, Saad and /or Panarin. It seems to me that we were obviously extremely thin on the wings. I mean, Sharp retired this year, did we draft a winger with his size, speed, and shot? Hossa has not played in over 2 years, did we draft a player his size, speed and shot? Again, I think one or two those dmen would have been enough considering they are all undersized. I mean maybe Dobson or Bouchard with a Boqi is enough which allows the team to draft 2 wingers.”
So your philosophy is draft solely on immediate need in the high rounds, not on best player available. Got it. Your theory goes against what 31 NHL front offices think.
“So. if you cannot examine Bowman’s rebuild strategy I guess you love his hype with all these american college or Euro free agents or 5 – 7th round picks like Sikura and Anthony Louis who are just that, hype for some Hawk fans that live in LaLaLand.”
Please post a link to any “hype” about Anthony Louis from Bowman. I’ll wait … for a long time.
I posted at length about Sikura in my previous response, which you obviously chose not to read because you were so thoroughly schooled. To encapsulate, if you wish to write off a young player after 1/2 of a pro season, that is your right. Every front office in the NHL will disagree with you though, including those run by your ever expanding suggestion list for who to run the Blackhawk front office (Tallon, Dudley, Doug Wilson, Dean Lombardi, Olczyk (!!), whichever of the Sutter family, etc.)
Row–the eagle doesn’t hunt mosquitos.
May get alot of dissenters, would moving Strome, with his stock high as its been for him and who could bring a return be worth a look. His possession analytics are not great and may indicate a downward trend next year vs continued development. We’ve seen that with Panik, Schmaltz and others after a promising year a letdown to follow.
Decision makers, like NHL GMs, are always open to damned if they do and damned if they don’t criticisms – it’s part of the deal. To be fair, though, each individual decision shouldn’t be looked at and criticized in isolation, the decisions should be judged in the aggregate – judge the entire picture, not each brush stroke. And, consider the circumstances, options and limitations influencing the decisions as they are made.
Going into the 2017 draft, the cupboard was devoid of any d-prospects legitimately projected to be top-4. Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmarsson were getting old and the Hawks had no one in the pipeline who could eventually step into those roles. The Hawks selected Jokiharju at #29 and Mitchell at #57 – a late 1st and a late 2nd, neither draft position guaranteed to have and NHL career, let alone be good enough for a top-4 role. During their seasons after being drafted, both showed promise but neither were slam dunk good enough to be a sure thing.
Entering the 2018 draft, DeBrincat and Schmaltz had 50+ point seasons and looked to be on the verge of getting even better. Sikura had a cup of coffee after his NCAA season ended and in the 5 games he played he showed some of the skills/vision he showed in college – so the expectations were high. The still had Kane, Toews and Saad and a few bottom-6 guys so d-men was still the top priority. Most wouldn’t quibble about taking a d-man with the first top-10 pick the Hawks had since drafting Kane in 2007. The bone of contention and to root of criticism seems to be taking another d-man with the #27 pick.
But let’s dig a little deeper on the selection of Beaudin. To start, history has shown that many prospects taken in the late 1st round or later don’t become top players – top-6 forward or top-4 d-man. Boqvist is the only one of the 4 that would be surprising if he doesn’t have a good NHL career – the other 3 would be written off as normal hit or miss prospects. So from a sheer numbers/odds perspective drafting 4 d-man in the last 2 drafts is a reasonable tactic to take.
Second, Beaudin is LD whereas the other 3 are RD. At the time of the draft, only Keith and Gustafsson were the LDs that projected to be on the opening night roster, whereas Seabrook, Murphy, Rutta and the other 3 prospects were all RD. Dahlstrom and Forsling were possibilities at LD but neither of them could be counted on to be top-4. Beaudin isn’t a guarantee either but he plugs a hole in the prospect pipeline that needed to be filled.
Given that set of circumstances, I don’t see a flaw in Bowman’s logic to draft Jokiharju, Mitchell, Boqvist and Beaudin with the 4 top picks they had over the past couple years.
Almost everybody is worth looking at regarding a trade if it makes the Hawks better.
It’s hard to imagine any team giving up what would be necessary to entice the Hawks to trade Strome. He’s clearly trending up after a bad start to his career in ARZ. and is making less than $1 million. IMO he’s going to get better not worse.
Tab- given that it is SuperBowl week, the Blackhawks arm-chair quarterbacking ( Urban dictionary def’n: ” some d-bag who is certain he or she can make better decisions than the coaches or players”…. and “d” doesn’t stand for defence!) has been nothing if not entertaining. It started as a broader discussion about Hayden, devolved into some prolific criticism about some posts that were meaningless, empty ranting, harmless name calling then challenges to write to Rocky about how to run a professional hockey team. If you have ever done succession planning or a living” you know it’s as much art as science! You also know that there are many variables, most time- sensitve, that can impact the outcome plan. I’m NOT defending Bowman- as this is on him- but I DID ask some months ago if anyone has seen a plan? If there truly is a game plan or succession, none of us can see it’s evolution since the first cup. If there isn’t a game plan then what’s transpired is run-by-the-seat-of-your pants management. If you listened to that interview with Stan (posted before Christmas) you get real insight as to what guides ( or does not guide!) Stans thinking. Then he promotes his 3 year coffee runner to assistant GM this year- and WE are surprised by the current state of affairs in Hawk land?! Keep the banter coming boys… it’s entertaining
@JR Roman the only thing I like about Anisimov for Panarin is that, assuming he doesn’t sign with Chicago, that Panarin is then traded. I wonder what the current offfer for Panarin are. Sounds like they want immediate help and Anisimov would fulfill that wish. This move only moves a player for a player that is much easier to trade. I imagine Columbus would only do this if they want Anisimov and have received no other better offers. Perhaps the Blackhawks could add in a late pick to sweeten the deal. Anything regarding Anisimov and Kruger of course hinges on their trade clauses; I believe I’ve asked this before: what exactly is the difference between a NTC and a NMC; is it one is a limited selection of teams and the other is no trade at all? I think Ian was nice enough to answer my last contract question. I know Jeff Carter has some weird clause where he can retire early if he’s traded to a team he doesn’t like. Not sure what if anything that is called. Anyway; yeah Anisimov to Columbus for Panarin is a great idea as the Blackhawks can move Panarin right away even if the Blackhawks have to toss in a late round pick; ideally the return is better on the Panarin trade. Anisimov is the one exception to proven player over pick I would identify on this team; just because of his limited tradeability and cap hit. I like Anisimov he would just serve better on another team given the circumstances of the standings and so forth. Maybe even have Panarin play a couple games with Kane for the heck of it. If he likes it here he’s welcome to resign this summer…for less than he’s offered elsewhere probably.
I thought it was rude of Panarin’s agent to make that announcement; might as well just announce “Hey everyone set your money aside Panarin is a free agent this summer”. If Panarin returning was likely one would think the agent would let the team handle the…..announcement. I’ve looked at a few hockey sites regarding Panarin and the idea of the Chicago Blackhawks signing Panarin this summer is mentioned in none of them. The idea is mentioned here and among fans a lot, but pretty much no where else.
all this regarding the who’s who of posting if you don’t like it scroll past it; seems simple enough for me. I don’t mind anyone’s posts here.
ER, I like getting the four defensemen with top 4 picks last two drafts. It was best available and more in need. I wouldn’t go whine if we drafted another defensemen in the first two picks this draft. Whatever makes the roster better. Valuable assets are as good as gold. It be pretty cool to have six top 4 defensemen for a defense in a couple/few yrs.
Think 15 already did his list of teams July 1st.
The first two picks being, our first two picks.
By the way, we missed out on many goalies to draft for depth in this organization but I hope Mr. Kelley and Mr. Bowman have seen goalie Spencer Knight play! He is a top 10 pick.
Ian – Regarding the potential bonuses – do we have any idea what the triggers are? (i.e. are they highly unlikely such as score 40 goals or are they reasonably likely such as play in 80 games?). The maximum number is a fairly big deal in terms of cap availability. Secondly, does anyone know if any of the European forward prospects (Kayumov, Altybarkmakyan, Soderlund, From, etc.) will be coming to the US to play in Rockford next year? It seems that Rockford needs almost a complete makeover to upgrade the sad roster that we currently have and actually have some prospects on the team.
Recliner ntc is no trade clause, while nmc is no move which means, can’t you be waived or sent to minors or any type of movement other than a buyout, which a team can do. Alot of contracts pay alot of money early in contract and make buyouts unfavorable to do later because of how that affects calculation of it.
What you likely mean about Carter is contract was signed in 2011 for 11 years without any movement clauses. In 2013 the rules changed for recapture. So if LA trades him and he retires the Kings are subject to recapture penalties, so for Kings to avoid them it basically gives him the prorection of not going where he doesn’t want to go without having a clause in his contract.
Interesting “no hype” article (for those who think all Blackhawk prospects are “hyped”) about the continuing adjustment process of Victor Ejdsell. Spoiler Alert: those who believe adjustments to pro hockey happen instantaneously and are willing to write players off after 1/2 pro season or less will not like the article:
https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/after-whirlwind-2017-18-season-victor-ejdsell-trying-adapt-life-pro-hockey?fbclid=IwAR0TDjqgKIm6QqtAoOHMaKAcbHATvoS3fuCL-QvAsgO1NL0JhDBz9k5p6AI
Ms the games played etc. bonuses are A type and probably account , not sure of number but say $950,000 each, likely to be paid and the B bonus are for finishing among league leaders in goals, assist, points +/-. Possibly certain awards or allstar pick. They would likely be 1.5m for Strome or 1.85m for Kahun range.
If you assume they won’t achieve them and they do it could put you in the hole pretty good. Thats why maybe doing more at deadline where you can have a better gauge of what you will be paying would make more sense.
thanks Ian, I should have been able to figure that out based on how it’s phrased! Well I feel dumb.
Anyway regarding the overdrafting of prospect Dman; no one has any clue if those players will ever play in the NHL on a regular basis; Defenseman typically take years to develop into regular successful defensive defense man. Based on this alone unless there is some deviation from this “philosophy” it could be 2024+before these defensive prospects are productive. Is Kane and Toews even on the team then? Not unless they sign new contracts.
There are so many factors here. Recently retired Brad Richards complained about the amount of structure given to players such that it stifles creativity. I would assume this applies to defenseman; so A1 the system is a factor, both before the NHL and once the defenseman is here. This applies to the head coach and staff thereof.
Heck some teams regiment what players do off the ice as well is my understanding. Check out interviews from/about Sharp/Oduya after going to Dallas. I heard they were more professional off the ice than a good chunk of the team; probably a factor in the difference in success differences between the Stars and Blackhawks. What was interesting to me is I’ve heard the Blackhawks are a lot less regulatory of off-ice time than other teams(I hear some even regulate what players eat-how they do that or if they really do I have no idea; Hossa seemed to carry Kit kats around with him). So, are the current a future players going to self regulate? Will the new coaching staff change this a bit? I have no clue but it’s an interesting question.
Another factor, of course, minutes played. Typically rookie, sophmore dmen do not play top line minutes. Would they benefit from more or less? Does playing more minutes in the minors prove more beneficial then less in the majors? Should they just be thrown into the fire so to speak and play big NHL minutes successful or not? Sure one way or the other and yes that is a nonanswer. How much of a lifesytle adjustment is there; you have practices and 82 games. How much is that a factor? Everyone is different who knows.
The other side of things not often mentioned? Prospects typically (never) have no trade clauses. There is nothing stopping the Blackhawks or any other team from trading prospects for other prospects, immediate help, or draft picks.
albeit prospect trades typically don’t happen very often; I would assume this is because so few prospects make the NHL and if they do….usually it takes years to find out if they do. One statistical number I would be interested in is how many legit NHL players only find their “path” in the NHL on their second team or beyond.
So with that in mind I would say drafting the best available player is probably best for the team~if for future trade value if nothing else~though completing ignoring a position isn’t necessarily the best idea either-though you could have drafted five goalies (and therefore not drafted five other players) and it could be years before any one of stops even a single puck in the NHL; if ever.
Draft and develop so you see everything (that you watch for) along the way; or likely overpay in free agency. The one thing Stan in my opinion did wrong is not gamble on free agency with cheap players looking for a chance to make it in the NHL. Instead we got the “proven” Ward and Kunitz. Arguably of which neither have been a solid addition to the team. I don’t know how much Ward is helping Delia. I would have gone after Lehner; of course a big factor there is probably the coaching staff starting with the Stanley Cup winning coach focusing on defense first-and who knows maybe the Blackhawks did go after Lehner and Lehner didn’t want to come here for whatever reason. Maybe the Blackhawks didn’t want to deal with his addictions, but hey, Elton John got sober in Chicago why not Lehner?
the other thing to follow up on my thought process in my previous post is how often do we see posts about suggesting sending certain players to the minor, I’m referring to prospects and mid career players. It’s interesting as it goes both ways; send [name] to the minors they aren’t NHL caliber and on the other send “send [name] to the minor to develop.” It’s interesting because there probably is some player in the minors who would server better on the roster…not necessarily of the team that owns the player’s right though. Sure this applies to players in the NHL, a change of scenery sometimes yields success for a player, be it the players “fault” or the teams. Everything is a factor, coaching [structure?], chemistry, etc. I think a good chunk of NHL teams would benefit from making “hockey trades” Makes me wonder how active front offices are really.
Great comments in response to Hull65’s rants. Row A is correct that it takes longer than 1/2 season to make a conclusion about a developing player. In many cases, it takes 2-3 seasons. As frustrating as it is, getting back to a contending club takes longer when your roster is full of inexperienced and recently acquired players. And taking the best player available, especially when you have many needs, is good drafting.
Excellent analysis by ER on why the Hawks kept drafting d-men. Between aging players and almost no quality d-prospects in the pipeline, it made sense to draft 4 in a row in 2017 and 2018. As ER states, not all may make a top 4 or even the club itself. A fairer argument is why all four drafted are smallish. There needs to be more balance at all positions. I hope they give Koekkoek a long look.
Other reasonable arguments are the excessive contracts Bowman handed out, resulting in ongoing cap problems, and trading high picks for rentals. Lately he has done a nice job of clearing cap space in the process of making good trades.
Regarding talk about Ejdsell, he was the 10th best prospect in Nashville’s system, so it was unreasonable to think he was a shoo-in to make the Hawks. He is playing great in Rockford. Nothing wrong with your AHL affiliate having quality players. But the main part of the Hartman trade was getting NSH #27 pick, who turned out to be Beaudin. Although way too early to determine who won the trade, Beaudin shows elite talent while Hartman has just 16 points in 52 games (although he doesn’t get major minutes). As I have said before, I like this trade.
I would guess only Bread Man would get every player bonuses. These guys would just get player bonuses A. When we do caphits for team, we should include PB-A for those guys.
Row/Recliner, like the longfellow posts.
Those have to be the 2 longest posts we ve ever seen. On the same day people complained about my posts being long and scrolling. Thats funny.
Made me spit my champagne up.
Love the 65 and 38 trade. We got key players for many yrs in return. We do though need to get a few 65 back along the way, these 2yrs it will take to get roster full again.
Hoss ate kit kat to help with the skin itch.
I don’t think Panarin would be eligible for performance bonuses and neither would any other veteran player. I’m pretty sure those bonuses are only for players on their ELC.
Thats when I was referring to, the ones he got. As an example.
Wow lots of frustration boiling and coming to a head ,.,.,.,.The real Bowman test is upon us ……I don`t think Stan has the ability to make team changing trades before the deadline . I f A.A and Kruger are not moved Stan has failed to make us better . If Stan deals away our young first and second year players and prospects he has failed .
We lack grit , and an identity…best wishes Stan ,your team is a mess .
Prospects:
Kurashev 1
Enrwistle out injured ?
Europe Kubalik 1a yesterday
Halktalk – someone has to want AA before he can be moved and that’s not a given
I hope he’s traded as well but not sure how big a market there is for a slow 3 or 4c who doesn’t create much on his own – he’s good defensively so a PO team who wants some size and an upgrade on bottom 6 might take him particularly if Hawks retain some salary – we’ll see how it plays out but if he’s not moved I don’t think it’ll be because Stan didn’t try
The best player available? That’s funny….so Beaudin was the best player available when according to many scouts he was slated as a 2nd rounder . By the way, he was beat out by a second rounder on the Canadian Junior team this season.
So, all those wingers leave and according to you and Bowman, we don’t need to draft any forwards in the 1st 2 rounds the last 2 seasons. Very arrogant or lazy?
If you have 2 picks in the 1st round why would you pick 2 dmen when you drafted two the year before? You really think a forward was not necessary. Funny stuff Row. I am laughing like John Travolta in Welcome Back Kotter!
Oh, you have not tackled the goaltending Bowman philosphy? So the best player available is a goalie from Belgium? Not from Canada or USA or Sweden? Right Row, you agree? Not Carter Hart?
Comedy of errors. So, this season, your philosophy is if we have one pick and the best player available let’s say at number 3 is a dman, you would draft another dman, especially if he is undersized. And then hope another player from Cornell who scored 13 goals in College “Baun” signs as a free agent and then a player in the Czech league, a centre like Kampf signs as well.
By the way, Sikura will be 24 years of age. AHL player.
TRIVIA: How many NHL goals does Sikura have? And how many goals did John Hayden score in college.
CHL is a better league when it comes to developing young scoring forwards.
Why, if only some random guy on a hockey message board would be the GM of the Hawks, nary a mistake would be made and the Hawks would be a Cup contender in perpetuity. But alas, we saddled with a fallible human. Woe is us.
ER/Ian, ggod to be aware of those player bonuses, even more fro top 5 skill players. It would only keep us from using that 3m ish for a yr/2yr then we can use it for raises after its paid. Were only going to get 3m type player bonuses from Bread Man and top 5 skill guys and from these two drafts. Then after that were going to be drafting 23-31 every yr again.
I would imagine Bowman and crew follow through this draft, summer, next deadline draft and summer. Otherwise they know their bounty’s. So you would have to think they are going to be swinging for home runs and a bounch of doubles, singles and even the odd triple.
You never know I guess.
https://www.tsn.ca/video/tsn-original-the-mystery-of-paul-ranger%7E1599093
@Hull 65
I told you I would be here to debunk all of your lunacy, point by point. You are too easy. Are you prepared to be trounced again? Good. Here goes:
“The best player available? That’s funny….so Beaudin was the best player available when according to many scouts he was slated as a 2nd rounder .”
The best player available is a term used by scouting staffs from each of the 31 teams. It means who on their list is the best player available when they draft. All 31 teams do this, so sorry if you fail to comprehend it.
Best player available is NOT defined as what “so many scouts” (unnamed) or some article written by a millennial on Second City Hockey says. Best player available is a culmination of effort by scouting staffs. Wrap your head around the concept because it’s true.
“By the way, he was beat out by a second rounder on the Canadian Junior team this season.”
The selection process for the World Junior Championship teams is very political and it always has been. It is NOT a reflection of where a player was drafted, nor an indictment of their draft position. Selection to those teams has EVERYTHING to do with the management team’s comfort level with individual players, injuries, style of play, and much more. Too bad, and I mean that sincerely, Canada finished so poorly at the tournament. Maybe they should’ve done a better job selecting players for the team. Maybe even if YOU would have been on the selection committee they would have finished higher in the tournament. But I doubt it.
“So, all those wingers leave and according to you and Bowman, we don’t need to draft any forwards in the 1st 2 rounds the last 2 seasons. Very arrogant or lazy?”
You throw out the terms arrogant and lazy a lot. Doing so shows you are arrogant and lazy because you fail and refuse to grasp how the draft works.
If you understood the draft at all, it is NOT saying the Blackhawks did not need wingers. Every NHL team needs wingers. They also need centers, defensemen, and goaltenders.
The first two rounds, in particular, are for drafting the best player available on your scouting list. Some teams will be right, some will be wrong. Many teams are kicking themselves over passing on Henri J. Further, defensemen are a valued commodity. Defensemen can ALWAYS be traded for other needs down the line.
If you are unable to grasp the concept of best player available and how it applies to NHL drafts, go read Hockey For Dummies because it was written for you.
“If you have 2 picks in the 1st round why would you pick 2 dmen when you drafted two the year before? You really think a forward was not necessary. Funny stuff Row.”
I just explained this. I did NOT say no forwards are necessary. Every position is necessary. Are you unable to read? If you CAN read, are you able to comprehend? If not, have someone explain it to you.
One thing I know for sure. The Blackhawks defense depth chart looks very good as the result of the 2017 and 2018 draft. You can bet when talking trade, other teams ask about players like Boqvist, Henri J., Beaudain, and Mitchell. Why? Because young skilled defensemen are valued commodities in hockey. Every team wants them.
You continue to think NHL teams should draft for immediate roster need. They do not. They draft looking 2-3 years out, they draft the best player available.
“I am laughing like John Travolta in Welcome Back Kotter!”
No, you are laughing like Arnold Horshack in Welcome Back Kotter. You can’t even get your sitcom references right. WOW.
“Oh, you have not tackled the goaltending Bowman philosphy? So the best player available is a goalie from Belgium? Not from Canada or USA or Sweden? Right Row, you agree? Not Carter Hart?”
You are saying goaltenders have to be from Canada, USA, or Sweden to be successful? Bzzzzzt, wrong again. You may want to review the draft lists again because you’re missing out on some excellent goaltenders from other countries, namely Russia and Finland, who have been, and are, excellent goaltenders.
On to Carter Hart. He was picked 48th overall, 2nd round 2016. 47 draft slots passed before Philadelphia took him. That means in your book every team who passed on him … their GM should be fired? Including your GM buddies Tallon, Rick Dudley, whichever Sutter you’re advocating for this week, Doug Wilson?
The Blackhawks chose Debrincat earlier in that round – a very astute choice. Carter Hart has played a grand total of 13 NHL games thus far, he is a very good prospect but far from a sure thing. But he is Canadian so I get it, he is predetermined to be a great goalie in your world. You have a nationalistic bias and if you don’t know what that means, look it up.
Further, in 2016, the Blackhawks had Crawford in his prime and a youngish Scott Darling backing him up. You say they should draft for current need. Even if that’s how any NHL teams operate, which they don’t, there wasn’t a need at goalie. So no matter how you slice it, your drafting theories make zero sense.
“Comedy of errors. So, this season, your philosophy is if we have one pick and the best player available let’s say at number 3 is a dman, you would draft another dman, especially if he is undersized.”
See best player available comments. How many times does a concept have to be repeated for you until you grasp it? By the way, when are you writing that letter to Rocky Wirtz?
“And then hope another player from Cornell who scored 13 goals in College “Baun” signs as a free agent and then a player in the Czech league, a centre like Kampf signs as well.”
If you are referencing Kyle Baun, he went to Colgate University, not Cornell. Can’t you get ANYTHING right Arnold Horshack?
I thought you would have liked Kyle Baun. A Canadian and highly touted as one of the best college free agents available by “some scouts” and 2nd City Hockey and all those other media websites you seem to drool over so much.
As for David Kampf – 200 foot center who is good defensively and that’s why he was signed. And both Baun and Kampf cost NOTHING in assets to sign. Would you prefer the Blackhawks NOT be active in the free agent market? Or only after the fact? Or if the player is not from Canada?
“By the way, Sikura will be 24 years of age. AHL player.”
I’m repeating myself here. If you wish to write off players with 1/2 season of pro experience, go ahead. It appears you do. Run that up the flagpole of 31 NHL teams front offices and see what type of response you get. You will be laughed out of the room … much like you are here at this website. Everyone laughs at you.
“TRIVIA: How many NHL goals does Sikura have? And how many goals did John Hayden score in college.”
Sikura: none as yet. Hayden: 50 at Yale. And if the Blackhawks failed to sign either after their college careers ended you’d be the first one screaming how the Blackhawks front office was incompetent.
“CHL is a better league when it comes to developing young scoring forwards.”
I would say it is a case by case basis and depends on the player’s skills and intangibles, not a blanket statement of where they play. 31 NHL teams front offices will agree with me, but don’t let logic get in your way Arnold Horshack.
There. All your questions answered again.
Aren’t you getting tired of getting thrashed in these responses?
Now, a question for you that you continually fail to answer because you’re afraid. When are you going to write a letter to Rocky Wirtz and post it here for all to see and critique, airing your gripes? Answer the question.
Game, set, match. You lose … again.
PS – Go watch a rerun of Welcome Back Kotter. You will see CLEARLY the character with the obnoxious laugh you referenced was Arnold Horshack, not the character played by Travolta. Can’t you get ANTHING right?
To the rest of this board:
I sincerely apologize for the long Hull65 response posts. I know many of you suggest ignoring his rants or scrolling past or just posting generic responses.
No, I choose to debate his points one by one. First, because it’s so easy as he makes no sense in his rants. Second, because in my opinion it needs to be done.
Let’s not forget, this is a guy who termed Scotty Bowman a “crybaby”. The greatest coach in NHL history and a valued member of the Blackhawk front office – a “crybaby”. This, from a person who spouts his opinions off here and expects credibility.
Sorry, from where I sit, terming the greatest coach in NHL history a “crybaby” is the antithesis of credibility and the utter lunacy of those and similar remarks needs to be challenged.
Further, for what it’s worth (not much), I have interacted with Scotty Bowman about half a dozen times going back 35 years … briefly at NHL drafts, twice in casual settings at restaurants, once I sat next to him on a plane to Phoenix when he was with Detroit in sr. management. He is anything but a “crybaby”. I was not offended by the reference and I’m sure Scotty Bowman himself wouldn’t care. But for Hull65 to term Scotty Bowman a “crybaby” shows very clearly how very little he knows about hockey.
I actually encourage everyone here to debate Hull65’s rants point by point.
Hull65’s rants have been here for some time and many of them have little/no basis in reality. As such, most don’t warrant much debate; laughter tends to be more appropriate. That said, I appreciate your response Row A.
Some piece of shit reason why Ernie/others do not post here anymore/much. Those people need to be told, whats up. Not the regulars here/people that been posting for 5 or more yrs.
Short or long. One line or 75 lines who cares. It your choice.