Report: Blackhawks, Mike Paliotta Talking Contract
According to a report from ESPN Chicago, the Blackhawks are in discussions with Vermont senior defenseman – and captain – Mike Paliotta.
Paliotta, a third round pick by the Hawks in 2011, had a stellar senior year for the Catamounts. He registered 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) in 41 games this season, and finished tied for second in the nation in assists among defensemen and tied for fourth in points. He was recently selected second team All-Hockey East.
Listed at 6-4 and 205 pounds, Paliotta would add size to the Rockford (and Chicago) blue lines that is missing. Stephen Johns (6-4, 215) and Viktor Svedberg (6-9, 235) are the only two IceHogs defensemen listed at more than 6-3 and more than 210 pounds currently.
Good News: “things are progressing”
Possible Red Flag: “giving it a tremendous amount of thought”
The line Hofmeister quoted – “giving it a tremendous amount of thought” is concerning. Reminiscent of K.Hayes’ “negotiation” speak. Sign on the freakin line already.
Paliotta and Johns each have a CLEAR path to make the Chicago roster in 2015-16. Blueliner, physical, size worthy stay at home presence to go with Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmarsson.
I would think a deal with Paliotta is a slam dunk to get done.
You nailed it hof : Possible Red Flag: “giving it a tremendous amount of thought”.
Uh Oh, here we go again with another New England kid who might want to test the free agent waters.
Hawks need to give him the Matt Carey, Drew LeBlanc treatment : convince him that he will finish 2015 with the Blackhawks (and get in at least 2 NHL games), not Rockford, that he will be around the team and practice with the Black Aces in the playoffs, then come to camp in September of 2015 with a chance to win a spot on the big club, point to Van Riemsdyk as example.
While I do think they’ll get this done for a variety of reasons, the Hayes saga does induce a bit of Nervous Nellies …
The contracts they can offer are pretty similar, 2 yr. entry level deals, maybe bonuses sweeten the pot but not sure whatever offers he may get will be substantially better or different.
They’ve invested a lot of time and effort with Paliotta, they’ve been hands on with his game, the development people have worked with him quite a bit and they’ve been in consistent contact with him all four years. Paliotta has been a regular at prospect camp … they do have a relationship with him and everything I’ve seen from both sides indicates it’s a good relationship.
Also worth noting the Blackhawks had Vermont’s goalie (Brody Hoffman) at last year’s prospect camp so they’re paying attention to the Catamounts.
From Paliotta’s standpoint, he’s looking at the depth chart and seeing on the right side: Pokka, TVR, Johns, Runblad. He knows he’ll have to compete for a spot and has said he expects to compete. A little different dynamic than Hayes in that regard.
I would rather not hear words like, giving it thought, but I am with Rufus that Paliotta like Johns and Riemsdyk are going to be slam dunks as Blackhawks. These three guys, once they get enough games under their belts are going to make us a lot better in the coming yrs then people think/are scared of roster wise, with some size to boot.
First time poster… As most of you know, He is big, strong, physical, has skill and is a very good skater. This type of D-prospect is very hard to find….The Hawks need him big time…Can they give him a large bonus to try motivate him to sign or is all of that figured into the cap issues? You know the Hawks will most likely not promise him a position. Just not their M.O.!!! Thanks
If he doesn’t sign this week then I would start to worry. As others point out, the obvious difference with Hayes is that there is a clear need for quality d-men starting next year. Also by signing quickly he has an opportunity to play significant games in Rockford as well as the AHL playoffs. Last year Hayes went to the frozen four and by the time he finished Rockford was nearly done and did not make the playoffs.
I am a Paliotta fan… but 6’4″ and 205 (if that is his weight… is hardly strong)…
kind of skinny – actually- which is fine- as long as he skates/anticipates like hammer/uses stick like TvR/ and boxes out…
Wall, have you seen him play? I have, several times. The “not strong” comment is misguided.
to Hofmeister’s point – basing your opinion on how “strong” a player is/plays on weight is terribly off base.
Hof- he’s playn against 19 year old kids.. please… now if he is 220lbs. maybe…
I’m so tired of the size crap… McNeil is 6’2″ My ASS!!!
I am 6’4″ 230lbs. … stood 10 feet from these guys going into locker room- their sizes are bs…
I have NO idea how much he pressses… but if he is really 205lbs – he is not Arnold strong!!! Hammer is listed as 6’3″ -NOT!!!
It will be interesting to see if the Hawks sign him. Stan has been a lot of effort into this draft strategy of signing college kids and if the Hawks continue to draft guys they can’t seem to sign that is an issue.
I’m not excited about some of Stans recent drafts and trades so hopefully the Hawks can continue to stock pile depth they will need it next year when they turn over the bottom of the roster
Wall, just stop. You’re talking in circles.
You said because he’s 205 pounds at 6’4″ he’s not strong. Now you’re saying he plays against 19 year olds and he’s not Arnold strong (what??) and then go on some rant about sizes of hockey players are overstated. Who cares what he can bench press, this is hockey not a weightlifting contest.
Maybe stop making absolute statements, stop patting yourself on the back every other post, and other posters will stop challenging your statements.