With Blackhawks Rolling, Is It Time To Trade?
Don’t look now, but the Chicago Blackhawks are (gulp) in a position to be an interesting team this season.
With some of their veteran players (and a couple younger ones) missing from the lineup in COVID Protocol, the Hawks have found a groove. Chicago has won four of their last five – including a two-game sweet in Dallas – and have points in 10 of their last 11 games.
All while players have been missing from the theoretical rotation because of COVID.
And while they were missing, other players have emerged.
Veteran forwards Lucas Wallmark and Ryan Carpenter remain in the league’s COVID protocols. With them missing from action, a few young forwards have also stepped up.
Philipp Kurashev spent some time as the first line center but has also skated well at wing. He has five points in the Hawks’ last five games and could be a potential power play piece if Colliton looks to add him to one of those units.
Brandon Hagel had the assist on Tuesday night’s game-winning goal and has been a terrific energy player. He may have taken Matthew Highmore’s job away on the fourth line.
But with the Hawks rolling four solid lines without Wallmark and Carpenter, how does Colliton re-insert them into the lineup? What’s the old saying about not f***ing with a winning streak?
Indeed, if the Blackhawks are retooling/rebuilding, it would make sense to leave the younger forwards in the lineup, right?
Wallmark, 25, at least has youth on his side. But which forward are you taking out of the lineup to make room for him? He is a restricted free agent at the end of the 2021 season so he’s a pure rental if the youngsters who have stepped up continue to play well.
Carpenter, 30, has one more year after the 2021 season on his contract with a $1 million cap hit. A solid defensive player who helps the Hawks on the penalty kill, he has value to the Blackhawks. But is he necessary? Or would a team that is struggling to play defense (stares at Vancouver) be interested in a veteran center to solidify their bottom six?
Unfortunately, David Kampf is the only center on the roster regularly winnings faceoffs; he leads the team at 55.1 percent. Carl Soderberg has stepped into the center mix effectively and Carpenter, who can play center, has been bumped to a wing. Pius Suter and Kurashev have done well at center in a top-six role as well. And Dylan Strome is a necessity as a top-six center while Jonathan Toews and Kirby Dach are away from the team.
Right now, if the Blackhawks put their best 12 forwards on the ice, we have to openly question if either Wallmark or Carpenter is part of that group? If not, why keep them on the roster?
The taxi squad is an option. Reese Johnson, who also looked good when given a chance, and Highmore appear to be set there for a while. Brandon Pirri has already cleared waivers (read: nobody else wants him) so his trade value is doubtful. Do you keep five forwards on your taxi squad? Unlikely.
On the blue line, Adam Boqvist was released from the COVID Protocol list but, having actually had it, needs to get his legs back under him.
Nicolas Beaudin and Ian Mitchell continue to show they’re ready for the bright lights of the NHL. Coach Jeremy Colliton has continued to put the two young defensemen into critical situations and they have performed well.
With Connor Murphy missing Tuesday night’s game with a hip, the Hawks still had enough depth to roll seven defensemen and come out with a victory. Boqvist was not one of those seven.
While we aren’t openly advocating for Boqvist to be traded, one has to wonder given his inconsistent play at the NHL level if he wouldn’t benefit from some additional ice time in Rockford at this point. It’s clear that Mitchell and Beaudin are becoming increasingly comfortable with each passing game and it’s going to be hard to take them out of the rotation, even for a night.
Lucas Carlsson and Madison Bowey will likely be on the taxi squad for a while. Anton Lindholm is also presently on the Hawks’ taxi squad. And that role makes no sense for Boqvist. With Duncan Keith, Calvin de Haan, Nikita Zadorov and Murphy providing veteran leadership, there are simply too many bodies on the blue line for Colliton.
And what happens if/when Brent Seabrook returns?
If Murphy needs to miss time, that obviously opens a spot for Boqvist. And the Blackhawks will certainly need to keep the expansion draft in mind if they decide to begin parting ways with veteran players.
But this team is playing well as it is currently constructed. The Blackhawks could be sellers out of an abundance of players, not because they’re playing poorly. Who would have thought that would be the case six weeks ago?
Well quite the problem to have. If you stick to the mission, kids over vets rule. So get what you can for dehaan, soderberg, carpenter, wallmark, janmark. If a team makes an offer on others, listen. Time to get kids ( johnson, highmore, kalynuk) more playing time. 25% of the season over. Time to give keith, dehaan, murphy, shaw, Kampt ” veterans days off”. Also time to go back to 12 forwards. Double shifting Kane will wear him out.
Geez! I saw Kurashev’s pic on this and thought someone might be advocating for him to be traded. If that happens I will come down with “the vapors”, never to be awaken again.
The Hawks do seem to have a ”volume” issue, in that there are too many forwards and defensemen for the positions available. With regards to the blueline, Bowey and Carlsson should be looked at as our 7th and 8th defensemen currently, so they shouldn’t be blocking anyone from playing time. If, and when, Boqvist is healthy, I move Beaudin back to his natural left side and give DeHaan some maintenance days. This way, the right side is Boqvist, Murphy, and Mitchell and the left side is Keith, Beaudin, and Zadorov. If Murphy’s hip issue lingers, then maybe the problem solves itself for the next week or two and you slot Boqvist in for awhile.
Regarding the forwards, I’ve posted before about packaging some of our forwards who are either on expiring contracts or in Carpenter’s case, a very cheap contract for next year. Between Janmark UFA, Soderberg UFA, Wallmark RFA(although I would like to see Wallmark play a bit more..he could be an inexpensive option for the Hawks for next year), and Carpenter 1 year left at 1 mil..there may be an option to package two or three forwards to a team that wants to solidify their bottom six for the playoffs. If so, the Hawks should definitely pursue this since as Tab said, Hagel, Suter, and Kurashev are here to stay and there really isn’t any reason why they should sit moving forward.
slayer
i want to see johnson and highmore have more opportunities. kampf, shaw, and soderberg are known quantities and none of them are leading us to the promised land. for certain soderberg won’t be here next year and if shaw is it is likely his last year. no reason not to rotate a few of those guys to the bench to give a look see to johnson and highmore. an indication that the hawks are building a cup competitive team would be hagel, suter, and kurashev all pushed down to the bottom six because there is better talent ahead of them. even fourth line. if those three guys comprise the fourth line good things are happening in the top nine.
flip side….. no problem with any of the three playing in the top six next year with dach, kane, and toews if he is back. every position has to be earned. no default to de brincat, strome, or kubalik in the top six.
Don’t need to trade anyone for now. Even when Carpenter and Wallmark get ready to come back.
Doubt there’s trades that are valuable right now, but if there is start by unloading de hann.
No to moving Boqvist at all. Seabs is done as a player.
Taking into account the Blackhawks have been missing star players in Toews, Dach, Seabrook and even at time others such as Debrincat one thing to note while the team looks to be on good standing is every single team they have played against also had major contributing players out of the line up. Ever hear of Seguin, radulov, heck even lucked put with Columbus in just after a big trade had only one NEW member of the team and another not in the lineup. Carolina and detroit both short handed as well. Detroit is so bad even a win against them shouldn’t count as a win. The team has been lucky as it is good timing to bring rookies along. This whole setup and everything is rife with opportunity for players to earn nhl roster spots, and not just on the Blackhawks, most teams league wide.
At a glance the Blackhawks have earned six points in the standings NOT from the powerplay being the key point earning factor. Four of those six came from detroit wins which again, Detroit is so bad. The other two of six came from a goalie wandering away from his net. The good news is most ask “how many” and not “how”. Something else to keep in mind I think something like four players are actually signed to this team past the next season. It’s the core four. Seabrook kane toews keith. That’s it. So lots of cap space but no one committed to the team past the legends. Heck Lankinen is going to be a UFA not a rfa. I think there is sowmthing like four open roster slots to fill next year already, hoping prospects continue to grow and fit in but even still filling four or more slots is a lot.
As with all things people can say trade so and so for what and what, but the bottomline is the other team has to want to make the trade. Its easy for is to say “gosh that team should want [blackhawk player]” but ultimately they do or they don’t and they’re willing to part with [whatever] to get them.
The team still needs a little work to prepare for the Seattle draft. As most mock drafts go it turns put the Blackhawks might be giving Seattle one of the better players that will end up on the team. Ah well.
All in all especially taking Seattle draft into account and a bit of a log jam of at least depth players yes it may be time for a trade, course it was before the season started so yes but patience may pay off.
I do not want us to trade Janmark! He impresses me more and more every game. Also, I like Wallmarm too! I think they can trade Shaw, Carpenter, Sodeberg, and Highmore, and deHaan. Of course, I want young players who are playing in Europe coming back to us. That is where Stan and his staff are most adept at identifying talent.
Whatever is done this season should be with future seasons in mind. I’m not too worried about what the forward depth will be 3-4 years from now, and even with goalie – not too worried because you can find serviceable goalies on the free agent market.
What I was concerned with and continue to be concerned is the d-corps. Of the d-men currently on the team – which ones are likely to be here in 3-4 years? Keith will be gone, as will deHaan. Murphy may still be on the team but he will be 30+ and as a big guy will start to decline. Zadorov may be but his ceiling in bottom pairing. We need to develop a new top-4 and although we have some optimism for 2 or 3 of the young guys – they need to play to be ready to be a Cup contending d-corps in a few years.
Stick with the plan – trade deHaan and Murphy if you can. Let the kids play.
Carpenter and Wallmark – who cares? A bag of pucks will do.
Janmark – if he continues to play this well – he would fetch a nice return as a true rental player. Trade him. He can be replaced.
With injuries and viruses, things may look completely different in two weeks. Also, the Hawks may turn out to be “who we thought they were.” No guarantees. We all tend to get too positive when it’s good and too negative when it’s not good.
As it now stands, if you could trade Shaw, that would be excellent. You probably can’t do it without retaining a lot of salary and maybe not even then given his history. You have to wonder if the fact that he has to be less reckless due to his health is affecting his play. It probably is and you can’t be mad at him for wanting to keep his brain functioning properly.
As Tab said, it does appear that Hagel has replaced Highmore, so Highmore is dispensable. He probably does not bring much. It is nice to have him around in case of injury or illness. Also, Hagel probably merits a chance on a more offense minded line, so then having Highmore is an asset.
It would be fine to trade Carpenter. He has done what has been asked but it appears others can do the same thing.
Murphy should be on the no trade list. Hopefully this hip thing is just in passing and not something that he will live with like Seabs did for years.
A decision regarding Janmark is a tough one. He has been very, very good but you have to consider the contract moving forward and age. I would default towards keeping him.
If it keeps up for another 15 games or so, the Hawks need to lock Lankinen up. That can have some risk, but so can not locking him up.
This season so far has been far more interesting than any of us thought possible. It sure would be good if it continues. Let’s hope we don’t get our hearts broken moving forward and that this is not just a sugar high.
Appending last post debrincat is also signed third year out with a huge raise for qualifying as rfa. Mitchell and beaudein also signed but while bearden had indeed impressed and I hope it continues I’m not ready to state this guy is for sure a top four dman in two years. This team has yet to play a single team that has all the players they even have signed. I’m not even sure if they have been facing s1st string goalies the whole time. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the “standings” as of yet. Truthfully I look at the Blackhawks roster and cant help but notice they may yet still need some muscle on the forward side of the team.
From pure logistics alone I’d strongly consider boqvist go to rrockford, maybe he can partner up with regula who’s plus minus indicates he could use some assistance though again its early. Bottomline is boqvist can be sent yhere without taking a roster spot in the nhl and can play more minutes. Not neceya demotion just the logistics of the situation.
This team is not as set for Seattle as of yet without making a move unless you want to see a decent player go away for nothing. They have some time to evaluate who that want yo part with most…again noting no guarentee on return, especially any draft pick after the third round, at that point it’s like why bother
The Blackhawks are not going to win the Stanley Cup so let the young guys play and trade whomever you can starting with Soderberg he has no value either release him or trade him and give Johnson playing time Zadorov is horrible (another nice trade Stanley) keep the young defensemen playing let them learn from their mistakes as far as Seabrook make him an assistant coach he can’t play in todays NHL Highmore also has to go he can’t score on a empty net and is to small with no skill
I like Zadorov- there’s something there that the Hawks need – if you trade him you’ll just be looking for someone like him
Maybe they can find it in house but that’s years away
He’s relatively young – as long as he keeps improving and IMO he is then I say keep him
Lots of comments regarding who to trade, who to give ice time to, who to extend contract wise, etc..
The real question moving forward is, who becomes part of the new core? Not every player on the current roster will still be with the team in 3-4 seasons. Who is part of the long term direction for the Hawks? That’s what this season is about..seeing who can be a part of the top six and top two pairings long term..and I say this because most teams can internally find bottom six options and third pairing options….now, my guesses?
Cat
Kubalik
Suter
Kurashev
Dach
Reichel
I think these six players have the potential to form a large portion of your top six 3-4 years from now..
Cat-Dach-Kurashev
Reichel-Suter-Kubalik
As for the defensemen..
Mitchell
Beaudin
Boqvist
(I’m also a Vlasic believer, but since he’s in college now I won’t include him)
I think these 9 players have the potential to be the new wave of franchise players for the Hawks assuming they reach their ceilings..it also doesn’t mean that players like Hagel or Strome will be gone, just that they won’t be in the top six. Still a Strome fan, but he’s probably better suited driving a third offensive line and taking advantage of third pairings than playing in the top six. Plus, his passing ability means he’ll always get pp time so he’ll still play with top six forwards. Anyhoo, good problems to have. Lots of fun to evaluate all of the young players, especially when they’re a big reason for the fact that we’re winning games.
@honest guy..you’re aware that the Hawks are missing three of their top six forwards from last year in Toews, Dach, and Nylander? Yes, we played Dallas with Seguin banged up and we played Columbus without Laine, but to act like the Hawks are playing with a competitive roster while none of our competition is just isn’t factual. And in terms of goaltending, are the teams that are facing the Hawks facing a number one goaltender? Lehner is gone, Crawford is gone..the Hawks are starting two AHL goalies and a lifelong backup..you say that the Hawks record is inflated because they played two games against a depleted Wings team (btw, they’re healthy now and Zadina and Fabbri aren’t helping much), but we’ve also played four games against the two teams that played for the Stanley Cup last season. It seems to me that the Hawks are playing every game the way you would play to win if you were in the playoffs..try to possess the puck as much as possible, fight to get the puck back through your backcheck and forecheck, have the forwards support the dmen to break out of the defensive zone, dump the puck to force the opposition to go 200 feet, and chip and chase going into the offensive zone to try and prevent odd man rushes the other way. Add a strong pk and good goaltending and doesn’t this sound like the way the Hawks played in the playoffs every single year? Or am I the only one that remembers all of the double overtime playoff games the Hawks played? Coach Q used to say that the reason the Hawks played so many overtime playoff games is that they wouldn’t deviate from their strategy just to try to win in regulation. They would chip, chase, and dump while waiting for the other team to make a mistake. When they did, hopefully it would lead to a stretch pass breakout or odd man rush the other way. I think that all the above habits can be utilized every night, regardless of the opponent. To me, their record is accurate. Now, can they play that way for the next 40 games? lol..probably not, it’s physically draining to play that way every night. But this is a young team finding out early that there are ways to win in the NHL when you only score a goal or two, and those are valuable habits to instill into a young team.
Wallmark– we need to see him for 10-15 games- I always thought he was an under-rated player- just like Janmark
Highmore- let him go- I have seen enough- nothing special
Kampf- is a Valuable piece of the puzzle. One of highest Corsi guys on team. Leading in FO %, geting stronger on boards. Plays PK, Very useful piece.
Some D guys should be moved for best Possible future picks- Dehaan, Murph,
I like Zadorov -size- matters at times- even though he can be bumbling too- we have plenty of young skilled D to overcome his gaffs
Carpenter- I like – but worth more at TDL
Soderberg- old place holder- needs to go the way of Seabrook
You have to play the vets in order to trade the vets. That was the plan wasn’t it??
Sometimes I hear fans say that the Hawks should convert Boqvist into a winger.
Does a position change at this level happen much?
Is there any merit to this suggestion?
Things are rolling but Colliton messes with the lines. What was wrong with Kurashev centering Kane and Janmark? Why ever split up Strome and DeBrincat?
Are the Hawks not flush in salary cap cash due to the various players on LTIR? Could the Hawks take on a bad contract this season and get some draft capital?
@ bert..no, it doesn’t happen often..Brent Burns and Dustin Byfuglien are the two defensemen that I can think of that have also played forward..but in their case, it was primarily because of their size..they were able to get into the blue paint and screen the goalie as a forward since they’re both 6’5” 240-250 pounds..doesn’t make any sense for Boqvist to switch positions..he’s more valuable as a defenseman than as a forward..
@springfield soxfan..the Hawks need their own cap space this offseason so it wouldn’t make sense to take on a bad contract..usually those types of contracts still have some term left which would hurt us this offseason(and the Hawks know all about bad contracts w/ term since they’re dealing with Seabrook’s contract)..and I can’t see why any team would be looking to move a contract during the season that expires at the end of the season..that team would be giving up a pick/prospect to save some cap space for six weeks? no..best shot is to see if a playoff team is looking to add some grit to their bottom six at the deadline..Hawks will have plenty to offer teams if they’re interested in that type of player(s)..
MBruno…had to laugh at your comment about Highmore not being able to score in an empty net. Correct! I’ve been saying that for three years. Trade him, let him go. He can be replaced easily…and Reese Johnson is the proof. Soderberg…TDL deal, if you can. DeHaan needs to go at TDL to make room. Carpenter has served his purpose, maybe he can serve a playoff bound team as well. We are rebuilding, right? Shaw, though it pains me to say it, may have to go somewhere else, too. We are rebuilding, right? Wallmark, haven’t really seen much yet. Janmark is pretty good, maybe a little slow, so keep, but what if we can get a nice draft position for him? Dach will be back, who’s not going to play? You have to play Hagel, Kurashev and Suter from now on. Beaudin and Mitchell must stay in the lineup. Some vets will have to go, but…we are rebuilding.
@BERT boqvist could easily experiment @wing in the AHL. Could be a valuable experience. The better question is why not. Brian Campbell in 20!6 should have been experimented as such instead of never finding a left wing for Toews which was ridiculous to begin with.
@slayerforever I was aware of Toews and Dach I never said anything about nylander you’re right. I imagine he would improve but a knee injury pushed pause. His salary cap eating is negligible. Nit totally understanding of Seattle exposure rules but I guess nylander will be …I’m not even sure he can be exposed being injured.
As far as Zadorov. Give him some time. First he came from a physical Avs team with a different system and it’s hard to break old habits. Second due to a lack of RHD somebody has got to play an off side and those candidates are Zadorov and Carlsson. Zadorov looked good for a bit to start but then putting him on his off side with Beaudin he was just lost. Beaudin and Zadorov have got it figured out at this point and I don’t know if it was them or Brookbank who did it but it’s working. You will see these 2 switching sides. Beaudin can handle the defensive part of playing on the right far better than Zadorov but that hampers him with passing or moving the puck up the ice so you will see them switch so Beaudin can bring it up on the left side. It’s working and that pairing is getting better.
I really want to see Carlsson on the left side to see what he can do because he was top pairing in the Rock and playing on the top PP and PK units. But I’m good with where he is at he can handle it go look at his stats and to have JC put a rookie D man to play on his off side to begin his career? He doesn’t do that to vets but trusts this kid enough to get the job done. He will be needed for the future as a LHD when Keith and deHaan are gone.
No need to trade any defensemen JC is doing a great job of getting them playing time to develop and D men need that time. They have great vets to learn from who’s clocks are expiring so let that play out. I love the dressing of 7 D men and to have 3 of them playing their off side? Just going to make them better players down the stretch in case an injury occurs.
I am the one pushing for Boqvist to move to RW. He has outstanding offensive attributes, but he has flaws defensively. And, as a defensemen that is a real problem. I think he would make a fine RW and would be aware defensively as a forward. I agree with the “Honest Guy” about sending him to Rockford as a RW and see what we have. He can always revert to being an inept defensemen if the experiment fails. I believe that he will thrive on the wing. If I recall, John Marks was a defensemen when he came up, and they made him into an excellent LW.
This guy…a throwback hockey player, old-school, like Toe Blake and Eddie Shore.
http://www.greatesthockeylegends.com/2016/02/john-marks.html
Tommy Ivan. That sounds intriguing but the problem they have is who takes his spot on D? Bowey? They have no other RHD to fill that void. They can’t keep putting Carlsson,Zadorov and Beaudin all LHD on the right side. They’ve looked good but these are basically 3 rookie D men playing their off side and down the stretch will probably spell disaster. These 3 are all pretty good offensively but trying to get it out of their zone leaves them either backhanding a pass or using the boards for a bank pass. Turning 180 to make a pass is not the answer. So for now Boqvist needs to stay put defensive flaws and all. And love the John Marks reference.
@ tommy ivan
not opposed to your suggestion of boqvist on the wing at rockford. but let’s not use john marks as a comparison. marks was a big, tough man. boqvist is not.
@HAWKS29. Thanks just spit my beer out ! Too funny!
The right strategy is to trade the aforementioned veterans for whatever you can get…younger “lottery ticket” type prospects, draft picks, future salary cap flexibility. The goal has to be all about building and development.
Hossa was moved to defense at least one game. I believe he scores the game tying goal and I think had a role in the game winner while playing defense, the specifics escape me at the moment. Any way you slice it Hossa looked like an all star defenceman in the short period of time he played defense. Fedorov played defense at some point.
In Hossa and Fedorov you talking elite hockey players Boquist is not at that level he needs to stay on defense learn from his mistakes and build confidence and play at a faster pace
Not to post long post these are from last thread didnt see new one was started if already read thats cool.
MORRISON
February 10, 2021 at 10:11 pm
I want the same things all you guys are talking about. I also want another top 5 skill draft player. The reason why the 2006 2007 teams felt that way/coming on yea is the young wave thats coming/part here now. It also won because of having two top end elites 19 88 not one top end elite 77.
Otherwise we end up like CAR a fun team to watch with one top end elite Aho and there not going to win.
STEFANIE
February 10, 2021 at 9:00 am
@noonan I meant my tanking comment in general reference to how the team has been playing over the last few seasons, not just this one.
Some people–not necessarily on here–are for the “forget about it and tank” mentality when things get rough. IMO that really hurts a team’s culture. That’s all I meant.
MORRISON
February 10, 2021 at 10:17 pm
This is what I mean here. I want another one in addition to 77.
NOONAN96
February 10, 2021 at 9:20 am
Wrap I think, and hope you’re right. Stef you are right and it’s not the best for the dressing room. What I wanted to say is that wishing for Dach at 3 or a Kane at 1 isn’t (to me) saying I hope they suck enough to get a top 5, it’s just that having the odd top of the draft pick(s) is usually needed to get to that upper level-
maybe Dach will be one of those guys.
MORRISON
February 10, 2021 at 10:19 pm
Thats right. Thats cool let the players coaches focus on winning and I do the concerning with the draft position.
EBONYRAPTOR
February 10, 2021 at 9:23 am
Noonan, I agree – players/coaches don’t try to tank. Everyone in that room is trying to win every game – as they should be. Their job is to play to win, not be concerned with draft position.
MORRISON
February 10, 2021 at 10:23 pm
I like Barratt a lot to. The Johnson guy and your guy and Hagel these guys are the new young wave style players like that. We do need them and some more top players once 2 7 other get older.
MORRISON
February 11, 2021 at 9:52 am
Good post agree/think same with most of it. We did have the big 4 in the 4 Cups in 6 yrs dynasty. And had guys like Sharpy at center Kopy in top 6 and another. Then in 2013 2014 2015 we had Saad so big 4 plus Saad and again players like Hands Richy Bicks in top 6. So yea we didnt have 6 top 6 playes even on dynasty yrs though we did have the big 4 the whole time.
So looking for similar and thats why I want moar top end elite top 3 gem or top 5 skill draft player so we can have another big 4 who ever they are. 19 88 77 21-draft or not counting 19 then 88 77 21-draft and ufa elite like another 81.
HAWKS29
February 10, 2021 at 10:57 am
no future with shaw or soderberg and kampf not a definite keeper. all three should be rotated out of the lineup so highmore and johnson get playing time.
going forward no one on this team should be designated top six other than kane and dach. everyone else should have to earn it including strome, de brincat, and kubalik. de brincat has picked up his overall game, but not at all impressed with the other two. not likely either of them would have played top six on any of the recent cup winning teams and the idea is to win the cup.
the point…… the hawks are loaded with bottom six options for the next cup competitive team. not nearly as much with top six personnel.
the team is not scoring 5v5. last night kampf third most estoi. that is insane. nice fourth liner, but no offensive skill. new line combos need to be tried. no sacred cows. think outside the box. maybe hagel starts to score if he plays with more gifted players.
MORRISON
February 11, 2021 at 9:53 am
Donot worry about Kampf/other being 3rd line once were deep again/when more of the young wave is playing those guys will be in most ideal spots and then prob not here because well have better players then them nothing agasint those guys.
MORRISON
February 11, 2021 at 10:00 am
ER, many more before and will after said same things about trade Kane. Trade Kane for Miller well we know how that turned out we won another Cup. Keep Kane and well win another Cup.
EBONYRAPTOR
February 10, 2021 at 11:40 am
I was all over this site (and others) pimping my “trade Kane” proposals, most notably the proposal to trade him to Buffalo with Cozens being the main player coming back to the Hawks. Well, I’m here to say I was wrong and thank goodness Stan didn’t follow my advice.
MORRISON
February 11, 2021 at 10:16 am
ER, thats what I was talking about with Ian and someone else said before season started about having that trickle effect/in terms of enough vet/ish age -experience players who know league to be a base and that allows the young wave players to succeed not them just being good.
If there isint a template so they can play in at least a similar spot as there ideal spot for them at where there at development wise/and I mean that in playing in a spot where they can suceed and get better so that there not in over the heads getting nailed left and right. Like 77 did first 5/10 games then he wasnt getting slamed into boards anymore/since then. I was worried about that at first. Now I like watching him crunch other teams players when time is right and is clean 100%.
So what I mean is having Kane and these others like Jannmark Walkmark Kampf Carpenter Murf other allows the yong players to ‘play’ otherwise the young players now matter how good would get wiped.
Boqvist is dog crap. He is not a credible NHL defenseman in any sense. And I could really care less about the tired argument of him “only being 20 years old.”
The reality is that Boqvist has rapidly proven to be an egregious draft day mistake by Stan Bowman. If there was a do-over, then Boqvist wouldn’t have been selected by any team until the 4th round at earliest.
Try to salvage what you have by moving him to offense? A lot harder than you think. The examples of these sort of successful positional transitions among professional hockey players is few and far between.
Got catchup readying to do.
This scared me to when I saw it.
BIG INDIAN
February 10, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Geez! I saw Kurashev’s pic on this and thought someone might be advocating for him to be traded. If that happens I will come down with “the vapors”, never to be awaken again.
This. Get another draft gem and bring in more young wave as they are ready.
HAWKS 29
February 10, 2021 at 3:25 pm
a look see to johnson and highmore. an indication that the hawks are building a cup competitive team would be hagel, suter, and kurashev all pushed down to the bottom six because there is better talent ahead of them. even fourth line. if those three guys comprise the fourth line good things are happening in the top nine.
@Hawks29…Effin’ brilliant post! To be honest, John Marks was the first guy that came to mind who did the position switch. Of course we are talking about one tough bad-ass in Marks against a not so-much-of-a-badass in Boqvist. If Boqvist were tougher, he’d actually be a decent defensemen! So, I am just looking at salvaging a 1st round pick and suggest that we play him to his strengths, which are on the offensive side of the game. He is a decent skater, a very good passer, has a nice shot, very good vision, but lacks toughness and defensive awareness. He is Nylander 2.0!
Bert every offensive defenseman has had the move him to forward bandwagon since and including Bobby Orr when he changed the game. As you can see by the conversation( one player 50 years ago) the reality of it likely to happen is probably not going to be. First, the organization has to initiate the move, players prefer not to, even Marks and there is no indication that is even remotely in the picture yet. 2nd offensive defenseman form their skills seeing the play from the blueline behind the play and reading how to jump into the offensive, driving the play that way. Right now that’s the potential the Blackhawks are trying to tap into, hoping he can change his skills and become an effective winger has a longshot of success at best and at the very least a last resort. A grittier style of game is more adaptable to that kind of move than a finesse game.
Send Boqvist down or trade him. He has shown no reason to remain an NHLer so far.
Not to beat a dead horse, bottom line is other GM will want so and so and be willing to give whatever. Stan can make every single player on the team available and such is still the case. As much as you may want to keep whoever or trade whoever bottomline is the other gm has to make the offer, that’s the nature if selling. Now if they are willing to take someone else back….noting the Seattle draft of course….I mean it’s not like teams are sitting there say “gosh we have to trade this second round pick”
Trade Boqvist to anyone. He’s had plenty of time to demonstrate his skill/potential. Don’t see much upside on offense and his defense is a liability.
I’m not really happy with Boqvist either. At the beginning, yes, but now I see he’s just not progressing. Nowhere near as good as Beaudin. Maybe the drastic move to wing is the only recourse to salvage a number 8 pick. Otherwise, what? We’re stuck with a lost cause? Bowman won’t like to admit it, but this pick may have been a bust.
Wow. What a big disappointment that was. 6-5 and you could almost see it coming. We couldn’t get the puck out of the D zone. We forgot how to forecheck. We chased the puck the last 10 minutes, or stood still watching the dazzling Blue Jackets. So. Are we back to a reality? What the hell happened? What is the use of playing 7 D if everyone is gassed? Can JC quit playing MHighmore and put in somebody who can score, and not get stupid penalties? Try Entwistle. Johnson. Wallmark s back, how about him? Bad game for KL, too. Three soft goals of the six.
Rookie defenseman Mitchell and Beaudin tried out at right wing tonight. Success each scoring first career goals.