I think NHL experience plays a role, as does the fact that his combination of size and hands give Q the flexibility to play on various lines.

Could conceviably play top-six minutes (skating is a problem, I know), or play the role of a 4th line banger.

Maybe thinking too much inside the box, but from what I've seen of Morin, he's best suited for a top-six sniping role, and if he falters there, has little value elsewhere in the line-up. He plays with an edge, but I think he'd get his lunch handed to him at the NHL level with that aspect of his game.
- FredoXV

Hayes plays with an edge if/when he can actually catch an opponent. I don't think he has any advantage over Morin as a physical player, despite the size difference. One thing Hayes is very good at is controlling the puck down low, using his size to protect the puck. But he is maybe worse than Saad or Skille or Radim Vrbata in terms of shooting percentage. Everything goes on net, much into the side of the net, wide, over, etc.

They are probably trying to see if he can be that physical lower line guy they have been looking for. Also doesn't hurt that he is a "higher profile" Stanley find. Those guys get moved along faster.

And if I'm Ben Smith or Jeremy Morin, I want out of this organization ASAP.
- John Jaeckel

I agree with you here.

Also could be that Hayes is a centerpiece of current trade talks, and the 'Hawks want to showcase him.

Conversely, it could mean that Morin and Smith are being dicussed or possible deals, and as both have injury histories, exposing them to NHL physicality this close to the deadline could be risky.

They are probably trying to see if he can be that physical lower line guy they have been looking for. Also doesn't hurt that he is a "higher profile" Stanley find. Those guys get moved along faster.

And if I'm Ben Smith or Jeremy Morin, I want out of this organization ASAP.
- John Jaeckel

Perhaps Smith isn't getting a turn because he's recently back from injury? He looked fine to me the last couple of games I've seen him, but maybe that is the reason?

They are probably trying to see if he can be that physical lower line guy they have been looking for. Also doesn't hurt that he is a "higher profile" Stanley find. Those guys get moved along faster.

And if I'm Ben Smith or Jeremy Morin, I want out of this organization ASAP.
- John Jaeckel

I think it's called 'extended marination in the minors' - Detroit Red Wing style.

F those losers. Most of the people sitting around me were super cool, but caught some flack in the concourse. The lady at the concession stand gave me props for not being intimidated and then later, under her breath, said she didn't like the Van fans.
- eburgio

They are probably trying to see if he can be that physical lower line guy they have been looking for. Also doesn't hurt that he is a "higher profile" Stanley find. Those guys get moved along faster.

And if I'm Ben Smith or Jeremy Morin, I want out of this organization ASAP.
- John Jaeckel

I agree with the Higher-Profile statement, but hasn't Morin and Smith had concussion issues in the past? Could it be that the organ-i-zation is a little cautious with them due to their past history, and the recent issues with Hossa,Bolland, and Crawford?

Perhaps Smith isn't getting a turn because he's recently back from injury? He looked fine to me the last couple of games I've seen him, but maybe that is the reason?
- EKolb13

Smith appears to me...to be a one zone player. He's an offensive zone threat who will eagerly engage in the dirty areas and fight for tips and loose pucks to bang home.

In the neutral and d-zone...his decision making and puck protection are very suspect.

- philco28

Sorry, phil, shoulda said "Ph" those losers

Hayes plays with an edge if/when he can actually catch an opponent. I don't think he has any advantage over Morin as a physical player, despite the size difference. One thing Hayes is very good at is controlling the puck down low, using his size to protect the puck. But he is maybe worse than Saad or Skille or Radim Vrbata in terms of shooting percentage. Everything goes on net, much into the side of the net, wide, over, etc.
- John Jaeckel

I don't watch the Icehogs much but just seems to me with Sharp sidelined that Morin would be the candidate to fill in his spot, not a lumbering guy like Hayes. Or is Morin in the turtle derby also?

Sorry, phil, shoulda said "Ph" those losers
- eburgio

I don't watch the Icehogs much but just seems to me with Sharp sidelined that Morin would be the candidate to fill in his spot, not a lumbering guy like Hayes. Or is Morin in the turtle derby also?
- RickJ

Morin has potential, but too many times he's a lot of 'sound and fury, signifying nothing.' Oh wait...that's me

They are probably trying to see if he can be that physical lower line guy they have been looking for. Also doesn't hurt that he is a "higher profile" Stanley find. Those guys get moved along faster.

And if I'm Ben Smith or Jeremy Morin, I want out of this organization ASAP.
- John Jaeckel

I'm sure Smith, Morin, and Hayes all want their chance in Chicago, but barring an injury who would you take off the roster to recall one of these guys? Now that there is an injury (Sharp) Hayes has been recalled, so no matter who Stan recalled 2 good prospects (3 if you add Pirri) are disappointed.

I can see these guys wanting out because they feel they can play in the NHL, and they might with a lower-end team. I don't necessarily think the Blackhawks have handled these prospects poorly. Maybe Pirri and Smith are more deserving of a call-up, but I don't think its a glaring mistake at this point.

I don't watch the Icehogs much but just seems to me with Sharp sidelined that Morin would be the candidate to fill in his spot, not a lumbering guy like Hayes. Or is Morin in the turtle derby also?
- RickJ

I really question his skating ability. He's slow. He can't seem to get enough speed together to break away from opposing defenders in the AHL. I think that would be a real problem trying to keep up on the next level.

Fixed.
- John Jaeckel

AW OH! here comes a ban!
hey JJ, you like antropov? he got some good park your ass in front of the net size and decent skill to fit into the hawks scheme? yes/no? & what ,if he is out there for the taking ,are they looking for in return?
Leddy, unless your getting a kid like zabinajad or similar back in return, no way should this kid EVER be dealt, especially for a 3rd line (even though i like him) grinder like neil, straight up. i hope that is just some 3 o'clock in the morning ganja smoke being blown!

I'm sure Smith, Morin, and Hayes all want their chance in Chicago, but barring an injury who would you take off the roster to recall one of these guys? Now that there is an injury (Sharp) Hayes has been recalled, so no matter who Stan recalled 2 good prospects (3 if you add Pirri) are disappointed.

I can see these guys wanting out because they feel they can play in the NHL, and they might with a lower-end team. I don't necessarily think the Blackhawks have handled these prospects poorly. Maybe Pirri and Smith are more deserving of a call-up, but I don't think its a glaring mistake at this point.
- DarthKane

I agree.


I think it's an undiscussed luxury that we have the quanity of plausible NHL-caliber prospects that we are even having this conversation.

I'm sure Smith, Morin, and Hayes all want their chance in Chicago, but barring an injury who would you take off the roster to recall one of these guys? Now that there is an injury (Sharp) Hayes has been recalled, so no matter who Stan recalled 2 good prospects (3 if you add Pirri) are disappointed.

I can see these guys wanting out because they feel they can play in the NHL, and they might with a lower-end team. I don't necessarily think the Blackhawks have handled these prospects poorly. Maybe Pirri and Smith are more deserving of a call-up, but I don't think its a glaring mistake at this point.
- DarthKane

Smith and Pirri have really done all they can at Rockford, so I can see why they would be pissed. But, like you said, who comes off the big roster to get them a shot? Hayes provides a different element because of his size. Perhaps they feel he's a bit safer in terms of playing at both ends, and gives them more options. I don't know, just making excuses for the front office.

I agree with you here.

Also could be that Hayes is a centerpiece of current trade talks, and the 'Hawks want to showcase him.

Conversely, it could mean that Morin and Smith are being dicussed or possible deals, and as both have injury histories, exposing them to NHL physicality this close to the deadline could be risky.
- FredoXV

Please do not use "showcase" as the concept as presented does not exist.

Once you are in professional sports, at any level, you have arrived. There is an old adage in minor league baseball. That is you are not playing to impress your manager and/or gm, you are playing for all 30 teams to see. It is the standard response all gms give to all agents when they lobby for their guy to get a promotion. They say, he is on the team and has a uniform. Meaning if your guy is as good as you think he is, then he just has to be ready for his opportunities.

If somebody sees something they like, they will likely keep it under their hat. If a team likes Hayes, the last thing they want is him getting on a stage and showing the other 28 teams what they may have missed, thus making their potential acquisition more difficult.

In reality, unless you are out of contention, all players are brought up strategically to help fill a teams need and serve a specific purpose. As to how well they will perform, well that is up for debate, but rest assured guys are being put in place as part of a plan for the purpose of improving the team.

The debate as to if he is right guy, well we can and will bat that around here all day. Ben Smith is a guy that adds depth to organization. I still think he is thought of highly. Has great hockey IQ and can play up and down the line up in just about any role you give him. Personally, I think Morin needs to be given a shot to play with Kane/better players.

antropov?
- wonthecup10

I'd rather have Hayes playing center all day, everyday before bringing that guy to Chicago.

I'm sure Smith, Morin, and Hayes all want their chance in Chicago, but barring an injury who would you take off the roster to recall one of these guys? Now that there is an injury (Sharp) Hayes has been recalled, so no matter who Stan recalled 2 good prospects (3 if you add Pirri) are disappointed.

I can see these guys wanting out because they feel they can play in the NHL, and they might with a lower-end team. I don't necessarily think the Blackhawks have handled these prospects poorly. Maybe Pirri and Smith are more deserving of a call-up, but I don't think its a glaring mistake at this point.
- DarthKane

Another great adage in minor league baseball. The concept of deserving...goes along with the concept of fairness in life. Nothing is .....

Thus you can put yourself in the shoes of pro athletes awaiting opportunity, doing all that is asked of them for the most part and still.....no opportunity. It is this emotional baggage that is the most difficult to manage in pursuing your dreams.

I'd rather have Hayes playing center all day, everyday before bringing that guy to Chicago.
- EKolb13

If you thought John Scott was slow, just wait until you see ol' Nikolai

If you thought John Scott was slow, just wait until you see ol' Nikolai
- prd797

I think it's called 'extended marination in the minors' - Detroit Red Wing style.
- RickJ

Then why wouldn't that apply to Hayes?

Has he learned to skate in Rockford yet? That skill might be helpful.
- Return of the Roar

I'm sure they have been working very hard to polish Hayes....

Bowman reached out to get him and the OrganIzation will put as much effort in as possible to help him succeed.

on Twitter @AlCimaglia

I'm sure Smith, Morin, and Hayes all want their chance in Chicago, but barring an injury who would you take off the roster to recall one of these guys? Now that there is an injury (Sharp) Hayes has been recalled, so no matter who Stan recalled 2 good prospects (3 if you add Pirri) are disappointed.

I can see these guys wanting out because they feel they can play in the NHL, and they might with a lower-end team. I don't necessarily think the Blackhawks have handled these prospects poorly. Maybe Pirri and Smith are more deserving of a call-up, but I don't think its a glaring mistake at this point.
- DarthKane

Pirri is the guy who I think is ticketed for another organization.

I'm sure they have been working very hard to polish Hayes....

Bowman reached out to get him and the OrganIzation will put as much effort in as possible to help him succeed.

on Twitter @AlCimaglia
- Al

Bingo.