Whatever.
- paulr

Beach is most likely the 2nd option after Saad for 2c.....just saying (red font)

Really? Had not heard..seems like a giant step back.
- UnnamedSource

Stick around the AHL making not even 100k per year, or go to Europe and make 250k plus. Not really a step back at all. I play every week with a guy who had a cup of coffee in the NHL over 3 season. Went to Europe for 10 years and made and saved more than any guy who played 3 full seasons in the NHL during that same time span.

Just food for thought...

Did not mean any player, meant entry level salaried guys...clarification....

What is a fair chance? NHL games? Q has already said Saad is getting the first shot at at 2C, he certainly deserves it more than Pirri based on their play last year. So does Kruger. I guarantee every player in the Hawks system knows that the best players make the NHL. And if you don't make it its not because someone screwed you over, its because you aren't good enough.
- rollpards19

If I wanted to provoke an argument, I could pick this statement apart quickly.

How many players in the Hawks system was John Scott ever better than?

How many guys in Rockford think that Brandon Bollig is better than them going into training camp?

Sheldon Souray's problems in Edmonton.

Contracts and other circumstances play a large part in some players ability to skate with his NHL team.

All this 2C talk generating from the front office is a big marketing ploy to keep fans talking about the Blackhawks during the off season.
- DarthKane

Isn't that what the convention is for?

Stick around the AHL making not even 100k per year, or go to Europe and make 250k plus. Not really a step back at all. I play every week with a guy who had a cup of coffee in the NHL over 3 season. Went to Europe for 10 years and made and saved more than any guy who played 3 full seasons in the NHL during that same time span.

Just food for thought...
- TrueGrit

I have a good friend who played a few games for the North Stars and played for a few AHL teams before playing for a team in Austria. He was given a salary but all of his living expenses were looked after including the use of a car so when he came back he was set up financially.

If I wanted to provoke an argument, I could pick this statement apart quickly.

How many players in the Hawks system was John Scott ever better than?

How many guys in Rockford think that Brandon Bollig is better than them going into training camp?

Sheldon Souray's problems in Edmonton.

Contracts and other circumstances play a large part in some players ability to skate with his NHL team.
- RickJ

I was going to reply along these lines but it became clear he's just looking to argue for the sake of arguing.

I wondered if Saad would so back to #22 now that Mayers is gone, but it appears he'll stick with #20.

Jimmy Hayes is #22 now that Khabby took his #39. Morin is #11, Danault is #24, McNeill is #15, Leblanc is #14 and Teravainen is #23. Last season at this time I wanted Shaw to change his #65 to his usual #15 but I'm happy he didn't.

Before you ask...yes, I am this bored that I had to post a message about jersey numbers.


- DarthKane

No problemo....love uniform talk.

A portion of it I'm sure goes to support Blackhawk charities, but not all. Besides, look at all the revenue streams generated by the event. The program that is distributed has adverstising in it..$. The whole event has "sponsors"....$. There is a vendor area with people selling stuff, I am sure they paid for their booth, and maybe even a % of sales....$ Heck if the hotel works like most conventions, etc. there is even a kick-back on each hotel room reserved as part of the event.

The event is an awesome way to build fan support, loyalty and grow the fan base, but dont kid yourself into thinking that the Hawks would be doing it if they werent profiting on it.
- TheTrob

No way...don't say that. It can't be true. God help us!

Stick around the AHL making not even 100k per year, or go to Europe and make 250k plus. Not really a step back at all. I play every week with a guy who had a cup of coffee in the NHL over 3 season. Went to Europe for 10 years and made and saved more than any guy who played 3 full seasons in the NHL during that same time span.

Just food for thought...
- TrueGrit

My point was more of a step back for a path to the NHL.

Beach is most likely the 2nd option after Saad for 2c.....just saying (red font)
- UnnamedSource

I would think Beach is a better option than Saad.

My point was more of a step back for a path to the NHL.
- UnnamedSource

I am with you there. Was just pointing out career decisions guys have to make along the way. Go to Europe and make money, or work at sears selling Lady Kenmores?

I am with you there. Was just pointing out career decisions guys have to make along the way. Go to Europe and make money, or work at sears selling Lady Kenmores?
- TrueGrit

What is a Lady Kenmore?

My point was more of a step back for a path to the NHL.
- UnnamedSource

Just out of curiosity, and not that it really matters...do the Hawks still own his NHL rights since the made him a Qualifying Offer?

What is a Lady Kenmore?
- paulr

Reference from the movie Bull Durham. Why guys hang around the minor leagues. Lady Kenmores are washing machines...any item like that is the reference....

JJ- are you hearing anything new on UFAs or is Stan going to see how the yutes do in training camp before extending potential offers? Still think Larose or Raymond would be nice fits on the 3rd line as a speedster to replace Stalberg or Frolik
- ikeane

I have not heard a peep. Doesn't mean nothing is happening. But it could mean they are done.

Reference from the movie Bull Durham. Why guys hang around the minor leagues. Lady Kenmores are washing machines...any item like that is the reference....
- TrueGrit

I've seen Bull Durham a few times guess I never picked up on that term, I must have been woolly every time I watched it.

I have not heard a peep. Doesn't mean nothing is happening. But it could mean they are done.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for the response and insight. Part of the Hawks success has been their speed. With a possible line or Morin, Handzus, and Hayes, speed is not an asset while they are on the ice. Hoping to add a speedster or 2 more during/after training camp

Thanks for the response and insight. Part of the Hawks success has been their speed. With a possible line or Morin, Handzus, and Hayes, speed is not an asset while they are on the ice. Hoping to add a speedster or 2 more during/after training camp
- ikeane

I hear you, but not every player needs to be a speedster. As long as Morin skates smart and gets to the right spot at the right time it's ok. Handzus is slow but he managed to be effective in the playoffs, even though he was hurt.

Reference from the movie Bull Durham. Why guys hang around the minor leagues. Lady Kenmores are washing machines...any item like that is the reference....
- TrueGrit

Washing machine, Paul, store brand of Sears, which is sort of essentially the equivalent of Canadian Tire in the States.

I hear you, but not every player needs to be a speedster. As long as Morin skates smart and gets to the right spot at the right time it's ok. Handzus is slow but he managed to be effective in the playoffs, even though he was hurt.
- DarthKane

While I agree, I think part of the Hawks success s the 3rd and 4th lines flying at the 5th and 6th dmen from the other team. Overall team speed kills. I agree that Morin needs to head to the front of the net and open himself up for some feeds from Zues, however, I will miss how the Hawks put other teams on their heels with 4 lines of speedy players

Washing machine, Paul, store brand of Sears, which is sort of essentially the equivalent of Canadian Tire in the States.
- John Jaeckel

We have Sears stores up here too and have had them for as long as I can remember. Just never heard the term Lady Kenmore before.

While I agree, I think part of the Hawks success s the 3rd and 4th lines flying at the 5th and 6th dmen from the other team. Overall team speed kills. I agree that Morin needs to head to the front of the net and open himself up for some feeds from Zues, however, I will miss how the Hawks put other teams on their heels with 4 lines of speedy players
- ikeane

Sadly I don't think we'll have the same speedy 4th line we had last year, but that doesn't mean the 4th line won't be effective.

With Saad and Shaw on the 3rd line and possibly Kruger we'll have some decent skaters. If Smith and Pirri make the team they're not bad either. I wouldn't worry about skating being an issue next season if though it will be different than last year.

Just out of curiosity, and not that it really matters...do the Hawks still own his NHL rights since the made him a Qualifying Offer?
- Ogilthorpe2

I do believe you're correct. However, you'll have to offer up "the rights to Lalonde" in future trade proposals.

Sometimes the new number means allot to the player because it was what he broke into the league with. I'm waiting for some Yahoo to pick #69.
- paulr

Doug "the thug" glatt wore 69 in the movie GOON

I hear you, but not every player needs to be a speedster. As long as Morin skates smart and gets to the right spot at the right time it's ok. Handzus is slow but he managed to be effective in the playoffs, even though he was hurt.
- DarthKane

Handzus makes up for a lack of speed with very high level awareness, experience and defensive commitment.

Funny int he summer of 2011, I felt the4 Hawks might have an interest in him and should go after him (before San Jose eventually signed him), and another blogger (who will remain nameless) went apoplectic on Twitter how Handzus was "done," etc.

Oh well . . .