Therein lies the hidden value of Oduya. It enables Q to keep Keith's minutes to less than 25 a game on average.
- Elbows15

Oduya and Hammer have obviously been ROCK SOLID and Leddy and that rotation of Rozy and Brookbank have been pretty decent too. Q and co. have done a very nice job of managing the d corps as a whole.

Oduya and Hammer have obviously been ROCK SOLID and Leddy and that rotation of Rozy and Brookbank have been pretty decent too. Q and co. have done a very nice job of managing the d corps as a whole.
- philco28

Oduya's job is Leddy's to earn by next year. If not, Leddy could be the one who is dealt. Keeping Keith under 25 min/game is CRITICAL.

I don't see a scenario where both Leddy and Oduya stay on the team past next season.

I'm pretty good when it comes to a big kick in the groin . . .
- savvyone-1

Not that I think this ever happens in the NHL..... but what if someone has maybe gotten him a message through a third party that it would be in his best interests to take as long as you want with this injury, wink-wink nudge-nudge, we're doing fine without you.

Oduya's job is Leddy's to earn by next year. If not, Leddy could be the one who is dealt. Keeping Keith under 25 min/game is CRITICAL.

I don't see a scenario where both Leddy and Oduya stay on the team past next season.
- Return of the Roar

Sounds plausible Roar and with full apologies to Savvy....i honestly wish the tables were reversed and that Oduya was 22 and Leddy was 32...but reality says otherwise.

Sounds plausible Roar and with full apologies to Savvy....i honestly wish the tables were reversed and that Oduya was 22 and Leddy was 32...but reality says otherwise.
- philco28

Hey Phil, no apologies necessary.
I'd say Nick has made some pretty good strides this year.

I highly doubt any of the other 4 guys would have dealt any better with the merry-go-round that is Leddy's D partner for the year-to-date.

Really. Think about it.
To Elbow's point about Keith knowing what/where Seabrook will be so he can jump the play in the neutral zone --

Just imagine, if you will, if any of those 4 guys had a rotating cast of partners. Yes, they will end up with some experience together but typically not multiple games in a row. 2 and 7 have been together all season as have 4 and 27.

So when I look, I see Brookbank is a +1 and Rozsival is -2. So combined, those 2 are -1 and Leddy is a plus 4, certainly nothing to write home about and also the +/- not the last word by any stretch of overall play. I'm just pointing out some of the obvious (to me) things that Leddy is holding his own in spite of having 2 (sometimes) 3 different partners during the season so far. I see a bit more willingness to engage along the boards, still very little in front and unless he can evade a guy by keeping on the move, still getting smashed way too much when pucks are dumped in.

I just wonder how Leddy might have progressed had he had a solid, dependable partner all season? This is really the question IMO.

And for everyone that would want to say it doesn't matter, I highly doubt Duncan Keith or Brent Seabrook or Nik Hjalmarsson would have had much more success given the rotation of partners.

As for the choice between Oduya and Leddy -- probably will happen -- and with Nick still being a RFA at the end of this deal and Oduya making about 1/2 million more, I'd say given this and the age difference, Oduya is more likely to go. Way more upside for a 22 yr old who is your best skater and is making progress.

Definitely the Blues, a healthy Kings, hungry Sharks, and Ducks if the start rolling.
- wiz1901

Hopefully with the new format the sharks will take a beating in that division with LA and anaheim. Hopefully blues face 1 of them, too in round 1.

Oduya and Hammer have obviously been ROCK SOLID and Leddy and that rotation of Rozy and Brookbank have been pretty decent too. Q and co. have done a very nice job of managing the d corps as a whole.
- philco28

Hammer has shown some kinks in his armor, not as solid as last year but still playing great hockey. Also this grouping seems to be up against the number 1 line from the other team most of the time. Can't remember if that was the case last year. Just see Hammer making more mistakes than last year. Not worried at this time in the season. Also might be the reason for Keith having a nice year, plus 3rd star of the nhl last week.

Hammer has shown some kinks in his armor, not as solid as last year but still playing great hockey. Also this grouping seems to be up against the number 1 line from the other team most of the time. Can't remember if that was the case last year. Just see Hammer making more mistakes than last year. Not worried at this time in the season. Also might be the reason for Keith having a nice year, plus 3rd star of the nhl last week.
- Topshelf2010

What kinks? I think he is having a better year this year than last year.....

Hey Phil, no apologies necessary.
I'd say Nick has made some pretty good strides this year.

I highly doubt any of the other 4 guys would have dealt any better with the merry-go-round that is Leddy's D partner for the year-to-date.

Really. Think about it.
To Elbow's point about Keith knowing what/where Seabrook will be so he can jump the play in the neutral zone --

Just imagine, if you will, if any of those 4 guys had a rotating cast of partners. Yes, they will end up with some experience together but typically not multiple games in a row. 2 and 7 have been together all season as have 4 and 27.

So when I look, I see Brookbank is a +1 and Rozsival is -2. So combined, those 2 are -1 and Leddy is a plus 4, certainly nothing to write home about and also the +/- not the last word by any stretch of overall play. I'm just pointing out some of the obvious (to me) things that Leddy is holding his own in spite of having 2 (sometimes) 3 different partners during the season so far. I see a bit more willingness to engage along the boards, still very little in front and unless he can evade a guy by keeping on the move, still getting smashed way too much when pucks are dumped in.

I just wonder how Leddy might have progressed had he had a solid, dependable partner all season? This is really the question IMO.

And for everyone that would want to say it doesn't matter, I highly doubt Duncan Keith or Brent Seabrook or Nik Hjalmarsson would have had much more success given the rotation of partners.

As for the choice between Oduya and Leddy -- probably will happen -- and with Nick still being a RFA at the end of this deal and Oduya making about 1/2 million more, I'd say given this and the age difference, Oduya is more likely to go. Way more upside for a 22 yr old who is your best skater and is making progress.
- savvyone-1

You highlighted my biggest issue with Leddy Savvy. The tendency to get lost in his positioning in front of the net from time to time. That being said, he has made progress this year as far as engaging along the walls. At the end of the day or season if you will, it will be Leddy and Rozy playing together as the season heads to the playoffs. I will take that 3rd pairing all day everyday.

Another way to look at it regarding Leddy's progress, imo. What effect has he had on Brookbank's improved play? I think an argument can be made that Leddy has helped Brookbank. And his play was improved by playing with a consummate pro in Rozy last year.

What kinks? I think he is having a better year this year than last year.....
- UnnamedSource

Agreed US. His game has gone to another level. Especially in the offensive zone.

Their blueline was slowwwwwww and aging last year. They are still slowwwwwww this year.
- fattybeef

they have added some youth:
Vatanen, Fowler, Lindholm, and Sbisa are all young - not sure of speed.
Fistric and Lovejoy are late 20s, but i don't think these guys are too fast.
Beauchemin and Allen are older, and Beauchemin has been rejuvenated and playing solid hockey before the injury.

But currently, a majority of the starting dman are out with injuries. We will see how this team deals with it.

What kinks? I think he is having a better year this year than last year.....
- UnnamedSource

How you feeling buddy?

How you feeling buddy?
- rtang415

Prolly like something the cat dragged in.. HEEEYYYOOOOO

Prolly like something the cat dragged in.. HEEEYYYOOOOO
- Elbows15

Insert rim shot.

they have added some youth:
Vatanen, Fowler, Lindholm, and Sbisa are all young - not sure of speed.
Fistric and Lovejoy are late 20s, but i don't think these guys are too fast.
Beauchemin and Allen are older, and Beauchemin has been rejuvenated and playing solid hockey before the injury.

But currently, a majority of the starting dman are out with injuries. We will see how this team deals with it.
- Topshelf2010

Iv seen Vatanen a few times already and he seems pretty damn fast, not quite like Fowler but hes able to skate extremely well. Not too sure about his abilities in his own end though.

Oduya's job is Leddy's to earn by next year. If not, Leddy could be the one who is dealt. Keeping Keith under 25 min/game is CRITICAL.

I don't see a scenario where both Leddy and Oduya stay on the team past next season.
- Return of the Roar

Keith's minutes are getting up there, he's averaging 24 minutes per game. Seas is almost 22, Hammer is 21 and Oduya is 20.5. These are almost identical numbers to last season, so I think Q has found the right balance of playing time for the d-men. Leddy's ice time is actually down about 1 minute per game too...interesting.

How you feeling buddy?
- rtang415

Much better thanks......still need to get my energy level up but that will come......I want a pizza!

Prolly like something the cat dragged in.. HEEEYYYOOOOO
- Elbows15

.....comedic gold right there...

Hey Phil, no apologies necessary.
I'd say Nick has made some pretty good strides this year.

I highly doubt any of the other 4 guys would have dealt any better with the merry-go-round that is Leddy's D partner for the year-to-date.

Really. Think about it.
To Elbow's point about Keith knowing what/where Seabrook will be so he can jump the play in the neutral zone --

Just imagine, if you will, if any of those 4 guys had a rotating cast of partners. Yes, they will end up with some experience together but typically not multiple games in a row. 2 and 7 have been together all season as have 4 and 27.

So when I look, I see Brookbank is a +1 and Rozsival is -2. So combined, those 2 are -1 and Leddy is a plus 4, certainly nothing to write home about and also the +/- not the last word by any stretch of overall play. I'm just pointing out some of the obvious (to me) things that Leddy is holding his own in spite of having 2 (sometimes) 3 different partners during the season so far. I see a bit more willingness to engage along the boards, still very little in front and unless he can evade a guy by keeping on the move, still getting smashed way too much when pucks are dumped in.

I just wonder how Leddy might have progressed had he had a solid, dependable partner all season? This is really the question IMO.

And for everyone that would want to say it doesn't matter, I highly doubt Duncan Keith or Brent Seabrook or Nik Hjalmarsson would have had much more success given the rotation of partners.

As for the choice between Oduya and Leddy -- probably will happen -- and with Nick still being a RFA at the end of this deal and Oduya making about 1/2 million more, I'd say given this and the age difference, Oduya is more likely to go. Way more upside for a 22 yr old who is your best skater and is making progress.
- savvyone-1

Good post Savvy...always appreciate your thoughts. Yes, Leddy has played very well, especially given the rotation at 6d.

Leddy can still get the dreaded 'gator arms' when he's under heavy pressure in his own zone, but by and large, he's had a very good campaign to this point.

The choice that Roar alluded to seems highly likely, but if Rozy's contract comes off the books...via trade...who knows ?

Hawks record with Oduya is something like .700 or .750 ? Hate to jettison him anytime soon. He's still got a good 3-4 years of good hockey left.

I think I can smell that soft pretzel baking already Al.
- rtang415

They are trying to see if they let him age for a bit longer things will be better.

Circus trip ends with impressive 5-2 win. Hawks are set up for a great December -. On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eDT6X6

They are trying to see if they let him age for a bit longer things will be better.

Circus trip ends with impressive 5-2 win. Hawks are set up for a great December -. On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eDT6X6
- Al

They can age him all they want, it won't help.

Yep. Everyone makes a big deal about his propensity for hitting shin pads, but he is nothing short of stellar defensively and at making a good first pass.
- MartiniMan

DK's new shot trainer....

DK's new shot trainer....


- Ogilthorpe2

An oldie but goodie.

Much better thanks......still need to get my energy level up but that will come......I want a pizza!
- UnnamedSource

Good to hear Brother Source

Hey Phil, no apologies necessary.
I'd say Nick has made some pretty good strides this year.

I highly doubt any of the other 4 guys would have dealt any better with the merry-go-round that is Leddy's D partner for the year-to-date.

Really. Think about it.
To Elbow's point about Keith knowing what/where Seabrook will be so he can jump the play in the neutral zone --

Just imagine, if you will, if any of those 4 guys had a rotating cast of partners. Yes, they will end up with some experience together but typically not multiple games in a row. 2 and 7 have been together all season as have 4 and 27.

So when I look, I see Brookbank is a +1 and Rozsival is -2. So combined, those 2 are -1 and Leddy is a plus 4, certainly nothing to write home about and also the +/- not the last word by any stretch of overall play. I'm just pointing out some of the obvious (to me) things that Leddy is holding his own in spite of having 2 (sometimes) 3 different partners during the season so far. I see a bit more willingness to engage along the boards, still very little in front and unless he can evade a guy by keeping on the move, still getting smashed way too much when pucks are dumped in.

I just wonder how Leddy might have progressed had he had a solid, dependable partner all season? This is really the question IMO.

And for everyone that would want to say it doesn't matter, I highly doubt Duncan Keith or Brent Seabrook or Nik Hjalmarsson would have had much more success given the rotation of partners.

As for the choice between Oduya and Leddy -- probably will happen -- and with Nick still being a RFA at the end of this deal and Oduya making about 1/2 million more, I'd say given this and the age difference, Oduya is more likely to go. Way more upside for a 22 yr old who is your best skater and is making progress.
- savvyone-1

Leddy is doing just fine, albeit in a more minor role level than some may have expected him to be at right now. And what he gives the Hawks is that 3rd left side D man with blazing speed - no team in the NHL can match the speed the Hawks have on the left side of their blueline.

And the Hawks are patiently grooming the kid to step into Oduya's position in a year or 2. Compare that to the way the Maple Leafs are bungling a kid on their D like Jake Gardner and forcing a 19 year old like Morgan Reilly to play minutes because he can really skate but can't yet deal with the defensive zone responsibilities of an NHL defenceman. And that's right after rushing and eventually screwing up a high draft pick like Luke Schenn.

Patience is king with young defenceman.