If true, it begs the question...why is he not getting that here?
- Ogilthorpe2

How much of it can you get at the major league level - especially for top-level teams - as opposed to learning it at Rockfish?

The goal in Chicago (and in other NHL cities) is to win, games and play-off series - players should be mostly ready to skate well and play well when they get here.

If true, it begs the question...why is he not getting that here?
- Ogilthorpe2

THANK YOU. But I expect Dineen to be a positive influence. As I've stated in the past, if Dineen is not given marching orders and is free to do the PP as he wants I expect him to utilize Leddy on the point and shed some light that Leddy can pick up on.

How much of it can you get at the major league level - especially for top-level teams - as opposed to learning it at Rockfish?

The goal in Chicago (and in other NHL cities) is to win, games and play-off series - players should be mostly ready to skate well and play well when they get here.
- StLBravesFan

Under normal circumstances I would agree. But Leddy skates so damn well that the players in the A aren't good enough to help him learn much. His skating IS really that good.

Under normal circumstances I would agree. But Leddy skates so damn well that the players in the A aren't good enough to help him learn much. His skating IS really that good.
- 6628

I still the the move(s) Stan makes will be nothing we've thought of. I'm not saying one of Leddy, Rozsival or Oduya won't go, but it may be a defenseman and a forward that get traded. When Stan makes a move it tends to be one that we don't see coming.

Kid's a budding star for sure
- John Jaeckel

He is and why I nicknamed him Jesus a few years back.

He has come into his own after a few years learning on the job......Lets also remember until this year.....Mr. Saad a whopping 1 goal in 25 playoff games, when the big boys come out. That includes the cup run. His one goal was a beauty, a top shelf wrister against Boston in game 1, but otherwise.....

He also was given a top spot to skate with Hossa and Toews early on and while many will black it out, there were times during those telecasts you could see how disgruntled Hossa was getting with Saad. part of the learning experience.

So with Saad being a larger specimen, it's hard for me to envision TT stepping on to a cup contender, and being a force right off the bat. Next year, if they have to unload a key guy or core guy(s), then you fall back into rebuild situation where you can afford to let a TT learn on the job.

So yes, those of us who are a JUST a BIT pessimistic about the accolades being showered upon TT just might have a point. Lets let this kid get his 1st NHL point before anyone pencils him for 2nd line center or a Hossa/Sharp replacement.....

This^^^^^

And just for the record, Leddy was another guy I thought they rushed along (as far as making him a Top 4 guy in 2011-12), which I was right about (I'm sure Kev and Bannerman will be back to point that out, too).

Classic case of all the lights on but no one's always home. Not only is his skating superlative, but he can shoot and pass the puck. He just needs to finally put it all together mentally, and improve his decision-making. If (when) he does, someone will have a prize.
- John Jaeckel

Which is why I have campaigned to have him paired with Hammer. People point to the Keith pairing, but Keith and Leddy play a similar style. Leddy needs a stay at home D man to have the confidence to play his game.

I just don't see that happening, and I think Leddy has burned every bit of patience/chances with Q and his staff. I'll be shocked if he's still here opening night.

If true, it begs the question...why is he not getting that here?
- Ogilthorpe2

That's a valid question....If you look at the Hawks D lineup....Leddy is the only true unproven younger player in there. Not saying the rest dont' get coached up, but leddy was/is/will be their biggest obstacle to over come.

I look at Mike Kitchen and wonder what the hell he has done here to warrant staying? Q also should be looked at since he was a NHL d man.

The biggest thing I see with Leddy is the unknown. Could he teeter off and never be heard from again? Sure. However, could he FINALLY get it with better coaching and a solid partner and become a top pairing D man? Yep.

Amazing how much Oduya's play sky rocketed being paired with Hammer. Same with Campbell who was allowed to go do his spin o ramma thing knowing Hammer had his back. A coincidence there?

Which is why I have campaigned to have him paired with Hammer. People point to the Keith pairing, but Keith and Leddy play a similar style. Leddy needs a stay at home D man to have the confidence to play his game.

I just don't see that happening, and I think Leddy has burned every bit of patience/chances with Q and his CRONIES (I'd be remiss to call them his staff; the only prereq is that you have to have been a former Hartford Whaler and up until Dineen was hired, totally clueless as a coach). I'll be shocked if he's still here opening night.
- SteveRain

Fixed that little bit for ya!

You (and others) may be totally correct about Leddy having run out of chances here.

Just wait 'til this kid is actually coached up.
Remember, sometimes getting what one wishes for is the ultimate eye-opener.

How much of it can you get at the major league level - especially for top-level teams - as opposed to learning it at Rockfish?

The goal in Chicago (and in other NHL cities) is to win, games and play-off series - players should be mostly ready to skate well and play well when they get here.
- StLBravesFan

Disagree only because young players have to be put in situations to thrive in. Being paired with journey men OLD men or a top end guy who plays your style can't be ignored.

I could be wrong, but pretty sure when Q mixes up the pairings he doesn't put a speedy offensive minded D man with another speedy offensive minded D man. Case in point...Seabrook gets suspended and who does Q pair Keith with? Brookbank. Why? Plays a similar style to Seabrook.

Fixed that little bit for ya!

You (and others) may be totally correct about Leddy having run out of chances here.

Just wait 'til this kid is actually coached up.
Remember, sometimes getting what one wishes for is the ultimate eye-opener.
- savvyone-1

I'm with you.....and back in June I argued this same point as to why I wanted Oduya gone over Leddy.

However, the big risk for Bowman is....if he trades Oduya, pairs Leddy with Hammer, and Leddy STILL doesn't improve.....they are in trouble and Leddy will be exposed. They know what they have in Oduya. Keeping Oduya is the safe play.

You are right about Q. All they are, are ex teammates and bar flies. Ask somebody about Mike Kitchen in STL and then run away before they punch you. The guy is A waste of water and oxygen.

I still the the move(s) Stan makes will be nothing we've thought of. I'm not saying one of Leddy, Rozsival or Oduya won't go, but it may be a defenseman and a forward that get traded. When Stan makes a move it tends to be one that we don't see coming.
- DarthKane

Very true...but with 1.4 over the cap staring him in the face (less the body building Finn.. ) going to be tough to move anyone but 1 of those guys you mentioned.

Brookbank is still out there I believe, and there was some smoke he wanted to return. He may be in a holding pattern waiting. Remember they didn't sign Rozsival until right before the strike in 2013...want to say September.

Under normal circumstances I would agree. But Leddy skates so damn well that the players in the A aren't good enough to help him learn much. His skating IS really that good.
- 6628

he's the best skater I have ever seen. Period.

Keith is fast, but Keith is a very painful skater to watch. Very choppy. Leddy is a rocket.

he's the best skater I have ever seen. Period.

Keith is fast, but Keith is a very painful skater to watch. Very choppy. Leddy is a rocket.
- SteveRain

Yes (to bolded).

Have watched legions of NHLers up-close and must agree. Anyone that is watching on a TV screen (or upper level seats) really cannot appreciate this. I know 6628 has taught power skating and knows this to be true.

Watch from ice level against other NHLers. Closing speed, acceleration, mobility. Has it in spades. For those that think he's just another fast skater, watch him move with the puck on his blade.

Oh well. If you are right about how much we are over the CAP with TT in Rockford, I think the move Stanley makes might surprise. One of any number of guys get us cap compliant. Key is if Leddy stays, then what? Too good to keep out of lineup, needs a true shot at 2nd pairing but then does Q cooperate and move Oduya to 3rd pair for this season so Stanley can figure out if he needs or even wants to pay #8 next year.

Keeping #8 (and Oduya) gives us a better shot at a CUP in the coming year.

Yes (to bolded).

Have watched legions of NHLers up-close and must agree. Anyone that is watching on a TV screen (or upper level seats) really cannot appreciate this. I know 6628 has taught power skating and knows this to be true.

Watch from ice level against other NHLers. Closing speed, acceleration, mobility. Has it in spades. For those that think he's just another fast skater, watch him move with the puck on his blade.

Oh well. If you are right about how much we are over the CAP with TT in Rockford, I think the move Stanley makes might surprise. One of any number of guys get us cap compliant. Key is if Leddy stays, then what? Too good to keep out of lineup, needs a true shot at 2nd pairing but then does Q cooperate and move Oduya to 3rd pair for this season so Stanley can figure out if he needs or even wants to pay #8 next year.

Keeping #8 (and Oduya) gives us a better shot at a CUP in the coming year.
- savvyone-1

whatever gives this team the BEST Chance to win a cup this year....I'm OK with. The sooner this move is made, the better.

The last 3 months have been a bore at times with the same debates. I'm just looking forward to the season starting.

Had my first MRI today. Old injuries creeping up. Hopefully, it won't keep me out of my mens league lineup. Like True Grit, I am waiting on my NHL call.

I will be there for 2 games and will have a follow up blog that I will share with everyone.

Stay tuned.
- TyCamScore

Right on. I look forward to reading your blog.

Days till the start of the season.

Days till the start of the season.
- Beaver-Warrior

I think Ciccone was #39 if you need one for tomorrow

he's the best skater I have ever seen. Period.

Keith is fast, but Keith is a very painful skater to watch. Very choppy. Leddy is a rocket.
- SteveRain

Keith probably has the best foot speed I have ever seen. His feet just don't move very far when he strides.

Yes (to bolded).

Have watched legions of NHLers up-close and must agree. Anyone that is watching on a TV screen (or upper level seats) really cannot appreciate this. I know 6628 has taught power skating and knows this to be true.

Watch from ice level against other NHLers. Closing speed, acceleration, mobility. Has it in spades. For those that think he's just another fast skater, watch him move with the puck on his blade.

Oh well. If you are right about how much we are over the CAP with TT in Rockford, I think the move Stanley makes might surprise. One of any number of guys get us cap compliant. Key is if Leddy stays, then what? Too good to keep out of lineup, needs a true shot at 2nd pairing but then does Q cooperate and move Oduya to 3rd pair for this season so Stanley can figure out if he needs or even wants to pay #8 next year.

Keeping #8 (and Oduya) gives us a better shot at a CUP in the coming year.
- savvyone-1

It's easy to see how well and how fast he skates. But Elbows has a point when he says he skates into oblivion. My take is he should watch video of Savard crossing the blue line and checking up and wasting time for the trailer to get there. Hell, Nylander was effective doing this and he was one of the weakest skaters I've seen in the league. But every once in a while don't check up and blow right by the defense just to show em you can. The opposition will have to double cover him which opens up opportunity. The question is will Leddy pick up on that opportunity and be able to hit the open man or the trailer. If a coach can get him up to speed with just that, LOOK OUT.

It's easy to see how well and how fast he skates. But Elbows has a point when he says he skates into oblivion. My take is he should watch video of Savard crossing the blue line and checking up and wasting time for the trailer to get there. Hell, Nylander was effective doing this and he was one of the weakest skaters I've seen in the league. But every once in a while don't check up and blow right by the defense just to show em you can. The opposition will have to double cover him which opens up opportunity. The question is will Leddy pick up on that opportunity and be able to hit the open man or the trailer. If a coach can get him up to speed with just that, LOOK OUT.
- 6628

Question: What is the status of Johnny O's foot? To me, this is a piece of the cap puzzle.

Yes (to bolded).

Have watched legions of NHLers up-close and must agree. Anyone that is watching on a TV screen (or upper level seats) really cannot appreciate this. I know 6628 has taught power skating and knows this to be true.

Watch from ice level against other NHLers. Closing speed, acceleration, mobility. Has it in spades. For those that think he's just another fast skater, watch him move with the puck on his blade.

Oh well. If you are right about how much we are over the CAP with TT in Rockford, I think the move Stanley makes might surprise. One of any number of guys get us cap compliant. Key is if Leddy stays, then what? Too good to keep out of lineup, needs a true shot at 2nd pairing but then does Q cooperate and move Oduya to 3rd pair for this season so Stanley can figure out if he needs or even wants to pay #8 next year.

Keeping #8 (and Oduya) gives us a better shot at a CUP in the coming year.
- savvyone-1

Bickell or Versteeg. Either can be jettisoned and neither would be missed. Problem solved.

Question: What is the status of Johnny O's foot? To me, this is a piece of the cap puzzle.
- Beaver-Warrior

Just checked Facebook, it has no status posted.

Question: What is the status of Johnny O's foot? To me, this is a piece of the cap puzzle.
- Beaver-Warrior

He's had all summer to rehab the foot. I think Darth might be on to something with Stan cooking up the multiple player deal. Never know.

Just checked Facebook, it has no status posted.
- Ogilthorpe2

Johnny's foot isn't on Facebook, it only has Twitter.

If Justin Schultz is getting $3.675 from EDM, I can't imagine that Nick Leddy's agent will be asking for a cent less than that next summer.