Hawks sign Paliotta

Chicago Blackhawks ‏@NHLBlackhawks · 2m2 minutes ago
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with defenseman Michael Paliotta on a two-year contract: http://onego.al/KQUGX
- KingB

Thanks KB.

How many hand wringing posts yesterday after the SI piece (myself included)?

Paliotta and Braun. 6'5 and 6'2... Supposedly both mean and fast.... Let's hope their scouting reports are more accurate than Leblanc's.

Apparently on Braun it was down to the Wings and the Hawks. Nice to beat the Wings again but they also have great amateur scouts. If they wanted him he is probably good.

>We are on the same page -- I'm just wondering what happened to the collective effort vs the Rangers -- every Hawk player on the ice that game had a tremendously active stick
>Now, the team is losing races and battles at an alarming rate
>Regarding Baun, his agent praised the Hawks long-term interest in Baun (several years), the Hawks understanding of Baun's strengths and weaknesses and their ability to develop young players
- SnapitUpstairs

That is the key right there. Play great against arguably the leagues best team......and since its been 3 inferior non-playoff teams that have made the Hawks looks like trash. Only leads to one thing, and its the same theme with this team we've seen the past 2 years during the regular season: PLAYING DOWN TO THE COMPETITION.

Do i think its a good excuse? No. I'd prefer them to remain consistent enough to win the West get that top seed. But i do understand it from their perspective so to speak, i mean, u gotta believe they're aware of the vast difference in their play between that game in NY and what we've seen since. I guess u gotta just take what comes with being one of the alpha dogs of the league, always getting everyones best shot, and at the same time knowing yourself when to turn it up a notch and when to take the foot off the gas.

As i said, i wish in a perfect world they could maintain that amazing effort(like we saw against the Rags) for all 82 games, regardless of who they play, but its become obvious that it just simply isn't possible. In fact, i wouldn't be surprised at all if we played like crap again against the Blue Jackets....only to come out and beat the Jets and Kings back-to-back. As alarming as their play has been these past 3 games.....im still confident they'll get it together here down the stretch against the likes of the Kings, Blues(twice), and Wild, and then of course when the playoff start.

My god, two young players signed in one day ....
- paulr

I know.
(frank)ing unreal.
Guess (hope) that should put to rest the Kevin Hayes narrative.

Plus, Paliotta probably watched the last few games and saw the fire drill taking place in our end and figured there's no way he couldn't possibly make this D squad.

Thanks KB.

How many hand wringing posts yesterday after the SI piece (myself included)?

Paliotta and Braun. 6'5 and 6'2... Supposedly both mean and fast.... Let's hope their scouting reports are more accurate than Leblanc's.
- tredbrta

Why wring your hands? Number one very few of us know anything about how these players project. And, there is nothing we can do if the team can't sign them. I think we all believe SB will do all he can to get these players signed and that's all we can ask for.

That is the key right there. Play great against arguably the leagues best team......and since its been 3 inferior non-playoff teams that have made the Hawks looks like trash. Only leads to one thing, and its the same theme with this team we've seen the past 2 years during the regular season: PLAYING DOWN TO THE COMPETITION.

Do i think its a good excuse? No. I'd prefer them to remain consistent enough to win the West get that top seed. But i do understand it from their perspective so to speak, i mean, u gotta believe they're aware of the vast difference in their play between that game in NY and what we've seen since. I guess u gotta just take what comes with being one of the alpha dogs of the league, always getting everyones best shot, and at the same time knowing yourself when to turn it up a notch and when to take the foot off the gas.

As i said, i wish in a perfect world they could maintain that amazing effort(like we saw against the Rags) for all 82 games, regardless of who they play, but its become obvious that it just simply isn't possible. In fact, i wouldn't be surprised at all if we played like crap again against the Blue Jackets....only to come out and beat the Jets and Kings back-to-back. As alarming as their play has been these past 3 games.....im still confident they'll get it together here down the stretch against the likes of the Kings, Blues(twice), and Wild, and then of course when the playoff start.
- SimpleJack

Nice post.

Thanks KB.

How many hand wringing posts yesterday after the SI piece (myself included)?

Paliotta and Braun. 6'5 and 6'2... Supposedly both mean and fast.... Let's hope their scouting reports are more accurate than Leblanc's.

Apparently on Braun it was down to the Wings and the Hawks. Nice to beat the Wings again but they also have great amateur scouts. If they wanted him he is probably good.
- tredbrta

Lots and Lots......Ask EnzoD

According to him Hayes set a precedent and young college players dont/wont sign with the Hawks.

So the Signing of Paliotta and Braun today, Hinostroza a few days ago, TVR, Carey, LeBlanc, Clendening,etc. over the past few seasons is all just smoke and mirrors because Hayes happened to decide not to sign here.

I know.
(frank)ing unreal.
Guess (hope) that should put to rest the Kevin Hayes narrative.

Plus, Paliotta probably watched the last few games and saw the fire drill taking place in our end and figured there's no way he couldn't possibly make this D squad.

- savvyone-1

I would imagine with a retool about to take place that certainly was part of his decision.

As for the Kevin Hayes narrative, talk to your buddy TG, he's the one who got that going and it also destroys another one of his predictions that young players won't sign with the Hawks.

Oduya freshened and back with Hammer...++

Time to put players together where they can best compete and forget about the reward system because there would 3/4/5 players every game that shouldn't dress.

Put Bickell on top line with Toews and Hossa.
Play Vermette as a 3rd line center ....As that is what he has been for most of his career.

Take a leap and play TT as 2nd line center with a Sharp/Saad maybe.

Stop splitting up #4 and #7 and skate Timmo with Rozsival for 12-14 mins a game.
- Al

>Thanks Al
>Like your thinking and agree that TT should get a real look at his natural positon of center

Why wring your hands? Number one very few of us know anything about how these players project. And, there is nothing we can do if the team can't sign them. I think we all believe SB will do all he can to get these players signed and that's all we can ask for.
- paulr

It was "sarcastical".

In Paliotta's case, it was about losing an asset for nothing. When you have a 3rd rounder looking like he may make it you don't want to lose him. I think we all would like to see this team be a long term success. The chances of that increase with the more assets they have and retain at whatever level. Whether they make the team or are traded it helps the cause.

>Baun reporting directly to the Hawks
>Anyone know where Paliotta is reporting to?
>Have to give major props to the Hawk FO getting both players
>And outsmarting other FOs by offering 2 year deals
>Seems like for just about every obstacle Bettman creates for organizations like the Hawks, the braintrust eventually cracks the code
>Well done

Hawks sign Paliotta

Chicago Blackhawks ‏@NHLBlackhawks · 2m2 minutes ago
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with defenseman Michael Paliotta on a two-year contract: http://onego.al/KQUGX
- KingB

No worries
Me happy

>Baun reporting directly to the Hawks
>Anyone know where Paliotta is reporting to?
>Have to give major props to the Hawk FO getting both players
>And outsmarting other FOs by offering 2 year deals
>Seems like for just about every obstacle Bettman creates for organizations like the Hawks, the braintrust eventually cracks the code
>Well done
- SnapitUpstairs

2 year deals are all they can offer players of that age according to the CBA. They did, however "win" Baun by going the extra mile promising to play him this year, thus wiping out the first year of his contract and effectively making it a one year deal. Baun will only be under contract through the 2015-16 season.

EDIT: well it looks like they had to do the same thing to get Paliotta in the fold. Interesting.

Good.
- EKolb13

Nice day for u Eli...A couple of new additions to watch next year.

Maybe im remembering incorrectly.....but didnt like the line of Sharp-Richards-Versteeg absolutely tear it up for a couple games right before Sharp got hurt(believe it was the game @MON)....why not try that one more time?

Bickell - Toews - Hossa
Sharp - Richards - Versteeg
Saad - Vermette - Teravainen
Desjardins - Kruger - Shaw

Maybe after his recent benching and getting another chance with Toews and Hossa, Bickell might just come out flying....worth giving it a shot for at least 1 game if u ask me. I still liked a lot of what i saw from 20-80-86 before Q broke them up a few games ago, thought they created a lot of nice looks when together but just couldn't quite finish any chances. I really like that as a 3rd line, wouldn't mind seeing it again. Not sure if i liked Saad and TT with Toews.

Not sure on Pokka....Haven't heard anything much on Carey.
- Al

I went to the last Wolves/Icehogs game and specifically watched a few players on Rockford....

Pokka - Had some upside to his game - but is at least one year away.

Danault - Looked to be the most NHL ready - played in all three zones - skates well. Played on both PP and PK - looked better on the PK.

Ross - He is scoring well in the AHL - not sure if he has an NHL body yet - and the Hawks have enough of those right now.

McNeil - Think of a cheaper version of Bickell - big body - but doesn't play like it. Did not see him in front of the net - and was average at winning pucks in the corner. The Hawks already have one of these on the pro roster that most people here - me included - hate.

Hartman - Was all over the ice - scored a goal on a tough angle shot. Maybe one more summer skating in Chicago and he will be ready next fall.

Carey - At best - will be a productive career AHL player.

That is the key right there. Play great against arguably the leagues best team......and since its been 3 inferior non-playoff teams that have made the Hawks looks like trash. Only leads to one thing, and its the same theme with this team we've seen the past 2 years during the regular season: PLAYING DOWN TO THE COMPETITION.

Do i think its a good excuse? No. I'd prefer them to remain consistent enough to win the West get that top seed. But i do understand it from their perspective so to speak, i mean, u gotta believe they're aware of the vast difference in their play between that game in NY and what we've seen since. I guess u gotta just take what comes with being one of the alpha dogs of the league, always getting everyones best shot, and at the same time knowing yourself when to turn it up a notch and when to take the foot off the gas.

As i said, i wish in a perfect world they could maintain that amazing effort(like we saw against the Rags) for all 82 games, regardless of who they play, but its become obvious that it just simply isn't possible. In fact, i wouldn't be surprised at all if we played like crap again against the Blue Jackets....only to come out and beat the Jets and Kings back-to-back. As alarming as their play has been these past 3 games.....im still confident they'll get it together here down the stretch against the likes of the Kings, Blues(twice), and Wild, and then of course when the playoff start.
- SimpleJack

>Yep, long season with streaks that go both ways -- no one expects an 82 game set of masterpieces
>Think everyone on this board hopes you are right and that the Hawks go on a great playoff run -- ending with the parade -- and another Stanley in the organization

2 year deals are all they can offer players of that age according to the CBA. They did, however "win" Baun by going the extra mile promising to play him this year, thus wiping out the first year of his contract and effectively making it a one year deal. Baun will only be under contract through the 2015-16 season.
- BreakoutHockey

I mentioned the contract status escalation but was talking to someone who also made a good point...The Hawks need forwards fro the Hogs next year as it likely Danault and probably McNeill or maybe Ross could make the roster out of the camp.

2 year deals are all they can offer players of that age according to the CBA. They did, however "win" Baun by going the extra mile promising to play him this year, thus wiping out the first year of his contract and effectively making it a one year deal. Baun will only be under contract through the 2015-16 season.
- BreakoutHockey

>Thanks for the correction and detail

I went to the last Wolves/Icehogs game and specifically watched a few players on Rockford....

Pokka - Had some upside to his game - but is at least one year away.

Danault - Looked to be the most NHL ready - played in all three zones - skates well. Played on both PP and PK - looked better on the PK.

Ross - He is scoring well in the AHL - not sure if he has an NHL body yet - and the Hawks have enough of those right now.

McNeil - Think of a cheaper version of Bickell - big body - but doesn't play like it. Did not see him in front of the net - and was average at winning pucks in the corner. The Hawks already have one of these on the pro roster that most people here - me included - hate.

Hartman - Was all over the ice - scored a goal on a tough angle shot. Maybe one more summer skating in Chicago and he will be ready next fall.

Carey - At best - will be a productive career AHL player.
- dahawks8819

It's really, really dangerous to make sweeping assumptions of a player's NHL-readiness from one game.

I mentioned the contract status escalation but was talking to someone who also made a good point...The Hawks need forwards fro the Hogs next year as it likely Danault and probably McNeill or maybe Ross could make the roster out of the camp.
- Al

Very true. With McNeill/Danault/Ross skating together as a line ALL SEASON at the request of the Blackhawks (Chris Block has referenced this multiple times), I wouldn't fall over shocked to see them experiment with those 3 together as a "kid line" in Chicago next season.

Danault has 3rd/4th line NHL center written all over him. Shares so many of Toews' on-ice characteristics, minus the high-end offensive skill.

OK, and Monkeys will fly out of my butt first. Trust me. Havvy's a nice guy, but there are reasons that will never happen.
- John Jaeckel

John,

I have given a lot of thought to the Hawks woes this year.

Is it possible that two thing are converging on this team at the same time:

1) They have played a lot of hockey over the past seven years - playoffs included - and the core may just simply be burned out?

2) They have had a lot of success with the same system for a long time and maybe teams have figured out how to take away what has made them so successful? That maybe the Hawks have become stagnant?

Your thoughts...

Hawks sign Paliotta

Chicago Blackhawks ‏@NHLBlackhawks · 2m2 minutes ago
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with defenseman Michael Paliotta on a two-year contract: http://onego.al/KQUGX
- KingB

Good news. Nice to get him in the system and see what he's got.

>Powers at ESPN tweeting that Paliotta also reporting directly to the Hawks

I went to the last Wolves/Icehogs game and specifically watched a few players on Rockford....

Pokka - Had some upside to his game - but is at least one year away.

Danault - Looked to be the most NHL ready - played in all three zones - skates well. Played on both PP and PK - looked better on the PK.

Ross - He is scoring well in the AHL - not sure if he has an NHL body yet - and the Hawks have enough of those right now.

McNeil - Think of a cheaper version of Bickell - big body - but doesn't play like it. Did not see him in front of the net - and was average at winning pucks in the corner. The Hawks already have one of these on the pro roster that most people here - me included - hate.

Hartman - Was all over the ice - scored a goal on a tough angle shot. Maybe one more summer skating in Chicago and he will be ready next fall.

Carey - At best - will be a productive career AHL player.
- dahawks8819

I hear similar...except only thing against Ross except for strength is he wasn't a lower round pick, he has had a consistently good year. I think Danault will be given a long look and then McNeill or Ross-who will be trying to add beef and muscle this summer.

A dman could make it like Polka...maybe, but that could depend on how TVR looks and who is available on the cheap this summer.

John,

I have given a lot of thought to the Hawks woes this year.

Is it possible that two thing are converging on this team at the same time:

1) They have played a lot of hockey over the past seven years - playoffs included - and the core may just simply be burned out?

2) They have had a lot of success with the same system for a long time and maybe teams have figured out how to take away what has made them so successful? That maybe the Hawks have become stagnant?

Your thoughts...
- dahawks8819

as for #2....You need the talent to play a sound possession game.The Hawks didn't invent that style, they just are/were very good at it because they had the personnel and a coach who looked to push the pace.

More a case of many more teams retooling and having the personnel to play the same type of game. The gap in talent has lessened.