Wanna trade out Q for a "kinder, gentler" teacher who will appreciate the greatness of the Hawk prospects?

Be careful what ya wish for . . . Seems to me that could be akin to throwing good money after bad.
- John Jaeckel

The job is his until there is an implosion of some sorts. Historically he hasn't done well after "cores" have aged but with this group, as long as the right pieces stay healthy and they can carry water replacement player wise then he should have a job for the next 3-4 years and hopefully another Cup or two. Aside from the game three gaffe, which he seems to do every year, I think he has done all the right things this year and done a good job spotting defenders where he can and riding his horses where appropriate.

There are some things to knit pick about but at the end of the season the guy wins more than he loses and the players seem to like him so I'd expect him to be around. Though he sometimes does things that defy all logic and reason, they could do a lot worse.

#weewaifswon'twork
- paulr

Take a look at #9 on Tampa, their second line center, before you judge...

Agreed. Leddy was the one guy who will be a stable NHL player for a long time. He just wasn't here, and as much as I did LOVE Leddy, I am not sure with Hammer he would have succeeded like Oduya has. Oduya has been very good in this series.

agreed on the prospect love. That's what I am getting at. So many in this town fall in love with all these prospects and I don't know where the overhype comes from, but lets let them get their feet wet before we expect all this greatness.

Look at teuvo. I read he's the next Patrick kane or some lock for top 6 and a sure fire end to the 2c hole for years to come. Ummm........not sure any of that has been proven or solved. Kid is good. Has good vision. However, lets let him produce consistently before we shower him with all these accolades which in turn leads to unrealistic expectations from fans. Case in point...........#TeuvoTime
- SteveRain

I think he's too small to be an effective NHL center..If Shawzy cant hold up on the defensive end at C then what makes you think TT will be able to? TT is what he is...an extremely skilled and defensively responsible top 9 winger...I just dont see him matching up over 200 feet of ice with the size of NHL centers today

Yet we still hear that he wasn't given a fair shake by Q. Maybe Q was able to make an accurate assessment more quickly than other coaches and GMs?
- paulr

In a completely measured tone. Morin was injured after 12 games and just got back at the end of the season and played well for them down the stretch when they finally gelled as a team.

Paul, I will say this one more time in hoping you and others really listen to what I am saying and not miscaracterize it. That is I never stated nor believed that any of the forsaken guys would have been hall of famers, or anything like that. My contention was that they were/are more than serviceable players, and when given opportuntities to play, they performed.

Q has the right to be as picky as he wants to be, but if being picky comes at the cost of skating 2.5 lines like last year, and arguably 5 dmen most of this year, and now 4...then what are we really missing out on with playing the other guys. When Q HAD to play Morin last year with injuries, he was their best scorer for the last 3 weeks of the season. I get that he and Pirri and others are NOT the big bodies, or ultimate 2 way guys that you may desire, but those guys have skills that can contribute and have.

You probably know, more than I even do, how thin the margin is on most NHL players, it is not as if these guys or others have no clue what is going on or can not follow. Anyhow, here is to an exciting 48 hours of NHL Conference final hockey.

Bolland played center at about 180 pounds... what's our boy TT weigh these days? He could certainly beef up a few pounds over the summer. I'd like to see him at 2C as well. Maybe slide Hoss back to 2R to help him along, and move Kane up with Toews again. Who knows, I just hope the kid has a good night and next week we are talking about the finals.
- DirkGraham

Looks like a buck fifty of boy not man strength...

Oh Bolland. This is a series where you miss his antics.

Great post. If PD had an elite motor he would be here like Shaw.

They have a solid group of kids coming from Rockford but lots of work before they are Bollands, Brouwers or Shaws. The free agent signings really help. If 2-3 of the forwards stick here that will be a great success. They NEED at least 2-3 of the d men to pan out. TT is here and looks like a potential star IMO. He needs to keep working. Panarin could project as a solid offensive producer and maybe top 6 - lots of "ifs" with any Russian. Interested in how Jordan Schmaltz develops - could be an indicator of how Nick will do in the pros (even though they play different positions) and Nick looks like a top 6 guy.

The more I have checked/watched on Reilly the more I hope they pull that out and get him. LEAPED from nowhere to a top 10 NCAA prospect and Hobey Baker finalist. Physically developing late but quickly - quick feet and easily could be a top 4 d man. Really hope they get him over the Wild. I am prepared for disappointment though - both with Reilly and Panarin. Also expect a number of these names not to pan out with the Hawks. That is simply reality. What encourages me is the quantity though. Q will have many to choose from.
- tredbrta

Agreed 100% and even more so..........Bowman tipped his hand by signing some NCAA UFAs recently and this Russian kid and those Swede defenders. Tells me he isn't sold on what is down on Rockford being able to plug all the holes.

I will refer to Eli on what is actually down there, but every time somebody starts raving about a hawks prospect lighting up Rockford.........I sigh...........and then say: Marty St. Pierre...or Steve Maltias for the Wolves

TO be clear I dont' hate prospects......but I'm not going to be naïve to think the Hawks aren't going to skip a beat because they have all these can't miss guys.....

Some beat guy wrote a Bowman lay up article a year or so ago about all the talent on the farm........JJ will know, but that is what I am talking about..........

IF Bowman is a GREAT Gm, and I think he's very good no matter how badly I rail on him from time to time, I dont' think he's trading JimmY Hayes, Dylan Olsen, Brandon Pirri, Jeremy Morin, or Klas Dahlbeck knowing he just lost a solid NHL player.

LIke the Braves of the 90s, I am hoping he's dealing from a perceived Rich farm system and flushing out the crap that internally can be pegged, but externally........rest of the league hasn't noticed yet.......Prime example was Andrew Lorraine.

Richards has been sufficient as a Cup-Contending team's 2C only bc the best offensive player in the game was on his line all year. He has looked re-energized in these playoffs but another year of wear and tear (especially a Stanley Cup Championship playoff run) and I don' think Brad will have much left in the tank. I hope this offseason nets the Hawks a big, decently skilled NHL ready (or a year away) 2C projected prospect.
- EnzoD

He "paced" himself through the regular season. Like obviously paced himself. To the point where it was hilarious to watch. There is stuff in the tank now when it matters sooo take that for what you will.

They would need to trade up for that and probably part with Saad or TT.

I think he's too small to be an effective NHL center..If Shawzy cant hold up on the defensive end at C then what makes you think TT will be able to? TT is what he is...an extremely skilled and defensively responsible top 9 winger...I just dont see him matching up over 200 feet of ice with the size of NHL centers today
- EnzoD

agreed.....110%. He's a RW....and if the Hawks have Kane, Hossa, Teuvo down the RW on their top 3 lines, they will be just fine.

But as the NHL has slowly morphed back into the clutch an grab, there is no way he could line up against Kesler or Getzlaf.

Maybe.......but...........

I can name off a TON of Cubs prospects that were overhyped.........The sox fan base loved them some Gordon Beckham.

I am just saying, it makes fans look stupid when they run out and by an authentic Jeremy morin jersey and he doesn't even make it.

Again.......curb the enthusiasm until said prospect backs it up at the parent club level.

I tell all my Cubs buddies, Cubs should trade Javier Baez NOW. He's a lock to be a bust. That guy will strike out 300 times if he ever gets 500-600 MLB at bats
- SteveRain

You ain't seen over hyped until you talk to a Leaf fan!

I think he's too small to be an effective NHL center..If Shawzy cant hold up on the defensive end at C then what makes you think TT will be able to? TT is what he is...an extremely skilled and defensively responsible top 9 winger...I just dont see him matching up over 200 feet of ice with the size of NHL centers today
- EnzoD

Again, Tyler Johnson doesn't agree that you can't have an effective small center.

In a completely measured tone. Morin was injured after 12 games and just got back at the end of the season and played well for them down the stretch when they finally gelled as a team.

Paul, I will say this one more time in hoping you and others really listen to what I am saying and not miscaracterize it. That is I never stated nor believed that any of the forsaken guys would have been hall of famers, or anything like that. My contention was that they were/are more than serviceable players, and when given opportuntities to play, they performed.

Q has the right to be as picky as he wants to be, but if being picky comes at the cost of skating 2.5 lines like last year, and arguably 5 dmen most of this year, and now 4...then what are we really missing out on with playing the other guys. When Q HAD to play Morin last year with injuries, he was their best scorer for the last 3 weeks of the season. I get that he and Pirri and others are NOT the big bodies, or ultimate 2 way guys that you may desire, but those guys have skills that can contribute and have.

You probably know, more than I even do, how thin the margin is on most NHL players, it is not as if these guys or others have no clue what is going on or can not follow. Anyhow, here is to an exciting 48 hours of NHL Conference final hockey.
- TrueGrit

I loved Pirri. I did. I just realized that Pirri was about Pirri, and while he did breakout for a LOT of goals this year, is his game complete enough to fit into the Hawks system? Q puts a TON of responsibility on the centers and Pirri wasn't a fit.

I don't know........this whole 5 D thing isn't on Q.....he can only play what he has. The 5-8 D men on this team to start the playoffs was scary. Rozsival found whatever he had left and stabilized his game against Minnesota. The rest of the players and depth on the blue line......or borderline NHL players. I don't blame Q for that, I blame Stanley.

I'm looking forward to 2 classic game 7s....nothing better then a NHL game 7 in sports.

I think Richards has more offensive upside and creativity than Vermette. Plus, Richards is still pulling down plenty of cash from the Rangers buyout and could potentially be cheaper, while Vermette is going to be look for his last big payday and will be priced out of what we can afford.

Replace Hartman with Desjardins, though at 850k. He's been a great pickup.
- DMChi2010

Another one year deal for Richards then? I like Desjardins too, just have a lot of young guys ready for 4th line mins in Rockford. Keeping Desjardins would keep a veteran down on the 4th line to help anchor the noobs. One year deal for him as well? Could see them moving Nordy this offseason to give him a chance elsewhere.

Saad/Toews/Kane
TT/Richards/Hossa
Panarin/Kruger/Shaw
Baun/Danault/Desjardins

Hartman 13th forward?

In my opinion the teacher belongs in the AHL not the NHL.
- paulr

Sorry, if this has been answered, but I'm back reading, and thought it important enough.

Exactly right, Paul, and I wonder if Dent is the right guy. Q, obviously, doesn't hate young guys who are developed enough to fit his system. The question, are the 'Hawks scouts finding the right, trainable guys, or is Dent not the teacher he should be?

Again, Tyler Johnson doesn't agree that you can't have an effective small center.
- Sandus

Picking out an anomaly proves nothing.

Again, it makes no difference to me. I like TT, think he's better suited to wing, but also realize they may try him at center. However, I'd like a fallback plan if it's proven he's more effective at wing.

In my opinion the teacher belongs in the AHL not the NHL.
- paulr

Zing.

Take a look at #9 on Tampa, their second line center, before you judge...
- Sandus

Small is entirely relative.

Johnson, like St. Louis, like Panarin, like Datsyuk is solid, compact, physically mature.

TT, like Kruger and Kane when they came up, is not. He's skinny and physically weak. Slight guys like Kruger and Bolland have a game and a style where they play bigger, and they did from the start.

Kane had to grow and adapt and he did. TT will have to as well.

With all the Saad and Kruger leaving talk via RFA, question for all.

What makes everyone think Saad or Kruger would leave? Here's a scenario:

I'm not sure of the timing of it all, but what if StanBo tells them both that he will give them the deals somewhere in the neighborhood they are looking but can't at the start of RFA because players need to be moved.

The draft is June 26-27, UFA starts July 1. I don't know when RFA starts, but it's conceivable that if it's after the draft, cap room can be create by shipping guys out at the draft.

I loved Pirri. I did. I just realized that Pirri was about Pirri, and while he did breakout for a LOT of goals this year, is his game complete enough to fit into the Hawks system? Q puts a TON of responsibility on the centers and Pirri wasn't a fit.

I don't know........this whole 5 D thing isn't on Q.....he can only play what he has. The 5-8 D men on this team to start the playoffs was scary. Rozsival found whatever he had left and stabilized his game against Minnesota. The rest of the players and depth on the blue line......or borderline NHL players. I don't blame Q for that, I blame Stanley.

I'm looking forward to 2 classic game 7s....nothing better then a NHL game 7 in sports.
- SteveRain

I wasn't a fan of Pirri and after he was traded and bad mouthed the organization I had no use for him at all. Yes he could score, but so can Phil Kessel, and I wouldn't want either close to the Hawks let alone on the team. To win you need to play a complete game and if scoring isn't a big part of your game you need to understand how to play defensively Pirri wasn't bad defensively he was awful. Watching him refuse or not understand how to position himself, watching him refuse to get involved for puck battles showed a casual observer like myself that he isn't a fit on a contending team. He can score a bushel of goals in Florida but if or when the time comes where Florida is contending, Pirri will be a roster casuality there too.

If anyone wants to see what a good coach Q is look no further than Patrick Kane who was turned into a solid two way player who looks after his defensive responsibilities. Kane may never garner Selke votes but he will never be mistaken for a one way cherry picker either.

With all the Saad and Kruger leaving talk via RFA, question for all.

What makes everyone think Saad or Kruger would leave? Here's a scenario:

I'm not sure of the timing of it all, but what if StanBo tells them both that he will give them the deals somewhere in the neighborhood they are looking but can't at the start of RFA because players need to be moved.

The draft is June 26-27, UFA starts July 1. I don't know when RFA starts, but it's conceivable that if it's after the draft, cap room can be create by shipping guys out at the draft.
- DMCsPulledHammy

Hawks have 13 players signed for next year at a $63MM cap hit.

If the cap goes to the preliminarily announced $71MM, and (I think) they're allowed to be 10% over that until the start of the season - they would certainly have room to sign both Kruger and Saad before or at the draft.

I think.

He "paced" himself through the regular season. Like obviously paced himself. To the point where it was hilarious to watch. There is stuff in the tank now when it matters sooo take that for what you will.

They would need to trade up for that and probably part with Saad or TT.
- fattybeef

Richards is having a great playoffs and looks much better than he did for NYR in the playoffs last year (once again, 88 makes a lot of centers look good). I would not mind him back for 1 year on a 2 mil contract. I'd just prefer a young 2C to take the reigns as the Hawks begin a big time youth movement. Signing Richards to more than a 1 year deal would be Bowman and Q looking backwards(again) at past performance instead of focusing on getting a long-term solution to support Toews at the critical 2C position..

I wasn't a fan of Pirri and after he was traded and bad mouthed the organization I had no use for him at all. Yes he could score, but so can Phil Kessel, and I wouldn't want either close to the Hawks let alone on the team. To win you need to play a complete game and if scoring isn't a big part of your game you need to understand how to play defensively Pirri wasn't bad defensively he was awful. Watching him refuse or not understand how to position himself, watching him refuse to get involved for puck battles showed a casual observer like myself that he isn't a fit on a contending team. He can score a bushel of goals in Florida but if or when the time comes where Florida is contending, Pirri will be a roster casuality there too.

If anyone wants to see what a good coach Q is look no further than Patrick Kane who was turned into a solid two way player who looks after his defensive responsibilities. Kane may never garner Selke votes but he will never be mistaken for a one way cherry picker either.
- paulr

Q certainly has had an impact on Kane, but I would argue that Kane's enhanced focus on being a great all-around player comes more from Johnny T and his work ethic/leadership ability rubbing off on everyone around him.

Sorry, if this has been answered, but I'm back reading, and thought it important enough.

Exactly right, Paul, and I wonder if Dent is the right guy. Q, obviously, doesn't hate young guys who are developed enough to fit his system. The question, are the 'Hawks scouts finding the right, trainable guys, or is Dent not the teacher he should be?
- Acur81

I disagree somewhat. All coaches need to be teachers, no matter what level. It's a matter of what they are teaching. NHL coaches (not just head coach) need to be able to teach guys things like their proper roles within the system they are running, small nuances in the game that will make them elevate their play, and in general, what it takes to be a professional.

IMHO, this is what separates the guys like Q, Babcock, Phil Jackson, etc. They look at their teams and can tell certain individuals what their roles are/should be. They lay out the expectations for everyone and put guys in positions to succeed. They don't ask a player to do something they know that player can't do and they bring out the best in every player.

Phil Jackson told MJ he would never win a title unless he deferred more to team mates. Phil hadn't won anything before that so he didn't have the huge cred he has now. MJ trusted him.

Q certainly has had an impact on Kane, but I would argue that Kane's enhanced focus on being a great all-around player comes more from Johnny T and his work ethic/leadership ability rubbing off on everyone around him.
- EnzoD

And you'd base this argument on.....?

Enlighten us.

And you'd base this argument on.....?

Enlighten us.
- Ogilthorpe2

the fact that Kane was a #1 overall pick and though not dubbed "generational" by the media, he has a generational offensive skill set. But I base it on articles written over the years about the relationship 88 & 19 have. How they love to compete and try to outdo each other. That is what i would base it off, Captain Obvious. or should I call you Captain Rundblad?

Small is entirely relative.

Johnson, like St. Louis, like Panarin, like Datsyuk is solid, compact, physically mature.

TT, like Kruger and Kane when they came up, is not. He's skinny and physically weak. Slight guys like Kruger and Bolland have a game and a style where they play bigger, and they did from the start.

Kane had to grow and adapt and he did. TT will have to as well.
- John Jaeckel

Exactly JJ. Two guys can both be 5'10" and be COMPLETELY different body types. Ryan Callahan is about 5'10" but he is built like a brick house and throws his body around very effectively against all sizes of NHL competition. TT is a very skinny guy that will never have the strength of some other 5'10" players like Callahan, Mike Richards, Gallagher, Shaw ect.