Looking forward to watching the prospect pool. Interesting to see the way some guys have altered or matured their game from past years.

Out of curiosity, should the Hawks be concerned about Forsling wanting to go back to Sweden? Is that a hardball move or just going to play in a men's league close to home? Hard to see if he even has glimpse of hope of making the team. Looks to have some promising poise and skills, but he's got quite a few guys ahead of him in the prospect department.
- 93Joe

It seems like the Blackhawks are fine with this. They retain his rights and he gets another year of development in Sweden and can come back next summer and try again.

It seems like the Blackhawks are fine with this. They retain his rights and he gets another year of development in Sweden and can come back next summer and try again.
- matt_ahrens

And from what I understand, Forsling going back to Sweden doesn't burn a year of his ELC.

If I'm not mistaken, isn't Forsling nursing an injury and is a reason why he's going back home?

Best case i think at this point in time.

I've seen or imagined worse going into this season;

https://www.capfriendly.c...m/armchair-gm/team/158942
- vabeachbear

I think you posted something similar to this earlier in the week...right with you on this...bring both Versteeg and Richards in...we could certainly do worse.

I think you posted something similar to this earlier in the week...right with you on this...bring both Versteeg and Richards in...we could certainly do worse.
- DK002

Similar, but don't think I had both Versteeg and Richards signed for cheap, and getting Vesey.

I'm not a huge fan of Versteeg, but at 1 mil, I think he'd be worth it.

Must....................Make.......................Q.........................happy..................

FYI from Tanner's blog:

The most underrated player in NHL history is Marrian Hossa, who has been to five Stanley Cup finals, won three, is the best (or close enough) defensive player of his generation and even at 37 continues to play at a nearly elite level.

If he isn't a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the Hall of Fame should just close.
- AEL_Fox

Finally got something correct, the hack that he is.

Couple of funny things this AM already

1) Tuevo on the golf course, looking suspiciously like he did on the ice at times:

2) Laz, poking fun at/chafing at what he's been told to say today? (prospects JUST took the ice)

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 2m2 minutes ago
My analysis: Everyone looks sharp. Spirited effort. High upside. High potential. High ceiling. The future looks bright. #ProspectCamp
- pdx2ord

He's better at hockey.

He's better at hockey.
- John Jaeckel

both the picture and the results would say he's still weak in the upper body! Don't think he's hitting the weights.

I'm interested to hear if Luke Johnson stands out at all this week at prospect camp. I haven't heard much about him lately but he was a high pick IINM.

Chris Hine ‏@ChristopherHine 2m2 minutes ago
Ryan Hartman on roster spots: "It gets you in the gym earlier. Gets you doing the extra things because you know there’s a spot."

Tracey Myers ‏@TramyersCSN 6m6 minutes ago
Hartman on #Blackhawks changes: "It’s an opportunity now for me, especially, and some other guys to... try to make the team this year."

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 6m6 minutes ago
Schmaltz on turning pro: "Even before they traded Teravainen, they were going to need guys that were making less money because of the cap."

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 8m8 minutes ago
Nick Schmaltz: "There’s a lot of holes they’ve go to fill, so I’m going to work as hard as I can and hopefully get an opportunity."


Lets hope they are actually given a real shot if they earn it during camp and preseason.

Couple of funny things this AM already

1) Tuevo on the golf course, looking suspiciously like he did on the ice at times:

2) Laz, poking fun at/chafing at what he's been told to say today? (prospects JUST took the ice)

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 2m2 minutes ago
My analysis: Everyone looks sharp. Spirited effort. High upside. High potential. High ceiling. The future looks bright. #ProspectCamp
- pdx2ord

The future may indeed look bright but Lazarus couldnt scout a pee wee game

Does anyone know what's going on with McNeill?

Does anyone know what's going on with McNeill?
- walleyeb1

I hope like hell he gets a spot...been a good soldier and work hard he needs it as much as we need him

Does anyone know what's going on with McNeill?
- walleyeb1

Per Powers, he is not at camp.

Kyle Baun and Mark McNeill are also not attending the camp. Baun is no longer on an entry-level contract and isn’t eligible to participate in the camp. McNeill is currently not under contract with the Blackhawks.

Per Powers, he is not at camp.

Kyle Baun and Mark McNeill are also not attending the camp. Baun is no longer on an entry-level contract and isn’t eligible to participate in the camp. McNeill is currently not under contract with the Blackhawks.
- pdx2ord

Didn't McNeil resign a 1 year deal

It was a qualifying offer

Didn't McNeil resign a 1 year deal
- southernhawk

No. Chicago issued a qualifying offer but there's no work if McNeill accepted it.

Chris Hine ‏@ChristopherHine 2m2 minutes ago
Ryan Hartman on roster spots: "It gets you in the gym earlier. Gets you doing the extra things because you know there’s a spot."

Tracey Myers ‏@TramyersCSN 6m6 minutes ago
Hartman on #Blackhawks changes: "It’s an opportunity now for me, especially, and some other guys to... try to make the team this year."

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 6m6 minutes ago
Schmaltz on turning pro: "Even before they traded Teravainen, they were going to need guys that were making less money because of the cap."

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 8m8 minutes ago
Nick Schmaltz: "There’s a lot of holes they’ve go to fill, so I’m going to work as hard as I can and hopefully get an opportunity."


Lets hope they are actually given a real shot if they earn it during camp and preseason.
- pdx2ord

It's very interesting to see younger guys reference the salary cap.

No. Chicago issued a qualifying offer but there's no work if McNeill accepted it.
- DarthKane

CapFriendly still shows RFA so I take that as he has yet to accept it. When does the QO window close for players to accept the QO? Can't find it on CapFriendly or GeneralFanager.

It's very interesting to see younger guys reference the salary cap.
- TyCamScore

Makes sense. Gotta know how they can fit in money-wise. Kids are educating themselves. By the time they finish their careers, they'll be half way to an accounting degree.

No. Chicago issued a qualifying offer but there's no work if McNeill accepted it.
- DarthKane

If he doesn't sign the QO he becomes a FA? If that's the case package him in a trade. Better to get something then seeing him just walk.

If he doesn't sign the QO he becomes a FA? If that's the case package him in a trade. Better to get something then seeing him just walk.
- z1990z

I think he has until December to accept the qualifying offer. Otherwise he becomes ineligible to play in the NHL this season.

I think he has until December to accept the qualifying offer. Otherwise he becomes ineligible to play in the NHL this season.
- DarthKane

He looks ready for the next step. Is he eligible to participate in this prospects camp?

He looks ready for the next step. Is he eligible to participate in this prospects camp?
- z1990z

I'm not sure about the prospects camp. He may just be staying out in case he gets hurt, which isn't a bad move. I think the Hawks have seen enough of McNeill to know what he can offer.

Assuming there are no more Aquisitions my guess is that Motte and McNeill (assuming he signs) will start with the Blackhawks. Will they stick is another story.

I think richards would be great on 2nd line kaner was on the verge of a mvp type season playing with richards. I would then hav anisimov play with toews and hossa.
- uzelacnick

Roughly 65 players at prospect camp. Hopefully Stan and company can find an invitee or two who have flown under the radar.

Keep in mind Team C is pretty much all veterans who will just practice together. The Hawks brass know they would dominate a scrimmage, hence they are not on the schedule. Plenty of sampe size in game action already.

On Luke Johnson. I saw him play in person a few times over the last few years for North Dakota against Omaha. I absolutely love his game. Tough, sturdy, takes the puck to the net hard, stand there refuses to get pushed out of there. Good penalty killer. For all the angst over Hayden not signing and going back to Yale for his Senior year, the door is open for Johnson to geta year ahead of him in pro hockey.