That Toews line would make me depressed.
- Dabearshawks

Here this will help with your depression.

1LW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edit: That is an intriguing guy to watch develop in Rockford.
- bhawks2241

He can't go to the AHL, I thought. According to SCH, he has to play at the NHL level or go back to juniors unless he turns 20 before January (which he doesn't). The loophole is strictly related to the NHL, not the AHL. This could be wrong, but that's what others have stated.

We should be optimistic about this team and how it is shaping up defensively. Realistically, it is usually defense and ability to win tight 1 goal games that matters most when you hit the playoffs. The Hawks can add some scoring at TDL if the need arises but this team should be able to win close games. The forwards maybe have lost a bit of scoring, but the offense from the blueline should be near the top in the NHL.

Not taking possible injuries into account

Keith is probably good for 45-50 points
Seabrook probably 35-45 points
Campbell probably in the 25-25 point range.
Hjalmarsson about 20-25 points a year.
TVR/Kempny/Rozy - probably in the 10-15 point range depending on icetime/game played.

I do think Hossa is likely to bounce back to around (20G - 30A) 50 points.
Toews likely ~60-65 points.

Why, because I think they will have an easier time getting out of their own end and spend less time in their own end. I think Campbell will help the Hawks get up the ice with the puck. I also think that the Hawks will drive more offensive zone time by staying out of their end more this season.

Also, if Kruger bounces back to his old self, Toews is free for more offensive time rather than having to take as much D time. Toews has great skill, but leaning on him defensively takes a toll on his offensive production. Last season he had fewer Ozone starts. If the Hawks can have a SOLID defensive 3rd and 4th line that are trusted to play D, then Toews line can have some fun on the other end of the rink.
- breadbag

Concur with every point you made. Great write up!

Speaking of Sharpy, thoughts on him being a UFA next summer for a 3rd line LW role at a discounted rate?????

Me thinks Mr. DeBrinkcat is the Toews RW in waiting down the line at this point, but will take some more time for him to develop and get to that point.
- gringointoronto

I'd sign the petition to make the Sharp re-signing happen.

And I can see DeBrincat playing a similar game and style as Tyler Johnson. In a dream world, it would be wonderful if he became the next Johnny Gaudreau but I'm fine with setting expectations lower than that.

Scott Powers ‏@ByScottPowers 3h3 hours ago
The #Blackhawks & Alexandre Fortin have been discussing a possible contract after his play at prospect camp
- DarthKane

From what I read, he has a good attitude and good hockey IQ. I was impressed with the highlights and interviews. Would like to see him sign. Maybe he starts out on the third line if he signs? If he can play and learn LW really well then that's an "in-house" plus. Let's see how he does at camp if he signs.

I'd sign the petition to make the Sharp re-signing happen.

And I can see DeBrincat playing a similar game and style as Tyler Johnson. In a dream world, it would be wonderful if he became the next Johnny Gaudreau but I'm fine with setting expectations lower than that.
- AEL_Fox

Totally agree, at the very least hoping he can be a successful 2nd liner (since we already have a super dynamic top-5 RW'er on the team). Just watching the video on the kid, he is just consistently in the right places on the ice. Also help that he's played with top-tier centres on his junior team as well, he had a comment about how playing with McDavid and Strome, it was 110% speed ALL the time whether a game or practice. Sounds good to me knowing he played with NHL calibre talent before making the jump like they already did.

From what I read, he has a good attitude and good hockey IQ. I was impressed with the highlights and interviews. Would like to see him sign. Maybe he starts out on the third line if he signs? If he can play and learn LW really well then that's an "in-house" plus. Let's see how he does at camp if he signs.
- 93Joe

It doesn't hurt to have another prospect in the pipeline. According to General Fanager the Hawks have only 44 of a possible 50 contracts (and that includes Rundblad) so signing one more prospect doesn't have impact from that perspective.

I'd sign the petition to make the Sharp re-signing happen.

And I can see DeBrincat playing a similar game and style as Tyler Johnson. In a dream world, it would be wonderful if he became the next Johnny Gaudreau but I'm fine with setting expectations lower than that.
- AEL_Fox

Although Sharp will be 35 when is contract is up he's still good for 20 goals and 50 points. Somebody will sign him to a 3 year deal with a good chunk of change. I would love to see Sharp return, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

I would like to see the Blackhawks to to acquire Yakupov from the Oilers. I keep reading about his value being at an all time low and how a change of scenery could ignite his career. I know many readers don't put much stock in the chemistry of countrymen, but I do. So 72-15-Yak could move 88 with 19 and 81 with 16. Finish out the rest however you want. Seems to have more balance to me. Panarin understandably deferred to Kane a lot during his rookie season, but I would bet he would become even more prolific and effective with a player like Yak on the right side. Young, skilled, in a contract year, underachieving, he is due for a breakout. If he turns out to not be worth resigning he could maybe be the deadline trade chip or the one Vegas takes.
What would be going the other way? TVR, Gus or Sved, or more?

Scott Powers ‏@ByScottPowers 3h3 hours ago
The #Blackhawks & Alexandre Fortin have been discussing a possible contract after his play at prospect camp
- DarthKane

How long before he is anointed as the new 1lw

Is it true Richards retired today?

How long before he is anointed as the new 1lw
- Abadseed

I thought he already was.

Is it true Richards retired today?
- BetweenTheDots

Yes

I would like to see the Blackhawks to to acquire Yakupov from the Oilers. I keep reading about his value being at an all time low and how a change of scenery could ignite his career. I know many readers don't put much stock in the chemistry of countrymen, but I do. So 72-15-Yak could move 88 with 19 and 81 with 16. Finish out the rest however you want. Seems to have more balance to me. Panarin understandably deferred to Kane a lot during his rookie season, but I would bet he would become even more prolific and effective with a player like Yak on the right side. Young, skilled, in a contract year, underachieving, he is due for a breakout. If he turns out to not be worth resigning he could maybe be the deadline trade chip or the one Vegas takes.
What would be going the other way? TVR, Gus or Sved, or more?
- GreenJeans

From what we have heard from John, Rozsival will be playing. So gotta think it'll be TVR

From what we have heard from John, Rozsival will be playing. So gotta think it'll be TVR
- 93Joe

Maybe Gus. Who has to clear waivers to be sent down? I would think that is the bait. Not ready for the NHL quite yet, too good for the AHL, and has to pass through waivers. Maybe McNeill and Gus gets Yak back. never know

Yes
- DarthKane

Common Hudler

Maybe Gus. Who has to clear waivers to be sent down? I would think that is the bait. Not ready for the NHL quite yet, too good for the AHL, and has to pass through waivers. Maybe McNeill and Gus gets Yak back. never know
- ikeane

TVR and Svedberg are the kids that have to clear waivers. Gus is not waiver eligible yet - he has to play another 14 games before that kicks in or it's held until the 18-19 season. Gus is also exempt from the expansion draft while the other two are not.

I have to think that with Hudler not signed yet that he has something in the back pocket with the Hawks. I also think that Stan is gonna go hard after Vesey and if that fails we will see Hudler inked. Just a guess..
- z1990z

I just don't see anyway possible Hudler rolls the dice on waiting on the Hawks. If Hawks sign Vesey, which they won't, Hudler will have to quickly get signed by a team and most teams won't have much cap space come mid to late August.

I think we all have to be resigned to the fact the Hawks want to see how the young guys will do. We know the D and net will be strong...but I can see lines like this:

Panarin/Toews/Panik
Vinny/AA/Kane
Motte-Schmaltz/Kruger/Hossa
Desi/Moose/Tootoo

I would like to see the Blackhawks to to acquire Yakupov from the Oilers. I keep reading about his value being at an all time low and how a change of scenery could ignite his career. I know many readers don't put much stock in the chemistry of countrymen, but I do. So 72-15-Yak could move 88 with 19 and 81 with 16. Finish out the rest however you want. Seems to have more balance to me. Panarin understandably deferred to Kane a lot during his rookie season, but I would bet he would become even more prolific and effective with a player like Yak on the right side. Young, skilled, in a contract year, underachieving, he is due for a breakout. If he turns out to not be worth resigning he could maybe be the deadline trade chip or the one Vegas takes.
What would be going the other way? TVR, Gus or Sved, or more?
- GreenJeans

Why pay much more than a low round draft pick for Yak when it is common knowledge around the league that the Oil were asking for a 3rd round pick before the draft and still had no takers. He probably will be a throw in if the Oil can make a bigger deal with a team like NJ or Montreal. You'd think a team like Vancouver with forward needs would be interested but it seems not.

I doubt the Hawks have any interest in Yakupov, Bowman is probably looking at a list of unsigned free agent forwards with the idea of picking one off cheap for one season or even offering PTO's to a few looking for jobs.

I just don't see anyway possible Hudler rolls the dice on waiting on the Hawks. If Hawks sign Vesey, which they won't, Hudler will have to quickly get signed by a team and most teams won't have much cap space come mid to late August.

I think we all have to be resigned to the fact the Hawks want to see how the young guys will do. We know the D and net will be strong...but I can see lines like this:

Panarin/Toews/Panik
Vinny/AA/Kane
Motte-Schmaltz/Kruger/Hossa
Desi/Moose/Tootoo
- onehundredlevel

I like your idea of putting someone with Kane and see if he can elevate their play. Maybe Motte or Schmaltz on his wing. Don't forget lundberg. I think he has a spot in the bottom 6

I would like to see the Blackhawks to to acquire Yakupov from the Oilers. I keep reading about his value being at an all time low and how a change of scenery could ignite his career. I know many readers don't put much stock in the chemistry of countrymen, but I do. So 72-15-Yak could move 88 with 19 and 81 with 16. Finish out the rest however you want. Seems to have more balance to me. Panarin understandably deferred to Kane a lot during his rookie season, but I would bet he would become even more prolific and effective with a player like Yak on the right side. Young, skilled, in a contract year, underachieving, he is due for a breakout. If he turns out to not be worth resigning he could maybe be the deadline trade chip or the one Vegas takes.
What would be going the other way? TVR, Gus or Sved, or more?
- GreenJeans

Agree

Seems like the Hawks are definitely making a strong push

@MarkDivver
Stan Bowman in Foxboro again tonight watching Jimmy Vesey.

Seems like the Hawks are definitely making a strong push

@MarkDivver
Stan Bowman in Foxboro again tonight watching Jimmy Vesey.
- tomcho

I like it! Don't ask, don't get.

Seems like the Hawks are definitely making a strong push

@MarkDivver
Stan Bowman in Foxboro again tonight watching Jimmy Vesey.
- tomcho

From what I have been told - if the Hawks are serious about acquiring Vesey, and he wants to play here - it would be in everyone's best interest if the Hawks sent a pick to Buffalo for his rights. That way, they will not be accused of tampering.

From what I have been told - if the Hawks are serious about acquiring Vesey, and he wants to play here - it would be in everyone's best interest if the Hawks sent a pick to Buffalo for his rights. That way, they will not be accused of tampering.
- dahawks8819

If it were only that simple.