Thanks for the run down JJ. Great information as always.

I can see McNeill being a bigger Ben Smith with a bit more offensive upside. Hartman... Hmmm... He will get the message from Q and company to not take ridiculous penalties as the season progresses. Read somewhere he lost 10 lbs to be more agile and to improve his speed. I think he makes it.

- KINGS67

couldn't have said it better

None of those guys project as line 1 LW. I guess they'll just plug someone there.
- kwolf68

a plug in more ways than one....

Well it's not like we didn't know this time was coming. Just have to go with the flow, good with the bad and all that. We've been treated to some pretty special hockey over the past five or six years. Who knows maybe some new young blood will be a spark.

I'm ready to watch some hockey!!!

More of a pens fan but live in Chicago. You had a 4d on your roster better than anyone available at the tdl. You just never figured out how to utilize Daley. I blame that on the coaches because the talent was there. Think the analytic guys also were picking up improvements in his play before he was dealt.

Honestly haven't liked any of the hawks moves in last year. Dumping sharp for picks would have been better and I'm surprised there wasn't a take because you took back a ton of salary that could have been given to a guy who did fit like oduya. Same thing with saad deal only really cut 1.8 million with the addition of anisimov. Paid a huge price to move bickell in giving up terravainen. Based on last year it looks like the Hawks were a great team to target for trades.

Hawks still have a shot this year. But going to need to sort thru other people's trash to find valuable assets. Put together your own Daley - scuderi trade. Going to need some young guys to step up and play support roles. Grabbed some picks for Shaw that maybe can be used for a key rental. But trades are going to need to improve to put the team together.

Toews and seabrook extension just look like there was no discount and full value. Toews is good but highest paid in the league and he doesn't hit a ppg.

Man... this sucks lol.. i'm sensing another 1st round exit for sure... IF we even make it to the playoffs..

The one issue I have with the "Andrew Shaw lite" narrative on Hartman is that Hartman has had way more flashes of talent on the younger level than Shaw ever showed, even on the international stage

Shaw was a diamond in the rough, but his story was more about determination than untapped skill potential.

Hartman just needs the right motivation and he has every bit of a chance to be Shaw or better.

Lets not forget Shaw got passed over one draft and was a late pick the following year

Going into the same year the Shaw made the Blackhawks (with the first half of the year in AHL), Shaw had 54 pts in 66 game for the Owen Sound

In the same year we hope Hartman does the same step up in Shaws replacement, he had 35 pts in 61 games in the AHL

He isnt far off, if not equal, if he understands his roles, his strengths, and mentality

#Stockuponalcohol



It might be needed this season...

Well it's not like we didn't know this time was coming. Just have to go with the flow, good with the bad and all that. We've been treated to some pretty special hockey over the past five or six years. Who knows maybe some new young blood will be a spark.

I'm ready to watch some hockey!!!
- walleyeb1

All fine and dandy, but Q must roll 4 lines. He MUST roll them or the core will be exhausted come playoff time. Lets hope the added pieces on D help the forwards out.

Could McNeil center the third line, bump Krugs to 2nd line with Kane and Panarin, and move AA up to 1LW?
- tvetter

After reading and digesting JJ's blog, I was thinking of that same potential scenario of McNeill centering the 3rd line. What helps me be supportive of him at center are his strong work at the dot and sound defensive game. Those two elements are standard issue in a 3C's utility belt.

So making the following huge assumptions (some pie-in-the-sky):
(a) McNeill, Hartman, and Schmaltz have strong camps to make the starting lineup,
(b) Q allows no more than 3 rookies in the starting lineup but a 4th rookie can be carried as the 13th forward,
(c) Rasmussen counts as one of the rookies even though it was debated in the last blog threads whether he counts as a rookie given that he has played around 40 NHL games and has had many years or pro experience in Sweden, and
(d) Q also does not put more than one rookie on a line so that each line has at least 2 players with at least one full NHL season under their belt,

then I could see something like:

Anisimov - Toews - Schmaltz
Panarin - Kruger - Kane
Panik - McNeill - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen - Tootoo
13th = Hartman

OR

McNeill - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Panik - Kruger - Schmaltz
Desjardins - Rasmussen - Tootoo
13th = Hartman

OR

McNeill - Toews - Kane
Panarin - Anisimov - Schmaltz
Panik - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Rasmussen - Tootoo
13th = Hartman

As the 13th forward, Hartman rotates in for McNeill or Tootoo.

Caveat: any of the rookies mentioned above could very well be beat out by other rookies like Motte, Hinostroza, and Lundberg, but I selected to focus on McNeill, Hartman, and Schmaltz since that's who the subjects are of JJ's blog based on a rumor he heard.

These are crazy lines based on rookies that have a lot to prove, but we also have limited assets to work with to round out the starting lineup. The team is at the point where it has to roll the dice with some faith in a "trial and error" period to see what works. And if that is the reality, then I believe one way to minimize the risk is to spread out the rookies and spread out the core, which is on point with what SimpleJack has advocated for many times. So the above could very well just be make-believe lines that never play out, and I'm fine with that. I won't lose any sleep if you all have more viable lines to propose.

If rookies are going to make the starting lineup, it will be because they earned it. If any of McNeill, Hartman, Schmaltz, or whatever rookies don't make the team, I imagine the open spots they would have filled will be filled by veterans on PTOs. Rookies aren't going to be given jobs if a veteran proves he still has what it takes to help a team win.

The one issue I have with the "Andrew Shaw lite" narrative on Hartman is that Hartman has had way more flashes of talent on the younger level than Shaw ever showed, even on the international stage

Shaw was a diamond in the rough, but his story was more about determination than untapped skill potential.

Hartman just needs the right motivation and he has every bit of a chance to be Shaw or better.

Lets not forget Shaw got passed over one draft and was a late pick the following year

Going into the same year the Shaw made the Blackhawks (with the first half of the year in AHL), Shaw had 54 pts in 66 game for the Owen Sound

In the same year we hope Hartman does the same step up in Shaws replacement, he had 35 pts in 61 games in the AHL

He isnt far off, if not equal, if he understands his roles, his strengths, and mentality
- hawkeytalkman

I agree, if he lives up to his potential and keeps his dumb penalties to a minimum, then he can be just as good and possibly better than Shaw as an agitator, as a forward who can slide up and down the lineup and play effectively no matter where he plays, and as the net-front presence needed on the other powerplay unit opposite of Anisimov. Hartman could be Shaw-lite to start his career, but in a year or so, he could be equal to or greater than Shaw. Consistency and staying strong between the ears will spell success for Hartman.

Keep in mind that if McNeil does not make it with the Hawks, he must clear waivers to be sent back to Rockford. There's no way he clears waivers at $600,000. Some lesser team would take a flyer on him for sure. So this is McNeil's big chance with the Hawks. He is either all in or all gone.

I can see Schmaltz dangling with Kane at some point. two great puck handlers with tremendous skill.

Motte' ability to finish is a blessing and Hartman will have to bang his way onto the team.

Hinostroza and Kero both have gotten their feet wet in the NHL. Let's see if they use that to their advantage at camp.

It going to very very competitive. Nothing given, everything earned.

Guys, I really doubt Kruger is going to be centering the 2nd line anytime soon.

1) Q wants Kane and Panarin getting offensive zone draws, which is really the opposite of what they like to use Kruger for. It doesn't make sense to take either out of their element to put them together. They just don't fit.
2) Kruger has yet to show he can play in a top 6 role
3) Kruger's 0 goals and 4 assist last year hardly inspire confidence in his ability to compliment Kane/Panarin.

JJ, I think you are right on about the Hawks probably giving more consideration to the older prospects.

Keep in mind that if McNeil does not make it with the Hawks, he must clear waivers to be sent back to Rockford. There's no way he clears waivers at $600,000. Some lesser team would take a flyer on him for sure. So this is McNeil's big chance with the Hawks. He is either all in or all gone.

I can see Schmaltz dangling with Kane at some point. two great puck handlers with tremendous skill.

Motte' ability to finish is a blessing and Hartman will have to bang his way onto the team.

Hinostroza and Kero both have gotten their feet wet in the NHL. Let's see if they use that to their advantage at camp.

It going to very very competitive. Nothing given, everything earned.
- Omahawk

I absolutely agree about McNeil and I think it is sink or swim time. Either he makes it or both parties will move on (even if he doesn't get claimed on waivers). I'm interested to see what Kero does this year. Outside likely having Toews, AA, Kruger playing C, there is no guarantee on who will grab the 4th spot or come in for injury.

Just can't wait to see the Hawks playing again.

Has Kane or Hoss ever played LW? I think a 2nd line of Hoss-AA-Kane could be good. Makes the first line Bread man-Toews-Rookie/Panik

More of a pens fan but live in Chicago. You had a 4d on your roster better than anyone available at the tdl. You just never figured out how to utilize Daley. I blame that on the coaches because the talent was there. Think the analytic guys also were picking up improvements in his play before he was dealt.

Honestly haven't liked any of the hawks moves in last year. Dumping sharp for picks would have been better and I'm surprised there wasn't a take because you took back a ton of salary that could have been given to a guy who did fit like oduya. Same thing with saad deal only really cut 1.8 million with the addition of anisimov. Paid a huge price to move bickell in giving up terravainen. Based on last year it looks like the Hawks were a great team to target for trades.

Hawks still have a shot this year. But going to need to sort thru other people's trash to find valuable assets. Put together your own Daley - scuderi trade. Going to need some young guys to step up and play support roles. Grabbed some picks for Shaw that maybe can be used for a key rental. But trades are going to need to improve to put the team together.

Toews and seabrook extension just look like there was no discount and full value. Toews is good but highest paid in the league and he doesn't hit a ppg.
- sditulli

You're right in regards to how the front office has made some questionable moves over the course of the past year. You can't always win in regards to the decisions you make. Fortunately, the 'Hawks have had the offensive depth and the prospect depth to make the decisions that they did.

But gah this is what irritates me more than anything when it comes to arguments about 19's value. All season, he played with a revolving door on his left, and a 37-year-old Marian Hossa (still a very good two-way player, however, but the offensive finishing skills have obviously vastly diminished), and Toews still had a 30+30 campaign. His value doesn't come from being a Kane, Ovechkin, Malkin, Crosby where he puts up 100 point campaigns. He's a player who scores in CLUTCH situations, is arguably the best two-way player in the game today, and has won on so many levels and has an eclectic array of accolades. He makes everyone around him better, and his intangibles and his ability to play down-low and be strong on the puck/win board battles/be the complete player he is are not correlated with numbers, and as such pundits don't often take that into account. Those who TRULY watch hockey and understand it know exactly the kind of player Toews is, and that he absolutely is one of the best players in the game today. Considering where the team was at the time, with how much he has meant to the franchise in regards to turning it around, and being the face of the organization, a contract that would make him the league's highest player was absolutely warranted.

Guys, I really doubt Kruger is going to be centering the 2nd line anytime soon.

1) Q wants Kane and Panarin getting offensive zone draws, which is really the opposite of what they like to use Kruger for. It doesn't make sense to take either out of their element to put them together. They just don't fit.
2) Kruger has yet to show he can play in a top 6 role
3) Kruger's 0 goals and 4 assist last year hardly inspire confidence in his ability to compliment Kane/Panarin.

JJ, I think you are right on about the Hawks probably giving more consideration to the older prospects.
- breadbag

Kruger to the second line is complete non-sense. Utter, utter non-sense. With his lack of an offensive game, coupled with the fact that he doesn't create space, nor play down-low, he is more out of place than if Crawford were to skate with Keith on a pairing. Kruger is an extremely vital piece to the fourth line, and that's where his skills are best utilized, and where he is most comfortable. The 'Hawks are considerably worse with him anywhere in the top-six. Besides, even if you move AA up to line one with 19 and 81, and slide Kruger up to 2C, who centers the 3rd and 4th lines? That would be incredibly weak depth up the middle, which is what the 'Hawks have been trying to shore for quite some time now.

The following line combo is what I would want to see. I don't think the 'Hawks give Motte a chance yet. He'll have the right to compete for a spot with the club, but I think Q will want him to get seasoning in Rockford first. No need to rush him.

And I may be in the minority, but I want Panik to get a legitimate shot on the first line. His combination of size, speed, and willingness to go to the boards is something that I think would be very beneficial to take physical pressure off of Toews. He showed some sparks even though he didn't have too much ice time, but I want to see what he can do given 16-18 minutes a night on the first line for at least 2-3 weeks before I move him down. He deserves the first crack at the top line.

Panik - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - AA - Kane
McNeill - Schmaltz - Hartman
Desjardins - Kruger - Tootoo
Moose

Keith - Seabrook
Hammer - Campbell
TvR - Kempny
Goose/Svedberg

Craw
Darling

Is there a pattern here?

Toews skipping out of a lot of offseason stuff. Keith demurring on the World Cup to spare his knee (and maybe get a little more rest).

Could be coincidence and should be taken at face value. Could also be these guys wanted (as I have heard for a while) a full summer of rest and rehab (finally).

Honestly, I would love it if the war horses (Keith, Toews, Hossa, Hammer—the guys whose bodies haven take a prolonged pounding the last several seasons) ALL laid out of the WC.

Kruger to the second line is complete non-sense. Utter, utter non-sense. With his lack of an offensive game, coupled with the fact that he doesn't create space, nor play down-low, he is more out of place than if Crawford were to skate with Keith on a pairing. Kruger is an extremely vital piece to the fourth line, and that's where his skills are best utilized, and where he is most comfortable. The 'Hawks are considerably worse with him anywhere in the top-six. Besides, even if you move AA up to line one with 19 and 81, and slide Kruger up to 2C, who centers the 3rd and 4th lines? That would be incredibly weak depth up the middle, which is what the 'Hawks have been trying to shore for quite some time now.

The following line combo is what I would want to see. I don't think the 'Hawks give Motte a chance yet. He'll have the right to compete for a spot with the club, but I think Q will want him to get seasoning in Rockford first. No need to rush him.

And I may be in the minority, but I want Panik to get a legitimate shot on the first line. His combination of size, speed, and willingness to go to the boards is something that I think would be very beneficial to take physical pressure off of Toews. He showed some sparks even though he didn't have too much ice time, but I want to see what he can do given 16-18 minutes a night on the first line for at least 2-3 weeks before I move him down. He deserves the first crack at the top line.

Panik - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - AA - Kane
McNeill - Schmaltz - Hartman
Desjardins - Kruger - Tootoo
Moose

Keith - Seabrook
Hammer - Campbell
TvR - Kempny
Goose/Svedberg

Craw
Darling
- TommyHawk

Some thoughts:

Kruger centered the second line much of 2011-12. He didn't exactly light it up, but Hossa had his best season as a Hawk (I believe) on his right flank. Kruger has more skill than his 0/4 last year shows. Don't kid yourself. He can skate, win draws, win pucks along the wall and pass. Stranger things could happen than him centering a couple of skill forwards at this point in his career. And I strongly disagree with the "Kruger is just a fourth liner" narrative. On MOST teams, he's a good third line/shutdown center.

Panik may get his shot at 1LW, as could many others. If there ever was a season for a major shakeup of the lines until they find something that works, this is it. I did hear last night that the "Hossa to the third line" narrative is likely just smoke and he will be with Toews. But again, I would not take anything for granted right now.

What they have to do is find some way to get two productive top lines going. That was what killed them last year. ou can't underestimate how important that is to the Hawks' eventual playoff success. My hunch is there will be no sacred cows. They will go with the best guy at each open position. Y

If a kid like Motte came into camp and put a stranglehold on 1LW, then the job will be his. If he played about as well as McNeill (in ALL aspects, defense etc., not just getting a couple more goals), then I think McNeill gets the nod—to make the team, not necessarily as 1LW—eventually based on experience.

Some thoughts:

Kruger centered the second line much of 2011-12. He didn't exactly light it up, but Hossa had his best season as a Hawk (I believe) on his right flank. Kruger has more skill than his 0/4 last year shows. Don't kid yourself. He can skate, win draws, win pucks along the wall and pass. Stranger things could happen than him centering a couple of skill forwards at this point in his career. And I strongly disagree with the "Kruger is just a fourth liner" narrative. On MOST teams, he's a good third line/shutdown center.

Panik may get his shot at 1LW, as could many others. If there ever was a season for a major shakeup of the lines until they find something that works, this is it. I did hear last night that the "Hossa to the third line" narrative is likely just smoke and he will be with Toews. But again, I would not take anything for granted right now.

What they have to do is find some way to get two productive top lines going. That was what killed them last year. ou can't underestimate how important that is to the Hawks' eventual playoff success. My hunch is there will be no sacred cows. They will go with the best guy at each open position. Y

If a kid like Motte came into camp and put a stranglehold on 1LW, then the job will be his. If he played about as well as McNeill (in ALL aspects, defense etc., not just getting a couple more goals), then I think McNeill gets the nod—to make the team, not necessarily as 1LW—eventually based on experience.
- John Jaeckel

If you include McNeil and Hartman in some role (as you did in your blog - and if not them, then two others without experience in the Show), Kempny at 4D (no NHL experience), Panik at 1LW, Kriger at 2C, maybe another Ice Hog or 2....

That's a lot skaters going into unproven situations on a team that's supposed to be a Cup contender.

If you include McNeil and Hartman in some role (as you did in your blog - and if not them, then two others without experience in the Show), Kempny at 4D (no NHL experience), Panik at 1LW, Kriger at 2C, maybe another Ice Hog or 2....

That's a lot skaters going into unproven situations on a team that's supposed to be a Cup contender.
- StLBravesFan

Kempny is 5 or 6 D...2,4,7 and 51 are top four. Plus, the only way I see 16 as 2C, is if AA is 1LW, so I think most of the young guys will be bottom 6. Although, I did like the suggestion that they put no more than 1 rookie per line, and moving Kruger up to 2C would leave 3 or 4 young guys in the bottom 6.

Can't believe some are still trying to force the "Hossa on the third line narrative" so some guy, the best of whom had 25 goals in Rockford last year, can take his place in the Top 6.

You have to admire the persistence, if not the "logic."

Again, it would be great if some 21 year old stepped up and showed he is a better two-way player than a first ballot hall of famer, admittedly coming off a bad year.

But . . . again . . . Hossa's LINE sucked last year, as did his 28 year old center, because they were missing a bona fide top 6 LW. And they still are. So let's fill that job with a Clearasil Kid, AND let's move Hossa down, and fill his job with one, too!

Someone please explain to me how this makes any sense whatsoever. Please. My brain is starting to hurt.

If you include McNeil and Hartman in some role (as you did in your blog - and if not them, then two others without experience in the Show), Kempny at 4D (no NHL experience), Panik at 1LW, Kriger at 2C, maybe another Ice Hog or 2....

That's a lot skaters going into unproven situations on a team that's supposed to be a Cup contender.
- StLBravesFan

Sage, no disagreement. Which is why what I heard last night makes "more" sense: if you're gonna go with 2-3 rooks, make sure they've got some pro experience in your system.

If Panik plays a significant amount at 1LW, it will likely be as a default. As in the "best" available option. Therein lies the problem.

If it were me, I'd at least look at AA there. he has played a lot of wing in the NHL and you know he can do some things to complement 19 and 81.

Then, yeah, you probably go with Kruger between 72 and 81. Let me just say this, the whole Kruger is a plug narrative, also, has gone way over the top. All he has to do on that line is win some draws (and he will win a lot more than AA did), win some pucks (he can and will) and get the puck to Kane and Artie (he can do that too.). Other than that, stay out of the way and cover defensively. Just doing that, adding Kruger keeps that line still very dynamic and capable of scoring.

But who knows? Maybe someone DOES step up and grab the 1LW spot. Right now, I think you're looking at a repeat of last year on that line, unless you bite the bullet and go with AA, or acquire someone.

Can't believe some are still trying to force the "Hossa on the third line narrative" so some guy, the best of whom had 25 goals in Rockford last year, can take his place in the Top 6.

You have to admire the persistence, if not the "logic."

Again, it would be great if some 21 year old stepped up and showed he is a better two-way player than a first ballot hall of famer, admittedly coming off a bad year.

But . . . again . . . Hossa's LINE sucked last year, as did his 28 year old center, because they were missing a bona fide top 6 LW. And they still are. So let's fill that job with a Clearasil Kid, AND let's move Hossa down, and fill his job with one, too!

Someone please explain to me how this makes any sense whatsoever. Please. My brain is starting to hurt.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, I'm afraid your brain will continue to hurt- there is no explaining stupid.

Has Kane or Hoss ever played LW? I think a 2nd line of Hoss-AA-Kane could be good. Makes the first line Bread man-Toews-Rookie/Panik
- BearsnHawks

Hossa is more comfortable there than Kane, and they tried him there when they bumped TT up to that line for a few games last year.

The reality is, Hossa and Toews have a chemistry that both of them and Q are very comfortable with when Hossa is on his RW.

The fact is, the only realistically top 6 caliber LW on the team, not named Panarin, is probably Anisimov. Unless, again, a rook REALLY steps up.

Adding McNeill and possibly Schmaltz gives you a bit more flexibility and depth at C. Although I hear the Hawks would like to start Schmaltz at wing. Maybe McNeill can center a lower line.