So Wiz. You believe everybody connected to the organization goes home for August and just declares a moratorium on talking hockey and the season ahead ?

I figured you are smart enough to realize there are "hockey people" everywhere, especially when you hang around the rinks in the summer. Interesting characters show up looking to skate and talk hockey.

I thought that was the name of this website as well HockeyBuzz.

Random question...Are there rules in the NHL prohibiting companies owned by team owners and executives from hiring players for endorsments? I assume there is, because if not, what would stop Rocky from signing Panarin to a $3M contract, and then making sure he gets $4M in endorsments?

Hawks Talk-SiriusXM with Boomer Gordon-Changes-Campbell, TT, Shaw and more... http://chirb.it/MGJq06 #audio via @chirbit
- Al

Nice interview Al, enjoyed it.

Random question...Are there rules in the NHL prohibiting companies owned by team owners and executives from hiring players for endorsments? I assume there is, because if not, what would stop Rocky from signing Panarin to a $3M contract, and then making sure he gets $4M in endorsments?
- tvetter

Speaking of endorsements:

Jake Arietta is doing a State Farm commercial playing on the fact that he's not the "Jake wearing kakis" guy from a previous ad - playing on his name.

Why hasn't Panera reached out to Panarin to do a spot playing on his name similarity?

Could it be that hockey is not a strong enough draw to interest a national chain (even in a localized market)?

Speaking of endorsements:

Jake Arietta is doing a State Farm commercial playing on the fact that he's not the "Jake wearing kakis" guy from a previous ad - playing on his name.

Why hasn't Panera reached out to Panarin to do a spot playing on his name similarity?

Could it be that hockey is not a strong enough draw to interest a national chain (even in a localized market)?
- StLBravesFan

Maybe his English is still a bit challenged and they don't want to put the pressure on him?

Rundblad's issue are physical as well...He's slow to react and can't turn and chase...That's just a start.
- Al

Thanks Al. You and Boomer have great discussions. Hoping Schmaltz is a bit more physically "willing" than Teravinen.

I'm just hoping we don't have to see 53 anywhere on that list.
- Chunk

Ugh, forgot about him.

hmm, you've got Kruger on defense... most intriguing, ha!
- RedFeather

No, that's 13th forward actually.

Wouldn't say TT ever "dominated the puck". His puck possession skills were pretty meh. Some similar traits but I wouldn't say he is TT 2.0. I certainly hope not anyway bc the Hawks kind of need Schmaltz to add a little 5 0n 5 scoring punch to the bottom 6.
- bhawks2241

What I have heard is, he is somewhat more filled out and wiling than TT, but maybe a bit less skilled. Which is OK by me. TT's skill and hockey sense are very high, the lack of willingness is the kiss of death.

JJ, do you know Bucci? #CawlidgeHawkey
- BURDA13

Little bit, some prior discourse through through social media only. Nice guy. Pretty sure he reads the blog from time to time.

Figuring Hammer goes back to his off side which might be his best side...
- Al

Agreed. He and Campbell had good chemistry for a couple of years.

What I have heard is, he is somewhat more filled out and wiling than TT, but maybe a bit less skilled. Which is OK by me. TT's skill and hockey sense are very high, the lack of willingness is the kiss of death.
- John Jaeckel

I know Mashinter gets crucified on this board, but I have a hard problem resenting him. Before the '15/'16 season, I believe Mash got into the best shape of his life and went balls out to be a candidate for a lower-line job. Management rewarded him (questionably) with regular appearances on the bottom line. Inexplicably, for a few games of the Blues series too.

While I don't want to see him in a Hawks sweater, I don't find any fault in his efforts or on-ice conduct. If the Hawks choose to pay and skate a guy that is AHL quality on their bottom line, the problem is with the Hawks, not Mash. Hopefully the Tootoo/Lundberg signings make this more of a moot point moving forward.

Off soapbox!

with Baun getting a guarantee I think its a make good for him signing a ELC and they can sell that to other guys. Even if you do not become a NHL regular we will give you a second contract with a 1 way money. IMO.

I still hope you could move 1 or 2 of Sved, Gus, Pokka or TVR for a LW that could slot in the top 9. missing out on Vesey and hudler has left the hawks with there pants down a bit.

What I have heard is, he is somewhat more filled out and wiling than TT, but maybe a bit less skilled. Which is OK by me. TT's skill and hockey sense are very high, the lack of willingness is the kiss of death.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for the insight! No better place on the interwebs.

Little bit, some prior discourse through through social media only. Nice guy. Pretty sure he reads the blog from time to time.
- John Jaeckel

Haha that's awesome! His twitter handle always makes me laugh. Seems like a good guy

I know Mashinter gets crucified on this board, but I have a hard problem resenting him. Before the '15/'16 season, I believe Mash got into the best shape of his life and went balls out to be a candidate for a lower-line job. Management rewarded him (questionably) with regular appearances on the bottom line. Inexplicably, for a few games of the Blues series too.

While I don't want to see him in a Hawks sweater, I don't find any fault in his efforts or on-ice conduct. If the Hawks choose to pay and skate a guy that is AHL quality on their bottom line, the problem is with the Hawks, not Mash. Hopefully the Tootoo/Lundberg signings make this more of a moot point moving forward.

Off soapbox!
- phantasmo

This is actually a great point.

Speaking of endorsements:

Jake Arietta is doing a State Farm commercial playing on the fact that he's not the "Jake wearing kakis" guy from a previous ad - playing on his name.

Why hasn't Panera reached out to Panarin to do a spot playing on his name similarity?

Could it be that hockey is not a strong enough draw to interest a national chain (even in a localized market)?
- StLBravesFan

Don't forget, the Cubs are America's team in a more popular sport. The Blackhawks are arguably America's team in a less popular sport AND using a Russian player.

I won't say it will never happen, because in advertising, you can never count anything out. But I will say the chance is VERY slim.

Did you hear that?

That's the sound of Chicago brass doing nothing (or nothing succesfully) to resolve the known deficiencies of last years team.

Ugh.

Better hope Panarin or Kane do not get injured.....or else we will have that top ten draft pick in 2017 we always wanted

I know Mashinter gets crucified on this board, but I have a hard problem resenting him. Before the '15/'16 season, I believe Mash got into the best shape of his life and went balls out to be a candidate for a lower-line job. Management rewarded him (questionably) with regular appearances on the bottom line. Inexplicably, for a few games of the Blues series too.

While I don't want to see him in a Hawks sweater, I don't find any fault in his efforts or on-ice conduct. If the Hawks choose to pay and skate a guy that is AHL quality on their bottom line, the problem is with the Hawks, not Mash. Hopefully the Tootoo/Lundberg signings make this more of a moot point moving forward.

Off soapbox!
- phantasmo

I could be wrong here, and I don't want to speak for other people, but I don't see many commenters questioning Mashinter's heart/will/work ethic. The problem is he simply isn't a skilled enough guy to make more than the occasional emergency appearance in the NHL. The kid tries hard, he just isn't good enough for the NHL.

He's like a four-A player in baseball. Can tear it up in the highest level of the minors, but just can't transition into the majors.

Hey Hawk fans, was in Chicago yesterday for a job interview and one of the partners of the firm his son was drafted by the Hawks in the 6th rd last year, Roy Radke. A local kid getting drafted by the hometown team, cool story. His dad is a great guy, we talked hockey at length.

Hey Hawk fans, was in Chicago yesterday for a job interview and one of the partners of the firm his son was drafted by the Hawks in the 6th rd last year, Roy Radke. A local kid getting drafted by the hometown team, cool story. His dad is a great guy, we talked hockey at length.
- mhp

Congrats on the interview. If it's something you want, here's hoping you get the job. Happy to help with any questions about living in Chicago if that ends up being the path you take.

Congrats on the interview. If it's something you want, here's hoping you get the job. Happy to help with any questions about living in Chicago if that ends up being the path you take.
- pdx2ord

Thank you very much. The company was out in Warrenville, seems like a nice area out there.

Did you hear that?

That's the sound of Chicago brass doing nothing (or nothing succesfully) to resolve the known deficiencies of last years team.

Ugh.

Better hope Panarin or Kane do not get injured.....or else we will have that top ten draft pick in 2017 we always wanted
- Hawkster

Except for, you know, that glaring lack of a real 4-6 d-man that was not present last year and is this year. This board has negative blinders on, I swear.

I know Mashinter gets crucified on this board, but I have a hard problem resenting him. Before the '15/'16 season, I believe Mash got into the best shape of his life and went balls out to be a candidate for a lower-line job. Management rewarded him (questionably) with regular appearances on the bottom line. Inexplicably, for a few games of the Blues series too.

While I don't want to see him in a Hawks sweater, I don't find any fault in his efforts or on-ice conduct. If the Hawks choose to pay and skate a guy that is AHL quality on their bottom line, the problem is with the Hawks, not Mash. Hopefully the Tootoo/Lundberg signings make this more of a moot point moving forward.

Off soapbox!
- phantasmo

Despite my previous comment about not wanting to see him on the ice with the big club, I completely agree with you. He scored a few goals when he was up, and those were all of the pure effort, right place/right time variety. He simply does not have the skill, stamina and "hockey sense" to be a regular contributor. He was pure engine. I can respect that, but still don't want it playing wing.

Did you hear that?

That's the sound of Chicago brass doing nothing (or nothing succesfully) to resolve the known deficiencies of last years team.

Ugh.

Better hope Panarin or Kane do not get injured.....or else we will have that top ten draft pick in 2017 we always wanted
- Hawkster

You can't really say that. They made a number of plays for several players. They got Campbell and Kempny (big deficiency from last year). They apparently pitched Vesey and Hudler and they chose other options. You can't "make" the Leafs trade JVR for his brother. What would you have liked to see?