@ByScottPowers

Blackhawks agree with Graham Knott on a three-year entry-level contract.

My report card
Schmaltz has speed took hits well which they said is his weakness disappeared towards the end.
Motte no way making the roster this year like some were hoping.
Johnson looked solid needs seasoning.
Tootoo good fight a couple of nice defensive plays wish he dropped the gloves right away he always jumps guys or baits them.
Hartman invisible at 1st found his stride towards the end with nice hits.
Hinostroza speed noticeable but that's it
Lundberg invisible.
Forsling solid.
Svedberg never gonna be nhl caliber if he was more physical could've been a 7th dman in the day but he's not.
Polka really slow foot speed like Matt walker slow but not strong on his skates or physical like walker. Just a ahl player
- vandymeer23

Sadly, I agree about Motte. He was not impressive in game 1. Lets hope for improvement. Schmaltz and Vinnie were the two best forwards. And I think Vinnie showed more than just speed. He has a good feel for the game and SPEED is something you can't teach...it's really how Pittsburgh won the Cup last year. Kids that can SKATE should get a long look.

No comment on Pokka or Tutu.

Want to see more of McNeill and Hartmann. Neither were bad, but neither really did anything. I'd like to see more offensive game from 1 or both.

The very best offensive forwards were Schmaltz and Hinostroza and thus I think have early lead to make a spot on the roster.

Kero was exceptional defensively. May have been the best defensive forward and that could very well work him into conversation.

I t hink the slide has something to do with going back and playing in Sweden, this was from Scott powers a few days ago.

Add in that the Blackhawks can slide Forsling’s contract a season by sending him back to Sweden and can wait even longer to give him his next deal, and it would be truly surprising if Forsling is in North America when the NHL season begins unless there’s an injury.

in regard to Corey on Gapkeep is said Corey Crawford - NMC, modified NTC, So I'm not 100% sure what that means. I agree if the hawks are contraully agreed they have to protect him I don't think he would ever waive. I find it odd he has a NMC and Modified NTC and what years they apply too.
- kmw4631

"It's important to note that the Hawks WILL NOT burn a year of Forsling's contract should he return to Europe, according to his agent. If Forsling goes back to Sweden for another year, his entry-level contract will "slide," or it will effectively be moved back a year and start with the 2017-18 season. That goes against what you'd expect given that he'll be 20 years old on Sept. 15 of this year, but unless his agent is mistaken, that's the case. Powers has said he'll try to confirm that information."

Sadly, I agree about Motte. He was not impressive in game 1. Lets hope for improvement. Schmaltz and Vinnie were the two best forwards. And I think Vinnie showed more than just speed. He has a good feel for the game and SPEED is something you can't teach...it's really how Pittsburgh won the Cup last year. Kids that can SKATE should get a long look.

No comment on Pokka or Tutu.

Want to see more of McNeill and Hartmann. Neither were bad, but neither really did anything. I'd like to see more offensive game from 1 or both.

The very best offensive forwards were Schmaltz and Hinostroza and thus I think have early lead to make a spot on the roster.

Kero was exceptional defensively. May have been the best defensive forward and that could very well work him into conversation.
- kwolf68

Your analysis is helpful as I have heard mixed reviews about Hinostroza with a lot of those reviews swaying towards him being blazing fast but that's about it. Do you (or anyone else) know if the other smurfy Chicago native Anthony Louis is like Hinostroza or is he one dimensional with speed as his only asset?

Sadly, I agree about Motte. He was not impressive in game 1. Lets hope for improvement. Schmaltz and Vinnie were the two best forwards. And I think Vinnie showed more than just speed. He has a good feel for the game and SPEED is something you can't teach...it's really how Pittsburgh won the Cup last year. Kids that can SKATE should get a long look.

No comment on Pokka or Tutu.

Want to see more of McNeill and Hartmann. Neither were bad, but neither really did anything. I'd like to see more offensive game from 1 or both.

The very best offensive forwards were Schmaltz and Hinostroza and thus I think have early lead to make a spot on the roster.

Kero was exceptional defensively. May have been the best defensive forward and that could very well work him into conversation.
- kwolf68

McNeill, sadly, looked only like a 3rd line or PK guy in the first game. Didn't really bring much more. Small sample, but some have seen quite a lot of him already...not a bad player at all, but hasn't brought much more of what the Hawks lack (or need).

Hawks could make use of a few complimentary traits on the first line--speed being among them. Gotta wonder if Vinny doesn't at least get a cursory look there in the preseason.

Agree, Kero is a pretty good all-round player

Your analysis is helpful as I have heard mixed reviews about Hinostroza with a lot of those reviews swaying towards him being blazing fast but that's about it. Do you (or anyone else) know if the other smurfy Chicago native Anthony Louis is like Hinostroza or is he one dimensional with speed as his only asset?
- AEL_Fox

I see a lot of similarities in Louis and Vinnie, but I think Vinnie has more grit to his game and compared to Louis is a monster of a man. Anthony Louis is really really small, but he DOES HAVE very good skill. However, I have a kid on my PeeWee team almost as big as him. LOL. The kid has always seemed to "make the team" tough, so I'm not counting him out.

Neither are just speed guys, but sometimes it looks that way because they get physically outmatched. Even perfect puck protection technique with a good wide center of gravity with your skates may not overcome beast D-men patrolling NHL rinks.

Both of these guys can create space with their skating, but space is not easy to come by in the NHL, because everyone else is so good and mostly great skaters. Europe-sized ice and both these guys would be much more intriguing prospects, although I am optimistic about Hino making the team as a third liner to maybe give some scoring punch, because after the top two lines WHERE is our scoring coming from? I don't see much....so we need some playmakers with speed sprinkled into the bottom 6.

Watch the Penguins from last year...SPEED!!! No goon hockey, no fighting, just SPEEEEED. And they lifted the Cup. Can Vinnie be this year's Connor Sheary?

@ByScottPowers

Blackhawks agree with Graham Knott on a three-year entry-level contract.
- DarthKane

Funny, wasn't it just one or two pages ago that he had been branded a bust?

Love this board

McNeill, sadly, looked only like a 3rd line or PK guy in the first game. Didn't really bring much more. Small sample, but some have seen quite a lot of him already...not a bad player at all, but hasn't brought much more of what the Hawks lack (or need).

Hawks could make use of a few complimentary traits on the first line--speed being among them. Gotta wonder if Vinny doesn't at least get a cursory look there in the preseason.

Agree, Kero is a pretty good all-round player
- grinder10

I agree. I didn't even see McNeill as a third liner...Looked like bench fodder to me, but he also wasn't egregious either. I am holding judgement on Mac. I've heard his effort hasn't always been consistent and that will get you a quick pass to the Q doghouse.

First line? I thought Vinnie and Schmaltz looked good Wed, but first line is going to be brutal. You are not playing against AHL guys there, you are not even playing against bottom pairing NHL guys, you now are playing against Drew Doughty and Shae Weber.

I am not optimistic we have a LW-1 currently in place. YES, I think Schmaltz can be that one day, but right now I can't bet on it. He has some very good talent though and is probably the most talented of the players in contention.

Vinnie with Toews....WELL, Connor Sheary played with Crosby...if you can keep up, play simple, and take advantage you can stick. Vinnie clearly has the skating skills to keep up. the rest? We'll see.

I am not going to try and cobble an opinion based on one exhibition game, but I am guessing Hinostoza (based on his speed) , Lundberg (as an additional PK guy) and Nick Schmaltz, based on his signing get first crack to cement jobs.
If the fail, the call ups begin.

I don't think that the guys who miss the opening day roster will be happy until they get a few more chances.

The return of the more high end skilled World Cuppers gives these youngsters a chance to be recipients of quicker decisioned passes and even more chances to get the pucks to quicker snipers.

Can't wait for the next game against Pittsburgh.

I am not going to try and cobble an opinion based on one exhibition game, but I am guessing Hinostoza (based on his speed) , Lundberg (as an additional PK guy) and Nick Schmaltz, based on his signing get first crack to cement jobs.
If the fail, the call ups begin.

I don't think that the guys who miss the opening day roster will be happy until they get a few more chances.

The return of the more high end skilled World Cuppers gives these youngsters a chance to be recipients of quicker decisioned passes and even more chances to get the pucks to quicker snipers.

Can't wait for the next game against Pittsburgh.
- wiz1901

Most opinions are not based on just that 1 game, but their history + the one game. But I get your point.

I am hoping to goto that game tonight. I need to find out if my son is starting for his college team tonight (he's a goalie), if he is I'm going to that. If not, I'm going to the Hawks/Pens game

Funny, wasn't it just one or two pages ago that he had been branded a bust?

Love this board
- vabeachbear

It wasn't me, on page six.
I try to deal in simply evaluating....

Wiz didn't the Hawks draft a big kid that can play LW year before last...??
- southernhawk

I think you mean big Graham Knott

Graham Knott from the Niagara IceDogs

Early impression: Consistently shows up every shift in all facets. Elevates linemates by drawing coverage towards him, opening ice. Very impressive how often he goes into the corners outmanned by the opposition and still comes out with the puck. Understands the defensive side very well. Very effective on the Pp. Has good speed but not exceptional. Handles the puck well and can create quality chances when it appears nothing is there. All-around solid game and a strong stride which may be his biggest asset… that must be asset that projects him as a more dominant player in the future. At the CHL prospects game,in his draft year, he didn’t stand out, except for an impressive solo rush where he dashed down the wing, and swung around behind the cage for a dangerous wrap-around attempt, which showcased his stride and puck control. Also gambled in the first period while at the blue line with a lateral cut that saw him take a huge hit, and a turn-over that lead to a chance for Team Orr.
In the pre-camp that decides which players will finalize the Canada team roster, he stood out on wing,but he was the oldest kid in camp. He's more of a down low player, but is more lanky and tall than a giant muscle player.He hasn't really become much faster, as he is a guy who needs to get going. (That's why he as available so late in the second.)
While in camp, he was one of the dominant players in summer scrimmages, and was playing with two good top prospects ... maybe it was Mitch Marner and I simply have a brain fart on who else...

Bondra- every tape I have seen of him, he was pretty much a slug, but that's why they are called prospects,draft to eventually improve and be pro players.

"It's important to note that the Hawks WILL NOT burn a year of Forsling's contract should he return to Europe, according to his agent. If Forsling goes back to Sweden for another year, his entry-level contract will "slide," or it will effectively be moved back a year and start with the 2017-18 season. That goes against what you'd expect given that he'll be 20 years old on Sept. 15 of this year, but unless his agent is mistaken, that's the case. Powers has said he'll try to confirm that information."
- JRoenick97

Weird, that's definitely not the normal rule. I wonder if there's some type of exception that we just don't know about.

Weird, that's definitely not the normal rule. I wonder if there's some type of exception that we just don't know about.
- L_B_R

I agree. Never saw if he confirmed it or not.

EDIT: "According to the report, Forsling's contract will include a loan clause to allow him to return to Europe for the 2016-17 season if he does not make the Blackhawks' roster out of the team's training camp." and "Forsling, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in 2015, recently signed a three-year entry-level contract. If he returns to Sweden next season, his entry-level contract would slide a season and begin with the 2017-18 season."

I think the Signing is just the hawks realizing that they either need to sign him this year or early next summer and either way he would be 4 years from being done with his ELC. Same thing with Motte, they sign him this year to a 3 year deal or next year to a 2 year deal. Better to get both of them around better coaching and facilities.

I look at the kruger line as what most 4th lines do so who ever ends up on the line not Krugers needs to be able to score some.

DES, LUNDBERG,MOOSE, TOOTOO, MOTTE, MCNEAL, HINO, HART, KERO all are 4th line players this year IMO. WE need one more top 9 guy. I think we will know more after the weekend with games FRI,SAT,SUN,

How about POKKA and GUS for Tobias Reider. I wonder if tobias Rieder would take a 1 year deal at 1.5 mil knowing he has a chance to play LW on 1 of the top 3 lines.

Funny, wasn't it just one or two pages ago that he had been branded a bust?

Love this board
- vabeachbear

I know...it's very funny. I commented to that poster saying it's too early to give up on Knott.

Tonight's tilt:
Goaltenders
31 Lars Johansson
60 Mac Carruth

Defensemen
6 Michal Kempny
32 Michal Rozsival
42 Gustav Forsling
43 Viktor Svedberg
56 Erik Gustafsson
57 Trevor van Riemsdyk
63 Carl Dahlstrom
76 Robin Norell

Forwards
8 Nick Schmaltz
11 Andrew Desjardins
23 Alexander DeBrincat
26 Pierre-Cedric Labrie
28 Martin Lundberg
37 Sam Carrick
38 Ryan Hartman
39 Kyle Baun
48 Vincent Hinostroza
58 Graham Knott
62 Luke Johnson
64 Tyler Motte
67 Tanner Kero
82 Alexandre Fortin

Game Time: 6 p.m. CT

I agree. Never saw if he confirmed it or not.

EDIT: "According to the report, Forsling's contract will include a loan clause to allow him to return to Europe for the 2016-17 season if he does not make the Blackhawks' roster out of the team's training camp." and "Forsling, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in 2015, recently signed a three-year entry-level contract. If he returns to Sweden next season, his entry-level contract would slide a season and begin with the 2017-18 season."
- JRoenick97

I knew about the loan clause - so they're saying that clause makes it so his contract does not have to conform to the standard ELC rules? I wonder why more teams don't do that, then.

I knew about the loan clause - so they're saying that clause makes it so his contract does not have to conform to the standard ELC rules? I wonder why more teams don't do that, then.
- L_B_R

My guess is that they will back track later saying they had the wrong info. the only source I can find is Forsling's agent.

Don't be too quick to make judgement on some of these young guys until they get a real shot to sink or swim. A number of folks around here are critical of coach Q for making up his mind on players too quickly or not giving them enough time. I think the same can be said for us fans. Now that the World Cup is over and the head coach is coming back, the camp might take a different turn.

Tonight's tilt:
Goaltenders
31 Lars Johansson
60 Mac Carruth

Defensemen
6 Michal Kempny
32 Michal Rozsival
42 Gustav Forsling
43 Viktor Svedberg
56 Erik Gustafsson
57 Trevor van Riemsdyk
63 Carl Dahlstrom
76 Robin Norell

Forwards
8 Nick Schmaltz
11 Andrew Desjardins
23 Alexander DeBrincat
26 Pierre-Cedric Labrie
28 Martin Lundberg
37 Sam Carrick
38 Ryan Hartman
39 Kyle Baun
48 Vincent Hinostroza
58 Graham Knott
62 Luke Johnson
64 Tyler Motte
67 Tanner Kero
82 Alexandre Fortin

Game Time: 6 p.m. CT
- savvyone-1

Looks like Q is getting inspiration from Maddon for setting his lineup

Don't be too quick to make judgement on some of these young guys until they get a real shot to sink or swim. A number of folks around here are critical of coach Q for making up his mind on players too quickly or not giving them enough time. I think the same can be said for us fans. Now that the World Cup is over and the head coach is coming back, the camp might take a different turn.
- breadbag

I agree to a certain extent but the reality is its pretty easy to see guys that have some type top 9 Skill when playing Vs AHL players like in the 1st game. If you cannot stand out in that situation then it seems unlikely you can do that Vs NHL players. I tend to think that Hart, Kero, Motte all could play in the NHL, if not this year next, Just not in the Role the hawks have open right now. They need a Wing that can score 5 on 5.

Another guy that I might keep an eye on is Josh Levio from Toronto. He has shown he can score in the AHl and a little in the NHL and is a Med sized LW that is out of waivers and has a $612 2 year deal. If he is not going to make the team he might be a guy to trade for.

I think the Signing is just the hawks realizing that they either need to sign him this year or early next summer and either way he would be 4 years from being done with his ELC. Same thing with Motte, they sign him this year to a 3 year deal or next year to a 2 year deal. Better to get both of them around better coaching and facilities.

I look at the kruger line as what most 4th lines do so who ever ends up on the line not Krugers needs to be able to score some.

DES, LUNDBERG,MOOSE, TOOTOO, MOTTE, MCNEAL, HINO, HART, KERO all are 4th line players this year IMO. WE need one more top 9 guy. I think we will know more after the weekend with games FRI,SAT,SUN,

How about POKKA and GUS for Tobias Reider. I wonder if tobias Rieder would take a 1 year deal at 1.5 mil knowing he has a chance to play LW on 1 of the top 3 lines.
- kmw4631

Svedberg n McNeil for Rieder. But what do I know. Definitely wishful thinking.

I used to think that the Blackhawk.com site was better than the rest but now that it has been Betmanized it is now unrecognizable from the rest Is this another parity goosestep?

Svedberg n McNeil for Rieder. But what do I know. Definitely wishful thinking.
- dciz99

My guess is that it would take TvR and McNeill to get Rieder.

My guess is that it would take TvR and McNeill to get Rieder.
- DarthKane

I assumed as much - like I said it's wishful thinking. But with TVR it's something you'd have to consider due to the Hawks lack of LW experienced depth. Especially if you could lock him into a club friendly deal. Thoughts?