Just to add, it seemed in interview with the coaching staff they are just being extra cautious. Keith wanted to skate more and push himself more but the coaches are making him take it easy. Makes sense too, with the Hawks having a lot of good D prospects and some new faces on D, they can give more guys the preseason games, because Keith doesn't need much tune up.
- breadbag

If the 'hawks start strong, I wouldn't be surprised if they convince Keith to give them short term IR Cap relief by resting him by way of this "re-occuring" injury.

If the 'hawks start strong, I wouldn't be surprised if they convince Keith to give them short term IR Cap relief by resting him by way of this "re-occuring" injury.
- wiz1901

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks be ultra conservative with Keith, but not for salary cap reasons. They would want to make sure Keith is 100% and ready for a long playoff run.

If Keith's health is in question it makes sense now why the team has 8 NHL defensemen ready to go.

I know I was hard on Gustafsson, but if Keith has to miss time I would like to see Gus get a chance.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks be ultra conservative with Keith, but not for salary cap reasons. They would want to make sure Keith is 100% and ready for a long playoff run.

If Keith's health is in question it makes sense now why the team has 8 NHL defensemen ready to go.

I know I was hard on Gustafsson, but if Keith has to miss time I would like to see Gus get a chance.
- DarthKane

I loved the way Gus started last year. I just wish he didn't find his way into the doghouse. It seemed that he lost a lot of confidence as the year went on, kind of like he was playing not to make a mistake, rather than playing with intelligence AND instinct.

When we look at the Roster we clearly are missing at least 2 Forwards or we are having guys play that are very green or just over slot. of the prospects trying to make the team what side do they play? is the below correct? 3 of the below probably make the team.

Shmaltz C or RW shoots R
Mcneal C or RW shoots R
Hino C and shoots R
Hartman RW shoots R
Moose C and shoots L
Motte LW shoots L
Kero C or LW? shoots L
- kmw4631

I assume you left Mapooper (misspelled on purpose) off the list because you know he's already on the team.

Edit: Wow...the Hockeybuzz editing is too good! I didn't think it would change it, since it was in the middle of the word.

I loved the way Gus started last year. I just wish he didn't find his way into the doghouse. It seemed that he lost a lot of confidence as the year went on, kind of like he was playing not to make a mistake, rather than playing with intelligence AND instinct.
- tvetter

Very true, but overall I think he generated more offensive than any other defenseman in Chicago last season (I can't recall the exact stats). I would rather see Gus on the ice instead of Svedberg, that's for sure.

I assume you left Mapooper (misspelled on purpose) off the list because you know he's already on the team.
- tvetter

No only is he on the team but he's the 1LW and he's taken over the captaincy from Toews.

No only is he on the team but he's the 1LW and he's taken over the captaincy from Toews.
- DarthKane

You know, as much as we poop on Trashinter, compared to former 'enforcer' 4th line LW's, (Eager, Bollig, Scott) he does have the best offensive skill set and isn't afraid of playing in front of the net....okay, i'll go back to my hole now......

Very true, but overall I think he generated more offensive than any other defenseman in Chicago last season (I can't recall the exact stats). I would rather see Gus on the ice instead of Svedberg, that's for sure.
- DarthKane

Anyone else, besides me starting to worry about Keith's health?

I anticipate an "interesting" season if he's not 100%, or misses significant time.
- ArlingtonRob

No, he didn't want to play in the silly tournament

Just give us the Stanley CUP now.


Lines from Blackhawks first group practice:
Schmaltz-Hinostroza-Panik
Motte-Kero-Hartman
Fortin-Johnson-Tootoo
Lundberg-Rasmussen-McNeill

The good news is that most of the damage is done now. Since the start of 2016 the CAD has recovered a bit and has mostly leveled off. It seems like the oil market is hitting a The value of the CAD now is almost exactly what it was in late Sept 2015. The rebound/Recovery when it happens could be very steep. Some are predicting that this low price is setting the stage for a sharp increase which would have a HUGE $$$ impact in Canada.
- breadbag

Mcneal C or RW shoots R

- kmw4631

McNeill has seen time as a Right handed LW...
and even played there in World Junior Tourney

Just give us the Stanley CUP now.


Lines from Blackhawks first group practice:
Schmaltz-Hinostroza-Panik
Motte-Kero-Hartman
Fortin-Johnson-Tootoo
Lundberg-Rasmussen-McNeill
- kmw4631

Schmaltz and Motter at LW..... That is an interesting 4th line. Big bodies.

Schmaltz and Motter at LW.....
- bhawks2241

I was just commenting the same thing. Not sure if you can read much into it, but Panik is slotted at RW with the two kids on LW. Interesting to note anyway.

I was just commenting the same thing. Not sure if you can read much into it, but Panik is slotted at RW with the two kids on LW. Interesting to note anyway.
- breadbag

When has forcing a player onto his offside ever worked well for the Hawks? (or any team) Particularly, for younger players who need to show their best in order to even make the team. Maybe it's a "show you can play here or you don't get a shot," but why pressure the two kids to leave college early if you weren't sure they'd fill the gaping LW hole?

Anyone else, besides me starting to worry about Keith's health?

I anticipate an "interesting" season if he's not 100%, or misses significant time.
- ArlingtonRob

hey rob..been out most of the summer...hope all is well..

meniscus/cartlidge tears are very tricky injurys...it all depends where the tear is...surgery does not always fix the problem or remove the pain...

and yes if keith is sub par or lost a step...the hawks will look more and more like a playoff bubble team...

Just give us the Stanley CUP now.


Lines from Blackhawks first group practice:
Schmaltz-Hinostroza-Panik
Motte-Kero-Hartman
Fortin-Johnson-Tootoo
Lundberg-Rasmussen-McNeill
- kmw4631

stacked....

Just give us the Stanley CUP now.


Lines from Blackhawks first group practice:
Schmaltz-Hinostroza-Panik
Motte-Kero-Hartman
Fortin-Johnson-Tootoo
Lundberg-Rasmussen-McNeill
- kmw4631

Replacing Tootoo with a young prospect, can you imagine if that's what the Hawks will look like in the early 2020s once the core have retired or moved on?

McNeill has seen time as a Right handed LW...
and even played there in World Junior Tourney
- wiz1901

Right or wrong, I really like the idea of a RH LW w/ Toews and Hossa for opening up some shooting angles. Worked well for Sharpie too.

While Q is in Toronto, it's actually very nice to hear the assistant coaches talk about the prospects. They are much more forthcoming with information and opinions. Dineen here:

https://www.nhl.com/black...ey/t-277437096/c-44875003

If the 'hawks start strong, I wouldn't be surprised if they convince Keith to give them short term IR Cap relief by resting him by way of this "re-occuring" injury.
- wiz1901

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

Right or wrong, I really like the idea of a RH LW w/ Toews and Hossa for opening up some shooting angles. Worked well for Sharpie too.
- grinder10

I like it also...can McNeil keep up with 19-81

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

I assume you mean Bondra? http://www.hockeysfuture....prospects/radovan-bondra/

A little off topic and kind of a funny story. I was at the Stars scrimmage game this weekend and Stephen Johns noticed my buddy and I in Hawks sweaters and he gave us one of these --->

NHL on NBC ‏@NHLonNBCSports 46s47 seconds ago
Report: Panarin wants six-year deal from ‘Hawks, at least $6M per season

im glad its at least $6 mil and not 7+

this is relatively good news. Get it done stan