Restocking the shelves in Rockford (or for trades)

Scott Powers‏
@ByScottPowers

So many Hawks forward prospects coming in: Hayden, DeBrincat, Fortin, Iacopelli, Louis. Highmore, Knott & Noel. Possibly Bondra & Radke too.

Noel just signed to a 3-year

I fail to see how this helps the team. Stan is wasting more time and not addressing the actual problems the team has.

2016 #NHLDraft pick Nathan Noel has been signed to a three-year deal that begins next season and runs through 2019-20. pic.twitter.com/s2jkFbTNWI

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 27, 2017

- DarthKane

Thought I read that the forward ranks were basically gutted in Rockford this year. Maybe just restocking at that level? Bad to not have any pipeline and let's assume they'll find a replacement HC who will be better at developing players.

Restocking the shelves in Rockford (or for trades)

Scott Powers‏
@ByScottPowers

So many Hawks forward prospects coming in: Hayden, DeBrincat, Fortin, Iacopelli, Louis. Highmore, Knott & Noel. Possibly Bondra & Radke too.

Noel just signed to a 3-year
- pdx2ord

Another smurf that is a waste of a pick and waste of a contract.

Thought I read that the forward ranks were basically gutted in Rockford this year. Maybe just restocking at that level? Bad to not have any pipeline and let's assume they'll find a replacement HC who will be better at developing players.
- pdx2ord

Why does Noel have to be signed now? The Hawks could have waited and dealt with more pressing matters.

Blackhawks fans ought to resent the fact that Bowman did not stock enough AHL.veterans to mix with prospects so that Rockford qualified for playoffs.

The prospects, overall, finished at Rockford this season do not excite too much. I have doubt on Luis and Iocopola. Dahlgren and goaltenders so so. Snuggerud ...wait and see. Maybe I am wrong on Luis but he likely will not take a top line NFL job based on what can be projected this moment.

Nonetheless there is post season experience where a pro may be introduced to the pro game. Yet other prospects - who have already been playing AHL- receive a larger role and or can work on whatever they have been told to do. This may (emphasis "may") lead to one less objection from Q using an unprepared or unschooled rookie.

Believe it or not, but the stronger four lines means rolling four lines. May be a few games we win or go to a shootout when we can roll four productive or effective lines.

Some post said that Gilbert disappointed at Note Dame this season. Kryz is a ways away and certainly will need to practice playing defense in the GAL.

Now we hear how Bowman is pursuing another Swedish dman. May this position be the biggest concern long term? Open tryouts now. Maybe if there is a better development coach both Dahlgren and Norell may be ok. Svederg, Gustafsson, probably Polka not the answer.

Any AHL watchers care to chip in with your view?

I fail to see how this helps the team. Stan is wasting more time and not addressing the actual problems the team has.

2016 #NHLDraft pick Nathan Noel has been signed to a three-year deal that begins next season and runs through 2019-20. pic.twitter.com/s2jkFbTNWI

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 27, 2017

- DarthKane

Nothing is going to happen until at least the expansion draft - and, for the Hawks, needing a complete analysis of the team, the rookies, the core, what happened against Nashville - nothing should happen until then.

Although I'd like to see "mission accomplished" (whatever that's going to be) completed within a couple of weeks after free agency begins.

Get things done before the market place shrinks because other teams have made their moves.

Beginning to think so...

He was never McD's guy and ScoBow has too much influence in the org, however, 13 cups is a good reason to listen.
- riozzo

Huh...totally wrong he is 100% McDonut's guy mostly because John knew he could control him like a 13 year old and he would ask how high when John says jump.

Thought I read that the forward ranks were basically gutted in Rockford this year. Maybe just restocking at that level? Bad to not have any pipeline and let's assume they'll find a replacement HC who will be better at developing players.
- pdx2ord

Yeah that's what Dent was crying about!

That gets into the gray area after Bill passed, while Peter was briefly in charge and Pully still calling Hockey shots.
- riozzo

Wrong and wrong...Rocky assumed control the Monday after Bill passed and was calling all of the shots with Dale executing on the hockey side.

Nothing is going to happen until at least the expansion draft - and, for the Hawks, needing a complete analysis of the team, the rookies, the core, what happened against Nashville - nothing should happen until then.

Although I'd like to see "mission accomplished" (whatever that's going to be) completed within a couple of weeks after free agency begins.

Get things done before the market place shrinks because other teams have made their moves.
- StLBravesFan

Or slightly before, there's still teams that don't meet expansion exposure compliance yet. I expect to see some trades prior to the expansion draft.

ESPN's massive on-air-talent lay-off this week seems to have gutted their already-meager hockey coverage: Pierre Lebrun, Scott Burnside and Joe McDonald are out.

ESPN's massive on-air-talent lay-off this week seems to have gutted their already-meager hockey coverage: Pierre Lebrun, Scott Burnside and Joe McDonald are out.
- StLBravesFan

I think they have ceded hockey to NBCSN and NHL Network in the States.

I have the feeling we still see a Q ouster. With Kitch being shown the door and now McD saying Q and Stan will pick an AC together? Do not see that happening. Stan canning Kitch no doubt will rub Q the wrong way. I dont see a team coming back together this summer. I see a HUGE power struggle developing.

I know I am in the minority here, but I still think now is the time to move Q and start fresh. We need new ideas in many areas. PP, PK... playing style. Now is the time. Just dont see Q and Stan coming together with Kitch now gone.

Why does Noel have to be signed now? The Hawks could have waited and dealt with more pressing matters.
- DarthKane

There will be nothing done till the playoffs end ,these minor league deals do not affect the cap so what the problem . Nothing wrong with gathering prospects up . Relax we have a long off season ,and really I don't see a lot of on ice changes coming .

Let's go Rangers and Caps! Do not want a 3rd Cup for the Pens.

Grabner would be a great addition to the Hawks. Speed, finishing ability and plays on the PK....

Grabner would be a great addition to the Hawks. Speed, finishing ability and plays on the PK....
- EnzoD

He'd be in Q's doghouse in no time.

He'd be in Q's doghouse in no time.
- DarthKane

I honestly don't know how to respond to you anymore Darth. Idk if any post you make is your actual opinion or sarcasm anymore LOL. Grabner probably priced himself out of Chicago's budget with his outstanding season.

Nothing is going to happen until at least the expansion draft - and, for the Hawks, needing a complete analysis of the team, the rookies, the core, what happened against Nashville - nothing should happen until then.

Although I'd like to see "mission accomplished" (whatever that's going to be) completed within a couple of weeks after free agency begins.

Get things done before the market place shrinks because other teams have made their moves.
- StLBravesFan

agree...there is 6 weeks of playoffs left...other than the "message sending" firing of kitchen and dent; don't expect any of the remaining so called "big changes"

however hawk brass has plenty of time to establish plans...

Huh...totally wrong he is 100% McDonut's guy mostly because John knew he could control him like a 13 year old and he would ask how high when John says jump.
- ElkgroveMcD

Your a order of fries short of a happy meal on this. He GM because of ScoBow influence-

Who was McD's guy?
- jhawk159

Jay, maybe Al McIssacs.

I feel like I missed the boat on Smaltz locker room stuff - please elaborate
- riozzo

He's a littleSh-t! Let Q run a boot right ups spoiled little Ass!

buh.

Criselbee with 2 goals in a min.

So how about those bears .....

Let's go Rangers and Caps! Do not want a 3rd Cup for the Pens.
- EnzoD

You just want the Caps to win or you think they will?

The Maple Leafs exposed them my friend. That D group of their isn't good enough methinks.