Because they're a young team that's closer to being a contender than I thought they'd be at this point in time. They could use the veteran leadership on their team, not to mention at least one player that's actually one the cup.
- walleyeb1

Hmm. When do they have to pay Matthews, Nylander and Marner? They have a few years, but I don't think they will be able to do bridge deals with all of them. Toews' money would make it hard to fit. Seab's $ wouldn't be easy either, but it would be $3M easier.

A lot will depend on Q and how he maximizes his roster. He must change the mindset of this team and make them nastier. 7 may not have the wheels he did a few years ago, but he is 603 and pretty darn strong. Start clearing out that crease and play with an edge. This team has alot of skill, just need to find the right mix on the lines and play with a bit more heavy/snarl.
- z1990z

⬆️THIS⬆️
Also, we must be realistic on what we would actually get back in trade for core players. The big salary and the NMC/NTC aspects are big parts of the puzzle that the other team needs to be convinced to accept.

Hmm. When do they have to pay Matthews, Nylander and Marner? They have a few years, but I don't think they will be able to do bridge deals with all of them. Toews' money would make it hard to fit. Sean's $ wouldn't be easy either, but it would be $3M easier.
- Marlowe

Toronto does have $8.3 million in buried contracts coming off the books next season too.

A lot will depend on Q and how he maximizes his roster. He must change the mindset of this team and make them nastier. 7 may not have the wheels he did a few years ago, but he is 603 and pretty darn strong. Start clearing out that crease and play with an edge. This team has alot of skill, just need to find the right mix on the lines and play with a bit more heavy/snarl.
- z1990z

Agreed

A lot will depend on Q and how he maximizes his roster. He must change the mindset of this team and make them nastier. 7 may not have the wheels he did a few years ago, but he is 603 and pretty darn strong. Start clearing out that crease and play with an edge. This team has alot of skill, just need to find the right mix on the lines and play with a bit more heavy/snarl.
- z1990z

Agreed

With Crawford staying looks like it's a franchise changing direction move of Core players or stay the course and hope the likes of our young players develop.

Either way the next 5 years may well belong to Toronto- Edmonton- Who are loaded up front.
Don't know enough about other Teams depth but according to McGuire Winnipeg and Caralina are deep


Mike Yeo is pretty smug
Hope Nashville roll the Blues

The draft order for the lottery wad drawn yesterday and I guess that the NHL feels this is the way to go. Employing a weighted draft lottery never is going to please me, though. I want the teams that were the worst, to draft first. It is a deserved distinction.

That being said, i cannot be dismayed how Tallon had Kane fall into his lap.

I am a fan of watching competitive hockey and do not want any team to stay bad forever. Even dreaded least favorite teams i prefer do not stay bad. Colorado and New Jersey could be at a crossroad where there is a really good opportunity to begin an upward trajectory. The Blackhawks need Bowman to be bold and start to correct some overpayments.

I will add this cavaet: it annoys me when a team makes a poor trade. Here is a situation i am watching: Sakic dealing with the defense in Colorado. He needs to get a dman if he moves Duchesne. He would do well to also draft a dman. Barrie is a weapon whom can complement a still high octane offense even if Duchesne is jettisoned. Barrie and E Johnson nerd help. Can Johnson ever become a top dman. Can Barrie excel as a third pair and specialist? Need to get your ducks lined up properly on the blueline, then see how it plays out. Similar to Chicago when Keith is the #1
and playing well.

We can look at Edmonton top heavy drafting all those centericemen yet their defense was so bad that they stumbled along not able to find their way. Now the Oilers are going places although their defense still needs an upgrade.

The success at the draft table speaks volumes. Good drafts can make can make a team; bad drafts bting them down. I know that Wiz has an entire process of making the draft be fair and it entails the slot position for each team over several years. Maybe he will mention it again once he is finished with his draft review.

Another Stan failure. This team has a need that Shalunov could fill, but Stan cannot get him to sign in Chicago.
- DarthKane

How do you know Shalunov could fill any role in the NHL??

The KHL plays on the wider rink - with little contact. He has thrived there - he failed miserably in the AHL - which is a few steps down from the NHL, but about 6 steps up from the KHL.

I am tired of people on this site seeing size of a player - and assuming they will succeed because of that size (see Mark McNeil)....

How do you know Shalunov could fill any role in the NHL??

The KHL plays on the wider rink - with little contact. He has thrived there - he failed miserably in the AHL - which is a few steps down from the NHL, but about 6 steps up from the KHL.

I am tired of people on this site seeing size of a player - and assuming they will succeed because of that size (see Mark McNeil)....
- dahawks8819

Another reason Shalunov isn't signing in the NHL (not on Stan) is the NHL players aren't going to play on the next Olympics so Shalunov has a shot to represent his country. He's said it's important to him and his agent said it would be a factor.

How do you know Shalunov could fill any role in the NHL??

The KHL plays on the wider rink - with little contact. He has thrived there - he failed miserably in the AHL - which is a few steps down from the NHL, but about 6 steps up from the KHL.

I am tired of people on this site seeing size of a player - and assuming they will succeed because of that size (see Mark McNeil)....
- dahawks8819

Who said anything about his size? He is a talented winger and he Hawks need a talented winger.

Size is important. That's why Debrincat and all the other college/CHL/Euro smurfs that Stan signs/drafts will never see the light of day in the NHL.

How do you know Shalunov could fill any role in the NHL??

The KHL plays on the wider rink - with little contact. He has thrived there - he failed miserably in the AHL - which is a few steps down from the NHL, but about 6 steps up from the KHL.

I am tired of people on this site seeing size of a player - and assuming they will succeed because of that size (see Mark McNeil)....
- dahawks8819

It is a longshot to see a player like Shulanov would need to open eyes by playing well on a line with top line offensive players in a few exhibition tilts. Then you have to see Shulanov hungry with the correct mindset to work on some things, probably in the AHL. Face the facts, though: Shulanov is more likely to go after the KHL money so he misses out on the NHL.

Shulanov impress Q? A tall order. Recall how Pirri just was lacking in certain areas of his game and since he had to be better, defensively, on a lower line, he never endeared himself to Q speak.

Shulanov would compete against DeBrincat, Fortin, the OHL Lw in camp last exhibition season.....so Shulanov better want it and do what it takes. I do not believe it happens, but would be glad to be wrong. Btw we also have the Czech kid just inked.

Trading Kane would end the Hawks run. He literally drives the PP and the only guy on our team that can consistently create offense.

Comparing the Pens and Hawks also isn't fair. Crosby is clearly better than Toews. It's not close right now. Coaches have game plan how to stop Crosby and Malkin. I don't think no coaches are worried about how they will need to shut down a Toews line. Malkin and Kane is probably a wash when healthy. The Pens team has so much more speed than the Hawks.

Who said anything about his size? He is a talented winger and he Hawks need a talented winger.

Size is important. That's why Debrincat and all the other college/CHL/Euro smurfs that Stan signs/drafts will never see the light of day in the NHL.
- DarthKane

Size means nothing if the player plays a soft game. Russian players are not known for their ability to adjust to a heavier game - most shy away from it.

And people here need to stop with the narrative of Stan preferring "smurf" players. When you are drafting at the bottom of each round - you pick the player rated highest in hockey ability - not his height and/or weight. And usually the bigger, more skilled players go at the top of the draft - not the bottom. That is the price a team pays for being successful.

It is a longshot to see a player like Shulanov would need to open eyes by playing well on a line with top line offensive players in a few exhibition tilts. Then you have to see Shulanov hungry with the correct mindset to work on some things, probably in the AHL. Face the facts, though: Shulanov is more likely to go after the KHL money so he misses out on the NHL.

Shulanov impress Q? A tall order. Recall how Pirri just was lacking in certain areas of his game and since he had to be better, defensively, on a lower line, he never endeared himself to Q speak.
Shulanov would compete against DeBrincat, Fortin, the OHL Lw in camp last exhibition season.....so Shulanov better want it and do what it takes. I do not believe it happens, but would be glad to be wrong. Btw we also have the Czech kid just inked.
- jhawk59

You are correct on all points.

I was told a few months ago - from someone that know the situation - that Shalunov was incredibly less than noticeable the first time around on North American ice - and it would take a near miracle for him to change the coaches minds. The comparison made to me was Fortin - it was said that Shalunov would need to come into summer rookie camp - and open the eyes of the coaches the way Fortin did last summer - to even have the smallest chance to stick on the main roster next fall. And Shalunov does not want to take that risk - so he can continue to languish in the inferior KHL.

The Blackhawks are not missing anything without him.

Either way the next 5 years may well belong to Toronto- Edmonton- Who are loaded up front.


- Colbyboy

The Oilers are next to feel the wrath of the salary cap. Draisaitl will get at least 6 million this year and next year they will have to resign Mcdavid who will get around 10 million. They also need to improve defense and goaltending.

You are correct on all points.

I was told a few months ago - from someone that know the situation - that Shalunov was incredibly less than noticeable the first time around on North American ice - and it would take a near miracle for him to change the coaches minds. The comparison made to me was Fortin - it was said that Shalunov would need to come into summer rookie camp - and open the eyes of the coaches the way Fortin did last summer - to even have the smallest chance to stick on the main roster next fall. And Shalunov does not want to take that risk - so he can continue to languish in the inferior KHL.

The Blackhawks are not missing anything without him.
- dahawks8819

Question ...... is it just me or are these playoffs so far totally dull and lack intensity? ?
This Blues/Preds game is horrible and feels like a regular season game. Maybe it's Nashville's style or that the Blues are just so slow. The only series that has any excitement is the Ottawa series. I wish they would consider expanding to Olympic size ice to create more flow and less "trap" BS, we know that woukd never happen....And maybe they should start enforcing the interference rule again. The rule was put it years ago and hasnt been enforced properly EVER. It would stop all this clutching and grabbing that's for sure. This is boring hockey !!!

Wow Yeo pulls Allen with 4:09 to go

Who said anything about his size? He is a talented winger and he Hawks need a talented winger.

Size is important. That's why Debrincat and all the other college/CHL/Euro smurfs that Stan signs/drafts will never see the light of day in the NHL.
- DarthKane

Cmon' mow, there are exceptions to the rule where smurfs do make the NHL grade.

Dino Ciccarelli. Martin St Louis. How big is Drouin. T Johnson on Tampa.

We won't know until they turn pro and we see how they fare most likely for a while in the AHL.

I know that with some they master the art of escspability. St Louis had a long, productive mainly injury free career.

For sure some are fair players but never realized the potential straighr out of junior hockey. Derrik Brassard comes to mind.

You know what, A Luis seems fiesty enough and has temperment (has been reported on this board to not take beating without handing it back) but then have to ask to what degree/how long can he play that way. I am not convinced Luis is a top line NHL projection just yet. I am however intrigued enough to give him a season to show us.

In the final analysis, DarthKane, the smaller guys have to do just that - show us.

More often than not you are correct about the smurfs. Perhaps you might admit there is one you think might be that exception to the rule?

DeBrincat was called a steal in the draft. The Blackhawks might turn out to be in a position to guve him a look - how soon - dk.

Also dk what mischive Stan is up for doing.

Wow Yeo pulls Allen with 4:09 to go
- walleyeb1

The Blues are just bad. They were lucky to win 1 game.

Cmon' mow, there are exceptions to the rule where smurfs do make the NHL grade.

Dino Ciccarelli. Martin St Louis. How big is Drouin. T Johnson on Tampa.

We won't know until they turn pro and we see how they fare most likely for a while in the AHL.

I know that with some they master the art of escspability. St Louis had a long, productive mainly injury free career.

For sure some are fair players but never realized the potential straighr out of junior hockey. Derrik Brassard comes to mind.

You know what, A Luis seems fiesty enough and has temperment (has been reported on this board to not take beating without handing it back) but then have to ask to what degree/how long can he play that way. I am not convinced Luis is a top line NHL projection just yet. I am however intrigued enough to give him a season to show us.

In the final analysis, DarthKane, the smaller guys have to do just that - show us.

More often than not you are correct about the smurfs. Perhaps you might admit there is one you think might be that exception to the rule?

DeBrincat was called a steal in the draft. The Blackhawks might turn out to be in a position to guve him a look - how soon - dk.

Also dk what mischive Stan is up for doing.
- jhawk59

Outside of the off the hook stats the Cat has put up, the common theme by those that have seen him play is that he is not afraid of anyone and will get after the puck. Debrincat plays with an edge and prolly has his whole life due to his vertical limitations. I think he is going to be a good player for the Hawks.

Trading Kane would end the Hawks run. He literally drives the PP and the only guy on our team that can consistently create offense.

Comparing the Pens and Hawks also isn't fair. Crosby is clearly better than Toews. It's not close right now. Coaches have game plan how to stop Crosby and Malkin. I don't think no coaches are worried about how they will need to shut down a Toews line. Malkin and Kane is probably a wash when healthy. The Pens team has so much more speed than the Hawks.
- bhawks2241

True, getting Kane in 2007 was a revival of the franchise, and I am a big fan of him on ice.
However thinking of probability of him doing again something stupid off-ice and get in trouble with the law again, which will made him untouchable from 29 other teams, would make me consider trading him as a GM while I can sell high.

Panarin: I want to put this out here, mainly because it has gotten pretty old, then bull about performance... blah blah blah.

Yeh I'm a Panarin fan, but I also get that he is moveable. If it happens, it isn't because of 'performance issues', it would be due to return. If the team does, indeed, approach one or more guys about their NMC, then it sounds like they are looking for other options than moving Panarin (which doesn't mean that it still won't happen). That's life ... hell, they moved Denis Savard -and I wasn't too big of a fan of that move at first either. (Granted that was in the pre-cap days when you made moves for hockey reasons instead solely for business reasons.)

I will also note than St L won 38% of its face-offs tonight... pretty Hawk-like - and Mike Yeo can't coach ... he never could in Minne -so why he should be able to in StL is lost on me ... seriously the guy is dressing Reaves for the playoffs ... Reaves is a guy with one purpose ... and it isn't playoff hockey. I don't know where Yeo gets his attitude issues from .... it can't be by looking at all of the hardware that he has won (unless he has Photoshop).

I can't give Stan that much credit when he was not the true architect of this "core." A large portion of the cup-winning teams had key players brought in during the Tallon regime. And while I compliment Stan for maintaining the roster for as long as he did, I don't trust him any longer to manage this team.

His failures as a GM have directly shaved years off of this team's "dynasty" run. There is no forgiving overpaying Toews/Kane, the Seabrook contract, and the failure to sign Saad. No smart GM would have made those deals with such high costs and long terms. The management that always win in sports are those who sell high and retool/reload.

Look at someone like Bill Belichick in football who has kept his team relevant for well over a decade now. He has built rosters by drafting, developing, and not overpaying his talent. When you sell players when their value is high you get the youth and draft picks to develop your next generation of talent. It's a sports franchise life-cycle.

When people like Stan think they can outsmart everyone else and retain a large group of core players, it's just not smart. Locking in aging stars has never been a good idea. Everyone gets old and it will always be better to cut someone loose one year too early than a year too late.

Bowman held onto Bickell for far too long, and then moved the "untouchable" Teuvo to dump Bickell. And it's quite remarkable how he has attempted to always save face through his carrier pigeons in the media like Laz & Myers.

Stories such as Teuvo being lazy, the youth movement's talent, the lack of concern over the tightening cap. Anyone willing to see the truth knows that Bowman is the reason why the window has closed.
- falseprophet93

Great post...

Good to see more and more finally getting it in regard to the "caretaker"...I would have loved to have seen what Dale would have done the last several seasons had he been here, but McD ran him out of town because he wouldn't be his lackey (to put it nicely).

The pro Bowman crowd will immediately yammer on about Dale's bad draft picks and cap issues - but that was 7 years ago - someone in the last blog actually said part of this was Dale's fault...lol...

And while some are thrilled we won three (I certainly am) some smarts on the part of mgt. and they could have won more and be already retooling.

Meanwhile take a look at what Rutherford has done...and the Pens could easily win back to back this season - first time in the cap era and something the Hawks brass I'm sure covets. They would also tie the Hawks with 3 cups in the cap era. That would look great at the draft here...

And let's be clear sure its on Stan, but its also on McEgo...big time. We've seen the head coach from Rockford and the Asst. Coach fired...but no one from the front office has been let go...they still don't get it.

Didn't Jimmy R win one with Carolina ? Not basing it all on cups.
Why I think he is best, he obtain Haglen Boninio, Kessel (and had leafs retain salary)) which was easliy the best 3rd line in the playoffs last year. Took Daley from Hawks and made us take back Scuds. Hired Sullivan ect
- HamiltonHawk[/img]

he did, his first, his second came after following Shero in the exact same fashion as StanBo followed uncle dale = hard work done

Great post...

Good to see more and more finally getting it in regard to the "caretaker"...I would have loved to have seen what Dale would have done the last several seasons had he been here, but McD ran him out of town because he wouldn't be his lackey (to put it nicely).


- DK002

You mean the same Dale Tallon who has never had to worry about cap issues - the one who could sign players, trade them, without dealing with needing to move quality players out because of cap reasons - you're so sure he would have been able to keep this team together the past 7 years, would have won two Cups after 2010, would have been that much better than Bowman?