I can't speak for all, but me personally....when I see a franchise admit a plan isn't working and rebuild, smartly I appreciate it. its the continual patch work job on a sinking ship that drives me crazy. Bulls are the prime example of this and why I refuse to follow the NBA at all.

I sit in the 300 level....prices when we first committed where affordable. Now you are looking at 3 figures and that's just pure greed IMO. I get it from the Hawks perspective, but you also go against your supposed commitment to get youth in the stands. The get in price to a Hawks game for a family 4 with parking is almost $500. that's before concessions and buying the kids a souviner. How many people have that disposable income?

I love hockey, still play it, but I also realize that when I show up to Canlan in Romeoville I understand full well the financial and time commitment these parents are making. The NHL really needs to look at a program to get athletes on ice. A few of my Canadian customers always tell me about programs up there......
- SteveRain

The biggest issue is it cost huge money to rebuild...We all poke fun at WWW but he allowed Tallon to tank and was losing about $20 mill per year until Toews was drafted. That's a lot of coin...

As far as hockey programs...You are correct-TB is doing a big job there and a few others but the NHL doesn't steer the ship the way they should.

For example besides ice programs-Which as you know can be costly there is no reason why every franchise isn't mandated to do a roller hockey-street hockey program...That's what they are doing in TB.

It's not uncommnon for players coming up now to say they played a ton of street hockey or roller hockey before turning to the ice and getting serious.

But the NHL is loosley run in many ways....And you are correct, the sport doesn't have the fan base as a whole to solve problems only by increasing ticket prices.

I laughed when I saw the Blackhawks top prospect on this list:

50. Alex DeBrincat, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
DOB: 12/18/97 | Ht: 5' 7" | Wt: 165
2016-17 stats, Erie (OHL): 63 GP | 65 G | 62 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Rockford (AHL)
DeBrincat continues to put up points in giant bunches. He led the OHL in goals and points and led the OHL playoffs in scoring. There is a lot to love about his game. He has high-end puck skills, plays with fast pace, and has a fantastic shot. The issue for me isn't DeBrincat's 5-foot-7 frame, it is whether he's a good enough skater for that 5-foot-7 frame. To his credit, he battles well and wins more pucks than his frame suggests. His OHL resume suggests a top-end prospect, but when I've seen him at NHL and world junior camps, I haven't seen the same player show up.

59. Henri Jokiharju, D, Chicago Blackhawks
DOB: 6/17/99 | Ht: 5' 11.75" | Wt: 180
2016-17 stats, Portland (WHL): 71 GP | 9 G | 39 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Portland (WHL)
Jokiharju is a great skater, and is a smart, two-way defenseman who can dictate tempo and move the puck efficiently. I don't think his skill is top-end level, but he's going to be able to rack up a lot of points thanks to his vision, feet and decision-making. Despite not being a big guy, Jokiharju is quite effective defensively because he's very smart with his positional play.

That’s all.
None in the honorable mention either.
- matt_ahrens

Thanks for posting that.

Where did Pronman rate the Hawks system?

I'll assume pretty close to last. No excuse for that either - I don't care about the dearth of early rounders due to TDL deals to contend either - they have managed to maintain a quantity of picks and that is what matters most. The fact they haven't produced any truly legit depth prospects (particularly at D) in the last 4-5 seasons is simply unacceptable. They need some new blood in the amateur scouting department.

The biggest issue is it cost huge money to rebuild...We all poke fun at WWW but he allowed Tallon to tank and was losing about $20 mill per year until Toews was drafted. That's a lot of coin...

As far as hockey programs...You are correct-TB is doing a big job there and a few others but the NHL doesn't steer the ship the way they should.

For example besides ice programs-Which as you know can be costly there is no reason why every franchise isn't mandated to do a roller hockey-street hockey program...That's what they are doing in TB.

It's not uncommnon for players coming up now to say they played a ton of street hockey or roller hockey before turning to the ice and getting serious.

But the NHL is loosley run in many ways....And you are correct, the sport doesn't have the fan base as a whole to solve problems only by increasing ticket prices.
- Al

I grew up playing floor and roller hockey. Winter rolled around I made the transition from in line skates to ice skates pretty easily.

I agree and a street/roller league would be a great way for the hawks to get exposure in the community.

Thanks for posting that.

Where did Pronman rate the Hawks system?

I'll assume pretty close to last. No excuse for that either - I don't care about the dearth of early rounders due to TDL deals to contend either - they have managed to maintain a quantity of picks and that is what matters most. The fact they haven't produced any truly legit depth prospects (particularly at D) in the last 4-5 seasons is simply unacceptable. They need some new blood in the amateur scouting department.
- tredbrta

I can't see where they are right now, but does it matter that much? The Sabres, Coyotes, and Wings have been in Pronman's top 5 for like 3 years now and nothing much has come of for them yet. Leafs were #1 last year, Flyers #1 this year so they those look about right but we won't really know atm. It's kind of hit or miss in predictive to how a team will do once those prospects start to come up.

The Penguins were 30th two years ago right before their kids came up and contributed to two cups in a row.

They wont get smoked....they have captain America of the USA worlds F team roster on their team now.

No need to panic.......
- SteveRain

You certainly have a way with words. Bravo.

I grew up playing floor and roller hockey. Winter rolled around I made the transition from in line skates to ice skates pretty easily.

I agree and a street/roller league would be a great way for the hawks to get exposure in the community.
- SteveRain

Should be the obvious choice...A lot more affordable.

Thanks for posting that.

Where did Pronman rate the Hawks system?

I'll assume pretty close to last. No excuse for that either - I don't care about the dearth of early rounders due to TDL deals to contend either - they have managed to maintain a quantity of picks and that is what matters most. The fact they haven't produced any truly legit depth prospects (particularly at D) in the last 4-5 seasons is simply unacceptable. They need some new blood in the amateur scouting department.
- tredbrta

Rating prospects is not a science and I don't think Pronman has been exceptional on Hawks prospects.

I can't see where they are right now, but does it matter that much? The Sabres, Coyotes, and Wings have been in Pronman's top 5 for like 3 years now and nothing much has come of for them yet. Leafs were #1 last year, Flyers #1 this year so they those look about right but we won't really know atm. It's kind of hit or miss in predictive to how a team will do once those prospects start to come up.

The Penguins were 30th two years ago right before their kids came up and contributed to two cups in a row.
- L_B_R

How high the system is rated has most significance when talking about high end prospects. There could be a bunch of young guys who are not rated high and become very good players albeit 3rd/4th line and 3rd pairing damen.

The last high end Hawks prospect, who btw flew under the radar, to become a significant pro and spent considerable time in the AHL was Hammer.

The Pens system has given them exactly what they have needed the last couple of years and that's what is most important.

How high the system is rated has most significance when talking about high end prospects. There could be a bunch of young guys who are not rated high and become very good players albeit 3rd/4th line and 3rd pairing damen.

The last high end Hawks prospect, who btw flew under the radar, to become a significant pro and spent considerable time in the AHL was Hammer.

The Pens system has given them exactly what they have needed the last couple of years and that's what is most important.
- Al

Yep, exactly, and that was kind of my point - these types of rankings are interesting, but they don't necessarily tell you anything about what a team is going to need to be successful. The Pens burned their system down acquiring high end, immediate impact guys, either for longer term or for rentals, while going a longer development route with some of the kids they needed to plug in lower line roles. The Hawks have done something somewhat similarly and have been impacted by their draft position due to success.

I'm more interested in the analysis of the prospects pools and discussion of prospects as individual rather than a team's pool rank, though I do think the latter is neat.

For anyone who cared about the other top NCAA player that became a FA today.

@ByScottPowers
The Blackhawks have not reached out to free agent Alex Kerfoot, source says.

By recliner do you mean the Harley?

I ride too (Moto Guzzi - something about those Italian birds ) and having cash for a road trip or new mirrors or a dope custom paint job on the tank or new pipes or bars or headlight or shocks or tires is better spent IMO.
- fattybeef

LOL!!! In college I did keep my Suzuki inside in the living room when I wasn't riding it.

Yep, exactly, and that was kind of my point - these types of rankings are interesting, but they don't necessarily tell you anything about what a team is going to need to be successful. The Pens burned their system down acquiring high end, immediate impact guys, either for longer term or for rentals, while going a longer development route with some of the kids they needed to plug in lower line roles. The Hawks have done something somewhat similarly and have been impacted by their draft position due to success.

I'm more interested in the analysis of the prospects pools and discussion of prospects as individual rather than a team's pool rank, though I do think the latter is neat.
- L_B_R

Yep and the Hawks have been fortunate to get solid to vg players without much schooling in the AHL...Kruger-Shaw-Saad but you can't bank on that.

Also, the teaching still needs to happen when they come up to the NHL and that's a reason there are 2 new pro coaches and also new Ice Hog head coach.

For anyone who cared about the other top NCAA player that became a FA today.

@ByScottPowers
The Blackhawks have not reached out to free agent Alex Kerfoot, source says.
- L_B_R

Update to include Butcher:

@ByScottPowers
The #Blackhawks have not contacted free agents Will Butcher and Alex Kerfoot
https://theathletic.com/8...ill-butcher-alex-kerfoot/

Update to include Butcher:

@ByScottPowers
The #Blackhawks have not contacted free agents Will Butcher and Alex Kerfoot
https://theathletic.com/8...ill-butcher-alex-kerfoot/
- L_B_R

I'll be a son of a biscuit! Par for the course!

Is it October yet? Thinking about the D.

I think Kempny will lock down the #4D, with probably Rutta/Oesterle/Forsling/Gus making up a combination of 5/6/7 and Rosy riding 8th (unless the Hawks decide to do something with him).

I don't think Keith and Seabrook will pair together 5v5, so probably like many speculate...

Keith - Murphy

Kempny - Seabrook was probably the best combination for either Seabrook or Kempny last season.

Follow that up with Forsling/Oesterle/Gustafsson - Rutta.

Just my gut feeling as Keith,Kempny,Forsling,Oesterle,Gustafsson are all mobile and Murphy/Seabrook/Rutta can be more physical and add size.

I have a feeling that 3-LD is the likely spot that will be rotating a bit with Rozsival getting the occasional shot at 3-RD. I think the big thing will be spreading out the minutes.

Update to include Butcher:

@ByScottPowers
The #Blackhawks have not contacted free agents Will Butcher and Alex Kerfoot
https://theathletic.com/8...ill-butcher-alex-kerfoot/
- L_B_R

Not the end of the world, I didn't expect Butcher to sign in Chicago anyway. I still expect he'll end up in New York.

As Powers said, it appears the Hawks want to give their own prospects a try. Don't forget that Raddysh is still in the mix with the Hawks prospects.

How high the system is rated has most significance when talking about high end prospects. There could be a bunch of young guys who are not rated high and become very good players albeit 3rd/4th line and 3rd pairing damen.

The last high end Hawks prospect, who btw flew under the radar, to become a significant pro and spent considerable time in the AHL was Hammer.

The Pens system has given them exactly what they have needed the last couple of years and that's what is most important.
- Al

In keeping with my Karpovtsev theme today, Hammer was the draft pick (4th rounder in 2005) that the Hawks got from the Isles in the 2004 trade for Karpy.

Correct and when those corporate types can't give away seats with any bang in return...They don't stick around all that long.

As you may know when the UC opened they set an NHL average attendance record, about 3 years later I had troubke giving away 4 great 200 level seats with parking.

Actually I gave them to young guy who worked for me and after taking them 3 times I asked him again and he was reluctant so I asked why...

He explained he would need to go home and pick up his wife and another couple and would have no time to eat before he went to the game. So although the seats were free, with a few hot dogs and a few beers it was getting costly.

He was a nice guy and wasn't making a bunch of dough so I asked him if that was the only reason he didn't want to go-He said yes, so I handed him the tickets and $40.

That was 96-97 and the next year I didn't renew-Granted they were awful at the time but things can change and it doesn't take too long.
- Al

A few of the people I know who had\have season tickets were pretty irritated when they moved the start back to 7 and they didnt have time after work to grab a bite or something.

We will see though. They could surprise us all.

I can't see where they are right now, but does it matter that much? The Sabres, Coyotes, and Wings have been in Pronman's top 5 for like 3 years now and nothing much has come of for them yet. Leafs were #1 last year, Flyers #1 this year so they those look about right but we won't really know atm. It's kind of hit or miss in predictive to how a team will do once those prospects start to come up.

The Penguins were 30th two years ago right before their kids came up and contributed to two cups in a row.
- L_B_R

Good point/s. One of the reasons I no longer pay for any of them. They're all going to agree on the top prospects - but I like to glance at the system rankings too just to get a sense of what the consensus is on depth.

Oilers are now joining the Hawks in salary cap hell. Two players with 21 million dollar tag.

I'll be a son of a biscuit! Par for the course!
- wonthecup10

It's not really par though - the Hawks are usually in on every college FA, even if they don't end up with them. As Powers suggests, the Hawks may want to go with the guys they have now - they don't exactly have much room in the AHL if Butcher isn't NHL ready and they're at 44 of 50 contracts (with possible trades, college players signing at the end of the season, etc etc, still possible).

It's also possible that the Hawks do have something lined up to acquire a d-man, either through trade or PTO signing, after the season starts and they're okay with that plan + depth as is. I have no idea how likely this is but maybe.

Oilers are now joining the Hawks in salary cap hell. Two players with 21 million dollar tag.
- SaskHawkFan

Sans Cups.

Not the end of the world, I didn't expect Butcher to sign in Chicago anyway. I still expect he'll end up in New York.

As Powers said, it appears the Hawks want to give their own prospects a try. Don't forget that Raddysh is still in the mix with the Hawks prospects.
- DarthKane

Hey Darth,you're more of an optimistic person than me when it comes to the mix of defense prospects the BLACKHAWKS have, I think what they're doing with that group is wishing in one hand, crapping in the other, and seeing which one fills up first. None of those guys were drafted they were all signed as free agents, I feel that if any of them were any good they would've been drafted by other teams ahead of the BLACKHAWKS given the BLACKHAWKS record the last few years I don't expect anything out of guys like Gustavsson, Svedberg and a few of those other guys, I am rooting for Kempny,and if I have to be honest, I am kind of pissed that they're not going after will butcher, or at least trying to make a valiant attempt at signing him!

It's not really par though - the Hawks are usually in on every college FA, even if they don't end up with them. As Powers suggests, the Hawks may want to go with the guys they have now - they don't exactly have much room in the AHL if Butcher isn't NHL ready and they're at 44 of 50 contracts (with possible trades, college players signing at the end of the season, etc etc, still possible).

It's also possible that the Hawks do have something lined up to acquire a d-man, either through trade or PTO signing, after the season starts and they're okay with that plan + depth as is. I have no idea how likely this is but maybe.
- L_B_R

I hope you are right about that one, I just don't want any more Junk and it's what I feel the Hawks have with most of those free-agent defense of prospects, I also see Edmonton join the group with the $21 million for two players, when is enough enough for these guys, I hope the oil or's win a cup or two in the next three or four years because they're going to go through the same bull crap that we are now, I like JJ's blog because it definitely pertains to guys like me, I have 1 foot out the door and if I lose a lot of money this year both feeder out the door, I just redid my retirement home and have a nice big theater screen TV and soaked a lot of money into that room so I will enjoy any game on the NHL center ice package from the comfort of my own home!

The Hawks have become a stupid organization again ... First in the west last year and they blow up the team because they got beat in the first round by not taking a hungry Nashville team seriously . Thats Stupid Love the blogs JJ ... Thank You