A step up for Kero would him being a consistent bottom 6 player. He was alright in short bursts, but mediocre in others.
- L_B_R

Kero has yet to play a full 82 game season, he's played only 17 and 47 games in the past 2 seasons. Kero has shown enough to warrant solid consideration for the bottom 6 (most likely bottom 3) at the start of next season. He's a cost control depth forward, if he ends up being the 13th forward that's not a back options.

Kruger's departure creates opportunity for guys like Kero, there is now about 2 - 2.5 minutes of PK time per game that need to be made up, plus another 1:45 from Rasmussen and 1.5 minutes from Hossa. I imagine Saad will pick up some of that time but guys like Dauphin and Kero will have the opportunity to make a name for themselves on the PK.

Fjj i agree on those players you mention that need to step 2 more for me hartman and panik. Both need to continue to progress and get to be better each season.

Kero has yet to play a full 82 game season, he's played only 17 and 47 games in the past 2 seasons. Kero has shown enough to warrant solid consideration for the bottom 6 (most likely bottom 3) at the start of next season. He's a cost control depth forward, if he ends up being the 13th forward that's not a back options.

Kruger's departure creates opportunity for guys like Kero, there is now about 2 - 2.5 minutes of PK time per game that need to be made up, plus another 1:45 from Rasmussen and 1.5 minutes from Hossa. I imagine Saad will pick up some of that time but guys like Dauphin and Kero will have the opportunity to make a name for themselves on the PK.
- DarthKane

Agree 100%. ESPECIALLY if the 5v5 becomes more physical, the 'Hawks will be killing more penalties.

Forsling will be a hidden gem.

Forsling will be a hidden gem.
- SRam19

Hope you're right, but in any event your avatar is my favorite one at this site.

You know who NEEDS to step up....Toews!!! Step back up to the Toews of 2009-2015. Or at least a version very close to it!!!!

THAT would go a long, long way in the hawks being a Cup contender again this year. And, YES....I think we can see a MUCH better Toews this year!

Maybe we'll see the Hawks as less a regular season success team, and more of a tougher playoff team.

#7.... Stan Blowman

You know who NEEDS to step up....Toews!!! Step back up to the Toews of 2009-2015. Or at least a version very close to it!!!!

THAT would go a long, long way in the hawks being a Cup contender again this year. And, YES....I think we can see a MUCH better Toews this year!
- hawk35

I agree 100%. Sure, Murphy, Forsling etc need to "Step up", but Toews REALLY needs to return to his former self. He has no excuse now, Saad is back on his wing.

Forsling will be a hidden gem.
- SRam19

Agreed. I think this is the season Forsling sticks in the NHL and becomes a solid contributor. I think Forsling will be a third pairing d-man this year, but he'll stick around.

Agreed. I think this is the season Forsling sticks in the NHL and becomes a solid contributor. I think Forsling will be a third pairing d-man this year, but he'll stick around.
- DarthKane

He ought to be on the 1st PP with that shot as well

He ought to be on the 1st PP with that shot as well
- 6628

You and Darth Kane, watch him closely in training camp and the exhibitions. Is he needing more time in the AHL? If so then give Pokka and Gustafsson s shot.

Regardless, eventually it would be a refreshened Keith if he is off first team powerplay.

With all respects for your stats and efforts, I have to think your sample size on Kero is a bit small. I have been watching hockey for 55 years and I too spent a lot of effort on the game. Having backed off a few years ago and only attending maybe a half dozen games a year I am now just a slug who watches on tv on a regular basis. While attending those games for the last couple of years there has been four players who I had never seen or heard of but watched for one game and said to the people I was with half way through the game "who is that guy? he can play". (not Mcdavid or Matthews)
Those four, in order, were Darling, Kero, Arvidsson, Guentzel. I'm no genius, but once a guy catches my eye I follow him to see how he reads the play and anticipates. (Darling an exception of course). Then continue to watch the other lines and all of a sudden the same guy catches my eye with a play again later in the game.
The jury might still out on Kero, but I'm in his corner and I believe he'll be a regular in the show somewhere at some point. It wouldn't surprise me if another GM wanted him involved in a trade with the hawks.
- 6628

The key word in my comment was 'consistent' - Kero was both good and bad in stretches last season, so consistency is key for him. I think he can progress into a solid checking line player, but he'll need to be more consistent (which can be seen even in a smaller sample). He's not going to suddenly be a 2C, though - that's putting some unrealistic expectation on him. Though if he can be a little like Ben Smith pre-concussions and plug up in the lineup for a short period, then that's a pretty good feat imo.

Expert thoughts on all those players,John.

I really hope it was a matter of Kempny simply not respecting the speed of the NHL, with his position, misjudgements where he was gliding instead of motoring, and all you just said.
I thought that being in the World Cup would have given him more than enough baptism to arrive and adjusting his reads t suit the league, butmaybe just maybe that was a lot to ask because there's no better way of adjusting than playing and finding out you ears can get burned by lightning pretty darn fast in the bigs.

Just ask Forsling. I thought that if Kempny was a younger and hadn't amde a deal with the organization whereby it was understood he wouldn't be asked to go to the AHL (as his translator, Rosy was not going with to order his pasta dishes of menus),they both were equal in their need to do better, but Forsling is smart all around and undeniably has a gun from the point.

I am very anxious to see if Connor Murphy is a nice fit, an improved player that I thought i saw last year with arizona, because quite frankly his first two years there were a resume of deer in the headlights moments of hesitation...not so, last year.
Please let him be more than a cap control fit and a new Q "warrior."

With Tanner Kero, I think what you see (saw), is what you get. He was a under the radar addition who seems to stay on the right side of the puck, and positionally on the players he is defending, and good at what he is asked to do...not great, but good. He will continue be a decent cap controlled player who does things well, but I think we would all be surprised if he busted out as a big attacking scorer/ generator ever.

Nickie Schmaltz could be a difference maker if he generates lots of scoring and doesn't quit on the wall.
I am tried of the kitty-catifying of him...I don't think he is the weak sister that many have painted him to be,while hanging on to the old paradigms of what a winger has to be.
I wonder if the Blue boards are cluttered with more of the same about Robby Fabbri, or the Nashville fans about Viktor Arvidsson when he arrived.
How much weight was Zach Parise carrying on his 5' 11 frame in his first years?
Let alone those young 5'8 "wings Jake Guentzel, Conor Sheary?
boo the freak hoo that he doesn't remind you of Curt Frazer. or Brandon Saad.

I pretty sure Nick has been working hard to be stronger, so it would be terrific if we got a surprise, right?

#7.... Stan Blowman
- bigfly46

I think #7 is whoever is the 6th defenseman. I can't fathom it being Rosi. Of the people in the org today, I'd guess Rutta.

I think #7 is whoever is the 6th defenseman. I can't fathom it being Rosi. Of the people in the org today, I'd guess Rutta.
- matt_ahrens

I still think...(hope)...that Stan already has a couple of depth D-men. Maybe a 3-4 guy or a couple of 5-6 guys lined up. I think Vegas is a source for some depth 5-6 D-man, cuz they owe us "Futures" and defense is where they seem more likely to deal from, as they have plenty. Also, beginning to think Stan will use at least a portion of the 5 million Hossa $$$ to further strengthen our defense. Wouldn't it be sweet if he added even ONE more really decent 5-6 guy on the back end so we could roll:
Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Seabrook
Forsling- New reliable guy

Then the Gustafsson's and Rosival's could be spotted in as the #7s for rest and injury purposes.

I also like using Forsling on the 1st PP for a few reasons:
1. His shot is tremendous!
2. Keith never gets a shot through
3. Keith could use the rest
4. If Forsling plays 3rd pairing, he will be well rested for PP and a way to get him added minutes with less defensive responsibilities.

I think Forsling could be in line for a big "Moving" year. They just have to give him some opportunities and let him grow!

The key word in my comment was 'consistent' - Kero was both good and bad in stretches last season, so consistency is key for him. I think he can progress into a solid checking line player, but he'll need to be more consistent (which can be seen even in a smaller sample). He's not going to suddenly be a 2C, though - that's putting some unrealistic expectation on him. Though if he can be a little like Ben Smith pre-concussions and plug up in the lineup for a short period, then that's a pretty good feat imo.
- L_B_R

When a player is used inconsistently and the linemates fluctuate it promotes inconsistency. Hell, the line blender promotes it all the time. Never been a fan of switching up lines as ofter as happens around here.

I like the Ben Smith comparison, but Smith had a keen sense for going to the net and scoring. In my opinion Kero has a keen sense for the flow of play. I think he could be a good 3rd line center able to spot up on the 2nd line in a pinch.

Let's see what happens and re-visit during the season on this.

Maybe we'll see the Hawks as less a regular season success team, and more of a tougher playoff team.
- RaleighHawk

Pretty sure that was their goal when the offseason started and drove the moves

I still think...(hope)...that Stan already has a couple of depth D-men. Maybe a 3-4 guy or a couple of 5-6 guys lined up. I think Vegas is a source for some depth 5-6 D-man, cuz they owe us "Futures" and defense is where they seem more likely to deal from, as they have plenty. Also, beginning to think Stan will use at least a portion of the 5 million Hossa $$$ to further strengthen our defense. Wouldn't it be sweet if he added even ONE more really decent 5-6 guy on the back end so we could roll:
Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Seabrook
Forsling- New reliable guy

Then the Gustafsson's and Rosival's could be spotted in as the #7s for rest and injury purposes.

I also like using Forsling on the 1st PP for a few reasons:
1. His shot is tremendous!
2. Keith never gets a shot through
3. Keith could use the rest
4. If Forsling plays 3rd pairing, he will be well rested for PP and a way to get him added minutes with less defensive responsibilities.

I think Forsling could be in line for a big "Moving" year. They just have to give him some opportunities and let him grow!
- hawk35

Still think everyone is going to be surprised about one guy not mentioned in this blog. Someone who plays the way Q likes.

TVR got killed here a lot for being just what he was, a 5 or really a solid 6Dman, whom Q had confidence in and trusted.

I remember last preseason how everyone was enamored with Forsling, and how he surprised most and was ready the big time. He regressed a little I guess, or more likely showed himself to be who he was at this point in his development.

I can't help but feel that someone like Robin Press or Ville Pokka is going to surprised people this camp like Forsling did last year.

D is a big problem going into camp, need 3 guys to step up, better if there are 6 or 7 trying to fill those 3 slots than 3.

In my opinion, Kero has a keen sense for the flow of play.
- 6628

May I use those words in player profile descriptions on DraftSite?

Keen sense of flow and uses it to put himself in good defensive positions and make plays when pucks come unearthed.

I think he could be a good 3rd line center able to spot up on the 2nd line in a pinch.
- 6628

Yeah, in a pinch.
Just like we saw Kruger move up on occasion.
Not so sure he has enough upside to play there with quality linemates and be a big scoring factor.
With saying that, it is an interesting fact that oh so many of the junior league phenom centres are drafted and brought in very quickly, mostly because they simply have high end skill in the offensive side, so there are lots of teams with no vacancies on the one two three centre position roles because they are developing talent that they hope, eventually get to "Kero"-level in the all around game.

The high pace and high skill level at forward has never been better...just like each and every of the surviving retired players of the top 100 keep saying.

The negative is, once you elevate a junior star hot shot, or a late blooming College UFA who spurns his the club that originally drafts him, they ALL are gonna look at the Draisiatl second best deal and want that as the high bar (or under it, but as the measuring stick) for their upcoming deals and want to make the bridge deal obsolete.
Take Ryan Nugent Hopkins...gets drafted based on junior flash and production plays three years with a rookie cap and since has been paid 6 million dollars in a seven year deal and now sits in a role where he IS somewhat better all-round but not the guy you send out to get in done against Getzlaf and Kesler (to use someones past remark based at Nick Schmaltz).
The 6 mil was more than Hossa was making, as much as the highest paid Hab, a little less than Patrick Marleau, and more than T.J. Oshie.
and now, unless he flourishes as a more than 50 point player, is gonna get Cap crunched in Oilerton as 2012 his final deal of that 6mil approaches, and as they wait the same factor as the Duchene dilemma comes up..teams will not trade assets for a guy who may want to go elsewhere for fat deals and not play in the new town that doesn't feel as playoff bound to them.

My point is finding Artem Anisimov (who can handle big centres, make space to compliment scoring wings by virtue of his willingness to be a "big" centre) was difficult enough; so as fans as much as we would like to think that 3rd centre position can come from outside via acquistion, the way you almost always have to solidify the pivot position under the Cap is with grow your own finds like Kero.

A step up for Kero would him being a consistent bottom 6 player. He was alright in short bursts, but mediocre in others.
- L_B_R

Agreed 100%.

May I use those words in player profile descriptions on DraftSite?

Keen sense of flow and uses it to put himself in good defensive positions and make plays when pucks come unearthed.


Yeah, in a pinch.
Just like we saw Kruger move up on occasion.
Not so sure he has enough upside to play there with quality linemates and be a big scoring factor.
With saying that, it is an interesting fact that oh so many of the junior league phenom centres are drafted and brought in very quickly, mostly because they simply have high end skill in the offensive side, so there are lots of teams with no vacancies on the one two three centre position roles because they are developing talent that they hope, eventually get to "Kero"-level in the all around game.

The high pace and high skill level at forward has never been better...just like each and every of the surviving retired players of the top 100 keep saying.

The negative is, once you elevate a junior star hot shot, or a late blooming College UFA who spurns his the club that originally drafts him, they ALL are gonna look at the Draisiatl second best deal and want that as the high bar (or under it, but as the measuring stick) for their upcoming deals and want to make the bridge deal obsolete.
Take Ryan Nugent Hopkins...gets drafted based on junior flash and production plays three years with a rookie cap and since has been paid 6 million dollars in a seven year deal and now sits in a role where he IS somewhat better all-round but not the guy you send out to get in done against Getzlaf and Kesler (to use someones past remark based at Nick Schmaltz).
The 6 mil was more than Hossa was making, as much as the highest paid Hab, a little less than Patrick Marleau, and less than T.J. Oshie.
and now, unless he flourishes as a more than 50 point player, is gonna get Cap crunched in Oilerton as 2012 his final deal of that 6mil approaches, and as they wait the same factor as the Duchene dilemma comes up..teams will not trade assets for a guy who may want to go elsewhere for fat deals and not play in the new town that doesn't feel as playoff bound to them.

My point is finding Artem Anisimov (who can handle big centres, make space to compliment scoring wings by virtue of his willingness to be a "big" centre) was difficult enough; so as fans as much as we would like to think that 3rd centre position can come from outside via acquistion, the way you almost always have to solidify the pivot position under the Cap is with grow your own finds like Kero.
- wiz1901

All day long. No charge.

I like the last line of the post, makes sense.

Judging by what Ulf Samuelson did with the Rangers, I believe we are going to try and play fast ........ more like how we did during the championships

https://youtu.be/YmagU3ZwGyU
- chuckdahammer

In three offseason moves:

ADDED

Murphy
Saad
Dauphin

SUBTRACTED

Hjalmarsson
TVR
Kruger
Panarin

There is a valid argument—based on past production, on better Blackhawk teams and worse teams elsewhere—that the players acquired are not as "good" individually as those traded.

But, a few things remain undeniable: the players the Hawks got back are younger, bigger and faster (straight line speed) across the board.

I believe this was Bowman's intent—all else aside—and I believe the Hawks plan to play a faster style vertically up the ice, which I believe the coaching staff had input and agreement on.

May I use those words in player profile descriptions on DraftSite?

Keen sense of flow and uses it to put himself in good defensive positions and make plays when pucks come unearthed.


Yeah, in a pinch.
Just like we saw Kruger move up on occasion.
Not so sure he has enough upside to play there with quality linemates and be a big scoring factor.
With saying that, it is an interesting fact that oh so many of the junior league phenom centres are drafted and brought in very quickly, mostly because they simply have high end skill in the offensive side, so there are lots of teams with no vacancies on the one two three centre position roles because they are developing talent that they hope, eventually get to "Kero"-level in the all around game.

The high pace and high skill level at forward has never been better...just like each and every of the surviving retired players of the top 100 keep saying.

The negative is, once you elevate a junior star hot shot, or a late blooming College UFA who spurns his the club that originally drafts him, they ALL are gonna look at the Draisiatl second best deal and want that as the high bar (or under it, but as the measuring stick) for their upcoming deals and want to make the bridge deal obsolete.
Take Ryan Nugent Hopkins...gets drafted based on junior flash and production plays three years with a rookie cap and since has been paid 6 million dollars in a seven year deal and now sits in a role where he IS somewhat better all-round but not the guy you send out to get in done against Getzlaf and Kesler (to use someones past remark based at Nick Schmaltz).
The 6 mil was more than Hossa was making, as much as the highest paid Hab, a little less than Patrick Marleau, and more than T.J. Oshie.
and now, unless he flourishes as a more than 50 point player, is gonna get Cap crunched in Oilerton as 2012 his final deal of that 6mil approaches, and as they wait the same factor as the Duchene dilemma comes up..teams will not trade assets for a guy who may want to go elsewhere for fat deals and not play in the new town that doesn't feel as playoff bound to them.

My point is finding Artem Anisimov (who can handle big centres, make space to compliment scoring wings by virtue of his willingness to be a "big" centre) was difficult enough; so as fans as much as we would like to think that 3rd centre position can come from outside via acquistion, the way you almost always have to solidify the pivot position under the Cap is with grow your own finds like Kero.
- wiz1901

I have no huge issue with Kero and I think he is a useful player. I'm just not 100% sure where his best use is. Yet. And I don't think the Hawks are either.

I also keep thinking a lot of people are going to be surprised by Dauphin—not as a scorer, but as the "replacement" for what Kruger did. His role, if he has one in the NHL this year (and that's not engraved in stone), is more clear.

I think the young goalie may be very important ,If Forsberg struggles we could be in deep doo .Crow cannot play every game ,although he is a horse . Sharpie may be the biggest surprise, for good or bad . Think we have a nice mix of young and old .and tough and skill / Starting to get excited for the start of the year , time to rebound from a tough playoff . GO HAWKS !!!