When I watch a prospect I try to forget what round they were drafted in or where they are from. Forget the hype, forget the name on the sweater, just watch them play.
And what I've noticed as definitive so far is:
-- 12 knows how to play. He needs time to figure out how to play against men that he'll never be able to overpower and that's what Rockford is for. But he'll be back. Kid can get open and snipe and that you can't teach.
--With 40, while I don't think he's going to be the hard guy some people want him to be, but his size and IQ will allow him to be a productive middle line player sooner than later.
--And 64 is a keeper. I would have 12 watch him. That guy fleeced a bruin of the puck a few times last night without overpowering anyone. Just subtle positioning of his body. If 12 learns what 64 is good at then look out.
--42 is the future PP point man and is going to cripple someone with that shot. But at 5 on 5 he is going to need to be sheltered. Should go to the Hogs again starting this season.
--At some point when you have has 42's ability to shoot, 12's ability to snipe at the circles, and 20 & 40's ablity to go to the net the PP should be a strength and not a mystery.
-- spare goalie might be ok, but I wouldn't expect the production out of the position that Darling provided. A straight butterfly goalie is going to put pressure on the defense to cover the angles near the net on rebounds. Couple that with a young player on each D pairing and that will be an area for concern. Darling used to sneak looks at the slot and weak side so he had a clue of what was coming if a pass got through and he was athletic and big enough to make a play on a back door setup. Hawks are going to miss Hammer, but I think they miss Darling more.

Drop the puck and game on.
- 6628

Haven't seen a lot of Kampf but definitely think he can play well at the NHL level. He may turn out to be a Stanbo steal, even to the point of being able to replace AA down the road.

The only thing I would do differently is swap Kero for Wingels..... after all, they didn't sign Wingels to warm the bench of play in Rockford and his game has value.
- Bjm84

In my opinion Kero has a higher ceiling than Wingels. But Wingels is a 4th liner. I'd put Kero in Rockford and have him play 2C for a year with the new coaches working with him. Ultimately he could be the 3C and fill in 2C of the future.

The only thing I would do differently is swap Kero for Wingels..... after all, they didn't sign Wingels to warm the bench of play in Rockford and his game has value.
- Bjm84

Given the depth, think I'd rather have the young guys play in Rockford to start instead of 9 mins/gm on 4th line. Kampf 4C over Kero/Dauphin at this point. Bouma can kick rocks but agreed Wingels will play and is a versatile plug n play guy.

In my opinion Kero has a higher ceiling than Wingels. But Wingels is a 4th liner. I'd put Kero in Rockford and have him play 2C for a year with the new coaches working with him. Ultimately he could be the 3C and fill in 2C of the future.
- 6628

Kero has to clear waivers so he will be on the team. We are short at C and would not want to lose him. Plus he has been playing well. He a lock on the 4th line.

I would not mid CAT going to the Rock for a bit. I'm just not sure I think I would be fine with sharp starting on the 2nd line and bumping someone up.

Kampf may only be a 4th line NHL player but I think its pretty clear the NHL is in his future.

Hayden should make the 4th line before Bouma and Tootoo. will see.

I actually think the D is intriguing. I focused on Murphy in the 3rd and I thought he looked Fine. joined the rush and helped in a few good scoring chances. So does hammer have a higher celing then Murph. Yes but Hammer was not that good last year at 29. He is 30 now. So he is going to start slowing down. This year he will be a 2/3 and then probably a 3 next year. Then a UFA looking for a big contract and will get 5 mil for 6 years and be 3-5 during that time. Murph is 4 right now so over the next 5 years 24-28 as long as he can be a 4 its really a push compared to hammer and he is cheaper. he is 3 weeks into a new system

D Locks for me are Keith,Seabs,kempny,Rutta,Murphy, Has Murph looked better then other guys maybe not but he is going to be in the top 6.
OST- has had moments LD
Forsling-has had moments might head to Rockford because of waivers LD
Pokka-looked quit a bit improved he might make this team RD
Franson-has looked fine for a 6/7 RD
Gus also played better as the game went on but I just do not think he makes the team. LD

Rutta played with Keith on his offside one game. wonder if that is to see which RD could play on Left side so they would keep 4-5 RD.

Given the depth, think I'd rather have the young guys play in Rockford to start instead of 9 mins/gm on 4th line. Kampf 4C over Kero/Dauphin at this point. Bouma can kick rocks but agreed Wingels will play and is a versatile plug n play guy.
- Assman22

To me Wingels has been a disappointment so far. I was expecting a more engaged, motivated player. I would not be too disappointed if he was waived because to me others have had more of an impact than him.
I like Bouma's speed but I was expecting a more "in your face" type of player.

Does anyone know why Noel is still listed on the training camp roster even though he's been injured since the prospect tournament? One would think he would have been reassigned to Rockford even before camp started. No chance he would have even competed for a spot. His priority is to heal up, rehab, and prepare to develop with the Hogs.

There must be a reason for that because I recall this happening twice in the past prior training camps where a prospect is already injured yet is listed on the roster but doesn't get reassigned until like a week before the regular season begins.
- AEL_Fox

He's currently injured. Needs to stay with Hawks to rehab and so they can put him in a position to be ready for RFD.

He may already be in RFD rehabbing, but on paper just says he's still in camp.

To me Wingels has been a disappointment so far. I was expecting a more engaged, motivated player. I would not be too disappointed if he was waived because to me others have had more of an impact than him.
I like Bouma's speed but I was expecting a more "in your face" type of player.
- 67hawks

wingels was hurt back in july so he is just coming back. My guess is he makes the team and they give him sometime to be healthy. bouma is a tougher one. I would waive him and keep hayden.

as the preseason comes to close their is some intrigue with the hawks: Hossa LTIR or not will dictate what the hawks do.

they have load of dman in camp and some depth forwards that may be trade bait..they also have issues with who is and not waiver eligible

gotta think rosival goes on LTIR either way...

CBS Sports' analysis on the Hawks' chances this year:

https://www.cbssports.com...g-the-chicago-blackhawks/

Full disclosure have not watch any preseason games. From what I'm reading here and what I've read at the time of the trade from other posters the Murphy for Hammer trade was a total high jack by the Coyotes. That Murphy was not very good. Hope this is wrong. I'm hoping SB doesn't decide because he brought them in Wingles, Bouma , Franson, get a spot when they don't ddeserve it. I like thatthey brought them in to push others for a spot , but I don't want to see Bouma over Hayden , Wingles over Hino or Dauphin ect just because they are veterans and Bowman brought them in.
- HamiltonHawk

It's been 3 pre-season games. Let's calm down on the hot takes so far. Give the guy some time with a new team and new style.

The only thing I would do differently is swap Kero for Wingels..... after all, they didn't sign Wingels to warm the bench of play in Rockford and his game has value.
- Bjm84

With that line of thinking, Bouma is in there too because he signed for more than Wingels did. Up to 1,025,000 can be buried in the AHL, so these guys aren't guaranteed anything.

IMO guys, don't read too much into the play of the new vets who the Hawks have signed or brought in based on a 1 or 2 preseason games. It is mostly the young kids that are going 100% and fighting for ice-time at this point. The guys who have been around the block a few times now and have a contract rarely give it there all for preseason.

For guys like Murphy, Wingels, etc.. the track record of their play in the NHL is still what you should expect once the real season gets underway.

CBS Sports' analysis on the Hawks' chances this year:

https://www.cbssports.com...g-the-chicago-blackhawks/
- Hank_Greenberg

I think the backend of our roster is a lot better so it really comes down the 2nd line of both O and D. If they can be close to what they were last year I think we will be good.

Saved me saying the same
Top 4 DMen don't grow on trees
- Colbyboy

I forgive people for thinking that, because Oduya was acquired for two third round draft picks. People start thinking it's always that easy, and before you know it...

I forgive people for thinking that, because Oduya was acquired for two third round draft picks. People start thinking it's always that easy, and before you know it...
- 333inthe3rd

Oduya was also not that great before he came to us.

Wasn't Snuggerud on many of your lists as making the team before he went down with an injury? Where would you put him?

Saved me saying the same
Top 4 DMen don't grow on trees
- Colbyboy

Here's another line of thought on this. I agree defense is the big question mark going into this season and yes top four Dmen don't grow on tree. But are the Dmen we currently have good enough to get us to a playoff spot? If so would the better option (or at least another option) be waiting closer to the trade deadline to acquire a top four Dman?

Wasn't Snuggerud on many of your lists as making the team before he went down with an injury? Where would you put him?
- pdx2ord

He probably needs a season in Rockford, but he could be a viable option next season.

Here's another line of thought on this. I agree defense is the big question mark going into this season and yes top four Dmen don't grow on tree. But are the Dmen we currently have good enough to get us to a playoff spot? If so would the better option (or at least another option) be waiting closer to the trade deadline to acquire a top four Dman?
- walleyeb1

Yes, waiting is much better. These guys are all working in to a new system with a new partner, and some a new team. Give them more than 3 exhibition games.

Yes, waiting is much better. These guys are all working in to a new system with a new partner, and some a new team. Give them more than 3 exhibition games.
- JRoenick97

Tyson Barrie would be a great complement to Seabrook and he is on the block.....

Yes, waiting is much better. These guys are all working in to a new system with a new partner, and some a new team. Give them more than 3 exhibition games.
- JRoenick97

And a new D coach as well. A couple of pre-season games and internal scrimmages where they are looking at 12-13 defenceman isn't much time to develop pairings, except that a few guys may cut themselves.

Q described the performance of the Dmen last night as 'ordinary', which is a step or 2 down from 'OK' or 'just OK'. One guy I think he likes a lot is Rutta but overall its going to take some time.

I just hope Q doesn't start playing #2 about 40 minutes a night while the other guys are rounding into form.

IMO guys, don't read too much into the play of the new vets who the Hawks have signed or brought in based on a 1 or 2 preseason games. It is mostly the young kids that are going 100% and fighting for ice-time at this point. The guys who have been around the block a few times now and have a contract rarely give it there all for preseason.

For guys like Murphy, Wingels, etc.. the track record of their play in the NHL is still what you should expect once the real season gets underway.
- breadbag

Murphy's track record in the NHL is not a good one. One has to wonder.... was Murphy a product of a bad team in AZ, or was Murphy part of the problem there? Either way, it is clear that he is a "prospect" with 200 games of NHL experience. i love his size, physical edge, mobility, and he has a hard shot that he seems to get on net. I have been troubled by his defensive reads both at the offensive blue line and in the neutral zone, as well as his puck movement in transition. Anchor 2+5 together and let Keith cover for some of his growing pains. The upside is sky high, but Murphy is clearly still a work in progress.

CBS Sports' analysis on the Hawks' chances this year:

https://www.cbssports.com...g-the-chicago-blackhawks/
- Hank_Greenberg

Basically - Hawks make playoffs then who knows.

No kidding.

Murphy's track record in the NHL is not a good one. One has to wonder.... was Murphy a product of a bad team in AZ, or was Murphy part of the problem there? Either way, it is clear that he is a "prospect" with 200 games of NHL experience. i love his size, physical edge, mobility, and he has a hard shot that he seems to get on net. I have been troubled by his defensive reads both at the offensive blue line and in the neutral zone, as well as his puck movement in transition. Anchor 2+5 together and let Keith cover for some of his growing pains. The upside is sky high, but Murphy is clearly still a work in progress.
- EnzoD

Tanner is usually FOS, but so far what he said about Murphy is spot on. This player has looked terrible at times. Seems to me this would be the year to take a step up, but against part time NHL players he hasn't looked the part. If he magically becomes a legit Top 4 force on October 8th I'll be pleasantly surprised, but I think this player will end up on the third pair. He has all the prototypical tools, size, decent skater, hits, nice shot, but he just doesn't play well. ULF...get to work. Hell, Ruuta so far deserves the spot, and I am not sold that he can handle it once the games get going for real, but because of the contract crap he may end up in Rockford.

Tyson Barrie would be a great complement to Seabrook and he is on the block.....
- EnzoD

Is he really!?! Yes Please!