Here are my thoughts on Toews:

Nice guy...

Best all around Hawk player ever ( 2007 - 2014)

But now, IMO a solid 3rd line center ( 2015 - 2017 ) making 10.5 million a year for 5 more years.

Remedy:

Put Toews on third line ... His production would get better ( like Hossa's last year)
Pass the captain's torch to Kane. ( less stress for Toews and it might ignite Kaner)
Take Toews off the power play ( not effective / younger guys will be more creative)
If Toews play does not improve by January...time to call Winnepeg .
- spanky

Meh, low end 1C or top end 2C fosh. When he was on his game he was always closer to Bergeron than Crosby or Malkin. Probably closer to Kyle Turris only more injuries.

He's not bad, just not one of the best.

For any of you who watched the "Toews-ter" commercial, did it seem like he was slurring his words more than usual?

I've wondered as I've watched some of things he has been doing the past couple of years that are uncharacteristic - bobbling passes he would normally have had (sending and receiving), falling more, losing his temper more, etc. - and wondered if we aren't seeing the effects of the concussions he has had.

I'm probably hearing things, because it's the thing I worry about the most with him.
- pdx2ord

Seabrook is another guy who has had several obvious concussions and fallen off a cliff

Should suddenly next game or at any point this season Toews shows up and plays as if he just took a magic elixer, then the reverse image of The Incredible Hulk - currently on display much to our chagrin - would be a welcome addition. We all love that old Toews.

Short of recovery from physical ailment - and it could be the concussion worrisome issue, too - nobody in the league is desiring a broken down player. I do not want to suggest that he be dispatched to France like Huet was outrighted to. That would be like playing in some lonely outpost where only your family knows wherre you are at. I once write a story about a baseball prospect toiling in Walla Walla, Washington. But is this sort of destination where our captain could relocate?

I just believe in respect to all Toews has done and meant, that Rocky would want Stan to let Toews to finish collecting on his contract ....if his contract can be assigned to such a location. McDonough would even do an Ed McMahon salute.

A retooling team hopefully to be ripe with prospects the next two years would be saddled with a relic from the past. Although he is not really old yet for a hockey player whom has a long career, his performance reeks like an old man brittle and worried very much about his health.

Such a shame to befallen a player worthy of the advertisement pitch McDonough made him.

But it is a disgrace to fans and Toews, himself, if he is what he looks like he is hereafter. At some point a decision must be made. I do not want him to go somewhere far away from the NHL. So does anyone have a better idea.

My thoughts on Toews

My thoughts on Toews


- DarthKane

I concur.

I hope bowman trades toews just so everyone can see how poopty the team will be without him haha.

Unreal. Sure the guy isnt producing up to his cap hit, but to go back and poop on his career, this board has hit a new low.

Hawks still trying to find out what they have in this team.

I think the next 10 games will tell a lot - they have some tough opponents but a lighter schedule. They need to capitalize on that time off in that pretty new practice facility.

From what I've seen/heard, I think Hawks will look make some decisions on some players by the new year.

The defence will shake out a little better, I think, which will help Stan/Q.

Forsling looks like a player and they seem to like Rutta (he will need to be resigned).

I think they move Kempny (he will NOT want to resign here if his playing time continues to be limited) but he won't fetch you much.

Finding a top 4 D is not going to happen out of thin air, but if they find a project like they did in Oduya, they will pull the trigger. They will want a mobile, experienced dman to add to the mix.

Stan will also look to free up a spot up front in the new year/trade deadline if Sikura gives the word that he will sign. That's not a certainty yet, but with the signing of his older brother, coupled with the potential to play (look no further than Hayden) he should see a path to his shot. My hunch is he signs.

Then, this may make a Hartman or Panik available as those types could garner a helpful return.
- Justin Lowe

Thanks for the insights, Justin. Another poster mentioned this but the defense seems to be shaking out a little more and the top 5 seems to be Keith, Seabrook, Rutta, Forsling, and Murphy (not necessarily in rank order) as far as the ones to build around.

Franson is playing decently and within his means but he's not a long-term solution and will likely be gone after this season.

As much as I would like him to, Kempny likely won't stick as I would have to agree with what you stated. Who knows, he could stick but I would imagine his yo-yoing between the lineup and pressbox isn't creating a incentives for him to re-sign with the team in the summer.

And Oesterle may be a journeyman who is decent in a limited role but not a fixture, i.e. expendable if someone better comes up the ranks or is acquired via trade or free agency (kind of like Jordan Hendry or Steve Poapst).

So that would open up 2 spots down the line. Potential Ice Hogs to step up: Gustafsson seems to be the lead candidate. Snuggerud is likely still a year away from a cup of coffee. Probably not Pokka, Raddysh, Svedberg, Norell, or Dahlstrom but who knows how each will develop, especially under Colliton.

I hope bowman trades toews just so everyone can see how poopty the team will be without him haha.

Unreal. Sure the guy isnt producing up to his cap hit, but to go back and poop on his career, this board has hit a new low.
- BlazinMike

If some fans had their way Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook and Crawford would have been all traded long ago. Then there would have been an entirely different set of complaints.

Should this team go back to the Dollar Bill era? Would that make people happy?

If some fans had their way Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook and Crawford would have been all traded long ago. Then there would have been an entirely different set of complaints.

Should this team go back to the Dollar Bill era? Would that make people happy?
- DarthKane

Naah, we would still complain. Just the nature of a rabid fan...

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/chi171116.html

I think factoring in Murph is playing on his offside I think he is making small steady strides and the fact that Q will play him on his offside instead of Kempny would seem like that story is a reach. I'm sure we were all hoping for a little more from him at this point but I hope we do not trade low. for a top 4 D that was cost controlled for another year we got SCUDS. That trade is almost as laughable as giving up 2 seconds for Timo at 39/40 when he had not skated in a year and had a full NMC.

Naah, we would still complain. Just the nature of a rabid fan...
- riozzo

It doesn't have to be. I know I'm a 'glass half full' type of guy (when I'm not being sarcastic) but I always felt that following a sports team should be fun. Venting after a loss is one thing, but the continual bashing of guys who helped restored respectability to the Blackhawks and helped deliver 3 Stanley Cups is unbelievable. I know the NHL is a business all about winning, but following the Hawks can still be fun even when they're not on top of the standings and/or winning a Cup.

It doesn't have to be. I know I'm a 'glass half full' type of guy (when I'm not being sarcastic) but I always felt that following a sports team should be fun. Venting after a loss is one thing, but the continual bashing of guys who helped restored respectability to the Blackhawks and helped deliver 3 Stanley Cups is unbelievable. I know the NHL is a business all about winning, but following the Hawks can still be fun even when they're not on top of the standings and/or winning a Cup.
- DarthKane

I'm with you on that, just having a bit of fun...

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/chi171116.html

I think factoring in Murph is playing on his offside I think he is making small steady strides and the fact that Q will play him on his offside instead of Kempny would seem like that story is a reach. I'm sure we were all hoping for a little more from him at this point but I hope we do not trade low. for a top 4 D that was cost controlled for another year we got SCUDS. That trade is almost as laughable as giving up 2 seconds for Timo at 39/40 when he had not skated in a year and had a full NMC.
- kmw4631

I hope the team shows more patience with Murphy. If put in the right situation to grow, especially with Ulf now on the coaching staff, he has the tools to be a strong defender. I don't think he'll ever be a 1st pair blueliner, but steadily holding down the right side of the 2nd pair would be an attainable goal by year's end.

And the fact that he only has one goal (and I believe only one point) on the season doesn't bother me. Like Hjalmarsson before him, I really didn't care if he scored 2 points or 20 points in a year. That's not his game as a defensive defenseman.

I hope the team shows more patience with Murphy. If put in the right situation to grow, especially with Ulf now on the coaching staff, he has the tools to be a strong defender. I don't think he'll ever be a 1st pair blueliner, but steadily holding down the right side of the 2nd pair would be an attainable goal by year's end.

And the fact that he only has one goal (and I believe only one point) on the season doesn't bother me. Like Hjalmarsson before him, I really didn't care if he scored 2 points or 20 points in a year. That's not his game as a defensive defenseman.
- AEL_Fox

I think the Hawks D in general could be good with a bit more time, but I wonder what will happen at the end of this season. Rutta and Kempny are both gonna need another deal. If I had to guess they might move on from Kempny (he seems to be out of favor a bit with Q) and they will need to give Rutta a raise to stay based on his performance. Murphy could be a piece they end up having to move just to keep someone else, or maybe they do find a deal for Seabrook. I think Seabs would add value to a number of teams in terms of his leadership, but man that is a tough deal to figure out.

I hope the team shows more patience with Murphy. If put in the right situation to grow, especially with Ulf now on the coaching staff, he has the tools to be a strong defender. I don't think he'll ever be a 1st pair blueliner, but steadily holding down the right side of the 2nd pair would be an attainable goal by year's end.

And the fact that he only has one goal (and I believe only one point) on the season doesn't bother me. Like Hjalmarsson before him, I really didn't care if he scored 2 points or 20 points in a year. That's not his game as a defensive defenseman.
- AEL_Fox

Agreed. Even if it takes Murphy one full season to truly get acclimated with the Hawks he'll still be a good value and good trade acquisition. $3.85 million for a top 4 dman...that would be nice!

It doesn't have to be. I know I'm a 'glass half full' type of guy (when I'm not being sarcastic) but I always felt that following a sports team should be fun. Venting after a loss is one thing, but the continual bashing of guys who helped restored respectability to the Blackhawks and helped deliver 3 Stanley Cups is unbelievable. I know the NHL is a business all about winning, but following the Hawks can still be fun even when they're not on top of the standings and/or winning a Cup.
- DarthKane

Yup. If I read "....making 10.5" one more time.
Fan means fanatic, in my book. Not jagoff.

They signed contacts. This what it will be for the rest of the contract. For better or for worse. It's old now. I can't wait for the banter in a couple more years.

God forbid it's a brain issue.

GO HOCKS. GO CORE.

Yup. If I read "....making 10.5" one more time.
Fan means fanatic, in my book. Not jagoff.

They signed contacts. This what it will be for the rest of the contract. For better or for worse. It's old now. I can't wait for the banter in a couple more years.

God forbid it's a brain issue.

GO HOCKS. GO CORE.
- hocktock

Cool. You can write jagoff.

I think the Hawks D in general could be good with a bit more time, but I wonder what will happen at the end of this season. Rutta and Kempny are both gonna need another deal. If I had to guess they might move on from Kempny (he seems to be out of favor a bit with Q) and they will need to give Rutta a raise to stay based on his performance. Murphy could be a piece they end up having to move just to keep someone else, or maybe they do find a deal for Seabrook. I think Seabs would add value to a number of teams in terms of his leadership, but man that is a tough deal to figure out.
- breadbag

Good point about the potential need to free up more salary to resign Rutta and/or Kempny. Definitely agree that Rutta seems to be more highly favored over Kempny and would be the one to sign if the Hawks can only afford one of them.

I hope bowman trades toews just so everyone can see how poopty the team will be without him haha.

Unreal. Sure the guy isnt producing up to his cap hit, but to go back and poop on his career, this board has hit a new low.
- BlazinMike

Toews is an all-time great Hawk and his number will most likely hang from the rafters of the United Center. I would never deny his great career and what he has meant to this organization and if people are crapping on his career then that's wrong.

That being said he has seriously regressed and for whatever reasons he is no longer producing at the level he should be based on his salary.

That factor and the money tied up in Toews is hurting the depth and one of the reasons the team has slipped in the last two years plus.

It's Business at the end of the day....hey Gretzky got traded so it can also happen to Toews....maybe a change would be good for both sides if ever we could find a dance partner?

Hopefully he's not seriously hurt....I saw that commercial.....hmmm was worrisome.

Agreed. Even if it takes Murphy one full season to truly get acclimated with the Hawks he'll still be a good value and good trade acquisition. $3.85 million for a top 4 dman...that would be nice!
- DarthKane

He spent some time with a dysfunctional organization. It may take a year for Murphy to come around.

Toews is an all-time great Hawk and his number will most likely hang from the rafters of the United Center. I would never deny his great career and what he has meant to this organization and if people are crapping on his career then that's wrong.

That being said he has seriously regressed and for whatever reasons he is no longer producing at the level he should be based on his salary.

That factor and the money tied up in Toews is hurting the depth and one of the reasons the team has slipped in the last two years plus.

It's Business at the end of the day....hey Gretzky got traded so it can also happen to Toews....maybe a change would be good for both sides if ever we could find a dance partner?

Hopefully he's not seriously hurt....I saw that commercial.....hmmm was worrisome.
- Hawkster

Glad to hear I'm not crazy, but if there is something to the brain injury theory, I'll be incredibly sad for him, first, and for our team, second. Should not happen to anyone and one hell of a way to end a great career early.

Toews is an all-time great Hawk and his number will most likely hang from the rafters of the United Center. I would never deny his great career and what he has meant to this organization and if people are crapping on his career then that's wrong.

That being said he has seriously regressed and for whatever reasons he is no longer producing at the level he should be based on his salary.

That factor and the money tied up in Toews is hurting the depth and one of the reasons the team has slipped in the last two years plus.

It's Business at the end of the day....hey Gretzky got traded so it can also happen to Toews....maybe a change would be good for both sides if ever we could find a dance partner?

Hopefully he's not seriously hurt....I saw that commercial.....hmmm was worrisome.
- Hawkster

I'm not seeing whatever everyone is seeing here. He sounded like Toews.

I'm not seeing whatever everyone is seeing here. He sounded like Toews.
- JRoenick97

Good, and thank you.

I heard more slurring, but like I said may be confirmation bias, because I've been suspecting the concussions might be behind his on-ice issues.

Definitely don't want it to be that. Just looking for an explanation like everyone else.

Good, and thank you.

I heard more slurring, but like I said may be confirmation bias, because I've been suspecting the concussions might be behind his on-ice issues.

Definitely don't want it to be that. Just looking for an explanation like everyone else.
- pdx2ord

I've always thought Toews didn't have great enunciation of his words.

Just finished watching "ice guardians " on Netflix. Interestingly I picked up at the concussion segment. The game really needs some simple changes imo. Retro shoulder and elbow pads, made for protection not for use as weapons. Get rid of the instigator penalty so guys don't get run. Maybe even put the red line back in the game. And if Cappy Toews needs a year off for brain issues, he should take it. Look what it did for Sidney.

God bless these guys. Long live hockey.

GO HOCKS!!!!