This. Because he's not ready but there is no point sending him to junior until he turns 20 later in the fall.
- John Jaeckel

It's reality. A sad one.

If it were about truly developing Saad, he should be parked in Rockford for the season.

A note on the whole issue of players wanting to come here or not because of certain players.

That is maybe too simplistic. I will just put it this way: I know of at least one player who has left Chicago with a bad taste in his mouth (very bad) over how he saw certain players' behaviors being ignored and coddled, and how he and others were treated—especially when they spoke up about it.

THAT player, in turn, helped recruit at least one Chicago free agency target (an old, old friend of his) this year to another team.

Connect the dots. Just ONE example. The NHL player/scout/coach fraternity is pretty small. Word gets out.

And my personal belief is that the "One Goal" cult that the Hawks created—a bunch of great, young guys who are all pals on and off the ice— is something the Hawks themselves came to believe, even though it was never really true.

The Stanley Cup bloom is long off the rose. The Hawks have holes and problems just like any other team and more than some. I think the problem now is an organizational arrogance that prevents them from honestly seeing what the problems are—because these are people whose egos prevent them from admitting their own mistakes.

Personally, unless they pull 1-2 significant rabbots out the hat and turn this thing around in the next few weeks, I think a major house-cleaning is coming.

All this NONSENSE about Brandon Saad making the top 6, much less at center, is just insane and embarrassing. And there are people in the organization who see it that way.

It won't take much longer.
- John Jaeckel

Troy brower

Good morning Eli.
- Ogilthorpe2

Good Morning Ogie!

I have to say, I love the "luser" thing you came up with. I think it's going to stick!

Jake Dowell
- powerenforcer

I was thinking the same thing.

I don't even know if Saad should make the opening night roster. He may very well be a good player down the road but right now to me he's just another prospect. Keep him in the minors and give him time to develop. I don't see why the organization insists on pumping his tires unless they are doing so to increase his trade value if they needed to include him in a package to get NHL ready talent.

It's reality. A sad one.

If it were about truly developing Saad, he should be parked in Rockford for the season.
- EKolb13

BINGO!

I don't even know if Saad should make the opening night roster. He may very well be a good player down the road but right now to me he's just another prospect. Keep him in the minors and give him time to develop. I don't see why the organization insists on pumping his tires unless they are doing so to increase his trade value if they needed to include him in a package to get NHL ready talent.
- jhawk159

I do. Either players don't want to come here because of the front office mess, or Stan low-balls them, or Stan doesn't have the stones to get a deal done, ect.

He pumps the tires of Saad to keep the masses of sheep spending money on tickets, merch, concessions, ect.

It's about ONE GOAL!

Jake Dowell
- powerenforcer

I think you are right. Wasn't Dowell who questioned Kaners work ethic and what a coincidence it is that Parise signs with Minny after they sign Dowell.

I think you are right. Wasn't Dowell who questioned Kaners work ethic and what a coincidence it is that Parise signs with Minny after they sign Dowell.
- jhawk159

You forgot Suter too.

I think you are right. Wasn't Dowell who questioned Kaners work ethic and what a coincidence it is that Parise signs with Minny after they sign Dowell.
- jhawk159

Eau Claire native Jake Dowell gives EXCLUSIVE 1-on-1 interview on joining Minnesota Wild

Jake Dowell says: "Tom Gilbert, Ryan (Suter) are two of my best friends, it's exciting to be back playing with them, obviously great players, in a matter of days (the Wild) changed this team, one with high hopes, a lot of pressure to succeed and that's great, that's what you want."


Voila!