I am dogging (AND HARD) the notion that he is a superstar who just needs a regular NHL shift to show it. I suspect you are really taking issue with that.
- John Jaeckel

And even if this is the case, he won't get it from Q. His line juggling wouldn't allow the kid to get comfortable enough to show what he could do in even if he was ready.

Which he is not.

Against boys yes. Nothing proven against men yet. Could be an issue. Could not be an issue.

Should not be an issue for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations I think is the point.
- fattybeef

Not sure what you mean, but if you are saying that the notion of a 19 year old being plugged into the top 6 as the main "improvement" on a potentially (with some real improvement) Stanley Cup contedning team, then I agree. We should not even be discussing what Saad can do at the NHL level now. We should be discussing what he can do at the AHL level.

I am 99.9% certain that the NHL (and AHL) players in the Hawk organization are either offended or highly amused by all this Saad hype. Even if guys like Toews play good soldier and go along with it. I think guys like Toews and Seabrook have to be disappointed/bewildered that this is the best help their front office is giving them. Not to mention Q, who is probably wishing he'd gone to Montreal.

Where do I begin with this?

No, I'm sorry, not buying this either. No one is dogging Saad.

I am dogging (AND HARD) the notion that he is a superstar who just needs a regular NHL shift to show it. I suspect you are really taking issue with that.

Please tell me specifically, what his high end skill is. I see a big kid who can skate and will go to the net. Maybe (someday) a Ryan Smyth type player. Does he have elite hands, vision, speed, shot—haven't seen any of those. Have you? Show me the tape.

There were times last year when Stalberg was as effective backchecking as Hossa is. Stalberg's biggest weakness is he makes some head-scratching puck decisions at times. Saad will (guaranteed) make mistakes, too. I have seen more in terms of exceptional physical skill (speed and shot) from Stalberg than I have Saad.

I have asked this question before, still waiting for the answer from the Saad Hypers: what are his distinguishing physical skills?

What I have seen thus far are some size, skating ability and willingness to go to the net—against kids. Seems to understand positonal play. OK. that makes him good when he plays kids.

What else? Waiting . . .
- John Jaeckel

JJ....do you think Stalberg will be re-signed or used as trade bait for a centre or upgrade on defense? The kid has talent, but has he already reached his potential or is there more? At the end of the season Stalberg said he was willing to play the "big body" role in front of the net. Stalberg has the size to play this role, but it hasn't been his game in the past. As much as I like Stalberg I just don't know if he'll be around long-term. I know he's a Bowman favourite but I think Viktor will end up in San Jose with his brother next season (just my opinion).

Not sure what you mean, but if you are saying that the notion of a 19 year old being plugged into the top 6 as the main "improvement" on a potentially (with some real improvement) Stanley Cup contedning team, then I agree. We should not even be discussing what Saad can do at the NHL level now. We should be discussing what he can do at the AHL level.

I am 99.9% certain that the NHL (and AHL) players in the Hawk organization are either offended or highly amused by all this Saad hype. Even if guys like Toews play good soldier and go along with it. I think guys like Toews and Seabrook have to be disappointed/bewildered that this is the best help their front office is giving them. Not to mention Q, who is probably wishing he'd gone to Montreal.
- John Jaeckel

I mean that a team with Cup aspirations shouldn't have to worry about a rookie pushing them over the edge. Maybe a rookie to fill a role (Shaw or Bollig type) but not to be a pivotal point.

Edit: Basically the kid should start in Rockford and prove he can steam roll people at the next level up as well then move up to the bigs accordingly. They should have the top six filled out with players who know their roles, don't have to prove anything and 95% sure you know what you will get out of them over 82 games.

Agreed. And agreed.

I hold out hope htat they can make some moves before 10/1 and before the convention would be nice for them. What I am HEARING is nothing is imminent and the convention will be a game of P.R. Twister: take what little positive news you have and try to 'twist" it into something exciting.

Rotsa Ruck.
- John Jaeckel

I firmly believe their plan for this season has been based on a much shortened season as the labor issue is dealt with. If they have near 100% renewal in the 100 and 200 levels and the cash on hand, all is well. Why take on contracts until things are put to bed with a new CBA? IMO these supposed offers to Suter and Brodeur were smoke and mirrors. Rocky had no intention of handing out $14M bonuses to Suter and Parise. They were like guys at an auction who keep raising their hand until they start to worry they may win the bid.

I have been prepared for months to see a bunch of Stan's drafts forced into the lineup well before they are ready. Not a formula for on ice success at the NHL level. If there is a work stoppage, it would be better to have Saad, Olsen, Clendening, Kruger, Pirri etc play 40 games in Rockford than have them in the NHL lineup getting smoked every night.

Jeremy Morin
GP G A PTS PIM
2008-09 U.S. National Under-18 Team 55 33 26 59 107
2009-10 Kitchener Rangers OHL 58 47 36 83 76


Brandon Saad

GP G A PTS PIM
2009-10 U.S. National Under-18 Team 24 12 14 26 18
2010-11 Saginaw Spirit OHL 59 27 28 55 47
2011-12 Saginaw Spirit OHL 44 34 42 76 38

I hope fans will be prepared to deliver said shower. And I hope Rocky is listening.
- John Jaeckel

I hope that the folks who are going will deliver the message to everyone that the Hawk Nation is sick of watching the team play 40 minutes of hockey during a sixty minute game.

And that falls on everyone--SB for not putting the pieces together, Q for overusing/misusing/not playing to their Strengths, and the players for mailing it in. I saw some games last year where my $8 beer was the best thing about the night, and I'm sick of that. Been a fan my whole life, but this is getting ridiculous.

So if you're going, please deliver the message: 60 minutes of hockey EVERY game. That's not a lot to ask.

There are 4 I think could be called up for a cup of coffee at various times in the season - Olesz, Smith, Beach and Morin (in no particular order). Barring a trade I just don't see anyone from the IceHogs beating out Mayers, Bollig or Hayes for a roster spot. I like Mayers, but I would us him as the 13th forward.
- DarthKane

If Beach can show some interest in the game he's playing, and play consistently, then maybe he gets some consideration for a call-up. Don't hold your breath waiting for it though. He's got a long way to go before he gets any consideration.

Smith and Hayes will probably be contending for the final forward spot, with the loser of that competition going to Rockford and being a call-up.

I'd figure Q is going to play Mayers regularly. Who else is going to win draws other than Toews? I'd expect Bollig to make the cut as well. Who else is going to come out of the press box and do the job John Scott couldn't do on a regular basis?

If there is cap room, maybe Olesz gets a call-up. That's if he isn't in Chicago to begin the season, or traded to get some team above the cap floor.

I'd expect Olsen, Lavin, Stanton, Morin and Pirri will get some looks as well, depending on what happens.

Where do I begin with this?

No, I'm sorry, not buying this either. No one is dogging Saad.

I am dogging (AND HARD) the notion that he is a superstar who just needs a regular NHL shift to show it. I suspect you are really taking issue with that.

Please tell me specifically, what his high end skill is. I see a big kid who can skate and will go to the net. Maybe (someday) a Ryan Smyth type player. Does he have elite hands, vision, speed, shot—haven't seen any of those. Have you? Show me the tape.

There were times last year when Stalberg was as effective backchecking as Hossa is. Stalberg's biggest weakness is he makes some head-scratching puck decisions at times. Saad will (guaranteed) make mistakes, too. I have seen more in terms of exceptional physical skill (speed and shot) from Stalberg than I have Saad.

I have asked this question before, still waiting for the answer from the Saad Hypers: what are his distinguishing physical skills?

What I have seen thus far are some size, skating ability and willingness to go to the net—against kids. Seems to understand positonal play. OK. that makes him good when he plays kids.

What else? Waiting . . .
- John Jaeckel

What good does it do to claim if he has any or not? You've already given your rebuttal for that one too: He hasn't proven it against top-flight competition.

What top flight skill does he have? I don't know. He led the OHL last year in goals per game, so he's gotta have something right? Oh yeah, but he's a year older than the average I'm sure you'd say... Big deal.

Ask SB. I've never said or indicated he'd ever be a superstar, or that he should be here over Rockford, because I do agree he's not ready.

But at least agree with me on this point: If he gets regular PT now, he'll be more ready the following year, whereas if we give that time to another over the hill journeyman, even a Doan, we'll have zilch to show for it in two years.

Jeremy Morin
GP G A PTS PIM
2008-09 U.S. National Under-18 Team 55 33 26 59 107
2009-10 Kitchener Rangers OHL 58 47 36 83 76


Brandon Saad

GP G A PTS PIM
2009-10 U.S. National Under-18 Team 24 12 14 26 18
2010-11 Saginaw Spirit OHL 59 27 28 55 47
2011-12 Saginaw Spirit OHL 44 34 42 76 38
- John Jaeckel

Just by the numbers Morin looks to be more of what we need

What the Hawks truely need is an upgrade in goaltending. Their forwards are set and I think that Carcillo, Shaw and Bollig will add the sandpaper that is needed. The defense is solid, I only hope that Leddy isn't given top 4 minutes again this year. He should be given time on the PP, but he loses every board battle, doesn't block shot or take the body. Even though the PP was terrible last season I still have hope that with the talent they have it will improve.

Unfortunately if Crawford is still our goalie then the pk will continue to struggle. After the playoff series against Vancouver that went into OT in game 7 I had high hopes for Craford for this past year. Unfortunately he proved that he cannot win or steal a game for the hawks, and watching him at times he seems lost in the net, and is often scrambling to get back into position. The 2 back breaking OT goals that he gave up against Pheonix should have been the final straw for Stan to realize that he should not be the starting goalie for this season. But thank god Stan still has his draft picks and prospects instead of using those for a goalie who could stop a puck from Boedker that wasn't even a shot and was laying flat on the ice.

I don't know if you can tall but I have absolutley no faith in Crawford leading a team the Cup or even to a 1st round win.

Not sure what you mean, but if you are saying that the notion of a 19 year old being plugged into the top 6 as the main "improvement" on a potentially (with some real improvement) Stanley Cup contedning team, then I agree. We should not even be discussing what Saad can do at the NHL level now. We should be discussing what he can do at the AHL level.

I am 99.9% certain that the NHL (and AHL) players in the Hawk organization are either offended or highly amused by all this Saad hype. Even if guys like Toews play good soldier and go along with it. I think guys like Toews and Seabrook have to be disappointed/bewildered that this is the best help their front office is giving them. Not to mention Q, who is probably wishing he'd gone to Montreal.
- John Jaeckel

Hey there JJ! Love what you are saying about Saad,and I agree with most of what you said.
My question is,if there is a lockout,does that mean the AHL is locked out too? Or would Saad perhaps be able to start in the AHL during a lockout?

If he (Saad) gets regular PT now, he'll be more ready the following year, whereas if we give that time to another over the hill journeyman, even a Doan, we'll have zilch to show for it in two years.
- busmaster

Again, this is in theory. It doesn't mean that it will or won't work. It's not a sure thing. More likely than not Saad isn't going to give you much this season. It stands to reason he may not give you anything at all.

As for Doan, at least you know you're definitely getting some who has proven he can do the job.

Hey there JJ! Love what you are saying about Saad,and I agree with most of what you said.
My question is,if there is a lockout,does that mean the AHL is locked out too? Or would Saad perhaps be able to start in the AHL during a lockout?
- captainserious

During the last lockout, the AHL, ECHL, CHL and the UHL played on. It stands to reason they will be unaffected by a lockout.

During the last lockout, the AHL, ECHL, CHL and the UHL played on. It stands to reason they will be unaffected by a lockout.
- EKolb13

Hi Ekolb! Hope you are doing well! So a lockout would actually benefit Saad
Poor kid is getting driven into the ground and praised at the same time

It's official:
Assistant Coach is Jamie Kompon

Has worked with L.A. for the past 6 years.
Was video coach with Q in St. Louis

Hi Ekolb! Hope you are doing well! So a lockout would actually benefit Saad
Poor kid is getting driven into the ground and praised at the same time
- captainserious

Where have you been, Captain? Good to see you!

At least with a lockout, he'd be in Rockford for sure.

It's official:
Assistant Coach is Jamie Kompon

Has worked with L.A. for the past 6 years.
Was video coach with Q in St. Louis
- 1goalLordStanley

??? This from hockeyinsiderr or is this the real deal?