Unless you have no idea what you're doing.
- Hawkster

So JJ, the news you're hearing is that the Hawks are content with their roster, or are they still actively looking to trade to improve?

I have no comment on the mentoring question...
- Al

Biting your tongue are you Al?

So JJ, the news you're hearing is that the Hawks are content with their roster, or are they still actively looking to trade to improve?
- CapSerious19

I am hearing that they have prepared a p.r. strategy in the event that they can't improve the roster—and that right now, nothing is imminent as far as improving the roster.

Would I be surprised if there were a minor signing or trade by Friday?

No. I think they are probably working feverishly on that as we speak.

However, I am also hearing that no one is breaking down the door this summer to come to Chicago. So I also think—though I have not been told this specifically—that any move they make, even minor, might end up being (or being seen as) an overpay.

(A) IT CAN'T BE A WASTED SEASON - not with this core, not with 2 wasted seasons in a row

(B) Why put a kid (Saad) into a situation where he's likely to struggle and failure is a real possibility - let him work in Rockfish and learn how to be a pro. How many talented kids have been ruined by rushing them to the majors, in any sport, instead of getting the required 1,500 at bats in the minors so they no how to succeed and to come out of slumps and become mentally (and physically) tough enough to be major leaguers?

(C) Kid will have every chance with this group - but this group will not sugar coat his weaknesses or failures. Not that he spends time here, but if he's not tough enough to take to criticism, keep him at Rockfish until he is.
- StLBravesFan

Couldn't agree with your thoughts more. I don't think he is ready nor should he be put in that position to fail. Counting on him to be part of the top 6 is an example of the shortcomings this offseason by the FO. I was just saying that Bus never called him a star or a Calder winner and it was unfortunate that his comments were taken as such.

I am hearing that they have prepared a p.r. strategy in the event that they can't improve the roster—and that right now, nothing is imminent as far as improving the roster.

Would I be surprised if there were a minor signing or trade by Friday?

No. I think they are probably working feverishly on that as we speak.

However, I am also hearing that no one is breaking down the door this summer to come to Chicago. So I also think—though I have not been told this specifically—that any move they make, even minor, might end up being (or being seen as) an overpay.
- John Jaeckel

So, Mr. Peabody, we've entered the way-back machine for July, 2008.

However, I am also hearing that no one is breaking down the door this summer to come to Chicago.
- John Jaeckel

Does this mean the players league wide are as tired of the Barnum and Bailey Show as us fans? The constant line changing, the reported power struggles. It has gone to h-e-double hockey sticks in a hand basket since Tallon left. Have you heard if Rocky is livid yet since he supposedly said he wanted major changes? Brookbank, and one of Q's buddies are not major upgrades.

So, Mr. Peabody, we've entered the way-back machine for July, 2008.
- StLBravesFan

When they signed Huet and Campbell? I think the Hawks were a hotter destination then than today. Much more so.

Does this mean the players league wide are as tired of the Barnum and Bailey Show as us fans? The constant line changing, the reported power struggles. It has gone to h-e-double hockey sticks in a hand basket since Tallon left. Have you heard if Rocky is livid yet since he supposedly said he wanted major changes? Brookbank, and one of Q's buddies are not major upgrades.
- ikeane

I will blog on this probably Friday (barring some unforeseen player moves). I will tell the story as I've heard it going back to 2009. I don't know with 100% exactly where Wirtz stands. Sometimes I hear he is impatient and only wants to win. Other times I hear that the CBA has him spooked and the team is on lockdown as far as major expenditures.

Did they try hard to get Parise and Suter? They did.

So I think Rocky wants to win. 99% sure.

but there's a lot more to this story.

I am hearing that they have prepared a p.r. strategy in the event that they can't improve the roster—and that right now, nothing is imminent as far as improving the roster.

Would I be surprised if there were a minor signing or trade by Friday?

No. I think they are probably working feverishly on that as we speak.

However, I am also hearing that no one is breaking down the door this summer to come to Chicago. So I also think—though I have not been told this specifically—that any move they make, even minor, might end up being (or being seen as) an overpay.
- John Jaeckel

I think we are going to soon find out how angry Rocky is...the negative trend around the organization can't be allowed to continue. If he's as fed up as he should be, the big top needs to fall on the circus.

I think our only hope at this point is that a recommitted team has some early success (if there is a season) and get some positive ju-ju around the UC. Lots of teams "win the offseason" and suck (last year's Eagles)...maybe we can be a team that "loses the offseason" but somehow surprises us...

Biting your tongue are you Al?
- djd

No not at all...I don't know much about him and haven't heard anything complimentary.

I will blog on this probably Friday (barring some unforeseen player moves). I will tell the story as I've heard it going back to 2009. I don't know with 100% exactly where Wirtz stands. Sometimes I hear he is impatient and only wants to win. Other times I hear that the CBA has him spooked and the team is on lockdown as far as major expenditures.

Did they try hard to get Parise and Suter? They did.

So I think Rocky wants to win. 99% sure.

but there's a lot more to this story.
- John Jaeckel

Wow, this gets uglier by the minute.
Sad to see as I thought we were so close to another cup.

It would never happen, but I have nothing to add to the Saad conversation.

How about Stan calls up Holland and offers something built around Leddy and McNeil for Datsyuk?

Maybe they'll introduce John Madden & Brett Lebda at the convention?

Maybe they'll introduce John Madden & Brett Lebda at the convention?

- InvisibleOrange

Hopefully because they're long lost relatives meeting each other for the first time; not as new Blackhawks...

Brett Sonne had a 100 point year in juniors. Who's he? Exactly.

Jeremy Morin had a huge year in junior. Rob Schremp. Angelo Esposito. Kyle Beach. It is a long, long list.
- John Jaeckel

Geez JJ, you riding this kid is near the Hawks claiming he's a top player..........

I posted this maybe a year ago on your blog. I saw the kid with the USA U-18 team play the Steel a few years back. Read where he was a solid player. Well, what I saw was a big kid with excellent north-south speed, average hands and was willing. Next time I see him was with the Hawks in preseason a few years later.

Couldn't believe it was the same player. Kid added zig to his game and his hands improved...... Improve being the operative word. What we all look for in a PROSPECT from year to year.The kid obviously put the work in and is seemingly coachable.

Kid has tools, has shown improvement and has size. Lets hope the best for him and not let StanBowPops&McD cloud our judgment. If he busts out he busts out. But from what I've seen of his game since the first time I saw it when he was 17/18 kid has IMPROVED exponentially.

Hopefully because they're long lost relatives meeting each other for the first time; not as new Blackhawks...
- shruew

you have more Stan faith than I do....
those are his type of moves.

"Veteran presence that helps this team moving forward..."
"we're satisfied with the team we have...."
"this team is poised to make a run at the cup...."

i cannot wait to hear all the cliches that come spilling out.

It would never happen, but I have nothing to add to the Saad conversation.

How about Stan calls up Holland and offers something built around Leddy and McNeil for Datsyuk?
- NewToHockey

you cant be serious with that offer

Does this mean the players league wide are as tired of the Barnum and Bailey Show as us fans? The constant line changing, the reported power struggles. It has gone to h-e-double hockey sticks in a hand basket since Tallon left. Have you heard if Rocky is livid yet since he supposedly said he wanted major changes? Brookbank, and one of Q's buddies are not major upgrades.
- ikeane

If Rocky is livid he sure has a funny way showing it......wait, he hasn't shown us anything? No firings, no public announcements of the sort. I'm beginning to question his backbone a bit.

Maybe they'll introduce John Madden & Brett Lebda at the convention?


- InvisibleOrange

Anyone from this board going to be there to boo SB

you cant be serious with that offer
- FourFeathers773

Just that? Of course not. The premise obviously being give Detroit a head start on rebuilding in exchange for a player that will probably be ready to retire by the time the Wings are contenders again.

I will blog on this probably Friday (barring some unforeseen player moves). I will tell the story as I've heard it going back to 2009. I don't know with 100% exactly where Wirtz stands. Sometimes I hear he is impatient and only wants to win. Other times I hear that the CBA has him spooked and the team is on lockdown as far as major expenditures.

Did they try hard to get Parise and Suter? They did.

So I think Rocky wants to win. 99% sure.

but there's a lot more to this story.
- John Jaeckel

JJ look forward to Friday's blog...I just hope when it comes to that point that w/ Q gone that doesn't allow management to place blame soley on him - Stan and McD need to go just as badly if not moreso. Rocky needs to name a new President of Hockey Ops and give him complete autonomy. If McD is allowed to stay a la Crane Kenney he needs to be put in a room somewhere far away from the on ice decisions. Personally I think they'd be just fine w/ Jay Blunk running the marketing side and McD gone.

I know you've mentioned Edzo before and that he checks a lot of boxes....former Hawk part, of the Hawks family, is from Chicago, is well respected around the league, hockey guy not a finance major, etc. one can only hope Rocky has him on his radar.

I know you've mentioned Edzo before and that he checks a lot of boxes....former Hawk part, of the Hawks family, is from Chicago, is well respected around the league, hockey guy not a finance major, etc. one can only hope Rocky has him on his radar.
- DK002

Why would a future hire need to have a Chicago connection? couldnt they just go for someone with skill?

JJ look forward to Friday's blog...I just hope when it comes to that point that w/ Q gone that doesn't allow management to place blame soley on him - Stan and McD need to go just as badly if not moreso. Rocky needs to name a new President of Hockey Ops and give him complete autonomy. If McD is allowed to stay a la Crane Kenney he needs to be put in a room somewhere far away from the on ice decisions. Personally I think they'd be just fine w/ Jay Blunk running the marketing side and McD gone.

I know you've mentioned Edzo before and that he checks a lot of boxes....former Hawk part, of the Hawks family, is from Chicago, is well respected around the league, hockey guy not a finance major, etc. one can only hope Rocky has him on his radar.
- DK002

I do think he would be a good hire for all those reasons. He knows his stuff. So does pierre mcguire. I still think he would make a great gm

JJ look forward to Friday's blog...I just hope when it comes to that point that w/ Q gone that doesn't allow management to place blame soley on him - Stan and McD need to go just as badly if not moreso. Rocky needs to name a new President of Hockey Ops and give him complete autonomy. If McD is allowed to stay a la Crane Kenney he needs to be put in a room somewhere far away from the on ice decisions. Personally I think they'd be just fine w/ Jay Blunk running the marketing side and McD gone.

I know you've mentioned Edzo before and that he checks a lot of boxes....former Hawk part, of the Hawks family, is from Chicago, is well respected around the league, hockey guy not a finance major, etc. one can only hope Rocky has him on his radar.
- DK002

I can honestly see Edzo as a replacement for Bowman under McDonough.

BUT . . . to me, the way to go is start from the top. And I would emulate the models in Detroit or St. Louis. Both have as their Presidents very low key business guys. But then a very strong, outfront GM (Holland) with a strong head of hockey operations (Devellano). Similar structure in St. Louis with Davidson and Armstrong.

The Hawks' structure is way more nebulous and seems much more dominated by the Team President. I could go on and on but I think the Hawks' model is broken and I think Rocky knows it and I have been told he has regrets over the Tallon dismissal.

It hurt the organization and its reputation.

The only way he turns this thing around is he has to bring in a new president/head of hockey ops—a hockey guy—and give him a clean slate. From there, it's a great situation because you have a very good team and talent pipeline and a great city and arena, Original Six, etc.

But it's not happening with the current cast of characters.