John Jaeckel: Who's Your Breakthrough Baby?

John Jaeckel: Who's Your Breakthrough Baby?
- John Jaeckel

I'd wager on Kruger breaking through. He's getting better with experience and there's a chance he could center the 2nd line. If Perrault can get Kruger up to 50% on the dot that would be a huge improvement.

Linked to this I expect to see Smith make a big impact in the bottom 6. It would be nice to see him take on the PK specialist role and I think he can do it.

Kruger may be the guy, I think he may have some offensive upside especially if paired with guys like Kane, Hossa or Sharp.

The guy who I think may really step and have a great year will be Brandon Saad. Last year he got his feet wet and showed some real good offensive flashes. I expect him to raise the bar and become a consistant scorer. I wish he were more physical and initiate hits but I don't think that's his game.

John Jaeckel: Who's Your Breakthrough Baby?
- John Jaeckel

First (if I can "submit" this soon enough).

I'm going to go with Kruger: this is his third full year - either this year he takes the big step forward into a top-6 role, or he remains in a bottom-6 role for his career. People keep saying he still has a body to grow into: he's 23 - when?

Second choice: Leddy, especially on the power play.

I think Jeremy Morin breaks out this year.

JJ...If Kruger is indeed the breakout player and snags the second line center role and Handzus doesn't play every night (due to health issues or needing a rest) then who will centre the 4th line?

JJ...If Kruger is indeed the breakout player and snags the second line center role and Handzus doesn't play every night (due to health issues or needing a rest) then who will centre the 4th line?
- DarthKane

Al or Wiz

Al or Wiz
- John Jaeckel

My money is on Wiz, he plays better defense (sorry Al, but it's true).

Al or Wiz
- John Jaeckel

Wouldn't that open up the door for Danault to get a look?

Wouldn't that open up the door for Danault to get a look?
- paulr

Problem is, Danault, like all Hawk opponents, would be blinded by the musical notes and angels with harps that surround Al at all times due to his mellifluous voice

Seriously, I think Nordstrom and/or Danault is going to see some time with the Hawks this year.

The problem here is that there is not enough data to evaluate which of the prospects really can make a jump. They need actual extended NHL ice time to know for sure.

My money is on whoever can find a way to win 50% plus at the dot. Trouble is, I don't think anyone can identify who that might be.

As far as current NHL roster guys, maybe Shaw or Saad have another gear....

My money is on Wiz, he plays better defense (sorry Al, but it's true).
- DarthKane

No way Darth.

Al is above 50% on the dot. He can takes the body a lot more too.

I hope it's Pirri.

I hope he gets a legitimate shot. If I recall, he also worked a point on Rockford's PP, which was quite good.

But my guess is Pirri takes Stalberg's role as Q's yo yo boy that bounces from line to line.

Anyway, longshot guess. Blackhawk PP continues to sputter and pop and emit foul gas and in a panic move, Stan brings Adam Clendenning up a year too early to QB the PP. He becomes the guy that breaks out. Sure. Why not....

I hope it's Pirri.

I hope he gets a legitimate shot. If I recall, he also worked a point on Rockford's PP, which was quite good.

But my guess is Pirri takes Stalberg's role as Q's yo yo boy that bounces from line to line.

Anyway, longshot guess. Blackhawk PP continues to sputter and pop and emit foul gas and in a panic move, Stan brings Adam Clendenning up a year too early to QB the PP. He becomes the guy that breaks out. Sure. Why not....
- yahoodi

Because Kompon's (or Q's) PP strategy is not scoring first - it's keep away first. So there will be no impetus to make the PP more point productive. Until that philosophy changes, there will be no urgency to address the lack of scoring with the man advantage.

If he's finally SERIOUS...and that's a Kilimanjaro IF...Beach is my darkhorse. That # 12 sweater has been preserved...long PHUCK'N enuff

RAANTA!!

RAANTA!!
- FourFeathers773

He'd be a dark dark horse, but I could see him getting some playing time this year. Signing Khabibulin gives the Blackhawks a veteran back-up, but it also gives them an excuse to call us Raanta this season in short stints (Khabby's injuries).

No way Darth.

Al is above 50% on the dot. He can takes the body a lot more too.
- robhawks

Al's a puck hog, as a center he needs to pass more. Also, I heard he's a real diva in the locker room. He demands green M&Ms & Justin Bieber music for home games and red licorice & Back Street Boys on the road. If Al doesn't get what he wants he doesn't perform, plain and simple.

KRUGMAN

Would it also count as a break through if Kane finally puts up 100 points?

I mean, suppose nobody steps in to fill out the missing point totals, but our best point producer gets 20% better? I'm looking for this, weather it be called a break through or not.

Al's a puck hog, as a center he needs to pass more. Also, I heard he's a real diva in the locker room. He demands green M&Ms & Justin Bieber music for home games and red licorice & Back Street Boys on the road. If Al doesn't get what he wants he doesn't perform, plain and simple.
- DarthKane

But to be fair: wasn't he in Q's doghouse (with Stalberg) for most of last year?

KRUGMAN
- Sconnie

Ben Smith............Just may take over Frolik's PK role and if Saad is 2nd line center he may see exclusive 3rd line duty with the flexibility to move up and down the lineup due to injuries.

That is of course if he makes the team.

Al's a puck hog, as a center he needs to pass more. Also, I heard he's a real diva in the locker room. He demands green M&Ms & Justin Bieber music for home games and red licorice & Back Street Boys on the road. If Al doesn't get what he wants he doesn't perform, plain and simple.
- DarthKane

That's awesome.

Yeah, but Al has worked hard. He is also laying off the M and M's and now listens to JJ's spotify list. When Al gets it going, look out Darth. Everyone will be cheering Al, Al, Al in the United Center that you would think Secord was back.

If Smith gets regular looks on the fourth line, he's the best candidate to show the most progress and establish himself in a solid role on the team.

As far as "breakthrough" indicating getting closer to or reaching your potential, I would say Kruger has the most upside, but Morin for me actually has a better shot of putting it all together first, given his size. Now if Krugs comes to camp sporting a fresh 10 lbs of muscle, then I think he's a lock to improve significantly.