John Jaeckel: DeBrincat Mania and the 2017-18 Hawks

I called for the Hawks to try Franson weeks ago. not because he is great or even good....but because he is:
1. cheap (one would think)
2. Better and younger than Rozy
3. BIG
4. Nothing more than a 5-6-7, so doesn't have to be good, just serviceable.

I think he sticks.

What ever happened to Desi? I don't recall seeing anything about him this summer.

JJ,

Love the Cyberdyne Systems reference!

Although, at this point, I would welcome Skynet giving Rozy a T-800 endoskeleton if he's going to be on the roster...

As for ADB. A great young talent. But, in this tourney...he did EXACTLY what he should have done. He is coming off 3 OHL seasons of 50-100, 50-100, 65-125. If he DIDN'T stand out in this Rookie tourney it would have been a disappointment. Think he still needs Rockford for a year, and if nothing else....start there, show you can compete and stand out at THAT level....then make the move to the BIG club.

He did really well. Now, let's see it against older and more seasoned guys. Not doubting his eventual spot on a NHL roster or being a contributor at the NHL level. Just think at 19 years old, he still has time to make strides before he gets immersed full-time.

Unless the Hawks have something else up their sleeve, I think Stuart gets signed to a 1 year deal. The Hawks left defense is unproven outside of Keith though I think Kempny and Forsling should get a long look. But even if they should make it, who else could we really call up to play on the left side if one of them or Keith goes down with an injury? IMO Stuart >>>> Rozival at this stage in their careers so I would keep Stuart as insurance over Rozival. Thoughts anyone?

If the Hawks are counting on Stuart, rozy, or Franson this year, its gonna be a tough year.

Spot starting any of them here and there isnt the end of the world, but I'm not hoping for any kind of 2013 Rozy type performance from any of them.

I'd say we're on the brink of something big with Debrincat.

Also, is HockeyBuzz now mobile friendly?

Unless the Hawks have something else up their sleeve, I think Stuart gets signed to a 1 year deal. The Hawks left defense is unproven outside of Keith though I think Kempny and Forsling should get a long look. But even if they should make it, who else could we really call up to play on the left side if one of them or Keith goes down with an injury? IMO Stuart >>>> Rozival at this stage in their careers so I would keep Stuart as insurance over Rozival. Thoughts anyone?
- FourOrr

I think Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, Franson, Kempny and Forsling will all start the season with the Hawks. The question becomes who will be the 7th (and possibly 8th) d-man. That will be between Rutta, Roszival and Stuart. Rozsival's health will play a big part of that decision.

You and JJ exactly correct.

So I just happened to surmise if ADB has a recall or few brief flings with the big team, how adept is he in the shootout? Blackhawks will need each point they can garner.

I also will say this: if Vinny or A Luis is on the team, cannot imagine them on the same line should ADB also be skating here. Might there be a limitation how many small guys play, sit in the press box, eventually get traded. The beautiful thing right now is that each is early on in their development. As they start producing we can start rationalizing.

But you never trade a hot commodity like ADB to fill a hole. And by and by...did the Cubs really get a pitcher who would help nothing but short term for Lou Brock.

Here's another thought: Really hope Kempny does well. Could see Snuggerud and Kempny together one day? What side does Snuggerud play?

I did not see any of these games outside of the last 5 minutes, and overtime, of yesterdays championship game. So...how has Fortin looked? I was kind of hoping Fortin could step into that 2LW...or even Cat. I prefer Sharp as our 3LW with Schmaltz and Hartman. Anyone know how Fortin did in the tournament?

JJ I think you're right on ADB not being NEEDED per se, but having him start the year with the team (assuming he plays like he deserves it) is something the team SHOULD want. Of course he's not going to be a bottom-six grinder type, so throwing him into the fire with one of the best playmakers in recent memory is a fantastic way for him to get acclimated. I for one think he could fill Bread's role pretty well. Let him use his crafty offensive prowess with 88 and Arty. Afterall, the last top-six winger the Hawks threw into the fire turned out to be a pretty good one, that's why the team brought him back. Let ADB experience the growing pains now. Having Sharp on the third line will give you three balanced scoring lines. Something reminiscent to that of the cup winning teams.

I did not see any of these games outside of the last 5 minutes, and overtime, of yesterdays championship game. So...how has Fortin looked? I was kind of hoping Fortin could step into that 2LW...or even Cat. I prefer Sharp as our 3LW with Schmaltz and Hartman. Anyone know how Fortin did in the tournament?
- onehundredlevel

Fortin was there, I guess he had some moments (yesterday?), not sure he's 100% back from hernia surgery

Players on PTO, wondering if one or two go down to Rochford for leadership or experience for all the new young players down there this season??
Also if ADB knocks it out of the ballpark this camp still think some AHL seasoning couldn't hurt?
Why rush these kids? Just my 2 cents

If the Hawks are counting on Stuart, rozy, or Franson this year, its gonna be a tough year.

Spot starting any of them here and there isnt the end of the world, but I'm not hoping for any kind of 2013 Rozy type performance from any of them.
- BlazinMike

You may be right, but Franson is a 6-7 guy, and that's all Rozy ever was, garbage in, garbage out

Conversely, if they're relying on Rutta or Forsling for 70-75 games a piece, same issue, but for different reasons, lack of experience/mistakes/pucks in your own net. Don't kid yourself.

Not arguing for one versus another except I just don't believe this team is in rebuild mode yet/play the kids last year had a high price in the end.

Players on PTO, wondering if one or two go down to Rochford for leadership or experience for all the new young players down there this season??
Also if ADB knocks it out of the ballpark this camp still think some AHL seasoning couldn't hurt?
Why rush these kids? Just my 2 cents
- CTblackhawkfan

If no other team wants them in the end, and they want to keep playing, that's usually how it plays out.

Seems to me that, since Dauphin was an important (if not the major) part of the Hjalmarsson trade, he would be given first crack at the bottom-line center spot.

I did not see any of these games outside of the last 5 minutes, and overtime, of yesterdays championship game. So...how has Fortin looked? I was kind of hoping Fortin could step into that 2LW...or even Cat. I prefer Sharp as our 3LW with Schmaltz and Hartman. Anyone know how Fortin did in the tournament?
- onehundredlevel

Powers was saying Fortin looked a bit rusty from surgery since these are his first games back, but it was coming back to him.

Unless the Hawks have something else up their sleeve, I think Stuart gets signed to a 1 year deal. The Hawks left defense is unproven outside of Keith though I think Kempny and Forsling should get a long look. But even if they should make it, who else could we really call up to play on the left side if one of them or Keith goes down with an injury? IMO Stuart >>>> Rozival at this stage in their careers so I would keep Stuart as insurance over Rozival. Thoughts anyone?
- FourOrr

Franson > Stuart at this point.

Fortin was there, I guess he had some moments (yesterday?), not sure he's 100% back from hernia surgery
- John Jaeckel

He was the first forward out for 3 on 3 overtime and I think it was no coincidence based on how he was playing. Kampf was pretty noticeable too, that he seems to be a step above the pack. I think Rockford might have a better squad this season.

Maybe Rozsival is being kept around to mentor, coach, translate language for Kempny and Rutta ?

Powers was saying Fortin looked a bit rusty from surgery since these are his first games back, but it was coming back to him.
- JRoenick97

Fortin was one of the most noticeable players imo if only because he was one of the fastest and seemed to be mostly in the correct places. Didn't score, but not from lack of knowing where to go. He also was fairly strong on the puck, which was nice to see. He does look a bit bigger, stronger than last year. Hopefully he'll be even more recovered by pre-season games because I'd like to see his progress while he's fully recovered.

Seems to me that, since Dauphin was an important (if not the major) part of the Hjalmarsson trade, he would be given first crack at the bottom-line center spot.
- StLBravesFan

He'll get a shot. But he'll also have to earn it. That's good. I am a Dauphin fan, but a Hawk fan first.

Fortin was one of the most noticeable players imo if only because he was one of the fastest and seemed to be mostly in the correct places. Didn't score, but not from lack of knowing where to go. He also was fairly strong on the puck, which was nice to see. He does look a bit bigger, stronger than last year. Hopefully he'll be even more recovered by pre-season games because I'd like to see his progress while he's fully recovered.
- L_B_R

And when he was with skill players at the pro level in camp and exhibitions last year, those assets put him in position to score and set up at pro speed, which he did.