Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Mirages and Deadline Thoughts
Author Message
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Feb 20 @ 8:53 AM ET
Justin Lowe: Mirages and Deadline Thoughts False alarm crew, that 7-1 win the other night was merely a mirage.

The Hawks came out flat with a capital “F” last night with a 3-1 loss to LA. I’ll give LA credit, they are a hungry team looking to get into the playoffs, so you shouldn’t have expected anything else.

Deadline thoughts on what the Blackhawks may or may not do is included in here as well.
biskit67
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 07.27.2015

Feb 20 @ 9:00 AM ET
Unbelievable the difference between Saturday and Monday. Did they get an extra bonus promised if they won on Saturday? They looked super motivated. Yesterday, meh. Well, let's see how the roster changes up through the TDL.
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Feb 20 @ 9:08 AM ET
GM Justin. Great write up. On trading certain players?

Hartman, Murphy and AA, (throw Duclair's name in their too)? I'm open to it depending the return. Nothing against any of those guys but if the Hawks can parlay any of them, a combo of them into an upgrade on defense, that'd be great.

I still like getting Saad back so A) I'd keep him unless B) Somebody blows you away with an offer.

Hell no on selling low though.

blackhawk24
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL
Joined: 06.06.2009

Feb 20 @ 9:28 AM ET
Would like to see a big name not named Kane be moved soon.

Even a year ago it was hard to imagine this fall this steep this soon.

Glad its almost time for my two-week AZ spring training trip to see the Cubs!
FourOrr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Libertyville, IL
Joined: 01.26.2012

Feb 20 @ 9:48 AM ET
Hi Justin,
Nice write up. Per your question, I would trade Hartman for a young top 4 defenseman provided he is not another smallish puck moving defenseman with no jam to his game. Funny how under Q the only two defensemen that have some jam to their game (Murphy and Kempny excluding Seabrook) are always in Q's doghouse. As I recall, one reason Q was let go in Colorado was his failure to play and develop young defensemen. I am guessing that is partly due to his insistence on playing his system vs adapting a system to the players he has. Oh well, the March to top 5 continues...
Hawkster
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Quebec , QC
Joined: 06.13.2008

Feb 20 @ 9:48 AM ET
Would like to see a big name not named Kane be moved soon.

Even a year ago it was hard to imagine this fall this steep this soon.

Glad its almost time for my two-week AZ spring training trip to see the Cubs!

- blackhawk24


This is what this team needs to rebuild but it seems the FO is reluctant to do so.

I guess last place in the division and not making the playoffs is not enough to indicate that the core needs to be changed? Not sure what elese they need to see that the product is stale and no longer working in its current format.

Wake up.
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Feb 20 @ 9:48 AM ET
Meant to comment on Dahlstrom. Thought he looked pretty good last night too and like you said, is it a case of him being the tallest midget? Hard to tell but I'd at least like to see him continue slotting in.

You don't really know unless they keep playing him. A lot of these guys 44, 56, 82 have looked decent for a game or two but have revealed warts in extended stretches.

I think you're fine with one of those guys as a 3rd pairing guy or maybe Dahlstrom. Speaking of, if that's what Murphy is being regarded as in the current scheme, I'd look at packaging him for an upgrade on defense.[/img]
Antz96
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: CHICAGO, IL
Joined: 01.25.2010

Feb 20 @ 9:56 AM ET
GM Justin. Great write up. On trading certain players?

Hartman, Murphy and AA, (throw Duclair's name in their too)? I'm open to it depending the return. Nothing against any of those guys but if the Hawks can parlay any of them, a combo of them into an upgrade on defense, that'd be great.

I still like getting Saad back so A) I'd keep him unless B) Somebody blows you away with an offer.

Hell no on selling low though.

- HawkintheD


Agreed with everything you said. A lot of people are in love with Hartman, but does anyone really think he's more than a 3rd line winger?

That's a valuable piece, but it's a complimentary role, not something you build around.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Feb 20 @ 10:12 AM ET
>>>The older Hawks on this team are a bit broken right now and in unfamiliar territory, as they will be packing their lockers up mid-April this year. Will they be giving it 100% every night, jumping in front of pucks and driving the net, putting themselves in a vulnerable position? No. <<<

why start now...2/3 of their games have been 40 minute efforts or less: kings game was exhibit A..

75-80 points may be a reach for this broken group

when it did matter beginning Jan 1 with a favorable schedule, breaks and many home games they crapped all over themselves with 3-9-1 home record and 7-13-2 over all...

other than decent pk...this team is very weak to mediocre with no push back or "want to" until its to late...

whats so strange is they scored 1st numerous times over the last 10 games, pp has gotten better (scored in 7 of 9 games); decent possession numbers...

but cant finish 5 on 5, attrocious def zone play and turnovers, and meh goaltending..

-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Feb 20 @ 10:12 AM ET
If I am a GM I would go after:
1) Anisimov - solid 2C /3C - hard to find decent centes. Pretty reasonable contract for 3 more years. Maybe a 1st round pick (if he goes to a good team it will probably so late in the 1st round it will be like a 2nd round pick). Maybe a high level dman prospect that is close to making the NHL and could develop into a top pairing defender next year or the year after. (Not saying both a 1st round pick and a prospect. I am saying either or.)
2) Sharp (UFA) - He is still skating well, shooting well, with physicality and you can move him up and down the lineup. Has good numbers in the post season. He can play on a shut down line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
3) Wingels (UFA) - Not as much of a score/shooter as Sharp. But can play both wings and center. Has grit and some skills. He can play on a shut down line or an energy line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
4) Hartman (RFA) - versatile, young, semi-cost controlled. Plays with grit and energy. Can play up and down your lineup. Has shown flashes of top 6 skills. Price might be (should be) pretty steep. A 2nd round pick and b level prospect.
5) Bouma (UFA) - basically a 4th line, grinder. Could be a good fit for a team needing some grit. But guys like this are a dime a dozen. Maybe a 6th/7th round pick.
6) Murphy - I really do not see him bringing much value to any playoff team. Maybe a 3rd pairing defender. Cost controlled for 4 more years. It would just be a salary dump for the Hawks. Maybe could get a 4th round pick.
7) DuClair (RFA) - I think the Hawks will keep him to take a longer look. If he is good they sign him. If not someone else signs him and they get a draft pick. After the TDL he should be in the lineup everyday. We will know his future better after that. If they move him now they might get a 3rd round pick.

Obviously if Bowman could move the Seabs contract without taking back too much garbage that would be great. But I just do not see it happening.
tim62b
Joined: 04.20.2016

Feb 20 @ 10:15 AM ET
Finally somebody says it about Q and young defensemen. I've always wondered what Q would do with a young Bobby Orr and his end to end rushes.
dpard
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: My preferred gender pronoun is "Corn Pop"
Joined: 04.18.2011

Feb 20 @ 10:20 AM ET
Meant to comment on Dahlstrom. Thought he looked pretty good last night too and like you said, is it a case of him being the tallest midget? Hard to tell but I'd at least like to see him continue slotting in.

You don't really know unless they keep playing him. A lot of these guys 44, 56, 82 have looked decent for a game or two but have revealed warts in extended stretches.

I think you're fine with one of those guys as a 3rd pairing guy or maybe Dahlstrom. Speaking of, if that's what Murphy is being regarded as in the current scheme, I'd look at packaging him for an upgrade on defense.

- HawkintheD[/img]


Why the Derogatory comment toward midgets?
You're the type that would chant "bowling" To one in the penalty box
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Feb 20 @ 10:20 AM ET
if i hear anything about this poop show cuz of craws injury i will explode...
he covered alot of this teams problems; they might have one a few more games with him in net...

his injury exposed them for what they are...BAD
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Feb 20 @ 10:23 AM ET
If I am a GM I would go after:
1) Anisimov - solid 2C /3C - hard to find decent centes. Pretty reasonable contract for 3 more years. Maybe a 1st round pick (if he goes to a good team it will probably so late in the 1st round it will be like a 2nd round pick). Maybe a high level dman prospect that is close to making the NHL and could develop into a top pairing defender next year or the year after. (Not saying both a 1st round pick and a prospect. I am saying either or.)
2) Sharp (UFA) - He is still skating well, shooting well, with physicality and you can move him up and down the lineup. Has good numbers in the post season. He can play on a shut down line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
3) Wingels (UFA) - Not as much of a score/shooter as Sharp. But can play both wings and center. Has grit and some skills. He can play on a shut down line or an energy line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
4) Hartman (RFA) - versatile, young, semi-cost controlled. Plays with grit and energy. Can play up and down your lineup. Has shown flashes of top 6 skills. Price might be (should be) pretty steep. A 2nd round pick and b level prospect.
5) Bouma (UFA) - basically a 4th line, grinder. Could be a good fit for a team needing some grit. But guys like this are a dime a dozen. Maybe a 6th/7th round pick.
6) Murphy - I really do not see him bringing much value to any playoff team. Maybe a 3rd pairing defender. Cost controlled for 4 more years. It would just be a salary dump for the Hawks. Maybe could get a 4th round pick.
7) DuClair (RFA) - I think the Hawks will keep him to take a longer look. If he is good they sign him. If not someone else signs him and they get a draft pick. After the TDL he should be in the lineup everyday. We will know his future better after that. If they move him now they might get a 3rd round pick.

Obviously if Bowman could move the Seabs contract without taking back too much garbage that would be great. But I just do not see it happening.

- -Doh-


I'm not sure Sharp would bring back that much...often he plays like a guy who should be retired and he hasn't had much defensive contribution. I'd be surprised to see anything more than a 5th round pick if they decided to even move him.

I think Murphy would absolutely have some value to a playoff bound team that needs additional depth and want more than a rental He is a big guy who can play the body and protect the area in front of the net. He isn't flashy but he can battle.
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Feb 20 @ 10:23 AM ET
Hi Justin,
Nice write up. Per your question, I would trade Hartman for a young top 4 defenseman provided he is not another smallish puck moving defenseman with no jam to his game. Funny how under Q the only two defensemen that have some jam to their game (Murphy and Kempny excluding Seabrook) are always in Q's doghouse. As I recall, one reason Q was let go in Colorado was his failure to play and develop young defensemen. I am guessing that is partly due to his insistence on playing his system vs adapting a system to the players he has. Oh well, the March to top 5 continues...

- FourOrr

Have to start pulling for Florida and Detroit tonight. Wins by them help solidify a possible top 7 pick. Habs and Oilers need to get on a late season roll also if we want a chance at a top 5.
67hawks
Joined: 08.30.2012

Feb 20 @ 10:33 AM ET
if i hear anything about this poop show cuz of craws injury i will explode...
he covered alot of this teams problems; they might have one a few more games with him in net...

his injury exposed them for what they are...BAD

- bogiedoc


Crawford would have probably prevented some goals against but he would not be scoring any. If you are not scoring, it does not matter who is in net.
A few extra wins from Crawford would have put us just out of a wildcard spot with a low lottery draft pick.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Feb 20 @ 10:34 AM ET
If I am a GM I would go after:
1) Anisimov - solid 2C /3C - hard to find decent centes. Pretty reasonable contract for 3 more years. Maybe a 1st round pick (if he goes to a good team it will probably so late in the 1st round it will be like a 2nd round pick). Maybe a high level dman prospect that is close to making the NHL and could develop into a top pairing defender next year or the year after. (Not saying both a 1st round pick and a prospect. I am saying either or.)
2) Sharp (UFA) - He is still skating well, shooting well, with physicality and you can move him up and down the lineup. Has good numbers in the post season. He can play on a shut down line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
3) Wingels (UFA) - Not as much of a score/shooter as Sharp. But can play both wings and center. Has grit and some skills. He can play on a shut down line or an energy line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
4) Hartman (RFA) - versatile, young, semi-cost controlled. Plays with grit and energy. Can play up and down your lineup. Has shown flashes of top 6 skills. Price might be (should be) pretty steep. A 2nd round pick and b level prospect.
5) Bouma (UFA) - basically a 4th line, grinder. Could be a good fit for a team needing some grit. But guys like this are a dime a dozen. Maybe a 6th/7th round pick.
6) Murphy - I really do not see him bringing much value to any playoff team. Maybe a 3rd pairing defender. Cost controlled for 4 more years. It would just be a salary dump for the Hawks. Maybe could get a 4th round pick.
7) DuClair (RFA) - I think the Hawks will keep him to take a longer look. If he is good they sign him. If not someone else signs him and they get a draft pick. After the TDL he should be in the lineup everyday. We will know his future better after that. If they move him now they might get a 3rd round pick.

Obviously if Bowman could move the Seabs contract without taking back too much garbage that would be great. But I just do not see it happening.

- -Doh-


I'd keep DuClair - only 22, excellent potential, speed, needs to learn the game but still young enough to do so.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Feb 20 @ 10:36 AM ET
if i hear anything about this poop show cuz of craws injury i will explode...
he covered alot of this teams problems; they might have one a few more games with him in net...

his injury exposed them for what they are...BAD

- bogiedoc


It has an impact on the team. No quesiton.

To be fair, a lot of teams are bad when they get weak goaltending. Not saying the Hawks don't have problems, but most good teams get good goaltending. Some of the top teams can overcome it in the grande scheme of a long regular season (Usually those teams get exposes in the playoffs and don't go deep).

It is absolutely impossible to know exactly where the team would be if CC had been playing, maybe they would have been in the race still. Maybe not, but bad goals against are deflating and the Hawks wouldn't be the first team to struggle at both end after losing a top tier goalie to injury.

Again, the team has some issues and I think most of us knew the team was in trouble if CC was out for any length of time. I was preaching it since Darling left. Big giant unknown after Crawford on the depth chart.
BlazinMike
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 05.08.2013

Feb 20 @ 10:37 AM ET
I watched the first 20 last night then just went and played video games.
67hawks
Joined: 08.30.2012

Feb 20 @ 10:37 AM ET
Have to start pulling for Florida and Detroit tonight. Wins by them help solidify a possible top 7 pick. Habs and Oilers need to get on a late season roll also if we want a chance at a top 5.
- Rota's Rooter


That meaningless win against Washington the other night really messed things up because we could have gained on several teams which garnered points that night.
gnosox1986
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: FL
Joined: 01.25.2012

Feb 20 @ 10:41 AM ET
If I am a GM I would go after:
1) Anisimov - solid 2C /3C - hard to find decent centes. Pretty reasonable contract for 3 more years. Maybe a 1st round pick (if he goes to a good team it will probably so late in the 1st round it will be like a 2nd round pick). Maybe a high level dman prospect that is close to making the NHL and could develop into a top pairing defender next year or the year after. (Not saying both a 1st round pick and a prospect. I am saying either or.)
2) Sharp (UFA) - He is still skating well, shooting well, with physicality and you can move him up and down the lineup. Has good numbers in the post season. He can play on a shut down line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
3) Wingels (UFA) - Not as much of a score/shooter as Sharp. But can play both wings and center. Has grit and some skills. He can play on a shut down line or an energy line. A 3rd or 4th round pick.
4) Hartman (RFA) - versatile, young, semi-cost controlled. Plays with grit and energy. Can play up and down your lineup. Has shown flashes of top 6 skills. Price might be (should be) pretty steep. A 2nd round pick and b level prospect.
5) Bouma (UFA) - basically a 4th line, grinder. Could be a good fit for a team needing some grit. But guys like this are a dime a dozen. Maybe a 6th/7th round pick.
6) Murphy - I really do not see him bringing much value to any playoff team. Maybe a 3rd pairing defender. Cost controlled for 4 more years. It would just be a salary dump for the Hawks. Maybe could get a 4th round pick.
7) DuClair (RFA) - I think the Hawks will keep him to take a longer look. If he is good they sign him. If not someone else signs him and they get a draft pick. After the TDL he should be in the lineup everyday. We will know his future better after that. If they move him now they might get a 3rd round pick.

Obviously if Bowman could move the Seabs contract without taking back too much garbage that would be great. But I just do not see it happening.

- -Doh-


AA is probalby a best chip. Need to win a deal for him, IMO
Wingles versatility probably can get us a 4th
Sharp and Bouma are probably conditional 4th then end up as 5ths if teams dont succeed.

Personally, I wouldnt deal Hartman or Duclair unless its unloads Seabs in the process.
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Feb 20 @ 10:43 AM ET
I'd keep DuClair - only 22, excellent potential, speed, needs to learn the game but still young enough to do so.
- StLBravesFan


Might have been 66 or Rick but I'd rather he get sent down if he can do that and not have to clear waivers and play big minutes in RFD.
67hawks
Joined: 08.30.2012

Feb 20 @ 10:44 AM ET
I'd keep DuClair - only 22, excellent potential, speed, needs to learn the game but still young enough to do so.
- StLBravesFan


Yes. These trade proposals moving out our younger players baffle me. How does moving them while maintaining the older core improve this team? We just cannot afford the type of players who would have a positive dramatic impact.
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Feb 20 @ 10:47 AM ET
Interesting thoughts, on how to fix the Blackhawks:

https://www.nhl.com/video/t-278910374
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Feb 20 @ 10:53 AM ET
Might have been 66 or Rick but I'd rather he get sent down if he can do that and not have to clear waivers and play big minutes in RFD.
- HawkintheD


Duclair would have to pass through waivers to be sent to Rockford.

I'm ok with Duclair getting a one year contract for next season, I view him along the same lines as Jurco. I have no expectations but it doesn't hurt to keep him around in the short term to see if he works out. Given the Hawks cap situation its a good move to take a chance on guys like Duclair, plus they unloaded Panik's contract.
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21  Next