It's possible that Duclair, Hayden and Hinostroza all emerge as top 6 forwards. It's unlikely but possible. Even if one guy becomes a top 6 forward and the others are 3rd liners that's not a bad thing.
- DarthKane

I agree that our young forwards with top 6 skills are Schmaltz, DeBrincat, and Sikura. We have a good sample size of what Schmaltz can bring to the top 6 and that he has staying power. Like you said, DeBrincat should be there as well but he was on the bottom 6 development plan to help ease him in. Someone else mentioned this yesterday, but having Sharp as a linemate was a good way to provide DeBrincat with a mentor who also plays wing, scores a lot of goals (or used to in Sharp's case), is willing to engage physically, and pushes back if bullied around. I imagine Sikura will be on the same development plan if/when he signs with the team.

Hinostroza definitely is stating his case for a top 6 role. Hayden could as well. However, I see both of them as being the wingers on a solid 3rd line with Anisimov. If/when Anisimov is no longer on the team, could a 3C acquisition like Jenner (doesn't have to be him but similar player) be a good complement for Hinostroza and Hayden to form a 3rd line that has offensive punch, tenacity, and physicality?

Highmore could eventually be a strong 3C in the mold of Danault if that Powers article is any accurate premonition but I'm guessing he at least becomes an excellent 4C option. Then you have the decision of playing Highmore or Kampf at 4C. Not comfortable having both centering the bottom 6 next year.

As for DuClair, I'm on the fence with him. I wouldn't be upset if he's not retained but wouldn't mind either if he's retained for at least another year to see if he can break out as his potential and skill suggest. Not holding my breath with him, though.

It's possible that Duclair, Hayden and Hinostroza all emerge as top 6 forwards. It's unlikely but possible. Even if one guy becomes a top 6 forward and the others are 3rd liners that's not a bad thing.
- DarthKane

I could see Hayden having a couple "top 6" years in his prime and being incredibly effective. Comparable: Bryan Bickell

That and late bloomers, both apply to the Swede we just got from Nashville IMO.
- tvetter

Ejdsell is an unknown asset until he plays in the NHL. He was ranked pretty low by Nashville. Obviously they do not see him as a late bloomer. There is risk as he is the shiny lure that caused Bowman to bite on trading a rostered bonafied NHL former first round player for a low first round pick. Nevertheless as bad as Bowman is, we still are blessed with an excellent scouting dept so there is always a fair chance a draft pick could indeed work out.

Ejdsell is an unknown asset until he plays in the NHL. He was ranked pretty low by Nashville. Obviously they do not see him as a late bloomer. There is risk as he is the shiny lure that caused Bowman to bite on trading a rostered bonafied NHL former first round player for a low first round pick. Nevertheless as bad as Bowman is, we still are blessed with an excellent scouting dept so there is always a fair chance a draft pick could indeed work out.
- Savoy

Poile sees Hartman as a late bloomer. I believe he may be right about that.

Ejdsell is an unknown asset until he plays in the NHL. He was ranked pretty low by Nashville. Obviously they do not see him as a late bloomer. There is risk as he is the shiny lure that caused Bowman to bite on trading a rostered bonafied NHL former first round player for a low first round pick. Nevertheless as bad as Bowman is, we still are blessed with an excellent scouting dept so there is always a fair chance a draft pick could indeed work out.
- Savoy

Take those two 1st round picks and try to move up and grab a D. Then go sign Raanta or another legit net minder to help out. Forsberg might need a year in Rockford to smooth out the edges. And lets hope 19, 7 and 2 get their collective schit together and come back better next year.

Take those two 1st round picks and try to move up and grab a D. Then go sign Raanta or another legit net minder to help out. Forsberg might need a year in Rockford to smooth out the edges. And lets hope 19, 7 and 2 get their collective schit together and come back better next year.
- z1990z

I never thought any of those three guys were finished
I believe they will each have a much better year next year and the baby core should make big strides. Fix the defense and this team will be back strong.

I just doubt the Hawks are gonna get any huge upgrades unless they overpay but they could use a couple more guys that can actually play at an NHL level. Or it will just be more of the same failure because of the weak D core. There are guys that can play minutes and won't embarrass themselves.

Greg Pateryn is a #4 D and he can kill penalties.
John Moore 4D and he can kill penalties.
Same with Sbisa.
De Haan and Hickey are similar caliber and can kill penalties.
Manning is capable in a 4/5/6 role.
Barberio and Nelson are more 6/7 types but could be serviceable depth and aren't too long in the tooth.

I'm not saying these guys are a homerun but they are likely to be the most affordable guys were the Hawks might be able to restock some defensive depth. Most of these guys are at least a #4 on teams that are ahead of Chicago in the standings, so they can't be too awful. They are unlikely to find a top pair D on the free agent market and their development of D hasn't lead to much success lately.

Here are the Hawks in-house drafted D to play in the NHL.

Dahlstrom - 2013 pick - 7 games under his belt
Clendening 2011 - 86 games - has not found an NHL home for a reason
Paliotta 2011 - 2 games - seems to be a bust
Dahlbeck 2011 - 157 games - Fringe NHL player for an average team, likely wouldn't have a roster spot with a contender
Justin Holl 2010 - 2 games - unlikely to see significant NHL time at this point
Stephen Johns 2010 - 134 games - #5D
Dylan Olsen - 2009 - 124 games - Fringe player who is playing ECHL at this point.

Not to mention all the draft picks that didn't manage to play a game in the NHL at this point. You have to all the way back to 2005 and Hjalmarsson to find a Hawks D pick that actually was a really good defenseman. Most of the guys they have drafted lately are too green.

I mean, 2002 they drafted Keith, Wisniewski...2003 Seabrook and Byfuglien....Hjalmarsson in 2005, but not much NHL talent on D since. I don't have a lot of confidence that the current crop of dmen are gonna turn many heads based on the track record.

I'd take 2 of those UFAs over Oesterle/Gustafsson who are often lost in their own end and can't be trusted to kill a penalty. Hawks might not solve their issues on D this draft/off season, but maybe they can sign some assets to flip next trade deadline if the team is still struggling.
- breadbag

Ummm Johns plays 18 minutes \ night. Not sure how many 3rd pairing guys do that...

Hartman What team gives up on a young cost controlled player?

I'm sure you will get a great player with the 30th pick. Preds did last year.
It's fun to have nothing to look forward to other than the draft, right?
- VopatsRash

The hawks missing the playoffs this year is dangerous. Preds have a good thing going right now but it doesn’t guarantee anything. Laughing at the hawks is the last thing I’d be doing. They are gearing up for something. Whether it’s trading up in the draft most likely in the top five range or packaging some really nice pieces to go and get MAYBE a Tavares.
Just My 2 cents.

Ummm Johns plays 18 minutes \ night. Not sure how many 3rd pairing guys do that...
- fattybeef

Well, there are 4 guys who play more minutes on the blueline for Dallas (5 if you include Methot), so he is pretty much playing 3rd pair which has been the case since he went to Dallas.

I never thought any of those three guys were finished
I believe they will each have a much better year next year and the baby core should make big strides. Fix the defense and this team will be back strong.
- Savoy

Yes, and a few others have said the same or similar: find at least one if not 2 blueliners to round out a base of Keith, Seabrook, and Murphy (possibly Forsling as a potential starter on opening night next season), slot everyone properly, and stability as a collective blueline may grow organically. I believe it was Enzo who suggested a base like this to start from:

Keith - RD
LD - Murphy
LD - Seabrook

Pencil in Forsling as one of those LD. If Q is still coach, I would bet Oesterle is one of those LD, and maybe either Gustafsson or Dahlstrom. I'd prefer that the team look to acquire experienced blueliners to be Keith's partner in the 1st pair and to play the other LD. I'm fine with Oesterle, Gustafsson, or Dahlstrom being the 7th guy.

As far as prospects, it's best if Jokiharju plays in a pro league next year whether in the AHL or in Europe as Justin hinted at a week or so ago, then maybe a late season call up next year if he develops leaps and bounds. Mitchell should play at least another year in college if not stay through graduation to get as much experience and development as possible. Krys, too. Over marinate them as JJ would say.

Well, there are 4 guys who play more minutes on the blueline for Dallas (5 if you include Methot), so he is pretty much playing 3rd pair which has been the case since he went to Dallas.
- breadbag

Which is why the Stars are a playoff team. Stephen Johns would be the best Right Shooting Defense-man on the Hawks today. Do you disagree with that?

The hawks missing the playoffs this year is dangerous. Preds have a good thing going right now but it doesn’t guarantee anything. Laughing at the hawks is the last thing I’d be doing. They are gearing up for something. Whether it’s trading up in the draft most likely in the top five range or packaging some really nice pieces to go and get MAYBE a Tavares.
Just My 2 cents.
- KINGS67

I truly hope the Hawks draft in the Top 5 this year. They NEED another All-Star talent in the mix.

Sikura isn't a top 6 or even 12 yet in the NHL...so let's pump the breaks on plugging him in any role

#drewleblanc

I truly hope the Hawks draft in the Top 5 this year. They NEED another All-Star talent in the mix.
- EnzoD

I’m preetty sure you guys are getting a good talented guy even if it’s slightly out of top 5 range. I like that Ty Smith guy. I believe he’s a Dman. Haven’t seen him play but his scouting reports look impressive

I have absolutely terrific life long memories of 6-9-10; 6-24-13 and 6-15-15. Yes, I've memorized those dates. I also have terrific life long memories of the entire playoffs for those years - ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL MEMORIES that I was able to share with my teenage sons.

You are correct - the Blackhawks are not as good these days and who knows, they may never compete for a Stanley Cup again (1961 to 2010 was a very long time).

You come on here and seem to enjoy getting a dig in at the expense of diehard Blackhawks fans. Not sure why. I believe I may have commented to you in the past so I'll try just one more time:

Enjoy your teams' current success with some class and maturity.
- 17SEC

I have to be honest, for all the behoodling happening on this board, in all my years in this city, I've never seen a front office like this. Bowman constantly tinkering with the team and seeing ways he can improve it.

Organizations are only as good as their ownership, except basketball. Perfect example is the Red Wings they always had a good team and then unfortunately Illitch with getting older, health issues, and his unfortunate passing, someone else is running the ship. Now look where they're at.

Ricketts, Patriots owner, 49ers one of the most dominant teams, now garbage, same with Cowboys.

So long as Rocky is the fuel that drives the Blackhawks, this team will have its ups and downs, but I know we will be competing for a SC in the next 5 to 10 years.

Hartman What team gives up on a young cost controlled player?

I'm sure you will get a great player with the 30th pick. Preds did last year.
It's fun to have nothing to look forward to other than the draft, right?
- VopatsRash

Blackhawks love Stanley Cups the way you guys love cost controlled players.

So enjoy them while we enjoy our championships.

Is it fun having such high hopes while continuing to be a loser? I'd love to know what that's like!

I’m preetty sure you guys are getting a good talented guy even if it’s slightly out of top 5 range. I like that Ty Smith guy. I believe he’s a Dman. Haven’t seen him play but his scouting reports look impressive
- KINGS67

Have there been any stories regarding Kopitar and his resurgence this season compared to last? Did he change his training? Was he injured last year? The goal he scored last night was a textbook power+speed move to the net. Hawks need Toews to have a similar bounce back.....

Scott Powers‏Verified account
@ByScottPowers

Blackhawks power play units
1: Seabrook, Schmaltz, Hinostroza, Kane & Anisimov
2: Keith, Toews, Saad, DeBrincat & Duclair

Blackhawks lines
Saad-Toews-Hinostroza
Jurco-Anisimov-Kane
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Highmore
Sharp-Kampf-Duclair

Well at least the PP will stay consistent. Can we please put an actual shooter on PP1? Come to think of it, do we have one? ADB?

I like Hino back o nthat top line, and it will be interesting to see how Highmore does if these lines remain for the game.

Have there been any stories regarding Kopitar and his resurgence this season compared to last? Did he change his training? Was he injured last year? The goal he scored last night was a textbook power+speed move to the net. Hawks need Toews to have a similar bounce back.....
- EnzoD

I honestly believe all of them (Kings) tuned out Sutter. There was a quote Doughty gave in the summer about how the team hated coming to practice and it wasn’t fun for him and most of the players. I felt kopitar was going to have a bounce back year but Brown is the bigger story.

DeBrincat is top 6, without a doubt. I think the Hawks are easing him into the lineup by playing him in the bottom 6. Not saying I agree with that strategy, but it appears they are taking things slow with him. Even so, DeBrincat is producing at a top 6 rate.

Hinostroza, Hayden and Duclair are all bottom 6 forwards who can fill in the top 6 as required. Vinnie could end up being a top 5 forward, he's scoring at a 50 point pace. Hartman fell into this category of forwards. I would rather have Hartman on the team than not and I don't mind the return, but I was hoping that if Stan traded Hartman it was for help on defense. Maybe that still happens if Stan trades one of the team's first round picks.

Edit: The jury is still out on Sikura, we need to see him play consistently before judging him.
- DarthKane

With Cat, yes he has a great shot but so did Pirri. on a truly great team I don't think a one dimensional player is a top 6. I look at him as a scoring 3rd line player. Hino Energy 3rd or 4th line and hayden as a 4th line grinder. Top 6 IMO means you need more then one elite skill. if CAT gets a lot stronger maybe.

With Cat, yes he has a great shot but so did Pirri. on a truly great team I don't think a one dimensional player is a top 6. I look at him as a scoring 3rd line player. Hino Energy 3rd or 4th line and hayden as a 4th line grinder. Top 6 IMO means you need more then one elite skill. if CAT gets a lot stronger maybe.
- kmw4631

30 goals as a rookie on a last place team, but not worthy of top 6 minutes? Got it.

Which is why the Stars are a playoff team. Stephen Johns would be the best Right Shooting Defense-man on the Hawks today. Do you disagree with that?
- EnzoD

Coach Hitchcock has something to do with that as well.

Hartman looked great tonight and just scored what looks like the Game Winning Goal. WoW.
- kwolf68

Still the right move for this team, it wasn't working here. We need more picks.

30 goals as a rookie on a last place team, but not worthy of top 6 minutes? Got it.
- EnzoD

I thought that was kind of an arbitrary stipulation as well. Is Ovi really elite at anything other than goal scoring? Not comparing the two players, but the concept.

With Cat, yes he has a great shot but so did Pirri. on a truly great team I don't think a one dimensional player is a top 6. I look at him as a scoring 3rd line player. Hino Energy 3rd or 4th line and hayden as a 4th line grinder. Top 6 IMO means you need more then one elite skill. if CAT gets a lot stronger maybe.
- kmw4631

How dare you compare him to Pirri. He's defensively worse than Panarin and that is saying something. Cat is a more complete hockey player right now than Pirri will ever be.