Think they still remember? When Howard Stern does street trivia segments most people can't name any of the countries the US fought in WWII.

For sure though. Hard to lump all Finns in the soft as room temp butter category just cause Teuvo was scrawny.
- HawkintheD

Uh, yeah, I'd say they still remember.

And Finns typically a real bastards to play against. TT the exception to the rule.

I think Dylan will look out for his own best interests (which his family would want). This is a business for these guys and Dylan has the opportunity to control his destiny, why would he pass that up? He could sign here then his brother is released after one season. Dylan will want to set himself up to be in the best position for long-term success in his NHL career. Sadly for us that is not in Chicago.
- DarthKane

Why do you assume that the best position for his long term success is not in Chicago? If the team is so devoid of players as everyone states, then it is the perfect opportunity for someone to step up, play significant meaningful minutes, and maybe make a name for himself. Every team with up and coming players will usually at some point run into cap hell. A team like Chicago may be exactly the place that a kid on an ELC can come in, prove himself, and get himself closer to the big payday and not some bridge deal. The assumptions made on this board border on the ridiculous when nobody has any information other than their own insecurities and phobias.

I think Dylan will look out for his own best interests (which his family would want). This is a business for these guys and Dylan has the opportunity to control his destiny, why would he pass that up? He could sign here then his brother is released after one season. Dylan will want to set himself up to be in the best position for long-term success in his NHL career. Sadly for us that is not in Chicago.
- DarthKane

He certainly would - and certainly SHOULD - want to set himself up for long-term success - and I wouldn't discount Chicago as the place for that.

There is still some glamour here - Kane, Toews, Keith, Crawford - none of whom is a disaster on the ice (altho some have seen better days).

There is some quality youth here - Schmaltz, deBrincat, Hinostroza.

There is a HOF coach who apparently is still someone that players want to play for.

There is the City - a major hockey market, a world-class city, whose only negative for someone like Sikura would be the weather.

And there is an excellent chance that he would immediately be an imortant piece going forward - he could (should) roll into a starters role (top-6?) from day one.

The Hawks are in free-fall right now, no question - but it's up to Stan, McD, others to convince him that there is a good plan in place to quickly bring back the glory days - and that he would be a big part of that.

And even if he doesn't sign until some time after his collegiate career ends, that give Stan and Company time to show him (by actions) what the plan going forward is - after the draft, after the beginning of the free agent period.

If - after four years of establishing a relationship - they haven't been able to sell the kid on this franchise, then they should all be gone.

Panarin 68 points Kane 70. Closing in.
- Savoy

Who cares?

Can you talk about ANYTHING else?

We KNOW Panarin is having a ten-times-better season than Saad - we KNOW that Bowman is an idiot and Q couldn't coach a midget team....

Talk about something else - prove that you are a well-rounded hockey fan.

Why do you assume that the best position for his long term success is not in Chicago? If the team is so devoid of players as everyone states, then it is the perfect opportunity for someone to step up, play significant meaningful minutes, and maybe make a name for himself. Every team with up and coming players will usually at some point run into cap hell. A team like Chicago may be exactly the place that a kid on an ELC can come in, prove himself, and get himself closer to the big payday and not some bridge deal. The assumptions made on this board border on the ridiculous when nobody has any information other than their own insecurities and phobias.
- TheTrob

Look at what how DeBrincat was handled this season, he played mostly bottom 6 minutes with guys like Wingels and Bouma. Luckily DeBrincat is talented enough to produce with NHL fodder like that. If Sikura comes to Chicago he'll likely end up in one of three places: 1) 4th line playing 10 minutes (max), 2) Q's doghouse, or 3) Rockford. None of these options position him well to produce offensively at the NHL level and set himself up for long term success. Even if Sikura goes to a lesser team (if there is one) he'll get the opportunity for top 6 minutes and PP time.

Joni Tuulola has signed two year ELC with Blackhawks.

Joni Tuulola has signed two year ELC with Blackhawks.
- MjulQvist

HockeyDB has him at 6'2" 198lbs. 30 points in 58 games in SM liiga (only 8 points last year). Scouting report?

Look at what how DeBrincat was handled this season, he played mostly bottom 6 minutes with guys like Wingels and Bouma. Luckily DeBrincat is talented enough to produce with NHL fodder like that. If Sikura comes to Chicago he'll likely end up in one of three places: 1) 4th line playing 10 minutes (max), 2) Q's doghouse, or 3) Rockford. None of these options position him well to produce offensively at the NHL level and set himself up for long term success. Even if Sikura goes to a lesser team (if there is one) he'll get the opportunity for top 6 minutes and PP time.
- DarthKane

Those are all HUGE assumptions. Regardless of what Sikura has done in college, and regardless of which team he does sign with, whether it is the Hawks or someone else, Sikura will need to prove that he can play at the NHL level. Success at Northeastern and the NCAA are not in any way guarantees of success in the NHL. The path to success in the NHL is littered with former NCAA stars and Hobey Baker winners that never amounted to anything. So to assume that Sikura is going to step in and be a star or deserve top line minutes is presumptuous. DeBrincat has moved up and down the lineup. His TOI this year is also about 15mins a game, which is pretty good for a 19 year old player with questionable size coming in. How about Schmaltz, who went from 13mins/game to 18mins/game this season. Seems to me that sends a message that if you can perform then you will get ice time and opportunities.

Sikura is not McDavid, Matthews, Laine, or any other number of players that stepped right into producing and stardom. He was a 6th round pick for a reason, and while he has shown that he has greatly improved over his draft position and may prove to be a quality NHLer, he will have to keep proving it. NO TEAM, even the bottom feeders is going to just hand him a top line position until he can prove it.

HockeyDB has him at 6'2" 198lbs. 30 points in 58 games in SM liiga (only 8 points last year). Scouting report?
- EnzoD

He has made strides this season but I haven´t seen him playing this year. Pretty good skater, nice hands and calm with the puck. Needs to be better without the puck and more strength imo.

Look at what how DeBrincat was handled this season, he played mostly bottom 6 minutes with guys like Wingels and Bouma. Luckily DeBrincat is talented enough to produce with NHL fodder like that. If Sikura comes to Chicago he'll likely end up in one of three places: 1) 4th line playing 10 minutes (max), 2) Q's doghouse, or 3) Rockford. None of these options position him well to produce offensively at the NHL level and set himself up for long term success. Even if Sikura goes to a lesser team (if there is one) he'll get the opportunity for top 6 minutes and PP time.
- DarthKane

And perhaps a reason to play AdB as he did was to ease him in against lessor QOC.

As good as he’s been, I’d have like to see him spend some (substantial) time in the “A” to get his feet wet in the pro game - except for the McDavids, Matthews - Kane’s and Toews - developmental time can be very important in developing a well-rounded 200 foot player.

Absent that, I have no problem giving him time in less pressured situations.

He certainly would - and certainly SHOULD - want to set himself up for long-term success - and I wouldn't discount Chicago as the place for that.

There is still some glamour here - Kane, Toews, Keith, Crawford - none of whom is a disaster on the ice (altho some have seen better days).

There is some quality youth here - Schmaltz, deBrincat, Hinostroza.


There is a HOF coach who apparently is still someone that players want to play for.

There is the City - a major hockey market, a world-class city, whose only negative for someone like Sikura would be the weather.

And there is an excellent chance that he would immediately be an imortant piece going forward - he could (should) roll into a starters role (top-6?) from day one.

The Hawks are in free-fall right now, no question - but it's up to Stan, McD, others to convince him that there is a good plan in place to quickly bring back the glory days - and that he would be a big part of that.

And even if he doesn't sign until some time after his collegiate career ends, that give Stan and Company time to show him (by actions) what the plan going forward is - after the draft, after the beginning of the free agent period.

If - after four years of establishing a relationship - they haven't been able to sell the kid on this franchise, then they should all be gone.
- StLBravesFan

I list the Penguins players by their role
.primary, secondary scoring then checkers
There are only so many roles as scoer or checking

. The penguins added a quality player in Brassard......do add him to salary cap. They added Oleksiak; he has worked out well. There are at least four dmen they need to pay. Since injuries always seem to be addressed by a somewhat major trade the past few years, the penguins probably want extra space so as not tight against the salary cap.

Point being either a trade or checking role might await Sikura. He could play one year then be dealt. More commercial endorsements here.

Bowman trying to sell the kid on Chicago: use White Sox motto one year: it's all about the kids.

Toews out tonite?
Upper body?

Those are all HUGE assumptions. Regardless of what Sikura has done in college, and regardless of which team he does sign with, whether it is the Hawks or someone else, Sikura will need to prove that he can play at the NHL level. Success at Northeastern and the NCAA are not in any way guarantees of success in the NHL. The path to success in the NHL is littered with former NCAA stars and Hobey Baker winners that never amounted to anything. So to assume that Sikura is going to step in and be a star or deserve top line minutes is presumptuous. DeBrincat has moved up and down the lineup. His TOI this year is also about 15mins a game, which is pretty good for a 19 year old player with questionable size coming in. How about Schmaltz, who went from 13mins/game to 18mins/game this season. Seems to me that sends a message that if you can perform then you will get ice time and opportunities.

Sikura is not McDavid, Matthews, Laine, or any other number of players that stepped right into producing and stardom. He was a 6th round pick for a reason, and while he has shown that he has greatly improved over his draft position and may prove to be a quality NHLer, he will have to keep proving it. NO TEAM, even the bottom feeders is going to just hand him a top line position until he can prove it.
- TheTrob

So let me get this straight; Some kid who was a 6th round pick is pulling an Eric Lindros on us? He can Fu@K off.

Look at what how DeBrincat was handled this season, he played mostly bottom 6 minutes with guys like Wingels and Bouma. Luckily DeBrincat is talented enough to produce with NHL fodder like that. If Sikura comes to Chicago he'll likely end up in one of three places: 1) 4th line playing 10 minutes (max), 2) Q's doghouse, or 3) Rockford. None of these options position him well to produce offensively at the NHL level and set himself up for long term success. Even if Sikura goes to a lesser team (if there is one) he'll get the opportunity for top 6 minutes and PP time.
- DarthKane

I know we all appreciate your commitment to this, but I'm quite sure your Sikura position is sarcastic/facetious. The ONLY thing another NHL team can offer Sikura that the Hawks cannot is the chance to play for a Cup on his ELC. The Hawks have more roster holes (opportunity for playing time) than all but 5 NHL teams. Unlike Hayes, I fully expect Sikura to sign with the Hawks.

Toews is out with an upper body injury and will miss a few games.

Blackhawks lines
Sharp-Schmaltz-Kane
Jurco-Anisimov-DeBrincat
Saad-Hinostroza-Highmore
Hayden-Kampf-Martinsen

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) March 22, 2018

Toews is out with an upper body injury and will miss a few games.

Blackhawks lines
Sharp-Schmaltz-Kane
Jurco-Anisimov-DeBrincat
Saad-Hinostroza-Highmore
Hayden-Kampf-Martinsen

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) March 22, 2018

- DarthKane

FULL ON TANK MODE!

Those are all HUGE assumptions. Regardless of what Sikura has done in college, and regardless of which team he does sign with, whether it is the Hawks or someone else, Sikura will need to prove that he can play at the NHL level. Success at Northeastern and the NCAA are not in any way guarantees of success in the NHL. The path to success in the NHL is littered with former NCAA stars and Hobey Baker winners that never amounted to anything. So to assume that Sikura is going to step in and be a star or deserve top line minutes is presumptuous. DeBrincat has moved up and down the lineup. His TOI this year is also about 15mins a game, which is pretty good for a 19 year old player with questionable size coming in. How about Schmaltz, who went from 13mins/game to 18mins/game this season. Seems to me that sends a message that if you can perform then you will get ice time and opportunities.

Sikura is not McDavid, Matthews, Laine, or any other number of players that stepped right into producing and stardom. He was a 6th round pick for a reason, and while he has shown that he has greatly improved over his draft position and may prove to be a quality NHLer, he will have to keep proving it. NO TEAM, even the bottom feeders is going to just hand him a top line position until he can prove it.
- TheTrob

Teams certainly make promises to free agent when it comes to ice time. They might not be long-term promises but at least the opportunity to start in the NHL (even if that lasts only a handful of games).

If Sikura isn't that good then it won't be a big deal when he signs somewhere else. But more to that, Sikura is ranked by most "experts" as one of Chicago's top 5 prospects (more like top 3), what does this say about the Blackhawks prospect pool?

FULL ON TANK MODE!
- EnzoD

FULL ON TANK MODE!
- EnzoD

Especially tonight against the Canucks who we need to chase down and other tank teams in action as well.

Who cares?

Can you talk about ANYTHING else?

We KNOW Panarin is having a ten-times-better season than Saad - we KNOW that Bowman is an idiot and Q couldn't coach a midget team....

Talk about something else - prove that you are a well-rounded hockey fan.
- StLBravesFan

Think they still remember? When Howard Stern does street trivia segments most people can't name any of the countries the US fought in WWII.

For sure though. Hard to lump all Finns in the soft as room temp butter category just cause Teuvo was scrawny.
- HawkintheD

They probably do. The Russians never could fully occupy Finland during WW2. I think they're content with leaving the Finns to their reindeer herds and pumping out world class goalies and rally car drivers every decade.

Toews is out with an upper body injury and will miss a few games.

Blackhawks lines
Sharp-Schmaltz-Kane
Jurco-Anisimov-DeBrincat
Saad-Hinostroza-Highmore
Hayden-Kampf-Martinsen

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) March 22, 2018

- DarthKane

Is THIS the injury that has caused his game to decline the past three years?

Glad it’s finally being addressed.

Toews out tonite?
Upper body?
- 67hawks

ok...hmmm interesting timing...

send him on vacation...cya in september

Teams certainly make promises to free agent when it comes to ice time. They might not be long-term promises but at least the opportunity to start in the NHL (even if that lasts only a handful of games).

If Sikura isn't that good then it won't be a big deal when he signs somewhere else. But more to that, Sikura is ranked by most "experts" as one of Chicago's top 5 prospects (more like top 3), what does this say about the Blackhawks prospect pool?
- DarthKane

I, for one, having watched him in Spengler Cup exhibition action am not as enthused about him as others seem to be.
Also he will be 23 in June, older than some playing for us right now. So you can't be comparing his development and upside to someone like ADB.

I, for one, having watched him in Spengler Cup exhibition action am not as enthused about him as others seem to be.
Also he will be 23 in June, older than some playing for us right now. So you can't be comparing his development and upside to someone like ADB.
- 67hawks

My hope would be that Sikura is a legit NHL middle 6 playmaker so he can be packaged to acquire a defense-man.