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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Game #78
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6628
Joined: 08.24.2009

Mar 29 @ 11:51 AM ET
I think most teams would take the Hawks last 10 years in exchange for 1 dumpster fire of a season.
- benderboots



You must be a young'n. You don't know about the 15 years before the last decade.
6628
Joined: 08.24.2009

Mar 29 @ 11:52 AM ET
HUGE shoutout to #7 Seabs. A true warrior for a LONG time.
And here's hoping he can be properly positioned to have as long a remaining playing career as possible.
Like Hossa, I can also see him as an excellent coach after his playing days are over.

- 35Tony0



I'll be there. And when they announce his 1000th game I'll sucker anyone booing him.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Mar 29 @ 11:53 AM ET
stanbow is right...he has been and still is a warrior...he has not missed games..; his play has improved the last few months despite the hawks dreary performance.

congrats indeed...

- bogiedoc


Agreed.

What I always liked about #7 was how he scores clutch goals and steps up his performance come playoff time. Lots of opposing forwards didn't enjoy going into the corners against #7 in the post-season. I hope he can find a bit of what he lost or adjust a bit more, because he was such a well rounded Dman for so many years.
Slofire94
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: CA
Joined: 01.17.2016

Mar 29 @ 11:55 AM ET
Would we be comfortable trading our lottery pick (depending on where it falls) for a D-Man like Trouba?

Pick++ for Trouba++ (with salary going the other way so cap works out. Maybe send the Hossa contract, or Murphy back over)

Just a thought as we're ideally looking for an NHL ready top 2 RHD to play with Keith.
And Trouba seems ready to mode on from the 'Peg
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Mar 29 @ 11:55 AM ET
with all the draft talk here...depending on how he lottery falls and who takes who with those first 3 picks...;

stanbow could be looking at trading up or down...

- bogiedoc

Please please please trade up to #4 or #5.

Would be really curious if they trade to #3 whom they like do much. Be shocked if they did that.
Trade up is expensive. Cannot envision trading one of our dman prospects in order to move up to draft another dman.

Trouba does make sense however loose some drama what teams get what prospects
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Mar 29 @ 11:58 AM ET
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, 6'1", 205 lbs.
Another power forward American, Oliver Wahlstrom has all of the tools of Brady Tkachuk, minus the agitation factor.

Wahlstrom originally became a youtube sensation in 2009 due to his shootout abilities, yes the shootout has been around so long now that little kids who did it 9 years ago are being drafted.

His biggest attribute is his shot, he has a powerful wrister and a dangerous slapshot. Wahlstrom uses his big body to mosey in next to the goalie for garbage duty and tap ins. He has the hands to navigate through traffic, though he might not be as slick as Svechnikov or Zadina.

Oliver is a Harvard commit, so he won't be playing in the NHL next year until at least late March. Anyone hoping for a plug-and-play at second or third RW can pump the brakes. He spent this season in the USHL and USDP racking up well over a point-per-game in both.

Wahlstrom isn't the fastest skater, but his speed isn't a liability. He seems to be able to flick in top corner shots from anywhere in the offensive zone. Obviously against an NHL goalie these would greatly diminish, but he has very high confidence in letting it rip from anywhere: https://www.youtube.com/w...tch?v=Fssa7YNtw_I#t=6m26s

Wahlstrom's ability to take a big shot from anywhere doesn't mean that he won't attack the net. I've seen more than one clip of him go to the net and pull a full Mighty Ducks Averman and just slam into the goal. Joking aside, he can take abuse in his quest for the most goals possible.

Walhstrom's player type seems to really be a shoot-first power forward. His hands and strong skating can get him into good positions, but his shot is the reason he's risen so high on many scout's draft boards.

Best case scenario: Thomas Vanek, Joe Pavelski
Worst case scenario: Jaime McGinn, Brett Ritchie
Plausible scenario: James van Riemsdyk, TJ Oshie
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Mar 29 @ 12:01 PM ET
JL, thanks for the great blog as usual.

My thought is the Hawks choice will really hinge on where they pick and how close the scouts feel the player available is to being NHL ready. If they get to pick high enough, I think they go D otherwise I think they might take a forward and consider flipping other forward depth for help on D. That is just my gut feeling anyway.
pdx2ord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Portland, OR
Joined: 09.02.2015

Mar 29 @ 12:12 PM ET
His top 5 moments

https://blackhawkup.com/2...moments-first-1000-games/

- gazza53


Videos in that retrospective a reminder of just how clutch Seabs has been, how dirty Keith can play at times, and how important a healthy Bickell was to the team.
gazza53
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 09.15.2017

Mar 29 @ 12:24 PM ET
Videos in that retrospective a reminder of just how clutch Seabs has been, how dirty Keith can play at times, and how important a healthy Bickell was to the team.
- pdx2ord


Yep and I kept hearing the name Bolland, miss that guy as well.

Come the POs the core was pretty (franking) good.
chuckdahammer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 11.01.2016

Mar 29 @ 12:26 PM ET






Evan Bouchard sounds like maybe the best choice and sounds pretty close to being NHL ready. The mock drafts change over time. See the link below. They have the Hawks drafting Joe Veleno, who sounds like Toews junior. Too bad this guy probably won't be available late in the first round for the Hawks








https://www.thedraftanaly...k-draft-picks-1-31-march/





-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Mar 29 @ 12:28 PM ET
You missed several other skills:
1. Our line blender is on 11 and any combination is better than what hits the ice
2. We are smarter than the 2nd all time winning coach
3. Our hindsight is truly 20/10
4. We have built in radar where we can measure skating speed form watching a broadcast

However, I would not give up reading this site makes good seasons great and bad seasons mind stimulating.

- riozzo


Agree. Although I think you and I missed many other skills. I am sure other posters will add on.

The site is still good if you can blow by the mean spirited posts.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Mar 29 @ 12:29 PM ET
From the last blog:
Had a chance to see Jokiharju once here in Seattle earlier in the year. I'm no scout (never played or even learned to skate, just been a Blackhawks fan since the late 60s), but here is what I thought:

Offense: really good - has a good shot and can lift the puck easily and hit the top corners. Scored 2 or 3 this game (Portland won 10-5). First one he skated right into the slot and hit the top left corner of the net. Another he shot, tracked the rebound through traffic and scored along the ice. Very good for his age and think he could even convert to forward if he doesn't work out on D.

Defense: Very good with the stick but not physical in the game I saw. There were several instances where he pinched or drifted forward in the offensive zone and Seattle guys got behind him for breakaways. This actually led to 2 or 3 Seattle goals. Could be this is just the way it is in the WHL as guys maybe are looking for points over defense.

JMO (no expert as I said before) but think he needs another year in a lower league before NHL. Have read that maybe he cannot got to Rockford due to CHL rules (?) If so, maybe a top Euro league for next year would be good.

- totem

Thanks for the observations on Jokiharju. Hopefully what you saw defensively was an exception rather than the rule and on the balance he plays at least average defense with potential to improve which is more along the lines of what I've read and observed so far. But if what you observed is any indication for what's to come once he turns pro, then Jokiharju sounds like the next Gustafsson: great offensive instincts and capacity to produce on the PP but no attention to or care whatsoever for defense.

What bothers me about Gustafsson is that he is often the 2nd guy up the ice when the Hawks are rushing into the offensive zone (assuming he's not the puck carrier, then he's the 1st guy). A blueliner should never do that. At that point, Gustafsson just needs to be real with himself and train to become a winger. Defense is not even a priority. Same for Oesterle to some degree although I see more potential in 82 to improve defensively than 56.

Any defensive prospects who are ready to be called up to the big club need to be sound defensively first. Awesome if they have an offensive package that goes along with it.

Jokiharju is best to spend a good part of next season in Rockford and let him develop under Colliton until he proves he is ready to make the jump. Who knows, maybe he will impress in camp and make it almost a no brainer to not give him a spot in the lineup. But earning a spot should require the d-man placing a high priority on playing defense and being dedicated to constant refinement.
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Mar 29 @ 12:32 PM ET
Yes Congratulations to Seebs on 1000 games ,what a warrior teammate . Could not have accomplished what this team has over the last ten years without him
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Mar 29 @ 12:37 PM ET
Snuggerud and Dahlstrom The former has offensive nhl written right now. He is Keith size and has been injured twice this AHL season. He is smart and i am claiming his place is third pair. Someone with crazy awesome skill in one area but just how good, defensively does he become? If Snuggerud and Dahlstrom were to be given a regular turn, whom would you prefer?
- jhawk59

Whoever plays defense the best and is committed to improving on the back end.
Hillman and Gilbert have plenty of collegiate experience but that doesn't necessarily mean they don't have things to work on. Both are defensively orientated. Both have defintely developed while playing collegiately. Hillman sounds like he would complement his partner well. Mean. Defensive. But has big shot. See vs Winnipeg yonigh tonight
- jhawk59

Would love for at least one of them to be an eventual regular as a defensive defensemen. If either or both make it and stick, pair them with an offensively minded puck carrier to balance the pair. Potential-wise, I see Hillman and Gilbert as 3rd pair ultimately.
Carlsson has developed nicely...called a possible shut down. May turn out to be the best prospect, ie. highest ceiling along with Mitchell.
- jhawk59

We need the next Hjalmarsson. Could this fellow Swede be the one to fill those skates?
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Mar 29 @ 12:41 PM ET
Agreed.

What I always liked about #7 was how he scores clutch goals and steps up his performance come playoff time. Lots of opposing forwards didn't enjoy going into the corners against #7 in the post-season. I hope he can find a bit of what he lost or adjust a bit more, because he was such a well rounded Dman for so many years.

- breadbag

Somewhat related memory of Seabrook in his prime was how devastating it felt when he was suspended for a few games after the Backes hit in the 1st round in 2014. That was a huge loss for those games but thankfully Brookbank filled in solidly until Seabrook was able to return to close out the series and knock out the Blues.

If Seabrook didn't play a few games in the playoffs now (I know, assuming we made the playoffs this year), how much or how little would he be missed?
ToewsdNKanefusd
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Hampshire, IL
Joined: 05.14.2015

Mar 29 @ 12:44 PM ET
Would we be comfortable trading our lottery pick (depending on where it falls) for a D-Man like Trouba?

Pick++ for Trouba++ (with salary going the other way so cap works out. Maybe send the Hossa contract, or Murphy back over)

Just a thought as we're ideally looking for an NHL ready top 2 RHD to play with Keith.
And Trouba seems ready to mode on from the 'Peg

- Slofire94


I was going to ask the same thing, because I would rather them trade that pick for defensive help now. Another option other than Trouba could be Doughty if he truly is on the block this summer. Would you trade our 1st round pick for Doughty?
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Mar 29 @ 12:48 PM ET
Do you think David Backes will be calling Seabrook to congratulate him on his 1,000 game? Putting that scumbag wannabe tough guy David Backes to sleep in the playoffs is one of my best Seabrook memories.
Slofire94
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: CA
Joined: 01.17.2016

Mar 29 @ 12:55 PM ET
I was going to ask the same thing, because I would rather them trade that pick for defensive help now. Another option other than Trouba could be Doughty if he truly is on the block this summer. Would you trade our 1st round pick for Doughty?
- ToewsdNKanefusd


Ya but trading a top 10 draft pick for 1 year of Doughtyand after that, he's going to command a mega deal in the 8x8-9M range... no thanks. I don't think we can afford him, nor would he resign here.
All he wants to do is win cups, and I don't see him re-signing with Chicago even if we could afford him. He'll go to an up and coming team (like the Leafs) who are much closer to rising to being a true contender, much less us who will be play off pretenders in all likelihood.

I'd prefer to trade for younger, and cost controlled/cheaper
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Mar 29 @ 12:55 PM ET
Would we be comfortable trading our lottery pick (depending on where it falls) for a D-Man like Trouba?

Pick++ for Trouba++ (with salary going the other way so cap works out. Maybe send the Hossa contract, or Murphy back over)

Just a thought as we're ideally looking for an NHL ready top 2 RHD to play with Keith.
And Trouba seems ready to mode on from the 'Peg

- Slofire94

I don't think they mess with trading the pick. They have a pretty sure top 10 in a strong draft for the 1st time in some 10 years. I understand why you would want an established d-man but, you have the possibility of someone just as good on a cost-controlled basis. Maybe they luck into the top 3 but I think they should hold even if they are at 7-10.
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Mar 29 @ 12:55 PM ET
Here are the draft rankings according to an aggregate of 6 sources (ISS Hockey, Marek, Hockeyprospect.com, Scott Wheeler, Dobber, McKenzie)
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW
3. Filip Zadina, LW
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW
5. Adam Boqvist, D
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW
7. Evan Bouchard, D
8. Quinton Hughes, D
9. Noah Dobson, D
10. Joe Veleno, C
11. Joel Farabee, LW
12. Barret Hayton, C


7. Evan Bouchard, D, 6'2", 192 lbs.
The third defenseman in the top ten, Evan Bouchard is a departure from the Dahlin/Boqvist phenotype and the first Canadian covered. Bouchard's biggest attribute seems to be his all-around ability, as opposed to Dahlin and Boqvist's game-changing offensive capabilities.

Bouchard has spent the last three seasons on the London Knights, and the last one as the captain after the departure of Rob Thomas. This season has been an explosion of points for Bouchard, going from 44 points in 68 games the previous year to 87 in 67. Bouchard getting top billing on a potent London team has helped him rack up points on the power play and enjoy important minutes on the top penalty kill.

Bouchard is not the dangling, NHL18-skill stick type of player like Dahlin or Boqvist. But Bouchard does venture into the offensive zone and display more traditional offensive abilities like a potent wrister and very powerful slap shot. His shooting percentage hovers around 11%, so his high goal totals could actually translate to a decent amount of goals in the NHL. He leads the OHL in shots on goal by defenseman, as well as goals by a defenseman.

Although he wears #2, he's more comparable to Brent Seabrook than Duncan Keith. He's a righty and plays the right side, and at 6'2" can use his frame in the defensive zone and along the boards. He joins the rush and will sneak in to the dot for one timers when plays are just getting started.
One area where he does compare with Keith is his headiness, he has the ability to look off defenders and fake shots/passes to open up new lanes. His calmness with the puck on his stick gives him a leg up on many defensemen in this draft.

Bouchard's poise, solid offensive play, and hockeyIQ all point towards a solid NHL career, but his one drawback is his skating. The most important thing that scouts first look at is 'can the kid skate?'. Luckily Bouchard can skate, once he gets moving. His acceleration takes a few strides before he hits his top speed though. In the NHL, where time before contact is a fraction of junior leagues, this could bite Bouchard. Having a slow first step can lead to plenty of issues in your own zone.

Maybe Bouchard's poor acceleration can be fixed by a good skating coach and more time, and luckily for him it's not coupled with other issues like size, compete level, or hockeyIQ.

This shot reminds me of one defenseman who's celebrating his 1,000th game tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxXcv2_IRRA#t=1m1s

Bouchard has some question marks around his game, and that will increase with each pick as we move further down the board. Each player will become less and less of a sure thing. There are tools to work with here though: solid IQ, good shot, size.

Best case scenario: Brent Seabrook, Seth Jones
Worst case scenario: Cody Franson, Cody Ceci
Plausible scenario: Matt Niskanen, Jacob Slavin
6628
Joined: 08.24.2009

Mar 29 @ 12:58 PM ET
Do you think David Backes will be calling Seabrook to congratulate him on his 1,000 game? Putting that scumbag wannabe tough guy David Backes to sleep in the playoffs is one of my best Seabrook memories.
- EnzoD



I hear nice things about Backes off the ice. But I can't shake the memories of him giving Toews headshots immediately after Toews returning from concussion a couple of times. I'm with you, when Seabrook lit up Backes in the corner it was beautiful because he had it coming. A real dish it out but can't take it kind of guy.
GPHawksfan
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: AB
Joined: 01.26.2018

Mar 29 @ 1:00 PM ET
(frank) off already you whiny you female dog
ToewsdNKanefusd
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Hampshire, IL
Joined: 05.14.2015

Mar 29 @ 1:01 PM ET
Ya but trading a top 10 draft pick for 1 year of Doughtyand after that, he's going to command a mega deal in the 8x8-9M range... no thanks. I don't think we can afford him, nor would he resign here.
All he wants to do is win cups, and I don't see him re-signing with Chicago even if we could afford him. He'll go to an up and coming team (like the Leafs) who are much closer to rising to being a true contender, much less us who will be play off pretenders in all likelihood.

I'd prefer to trade for younger, and cost controlled/cheaper

- Slofire94


Who else could be available then. If just Trouba, I say just keep the pick and keep building up the defense from within the org. We do have some nice defensive prospects, but I don't think any will be truly ready for next year. I thought they could have a good year next year, but now am not so sure. It may be 2 or 3 years before the Hawks are true contenders again, if at all.
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Mar 29 @ 1:03 PM ET
I hear nice things about Backes off the ice. But I can't shake the memories of him giving Toews headshots immediately after Toews returning from concussion a couple of times. I'm with you, when Seabrook lit up Backes in the corner it was beautiful because he had it coming. A real dish it out but can't take it kind of guy.
- 6628

I still maintain Backes turned into that elbow.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Mar 29 @ 1:05 PM ET
I hear nice things about Backes off the ice. But I can't shake the memories of him giving Toews headshots immediately after Toews returning from concussion a couple of times. I'm with you, when Seabrook lit up Backes in the corner it was beautiful because he had it coming. A real dish it out but can't take it kind of guy.
- 6628


He's a guy you love to have on your team, and as a dog owner, I have seen Backes do many great things for stray dogs. Athletes for Animals is the charity he and his wife started (https://athletesforanimals.org/[url]). With that being said, he is a headhunter on the ice and just recently landed a very questionable high hit that got him suspended. He had it coming based on his antics on the ice, for sure.
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