I was told that he had a concussion. He might have issues with partying but I just think it is more like he goes to concerts and gets wasted. He just tried to live the life of even a young adult who still gets high or drunk too much. You would think that he tunes that stuff down....that is what I think is his big issue and supposedly hanging around old haunts and old influences is why a change of address is a logical move.

You and I know that change has to come from within. Did he get married recently? Because a good loving wife can help him turn the corner on past "issues." A caring wife can help you if you want and accept help - as long as you accept that you have to want to change and the final call is yours.
- jhawk59

No, but he and his girlfriend welcomed their first child in December 2017 (right around the time he went out for good for the season).

I'd have no issue with him and Clendening signing near-minimum deals to be insurance policies in Rockford next season.
- DarthKane

Given the dearth of quality D-men in the league, there might be a place for Clendening in the league as a 3rd pair PP specialist. Clendening may be too good for the A and not good enough for the NHL. Maybe Europe might be a better option for him.

I do agree both would be okay to keep around in Rockford to provide some level of skill for prospects to benefit from that type of experience.

Late article about Kane and Team USA in the IIHF tourney:

https://www.new-iihf.com/...412/a-world-of-difference

Interesting quotes in there from him about Blashill as a coach and his own hope to get a boost from participating.

I'd have no issue with him and Clendening signing near-minimum deals to be insurance policies in Rockford next season.
- DarthKane

I think that's the best case scenario for both DiDomenico and Clendening. While I can see both challenging for a spot in camp, I don't see either as long-term options (or even medium-term). Call-ups to fill in for injuries, etc.

Regardless, their leadership and veteran presence in Rockford have been great for the young Hogs, most of whom are freshmen and sophomores as far as playing North American pro.

That is what I want, too: "...3rd line shutdown big center that can win faceoffs and go up against too players..."

How to win games with less talent could be the Blackhawks way while a steady stream of prospects pass through each season. Just keep drafting well. Not only first round but throughout each draft. There are a lot of dmen, for example. The offensive guys have their own things they excel at while also they exhibit weakness in other areas. Sooner later some of them will become a better fit. It may be improvement in their game, what side defense do they play and or a Krys would surely be at least initially third pair but does his strength trump card over others ....would he get the nod since he is a superb puck rushing carry the mail? Matteson, Hillman, Carlsson and Gilbert: two among them.wilk hild at least two spots. Probably Matsin gets one spot fir sure. Snuggerud may be good enough defensively or not? Because he has a real good offensive game. But he is D Keith small and so too is Mitchell. No one takes a job from Mitchell. But among offensive guys for one or two spots, AFTER Mitchell you have Jokiharju (playing in Sweden/Finland next year), Forsling, Tuulola (dress last two Icehog wins), Dahlstrom (is he nothing more than a safety valve last option for third pair/compare to Trubinsky looks off his receivers and tight end and dumps to safety valve out of backfield), then you have to see how Snuggerud progress. Btw Norell and Svedberg are here and both appear competent AHL. When Justin said 438! Prospects!, he included Raydysh too.

I would love to see Tkachuk on line two, Kane line one with Edjsell, leaving Hayden and Martinsen to bang bodies on line three. kampf is your line four center. L Johnson on line three with Hayden to wing means no big center for line three. Martinsen, Samuelson, Wingels among big bodies to fill out depth. Where do you put Sikura brothers?
- jhawk59

Some interesting notes from THN's Future Watch top 10 prospects for the Blackhawks. Here's 1-5. Notes are verbatim from THN; my notes are in brackets afterward.

1) Jokiharju (D), timeline to NHL 2019-20

Jokiharju personifies what Bowman calls a "modern" defenseman. The Finn has good wheels and handles the puck deftly, making a good first pass and then joining the play. He adjusted to smaller rinks and up-tempo physical play in North America last season and has progressed with better numbers in 2017-18. "Henri is a very good transition defenseman," said Portland coach Mike Johnston. "He moves the puck well and defends with a good stick." The biggest issue is his play without the puck.

[Sounds like the standard Blackhawks blueline prospect; non-physical stick checker who needs a lot of work when not possessing the puck.]

2) Sikura (C), 2019-20

Sikura has crafty offensive instincts, and he's a superb skater with great vision. "He's elusive on the ice," said Bowman. "He can hold onto the puck and make plays out of nowhere." Sikura [was] a force with linemate Adam Gaudette. "They think the game well and play it fast," said Huskies coach Jim Madigan.

[Sikura could very well be the Hawks only top-6 forward prospect. Although he may not make the team out of camp, I see him being a high-end playmaking forward similar to Schmaltz. Both need to get stronger, of course, but I see Sikura as more elusive than Schmaltz being able to avoid heavy hits similar to Kane.]

3) Mitchell (D), 2021-22

Mitchell jumped into a key role as a freshman for the Denver Pioneers, including manning the point on the power play. He skates well and reads the ice to make quick, smart passes. Mitchell has to improve his strength, but he battles for loose pucks and plays a strong positional game. "He's become a better defender and quarterbacks our power play with confidence," said Denver coach Jim Montgomery. One quibble: Mitchell needs to get more shots through to the net.

[One can always get stronger physically but I like how he's already a battler in his zone; that last part about shots not getting through sounds eerily similar to Keith, so that "Keith lite" comparison may not be far off.]

4) Krys (D), 2020-21

Krys is a solid skater who can handle the puck, move it up quickly to the forwards, then jump in late. He has taken a step forward in his sophomore year on a young BU team after some ups and downs as a freshman. He faced the typical challenge of going from a kid who always had the puck to one who suddenly had to learn to defend. "He played better defense, particularly off the rush and did a better job down low," said Terriers coach David Quinn. "He also did a better job getting involved offensively."

[Seems like Krys is getting it in terms of rounding out his game to be solid defensively. If he improves again as a junior, he could very well be a future blueliner for the Hawks on either the 2nd or 3rd pair.]

5) Soderlund (C), 2020-21

Fans got a look at the smallish Soderlund during the WJC when he streaked in off the wing and scored a shorthanded goal in Sweden's 3-1 loss to Canada in the final. Soderlund is nifty and fast. Despite his size, he buzzes into traffic and dirty areas. "He's not a big guy, but he attacks," said Blackhawks VP of scouting Mark Kelley. "He plays hard. He plays inside." Soderlund uses his speed on the forecheck and by being a pest. He says he likes to "play hard and not give up just because opponents are bigger."

[What's not to like about Soderlund? He could be an impact middle-6 forward, more so at wing than center. Top-end potential is Arvidsson like.]

Some interesting notes from THN's Future Watch top 10 prospects for the Blackhawks. Here's 1-5. Notes are verbatim from THN; my notes are in brackets afterward.

1) Jokiharju (D), timeline to NHL 2019-20

Jokiharju personifies what Bowman calls a "modern" defenseman. The Finn has good wheels and handles the puck deftly, making a good first pass and then joining the play. He adjusted to smaller rinks and up-tempo physical play in North America last season and has progressed with better numbers in 2017-18. "Henri is a very good transition defenseman," said Portland coach Mike Johnston. "He moves the puck well and defends with a good stick." The biggest issue is his play without the puck.


- AEL_Fox[Sounds like the standard Blackhawks blueline prospect; non-physical stick checker who needs a lot of work when not possessing the puck.]

2) Sikura (C), 2019-20

Sikura has crafty offensive instincts, and he's a superb skater with great vision. "He's elusive on the ice," said Bowman. "He can hold onto the puck and make plays out of nowhere." Sikura [was] a force with linemate Adam Gaudette. "They think the game well and play it fast," said Huskies coach Jim Madigan.

[Sikura could very well be the Hawks only top-6 forward prospect. Although he may not make the team out of camp, I see him being a high-end playmaking forward similar to Schmaltz. Both need to get stronger, of course, but I see Sikura as more elusive than Schmaltz being able to avoid heavy hits similar to Kane.]

3) Mitchell (D), 2021-22

Mitchell jumped into a key role as a freshman for the Denver Pioneers, including manning the point on the power play. He skates well and reads the ice to make quick, smart passes. Mitchell has to improve his strength, but he battles for loose pucks and plays a strong positional game. "He's become a better defender and quarterbacks our power play with confidence," said Denver coach Jim Montgomery. One quibble: Mitchell needs to get more shots through to the net.

[One can always get stronger physically but I like how he's already a battler in his zone; that last part about shots not getting through sounds eerily similar to Keith, so that "Keith lite" comparison may not be far off.]

4) Krys (D), 2020-21

Krys is a solid skater who can handle the puck, move it up quickly to the forwards, then jump in late. He has taken a step forward in his sophomore year on a young BU team after some ups and downs as a freshman. He faced the typical challenge of going from a kid who always had the puck to one who suddenly had to learn to defend. "He played better defense, particularly off the rush and did a better job down low," said Terriers coach David Quinn. "He also did a better job getting involved offensively."

[Seems like Krys is getting it in terms of rounding out his game to be solid defensively. If he improves again as a junior, he could very well be a future blueliner for the Hawks on either the 2nd or 3rd pair.]

5) Soderlund (C), 2020-21

Fans got a look at the smallish Soderlund during the WJC when he streaked in off the wing and scored a shorthanded goal in Sweden's 3-1 loss to Canada in the final. Soderlund is nifty and fast. Despite his size, he buzzes into traffic and dirty areas. "He's not a big guy, but he attacks," said Blackhawks VP of scouting Mark Kelley. "He plays hard. He plays inside." Soderlund uses his speed on the forecheck and by being a pest. He says he likes to "play hard and not give up just because opponents are bigger."

[What's not to like about Soderlund? He could be an impact middle-6 forward, more so at wing than center. Top-end potential is Arvidsson like.]

So THN thinks that (a) no one will be ready for the Show this year, and (2) only two will be ready next year.

Not very encouraging, I think....

So THN thinks that (a) no one will be ready for the Show this year, and (2) only two will be ready next year.

Not very encouraging, I think....
- StLBravesFan

Sill a young team even if Sikura and/or Jokiharju don't enter the scene until 2019-20.

I don't think the Hawks should rush these guys.

I think Sikura should start in the AHL and prove himself down there and work his way up.

So THN thinks that (a) no one will be ready for the Show this year, and (2) only two will be ready next year.

Not very encouraging, I think....
- StLBravesFan

I may be in the minority with this, but I think Sikura makes the team out of camp. Ejdsell has a realistic shot at joining the team again at some point in 2018-19. He was #9. Here's the Hawks 6-10 prospects on THN's Future Watch (THN doesn't list a timeline to NHL for them):

6) Kayumov (LW): Snazzy skater and puck-handler was second in scoring for Russia at WJC.

7) Carlsson (D): Solid defensively - positional play, shot blocking - he has upped his offense, too.

8) Altybarmakyan (RW): Another speedster with great hands who can wheel and deal or finish.

9) Ejdsell (C): Has a sweeping wrist shot typical of players who don't have his size.

10 Galvas (D): Physical but small, mobile D-man played at 18 in the top Czech league and the WJC.

Sill a young team even if Sikura and/or Jokiharju don't enter the scene until 2019-20.

I don't think the Hawks should rush these guys.

I think Sikura should start in the AHL and prove himself down there and work his way up.
- Justin Lowe

Although he may have the most upside and ability to jump to the NHL sooner than later, I agree that some AHL seasoning would be good for him similar to Schmaltz. IMHO, Sikura really surprises and makes the team out of camp or is one of the last cuts but earns a recall in winter after a brief but impactful development stint in Rockford.

So THN thinks that (a) no one will be ready for the Show this year, and (2) only two will be ready next year.

Not very encouraging, I think....
- StLBravesFan

It is just one list. I'd think more of the immediate impact could come from the guys who are being signed recently, Raddysh, Lankinen, Carlsson, Kahun, Gilbert, Hillman, Tuulola and the accquired Ejdsell. Not saying all of them, but probably a couple of these guys get a serious look with more playing time.

Some of the guys who are not considered the top prospects could be closer to NHL playing time, even if their ceiling may not seem as high.

Although he may have the most upside and ability to jump to the NHL sooner than later, I agree that some AHL seasoning would be good for him similar to Schmaltz. IMHO, Sikura really surprises and makes the team out of camp or is one of the last cuts but earns a recall in winter after a brief but impactful development stint in Rockford.
- AEL_Fox

I think the quote from Bowman about Sikura seems bang on. He really looks elusive out there, kinda like Kane has. Hope he can avoid the big hits.

It is just one list. I'd think more of the immediate impact could come from the guys who are being signed recently, Raddysh, Lankinen, Carlsson, Kahun, Gilbert, Hillman, Tuulola and the accquired Ejdsell. Not saying all of them, but probably a couple of these guys get a serious look with more playing time.

Some of the guys who are not considered the top prospects could be closer to NHL playing time, even if their ceiling may not seem as high.
- breadbag

I think you could very well be right about less heralded prospects being closer to the NHL and making an impact.

One or some of Carlsson, Raddysh, Hillman, Gilbert, Tuulola, and even Svedberg could really surprise in 1-2 years as the steadying defensively sound blueliners the team needs.

Edjsell and Kahun could be potential options for secondary scoring from forwards who also compete.

I really like the Lankinen signing. He could end up not working out, but he could also be the next Euro goalie gem to follow Niemi and Raanta (coincidentally all are Finns) as a possible solid, reliable backup tender.

I heard specifically about 10 days ago Toews will only move if Toews asks to move, and he had not asked as of that point in time (though that can change). When you think about how integral Toews is to the team on the ice (captain) and off (significant business relationships with major team sponsors, etc), it's kind of hard to imagine the team going to him to force him to waive his NMC.

If the concussion story is to be believed (and I have heard that from more than one person I trust—though I have heard a persistent "different" story elsewhere), how can ANY team just up and trade anything of value for Crawford? He just missed half a season and it was not his first concussion either.

Even if the "other" story is true, same thing?

Point is, hard to see the Hawks getting full value.

But stranger things have happened . . . in any event, I am (so far anyway) caveat emptor on these two rumors.
- John Jaeckel

Clarification...Toews was an integral part of the win formula, today not so much.

Getting full value, probably not but walking away from those big contracts will be
the first step to making this team relevant again.

Honourable to stay with the guys that got you there perhaps but probably not the best business decision. Latest results would back up that arguement.

Just saying.

Sill a young team even if Sikura and/or Jokiharju don't enter the scene until 2019-20.

I don't think the Hawks should rush these guys.

I think Sikura should start in the AHL and prove himself down there and work his way up.
- Justin Lowe

From here out the hawks brass should not rush any players unless said player forces their hand. What big center/shutdown center should the hawks maybe looking at to acquire. To me that's just as important as top 4 defense man, also IF Crawford is traded say to the Islanders would the hawks be looking at the 11th or 12th pick or prospects and which one's?

Pierre LeBrun
Bill Daly says the current projection for the salary cap is around $80 million, up $5 million from this season; however the NHL still needs to negotiate the growth factor with the NHLPA later in June so there's no hard number quite yet.

WATCH: Forward Tyler Sikura preview's tonight's big Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals vs. Texas. Puck drops at 7 PM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvPioQRuo8I

Pierre LeBrun
Bill Daly says the current projection for the salary cap is around $80 million, up $5 million from this season; however the NHL still needs to negotiate the growth factor with the NHLPA later in June so there's no hard number quite yet.
- walleyeb1

Just saw that... was about to post this:

theScore - NHL projects salary cap to be around $80M for 2018-19 season
NHL projects salary cap to be around $80M for 2018-19 season
https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1539442


Great news for Blackhawks obviously with more room to add players during free agency and trade but also it will raise the cap floor that might make it more palatable for a bottom feeding team to take on Hossa's contract.

I feel bad for Ovi. Vegas is fun to watch. Warshington will be hypnotized.

Vegas or bust!!!!

Just saw that... was about to post this:

theScore - NHL projects salary cap to be around $80M for 2018-19 season
NHL projects salary cap to be around $80M for 2018-19 season
https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1539442


Great news for Blackhawks obviously with more room to add players during free agency and trade but also it will raise the cap floor that might make it more palatable for a bottom feeding team to take on Hossa's contract.
- Justin Lowe

That would be a 2.5% escalator, not sure the NHLPA will go that high. My guess would be closer to the 1.6% they settled on last year.

That would be a 2.5% escalator, not sure the NHLPA will go that high. My guess would be closer to the 1.6% they settled on last year.
- walleyeb1

How are you calculating 2.5%? Did they release the actual HRR projection?

Edit: nevermind I see it in the new release.

To all the service men and woman to those serving retired and fallen happy memorial day!!

the red band almost takes a cross check along with the knight player...but hell i guess that was too obvious to call...

go knights...

I think you could very well be right about less heralded prospects being closer to the NHL and making an impact.

One or some of Carlsson, Raddysh, Hillman, Gilbert, Tuulola, and even Svedberg could really surprise in 1-2 years as the steadying defensively sound blueliners the team needs.

Edjsell and Kahun could be potential options for secondary scoring from forwards who also compete.

I really like the Lankinen signing. He could end up not working out, but he could also be the next Euro goalie gem to follow Niemi and Raanta (coincidentally all are Finns) as a possible solid, reliable backup tender.
- AEL_Fox

I second that opinion

Why’d we trade Kempny again???

Why’d we trade Kempny again???
- walleyeb1

We are overloaded with talent. (Red )

This is gonna be a great scf.