The Blackhawks are off until Thursday when they start a new set with the Lightning. While the Bolts are the toughest nut to crack, the Hawks can start righting the ship with at least a complete 60-minute effort.
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Future Proof
It has been affirmed by multiple news sources that general manager Stan Bowman is open to taking on another team's bad contract in addition to gaining futures that the other side would need to sweeten the pot.
Another aspect of the Blackhawks potential TDL plans is the notion that some players on one-year deals like Carl Soderberg, Mattias Janmark, Lucas Wallmark, and Nikita Zadorov could be traded for futures.
The same goes for other starters who still have term left on their contracts like Ryan Carpenter, Calvin de Haan, Collin Delia, and even Dylan Strome who could be trade bait to acquire futures as well.
What are futures, though, and are they worth it?
Futures are generally draft picks and prospects. Picks can be for the upcoming draft but also for ones in years after. And prospects are system players who in most cases haven't yet cracked NHL rosters.
Not all futures are the same, however, and is a reason why some may give pause to saying yes to deals that include them. Selection round is a factor for draft picks and NHL ceiling is a factor for prospects.
So if the Hawks were to receive futures, it's fine to be picky and ensure the right assets are added to maximize as much value as possible. But don't be too picky that it kills the deal.
Is a late 1st rounder okay? Some say no but any 1st rounder is better than none at all. Also, consider this: in the 2014 draft, Sam Bennett and Michael Dal Colle went 4th and 5th while David Pastrnak went 25th.
What about picks in the later rounds like the 4th and after? It obviously depends who the Hawks are giving up. Matthew Highmore for a 5th or 6th is cool. Janmark for anything after a 2nd may not.
As for prospects, the first question is whether they even project to be NHL material. If yes, then the next question is where do they project at that level in terms of slotting, i.e. floor and ceiling.
For instance, take the Olli Maatta for Brad Morrison trade during the offseason. That was simply to get Maatta's cap off the books. Some view a career minor leaguer tantamount to a late pick so either was fine.
In contrast, trading Strome should net a prospect who has at least middle 6 or 2nd pair potential. The trade that brought him to Chicago is an example of swapping a highly valued prospect for an NHL starter.
Of course, all futures are a risk. There's never 100% certainty that the most coveted futures will guarantee the best ROI. Even the 1st overall pick could end up being Patrik Stefan or Nail Yakupov.
On the flipside, don't sleep on mid-to-late rounders in the draft or supposed B- or C-level prospects. Diamonds in the rough could be found like a Pavel Datsyuk, Joe Pavelski, or Kirill Kaprizov.
The goal is to get fair value for what is being given up. That fair value on paper may seem like a waste (i.e. 5th rounder or B-level prospect) but proper development could do wonders for those futures.
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Roster Updates
Signed on🖊ï¸
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 16, 2021
Forward Josiah Slavin has inked a 2-year entry-level contract ($842,500 salary cap hit)!
He will begin his pro career by reporting immediately to the @goIceHogs on an ATO. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/MnUoNNXFPu
With a favorable large frame, Slavin skates well, cycles the puck, wins board battles, and drives hard to the net. He has some offensive jam but may be more valuable for his defensive dependability.
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Rockford Updates
Matt Tomkins remains on a hot streak with a 46-save performance improving his season by going 2-1 on a 1.70 GAA and .954 save percentage since rejoining the IceHogs from the Blackhawks taxi squad.
Over his last 2 starts -- both wins -- he has made an average of 44 saves allowing only one goal in each game for a combined 0.98 GAA and .978 save percentage. He's been a sponge with great rebound control.
Starting Lineup
Projected Line: Feelin' lucky in Grand Rapids! ðŸ€#HappyStPatricksDay Eve! pic.twitter.com/aLqcRhV5nJ
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) March 16, 2021
Slavin isn't yet with the team but should make his pro debut in the upcoming home series this weekend versus the Iowa Wild. It wouldn't be a surprise for him to start in the top 6 to see what he can bring.
Scoring Recap
Highlights 🎥: In a repeat of Saturday, goaltender Matt Tomkins makes a career-high 46 saves and forward Dylan McLaughlin buried the game-winning goal in OT for a 2-1 win at Grand Rapids! https://t.co/TDi3yVvFMD
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) March 17, 2021
The Griffins pressured Alec Regula into a turnover that led to a centering feed to the slot where Chase Pearson tapped it in. Cody Franson was nowhere to be found leaving Regula out to dry.
2nd Goal: Gagne (1-1)
Franson's shot from the top of the right circle ricocheted off of Griffins goalie Calvin Pickard and over to Dylan McLaughlin who in turn made a short feed to Gabriel Gagne in the slot for the marker.
3rd Goal: McLaughlin (2-1) OT
Isaak Phillips brought the puck into the offensive zone with haste and left a drop pass that McLaughlin tucked away on the short side for the OT GWG just 19 seconds into the extra frame.
Player Notes
Lindholm had a strong season debut. He skates well with agility, makes simple plays, and plays the body. Defensively he is very physical, willing to wrestle with the opponent and exert a mean streak.
Teply had an okay game back from being on the shelf. He was notably strong along the boards and used his long reach at both ends. His knack for takeaways is eerily reminiscent of Nick Schmaltz.
McLaughlin has back-to-back games with an OT GWG and assist. The Blackhawks could learn a thing or two watching his zone entries on the power play as he gets the puck in deep with speed and shiftiness.
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See you on the boards!