Nordstrom, McNeil, Danault, Teravainen, Hartman, etc.... All at least 2-3 years away from a peek at NHL ice, assuming they can play on the AHL ice well as a prerequisite. They are all still prospects at best right now.

Secondly, I also don't see any of them being rushed along, as it is counter to the Bowman philosophy of making sure prospects are well done before they are served to the NHL roster.

Finally, it is also just as likely that some of these guys will be trade chips.
- Return of the Roar

I think you are pretty much correct, but Danault's speed makes him an easy "injury" call-up for look sees because he is noy gonna hurt you with his play, vevn in the bigs...he is really responsible almost second nature to play positionally sound...


I love that Hartman fell to them this past draft but his game depends upon him being strong and that strength is far from NHL standards and he is not gonna even be able to be that type of junior he is unless he is given time to get stronger all around.

McNeil, Danault, Teravainen, Hartman really are nice future weapons, and I like that they all are different types too.

Nordstrom came over understanding his position and having a good grasp at positioning, responsibility, and it might be a matter of being able to play at the higher speed the NHL is.

To switch topics a bit:

Sunday night the American NHL channel had one of the games of the last "old era" Stanley Cup final between Calgary and Tampa.
After this there was the lock-out and subsequent rule changes, ala stricker enforement of obstruction...

This rendered the Dale Tallon signing of Lightning UFA big horse defenseman Jassen Cullimore useless, as the rules really DID change.

Anyway the game was on and I instinctively found myself calling for penalties!

I guess I never realized the extent of the obstruction how many defenders threw themselves in front of forwards trying to retrieve pucks, and how team without the puck would have their lumber perpendicular to impeded forward skating and then, pull off and the next defender seemed to again do the same thing.

I guess I never realized the extent of the "defense" being played....

To switch topics a bit:

Sunday night the American NHL channel had one of the games of the last "old era" Stanley Cup final between Calgary and Tampa.
After this there was the lock-out and subsequent rule changes, ala stricker enforement of obstruction...

This rendered the Dale Tallon signing of Lightning UFA big horse defenseman Jassen Cullimore useless, as the rules really DID change.

Anyway the game was on and I instinctively found myself calling for penalties!

I guess I never realized the extent of the obstruction how many defenders threw themselves in front of forwards trying to retrieve pucks, and how team without the puck would have their lumber perpendicular to impeded forward skating and then, pull off and the next defender seemed to again do the same thing.

I guess I never realized the extent of the "defense" being played....
- wiz1901

Now go back and watch game 7 of the Rangers-Canucks Cup finals from 94! There isn't just obstruction, but the clutching and grabbing is ridiculous! MacT was surprisingly good at it, and he's easy to pick out, being the only guy on the ice without a helmet!

Why do you think that? What is your opinion on Shaw at center? Even though I would split them up, imagine what a line of Danault-shaw-Hartman would be?
- tomcat24

As I said, Hartman is far from ready.

Danault is more effective at wing. He is more of a straight line attacker, and on either wing, he is very able to "jump in" and play at high speed with the puck quickly be accepted by him, and set onward to a teammate or with a shot.

I don't think he jukes much and if he is at centre his limited creativity will let teams defend the entire line a bit easier if he is carrying.

About Shaw at centre:
Since he arrived my main opinion of him is I want him on the ice.

but there are simialrities in why you might see centre as less of a home for him, but I think he seems to be able to play strong with the puck and make some moves on the defenders. Shaw is really smart with dealing the puck and despite any misgvings I might have Shaw always seems to find some way to make his shift notable even if he putters offensively or in the dot.

You mentioned Hartman needing more strength. But shaw is even smaller and has no problems being effective and making things happen. I'm sure you are right, though and hartman is at least 3 years away. But I think when u have a nice mix of speed, skill, and most importantly Desire and hockey sense you can surprise

You mentioned Hartman needing more strength. But shaw is even smaller and has no problems being effective and making things happen. I'm sure you are right, though and hartman is at least 3 years away. But I think when u have a nice mix of speed, skill, and most importantly Desire and hockey sense you can surprise
- tomcat24

Shaw is more the exception than the rule, he's small but plays big. Who knows what the future holds for Hartman, but I'm hoping he can bring the same tenacity that Shaw does.

Crawford should have won it.

Meanwhile any thoughts on the new goaltending coach anyone...

Steve Weeks - he was the Thrash's goaltending coach from 01-10...

http://www.csnchicago.com...ire-new-goaltending-coach

To switch topics a bit:

Sunday night the American NHL channel had one of the games of the last "old era" Stanley Cup final between Calgary and Tampa.
After this there was the lock-out and subsequent rule changes, ala stricker enforement of obstruction...

This rendered the Dale Tallon signing of Lightning UFA big horse defenseman Jassen Cullimore useless, as the rules really DID change.

Anyway the game was on and I instinctively found myself calling for penalties!

I guess I never realized the extent of the obstruction how many defenders threw themselves in front of forwards trying to retrieve pucks, and how team without the puck would have their lumber perpendicular to impeded forward skating and then, pull off and the next defender seemed to again do the same thing.

I guess I never realized the extent of the "defense" being played....
- wiz1901

Nhl network is Always showing Calgary and Tampa. there were so many great series over the years. I wish they would show some of the great avs and Red Wings games. Or our playoff games against Avs. Those were great

Shaw is more the exception than the rule, he's small but plays big. Who knows what the future holds for Hartman, but I'm hoping he can bring the same tenacity that Shaw does.
- DarthKane

Tenacity is a great word. From what I have heard and seen in a few games, Hartman has that. Same with Danault. I'm curious to see how Garrett Ross develops. He really found his offense this past year. He can be another to watch in Rockford

Shaw is more the exception than the rule, he's small but plays big. Who knows what the future holds for Hartman, but I'm hoping he can bring the same tenacity that Shaw does.
- DarthKane

You can't teach heart and desire, Shaw has an abundance of both. It's amazing he didn't get drafted sooner than he did.

Tenacity is a great word. From what I have heard and seen in a few games, Hartman has that. Same with Danault. I'm curious to see how Garrett Ross develops. He really found his offense this past year. He can be another to watch in Rockford
- tomcat24

He's one that I'm keeping an eye on too.

http://www.section303.com...-sorry-chicago-fans-51051

Now that's funny

As I said, Hartman is far from ready.

Danault is more effective at wing. He is more of a straight line attacker, and on either wing, he is very able to "jump in" and play at high speed with the puck quickly be accepted by him, and set onward to a teammate or with a shot.

I don't think he jukes much and if he is at centre his limited creativity will let teams defend the entire line a bit easier if he is carrying.

About Shaw at centre:
Since he arrived my main opinion of him is I want him on the ice.

but there are simialrities in why you might see centre as less of a home for him, but I think he seems to be able to play strong with the puck and make some moves on the defenders. Shaw is really smart with dealing the puck and despite any misgvings I might have Shaw always seems to find some way to make his shift notable even if he putters offensively or in the dot.
- wiz1901

Dis-a-gree.

The puck barely hits his blade before it is going elsewhere typically on the tape—or where the not-always-aware junior player should be, with pace. Not sure what the pre-trade numbers were for him and Jaskin respectively, but based on what I know of both, in terms of an overall impression, he really lit it up as a set-up guy whenhe got with a premier sniper.

I mean, it's even debatable whether Kane is better on the wing or at C, and Danault has much more pure centreman instincts. Could Danault end up playing some W in the pros or even full-time there? Sure, because as both know, flopping from C to W is easy as opposed to vice versa, but . . .

He's really not a scorer, Bill. And he's not big (although uber competitive). So what makes him special as a winger? Defense? So he's a defensive winger with plus speed and set-up skill playing with third and fourth liners?

He has a much better chance to be a special player as a center, as opposed to wing, playing D over 200 feet of ice, distributing the puck, drawing opponents to him on the rush, winning faceoffs.

http://www.section303.com/preds-getting-creative-to-keep-the-red-out-sorry-chicago-fans-51051

Now that's funny
- yobwoc03

I find it odd that a club would acknowledge other fans attending their games. It happens in every city, when I attend Blackhawks games in Vancouver there are a lot if red jerseys in the crowd.

I find it odd that a club would acknowledge other fans attending their games. It happens in every city, when I attend Blackhawks games in Vancouver there are a lot if red jerseys in the crowd.
- DarthKane

It probably has something to do with the fact that you can clearly hear "Let's Go Hawks" chants on the TV broadcasts. But I agree it's funny that it is that big of a deal for them to acknowledge it.

Hello JJ, how's is going? I have seen discussion about who plays C or W, and I've always been curious about what it is in young players that tells a scout whether a forward would be better at one or the other. Is it something in the skill set, or perhaps in their desire/ability to play defense, too? Also, is there something about the system played by the NHL club that calls for a certain type of player at the center position? I guess what I'm asking is this - what makes a center for the Hawks and what makes a wing?

Thanks, I'll hang up and listen for my answer! Have a good one.
- mohel

My .02

A center needs to have the willingness/ability/orientation to matchup/lock-on to his opponent and play defense up and down the ice. Must be more aware of all the ice. Must have/should have set-up ability, recognition, hands to make the soft saucer pass or the quick laser pass. Knows how to draw opponent's to himself on the rush then dish to the open man. Winning faceoffs a huge plus, but not always critical (see: Bolland, D., Kruger, M)

Wing is a much easier position to play—mentally. But it seems to me there are physical requirements to be a good winger: speed, size, shot, and/or physicality. Center has more cerebral requirements. And for those reasons, I think Danault would be poorly utilized as a wing and better utilized as a C. He has speed, but he is not a scorer. He is competitive and will win pucks, but he is not going to demolish anyone physically.

The Hawks want cerebral centers who play defense up and down the ice and contribute offensively: Toews, Handzus, Kruger.

Note also that the FO goes out of their way to compare Danault to . . . Toews.

Don't know if anyone else saw but the championship documentary is up on itunes. Looking through it they've got a lot of on-ice audio and I thought it showed that Kane is very mature on the ice and takes his play pretty seriously. Also great moment, Marchand was trying to fight Kane and Kaner said something along the lines of "me for you? seems like kind of a bad trade off"

Don't know if anyone else saw but the championship documentary is up on itunes. Looking through it they've got a lot of on-ice audio and I thought it showed that Kane is very mature on the ice and takes his play pretty seriously. Also great moment, Marchand was trying to fight Kane and Kaner said something along the lines of "me for you? seems like kind of a bad trade off"
- Walky

I got it last week....worth every penny of the $8.99 (plus tax). I watched some of it on the way to work this morning.

Don't know if anyone else saw but the championship documentary is up on itunes. Looking through it they've got a lot of on-ice audio and I thought it showed that Kane is very mature on the ice and takes his play pretty seriously. Also great moment, Marchand was trying to fight Kane and Kaner said something along the lines of "me for you? seems like kind of a bad trade off"
- Walky

That might be the only time Marchand would Actually fight. He is a really good player, though

My .02

A center needs to have the willingness/ability/orientation to matchup/lock-on to his opponent and play defense up and down the ice. Must be more aware of all the ice. Must have/should have set-up ability, recognition, hands to make the soft saucer pass or the quick laser pass. Knows how to draw opponent's to himself on the rush then dish to the open man. Winning faceoffs a huge plus, but not always critical (see: Bolland, D., Kruger, M)

Wing is a much easier position to play—mentally. But it seems to me there are physical requirements to be a good winger: speed, size, shot, and/or physicality. Center has more cerebral requirements. And for those reasons, I think Danault would be poorly utilized as a wing and better utilized as a C. He has speed, but he is not a scorer. He is competitive and will win pucks, but he is not going to demolish anyone physically.

The Hawks want cerebral centers who play defense up and down the ice and contribute offensively: Toews, Handzus, Kruger.

Note also that the FO goes out of their way to compare Danault to . . . Toews.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for the feedback.

http://www.section303.com/preds-getting-creative-to-keep-the-red-out-sorry-chicago-fans-51051

Now that's funny
- yobwoc03

I feel a discrimination lawsuit coming.

Care to share, or just being an assbag?
- Ogilthorpe2

Little from column A, little from column You nancies female doging and moaning all playoffs-long about how terrible Crawford was, but now he's apparently amazing since his glove-hand and rebound control didn't sink your otherwise dominant team from winning the hardware.

He deserved it more than Toews did in 2010. Toews was none existent in the last two round of the playoffs. Kane stepped up and even scored the ot goal to win it. I think Kane should probably have two conn's but whatever.

It probably has something to do with the fact that you can clearly hear "Let's Go Hawks" chants on the TV broadcasts. But I agree it's funny that it is that big of a deal for them to acknowledge it.
- yobwoc03

This will only advantge the ticket brokers and those willing to sell their Hawks game tickets on stub hub or some other site. If it were me, I would buy the Hawks game and another game were the visiting team's fan base travels well and put the second game up for sale. You get the Hawks game and maybe even make a few bucks. Where there is a will, there is a way. True Hawks fans are "Unstoppable".

http://www.section303.com/preds-getting-creative-to-keep-the-red-out-sorry-chicago-fans-51051

Now that's funny
- yobwoc03

Great to see that front office at work in the music city...how's that yellow ice workin' for the preds...