I guess my comment yesterday about Kovalchuk merits no relevance what so ever!

If anyone seriously thinks a top six that includes Schmaltz and ADB, and Forsling on D is somehow a good thing.......

First twenty games this team will be 7-13 at best.

The smartest lineup to start with is to have Sharp/AA/Kane as the second line and make the bottom six out of the best of the spare parts.

D should be Keith/Seabrook, Kempny/Murphy, and Ruuta/Franson

Then pray that CC has the fortitude to weather the storm.
- Return of the Roar

I hear ya. Not wrong to be reasoning like that

Tell us what you think about the comment below. And Darth Kane is sure to have an opinion, too, as he previously has been on the Forsling bandwagon

Forsling is here almost on a trial basis with the thinking something like this: Ulfie can hopefully bring Forsling to the point of less bad plays. He has flashes of high end ability, some say on this board. We are not privy to what they work on in practice. Maybe more time under tutelage then go play 25 games in Rockford. Meanwhile, when Forsling is dressed i would like him in place of Keith on Pp.

Saavy the big Leddy fan: what young defenseman do you especially favor

If Vegas is looking to unload another defenseman, I would have three Targets on their team if I were Stan. Jason Garrison would look really good on the second pairing. Pricey but on an expiring contract. Brayden McNabb would be another Target, or nate Schmidt. The question becomes who heads the other way?
- ikeane

Garrison is not top 4 anymore and his cap hit is still too high for the Hawks to have maneuverability even if Vegas retained 50%.

I guess my comment yesterday about Kovalchuk merits no relevance what so ever!
- DEVILKNIGHT

Don't be so needy

Chicago would have about $3 million in cap space available ($2.4 million current plus one less dman from the current roster). Garrison is a possibility, the Hawks had inteterst in him before, but Vegas would have to retain salary. Miller would be a decent option, but Vegas may not be willing to part with him.
- DarthKane

Is Nate Schmidt going to be one of their top defensemen?

@regressIan
*whispers*

I would've much rather signed Franson for 1 year at $1 million than Hainsey for 2 years at $3 million...

Looking at past rosters on hockey-reference, he's always been listed at 6'2" / 201 lbs.

I think 210-215 lbs. would be a lot for someone with his frame - not overly stocky.
- StLBravesFan

Well guess I am dead wrong! Not the first time!

I think it will be interesting to watch them grow and fight for wins. Maybe it will keep them from coasting at the end of the year.
- JRoenick97

When it comes to figuring whom are the teams clawing their way in to a last Western Conference playoff spot, i think of Chicago and Dallas.

With the additions to their lineup I can see how Dallas compares to Chicago.

But I wonder how they - ie players - respond to Hitchcock coaching and his ways a second time around.

I believe that Merrill is solid and NJ is not foolish enough to trade him. Would you be willing to give a player of equal ability. Ok, now since Merrill plays the more valued position, the cost to acquire him goes up. Young proven defensemen are so valued! Is Merrill a capable first pair defenseman? I dk. Someone who watches a lot of NHL might have an idea. I know Wiz could answer that immediately. He knows the strength and weaknesses based in part from studying pre draft film. He can see how far Merrill has come.

Wonder what Sakic thinks about Merrill.

Late add: whomever suggests trades, I caution involving draft picks. Our core is older. We have traded some first round selections in advance of the draft. I am guessing that Bowman wants to have an opportunity to draft a top prospect, to add top prospects to the portfolio. Maybe he could draft a TT type but with more willingness to engage in physical contact.
- jhawk59

Do you mean Vegas? Merrill was who Vegas took in the expansion draft from NJD.

Merrill has been the guy I was most interested in from Vegas from an age/contract standpoint, but he is also not a top pairing d-man. He's a workhorse, stable d-man that eats minutes and defensively responsible, but he's currently at best a #4. Merrill is probably not what Colorado is looking for because he's about to turn 26 and Sakic seems to want a guy 24 or younger and who is projected top pairing.

Do you mean Vegas? Merrill was who Vegas took in the expansion draft from NJD.

Merrill has been the guy I was most interested in from Vegas from an age/contract standpoint, but he is also not a top pairing d-man. He's a workhorse, stable d-man that eats minutes and defensively responsible, but he's currently at best a #4. Merrill is probably not what Colorado is looking for because he's about to turn 26 and Sakic seems to want a guy 24 or younger and who is projected top pairing.
- L_B_R

Thank you for the update. I knew he played regularly when healthy in NJ but was uncertain how strong his game was........because after a few years when I do not see a prospect play regularly, I am uncertain if he reached a ceiling.

I believe LV wanted to be competitive with defense and goaltending and hopes the offense improves as they may address offense more after their maiden journey. So if Merrill is a steady workhorse....just dk what they would want in order to extract him

Well guess I am dead wrong! Not the first time!
- bhawks2241

I am at the point where the only number I want to see Toews increase is 58.

Recent article by CSNChicago as a primer to the new season:

http://www.nbcsports.com/...ctions-blackhawks-2017-18

How do you stand on their 5 predictions?

1. Brandon Saad will set a career high in goals and points.

I predict he will set career highs, at around 35 goals and 60 points.

2. Blackhawks power play will finish in top 5

I say no. Yes, more high-end players on the two PP units but the schemes matter more than the players as the Hawks have always had the personnel. They just have had poor strategy, IMHO.

3. Corey Crawford will set a career high in wins

I say yes for similar reasons. Assuming no injury to Crawford, Forsberg won't get as many starts as the backup in his first year with the Hawks compared to Darling, Raanta, and Emery in the past. If Crawford does get career highs, I agree with CSN that it will be by 1-2 wins and not looking at a 40-win season for #50.

4. Nick Schmaltz will finish top 5 in team scoring

I predict Schmaltz will be 3rd in team scoring behind Kane and Saad. Toews and either Anisimov or Panik round out the top 5. DeBrincat is a sleeper if he stays on the big club all season and lives up to his potential (or near his potential) from the start. Big ifs for DeBrincat, of course.

5. Blackhawks won't crack 100 points, but they'll make it out of the first round

Agree. 90ish points and at least get to the 2nd round.

Crown named 5th best goalie in TheAthletics goalie survey. The panel is five NHL head coaches, two NHL general managers, one assistant GM and two goalie coaches. Rated from 1-5, 1 being best.

5. (tied) Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks

2017: 1.85
2016: 1.90
2015: 1.92
2014: 2.50

There used to be a time when panelists were hesitant to include Crawford among the game’s best goalies even as he won Stanley Cups. Those days are gone.

“I’ve seen him too many times in the playoffs be the difference,” said a Western Conference head coach. “I’m a big Crawford fan.”

Still, last season was his lowest regular season save percentage (.918) since 2013-14 and he posted a .902 save percentage in the playoffs. He also doesn’t have Scott Darling backing him up to provide a breather, with Darling now starting in Carolina.

This year will be an opportunity to put to rest the last of the doubters who still seem to hanging on.

“He’s good,” said one executive. “But to me, he doesn’t win them games. Maybe I’m missing something. That’s OK.”

Well guess I am dead wrong! Not the first time!
- bhawks2241

He was listed at 210 for his first few years in the league.

Recent article by CSNChicago as a primer to the new season:

http://www.nbcsports.com/...ctions-blackhawks-2017-18

How do you stand on their 5 predictions?

1. Brandon Saad will set a career high in goals and points.

I predict he will set career highs, at around 35 goals and 60 points.

2. Blackhawks power play will finish in top 5

I say no. Yes, more high-end players on the two PP units but the schemes matter more than the players as the Hawks have always had the personnel. They just have had poor strategy, IMHO.

3. Corey Crawford will set a career high in wins

I say yes for similar reasons. Assuming no injury to Crawford, Forsberg won't get as many starts as the backup in his first year with the Hawks compared to Darling, Raanta, and Emery in the past. If Crawford does get career highs, I agree with CSN that it will be by 1-2 wins and not looking at a 40-win season for #50.

4. Nick Schmaltz will finish top 5 in team scoring

I predict Schmaltz will be 3rd in team scoring behind Kane and Saad. Toews and either Anisimov or Panik round out the top 5. DeBrincat is a sleeper if he stays on the big club all season and lives up to his potential (or near his potential) from the start. Big ifs for DeBrincat, of course.

5. Blackhawks won't crack 100 points, but they'll make it out of the first round

Agree. 90ish points and at least get to the 2nd round.
- AEL_Fox

If they don't crack 100, there may be a chance they don't make the playoffs, no?

I am at the point where the only number I want to see Toews increase is 58.
- riozzo

I'd like to see the numbers 11 and 10 increase - his 5X5 goals the past 2 seasons (after seasons of 17-20-19-22-20-15 since 2009-10).

There is a reason he's still out there...Hawks don't need to add wingers, especially aging Russian ones that got banned from KHL for doping that have never played in the NHL before.

If Hawks go for anything it should be another D-man or potentially a center (if one is there).

Why do people come up with these ideas?
- kwolf68

He might have thought, could be bookend of a scoring line

I too would have reservations. Priorities for Bowman has to be long term success of Schmautz as #2 center and how well defense comes together.

I might advocate another tough nosed forward and would be happy if Fortin makes it up here eventually as top six. Of course then I ponder Kane, Schmautz, Fortin, maybe DeBrincat all in top six! Need right amount of grit and not deficient in a couple big size hard nosed forwards. Can we lure Clark Gillies out of retirement LOL

Hey guys, check out windycitychronicle.com for all the latest on Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Fire and of course the Blackhawks. The Hawks pieces are penned by yours truly! Thanks!

@ByScottPowers
The Rockford IceHogs assign Blackhawks prospects Radovan Bondra and Collin Delia to the Indy Fuel of the ECHL.

Guess that AHL contract for Bondra may have backfired a hair.

Do you mean Vegas? Merrill was who Vegas took in the expansion draft from NJD.
- L_B_R

Yeah, not all THAT solid since NJ sent him packing...

@ByScottPowers
The Rockford IceHogs assign Blackhawks prospects Radovan Bondra and Collin Delia to the Indy Fuel of the ECHL.

Guess that AHL contract for Bondra may have backfired a hair.
- JRoenick97

Maybe just want him to get top mins. Interesting though, on Baun listed as a RW in Rockford. Lots of C and LW.

both were organizational lacking in depth, guess they wanted to fix that.

Will be interesting to see where they line people up in Rockford. Gives an idea on where they see them for the future.

I'm sure its been asked, and I missed it, but why does Snuggerud show recalled to the Hawks.

Ya NAILED Hossa, Jj......nailed it!!! Kudos, high 5
BUT.....
Seabs and forsling still with Hawks...Tanev not
Slug krug is gone for nothing
No backup G from Vegas
AA still in Chi town
No Manson in Chi town
Hammer gone

Iff'n you're gonna blow out a shoulder pattin yourself on back on hoss, then ya gotta take good with bad on other predictions in same old blog

Oh, and on a separate narrative, if ya didn't know......dinky made team!!!!! Kid is AWESOME!!!!

Luv ya bro, keep it comin

If they don't crack 100, there may be a chance they don't make the playoffs, no?
- Kentxo

Definitely a possibility. Western Conference will be competitive and a cat fight to get the 8 playoff seeds. If any playoff team gets less than 100 points, then they're likely eeking in with a wild card.

Maybe just want him to get top mins. Interesting though, on Baun listed as a RW in Rockford. Lots of C and LW.

both were organizational lacking in depth, guess they wanted to fix that.

Will be interesting to see where they line people up in Rockford. Gives an idea on where they see them for the future.

I'm sure its been asked, and I missed it, but why does Snuggerud show recalled to the Hawks.
- vabeachbear

It hasn't, but I think it's related to him being on IR.

Definitely a possibility. Western Conference will be competitive and a cat fight to get the 8 playoff seeds. If any playoff team gets less than 100 points, then they're likely eeking in with a wild card.
- AEL_Fox

Just doing the Math. 95 points gets you into the playoffs and some times as low as 85. In a conference that is very balanced the middle teams are like to have a fairly even spread of points, so that would average down the points total to make the playoffs. I can see a bunch of teams near the 90+/- point mark and there could be 3 or 4 teams within a point of making it or missing it.