I told everyone there would be significant changes

The NHL is littered with players like this...solid, former Hawks players who were sent away for nothing because of reaction to poor contract decisions by front office or just completely stupid decisions by FO. Leddy and Danault are still the ones that irks me the most (for different reasons, I knew Leds had to be moved), but TT was given away just so someone would eat a contract. He's really a borderline Top 6 player (a great 3 liner), which is a HELL of a lot to just toss into the dump.

And people wonder why the Hawks look like crap....
- kwolf68

TT has the same number of points since the start of last season as Tanner Pearson, Paul Byron, and Adam Henrique and has only one fewer than Matt Duchene and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

I'd say he's a top 6 forward. His points per game are the same as Daniel Sedin's.

***STICK TAP***

If I was clever, I'd post a stick tap GIF.
- Kentxo

how about an image?

***STICK TAP***

If I was clever, I'd post a stick tap GIF.
- Kentxo

Or a gif

JJ

Thanks for all of your contributions here over the years. Also, thanks for being one, a vocal one at that, of a number of Hawks fans who accepted myself and a few others (aka the opposition) who genuinely wanted to talk hockey with different fan bases and those with different opinions and perspectives.

Lastly, thanks for not always wearing the red colored glasses and setting a good example for the other bloggers/writers here.

For this, we raise a glass



Cheers

J

The NHL is littered with players like this...solid, former Hawks players who were sent away for nothing because of reaction to poor contract decisions by front office or just completely stupid decisions by FO. Leddy and Danault are still the ones that irks me the most (for different reasons, I knew Leds had to be moved), but TT was given away just so someone would eat a contract. He's really a borderline Top 6 player (a great 3 liner), which is a HELL of a lot to just toss into the dump.

And people wonder why the Hawks look like crap....
- kwolf68

The plan was simple...

Draft the team as best as you can, building from the D out, and then plug the holes with ex Blackhawks.

Or a gif


- ggunky

I liked that the jpg was from the all star game. Seemed fitting given JJ's hit and comment counts

The plan was simple...

Draft the team as best as you can, building from the D out, and then plug the holes with ex Blackhawks.
- BINGO!

Honestly, can't argue with that at all.

Thanks JJ, really enjoyed your blogs here. Going to miss them. Good luck in your new home.

You will be missed.



A cookie for the road?

TT has the same number of points since the start of last season as Tanner Pearson, Paul Byron, and Adam Henrique and has only one fewer than Matt Duchene and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

I'd say he's a top 6 forward. His points per game are the same as Daniel Sedin's.
- BINGO!

I say borderline, meaning he could slot at 2 or 3, but clearly capable in a Top 6 role. He had his best year last year at 42 points. I think he has a real chance at 50+ this year in Carolina. Oh yea, the dude is JUST 23 years old. These are the moves that some say "had to be done" as a result of a winning team getting "paid", but they are also the moves that will have the Hawks in the toilet one day, maybe sooner rather than later.

Good luck to you. Always an entertaining, informative read on the team.

Thanks John and good luck!

I say borderline, meaning he could slot at 2 or 3, but clearly capable in a Top 6 role. He had his best year last year at 42 points. I think he has a real chance at 50+ this year in Carolina. Oh yea, the dude is JUST 23 years old.
- kwolf68

And is signed to a very friendly $2.86 mill per year contract. Guy's shoulder popped out of his socket against St. Louis on Friday, came back and played a real solid game against Anaheim on Sunday.

He's never going to be the most physical guy, but he's played really well and is turning the puck over way less than last year so far.

JJ, thank you for the insights and intel. Always appreciated and always a fun read. You built a community here and the community will miss you.

Huge loss for the site. Enjoyed your writing and looked forward to the Blogs. It is too bad you are leaving now- was looking forward to your coverage as the Hocks make their way back to the draft lottery. We always have the Playoffs from last Spring.

Nothing lasts forever. Wish all the best for you JJ and thank you, it´s been pleasure!

Thanks for all your hard work and time put in I've r the years JJ. I have been reading your stuff on hockeybuzz for over 5 years. I, like many others here, have felt truly spoiled by all the content you have given us. U will definitely follow you on the new site, but will continue my lurking here with the motley of characters and their entertaining banter that you have nurtured over the years
Cheers and good luck!

Thanks John for your always insightful, thoughtful blogs and posts! Will miss you around here! Like many others I lurked for a long time before I finally jumped in a posted. You always kept it interesting and light and generally welcoming! Wish you the best in your new endeavor! (Will probably lurk there too)

Good Luck in your new venture. I will follow, like I have here. Haven't posted in quite awhile, but I always lurk. I agree, that this was the best blog on HB, and will be sorely missed.

John,

I am sad to see you leave HB, I have enjoyed your blogs over the last 8.5 years, always found them entertaining and insightful.

Growing up in Ontario and Quebec, Chicago has always been my favourite team, until my family moved to Vancouver Island in 1971. So now I'm a Canucks fan, but Chicago is still right there with them. Your blogs kept me informed on how the team was doing and I appreciated the effort you went to.

So I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and I'll have to check out the-rink.com, from time to time.

Good luck.

JJ,

As I slide down the banister of life, I shall always remember you as a splinter in my ass

Sincerely,

Pat Start

Thanks JJ for all the work you did keeping us in the loop. Since hearing about/joining this blog, its one of the first things I look at to start my day.


And regarding the Flyers, they are coming off a loss to the Yotes. Great...

John Jaeckel: Thanks and Farewell
- John Jaeckel

I always enjoyed your blogs and you will be missed.

JJ,

I haven't missed your blog for a single day in I don't know how many years! You will be sorely missed and I will definitely continue to follow you on the-rink.com. Thanks for all the wonderful insight on the Hawks and all of your knowledgeable posts. Au Revior mon Ami!

Murph