Powerenforcer makes a solid comment above. All management is responsible, not just the coaches and GM.
Here and now, I'm hoping Schmaltz, Hinostroza and DeBrincat show more backchecking stickwork/clean steals. Because the three of them ALMOST make up for the loss of Hossa's!
Bowman is in a tough spot. Not from the Cap crunch alone....but from the standpoint of trying to save the current team, and NOT destroy the future.
I think we need to realize that this core needs to be expanded to include more "Young blood" and may even require a veteran core or two moving.
I think it would be a mistake for Stan to deal 2-3 good young parts or first round picks to try to prop up this group.
Do what you can with these guys, pick up a piece or two that doesn't involve moving Schmaltz, Debrincat or a first rounder and let these young guys develop.
If somehow he CAN manage a deal for Toews, Seabrook or Keith....and it brings back some good young value, then have at it. Otherwise don't be rash.....we have to let some of these guys work through the growing pains. It is happening on many teams out there, you need to keep bringing in the youth. We are on the right track, Don't sell off these assets for a "Quick fix".....which, in my opinion, won't fix us anyway!!!
There are a couple glaring problems with the Hawks.
1. The kids don't back check and don't rotate back when the d steps up. Every game the opponent has numerous odd-man breaks because a d man steps up and no one rotates back. This is a big problem when every d-man pinches to try to generate offense at times. They need Hossa as a forward to teach these kids how to play defensive forward.
2. The power play needs to score. I listened to a radio interview talking about the Hawks power play. They said the strength of the Hawks is puck movement and pulling players out of position through cycling and speed. The power play is kind of the opposite of that because the shorthanded team pretty much stays in the box. That makes some sense, and would also explain why they can't score against some teams. The only way to combat this is bodies in the crease and greasy goals, which the Hawks almost never do.
3) They have a stud in Auston Mathews. He's going to get Connor McDavid money after next season. I don't think its a big deal but things will change a bit when the money has to be re-allocated to accommodate him, Nylander and maybe Marner. A couple of guys will have to be sacrificed - maybe JVR but there's no great loss in dumping the likes of Jake Gardiner or Bozak. So far,the Leafs have managed their contracts and cap budget much better than Stanbo & Co. have.
- RickJ
I think this is the most important problem these younger teams are having right now. McDavid got 12.5m. Draisaitl got 8.5, Matthews will get 10+. That is killing teams cap space before they have even won anything. Sure, Toews and Kane got 10.5m, but that was AFTER 3 cups. Their 2nd deals were 6.3m per year. Seabrooks and Keiths were around that also (Keith's still is). Taking 10m+ now is a bigger chunk of the cap that 6.3 was then. That's why we won't see any of these young teams grabbing multiple cups. GMs handing out giant contracts.
EDIT: As far as Draisaitls deal goes, it's on par with the Kane and Toews second deals as far as cap percentage goes. Is he a Kane and or Toews at that age? Hard to know at this point.
I think this is the most important problem these younger teams are having right now. McDavid got 12.5m. Draisaitl got 8.5, Matthews will get 10+. That is killing teams cap space before they have even won anything. Sure, Toews and Kane got 10.5m, but that was AFTER 3 cups. Their 2nd deals were 6.3m per year. Seabrooks and Keiths were around that also (Keith's still is). Taking 10m+ now is a bigger chunk of the cap that 6.3 was then. That's why we won't see any of these young teams grabbing multiple cups. GMs handing out giant contracts. - JRoenick97
Matthews will be overpaid for sure.
Interesting article floating around a week or two ago that talked about the benefits of the Leafs trading Matthews and the ridiculous haul they'd be able to get.
Obviously sounds insane, but it's interesting thought.
Interesting article floating around a week or two ago that talked about the benefits of the Leafs trading Matthews and the ridiculous haul they'd be able to get.
Obviously sounds insane, but it's interesting thought. - Hank3Henshaw
If they trade Matthews they should be expelled from the league. Agree the contract would be crazy high, but apparently that's the way of the league now.
I think this is the most important problem these younger teams are having right now. McDavid got 12.5m. Draisaitl got 8.5, Matthews will get 10+. That is killing teams cap space before they have even won anything. Sure, Toews and Kane got 10.5m, but that was AFTER 3 cups. Their 2nd deals were 6.3m per year. Seabrooks and Keiths were around that also (Keith's still is). Taking 10m+ now is a bigger chunk of the cap that 6.3 was then. That's why we won't see any of these young teams grabbing multiple cups. GMs handing out giant contracts. - JRoenick97
The only reason I disagree with this is because the NHLPA and the agents are making those big money contracts happen earlier in order to set up for the next CBA/lockout. The players can choose to opt out of the current CBA on September 19, 2019. I'm sure the salary cap will increase or exceptions will be negotiated. I have a feeling 10.5M won't look too bad in a few years.
The only reason I disagree with this is because the NHLPA and the agents are making those big money contracts happen earlier in order to set up for the next CBA/lockout. The players can choose to opt out of the current CBA on September 19, 2019. I'm sure the salary cap will increase or exceptions will be negotiated. I have a feeling 10.5M won't look too bad in a few years. - Hawks_49
That could very well be true. The owners pocketing the 500m expansion fee will probably play in to that also.
I think this is the most important problem these younger teams are having right now. McDavid got 12.5m. Draisaitl got 8.5, Matthews will get 10+. That is killing teams cap space before they have even won anything. Sure, Toews and Kane got 10.5m, but that was AFTER 3 cups. Their 2nd deals were 6.3m per year. Seabrooks and Keiths were around that also (Keith's still is). Taking 10m+ now is a bigger chunk of the cap that 6.3 was then. That's why we won't see any of these young teams grabbing multiple cups. GMs handing out giant contracts. - JRoenick97
Once in a GENERATION talent JR. Except in this case there's 2 of them...McDavid will be and has been a great player, same with Matthews, but i agree on the 2nd contract thing.
There should be some kind of protection from that stuff. But i don't know how you could force players to do like mandatory bridge deals or something like that so it would never happen but its possible (NOT probable) the McDavids and Matthews' tail off and don't go on to have hall of fame careers.
The problem with trading Patrick Kane is the salary a team would have to absorb and fit in. Buffalo would do it but what do they have to give back other than their #1 pick which would be great but the rest of the team is junk? And Kane might not waive to go home.
Going to the game tomorrow? I'm thinking of driving down to see the new arena. Secondary market tix look reasonable. - RickJ
I am! Looking forward to it as I didn't go last season. The new arena's nice, was there for a concert. I've heard the one thing they might've not done so well is the upper balcony. Have heard it's high up, pretty steep and as far as the seats go you better hope your neighbor is on the slender side.
* Friedman Thoughts on Q: in his 31 thoughts posted yesterday, Elliotte Friedman had this to say: “I’m amazed at the rumours out of Chicago that Joel Quenneville could be in trouble. If he wants a change, that’s one thing. But getting fired? Really? Quenneville would be unemployed as long as he wanted to be unemployed. And someone could very well drop a Babcock-style contract on him.”
Thanks Q for the 3 Cups, but the NHL has moved on to faster, younger and you haven't. Like with most all coaches in the modern era when everything from the cap,
to rules changes, to equipment changes, etc.etc. a change at the coaching level can't
be bad if you're style no longer fit's a team makeup. Will he get a Babcock contract
elsewhere, most certainly yes and deservedly so, but both the Hawks and Q need a
change and as everything America god bless and good luck Q we will always love you!
If they trade Matthews they should be expelled from the league. Agree the contract would be crazy high, but apparently that's the way of the league now. - BlazinMike
Yea. I mean, it was just a hypothetical take on trading Matthews.
Interesting to think about the potential return on a guy with that kind of talent.
Just thinking about it...
1. If you pay a guy like Matthews the big money, how do you really build around him? You're possibly up against the cap if you have other guys who have been paid or need to be paid.
2. If you trade him, you most likely get a pretty nasty haul back. You can probably spread that Matthews money around to guys you get back and even go out and get guys.
Question to all - Do we know if Stan Bowman acted alone in negotiations with Seabs camp, or did McD have some input also? I do not know if we can only put that signing on Stan's shoulders. Until I hear otherwise, I believe McD has input on all things Blackhawks. - powerenforcer
IMO this is the biggest question, and have posted so since the first purge, and might be the biggest obstacle to a fix. This has been an occasional topic here at HB since StanBow was named GM and especially since shovel face was named prez. How much power does StanBow have and how much does he share? ... Is this a franchise that makes HOCKEY decisions by committee?
No matter if you like the managerial structure or StanBow himself the core was here when he and McD came on board.
To answer your question I don't think we know for sure who has their hands on the Seabrook extension. For those who read the Athletic has Scott Powers ever addressed this or if this organIzation makes hockey decisions by committee?
IMO this is the biggest question, and have posted so since the first purge, and might be the biggest obstacle to a fix. This has been an occasional topic here at HB since StanBow was named GM and especially since shovel face was named prez. How much power does StanBow have and how much does he share? ... Is this a franchise that makes HOCKEY decisions by committee?
No matter if you like the managerial structure or StanBow himself the core was here when he and McD came on board.
To answer your question I don't think we know for sure who has their hands on the Seabrook extension. For those who read the Athletic has Scott Powers ever addressed this or if this organIzation makes hockey decisions by committee? - Mr Ricochet
Personally, I'd like to see Stan go after this season and keep Q around.
Friedman’s word is not gospel. What he knows about the Hawks could fit in a thimble. It is actually irrelevant if other teams would be interested in Q if Q was no longer with the Hawks. The issue is Q’s performance with the Hawks. It is also irrelevant what the reasons are - tactics have passed him by, team tuning him out, dysfunctional coaching staff etc, etc. However, the bottom line is that it is deep into the season and the Hawks are way outside the play-offs - this is simply unacceptable.
Food for thought. Lets assume Q is gone and an entire new staff comes in. This means a new defensive system. Which D-men on todays team are being slotted into Q system which do not necessarily fit their skill sets. Maybe some of these guys would fit and play better under a different system? I would be interested to hear eveyone's thoughts on this........BTW, great write up Justin!!!
Personally, I'd like to see Stan go after this season and keep Q around. - Hank3Henshaw
I don't think q knows how to communicate with the younger players and get the most out of them at this point, I'm sure he was better before. I would go to a coach that teaches the game a little more and instills confidence more. Tampa coach says to be a coach for a while in this league you need to be constantly revaluating/reinventing yourself. I don't think Q would agree with that. with Bowman I go either way he has some good and some bad. The next 6 months thru the draft will decide it for me.
I don't think q knows how to communicate with the younger players and get the most out of them at this point, I'm sure he was better before. I would go to a coach that teaches the game a little more and instills confidence more. Tampa coach says to be a coach for a while in this league you need to be constantly revaluating/reinventing yourself. I don't think Q would agree with that. with Bowman I go either way he has some good and some bad. The next 6 months thru the draft will decide it for me. - kmw4631
The writing is on the wall for even the most optimistic fans like myself. Hard to admit that this seems to be the end of the line for the Core as we know it.
I feel very fortunate to have witnessed a very special decade in Chicago Blackhawks history. 3 Stanley Cups in a 6 season span is more than most fans of any team can dream of. There are currently 12 teams that have never won a Cup in their history (not including Vegas); there are 15 teams that are on a 23 year or worse Cup drought (the Loafs and Blows are tied for longest current streak at 50 years, Vancouver and Buffalo are at 47 years, Washington 43, Philadelphia 42); and there are 21 teams at 16 years or worse.
Whatever happens from here, I will always look back at this time period with amazing memories, and remember how awesome it was to travel to other NHL cities in my Blackhawks gear and have fans of other teams raging with envy. Let’s hope that the new wave of kids that will shape the next 10 years (along with the veterans that survive the purge) are as entertaining, competitive, and successful as the players of the last 10 years have been.
Sincere thank you to the Blackhawks organization!
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p.s. I reserve the right to deny this post should we make a miracle turnaround in the next 35 games to save the season
The writing is on the wall for even the most optimistic fans like myself. Hard to admit that this seems to be the end of the line for the Core as we know it.
I feel very fortunate to have witnessed a very special decade in Chicago Blackhawks history. 3 Stanley Cups in a 6 season span is more than most fans of any team can dream of. There are currently 12 teams that have never won a Cup in their history(not including Vegas); there are 15 teams that are on a 23 year or worse Cup drought (the Loafs and Blows are tied for longest current streak at 50 years, Vancouver and Buffalo are at 47 years, Washington 43, Philadelphia 42); and there are 21 teams at 16 years or worse.
Whatever happens from here, I will always look back at this time period with amazing memories, and remember how awesome it was to travel to other NHL cities in my Blackhawks gear and have fans of other teams raging with envy. Let’s hope that the new wave of kids that will shape the next 10 years (along with the veterans that survive the purge) are as entertaining, competitive, and successful as the players of the last 10 years have been.
Sincere thank you to the Blackhawks organization! :love
- Katana777
The Nucks rivalry was amazing. So was the reg season comeback against I believe Calgary. 4 game sweep of San Jose. 17 seconds. The rat....fun times!!!
The biggest thing never put in the equation is continuity. Especially when a team plays a system versus dump, chase and try to get "hustle" wins.
Systems take time to learn and just react versus having to think. The best trait of the Hawks dynasty was the ability to play any style of play WHILE executing their/Q's system.
Right now, with so many new YOUNG faces, they look out of sorts at times and giving up bad chances, is a sign of lack of continuity and I bet players trying to over think vs react.
While at times it looks like Seabrook and/or Keith are "out of place" or chasing the game has as much to do with their partner being out of sync and those two trying to recover - which anyone that has ever played or coached the game will tell you - when you try doing too much, you end up doing more damage.
So in my opinion, the worse thing to do is change the coach. Unfortunately they have to continue to ride the ups and downs of what you get by playing so may young/new players. They just need the time and experience of playing together and identify who are the keepers and who aren't
Question to all - Do we know if Stan Bowman acted alone in negotiations with Seabs camp, or did McD have some input also? I do not know if we can only put that signing on Stan's shoulders. Until I hear otherwise, I believe McD has input on all things Blackhawks. - powerenforcer
If this is true, it shouldn't be. Hockey decisions should be made only by someone qualified to make them. By all accounts on these pages over the years, McDonut is NOT that guy. He should stick to marketing. Period. How can anyone construct a team in any sport to achieve consistent success while being more concerned about selling it to the fans strictly from a marketing standpoint. Winning has always been the one thing that sells the most. Doesn't matter the sport(except you insane Bears fans).
The biggest thing never put in the equation is continuity. Especially when a team plays a system versus dump, chase and try to get "hustle" wins.
Systems take time to learn and just react versus having to think. The best trait of the Hawks dynasty was the ability to play any style of play WHILE executing their/Q's system.
Right now, with so many new YOUNG faces, they look out of sorts at times and giving up bad chances, is a sign of lack of continuity and I bet players trying to over think vs react.
While at times it looks like Seabrook and/or Keith are "out of place" or chasing the game has as much to do with their partner being out of sync and those two trying to recover - which anyone that has ever played or coached the game will tell you - when you try doing too much, you end up doing more damage.
So in my opinion, the worse thing to do is change the coach. Unfortunately they have to continue to ride the ups and downs of what you get by playing so may young/new players. They just need the time and experience of playing together and identify who are the keepers and who aren't - PatShart
Good thoughts.
I think the other thing that's killing the Hawks--and has been for a long time--is the cute/forced passing.
Dude. When you're not scoring, your mindset should be get anything to the net. Monday's game against the Lightning was maddening at some points. Guys with prime shooting opportunities and just looking to force a pass instead.
