You'll be pleased to know I don't consider you "gloom & doom"!!
I label you as one of those people who think they are the smartest person in the room.
Based on your posts, it appears you've had a career change, and I'm betting you're running thru inventory without actual sales?
grow some hair, lose the "IMO" on every statement as your crutch.
Once again I offer you....., Hawks make playoffs next season.....you go away. Hawks miss playoffs, I go away.
It's June, why not wait to see opening roster before you declare Armageddon, pallie???
- dpard

You’re pathetic. With all due respect, and mind you I said all due respect, go (frank) your self.

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).
- EnzoD

Absolutely agree. It has nothing to do with gloom and doom. It's about the promises made by this once top notch organization of executives who had promised significant changes in this off season because of an embarrassing last 3 seasons.

This season ticket holder is on his last year because I feel I've been lied to for the last time by this group. Heck, my account rep even promised that people were pist and therefore surprising changes were coming. Well..... where are they ?? Bowman and Quenneville have failed miserably together these past 3 years and somebody needed to be held accountable. Nobody has been and that is unacceptable to me.

We just sat through an entire weekend of HO HUM management, perfectly similar to the the style of play by this team. No pieces moved, no draft choices obtained, and more of the same promises of contending yet again.
It is a joke !!

At least one of the CORE pieces needed to be moved, even if it were for a bag of pucks. I realize that the contracts dictate everything so certain players are immovable, but do not tell me that they couldn't have gotten a boat load for Duncan Keith, considering his contract. No movement clause ??? That's ridiculous. Great executives find a way to get it done.

This team is going nowhere next year anyway, so why not move at least Keith since he's still the best Dman we have.
With him or without him, we will still miss the playoffs next year, and his value will decrease by another year....same for the other 30 something CORE people.

Maybe I'm all wrong here, along with Enzo and others that post here, and Management will bang their once proud drum come July 1 in free agency......but I surely am not expecting much of anything. That would require somebody who knows something about accountability. Nobody in this organization has shown that yet in this regime. Oh wait.....unless they want to point the finger at the firing in Rockford last year. GREAT JOB.....I guess !!

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).
- EnzoD

You see no way to make the playoffs or win a cup again with this core. You could be right. I respect that.

There are some on this website that feel that different. Although losing to the Preds and missing the playoffs is unacceptable, small improvements in various areas can change the results dramatically. The Hawks as a team and players like Keith, Toews and Crow have gone on enough long hot stretches in the last two years that are reasons for hope.
- if Crow is healthy that picks up 5 more wins than last year.
- if Toews and Saad get a decent 1RW for 82 games their numbers are way better and that can add a few wins.
- Murphy played pretty good at the worlds. Maybe his 2nd year in a Hawk uniform in Ulfie's system will see a better performance. He will never gain speed, but he can improve.
-Rutta only played 57 NHL games. A lot of people think the greatest jump is from year one to year two. That could add a win.
-Forsling only played 79 career games in the NHL. He is only 22. He could improve.
- As a defensive group Keith, Seabs, Rutta, Murphy, Forsling, +, + maybe play better under Ulfie in year two with solid goaltending behind them.
- The Hawks could have 5 to 8 players under the age of 25 with limited NHL experience that could show improvement.
- There are players in their system in Rockford, juniors, Europe that could have surprise breakout years (like Debrincat) with the Hawks in 2018/19.
- The Hawks have cap room and could add a player or two through free agency now and then could add to that after the start of the season (using Hossa's LTIR).

Sure you can say that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insanity. But no team or player is the same year over year.

Look at the 2009 roster. Bolland, Versteeg, Brouwer, Ladd, Eager, Burish were all on that team. Compare their ATOI and stats in 2009 to 2010. Yes we added Hossa.

We need respect your pessimism. Please respect our optimism. Then we will see how things develop. That is why they play the games.

You see no way to make the playoffs or win a cup again with this core. You could be right. I respect that.

There are some on this website that feel that different. Although losing to the Preds and missing the playoffs is unacceptable, small improvements in various areas can change the results dramatically. The Hawks as a team and players like Keith, Toews and Crow have gone on enough long hot stretches in the last two years that are reasons for hope.
- if Crow is healthy that picks up 5 more wins than last year.
- if Toews and Saad get a decent 1RW for 82 games their numbers are way better and that can add a few wins.
- Murphy played pretty good at the worlds. Maybe his 2nd year in a Hawk uniform in Ulfie's system will see a better performance. He will never gain speed, but he can improve.
-Rutta only played 57 NHL games. A lot of people think the greatest jump is from year one to year two. That could add a win.
-Forsling only played 79 career games in the NHL. He is only 22. He could improve.
- As a defensive group Keith, Seabs, Rutta, Murphy, Forsling, +, + maybe play better under Ulfie in year two with solid goaltending behind them.
- The Hawks could have 5 to 8 players under the age of 25 with limited NHL experience that could show improvement.
- There are players in their system in Rockford, juniors, Europe that could have surprise breakout years (like Debrincat) with the Hawks in 2018/19.
- The Hawks have cap room and could add a player or two through free agency now and then could add to that after the start of the season (using Hossa's LTIR).

Sure you can say that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insanity. But no team or player is the same year over year.

Look at the 2009 roster. Bolland, Versteeg, Brouwer, Ladd, Eager, Burish were all on that team. Compare their ATOI and stats in 2009 to 2010. Yes we added Hossa.

We need respect your pessimism. Please respect our optimism. Then we will see how things develop. That is why they play the games.
- -Doh-

Excellent post.

While you are correct that no team had a complete roster, the amount of holes on the Hawks is why they finished dead last (by a mile) in the Central Division. Duncan Keith was -30 and looked his age. Corey Crawford will be 34 this December and hasn't played a game since 2017. Seabrook was a pylon and is unlikely to get any faster (the biggest reason for his struggles). Jonathan Toews is 30 years old and looked like an average 2C last year with his legs slowing down. Connor Murphy is fine as a 5D but not up to par as a 4D due to foot speed. Oesterle, Rutta, Gustafson and Forsling all are best served in the AHL or Euro League. No backup goalie. No true top line winger to help Toews + Saad.

Telll me what portion of this is not accurate? You say doom and gloom, I say realistic analysis of a deeply flawed, aging, and not up to par NHL Roster. Time will tell, but barring some savvy moves and a complete upgrade in goal and on defense, as well as miraculous bounce backs from 30+ yr old athletes, Hawks will be looking up at everyone in the Central again next year
- EnzoD

What are you even talking about? What part of what you posted is “not accurate”? All of it. You are the same person who said you were going to cheer against the Hawks when they were still in the play-off race.

I explained why the Hawks had the record they did. This is not a question of not having enough players - it was a question of Clown Coaching by Q and Ulf. Just ask Rocky.

The Hawks have Kane. The Hawks have DeBrincat. The Hawks have Saad. The Hawks have Schmaltz. The Hawks have Sikura. The Hawks have another Sikura. The Hawks have Toews - the fact that Toews carries a heavy contract doesn’t mean he doesn’t contribute at all. Plus the Hawks have a load of other fast and eager forwards who can contribute. Stop pretending the Hawks have no forwards.

Your analysis of Keith and Seabrook could not be shallower. Keith is a Rover and to peak perform he needs an experienced partner to cover him. That Q and Ulf thought Oesterle was the D-Man that should partner with Keith was a huge mistake. Seabrook has babysitted for years - play Keith and Seebs together and leave them freakin’ alone. Last year both had to guard BOTH sides of the ice. What they got beat? What they look frustrated, slow, out of position? When their partners were nowhere to be seen. What a surprise. Let’s just be thankful that you have nothing to do with USA Hockey. Murphy Captain 2017, Assistant Captain 2018, at the Worlds. Just so you know these games are played on huge ice surfaces - if a player has no speed or skill they get beaten - a lot - Murphy doesn’t - you are wrong about him too.

The younger D-Men - we have not seen them in their best lights as Ulf’s System was pathetic. You really think Forsling has no talent? Really. You’re wrong again.

Do you really think the Hawks won’t do their very best to properly address the goaltending issue?

Enzo anyone can just constantly criticize EVERTHING ALL THE TIME. However, doesn’t it get boring? It will take a while but we’ll compare notes as the 2018-19 season unfolds.


[url]

👍.... Yeah I know that you are Army buddy. I have alot friends that are Army strong I just give them grief every now and again.. Lol
Thank you for your Service!
- BGKarras

Maybe sometime in the interest of inter service rivalries, I will share my favorite marine “grief” joke.

Thank you, too, for your service!

Hlinka is always in August this year in Red Deer Alberta I think...the under 20 is at Christmas into January...
- wiz1901

The GretskyHlinka is in Edmonton and Red Deer early August.

This is part of a TSN article I enjoyed concerning a Carolina player that is highly revered here:

What any interested trade partner has to answer is whether or not Faulk is having a detrimental impact on his team’s goaltending performance, or a victim of circumstance.

Carolina’s had bad goaltending for years but it certainly appears exacerbated with Faulk on the ice. And although we know that defenders appear to have very little control over the save percentages their team realizes, Faulk’s numbers stick out because (a) they are objectively bad; (b) have been objectively bad for a considerable period of time; and (c) are an exceptional outlier even in comparison to other players with poor numbers.

If you think Faulk is a big-minute, point-producing blueliner who has been hampered by the play of his goaltenders and/or teammates for years now, then he’s a no-brainer add this summer. He has a diverse skill set and is suited for today’s speed game. Perhaps that’s why Carolina, historically, has lived in the offensive zone whenever he’s on the ice.

But if you think he has any control over the save percentage his teams have realized over the last six years, then this is quite the red flag. Again, no other defender has seen this type of foul stop rate for such an extended period of time. And at the age of 26, he’s probably hit the apex of his development curve. He’s either tremendously unlucky or a top-four blueliner who has significant difficulty in his defensive third.

Not an easy question to answer considering the craziness that’s enveloped Carolina for years. I imagine some team will roll the dice here though, and it will be a great storyline to follow in 2018 and beyond.
- wiz1901

I have said FAULK NO repeatedly. Just follow what fans and others in the know in Carolina say.

Z was asking if Boqvist would play in the Hlinka this yr. I responded that the Hlinka ends two days before the WJC U-20 Summer Showcase begins (not the WJC tournament). IMO the kid goes to the Summer Showcase and skips the Hlinka which provides no developmental value for a kid like Boqvist.
- Mr Ricochet

As I said you may be right - wait and see. I really like the Okanagan. With the GretskyHlinka Cup I said Boqvist qualified if only age determines but I’m not Swedish Hockey I didn’t say he was playing for sure.

You’re pathetic. With all due respect, and mind you I said all due respect, go (frank) your self.
- EnzoD

Guys - cut it out.

Mods are all over me to clean up these types of battles.

What are you even talking about? What part of what you posted is “not accurate”? All of it. You are the same person who said you were going to cheer against the Hawks when they were still in the play-off race.

I explained why the Hawks had the record they did. This is not a question of not having enough players - it was a question of Clown Coaching by Q and Ulf. Just ask Rocky.

The Hawks have Kane. The Hawks have DeBrincat. The Hawks have Saad. The Hawks have Schmaltz. The Hawks have Sikura. The Hawks have another Sikura. The Hawks have Toews - the fact that Toews carries a heavy contract doesn’t mean he doesn’t contribute at all. Plus the Hawks have a load of other fast and eager forwards who can contribute. Stop pretending the Hawks have no forwards.

Your analysis of Keith and Seabrook could not be shallower. Keith is a Rover and to peak perform he needs an experienced partner to cover him. That Q and Ulf thought Oesterle was the D-Man that should partner with Keith was a huge mistake. Seabrook has babysitted for years - play Keith and Seebs together and leave them freakin’ alone. Last year both had to guard BOTH sides of the ice. What they got beat? What they look frustrated, slow, out of position? When their partners were nowhere to be seen. What a surprise. Let’s just be thankful that you have nothing to do with USA Hockey. Murphy Captain 2017, Assistant Captain 2018, at the Worlds. Just so you know these games are played on huge ice surfaces - if a player has no speed or skill they get beaten - a lot - Murphy doesn’t - you are wrong about him too.

The younger D-Men - we have not seen them in their best lights as Ulf’s System was pathetic. You really think Forsling has no talent? Really. You’re wrong again.

Do you really think the Hawks won’t do their very best to properly address the goaltending issue?

Enzo anyone can just constantly criticize EVERTHING ALL THE TIME. However, doesn’t it get boring? It will take a while but we’ll compare notes as the 2018-19 season unfolds.



- Z3Hawk[url]

When I last looked, Q and Ulf were still coaching the Hawks. And Kempny was raising the Stanley Cup.

Rutheford-

Things can always change, but it’s believed the ship has sailed on the Blues re-signing Hutton. #stlblues

Now this from Powers-

The Chicago Blackhawks are considering turning to Jonathan Bernier for a little insurance between the pipes, reports Scott Powers of The Athletic.

When I last looked, Q and Ulf were still coaching the Hawks. And Kempny was raising the Stanley Cup.
- BMWChiFan

...and Kempny looked good lifting the Cup. Sure he thought hope Q and Ulf are watching this.

Now this from Powers-

The Chicago Blackhawks are considering turning to Jonathan Bernier for a little insurance between the pipes, reports Scott Powers of The Athletic.
- mrpaulish

Bernier would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Varlamov when he went down with his yearly injury.

Hutton would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Allen when he went through his yearly slump.

Ward would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Darling when he showed up to camp and struggled from day #1.


Tomorrow's blog will cover this. The theme being, I heard today they are looking for a veteran goalie that has stepped up from the backup role and excelled recently as they might need the same thing next year with the uncertainty of Crawford.

Guys - cut it out.

Mods are all over me to clean up these types of battles.
- Justin Lowe

Justin any scuttlebutt things are to quiet hawks to any players about possibly signing here?

It's surprising to me that I am labeled some kind of doom and gloom pessimist when we are talking a last place team that hasn't won a playoff series since June 2015. The key players that made the Hawks great are either gone (Hammer, Hossa, Oduya, Sharp), injured (Crawford) or severely in decline (Toews, Keith, Seabrook). The team isn't close IMO, and you are well within your rights to disagree. Hope I'm wrong, but for the gamblers on the board, safe money is on the Hawks missing the playoffs again (barring major changes in personnel and performance).
- EnzoD

I understand your passion and disappointment in this team/organization. I know during the season in game i get really frustrated with their play. It would be nice if they could of kept the band together but salary cap hell and every year giving up draft picks put this team in this position.

They may or may not be in the playoffs next year, but what has me very excited is they are not just trying to make the playoffs they are accepting the fact they are where they are and need to rebuild the franchise from the inside out and are wasting no time doing it.

The Athletic

8. Sweden national coach Rikard Gronborg doesn’t throw around comparisons to Erik Karlsson. So for him to say Blackhawks first-round pick Adam Boqvist has Karlsson-like qualities, you know there’s something there.

“To me, he’s an Erik Karlsson-type player,” Gronborg said by phone on Tuesday. “Believe me, I don’t like comparing players because Adam Boqvist needs to be Adam Boqvist. But I see him with that ability to play up in the attack, the ability to step up on the blue line, the quote-unquote cockiness with the puck and that same swagger.”

Justin any scuttlebutt things are to quiet hawks to any players about possibly signing here?
- Scott1977

I will have a goalie blog tomorrow.

From what I've heard there are a lot of conversations happening right now. It's obviously a busier time than normal for the Hawks front office considering the amount of cap space and roster spots up for grabs.

They are looking at A LOT of options right now and doing their do diligence talking to a lot of agents.

Don't rule out the Faulk trade possibility as well I was told. I heard tonight that Stan might just try to wait until the last minute (July 1st is when his M-NTC kicks in) to see if Waddell goes down in price.

The Athletic

8. Sweden national coach Rikard Gronborg doesn’t throw around comparisons to Erik Karlsson. So for him to say Blackhawks first-round pick Adam Boqvist has Karlsson-like qualities, you know there’s something there.

“To me, he’s an Erik Karlsson-type player,” Gronborg said by phone on Tuesday. “Believe me, I don’t like comparing players because Adam Boqvist needs to be Adam Boqvist. But I see him with that ability to play up in the attack, the ability to step up on the blue line, the quote-unquote cockiness with the puck and that same swagger.”
- Mr Ricochet

Its becoming more and more obvious that the Hawks really drafted well. Just wish the early pics were closer to playing. Bode Wilde at 27 would have made me really happy. Oh well.

When I last looked, Q and Ulf were still coaching the Hawks. And Kempny was raising the Stanley Cup.
- BMWChiFan

Very true and congrats to him and the Capitals but and a big but, no Holtby no Cup, he bailed Kempny and Orlov out a ton, with Ovi finally hitting the back of the net in the playoffs.

On top of it Kempny will now be the recipient of a nice contract. Sure hope next time the Blackhawks trade a dman they can get a better draft pick since 3 years in a row, Daley, Daley and Kempny have SC rings

Now this from Powers-

The Chicago Blackhawks are considering turning to Jonathan Bernier for a little insurance between the pipes, reports Scott Powers of The Athletic.
- mrpaulish

a proven NHL goalie that can take over if the #1 goes down for an extended period. Step #1

Bernier would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Varlamov when he went down with his yearly injury.

Hutton would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Allen when he went through his yearly slump.

Ward would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Darling when he showed up to camp and struggled from day #1.


Tomorrow's blog will cover this. The theme being, I heard today they are looking for a veteran goalie that has stepped up from the backup role and excelled recently as they might need the same thing next year with the uncertainty of Crawford.
- Justin Lowe

Look forward to this next blog!

My preference would be to go with Bernier or Ward. They're more affordable and could be had for less term. Plus they have more experience, especially Ward who has been a workhorse and has 300+ wins to his credit (not to mention a Stanley Cup). Bernier doesn't have as extensive or remarkable of a resume and many may consider him a bust, but I think he would be sufficient in a well defined role. He does seem to get a little stronger with age so he has that.

Hutton on the other hand is going to get paid well by some team. Hawks can't afford that and need to look for more realistic and affordable options. Ward or Bernier are my vote.

Bernier would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Varlamov when he went down with his yearly injury.

Hutton would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Allen when he went through his yearly slump.

Ward would make a lot of sense. He filled in for Darling when he showed up to camp and struggled from day #1.


Tomorrow's blog will cover this. The theme being, I heard today they are looking for a veteran goalie that has stepped up from the backup role and excelled recently as they might need the same thing next year with the uncertainty of Crawford.
- Justin Lowe

JL- any idea how much Bernier would cost? and how long do you think the the term of the contract would be?

I will have a goalie blog tomorrow.

From what I've heard there are a lot of conversations happening right now. It's obviously a busier time than normal for the Hawks front office considering the amount of cap space and roster spots up for grabs.

They are looking at A LOT of options right now and doing their do diligence talking to a lot of agents.

Don't rule out the Faulk trade possibility as well I was told. I heard tonight that Stan might just try to wait until the last minute (July 1st is when his M-NTC kicks in) to see if Waddell goes down in price.
- Justin Lowe

I think LBR or someone else posted this earlier, but it does call into question Faulk's abilities, despite his good reputation. I'd expect the Hawks FO are well aware of all of this - just interesting given the number interested in him as an option.

https://www.tsn.ca/talent...is-justin-faulk-1.1123444