You want to play that game! Ok you win, is that what you wanted to hear out loud on this board? If you are going to single out one player in a team game, one that gets maybe 20 TOI and not a center or plays on the PK, then you are correct, Breadman disappeared. So if that's the case, where was Bobro, or Atkinson, etc in that same series who were so called bigger names going into the series. To make this case even further, where was Kaner in the Nashville sweep, Fleury in the loss to the Caps in the Cup. I can go on and on! Breadman's 3 years in the NHL has proven his status and he will get rewarded coming from a nobody in Russia (meaning 23 year old discovery when people are draft elgible at 17 years old)
- D2D

It's a pretty simple question. No need to get all indignant, rolling up your sleeves and crap.

If he almost singlehandedly won that series, how come he wasn't able to close the deal? Just curious. Wasn't looking for a list of comp failures. Also, where do you get that Cam Atkinson was a bigger name going into that series? Panarin was their best player in the reg season, maybe excluding Bobro, so how is he not a bigger name and counted on more heavily going into that series than Cam Atkinson?

I don't think anyone denies Panarin is a good player and will get paid but he hasn't proven he's money come playoff time yet...sure maybe for a few games but he hasn't exceeded that.

The challenge here is Schmaltz staying on the ice. The guy has shown already a penchant for injuries and his build is not one for a heavy long season.
- Bjm84

He got hit high in his first full season and missed some games. Name a player who in today's game takes a high hit and doesn't miss time? That hardly classifies him as injury prone.

Rainmain, I'm sure you meant Roenick.

But that brought to mind another great Seinfeld moment for me:

- savvyone-1

Lmao. Fat thumbs on an I phone.

Things could change but it seems like the Blackhawks are going the route I was hoping they would: give Q and the core some help to see if they can rebound from some down years and make another run this upcoming season without sacrificing the future in terms of young talent and future cap space.

Adding a solid winger in the last year of his contract like Pacioretty or Skinner - who have been rumored - or someone else like Wayne Simmonds or even Panarin or Rick Nash - would be a talent upgrade relatively cheap with no long term salary commitment.

Similarly a defenseman like Justin Faulk or Erik Karlsson or Stralman would add some punch on the blue line with limited long term commitment.

I could see them wanting to put AA in a trade package since he has three years left on his deal and maybe not the best fit for the Blackhawks for either a playoff run or a rebuild.

So the team would be positioned to:

1) Make a legitimate playoff run in 2018-19. If the season starts well, they could even think about adding some pieces for a deeper playoff run.
2) If 2018-19 is a good year, they can try to resign the veteran help they added or shift gears and invest in the younger talent on the team. Maybe even give Q an extension.
3) if 2018-19 doesn't go well, they could be sellers at the deadline, maybe even some of the core who are signed longer-term, and just let the added vets leave via free agency. Probably let Q go, either in the season or after, and bring on the next chapter.

Either way, a year from now the team will know what the core has left in the tank, know which new guys they want to keep, know which young guys have taken the next steps in their development, have some cap flexibility, and have the coaching situation figured out for the next couple of years.

In other words, give it a good shot, if it works, build on it, if it doesn't, shift more to rebuild / retool with younger guys.

It seems like a good plan. Now Stan just needs to execute on it.
- matt_ahrens

Agree with most of this post and that the Hawks are leaving their options open. In other words the Hawks don't really have A plan but for better or worse are straddling the fence with multiple plans.

I'm ok with it until they sign most any vet outside the organIzation to term.

Bring back Panarin. It appears perhaps Patrick Kane has spoken.

Lmao. Fat thumbs on an I phone.
- SteveRain

Glad you enjoyed, I figured it was the phone typing and not you. Happens to me all the time.

To Sage, nice list of stores gone (what about Goldblatt's, EJ Corvette, Turnstyle or NW Federal Savings, also by 6 corners) and financial institutions too.

Agree with most of this post and that the Hawks are leaving their options open. In other words the Hawks don't really have A plan but for better or worse are straddling the fence with multiple plans.

I'm ok with it until they sign most any vet outside the organIzation to term.
- Mr Ricochet

I’m glad they’re keeping their eye on the future and not mortgaging it. And, I’m glad they’re trying to improve for the upcoming season. Yeah, they’re moving forward and keeping options open. It makes sense given where they are. We’ll see how it goes.

Except, of course, you said “...he almost single handedly pushed the Jackets past the Caps”.

If you can single out one player on the plus side, why not on the negative?
- StLBravesFan

Point well-taken! But here are some food for thoughts!

First of all, the Breadman was not supposed the "guy" or the savior going to the Jackets, mainly to help out the woeful O based on the previous year getting spanked by the Pens and of course on the PP. If it was Ovie or Crosby then the expectations are quite different. Secondly, while a single player can rarely lose a game (save for the goalie) that player can certainly win a game.

Bring back Panarin. It appears perhaps Patrick Kane has spoken.
- Savoy

Was there a quote from Kane re: bringing him back? I have no doubt he wouldn't be opposed, but he isn't one to publicly express his opinions on what the team should do.

Glad you enjoyed, I figured it was the phone typing and not you. Happens to me all the time.

To Sage, nice list of stores gone (what about Goldblatt's, EJ Corvette, Turnstyle or NW Federal Savings, also by 6 corners) and financial institutions too.
- savvyone-1

I was just st cherry-picking - I go back to long-standing stores like The Fair, Boston Store, Mandel Brothers, Maurice L. Rothschild, Morry Mages Sports....

Too bad most businesses can’t keep up with changing times, but ok - new players with new ideas.

Seems like for the last 20 years, they did nothing but sell off assets - real estate, Kenmore, Craftsman - trying to fund staying alive - I’m surprised they lasted this long.

Sears, Crason’s, Field’s, Polk Bros. (Certainly on a smaller scale). Add in the banks that used to be regional financial powers - First National, Continental, American National, Exchange.

Achhh - I must be becoming a whining alte kaker....
- StLBravesFan

The store was doomed the day it was split away from the credit card.

His back checking/take aways are a very impressive part of his game. His vision is elite...yea, I'd like to see him shoot it more and win faceoffs.
- kwolf68

Thank you!!! Why are some down playing schmaltz. Kid is a 2c on almost any team. Sure his face offs are an issue but he’s skilled and will only get better. Led the Hawks in takeaways did he not?

Point well-taken! But here are some food for thoughts!

First of all, the Breadman was not supposed the "guy" or the savior going to the Jackets, mainly to help out the woeful O based on the previous year getting spanked by the Pens and of course on the PP. If it was Ovie or Crosby then the expectations are quite different. Secondly, while a single player can rarely lose a game (save for the goalie) that player can certainly win a game.
- D2D

Have to respectfully disagree there. If a d man gets caught or a forward misses his check and an odd man break happens and is executed well and the d man and goalie have no chance, then I say the guy who originally screwed up cost his team. Happens all the time.

Thank you!!! Why are some down playing schmaltz. Kid is a 2c on almost any team. Sure his face offs are an issue but he’s skilled and will only get better. Led the Hawks in takeaways did he not?
- bhawks2241

Most aren't.

It started with the rumor potential trade with Carolina. Most actually think trading Schmaltz for either Skinner or faulk is a bad move.

I've said it 100 times, not sure why you would want so many players off of a non playoff team.

Most aren't.

It started with the rumor potential trade with Carolina. Most actually think trading Schmaltz for either Skinner or faulk is a bad move.

I've said it 100 times, not sure why you would want so many players off of a non playoff team.
- vabeachbear

Didn’t back read. That would be a bad move. Only young player we have who has top 6 center potential. If the kid puts on a bit of muscle he’s going to be a stud. Maybe he can be Spezza lite not as high of a point producer but better defensively.

Most aren't.

It started with the rumor potential trade with Carolina. Most actually think trading Schmaltz for either Skinner or faulk is a bad move.

I've said it 100 times, not sure why you would want so many players off of a non playoff team.
- vabeachbear

Carolina could say the same thing!

The store was doomed the day it was split away from the credit card.
- Beaver-Warrior

Good point.

Back in my parents day - before Master/VISA - when Diners Club and American Express were travel and dining cards - they had charge account at Field’s, Carson’s, Sears, etc. - tying them to the stores, more or less.

Now - no credit tie, we can buy anywhere, no loyalty to any individual retail brand.

They should have hired the master brander - John McD....

Thank you!!! Why are some down playing schmaltz. Kid is a 2c on almost any team. Sure his face offs are an issue but he’s skilled and will only get better. Led the Hawks in takeaways did he not?
- bhawks2241

he gave up the puck way to easy when he knew he was gonna get hit. If he fixes that and wins more faceoffs then he's good.

I’m glad they’re keeping their eye on the future and not mortgaging it. And, I’m glad they’re trying to improve for the upcoming season. Yeah, they’re moving forward and keeping options open. It makes sense given where they are. We’ll see how it goes.
- matt_ahrens

I guess after last seasons disaster the only peek we've had into their thinking by looking at their actions (show my eyes don't tell my ears) all we have is the draft, FA and trades, and yes, so far so good.

No trading of picks for immediate help, no signing any term in a weak FA class and SO far no trades of prospects/youth/picks for an older player. But have smartly added a few vets without term to add players who understand how to play in the NHL so they aren't the clown show they were last yr. Those vets however are taking valuable NHL ice time from young guys but I'm better with that now with Colliton behind the bench in Rockford.

Yes, it seems like the organIzation understands where they realistically stand. I do agree with you they have set themselves up with multiple options as this yr goes on which is ok. I think it all starts with how healthy Crow is or isn't.

Quite frankly following Rockford will probably be more interesting/fun than the big club. They will ice most of what the future holds for the organIzation. Boqvist alone should give ticket sales a big boost. Not sure if Joki can play in the AHL as I'm not sure if he was on loan to Portland the yr he was drafted. I do know he's not old enough to escape The Indentured Servitude Clause that Major Junior and the NHL have.

I have seen the notion that Schmaltz isn't willing to put n work to get better. I think the evidence suggests exactly the opposite.

After his freshman year at ND, he was told by the Hawks they wanted him to be more of a two way player. The next season at ND he did exactly that. During his first season with the Hawks, he was sent down with instructions to shoot more. Once again, he did exactly that and returned fairly quickly.

Probably his two biggest mentors in hockey are Kane and Pavelski. Both of whom are notorious rink rats/hard workers on their craft. He spent time with both of them during the summer. His brother also gives him a kick in the ass.

If you have any doubts about his talent level, do yourself a favor and go watch some clips of his last WJC. He was on the same PP unit as Eichel and Matthews. And he was the best player on the ice. I am not saying he is at the same level but it was pretty impressive that he was able to stand out playing with those two.

Have to respectfully disagree there. If a d man gets caught or a forward misses his check and an odd man break happens and is executed well and the d man and goalie have no chance, then I say the guy who originally screwed up cost his team. Happens all the time.
- 6628

Not that I disagree on principle any play, good or bad, is just one of hundreds in a game. Taken into context it's rare that one play decides a game.

I guess after last seasons disaster the only peek we've had into their thinking by looking at their actions (show my eyes don't tell my ears) all we have is the draft, FA and trades, and yes, so far so good.

No trading of picks for immediate help, no signing any term in a weak FA class and SO far no trades of prospects/youth/picks for an older player. But have smartly added a few vets without term to add players who understand how to play in the NHL so they aren't the clown show they were last yr. Those vets however are taking valuable NHL ice time from young guys but I'm better with that now with Colliton behind the bench in Rockford.

Yes, it seems like the organIzation understands where they realistically stand. I do agree with you they have set themselves up with multiple options as this yr goes on which is ok. I think it all starts with how healthy Crow is or isn't.

Quite frankly following Rockford will probably be more interesting/fun than the big club. They will ice most of what the future holds for the organIzation. Boqvist alone should give ticket sales a big boost. Not sure if Joki can play in the AHL as I'm not sure if he was on loan to Portland the yr he was drafted. I do know he's not old enough to escape The Indentured Servitude Clause that Major Junior and the NHL have.
- Mr Ricochet

Good on Stan for moving Hossa’s contract and giving him some room to make some deals. If he can add a couple/few more guys (winger, D, maybe upgrade middle six C) this year could be interesting. Not there yet but he’s doing what he needs to do. I’m feeling good about the direction; neither panicked nor resigned.

I have seen the notion that Schmaltz isn't willing to put n work to get better. I think the evidence suggests exactly the opposite.

After his freshman year at ND, he was told by the Hawks they wanted him to be more of a two way player. The next season at ND he did exactly that. During his first season with the Hawks, he was sent down with instructions to shoot more. Once again, he did exactly that and returned fairly quickly.

Probably his two biggest mentors in hockey are Kane and Pavelski. Both of whom are notorious rink rats/hard workers on their craft. He spent time with both of them during the summer. His brother also gives him a kick in the ass.

If you have any doubts about his talent level, do yourself a favor and go watch some clips of his last WJC. He was on the same PP unit as Eichel and Matthews. And he was the best player on the ice. I am not saying he is at the same level but it was pretty impressive that he was able to stand out playing with those two.
- Elbows15

Hate like hell to agree Bows but this is correct and I'm going farther back to his jr days. His transformation from a perimeter, low compete, soft, one zone, highly skilled player to seemingly on his way to becoming a legit 3 zone NHL player in a relatively short amount of time says much. He's put in the work both on the ice and the film room.

I'll always have an eye on him and until he bucks up and is successful with his "new" found "style" in the rugged atmosphere of the playoffs he won't reach his ceiling. ..... In short what will his tolerance be for taking sticks/elbows to his head/neck/face/stomach every game for 2 months?

Skill has never been, and never will be, his problem. Kid only has 139 NHL games with only the benefit of 12 AHL games.

Good point.

Back in my parents day - before Master/VISA - when Diners Club and American Express were travel and dining cards - they had charge account at Field’s, Carson’s, Sears, etc. - tying them to the stores, more or less.

Now - no credit tie, we can buy anywhere, no loyalty to any individual retail brand.

They should have hired the master brander - John McD....
- StLBravesFan

Still only a small part. From store layout to supply chain issues to overhead to branding, Sears just did not keep up. They are simply a bigger version store who was over taken by the big players like Walmart, then Amazon, plus they did not do well on the net. They were years behind competition on using the net. Couple that with bricks and mortar overhead, they screwed themselves. The (original version) part I miss by far the most is Craftsman.

Still only a small part. From store layout to supply chain issues to overhead to branding, Sears just did not keep up. They are simply a bigger version store who was over taken by the big players like Walmart, then Amazon, plus they did not do well on the net. They were years behind competition on using the net. Couple that with bricks and mortar overhead, they screwed themselves. The (original version) part I miss by far the most is Craftsman.
- blackhawk24

For discussion sake:

Trade proposal

Debricant for Wilson and 3rd/prospect

or

Debricant 1st 2019 3rd Forsling for Truoba or Karlsson