Fair assumption.

Hopefully Stan is keeping a close eye on the Trouba situation. The Jets are offering $4 million and he wants $7 million. Trouba is one of the guys I’d be willing to part with one of the Hawks’ young forwards for.

More likely, the Jets pay Trouba and deal Myers.
- DarthKane

The Jets have $20m in cap space - they can afford to keep both Trouba and Myers.

The separation between player and club in arbitration is also not unusual - player goes way high, club goes way low, and they'll eventually meet in the middle.

Justin what direction are the hawks taking I m just little confused on what they are doing. They go and sign couple older players and bottom pairing d man then trade youth away in the hossa's deal. Then there are reports of faulk skinner patch panirin that hawks are pursuing as trade options and speculations of Crawford might being shopped around the league. So what gives are they going for last run at it or going with the retooling and youth movement. If they are trying both it won't work. Maybe you shed some light on what is going on and from your sources what is the plan.
- Scott1977

Is your comma button broken? I have to ask because your posts are generally good, but hard to follow.

Interesting re-tweet by JJ:


More Evan Miller Retweeted Rockford IceHogs

Hey , heard you were looking for an affiliate. The are now currently looking for a new one...

----

I didn't know the Hawks severed ties with Indy Fuel. Or is there more to this story?
- AEL_Fox

The Hogs and Fuel are fake fighting over whether hot dogs / sandwiches and replying to users about it. That's all.

Justin what direction are the hawks taking I m just little confused on what they are doing. They go and sign couple older players and bottom pairing d man then trade youth away in the hossa's deal. Then there are reports of faulk skinner patch panirin that hawks are pursuing as trade options and speculations of Crawford might being shopped around the league. So what gives are they going for last run at it or going with the retooling and youth movement. If they are trying both it won't work. Maybe you shed some light on what is going on and from your sources what is the plan.
- Scott1977

Not JL, but based on what i see them doing is, getting draft picks, salary cap space, and bringing in a couple grizzled veterans. Getting rid of Vinny and Oester 24+ somethings, tells me the Blackhawks want some financial flexibility to be a part of a trade where they can absorb an expiring contract, and get additional picks and prospects. The veterans are brought in to teach the kids aka Jamal Mayers signing a few years ago.

I've given Bowman the benefit of the doubt but if he trades for patches, Panarin, Skinner or Faulk then is time for Wirtz to take Bowman's car keys away from him.

Interesting re-tweet by JJ:

@evanfmiller
More Evan Miller Retweeted Rockford IceHogs

Hey @Chicago_Wolves, heard you were looking for an affiliate. The @IndyFuel are now currently looking for a new one...

----

I didn't know the Hawks severed ties with Indy Fuel. Or is there more to this story?
- AEL_Fox

I remember in the past some ECHL teams had a couple of NHL teams that they had contracts with.

Fair assessment. Tbf the Hawks haven't had a top 4 opening from 2012-2015 thanks to Keith, Seabrook, Hjammer, and Oduya just being the best. These last 3 seasons have seen the entire roster in a larger overhaul not seen since post the 2010 cup, not just the defense.

And technically Oduya wasn't a free agent, he was acquired in a trade. Rozsival, Brookbank, and TVR are the only FA d-man that have come in and worked the system pretty instantly but they all played 5/6/7 roles for the most part. We'll have to wait to see how the current crop of FA signings of Gus, Rutta, and Manning work out this season.

When you look at the defense as of now, only two are Hawks drafted and/or developed (not including Forsling in this though I'd count him as a Hawks guy like Leddy since most of his development has been in the Hawks org). The future looks like it could go back to being a bit more balanced or even mostly home-grown.
- L_B_R

You right, my bad. I guess I meant brought in from outside the org, rather than home grown. The second part was pretty much my point. The last couple of years has been a wreck on defense, because they don't have those home grown players that fully understand the system and what is expected of them. And some of it is of course the fact that the home grown defensemen that are left are in decline.

I remember in the past some ECHL teams had a couple of NHL teams that they had contracts with.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

It's just a joke related to Hog dogs and sandwiches.

The Rink has some detailed analyses of prospects who are standing out whether in good or bad ways.

https://www.the-rink.com/...awks-prospect-camp-day-1/
https://www.the-rink.com/...awks-prospect-camp-day-2/

From what I can gather across various Twitter feeds and sites like the Rink, here are the stand outs so far across Days 1 and 2. FYI, the following notes are summaries from tweets and articles, not my own direct observations (wish I were watching camps live).

FORWARDS:
Wise, Fortin, Soderlund, From, Slavin, Kurashev, Dahlstrom

Wise seems to be hands down the best forward in camp.

Fortin has shown much improvement and strength, showing off a renewed energy to impress again and ability to ward off defenders with his size.

Soderlund is as billed with his endless motor and relentlessness despite his size.

From was likened to Danault and is noticeably bigger this year (height wise). It was also remarked that he and Soderlund have formed a chemistry during drills. They would be a nice foundation for a future 3rd line that plays with energy, grit, and offensive punch.

Slavin and Kurashev have shown sound skating especially edge work. Showing skill, too.

Dahlstrom showing some passion on the ice and has stood out in good ways.

DEFENSE:
Boqvist, Jokiharju, Mitchell, Hillman, Krys, Beaudin

Boqvist is definitely talented and blue chip but still raw.

Jokiharju is proving he's the real deal. Not necessarily slam dunk to make the Hawks this fall, but showing that he has top-4 material. Both he and Boqvist are getting the most focus which is to be expected.

Not to be overshadowed, but Mitchell has had a really strong camp. Excellent skating, passing, and defense. In some drills he is consistently breaking up plays and neutralizing the forwards.

Hillman has been steady showing off reliable defense and playing a physical game. Gilbert was described as such, too, but Hillman is standing out more.

Krys was a little wild in Day 1 but tightened things up considerably in Day 2 and may be on par or not far behind Jokiharju and Mitchell as the best defense prospect in camp. All eyes are on Boqvist and he is fun to watch, but that doesn't necessarily mean observers have pegged him as the best blueliner in the pack.

Beaudin is putting his defense on display, which he was stated as having worked on a lot over the past year. He is consistent with keeping forwards in front of him and maintaining a tight gap.

GOALIES:
Gravel, Marshall

Gravel has been sound while Marshall seems to be separating himself as the goalie to watch in camp and beyond. Maybe the Hawks consider signing Marshall like they did Delia last year.

On a negative note, Nordgren is by far the smallest player out there and it shows as he is easily pushed around in drills. Although no reason is known yet, he was not on the ice on Day 2.

I doubt they’ll carry 8 defensemen, largely because they’ll be carrying 3 goalies.
- DarthKane

Heard they are not interested in keeping 3 goalies up and they might wait until last minute (and teams - NHL and AHL) are pretty much set then trying to sneak Forsberg down.

That is, of course, if they feel Corey is healthy enough to lead the Hawks on the ice in October.

The Hogs and Fuel are fake fighting over whether hot dogs / sandwiches and replying to users about it. That's all.
- L_B_R

I see. Thanks!

The Rink has some detailed analyses of prospects who are standing out whether in good or bad ways.

https://www.the-rink.com/...awks-prospect-camp-day-1/
https://www.the-rink.com/...awks-prospect-camp-day-2/

From what I can gather across various Twitter feeds and sites like the Rink, here are the stand outs so far across Days 1 and 2. FYI, the following notes are summaries from tweets and articles, not my own direct observations (wish I were watching camps live).

FORWARDS:
Wise, Fortin, Soderlund, From, Slavin, Kurashev, Dahlstrom

Wise seems to be hands down the best forward in camp.

Fortin has shown much improvement and strength, showing off a renewed energy to impress again and ability to ward off defenders with his size.

Soderlund is as billed with his endless motor and relentlessness despite his size.

From was likened to Danault and is noticeably bigger this year (height wise). It was also remarked that he and Soderlund have formed a chemistry during drills. They would be a nice foundation for a future 3rd line that plays with energy, grit, and offensive punch.

Slavin and Kurashev have shown sound skating especially edge work. Showing skill, too.

Dahlstrom showing some passion on the ice and has stood out in good ways.

DEFENSE:
Boqvist, Jokiharju, Mitchell, Hillman, Krys, Beaudin

Boqvist is definitely talented and blue chip but still raw.

Jokiharju is proving he's the real deal. Not necessarily slam dunk to make the Hawks this fall, but showing that he has top-4 material. Both he and Boqvist are getting the most focus which is to be expected.

Not to be overshadowed, but Mitchell has had a really strong camp. Excellent skating, passing, and defense. In some drills he is consistently breaking up plays and neutralizing the forwards.

Hillman has been steady showing off reliable defense and playing a physical game. Gilbert was described as such, too, but Hillman is standing out more.

Krys was a little wild in Day 1 but tightened things up considerably in Day 2 and may be on par or not far behind Jokiharju and Mitchell as the best defense prospect in camp. All eyes are on Boqvist and he is fun to watch, but that doesn't necessarily mean observers have pegged him as the best blueliner in the pack.

Beaudin is putting his defense on display, which he was stated as having worked on a lot over the past year. He is consistent with keeping forwards in front of him and maintaining a tight gap.

GOALIES:
Gravel, Linden

Gravel has been sound while Linden seems to be separating himself as the goalie to watch in camp and beyond. Maybe the Hawks consider signing him like they did Delia last year.

On a negative note, Nordgren is by far the smallest player out there and it shows as he is easily pushed around in drills. Although no reason is known yet, he was not on the ice on Day 2.
- AEL_Fox

Thx for the summary and collecting all that information

The Rink has some detailed analyses of prospects who are standing out whether in good or bad ways.
- AEL_Fox

Wise sounds like he's going to end up having been a steal. I was so excited when they took him.

I really want Fortin to work out, but he reminds me a little of Beau Bennett in terms of being able to stay healthy enough to develop properly and show off skill / skating.

Hillman was the player that Q brought up without provocation last season during the normal pre-season camp as poised and smart - it was kind of like how he described TVR back when he surprised to make the team. He might be a sleeper.

I think people will be extremely happy with the big 4 of Jokiharju, Boqvist, Mitchel, and Beaudin in the future. I saw where Beaduin was described as a rink rat, always on the ice trying to work harder / be better, and it endeared me to him even though I wanted a different d-man or forward picked in his spot this last draft.

Thx for the summary and collecting all that information
- MDGHawk

I'm on a coast to coast flight from San Francisco to New York so lots of time to kill. Thank goodness for free wifi on JetBlue. Free DirectTV, too!

Is your comma button broken? I have to ask because your posts are generally good, but hard to follow.
- tvetter

Sorry about that should proof read before I post. Thanks for the heads up!!

Not JL, but based on what i see them doing is, getting draft picks, salary cap space, and bringing in a couple grizzled veterans. Getting rid of Vinny and Oester 24+ somethings, tells me the Blackhawks want some financial flexibility to be a part of a trade where they can absorb an expiring contract, and get additional picks and prospects. The veterans are brought in to teach the kids aka Jamal Mayers signing a few years ago.

I've given Bowman the benefit of the doubt but if he trades for patches, Panarin, Skinner or Faulk then is time for Wirtz to take Bowman's car keys away from him.
- BetweenTheDots

Thanks for the insight. Do you see Bowman and company making a big move or several smaller moves?

Wise sounds like he's going to end up having been a steal. I was so excited when they took him.

I really want Fortin to work out, but he reminds me a little of Beau Bennett in terms of being able to stay healthy enough to develop properly and show off skill / skating.

Hillman was the player that Q brought up without provocation last season during the normal pre-season camp as poised and smart - it was kind of like how he described TVR back when he surprised to make the team. He might be a sleeper.

I think people will be extremely happy with the big 4 of Jokiharju, Boqvist, Mitchel, and Beaudin in the future. I saw where Beaduin was described as a rink rat, always on the ice trying to work harder / be better, and it endeared me to him even though I wanted a different d-man or forward picked in his spot this last draft.
- L_B_R

Great perspectives. I like your analogy of Fortin to Bennett. Hope Fortin can stay healthy long term so he can really show what he can do and maybe state his case again to be worth a shot.

Wise and Mitchell have been described as steals of their respective draft years and they are proving why this week at camp.

It's great that Q has shown confidence in a prospect like Hillman right off the bat. If Hillman can deliver with steady growth and consistent assertiveness, having a spot on the Hawks blueline seems in the bag.

An interesting yet factually true tidbit I read yesterday (can't remember which site) is that even though Boqvist, Jokiharju, and Mitchell may be considered the top 3 D prospects, Beaudin was actually picked higher at 27th than Jokiharju (29th) and Mitchell (2nd round). I know, each draft has various factors to consider so Beaudin may not have been picked over Jokiharju if they were the same draft class, but interesting nonetheless. Doesn't matter now when and where they were drafted. What matters most is that they are giving us a glimpse of a bright future for the Hawks blueline.

Great perspectives. I like your analogy of Fortin to Bennett. Hope Fortin can stay healthy long term so he can really show what he can do and maybe state his case again to be worth a shot.

Wise and Mitchell have been described as steals of their respective draft years and they are proving why this week at camp.

It's great that Q has shown confidence in a prospect like Hillman right off the bat. If Hillman can deliver with steady growth and consistent assertiveness, having a spot on the Hawks blueline seems in the bag.

An interesting yet factually true tidbit I read yesterday (can't remember which site) is that even though Boqvist, Jokiharju, and Mitchell may be considered the top 3 D prospects, Beaudin was actually picked higher at 27th than Jokiharju (29th) and Mitchell (2nd round). I know, each draft has various factors to consider so Beaudin may not have been picked over Jokiharju if they were the same draft class, but interesting nonetheless. Doesn't matter now when and where they were drafted. What matters most is that they are giving us a glimpse of a bright future for the Hawks blueline.
- AEL_Fox

Any reports on Carlsson or Tuulola? Is Snuggerud and Press here?

Any reports on Carlsson or Tuulola? Is Snuggerud and Press here?
- jhawk59

Haven't seen any written observations on Carlsson and Tuulola but there are some video clips on various Twitter feeds of them in drills. I didn't learn a whole lot in the clips I saw of them. Doesn't mean they're not doing well, but they don't seem to be cream of the crop of this summer's prospect camp as others have really stood out.

I don't think Snuggerud or Press are in camp. Is Press even Hawks property anymore? He played mostly in Indy and had a decent season, but he's not listed as a prospect anymore on the Blackhawks website.

One thing to remember about Snuggerud is that he was one of the last cuts in training camp last fall but his chances got derailed with an injury. Not sure if he can replicate that success this fall. He was injured for a bit while in Rockford and didn't seem to be a standout player. He wasn't horrible but wasn't pushing the envelope to make management say that he's ready or close to ready to getting called up. To put it another way, he's not high up on the blueline prospect depth chart. Anyway, let's see what this year brings for him.

I really want Fortin to work out, but he reminds me a little of Beau Bennett in terms of being able to stay healthy enough to develop properly and show off skill / skating.


- L_B_R

Fortin reminds me of Mike Hoffman with his smooth skating and outstanding speed. About the same size and shoots left too. I haven't seen Fortin play enough to know if he he has the one-timer and goal scoring ability that Hoffman does so it's a stretch to compare them but Fortin's skating reminds me of Hoffman. Hoffman was a more prolific scorer in Jrs but it took him a few years in the AHL before he made the jump to the NHL, so I'm hoping Fortin follows a similar path. Keeping fingers crossed.

Thanks for the insight. Do you see Bowman and company making a big move or several smaller moves?
- Scott1977

I see them being the 3rd team in a deal and are positioned to do so now. The ask for any one of those 4 players is going to cost the Hawks a legitimate future player, and imho it would handcuff them going forward. Rather have a comparable player who hasn't hit his prime yet for less money then someone whos in their prime or even at the end of it for more money. To me the hard cap makes this decision easy for this franchise

Even if they were to trade for Panarin, how much will he cost to keep $10 mil? So we would be back where we started in salary cap hell

Mr R, enjoyed you post as always. And it is always up to me to decide whether I like or dislike whatever it is you are posting. Keep ‘me coming!
- Spec41971

Thank you, Spec. This fits as prospects, my favorite topic, are being discussed. As an aside IMO this blog Hawk fans have become more and more educated and follow prospects more each yr. Great part of the sport.

USHL Provides Comfortable Timeline for NHL Teams: https://thehockeywriters....hl-ohl-detroit-red-wings/

Agreed 100%! Gilbert has to learn to simplify his game that's exactly what's needed from him at the Big Show...first pass out or clear d zone and stay at home stout D man. Less is more with him and I like your wording for him..."harness him"
- D2D

Agree and think he started the "simplification" process (having the wild horse coached out of him) maybe 20 games into his only USHL season and going to ND the next yr. I really don't want to see him carrying the puck any farther than the first opponent. Puck out, pucks in, work the walls and the crease knocking some people down along the way.

I see them being the 3rd team in a deal and are positioned to do so now. The ask for any one of those 4 players is going to cost the Hawks a legitimate future player, and imho it would handcuff them going forward. Rather have a comparable player who hasn't hit his prime yet for less money then someone whos in their prime or even at the end of it for more money. To me the hard cap makes this decision easy for this franchise

Even if they were to trade for Panarin, how much will he cost to keep $10 mil? So we would be back where we started in salary cap hell
- BetweenTheDots

Tampa wants karlsson but Ottawa playing hardball do you see hawks taking a contract from tampa or ottawa to make it work?

Tampa wants karlsson but Ottawa playing hardball do you see hawks taking a contract from tampa or ottawa to make it work?
- Scott1977

We already got 47 I'd like to see us dump a couple. Why did we sign or prospects so early when there not gonna play on the a or nhl this year? I'd still sign a vet dman and forward before camp.

Tampa wants karlsson but Ottawa playing hardball do you see hawks taking a contract from tampa or ottawa to make it work?
- Scott1977

Makes the most sense to me, i guess we'll have to wait and see.

Don't see Forsberg going anywhere until the Hawks see where CC is right before the beginning of the regular season.