Morning JL....great blog to wake up to (I’m on vacation on the west coast).

I agree with your lineup projections, and to me it appears there’s a big hole at LW in the top 6. Maybe Edjsell or Kahun (who I believe will make the team) can step up and take the role, but I would prefer to see them in the bottom 6 to start the season. There are some decent options for bottom 6 guys who could get PTOs but not many for the top 6 (maybe only Nash has that potential). However....Versteeg is still out there too.

I could see Stan moving Forsling (plus) to get somebody like Dzingel or Lowry. That’s about the extent of the moves I’m expecting.
- DarthKane

I think he can play both sides so I'm kind of hoping they try Alex Debrincat over on the LW so he can shoot from that side. Much like Patrick Sharp or Artami Panarin, maybe he can find a home as a Right Handed shooter playing LW opposite Kane. Lots of options depending on who could be the best option coming into the top 6.

I think it starts with Kane/Toews. Play them together or apart? I still really think they compliment each other, but if you do that, does the rest of the top 6 have enough to be effective? These 2 are still clearly the offensive engines that drive their lines. Kane with his playmaking and stick-handling in the offensive zone. Toews with his transition and driving possession from D to O. I think putting them together cancels out a lot of their individual weaknesses.

I guess my point is I think they can likely add someone at any F position into the top 6 and make it work.

Add a RW and shift Debrincat over
Add a C and you can shift Schmaltz to LW.
Add a LW and keep things in their more "natural" state.

I feel like they will experiment in camp and then Q might change his mind after a game or two.

Well it looks like we have at least 1, One Last Shift, for next year

I hate to say it again , but I do not believe this team goes anywhere with Q running the show . He has driven out solid young players (Vinny Hartman Kempny ) witch is a shame .. I think Stan should go in with the roster as it is now ,maybe a surprise from one or two young players .If not and Joel cannot motivate with his blender on full speed and predictability on game planning . Then he can be shown the door with out much back lash .3 plus years of futility should be enough for any coach ...

I have to say I think Kahun wasn’t signed impulsively, and depending upon his camp may just be a fit, but he may also be a centre prospect.they have to generate more and more chances but also have steady solid forwards that excel in their end at winning races to pucks, and be strong with pressure or it doesn’t matter who their coach is.
It will not matter if it is Highmore or Kampf but they need more than the defenders to clean up the holes on their play in their end, starting with those initial engagements on the opposition entrances.

Chelios: Sure, I get the traitor part. Chaps my butt as well. But hard for me to hate on Chelios. He is the epitome of what I'd want in a Blackhawk. Just loved him as a player.

On another note, that post from Pxcord with the interview from Toews reads like a guy who is 38 and about to retire, or already mentally retired. 19 hasnt skated all summer? Well guess what Johnny, EVERY other player is working year round on their game while you sit back and bask in past glory and your $10.5million annual salary. Toews seems like he's just here to collect a paycheck these days. I'm not expecting a miracle rejuvenation from the 30yr old who has lost his fire.

- EnzoD

YES!!

Why not just buy 19 out now and send him on his way to Macchu Picchu with his new age music, crystals, and kale diet to mediate on the wonders of life and past glory?

Give Kaner the C and restore some Give a F back into this team.

I have to say I think Kahun wasn’t signed impulsively, and depending upon his camp may just be a fit, but he may also be a centre prospect.they have to generate more and more chances but also have steady solid forwards that excel in their end at winning races to pucks, and be strong with pressure or it doesn’t matter who their coach is.
It will not matter if it is Highmore or Kampf but they need more than the defenders to clean up the holes on their play in their end, starting with those initial engagements on the opposition entrances.
- wiz1901

This

This is why I bark about size and sandpaper so lacking in the lineup being an issue. The exclusive dependence upon speed and skill has reduced this team to one and done rushes and/or perimeter low percentage shots and play where the forwards lose possession, then D guys pinch too much and too deeply to sustain O zone time, creating odd man breaks that the older, slower D guys cannot get back fast enough on.

Justin Faulk does not fix that.

Chelios: Sure, I get the traitor part. Chaps my butt as well. But hard for me to hate on Chelios. He is the epitome of what I'd want in a Blackhawk. Just loved him as a player.
- Cmonalready

Had Dollar Bill paid him none of this would have happened - see Belfour, Ed. Just think the Hawks at one point had both Belfour and Hasek and managed to get rid of both.

It'll be interesting to see if the Hawks do anything before the convention next week and make a splash of some kind because that's what McD likes to do. Or will it be video of Crawford skating...lol...

As far as Nash (as the Rainman mentioned) - one would think he's going to want to play for a contending team at this point. Still huge holes at left wing and on defense. Should be interesting to see what they do here before the Fall.

What is the deal with tanner? What is his deal with the Hawks? He thinks the Yotes fleeced us and we are there Ahl team what a putz.

Thats fine, i still like what Seabrook has done more though.
- BlazinMike

Brent Seabrook is no Chris Chelios!

Had Dollar Bill paid him none of this would have happened - see Belfour, Ed. Just think the Hawks at one point had both Belfour and Hasek and managed to get rid of both.

It'll be interesting to see if the Hawks do anything before the convention next week and make a splash of some kind because that's what McD likes to do. Or will it be video of Crawford skating...lol...

As far as Nash (as the Rainman mentioned) - one would think he's going to want to play for a contending team at this point. Still huge holes at left wing and on defense. Should be interesting to see what they do here before the Fall.
- DK002

See 1999 Stanley Cup Finals.

What is the deal with tanner? What is his deal with the Hawks? He thinks the Yotes fleeced us and we are there Ahl team what a putz.
- dirt4949

Probably some guy in a Hawks jersey stole his ice cream when he was young or whatever. Sad for him it's getting old taking shots at the Hawks whenever he can and even not being able to somehow do it in a funny way.

Even gets better when you think about he's the guy with the crystal ball, knowing which teams are "definitely in and out of the playoffs". His predictions are... let's say..."interesting" as his historical hit rate shows. But at least he was right last year "KNOWING" the Caps did a horrible job in the offseason and they won't make the playoffs

Chelios: Sure, I get the traitor part. Chaps my butt as well. But hard for me to hate on Chelios. He is the epitome of what I'd want in a Blackhawk. Just loved him as a player.
- Cmonalready

There’s always two sides to a story:

What was later revealed, both in the media and now in the book, is that Chelios had an agreement with then owner Bill Wirtz, one which would have had Chelios remain a Blackhawk until the end of his contract in 2000. But in February 1999, Blackhawks GM Bob Murray said Chelios had negotiated the contract as though it would be his last with the Blackhawks, which the Hall of Fame defenseman says is not true and a statement that caught him off-guard.

Chelios writes that he placed a call to Wirtz’s lawyer saying he wanted to negotiate an extension. A call back never came. It was then, feeling as if his hand was forced, that Chelios decided to ask for a trade. He was sent to the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline on March 23, 1999 in exchange for Anders Eriksson and two first-round draft picks. But by trading one of the greatest players the organization has ever seen, did the Blackhawks really help their rebuild?

There’s always two sides to a story:

What was later revealed, both in the media and now in the book, is that Chelios had an agreement with then owner Bill Wirtz, one which would have had Chelios remain a Blackhawk until the end of his contract in 2000. But in February 1999, Blackhawks GM Bob Murray said Chelios had negotiated the contract as though it would be his last with the Blackhawks, which the Hall of Fame defenseman says is not true and a statement that caught him off-guard.

Chelios writes that he placed a call to Wirtz’s lawyer saying he wanted to negotiate an extension. A call back never came. It was then, feeling as if his hand was forced, that Chelios decided to ask for a trade. He was sent to the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline on March 23, 1999 in exchange for Anders Eriksson and two first-round draft picks. But by trading one of the greatest players the organization has ever seen, did the Blackhawks really help their rebuild?
- walleyeb1

Did the Blackhawks do ANYTHING back then to help their rebuild? Lol.

Problem is/was they had 3 excellent players (JR, Cheli and Belfour,) and they did squat to keep them together. They also had this guy named Dominik Hasek as well. Management had a solid, solid team and did a putrid job in even trying to keep it gel'd together. **End of Rant**

Anyways, looking at the rough layout that JL has for the Hawks lining opening night, that 2nd line D pair looks rough unless #7 pulls some serious magic. Our 3rd D pair looks more justified if anything.....

Are the hawks done?

Yes in more ways then one.

Justin Lowe: Are the Hawks Done?
- Justin Lowe

If they are, then they're done.

I wanted to give my take on something that was talked about in the comments at the end of the last post, Toews comments about this upcoming season/being 30. I know there were some posters looking at it negatively, thinking he's lost the fire and his leadership. But here's my take on it and some of the quotes he said. Feel free to pick it apart and call me a homer (I absolutely am when it comes to Toews).

First, this is a guy who has probably been playing hockey since he was 3 years old. Came into the league and was captain at 20, captain serious, one of the rocks of the team and helped get 3 Stanley Cups and numerous playoffs. NHL Awards, Olympic medals, you name it, he had his hand in it. By hard work, great skill, and great training. He has missed 2 playoffs in his career, his first year and last year. That is an insane amount of hockey. Here are some quotes that stood out to me:

CPHL:

“Just going out and having fun and playing loose,”
“I talked about it a lot (during) our year-end exit chats, where getting that skill and that creativity back in my game is a big thing I want to focus on,”
“It’s going to be fun to get that back into my game. You get better when you’re out there working on stuff but especially when you’re just having fun.”

Upcoming Season:

“Every player this offseason is focusing on bringing his best early this season. We’re all looking at those things that came to the surface last year."

Leadership:

"For me, it’s part of just recapturing that energy, that motivation, excitement and that mindset of a young player who takes nothing for granted, that you had in your younger days. But also carrying the experience with you and understanding the impact for what you say, what you do, how you carry yourself can affect your teammates, especially the young guys."
“For me, it comes down to knowing what to say at the right time. But letting my play be the thing that helps me lead by example."

Yes, this is not the captain serious we're used to, but maybe that captain serious mentality wasn't helping him. Maybe "sitting back and smelling the roses" and seeing where you once were, top of the hockey world, and realizing where you are now is what he needs. Get back out on the ice, mess around and have fun is a way to rejuvenate himself.

Just because it's not the same type of fire we're used to seeing from Toews, doesn't mean there's not a fire there. I know time will tell, but maybe a change like this, getting kicked for a full season + previous year playoffs is what's needed. He sat and watched the playoffs, I think he'll be ready to go.

I have to say I think Kahun wasn’t signed impulsively, and depending upon his camp may just be a fit, but he may also be a centre prospect.they have to generate more and more chances but also have steady solid forwards that excel in their end at winning races to pucks, and be strong with pressure or it doesn’t matter who their coach is.
It will not matter if it is Highmore or Kampf but they need more than the defenders to clean up the holes on their play in their end, starting with those initial engagements on the opposition entrances.
- wiz1901

Agreed and they need more depth guys to fill in and provide depth scoring which the NHL is centered around now a days. YOu need 3 lines that can create and a 4th is fast and defensively sound.

Speed, speed, speed.

Chelios: Sure, I get the traitor part. Chaps my butt as well. But hard for me to hate on Chelios. He is the epitome of what I'd want in a Blackhawk. Just loved him as a player.
- Cmonalready

I don't care about Chelios. Another ego maniac. I enjoyed the night they trotted him out and he was reigned down by a chorus of boos. That alone tells you where most fans stand with him, and the last shift thing....I cant see for that reason.

Did the Blackhawks do ANYTHING back then to help their rebuild? Lol.

Problem is/was they had 3 excellent players (JR, Cheli and Belfour,) and they did squat to keep them together. They also had this guy named Dominik Hasek as well. Management had a solid, solid team and did a putrid job in even trying to keep it gel'd together. **End of Rant**

Anyways, looking at the rough layout that JL has for the Hawks lining opening night, that 2nd line D pair looks rough unless #7 pulls some serious magic. Our 3rd D pair looks more justified if anything.....
- purepone

They did acquire THE MIchael Grosek.

Brent Seabrook is no Chris Chelios!
- walleyeb1

You're right, he's better.

Had Dollar Bill paid him none of this would have happened - see Belfour, Ed. Just think the Hawks at one point had both Belfour and Hasek and managed to get rid of both.

It'll be interesting to see if the Hawks do anything before the convention next week and make a splash of some kind because that's what McD likes to do. Or will it be video of Crawford skating...lol...

As far as Nash (as the Rainman mentioned) - one would think he's going to want to play for a contending team at this point. Still huge holes at left wing and on defense. Should be interesting to see what they do here before the Fall.
- DK002

Agreed.....and Keenan wanted Lindros bad....You could have had Roenick, Lindros, Chelios, and hasek….all in their prime. Goodness.

Until we get a video or shot of Crawford in his gear tending the net, on back to back days...>I will assume nothing with the guy. I just cant' see Forsberg passing through waivers, and I'm sure Bowman would like to get something for him IF CC is healthy. If not, it's all aboard the Cam Ward train.

I will bet you wont' see McD have himself a "breakout session" if the Hawks dont' do a thing as he is never one to stand there and take tough questions WHEN he creates the issue or he governs over them. I would love to see a fan ask him about Wirtz's comments in crain and his thoughts given this roster which is arguably at best even to last year if not worse as of TODAY.

I don't even think the hype event is sold out yet......

If they are, then they're done.
- tvetter

And that's OK....I asked a leaf guy I respect about if he would trade Nylander today for Keith....and without blinking an eye "yes...in a heartbeat"....Make it happen Stan.

BLOW. IT. UP

Lottery pick...….cap space...…...

And that's OK....I asked a leaf guy I respect about if he would trade Nylander today for Keith....and without blinking an eye "yes...in a heartbeat"....Make it happen Stan.

BLOW. IT. UP

Lottery pick...….cap space...…...
- SteveRain

Bullpoop. That makes no sense for them.

I wanted to give my take on something that was talked about in the comments at the end of the last post, Toews comments about this upcoming season/being 30. I know there were some posters looking at it negatively, thinking he's lost the fire and his leadership. But here's my take on it and some of the quotes he said. Feel free to pick it apart and call me a homer (I absolutely am when it comes to Toews).

First, this is a guy who has probably been playing hockey since he was 3 years old. Came into the league and was captain at 20, captain serious, one of the rocks of the team and helped get 3 Stanley Cups and numerous playoffs. NHL Awards, Olympic medals, you name it, he had his hand in it. By hard work, great skill, and great training. He has missed 2 playoffs in his career, his first year and last year. That is an insane amount of hockey. Here are some quotes that stood out to me:

CPHL:

“Just going out and having fun and playing loose,”
“I talked about it a lot (during) our year-end exit chats, where getting that skill and that creativity back in my game is a big thing I want to focus on,”
“It’s going to be fun to get that back into my game. You get better when you’re out there working on stuff but especially when you’re just having fun.”

Upcoming Season:

“Every player this offseason is focusing on bringing his best early this season. We’re all looking at those things that came to the surface last year."

Leadership:

"For me, it’s part of just recapturing that energy, that motivation, excitement and that mindset of a young player who takes nothing for granted, that you had in your younger days. But also carrying the experience with you and understanding the impact for what you say, what you do, how you carry yourself can affect your teammates, especially the young guys."
“For me, it comes down to knowing what to say at the right time. But letting my play be the thing that helps me lead by example."

Yes, this is not the captain serious we're used to, but maybe that captain serious mentality wasn't helping him. Maybe "sitting back and smelling the roses" and seeing where you once were, top of the hockey world, and realizing where you are now is what he needs. Get back out on the ice, mess around and have fun is a way to rejuvenate himself.

Just because it's not the same type of fire we're used to seeing from Toews, doesn't mean there's not a fire there. I know time will tell, but maybe a change like this, getting kicked for a full season + previous year playoffs is what's needed. He sat and watched the playoffs, I think he'll be ready to go.
- HawksHype

I sincerely hope you are right as I want nothing more than for him to find his game and the love for the game (if he had lost it a bit). And, he was and remains an amazing Captain to his teammates. Throughout the game, he was focused on sitting and chatting with Oesterle and Vinnie. Then, during the half and at the end, he spent a lot of time walking and talking with Hartman, who was there in street clothes.