According to Lazerus, Nordgren has a lower body inj, Nilsson was out for a wedding, and Hillman they know what they have, so they gave him the day off.
- Chunk

Cool, thanks for the notes on Nordgren, Nilsson, and Hillman. Things are looking up for Hillman, not necessarily a lock for starting job on the Hawks this fall, but in the near future. He's knocking on the door and his defense-first mentality would be a welcome addition to the blueline.

Not a thing I don't totally agree with here. I hate to say the booth can have an affect on what I watch or don't but Eddie and Foley are simply un-listenable to me. Away from each they are pros but I do believe Foley has become very lazy in his preparation which makes him uninteresting and redundant. He adds nothing the casual fan doesn't already know.

The NHL package really changed the NHL and Hawks for me. Firstly it showed just how bad Foley is but how damn boring a Hawk game can be. The horrid predictability of the PP, the perimeter soft play and matter of factly succumbing to a teammate taking a flying elbow or a loss is magnified by watching a hungry team like the Jets, CLB, NSH and even Carolina or even AZ (hungry hungry teams that more times than not play playoff intensity hockey). I don't care who the Hawks are playing that day if WPG is playing NSH I watch that game first.

For me a beauty and draw to the sport is the compete, effort and will it takes to win and watching that gives me my fix. If the Hawks won't give me that there are a lot of teams/games that will.

In other words exposure to the whole league has shown the Hawks unwatchable far too often and I've thought that for a few yrs now.
- Mr Ricochet

I don't disagree on all this.

--Hawks home television broadcast seems to be too "dummy down" for the casual fan. Not a lot of why this happened, or pointing systems or set plays. I just can't handle it. I can't handle the shout outs mid game.....or the grab @ss

--Eddie O is on the radio and seems to be a lot more critical of the team as he is at times during the national broadcasts (see Michael Kempny and why it didn't work in Chicago)

Back when Talon was on the air he was a voice of reason at times. Pointing out negativity and still toed the grab @ss line. But that was a broadcast that was solid. Now it's all roses and rainbows.

in all honesty, I think this team vastly underestimates the intelligence of its fan base. There are lots of fans who grew up playing/watching/coaching the game and can see flaws that the casual, t shirt jersey "new" fan can't see...yet this team caters to said fan. I get it.....you have your core of your fan base and you need to fight for discretionary income.....but that fickle fan is long gone.....and your core is slowing realizing that paying increases in tickets yearly for a sub par product isnt' fiscally smart. Renewals are down.....and that more then anything else had to alarm Wirtz.

They lost Neal too. Have to agree with you.
- 6628

I 100% agree with both of you....plus you had a very proud set of guys who all came together to "show" their old teams that their "misfit type" locker-room could work. It was a good story, but is it sustainable? I don't see them duplicating their past season.

We sign Gagner yet? The center Kaner wants...the center Kaner needs...

We sign Gagner yet? The center Kaner wants...the center Kaner needs...
- resqmed99

Gagner career peaked that November night in Edmonton when he lit up Crawford and the Hawks. Think he had 8 points.

To this day still think that was a clean hard hit backes lundge to get the puck put himself in a vulnerable position
- Scott1977

That was one chippy game.

That was one chippy game.
- stan-ley-cups

It was kind of a BS call. People were claiming the hit was away from the play and it absolutely wasn't.

Backes tried dragging the puck up the boards and lost it, overskated it, and had his buried looking for it and Seabrook cleaned him out.

You can't penalize a player every time he lays out a guy that mishandles a puck and drops his head looking for it.

Yet Blues fans wanted to crucify Seabrook for the hit when he was already on his line to hit Backes BEFORE he lost control of the puck and the time from when Backes lost the handle of the puck to when Seabrook hit him was LESS than a second

Its also why there way no penalty originally called on the play

Tanner is trying to position that Panik is underrated over in the AZ page...

Hey Chunk, my apologies to you for coming across so bluntly, wasn't directed at you so much as the general consensus (IMO) that these guys are working in the off-season to improve.

My point: IF they are working in the off-season, it doesn't show in on-ice performance in any way, shape or form.

And if they ARE working, then the latter bolded part matters. Why is it then that Kane seems to find/know and work with the "right" individuals that clearly DO help him improve what we see in on-ice performance? Are the other guys blind to it? Do they not want to spend any of their coin (I'm assuming here Kane funds his own off-season skills/training?).

I mean, what is it -- they don't know who to work with? I'd suggest they ask around or ask their own teammate since he always seems to know/find the right people.

Not want to spend the time/coin to do so?
They are getting paid HUGE $'s compared to the rest of us slubs (even if some of us are attorneys, doctors, VPs, whatever).

All I know is: Kane works on his skills/training>it shows in-season.
We don't know but assume: Keith/Seabrook/Toews do "something" in off-season>doesn't show=wrong people helping them and/OR not doing anything. So in effect, it DOES show in that they look worse year-to-year.
- savvyone-1

Why don't Kane and Toews work out together?

Hey Chunk, my apologies to you for coming across so bluntly, wasn't directed at you so much as the general consensus (IMO) that these guys are working in the off-season to improve.

My point: IF they are working in the off-season, it doesn't show in on-ice performance in any way, shape or form.

And if they ARE working, then the latter bolded part matters. Why is it then that Kane seems to find/know and work with the "right" individuals that clearly DO help him improve what we see in on-ice performance? Are the other guys blind to it? Do they not want to spend any of their coin (I'm assuming here Kane funds his own off-season skills/training?).

I mean, what is it -- they don't know who to work with? I'd suggest they ask around or ask their own teammate since he always seems to know/find the right people.

Not want to spend the time/coin to do so?
They are getting paid HUGE $'s compared to the rest of us slubs (even if some of us are attorneys, doctors, VPs, whatever).

All I know is: Kane works on his skills/training>it shows in-season.
We don't know but assume: Keith/Seabrook/Toews do "something" in off-season>doesn't show=wrong people helping them and/OR not doing anything. So in effect, it DOES show in that they look worse year-to-year.
- savvyone-1

No sweat. I get where you are coming from. It is infuriating to see the recent decline in performance in Toews, Seabrook, Keith, while Kane has consistently been a top 5 player in the league. The problem is that even if all of these guys worked together, the same amount, on the same things, you are still going to get wildly different results. Just the nature of people being different.

As much as I would like to be in the know about what the coaches recommend, or what they commit to do in the offseason, I'm not privy to that. Therefore, all I get to do is guess, hope, and yell at my TV 82 times from fall to spring...

Why don't Kane and Toews work out together?
- SoftServe

Toews couldn’t keep up!

It seems Stan really screwed this one up.

Tanner says Panik is 'massively' underrated. Get it right Stan!

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...vely-Underrated/243/94014

Why don't Kane and Toews work out together?
- SoftServe

Toews works out?

EK On Steve Mason...

He is considered a great value and is still out there...I have mostly heard Vancouver, but I am starting to hear more and more surrounding Chicago and Mason...He would make a great option for the Hawks...

Why?
- SoftServe

I wonder the same thing WHY!!! Could Crawford not be ready and 100% or are the hawks shopping Crawford quietly to see what they can get. Therefore signing manson to a smaller deal. So my question is what teams could the hawks trade crow to and what would be the return? Now this is all speculation of course but have to make you think what if.

Yesterday's news (literally, not figuratively): Jets re-sign Lowry to 3-year, $8.75M contract.

Kuc and Powers with a quick wrap up on prospect camp. (the Zamboni and music drowned them out eventually).

https://twitter.com/BySco...tatus/1020357652843507713

Most interesting insight from Kuc - apparently, StanBo was turned down by a number of the FAs/agents to whom he was making overtures.

Hawks have an awesome culture, but no chance to win a Cup. We all knew it, but maybe that's why Stan isn't able to make an offseason splash.

Kuc and Powers with a quick wrap up on prospect camp. (the Zamboni and music drowned them out eventually).

https://twitter.com/BySco...tatus/1020357652843507713

Most interesting insight from Kuc - apparently, StanBo was turned down by a number of the FAs/agents to whom he was making overtures.

Hawks have an awesome culture, but no chance to win a Cup. We all knew it, but maybe that's why Stan isn't able to make an offseason splash.
- pdx2ord

Very possible. It also could have to do with what happened to Franson and Bouma last year. Say what you will about their skill or performance, but the fact that they were sent down to Rockford a portion of the year and played out with a bunch of kids may have something to do with it as well.

Being that prospects are about the only positive thing we have to discuss right now, I've watched and read all that I can with these kids. Here is where I stand (as I'm sure you were all dying to know):

1) I really like the skill they have built up in the prospects. Mitchell looks to be the most "complete" player right now, but you can't deny the abilities of Jokiharju, Boqvist, and even Krys.

2) If there truly is an open competition for some bottom six spots, I would not bet against Soderlund. He absolutely does not stop grinding.

3) I really hope the Hawks can develop and move forward with guys like Hillman and Gilbert. You need guys like this. "Big" players with defensive responsibility, some ability to play with the puck, and just steady on the ice.

4) My concern going forward is that they seem to go in waves. Draft a bunch of D-men, then draft a bunch of forwards. Rinse, repeat. We are currently D-heavy with only one or two true top six prospects. I know it isn't as simple as "just even out the drafting", but I hope they can normalize this a bit going forward.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Cool, thanks for the notes on Nordgren, Nilsson, and Hillman. Things are looking up for Hillman, not necessarily a lock for starting job on the Hawks this fall, but in the near future. He's knocking on the door and his defense-first mentality would be a welcome addition to the blueline.
- AEL_Fox

What about Carlson snd Tuulola? Are they in camp & if so, your impression. Knott. Sikura's brother. Is Samuelson's kid here,,?

Kuc and Powers with a quick wrap up on prospect camp. (the Zamboni and music drowned them out eventually).

https://twitter.com/BySco...tatus/1020357652843507713

Most interesting insight from Kuc - apparently, StanBo was turned down by a number of the FAs/agents to whom he was making overtures.

Hawks have an awesome culture, but no chance to win a Cup. We all knew it, but maybe that's why Stan isn't able to make an offseason splash.
- pdx2ord

The observations from Kuc are quite disturbing if true. Hey McEgo the bloom is off the rose. Wake up

I wonder the same thing WHY!!! Could Crawford not be ready and 100% or are the hawks shopping Crawford quietly to see what they can get. Therefore signing manson to a smaller deal. So my question is what teams could the hawks trade crow to and what would be the return? Now this is all speculation of course but have to make you think what if.
- Scott1977

Piggy backing off of EK's other rumor about Crawford being dealt for Panarin

Pigging backing off of EK's other rumor about Crawford being dealt for Panarin
- SoftServe

Its possible bur unlikely rather if there was a trade for crawford a top 4 d man or 2nd line 3rd line center in return. We'll have stay patient let things unfold. If no other additions are made before the opening day then it will be another long disappointing season and top 10 pick. Bowman needs to become creative and smart with whatever moves he makes next, if any.

That was one chippy game.
- stan-ley-cups

If I could live 50 more years -- which I can't -- I'd still get a chuckle out of "Wakey wakey". One of my all-time favorite sports lines..

Being that prospects are about the only positive thing we have to discuss right now, I've watched and read all that I can with these kids. Here is where I stand (as I'm sure you were all dying to know):

1) I really like the skill they have built up in the prospects. Mitchell looks to be the most "complete" player right now, but you can't deny the abilities of Jokiharju, Boqvist, and even Krys.

2) If there truly is an open competition for some bottom six spots, I would not bet against Soderlund. He absolutely does not stop grinding.

3) I really hope the Hawks can develop and move forward with guys like Hillman and Gilbert. You need guys like this. "Big" players with defensive responsibility, some ability to play with the puck, and just steady on the ice.

4) My concern going forward is that they seem to go in waves. Draft a bunch of D-men, then draft a bunch of forwards. Rinse, repeat. We are currently D-heavy with only one or two true top six prospects. I know it isn't as simple as "just even out the drafting", but I hope they can normalize this a bit going forward.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!
- Chunk

You're on point with your observations from camp. The prospects you listed are the standouts. Others of note are Beaudin on defense as well as Fortin, Wise, Slavin, Dahlstrom, and From at forward.

Of the goalies, invite Linden Marshall seemed to be the one who caught the eye of many camp attendees (i.e. fans, bloggers, news reporters) but not sure if he showed enough to parlay that into a contract like Delia did last summer.

Agree that Hillman and Gilbert are the type of "other" defenders who the Hawks need to groom. I may be too simplistic in this way of thinking, but I prefer pairing up one offensively gifted D-man with a defensive defenseman. Prospects like Hillman, Gilbert, and even Carlsson fit the bill for the latter type. These 3 seem to have the inside track so far.

However, prospects known for their offense did exhibit strong defense during camp, i.e. Mitchell, Krys, and Beaudin most especially, so if you can get blueliners who can balance offense and defense well, then all the better.

For the bolded part, an upside of the current wave of a strong defense pipeline is that this "luxury" can be used as trade assets to shore up the pipeline at other positions. This way, the Hawks don't necessarily have to wait for future drafts and/or teeter totter between having either a strong defense pipeline or a strong forward pipeline.

What about Carlson snd Tuulola? Are they in camp & if so, your impression. Knott. Sikura's brother. Is Samuelson's kid here,,?
- jhawk59

Carlsson and Tuulola were in camp. Of the videos of drills I saw them in, they were fine (isn't that Q's line during press conferences). Not horrible but not off the charts either.

Knott and Tyler Sikura weren't in camp. Hog players who were regulars last season weren't in camp since management knows what they have in those players and can just ask Colliton and his staff. Same goes for Samuelsson. While he didn't play the full season in Rockford, he's played in the AHL and ECHL for 4 years already.

Then there's a prospect like Noel who did spend some time on the Hogs but spent most of last season in Indy due to an injury and rehab. I believe he got injured during the first day of fall training camp. With that said, though, Noel didn't stand out in camp and I believe this was his 3rd one. Compared to Fortin who substantially ramped up his camp performance, Noel did not do himself any favors. Not to say that Noel sucked it up this week, but for a camp "veteran" who needs to stand out to gain an inside edge amongst all the other prospects, he didn't do much.