In considering the very unlikely possibility of Breadman coming back to the Hawks, don't forget he changed agents soon after signing his bridge deal with the Hawks.

Convention still not sold out.....no Seabrook or Saad in attendance.


- SteveRain

Check out JJ's twitter feed - sounds like tickets aren't moving for the convention, the dreaded winter classic at Notre Dame etc. etc...there's no way Bowman or McD is going answer any real questions...

like "Stan why did you hand Seabrook that ridiculous contract...?"

As far as Chelios coming back...its the right move for the Hawks from a PR standpoint, but too little too late. Dollar Bill letting Chelios walk is up there with the all time boneheaded moves by the Hawks - you can put Belfour and Roenick right there...

And I'm sure the Hawks are trying to do right by trying to correct a longtime wrong - but with the timing - this move is a PR stunt plain and simple. Otherwise your biggest hits are Cam Ward, Manning, etc...and lets' not forget Bickell will be there. And look Corey Crawford speaks...but can he skate? (good tickets still available...) I'm just hopeful that there's a new president of hockey ops come next year's convention...but I doubt it...

It depends on the team and the system or strategy being used. Vinny is a very diverse player and asset... Do I think he's a legitimate top 6 forward now? I think on occasion Vinny is capable of playing top 6 minutes - he certainly has the potential to be a top 6 forward, however he needs more NHL experience to really find himself in that role (which I think he will) ... He's a fast smart player with a nice shot and decent hads that can play at both ends of the ice, however his size will always be a hindrance to some, but he has the speed and leverage to overcome that.....But yea, in 1-2 years I could certainly see Hinostroza playing top 6 minutes on a regular basis..And of course Blackhawks fans, regardless if we bring back Panarin with the cap relief obtained in the trade will still complain if Hinostroza turns into a 50-60 point forward.

The real question about Vinny was if the Hawks actually needed him - did the Hawks create a "hole" by trading him?, and I'm not so sure they did.. I think if Vinny stayed with the Hawks he would have anchored the 3rd line playing with Ejdsell & Sikura in all likelihood..

So yea, it sucks to lose Hinostroza, he's a local product with a lot of talent and potential and the pace he was developing was outstanding, but what other options did Bowman have to get rid of Hossa's contract? and lets not forget the Hawks also got Entwistle who has tremendous size and potential himself (Bowman was planning on drafting him) so Entwistle could pan out to be just as effective as Hinostroza (different type off players and skill-sets tho), so it's not like the Hawks got nothing in
- they got a few pieces with Kruger and Entwistle being the main components, but the Hawks also got that cap space which could potentially be the room used to sign Panarin as a UFA next summer, so who the Hawks sign with that cap space also maters.

I mean the Hinostroza/Hossa cap dumb was far from a terrible deal from the Hawks perspective (at least mine).. The Bickell/TT cap dump was by far the worst thus far during Bowman's tenure as the Hawks GM... At least the Hawks got 2 legitimate assets in the Hossa dump - the Hawks go nothing with the Bickell dump..
- Savard2Secord

Will not argue with much of that ,still feel he got a bit of a raw deal here from Q . Your right the trade on it's own was ok . I think we will here about Vinny down the road though ,and we HAWKS fans may not like it .. Think I will grab him as a sleeper in my pool next year

Check out JJ's twitter feed - sounds like tickets aren't moving for the convention, the dreaded winter classic at Notre Dame etc. etc...there's no way Bowman or McD is going answer any real questions...

like "Stan why did you hand Seabrook that ridiculous contract...?"

As far as Chelios coming back...its the right move for the Hawks from a PR standpoint, but too little too late. Dollar Bill letting Chelios walk is up there with the all time boneheaded moves by the Hawks - you can put Belfour and Roenick right there...

And I'm sure the Hawks are trying to do right by trying to correct a longtime wrong - but with the timing - this move is a PR stunt plain and simple. Otherwise your biggest hits are Cam Ward, Manning, etc...and lets' not forget Bickell will be there. And look Corey Crawford speaks...but can he skate? (good tickets still available...) I'm just hopeful that there's a new president of hockey ops come next year's convention...but I doubt it...
- DK002

[img
Maybe McDonough can borrow the old White Sox PR from "The Kids are Alright." There is going to become a big emphasis on a new generation +; Kane. Right! Believe it!

How to bridge a gap would be much easier if it were just one, even two contracts but, alas,
it is the ticket sales, particularly corporate
tickets.

Now the ticket sales decline, that is believe it!

Hope has to be the new kids on the block. I am sure that McDonough would not play horrible music from the group with this name. But I would love to see musical chairs with Q left out . Wrong coach, not best fit especially AFTER next season.[/img]

Check out JJ's twitter feed - sounds like tickets aren't moving for the convention, the dreaded winter classic at Notre Dame etc. etc...there's no way Bowman or McD is going answer any real questions...

like "Stan why did you hand Seabrook that ridiculous contract...?"

As far as Chelios coming back...its the right move for the Hawks from a PR standpoint, but too little too late. Dollar Bill letting Chelios walk is up there with the all time boneheaded moves by the Hawks - you can put Belfour and Roenick right there...

And I'm sure the Hawks are trying to do right by trying to correct a longtime wrong - but with the timing - this move is a PR stunt plain and simple. Otherwise your biggest hits are Cam Ward, Manning, etc...and lets' not forget Bickell will be there. And look Corey Crawford speaks...but can he skate? (good tickets still available...) I'm just hopeful that there's a new president of hockey ops come next year's convention...but I doubt it...
- DK002

Chelios was traded.

Chelios was traded.
- GPHawksfan

Not exactly his choice though. Yes he asked to be traded, but only because Dollar Bill reneged on a supposed agreement and wouldn't negotiate a new contract.

Chelios was traded.
- GPHawksfan

Forget it...he’s rolling

I think that's exactly what Bowman did.

Bowman trading Panarin for Saad ...
- Savard2Secord

I sort of thought about this --- and ok -I'll go there, but if any hypothetical trade -it would probably be whoever has been slotted in for top 6 LW not named Saad. Only insofar as -where do you play them? Sure, you could play them on 3rd Line - but you'd be talking about an extra season of the person traded for ... not have to re-sign them, have a known quantity ... not a potential, not sure if you get to try to then be able to sign for 7 or 8 seasons.

Effectively you'd also be trading a position on the depth chart for a replacement.

Disclaimer -- yeh it would be nice. And in a perfect world... dunno -- I like bringing in Chelly -- although I suppose he could also be a ready replacement for Q if things go roughly. I mean I hated it when they traded Savard for him - but well, that lasted all of that one off season, then I got over it. Became one of my favourite Hawks.

I sort of thought about this --- and ok -I'll go there, but if any hypothetical trade -it would probably be whoever has been slotted in for top 6 LW not named Saad. Only insofar as -where do you play them? Sure, you could play them on 3rd Line - but you'd be talking about an extra season of the person traded for ... not have to re-sign them, have a known quantity ... not a potential, not sure if you get to try to then be able to sign for 7 or 8 seasons.

Effectively you'd also be trading a position on the depth chart for a replacement.

Disclaimer -- yeh it would be nice. And in a perfect world... dunno -- I like bringing in Chelly -- although I suppose he could also be a ready replacement for Q if things go roughly. I mean I hated it when they traded Savard for him - but well, that lasted all of that one off season, then I got over it. Became one of my favourite Hawks.
- steve-hist-sdc

He doesn't do roughly. Can't stand to lose. Makes for a great player, but a coach needs to be able to tolerate more than players do. I don't see it happening.

But I've been wrong before.

He doesn't do roughly. Can't stand to lose. Makes for a great player, but a coach needs to be able to tolerate more than players do. I don't see it happening.

But I've been wrong before.
- 6628

Has his background in semi-coaching for Detroit the past couple of years given him the experience needed to be a head coach in the NHL?

Was he on the bench for Detroit as a coach?

Has his background in semi-coaching for Detroit the past couple of years given him the experience needed to be a head coach in the NHL?

Was he on the bench for Detroit as a coach?
- StLBravesFan

I can see the current #7 being behind the bench at some point down the road.

Will not argue with much of that ,still feel he got a bit of a raw deal here from Q . Your right the trade on it's own was ok . I think we will here about Vinny down the road though ,and we HAWKS fans may not like it .. Think I will grab him as a sleeper in my pool next year
- oldduffman

My kids have played with and against Vinnie since he was a mite. He is a great story. A local kid who worked hard at his game, played Jr's, NCAA hockey, and then was drafted and able to play in the NHL for his home town team. He has done what the club asked of him, kept working hard, developed his game more and made himself an asset to the organization. All that being said, lets not get too far out over the ends of our skis. This isn't a guy like Cleary, Engelland, Burrows, Hoffman and many other late bloomers who finds his game a little later. What you are seeing now is him at the ceiling of his abilities, and at his size he needs everything he has to be competitive. He does not have the natural scoring abilities of other small guys like St. Louis, Gaudreau, Marchand or even Debrincat. He can play a role on an NHL team and he may have a decent NHL career, but realistically speaking he is a dime a dozen player. He will need to show some asset that makes him a better choice for a roster spot than all the other dime a dozen guys who happen to be 6'+ and 200+ lbs, because take 2 guys with similar skill sets and as they say "you can't teach size". Maybe he stays because of a high hockey IQ or "intangibles", but he is most likely not a guy who years later you regret losing, he is not the guy putting you over the top for a Cup.

I can see the current #7 being behind the bench at some point down the road.
- Beaver-Warrior

Bingo, swap out Q for Seabrook and get Seabs' cap hit off the books. Totally doable and legal, no need to research the subject any further by anyone. Trust me

Check out JJ's twitter feed - sounds like tickets aren't moving for the convention, the dreaded winter classic at Notre Dame etc. etc...there's no way Bowman or McD is going answer any real questions...

like "Stan why did you hand Seabrook that ridiculous contract...?"

As far as Chelios coming back...its the right move for the Hawks from a PR standpoint, but too little too late. Dollar Bill letting Chelios walk is up there with the all time boneheaded moves by the Hawks - you can put Belfour and Roenick right there...

And I'm sure the Hawks are trying to do right by trying to correct a longtime wrong - but with the timing - this move is a PR stunt plain and simple. Otherwise your biggest hits are Cam Ward, Manning, etc...and lets' not forget Bickell will be there. And look Corey Crawford speaks...but can he skate? (good tickets still available...) I'm just hopeful that there's a new president of hockey ops come next year's convention...but I doubt it...
- DK002

Great blog post by sports mockery.


I can tell you all our season ticket rep bombarded us numerous times when we decided to walk and asked for a reason why.....They weren't taking a "no". I also have received my 2nd wave of winter classic presale email which I find odd considering the one at Wrigley sold out quick, and the stadium series at Soldier Field sold out fairly quick as well...….

I love the Hawks and hockey, but I am not going to pretend that the fan base, and I'm not talking about the casual fan, is very fickle. hard to justify spending upwards of 5K a seat in the 300 level for a crap product and not a true direction of where they are heading. It was never about making money, but when you invest $$ in a team and you attempt to sell a game you can't make....and literally have to give them away or make 25% of face value.....that right there tells you exactly where the market/interest is.


As far as Chelios goes....The hawks have tried this before....Savard, Graham, Magnusson and each time it failed. As a GM? No idea.....Shanahan has been impressive up in Toronto, but not sure Chelios has the personality to fall in line with a McDonough front office.

I can see the current #7 being behind the bench at some point down the road.
- Beaver-Warrior

If that happens this team is screwed. For as many Larry Robinson examples of great players being great coaches, there are far many more of it not working out....including the greatest player of all time in Gretzky.

Keith is an awesome player no doubt. But there aren't that many top NHL defenders his size. And his style, which is positioning and poke checking, requires top conditioning, great hockey sense and quickness. He's one in a million. That's my point.

He also benefited from time in the minors and a couple of NHL seasons while nobody was watching. He was given a lot of rope and time.

Many of the next wave will get their AHL time but once here in front of this coach and these fans, a couple of risky moves that end up in the back of the net will be over analyzed and a ticket to Rockford.
- stevefrmglencoe

I think you missed the point, Keith may have been 5’11” 174lbs when he was drafted, but these guys aren’t done growing.

Keith is now 6’1” 192, he’s far from one in a million. There are a lot of top Dmen playing that are in his size range.

If that happens this team is screwed. For as many Larry Robinson examples of great players being great coaches, there are far many more of it not working out....including the greatest player of all time in Gretzky.
- SteveRain

Dirk Graham struggled coaching as well.

I think you missed the point, Keith may have been 5’11” 174lbs when he was drafted, but these guys aren’t done growing.

Keith is now 6’1” 192, he’s far from one in a million. There are a lot of top Dmen playing that are in his size range.
- walleyeb1

Agreed...today's game is all about speed and skill. This isn't 1999 when a Derian Hatcher or Craig Ludwig is out there clutching and grabbing their way to being effective. Those guys would be torched in today's NHL. Strength on the puck matters and clearing the net still counts, but active sticks and blocking shots seem to be most important in a lot of systems.

Dirk Graham struggled coaching as well.
- z1990z

he bag skated the team prior or after a family X mas party skate.

Savard was over his skis and does this team win a cup(s) with him over Q? I highly doubt it.

he bag skated the team prior or after a family X mas party skate.

Savard was over his skis and does this team win a cup(s) with him over Q? I highly doubt it.
- SteveRain

Give it one more year and then Colliton will be ready.

Forget it...he’s rolling
- Ogilthorpe2

great movie reference...….

Brian Foran
‏

@BForanNHL
Jul 23
More Brian Foran Retweeted Chicago Blackhawks
Also, Chelios has a full no-movement clause.

Brian Foran
‏

@BForanNHL
Jul 23
More Brian Foran Retweeted Chicago Blackhawks
Also, Chelios has a full no-movement clause.


- riozzo

LMAO

Classic.....

Great blog post by sports mockery.


I can tell you all our season ticket rep bombarded us numerous times when we decided to walk and asked for a reason why.....They weren't taking a "no". I also have received my 2nd wave of winter classic presale email which I find odd considering the one at Wrigley sold out quick, and the stadium series at Soldier Field sold out fairly quick as well...….

I love the Hawks and hockey, but I am not going to pretend that the fan base, and I'm not talking about the casual fan, is very fickle. hard to justify spending upwards of 5K a seat in the 300 level for a crap product and not a true direction of where they are heading. It was never about making money, but when you invest $$ in a team and you attempt to sell a game you can't make....and literally have to give them away or make 25% of face value.....that right there tells you exactly where the market/interest is.


As far as Chelios goes....The hawks have tried this before....Savard, Graham, Magnusson and each time it failed. As a GM? No idea.....Shanahan has been impressive up in Toronto, but not sure Chelios has the personality to fall in line with a McDonough front office.
- SteveRain

Shanahan has had a little help

Get it??