I have proposed this question before would trade. Debricant for a top 3 d man for example trouba, not saying him specifically but a young defense man the is projected and the potential to be one or 2nd line center with size physical play and skill vision and ++ playmaking abilities?
- Scott1977

OK I will kick the tires at that proposal...I would trade Debrincat straight up for Trouba in a heartbeat. This has nothing to do with Debrincat who poured in 30 goals as smallish rookie, mostly if not all at even strength. My rationale as I have always stated Top 4 D man, and Trouba could be a top pairing soon, especially if Keith was partner, is that very good D man and can better control a game vs a winger, albeit a scoring winger like Debrincat. Think Hedman and/or Doughty. In no way I am saying that Trouba is that caliber but is good and also right-handed!

OK I will kick the tires at that proposal...I would trade Debrincat straight up for Trouba in a heartbeat. This has nothing to do with Debrincat who poured in 30 goals as smallish rookie, mostly if not all at even strength. My rationale as I have always stated Top 4 D man, and Trouba could be a top pairing soon, especially if Keith was partner, is that very good D man and can better control a game vs a winger, albeit a scoring winger like Debrincat. Think Hedman and/or Doughty. In no way I am saying that Trouba is that caliber but is good and also right-handed!
- D2D

Can't argue that Trouba can be an effective defenseman but I just don't see him as one who can control a game on a consistent basis. I'd much rather wait for Jokiharju and Boqvist for that type of blueliner. I know, they're a different breed. I would still love someone like Trouba but not at the price of DeBrincat or even Schmaltz or Sikura.

Saying renounced makes it sound like they teams just gave up - they lost the rights to those players because they stayed in school.

And the difference between Ttkachuck and the others you mentioned is that his timeline to the NHL is much sooner while the others were years away after their draft. Hayes and Vesey both didn't breakout until their last year or so in college, like many NCAA players tbh, so they were at most putting off the NHL a year. They just weren't ready for it before then. For Tkachuck, he'd be putting off the NHL for 4 seasons in spite of being NHL capable, if he went such a route. Has a player ever done that? I've heard of them delaying if they hit their peek their junior/senior year to FA, but never if they were ready 3-4 years sooner.
- L_B_R

Agreed on the timeline of Brady T as different as the others stated; that's why I put in there NHL ready with Brady T and you are right as Vesey did not "hit the stage" until his jr and sr years at Harvard and Hayes played with (same line) a guy named Goudreau, as in Johnny Hockey.

NHL Network analyst: Long road ahead for Blackhawks goalie Crawford

https://www.dailyherald.c...lackhawks-goalie-crawford
- walleyeb1

Again. Weekes talks like we know his ailment.

Argh

"I am feeling pretty good right now," Crawford said at the Blackhawks Convention. "I am not at 100 percent yet. But we've come a long way in the last couple months, and I worked really hard to do whatever I can to get better."

Asked if he'd be ready for camp, Crawford said, "That's hard to say right now, but it's very possible. We've come a long way in the last couple months, and there's a really good chance that could happen.

"Treatments are going well and we're making small steps and I'm getting a little better, so it's a process," Crawford said. "It's been a process since I left in December. It hasn't been easy, but I'll be back."

"Right now, it's just time," he said. "Injuries, they come with time, and for me it was just that. Right now, we're looking good. We've done a lot to get where I'm at right now, and I'm feeling good and hopefully I can get to a point soon where I can jump back on the ice."

Just to summarize.

- Crawford says he feels good but not yet 100%.
- Crawford says there is a really good chance he is ready for camp.
- Crawford says treatment is going well.
- Crawford says he is feeling good and hopeful to be on the ice soon.

This all leads to Q saying he expects Crawford to be the starter game 1. I'm not seeing much inconsistency here. Crawford's injury is taking time, but he is progressing, so why is it an issue for them to expect him to be ready for camp? They aren't guaranteeing he won't have a setback. Seems more likely he is ready for camp than not based on what he said and the fact he was standing front of the press talking about it.
- breadbag

Exactly, there is no inconsistency. For some, the distrust they have in the FO (warranted or not) is clouding their ability to read fairly synonymous statements; and for others, it's the fact that no one will say what the injury is (which they aren't owed) that is making people read more into things than are there. At least imo. They're not saying anything for sure, and yeah it's all mostly vague, but it's still the same from person to person.

Crawford will either be ready or he won't, but the Hawks and Crawford seem to be saying the same thing: he's progressing, hopes to be on the ice soon, and there's a chance he'll be back by start of the season. That's enough to make your ticket buying and/or viewing plans accordingly.
- L_B_R

Crow says he's making small steps since DECEMBER, it's a process, not 100%, it's hard to say right now if I'll be ready for camp but very possible, hopefully I can get back on the ice soon is different from Waite saying Crow is telling me he's very confident he'll be at training camp on Day 1 and Stan/Q saying they EXPECT him to be ready for camp.

Synonymous? Maybe I'm splitting hairs but I would say the Hawks have enough cover in their statements that quite frankly I hadn't read or heard before reading them here.

Still say if they said all along Crow is dealing with an injury that we don't have a timetable on and until we get a medical update we have no further comment. To me that's fair to Crow, the organIzation, the press, the fans and is honest.

Said it soon after Ward was signed the opening night goalies would be Ward with Forsberg backing him up. Hopefully I'm wrong but Crow not even being on the ice since December 2017 and him admitting he's not 100% and hopefully will be on the ice soon doesn't make me EXPECT him to be ready.

"I am feeling pretty good right now," Crawford said at the Blackhawks Convention. "I am not at 100 percent yet. But we've come a long way in the last couple months, and I worked really hard to do whatever I can to get better."

Asked if he'd be ready for camp, Crawford said, "That's hard to say right now, but it's very possible. We've come a long way in the last couple months, and there's a really good chance that could happen.

"Treatments are going well and we're making small steps and I'm getting a little better, so it's a process," Crawford said. "It's been a process since I left in December. It hasn't been easy, but I'll be back."

"Right now, it's just time," he said. "Injuries, they come with time, and for me it was just that. Right now, we're looking good. We've done a lot to get where I'm at right now, and I'm feeling good and hopefully I can get to a point soon where I can jump back on the ice."

Just to summarize.

- Crawford says he feels good but not yet 100%.
- Crawford says there is a really good chance he is ready for camp.
- Crawford says treatment is going well.
- Crawford says he is feeling good and hopeful to be on the ice soon.

This all leads to Q saying he expects Crawford to be the starter game 1. I'm not seeing much inconsistency here. Crawford's injury is taking time, but he is progressing, so why is it an issue for them to expect him to be ready for camp? They aren't guaranteeing he won't have a setback. Seems more likely he is ready for camp than not based on what he said and the fact he was standing front of the press talking about it.
- breadbag





Crow says he's making small steps since DECEMBER, it's a process, not 100%, it's hard to say right now if I'll be ready for camp but very possible, hopefully I can get back on the ice soon is different from Waite saying Crow is telling me he's very confident he'll be at training camp on Day 1 and Stan/Q saying they EXPECT him to be ready for camp.

Synonymous? Maybe I'm splitting hairs but I would say the Hawks have enough cover in their statements that quite frankly I hadn't read or heard before reading them here.

Still say if they said all along Crow is dealing with an injury that we don't have a timetable on and until we get a medical update we have no further comment. To me that's fair to Crow, the organIzation, the press, the fans and is honest.

Said it soon after Ward was signed the opening night goalies would be Ward with Forsberg backing him up. Hopefully I'm wrong but Crow not even being on the ice since December 2017 and him admitting he's not 100% and hopefully will be on the ice soon doesn't make me EXPECT him to be ready.
- Mr Ricochet

CC's admissions and demeanor on Friday changed the ballgame for many, including Jamal Mayers, who put his level of concern at 9 on a 10-scale, and said Ward couldn't cut it as the #1 for a season.

What would it take to pry Kreider out of New York? He was two years left on his contract with a decent cap hit. Probably more than the Hawks are willing to give up, it he’d be a nice acquisition.

Just curious why you don't watch pacioretty?
- SteveRain

No...we DO watch Pacioretty.....that's why we don't want him.

lol.

Now, that said. In the right deal....and if we didn't extend him.....just took on his last year and traded at deadline or let walk.....and gave up no top notch young prospects....then, ya...sure.

But if it means losing a good young prospect or two....or extending at his apparent ask of 7 x 7 or 7 x 8...then, Heck NO!!!!!

Exactly, there is no inconsistency. For some, the distrust they have in the FO (warranted or not) is clouding their ability to read fairly synonymous statements; and for others, it's the fact that no one will say what the injury is (which they aren't owed) that is making people read more into things than are there. At least imo. They're not saying anything for sure, and yeah it's all mostly vague, but it's still the same from person to person.

Crawford will either be ready or he won't, but the Hawks and Crawford seem to be saying the same thing: he's progressing, hopes to be on the ice soon, and there's a chance he'll be back by start of the season. That's enough to make your ticket buying and/or viewing plans accordingly.
- L_B_R

It is not distrust of the FO, in fact, I have probably been more of a excuse maker for Stan than most.

Mine comes not from reading a transcript, it comes from watching the interview with my own two eyes, watching him somewhat struggle, and even come close to tearing up. also I would add that he looked somewhat frail.

I don't know how anyone who watched that video, fan or FO person, could think that guy is going to be on the ice in a month or so, and ready to play goalie in the NHL in a couple months.

CC's job isn't to entertain people. He's not a stage performer.

It is not distrust of the FO, in fact, I have probably been more of a excuse maker for Stan than most.

Mine comes not from reading a transcript, it comes from watching the interview with my own two eyes, watching him somewhat struggle, and even come close to tearing up. also I would add that he looked somewhat frail.

I don't know how anyone who watched that video, fan or FO person, could think that guy is going to be on the ice in a month or so, and ready to play goalie in the NHL in a couple months.
- vabeachbear

Bear, I searched for 1/2 hour and can't find the full interview only snippets. Do you, or anyone, have a link to the full interview?

Thought this was a helpful read from outside the Hawks world of reporters: http://www.sportingnews.c...hd1cw0qonspm1dl1rw33bo9rx

What would it take to pry Kreider out of New York? He was two years left on his contract with a decent cap hit. Probably more than the Hawks are willing to give up, it he’d be a nice acquisition.
- DarthKane

Yes he would be a nice get. Didn't realize he was 27 already and it seems he has never hit the ceiling, yet, that most thought he had but a good skating physical top 6 power forward. Nice player for sure.

Bear, I searched for 1/2 hour and can't find the full interview only snippets. Do you, or anyone, have a link to the full interview?

Thought this was a helpful read from outside the Hawks world of reporters: http://www.sportingnews.c...hd1cw0qonspm1dl1rw33bo9rx
- Mr Ricochet

Mr. Rico, here you go - longest one I've seen
https://twitter.com/NBCSB...tatus/1022941598462689280

BTW - Powers has his ranking of all prospects up https://twitter.com/BySco...tatus/1023920078012784640

Kevin Hayes signs for 1 year $5.175M with the Rangers to avoid arbitration. He had 25 goals and 19 assists = 44 points last year. He reportedly wanted 5 years at $5.5M AAV.

For comparison sake, Schmaltz had 21 goals, 31 assists = 52 points. If he puts up similar numbers this year, looks like he will be asking for $6M.

OK I will kick the tires at that proposal...I would trade Debrincat straight up for Trouba in a heartbeat. This has nothing to do with Debrincat who poured in 30 goals as smallish rookie, mostly if not all at even strength. My rationale as I have always stated Top 4 D man, and Trouba could be a top pairing soon, especially if Keith was partner, is that very good D man and can better control a game vs a winger, albeit a scoring winger like Debrincat. Think Hedman and/or Doughty. In no way I am saying that Trouba is that caliber but is good and also right-handed!
- D2D

AdB had 28 goals in his rookie season - but he still needs to learn to produce more consistently - he had streaks of 9 games, 8 games, and 14 games without a goal. He has yet to learn how to put himself in position to break a slump (which even the best scorers go through).

When he does, and with more pro experience in general, he could be approaching 40 goals per year, point per game total production.

Are we sure we should be moving that kind of potential for someone like Trouba?

AdB had 28 goals in his rookie season - but he still needs to learn to produce more consistently - he had streaks of 9 games, 8 games, and 14 games without a goal. He has yet to learn how to put himself in position to break a slump (which even the best scorers go through).

When he does, and with more pro experience in general, he could be approaching 40 goals per year, point per game total production.

Are we sure we should be moving that kind of potential for someone like Trouba?
- StLBravesFan

You may know and I'm sure LBR has this at her fingertips, but was his production and streakiness attributable to which line he was on at the time and quality of opposition? He moved around a lot this year.

CC's admissions and demeanor on Friday changed the ballgame for many, including Jamal Mayers, who put his level of concern at 9 on a 10-scale, and said Ward couldn't cut it as the #1 for a season.
- BMWChiFan

Pat Boyle is probably my favorite of all the reporters for Hawk info. He walks the line best of being truthful and not pissing the Hawks (shovel face) off. Podcast with him and Mayers talking Crow: https://content.productio...a/07-27%20HAWKS%20POD.mp3

CC's job isn't to entertain people. He's not a stage performer.
- BALUCHA

That is exactly what he is and what his job is. Sports provide entertainment. He is an entertainer.

You may know and I'm sure LBR has this at her fingertips, but was his production and streakiness attributable to which line he was on at the time and quality of opposition? He moved around a lot this year.
- pdx2ord

That was my very first thought reading Sage's post. Dcat had a great rookie season and when you realize he did so bouncing around it was even better than the numbers suggest.

Would love to see his numbers/production if he were slotted in the top 6 and left alone.

Mr. Rico, here you go - longest one I've seen
https://twitter.com/NBCSB...tatus/1022941598462689280

BTW - Powers has his ranking of all prospects up https://twitter.com/BySco...tatus/1023920078012784640
- pdx2ord

Thank you sir!

Yes he would be a nice get. Didn't realize he was 27 already and it seems he has never hit the ceiling, yet, that most thought he had but a good skating physical top 6 power forward. Nice player for sure.
- Mr Ricochet

Whole-heartedly agree on Kreider but at what cost? Power forward with dead head red speed, especially outside going to the net hard. While not a proven finisher he can be put in a Kaner's line to provide some girth, edge, and protection. His career has been inconsistent to say the least, coming out of either BU or BC. The first year with the Rangers he was an absolute beast, getting the opponent's and league's attention but never have lived up to it since. Maybe he needs a change of scenery and also I am not quite sure if he got along with Vigneault.

You may know and I'm sure LBR has this at her fingertips, but was his production and streakiness attributable to which line he was on at the time and quality of opposition? He moved around a lot this year.
- pdx2ord

I don't - I'm sure Lady does (or can / will find out).

I'm only thinking that with experience in the league - and some consistent top-6 slotting, as Rico indicated - he could become a major offensive threat.

110% correct.
I think most, if not all, of the posters here and fans of the team would agree. Crawford doesn't owe us an explanation.

However, I do think the Blackhawks organization needs to be straight-up with the people that buy season tickets, the people that buy the advertising -- essentially, anyone that spends $ (and in many cases, big $'s). Instead of the crap they have been feeding the media -- just be straight-up and say "we can't discuss what's wrong with Corey, we hope and expect him to make a full recovery and get back on the ice. However, we honestly DON'T KNOW when or IF that will happen."

Don't continue to express the baloney of expecting him to be ready for Camp or ready for game 1 of the regular season. These have all been quotes from the mouths of the Blackhawks brass.

And it's disingenuous.

THAT is what I believe most here are saying. And hopefully it is obvious that we are wishing Corey the best in terms of his recovery and health. If he's not able to rejoin the club, most of us would be pretty bummed -- and we'd hope that he is at least able to live a normal life from this point forward.
- savvyone-1

Everything you said is a correct read and expectancy.

Some points you did not touch upon have, reportedly, left a sour taste in the mouth of certain people in the organization. The top boss, Rocky, and his top sales marketing guy, McDonough, are aware of any ADDITIONAL off ice historionics which may have contributed to his inability to perform.

I have been on record as discussing the later. Now, however, there appears the problems run deeper.

I just bet once he is able to.play again, if he anywhere close to his old level, then he is dealt.

Thank you sir!
- Mr Ricochet

No problemo

Signed, a Ma'am

I don't - I'm sure Lady does (or can / will find out).

I'm only thinking that with experience in the league - and some consistent top-6 slotting, as Rico indicated - he could become a major offensive threat.
- StLBravesFan

Agree completely with your thinking