Read my other posts I contribute with some insight and am fully cognizant my opinion is my opinion and will happily engage with other opinions . I too am tired of posters who whine and complain non stop and rarely contribute anything of substance.
- paulr

I am well aware of your contributions, and appreciate when you provide your opinions. But then when there are posts back and forth that clog up actual discussion, it gets tough. Trust me, you are not the biggest offender of this. Your post just so happened to be the last post I saw.

I hope the team shows up tonight. Things have been generally trending in a better direction recently despite the continued trailing in the first and losing. More won battles and the compete level has been improved.

In the last game, Kane scored that first goal and I thought that looked like a big one for him to maybe get going again. I think this team needs that emotion, drive to win and find a way to have fun in the process. I miss the early days of this generation when they had swagger. They need to build up some of that confidence in their play.
- breadbag

They've had some bad luck with posts and great saves lately too. If some of those go in, we'd still be bad, but not "1 point worse than the Blues bad."

I loved when he got hit in the face with the puck and was out for a little bit on the ice. Some reporter stuck a microphone in his dad's face and asked what he thought seeing his son laying there on the ice. His dad said " if he doesn't get up he better be dead". It was funny at that point cuz his son was up and around and seemingly ok, but I can relate having been raised by a caveman myself.
- 6628

Hahaha, I remember that!!

Skip to the 26 min mark about a Patrick kane trade:

https://thehockeynews.com...lberta-teams-are-for-real


It may be the most one sided trade idea I have ever heard.
- ImThatGuy

I'm good with that even if we get one less 1st round pick
w/Pominville you can also trade him for pick and prospect
and get even more assets.

Someone please explain to me while this team is so bad . Why isn't there one rumor of any players being traded away ? Everyone should be rumored at this point !!!
- hawk66

This is my guess, teams don't come knocking down the door of the worst team in the league with the mindset of let's make a trade. That is what I think in-season. Come trade deadline, everything must go. Teams will call then.

This is my guess, teams don't come knocking down the door of the worst team in the league with the mindset of let's make a trade. That is what I think in-season. Come trade deadline, everything must go.
- I Am The Breadman

I'd agree with you, but the Hawks do have some seriously talented pieces (Kane, DeBrincat, etc.).

Someone please explain to me while this team is so bad . Why isn't there one rumor of any players being traded away ? Everyone should be rumored at this point !!!
- hawk66

They're bad because they have several AHL type players on the roster, a young coach with relatively little experience who was unfortunately thrust into the job, and a couple of the core players who either can't do it anymore or are going through the motions.

I am sure Stan is working the phones to try to make a trade, but who wants any of the players on this roster? His hands are also tied because of the NTC's clauses given to the best players. Maybe they are not waiving their NTC's.

Regarding rumors, I like what JL brings to the blog, but I sometimes miss JJ's trade rumors from his inside sources. Very few came to fruition but it kept the discussion going.

Just to inject some positivity, because I know I've been looking at this team through Larry David glasses for a long time now... I do love the pickup of Dylan Strome.

I know he gets critiqued for being slow, but it doesn't bother me. He seems more cerebral and I like that he goes to the front of the net and isn't afraid to go into corners, or along the boards etc. He wins face offs and doesn't shy away from contact.

Schmaltz is doing well in Arizona and I think Strome is doing well here. I think both organizations cater more to each player's style and it's working for both of them.

I'd agree with you, but the Hawks do have some seriously talented pieces (Kane, DeBrincat, etc.).
- Hank3Henshaw

Those are keepers, well the two you named, but so far have been streaky. There are tens of reasons why, but I'd call for them at tdl.

Some snips from The Athletic's Hawks prospect report back in July (if you haven't subscribed to the Athletic, I highly recommend it):

1. Dylan Sikura, winger: Sikura, 23, can be a difference-maker for the Blackhawks next season. No one else on this list probably has that capability for the 2018-19 season. He’ll likely start the season slotted into a top-6 role.

(This hasn't happened yet, and it's probably better that he learns the pro game in Rockford than trying to play the hero every night on this crappy team)

2. Henri Jokiharju, defenseman: Jokiharju, 19, sure looks close to being NHL ready. Whether or not he starts there next season, I bet he’ll end up there. The Blackhawks just don’t have any right-handed defensemen who can skate like him.

(Powers was right on this one, Jokiharju showed up)

3. Adam Boqvist, defenseman: Boqvist, 17, may have the highest ceiling of the organization’s prospects, but patience will be needed. He needs to develop his body and work on his defensive zone play. Playing in the OHL should help this season. The question is whether he’ll be ready for the jump to the NHL next season.

(I'd probably put Boqvist at the top, his wrister alone is elite)

4. Ian Mitchell, defenseman: Mitchell, 19, has a chance to be one of college hockey’s top defensemen this season. Expect him to turn pro after the season at Denver and soon battle for an NHL roster spot. He’ll be in the mix for a spot on Canada’s World Championship team too.

(Maybe we'll see him for a couple games at the end)

5. Gustav Forsling, defenseman: Forsling, 22, is probably ready to be a full-time NHL player now. It’s just unknown whether the Blackhawks actually have a spot for him. He’s played the third most NHL games among the defensemen in his draft class, so he’s on schedule.

(If only he could stay healthy, he looks decent at everything)

6. Nicolas Beaudin, defenseman: Beaudin, 18, is just a solid all-around defenseman. He probably turns pro after his season in the QMJHL.

(In theory he should end up better than Jokiharju, as he's a higher pick. We'll see.)

7. Artur Kayumov, winger: Kayumov, 20, is aligned to have a breakout season for Lokomotiv in the KHL. If that happens, he can be put on the NHL radar sooner than later.

(I believe this is the guy who just got suspended for punching a ref, even though it was somewhat unintentional?)

8. Jake Wise, center: Wise, 18, may end up being a steal for the Blackhawks in the third round. He’s going to be put into a key role at Boston University as a freshman. He certainly impressed at development camp.

(He has 2 assists in about a dozen games, doesn't look good so far)

9. Victor Ejdsell, winger/center: Ejdsell, 23, will probably fit into a top-9 spot for the Blackhawks this season. If he can carry over what he did with the IceHogs late in the season, he should fine be in the NHL. He has a big body and a big shot.

(When I saw him in person last year he literally couldn't really skate, hopefully he fixes the bambi legs)

10. Max Shalunov, winger: Shalunov, 25, could be in the NHL now. He isn’t, though, and probably isn’t coming over until the 2020-21 season. He should be one of the top goal scorers in the KHL this season.

(Can you still be a prospect at 25? What is he going to have 4 years of prime before he starts 'showing his age'?)


This pipeline needs about five forwards with top talent, and hopefully one or two of these D turn out great, but even that's a crap shoot. The past two years of 'restocking the cupboard' still don't look that great for Stan.

Big Buff

For me - Of all the players on the 2010 team that were traded he’s missed the most - especially given he plays at a much higher level than Keith and Seabs - watching him it’s difficult to believe he’s 33

They're bad because they have several AHL type players on the roster, a young coach with relatively little experience who was unfortunately thrust into the job, and a couple of the core players who either can't do it anymore or are going through the motions.

I am sure Stan is working the phones to try to make a trade, but who wants any of the players on this roster? His hands are also tied because of the NTC's clauses given to the best players. Maybe they are not waiving their NTC's.

Regarding rumors, I like what JL brings to the blog, but I sometimes miss JJ's trade rumors from his inside sources. Very few came to fruition but it kept the discussion going.
- boilermaker100

I still follow JJ over at The Rink. If it’s rumors you crave, his latest podcast mentioned he’s heard rumblings linking Anisimov to Pittsburgh.

FWIW

Big Buff

For me - Of all the players on the 2010 team that were traded he’s missed the most - especially given he plays at a much higher level than Keith and Seabs - watching him it’s difficult to believe he’s 33
- Colbyboy

Had he stayed, I wonder if the Hawks would have switched him back to defense, or continue to use him as a power forward?

I loved Buf, but man was he raw in ‘08, his skating was bad... we used to laugh a lot in my section because he always seemed to fall down.

Big Buff

For me - Of all the players on the 2010 team that were traded he’s missed the most - especially given he plays at a much higher level than Keith and Seabs - watching him it’s difficult to believe he’s 33
- Colbyboy

I think this is a great case of hindsight is 20-20.

I understood the trade. I don't think anyone saw Buff becoming what he is now - no way anyone could have predicted he would morph from a big body in front of the net, to a legitimate Defenseman. I mean...that's an incredible change.

I remember being very annoyed with fans (mostly wagon fans) constantly saying, "We should have never traded Big Buff." I think they only liked him because he became a household name in that VAN series where he drew a lot of heat with Lou. I don't think they watched his actual play/conditioning - which was still very raw at the time.

They went on to win two more without him, so it wasn't a trade that completely crippled them, you know?

What would be a good trade for Crawford?

Panarin cannot save this team anymore. The damage is now too great and that's without any major injuries yet. At this point in order to be competitive they not only need a Panarin but also need at least a half dozen others. Depending on how much more damage is done to the team first healing will likely require many years.
- Savoy

Hey Savoy, considering how upset you were when Panarin was traded, this is a bold statement. I’m not trolling you, I’m just pointing it out as another indication of how far this team has slid down hill.

What would be a good trade for Crawford?
- jmdodgeser4

It’s all about the market - supply vs demand. While we may have thoughts on the value of Crawford, Keith, etc., with players like Quick and Pietrangelo rumored to be available, it will impact what the Hawks could get in a trade.

What would be a good trade for Crawford?
- jmdodgeser4

1st, Frost, and another prospect? Something like that would be of interest

Put a good defense or at least a solid one in front of Crow and he could stand on his head and carry a team for awhile

What would be a good trade for Crawford?
- jmdodgeser4

Since the Flyers need a goaltender so badly - how about Provorov, Morgan Frost and Carter Hart. We"ll give you Crawford, Gustafsson and that museum piece Hextall gave us a couple years ago Kimmo Timmonen.

Well at least two of them, Rutta and Manning, he's having second thoughts about. I don't think they were building blocks, just placeholders. If our d in Rockford needs more time, then I think more of the same (those exact players) or different, but similar to previous players, placeholders d.
- I Am The Breadman

I'd have to agree. D-men like Manning, Davidson, and Rutta are placeholders until the blueline prospects develop and get to the NHL. While these current placeholders may not be on the team next year, there will likely be 1-2 new placeholders.

Stralman is an example of a new placeholder for next season. He is in his 30's but is steady on the back end and could be relatively easy to sign for 1-2 years at an affordable AAV.

One way I see new high-end defenders coming into the fold via trade or free agency is if Keith and/or Seabrook are traded. Or management decides to spend cap dollars on the blueline rather than securing another top 6 forward and solidifying the bottom 6, particularly the 3rd line.

Since the Flyers need a goaltender so badly - how about Provorov, Morgan Frost and Carter Hart. We"ll give you Crawford, Gustafsson and that museum piece Hextall gave us a couple years ago Kimmo Timmonen.
- RickJ

That would be all a hard pass. Provy, Frost, Hart are non starters in a deal. I would consider a Farabee or maybe a 2nd rounder and b prospect. YOur over valuing goaltending value considering there are not many teams looking for a large cap hit starting goalie.

Since the Flyers need a goaltender so badly - how about Provorov, Morgan Frost and Carter Hart. We"ll give you Crawford, Gustafsson and that museum piece Hextall gave us a couple years ago Kimmo Timmonen.
- RickJ

Lol as much as I would love for Philly to return the favor for Timmo deal, Hart isn't gonna go anywhere. That's what makes Crow the perfect fit for them IMO. He's got the rest of this year and one more next year and that gives Hart another year and a half to develop at least before taking over or at least being called up.

Frost I could DEFINITELY see apart of a deal along with a 1st or 2nd and another prospect or player (draft pick depends on that third piece). Crow going to Philly could turn that team around and make them a VERY interesting team going forward.

This was my understanding as well, but wanted to see what other knowledge was out there, as I don't follow anything going on with the Hogs. I don't see him, as what I know, as a top line, or second line next year. Just testing thought process.
- HawksHype

Someone else said this but whether it's Sikura or any other player, it's all about slotting them with linemates where they can complement each other while also not putting them way above or way below their water level.

I believe Toews and Saad would benefit more from having a playmaker like Sikura than a Hossa-type of power forward. Schmaltz succeeded on a line with Toews and Panik two seasons ago so I could see similar chemistry with Sikura playing with Toews and Saad.

A key difference between Schmaltz and Sikura is that the latter will shoot and has a nice laser of a snapshot from the circles. Sikura also has patience and poise to wait to scan for options before committing to a play.

1st, Frost, and another prospect? Something like that would be of interest

Put a good defense or at least a solid one in front of Crow and he could stand on his head and carry a team for awhile
- Savetheembers33

A solid/good defense would help him to not have to stand on his head every night.

Strong defenses allow teams to get away with "average" goalies because they don't need to stand on their heads every night, but rather, make the routine saves that the defense allows.

The Hawks certainly used this model to win for a number of years.

Not to be all doom and gloom, but the Rockford situation looks pretty grim from a points perspective: https://www.eliteprospect...ehogs/2018-2019?tab=stats

Dylan Sikura is first on the team with 18 points in 26 games. Next is Raddysh with 15 points, he's a defenseman.

Can none of the other forwards put up points? Louis has 13 points. Schroeder and Tyler Sikura have 11 and 10 points, and I don't think either of these guys will ever make the NHL. Edjsell has 11 points and probably still can't skate.

How is there supposed to be hope for our dismal forward group if the Rockford pipeline has Sikura and nothing else? Are we that hopeful for European and College prospects?

Wise and Barrat could round out to be solid middle 6 or bottom 6 guys, but I don't know of any guys who seem like they'll be top 6 talent.
- ObeseOprah

I would add Kurashev on that list of middle 6 forwards in the system who have impact potential. Agree, though, no bona fide top 6 blue chipper. Sikura comes closest, IMHO, but even he's not a lock and may end up being in this middle 6 group.