While I get the hate against Gus, I do see why the Hawks like him in the lineup. JC was recently talking about what he felt Gus could do if he gets more consistency in his game.

While they are not identical players or situations, I remember when the team picked up Johnny Oduya and he was not considered a "great" defensive option at the time and the big knock Winnipeg fans pointed out was costly turnovers. A lot of the hockey world was talking trash about him at the time and thought he was overpaid. He managed to play pretty well as the #4. I think we need to give the new coaching staff some more time with Gus to see if he can find some balance in his game. He could be an effective player because of the things he can do on the ice.

Again, not saying the situation is 100% the same, but again Gus isn't making 3.5 million a year either. He may not ever be as stead a Oduya, but he definitely has more offensive ability. I think the team will need to evaluate if they feel he will fit into the long term plans and if not, he is someone they could move, or bury easy. Almost all his cap hit can be buried. It might become a Schmaltz situation where if he doesn't fit into his role soon, they'll move him because he can put up points, so they'll get something in return.
- breadbag

This is part of the reason it can be foolish to write off any young talent simple due to a hole in their game. Coaching can fix that. Not that I think Gus will do it, but it is possible. And like you said, if he plays well enough on Offense but doesn't improve on his D game they could trade him to a team in need of a offensive D-man who can QB the PP.

This is part of the reason it can be foolish to write off any young talent simple due to a hole in their game. Coaching can fix that. Not that I think Gus will do it, but it is possible. And like you said, if he plays well enough on Offense but doesn't improve on his D game they could trade him to a team in need of a offensive D-man who can QB the PP.
- Savetheembers33

I guess I just mentioned Oduya because he was a guy who got better later. I mean, for his age. Oduya was a 25 year old when he came into the league and 30 years old when we got him. Maybe Gus will never learn and at least we didn't pay him all that much. I just hope they don't sign him to any long term deal unless he gets much better in his own end.

Where's Saad fit on this? I'd see him as top 9, ideally top 6, but with the ability to play anywhere. Or put another way, I would not move Saad to allow room for a Hayden, Entwistle, or Kahun even... so one of those 3 couldn't fit. Just my opinion, though.
- steve-hist-sdc

Good point. That was an accidental omission. My Bad. Saad would be a top 6.

Saad, Toews, Kane, ADB, Strome, and then 1st round pick (Hughes) or FA (Panarin?) would make a pretty decent top 6.

A 3rd line of some combination of Kampf, Kahun Sikura, Perlini would be ok too.

Anyone follow the Hogs this year? Just curious how Ejdsell has been playing and if he's NHL caliber?
- Assman22

I posted the following about Ejdsell in the last blog:

I haven't seen the more recent Hogs games but from the first 20ish games Ejdsell just wasn't pushing the pace or being engaged consistently. Many games he was a ghost for most of the game even if he dented the scoresheet.

Although he has a heavy shot, he only has around 50 shots or so in 27 games which equates to around 2 shots per game. Not enough for a forward who isn't going to be a playmaker but instead has a lethal shot and size to park his lanky body in the crease.

That said, though, with Stan at the helm I could still see Ejdsell being the next Rockford call-up (don't think he deserves it much like I didn't think Fortin earned his call-up).

Another thing to consider with the Hartman trade is that even if Ejdsell is a bust or at least becomes a Hawks regular in a lesser role than expected, the team could still benefit from that trade as they gained 2 draft picks which were used to select Beaudin and Kurashev.

For all we know, all 3 could be busts or all 3 could be hits. Here's hoping at least one realizes his potential. Beaudin may end up being the best player out of all 3 with Kurashev possibly being poised to 2nd best.

He’s on a 15-20 goal pace - pretty good from the blue line on a team with too little forward scoring ability.

Develop him; somehow a good coaching staff should be able to turn him into an acceptable defensive player.

Development seems to be a forgotten task with this group.
- StLBravesFan

Gus vs Leddy - discuss....

Personally I think Gus brings some value to the team. He would bring a lot more value if he could just play a decent defense. I would find a place for him somewhere on the Hawks for another year. If we moved him I would hope they get a 2nd round pick. They got a conditional 3rd for Kempny and he was a rental (UFA). Gus has another year of cost control.

I guess I just mentioned Oduya because he was a guy who got better later. I mean, for his age. Oduya was a 25 year old when he came into the league and 30 years old when we got him. Maybe Gus will never learn and at least we didn't pay him all that much. I just hope they don't sign him to any long term deal unless he gets much better in his own end.
- breadbag

I agree. What some of the guys are now doesn't mean that's what they will be in a few years. Even Patrick Sharp was looked at as a Bottom Sx type of guy when we traded for him and he developed into the Top 6 player he was for us.

I posted the following about Ejdsell in the last blog:

I haven't seen the more recent Hogs games but from the first 20ish games Ejdsell just wasn't pushing the pace or being engaged consistently. Many games he was a ghost for most of the game even if he dented the scoresheet.

Although he has a heavy shot, he only has around 50 shots or so in 27 games which equates to around 2 shots per game. Not enough for a forward who isn't going to be a playmaker but instead has a lethal shot and size to park his lanky body in the crease.

That said, though, with Stan at the helm I could still see Ejdsell being the next Rockford call-up (don't think he deserves it much like I didn't think Fortin earned his call-up).

Another thing to consider with the Hartman trade is that even if Ejdsell is a bust or at least becomes a Hawks regular in a lesser role than expected, the team could still benefit from that trade as they gained 2 draft picks which were used to select Beaudin and Kurashev.

For all we know, all 3 could be busts or all 3 could be hits. Here's hoping at least one realizes his potential. Beaudin may end up being the best player out of all 3 with Kurashev possibly being poised to 2nd best.
- AEL_Fox

I haven't seen any Ejdsell this year, but looking at last year's play was pretty disappointing. The guy legitimately looks like he can't skate, bending the ankles, etc.
His shot is pretty good, but it's hard to compete in any other area when you're not sure if you'll stay on your feet. I hope for the best, but I don't think he could survive at the NHL level right now.

I actually disagree. Looks at Stan's draft classes. Each one has at least 1-2 solid NHL players. Problem is so few of them are on the Hawks.

The two bad drafts are '14 and '15 where you have Schmaltz and maybe Sikura in '14. '15 draft looks like a complete bust.

Stan has also found some real gems in free agency.

To me Stan's biggest issue comes down to negotiating contracts and holding on to assets too long/asset mismanagement. Having Stephen Johns on the team as a solid big physical 4-5 Defensemen would have hypothetically given him more leverage negotiating with an aging Seabrook (if Stan has the stones to negotiate in such a manner).

Sharp trade, Leddy trade, and trade for Kimo are all huge blunders as far as asset management.

I think talent evaluation for the most part is good (every team is going to have their Runblads).
- bhawks2241

15 Draft was very top-heavy, and the Hawks didn't pick until late in the second round. If you look at what was picked after, it's not like they missed on somebody

That is true. When he took over the team they were in extreme cap hell because of the depth they had and the situation they were in contract wise. He has made some bad moves but some of the deals were good too.

The deal to get Frolik was great.
The fact he was able to trade away Brian Campbell's huge contract was pretty good.
I didn't mind Brouwer for a 1st (Phillip Danault) - I believe they just needed to dump salary at the time.
Oduya for a 2nd and 3rd worked out well.
Hanzuzs for a 4th was good depth.
When we had to dump Frolik for $$ reasons - we got back the picks that were John Hayden and Luke Johnson. At least those guys are still here and there is some potential to play in the NHL. Not terrible, but not a homerun trade either.
Having to move Bolland got us 3 picks, one of which was Carl Dahlstrom, who might now hold down a defensive role for us.
Getting back Versteeg at half price was a pretty good deal too. They gave up Jimmy Hayes and Dylan Olsen.
2 draft picks 3rd and 5th for Pirri was good.
A 3rd for Bollig was good.
Forsling for Clendening was good.
Desjardins for Smith wasn't bad for us.
Vermette for Dahlbeck and a 1st turned out pretty well.
Panik for Morin was a good one.
Shaw for two 2nds was pretty damn good, since one is Alex Debrincat.
The Hartman trade may still turn out to be great, even if Edjsell flops, because we got Beaudin and Kurashev.

There are some misses and bad trades and made Stan will be replaced, but it hasn't been all bad considering the position they were in.
- breadbag

People forget that he gave away Anti Rannta and Anders Nilsen (not sure spelling) who start as NHL goalies now for free or peanuts. Looking at return Caps got for Grubauer 9getting rid of Orpik) one would think that with someone who has a clue how to manage assets one would get rid of Bickel contract for one of these goalies. Then we still have TT on the team.

On your post, disagree on Hartman trade - he is a decent third liner, every time I watch Preds he is quite noticeable, scores, hits posts, lays body, goes to the net for screening.
Late 1st round pick we got for him has statistically 40% chance to become NHL player level so here you go.

He gives 2 seconds for Kimmo (defense depth) but can get only third rounder for Kempny (same defense depth for Caps)? Case closed on his negotiation skills (and you do not need to be a big negotiator to get Vermette for rental for 1st rounder).

Gus vs Leddy - discuss....

Personally I think Gus brings some value to the team. He would bring a lot more value if he could just play a decent defense. I would find a place for him somewhere on the Hawks for another year. If we moved him I would hope they get a 2nd round pick. They got a conditional 3rd for Kempny and he was a rental (UFA). Gus has another year of cost control.
- -Doh-

Leddy is a better skater, and a marginally better defenseman. Offensively, I think Gus has slightly better instincts than Leddy. Shots are pretty equivalent, Gus sees the ice better. Leddy is a year older, but obviously has much more NHL experience. The kicker in all of that is Leddy makes $5.5 for 3 more years after this and Gus is at $1.2 for 1 more. Unless Gus really breaks out, his next deal probably gets him in the $2.5-3.5 range on a 3 yr term.

Honestly speaking, I have always seen Leddy as a #3 at his best, I'm not sure he has necessarily played to that level. In the games I have seen he still makes the same mistakes and plays the same way.

I actually disagree. Looks at Stan's draft classes. Each one has at least 1-2 solid NHL players. Problem is so few of them are on the Hawks.

The two bad drafts are '14 and '15 where you have Schmaltz and maybe Sikura in '14. '15 draft looks like a complete bust.

Stan has also found some real gems in free agency.

To me Stan's biggest issue comes down to negotiating contracts and holding on to assets too long/asset mismanagement. Having Stephen Johns on the team as a solid big physical 4-5 Defensemen would have hypothetically given him more leverage negotiating with an aging Seabrook (if Stan has the stones to negotiate in such a manner).

Sharp trade, Leddy trade, and trade for Kimo are all huge blunders as far as asset management.

I think talent evaluation for the most part is good (every team is going to have their Runblads).
- bhawks2241

I agree and this was also the issue when Bickell was paid 3 x more then what the Hawks could have signed him for earlier in the year.


What I am trying to grasp is the continual longevity of Bowman who constructs this liner and if you take the "well if this that and this also happens" this team has been far from competitive the last 2 years.

IMO my only 2 untouchables would be Kane and DeBrincat and everyone else is shopped and you gain as many assets and cap flexibility as you can. Obviously some deals won't be moved but others (keith) could be moved and you move forward.


Kane and Toews are young enough to still be top line players 2-3 years from now when this team is back in the championship window. I don't see that with 2 and 7.


And lastly, I hope CC puts his young son and family ahead of pressure from the Hawks to rush back. He's won, he's been paid, he needs to do what is best for CC and the Hawks need to play Delia and see what this kid can do. We know what Ward is, and playing him now is a lost cause. The focus should be on the future not on trying to pretend you have a chance in hell of making the playoffs.

People forget that he gave away Anti Rannta and Anders Nilsen (not sure spelling) who start as NHL goalies now for free or peanuts. Looking at return Caps got for Grubauer 9getting rid of Orpik) one would think that with someone who has a clue how to manage assets one would get rid of Bickel contract for one of these goalies. Then we still have TT on the team.

On your post, disagree on Hartman trade - he is a decent third liner, every time I watch Preds he is quite noticeable, scores, hits posts, lays body, goes to the net for screening.
Late 1st round pick we got for him has statistically 40% chance to become NHL player level so here you go.

He gives 2 seconds for Kimmo (defense depth) but can get only third rounder for Kempny (same defense depth for Caps)? Case closed on his negotiation skills (and you do not need to be a big negotiator to get Vermette for rental for 1st rounder).
- vshun

So you disagree that that the Hartman trade could still work out okay? I said it "may" be great. Do you feel that Beaudin and Kurashev and Edjsell are all busts already? 2-3 years from now it could turn out to be a very good deal for the Hawks. There was obviously a reason they decided to move on from Hartman (Where there is smoke there is fire) and we have to wait and see what pans out from that deal.

I'm not saying all the moves he made are good, but there were some decent deals. sometimes you gamble and win and sometimes you gamble and lose.

https://blackhawkup.com/2...ks-potential-goaltenders/

Blackhawkup suggesting that if the Hawks are on the market for a goalie, then they should consider Lehner (Sabres) or Mrazek (Canes). Don't care for Lehner. Maybe Mrazek.

Personally, I'd rather just stay with Ward and Delia. If Ward can play like he did in his last game and Delia can continue his AHL success at the NHL level, then that should at least give the Hawks a chance to compete as long as the forwards and blueliners bring their hardhats to the job and work their butts off, keep it safe and simple, and play with sound fundamentals.

So you disagree that that the Hartman trade could still work out okay? I said it "may" be great. Do you feel that Beaudin and Kurashev and Edjsell are all busts already? 2-3 years from now it could turn out to be a very good deal for the Hawks. There was obviously a reason they decided to move on from Hartman (Where there is smoke there is fire) and we have to wait and see what pans out from that deal.

I'm not saying all the moves he made are good, but there were some decent deals. sometimes you gamble and win and sometimes you gamble and lose.
- breadbag

Not sure of course. Just read statistically late 1st draft picks only 40% get to be consistent NHL player. So to me to give proven third liner would not make sense. We shall see if these folks turn out all right but as we need depth and goal scoring on 3rd and 4th lines and we send Hartman, Vinnie and others out for Kruger/Kunits/Martinsen grinders, makes little sense.

https://www.secondcityhoc...hit-swedish-hockey-league

Swedish prospect Soderlund suspended 3 games for "flying knee hit". First Kayumov going ballistic on an opponent and punching a referee, now this. What is it with our prospects?!

In all seriousness, the kneeing to the goalie's head doesn't seem to be malicious but more so Soderlund trying to get through a tight space in the crease and the goalie unfortunately became collateral damage.

While Soderlund does need to be cautious of how he moves/throws his body around like that, you do have to like his fearlessness as a Euro Smurf. If he hits his potential, he's going to be a good one for the Hawks. Maybe not Arvidsson like as some have projected but a solid 3rd liner.

https://blackhawkup.com/2018/12/19/chicago-blackhawks-potential-goaltenders/

Blackhawkup suggesting that if the Hawks are on the market for a goalie, then they should consider Lehner (Sabres) or Mrazek (Canes). Don't care for Lehner. Maybe Mrazek.

Personally, I'd rather just stay with Ward and Delia. If Ward can play like he did in his last game and Delia can continue his AHL success at the NHL level, then that should at least give the Hawks a chance to compete as long as the forwards and blueliners bring their hardhats to the job and work their butts off, keep it safe and simple, and play with sound fundamentals.
- AEL_Fox

Young player development and lottery pick. Those are my 2 biggest things to watch the remainder of the season.

And the very unlikely scenario where Bowman goes to a core veteran and gets them to waive to go a contender.

Yeah, Saad was relentless on the forecheck, strong on the backcheck, and created scoring chances for himself and mates. He was a beast all night.

There was one play where he was deep in the circles in the D zone when the puck suddenly got out to the center red line and he was the first player to pursue the puck. He battled with 2 Predators for the puck. It didn't end up being a scoring chance but his burst of speed and fight for the puck was awesome to see.
- AEL_Fox

Saad is a guy whose skill level shines when he reacts instead of thinks -- so playing a physical game at max speed results in him being most productive. When he slows down the game, his skill level seems to diminish (brain cramps?).

https://www.secondcityhockey.com/2018/12/20/18150187/blackhawks-prospect-tim-soderlund-suspension-hit-swedish-hockey-league

Swedish prospect Soderlund suspended 3 games for "flying knee hit". First Kayumov going ballistic on an opponent and punching a referee, now this. What is it with our prospects?!

In all seriousness, the kneeing to the goalie's head doesn't seem to be malicious but more so Soderlund trying to get through a tight space in the crease and the goalie unfortunately became collateral damage.

While Soderlund does need to be cautious of how he moves/throws his body around like that, you do have to like his fearlessness as a Euro Smurf. If he hits his potential, he's going to be a good one for the Hawks. Maybe not Arvidsson like as some have projected but a solid 3rd liner.
- AEL_Fox

It looks like he's trying to avoid contact, but it was a tight squeeze. Really, it looked like an unlucky occurrence. Hope that goalie is fine.

No clue what is up with our guys. We got Ali and Liu Kang from Mortal Kombat.

Watching a replay of the Pitt v Wash game from last night. First minute. Wilson needs another 10+ game timeout.

People forget that he gave away Anti Rannta and Anders Nilsen (not sure spelling) who start as NHL goalies now for free or peanuts. Looking at return Caps got for Grubauer 9getting rid of Orpik) one would think that with someone who has a clue how to manage assets one would get rid of Bickel contract for one of these goalies. Then we still have TT on the team.

On your post, disagree on Hartman trade - he is a decent third liner, every time I watch Preds he is quite noticeable, scores, hits posts, lays body, goes to the net for screening.
Late 1st round pick we got for him has statistically 40% chance to become NHL player level so here you go.

He gives 2 seconds for Kimmo (defense depth) but can get only third rounder for Kempny (same defense depth for Caps)? Case closed on his negotiation skills (and yyou do not need to be a big negotiator to get Vermette for rental for 1st rounder).




- vshun

Isnt that the same capital gm trade flip Forsberg for hot garbage as well?

I haven't seen any Ejdsell this year, but looking at last year's play was pretty disappointing. The guy legitimately looks like he can't skate, bending the ankles, etc.
His shot is pretty good, but it's hard to compete in any other area when you're not sure if you'll stay on your feet. I hope for the best, but I don't think he could survive at the NHL level right now.
- ObeseOprah

Ejdsell is out with a groin injury. Scratched last night and out til Christmas or so.

15 Draft was very top-heavy, and the Hawks didn't pick until late in the second round. If you look at what was picked after, it's not like they missed on somebody
- TheTrob

I agree but the Hawks have nothing from the draft. Stan actually has a history of lower level picks working out (non first rounders). Pretty consistently.

All 2nd round or later picks

Saad, Shaw, Kruger, Johns, Dcat, Hinostroza, Hayden, Nordstrom are all NHL caliber players (Hayden probably a borderline 4th line guy/Nordstrom has been a regular the last 3 seasons)

Potential NHL regulars - Sikura, Dahlstrom, Ian Mitchell (?), Shalunov (?)

All solid roll players from lower round picks. Biggest issue is lack of D-men.

I think it all just comes down to assets and money management which are supposed to be Stans strengths.

Enough talent has come through the UC the last 10 years that the Hawks should be very relevant still.

Watching a replay of the Pitt v Wash game from last night. First minute. Wilson needs another 10+ game timeout.
- 35Tony0

https://thehockeynews.com...tons-tom-wilson-right-now

The Hockey News has an article about who they think could hang with Wilson in a fight and they boil it down to just Reaves, Byfuglien, Chara, and possibly Benn.

Wonder how Martinsen would fare? I don't think Hayden would do well. He might hang for a little bit before Wilson overpowers him.

https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/who-can-hang-with-washingtons-tom-wilson-right-now

The Hockey News has an article about who they think could hang with Wilson in a fight and they boil it down to just Reaves, Byfuglien, Chara, and possibly Benn.

Wonder how Martinsen would fare? I don't think Hayden would do well. He might hang for a little bit before Wilson overpowers him.
- AEL_Fox

I don't know if Hossa ever fought, but if he did... I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.

I don't know if Hossa ever fought, but if he did... I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.
- ObeseOprah

Hossa would be like the little guy in the Yakuza fighting Fat Tony's henchmen.

Homer: "But, Marge, that little guy hasn't done anything yet. Look at him. He's going to do something, and you know it's going to be good..."