I'm not as high on Ryczek. From what I've seen he's got a low probability to making it as a pro.

Gravel is still so young but os playing well in the Q. It will be interesting to see how he progresses.
- Justin Lowe

Scratching my head a little on Ryczek. He went from college to the CHL - I think Duncan Keith did this also (not that I am equating the two). Wondering if the Blackhawks suggested that; if they did, maybe there is something there, and he went to major junior to work on something specific?

In any case it doesn't look like there is much chance of a slot for him next year even in Rockford unless the glut of d-prospects clears out a bit. Maybe he can take the Raddysh route and sign an AHL deal, then try to earn an entry-level contract.

Ok, you're a one older man, man - got it
- dpard

I guess that makes you little d, because of your username. I only call HawkintheD, Big D, because he uses a capital D, which is a big letter, childish, I know. Proper nouns and all that, especially for Detroit. I'm going to keep saying it, because I don't care. I'm not gay.

2 games 2 elbows if the league doesn't do anything about this one, Blackhawks need to start playing with elbows up

@MarkLazerus
Jeremy Colliton on Erik Gustafsson: "He's always had the ability. He continues to battle the puck decisions, engagement defensively. He's got the world at his feet if he wants, as far as his ability to contribute in this league at a high level. It's raising the minimum level that he plays at. If he does that then he can be a top player on top teams."
- pdx2ord

Wow, sounds good - I was for Magic Gus going at the deadline or sooner but I guess I can sit on the bandwagon's tailgate (easy to jump off) for now. He seems to be getting better recently. Keeping him would require moving Manning soon and probably keeping some of Manning's salary.

Keith - Jokiharju
Gustaffson - Seabrook
Forsling/Dahlstrom - Murphy
-------------
Out:
Manning
-------------
Rockford:
Carlsson - Tuulola
Snuggerud - Raddysh
Gilbert - Hillman
--------------
Coming Soon:
Beaudin - Boqvist
Mitchell - Krys
Ryczek(?)

Has drafting has been good or bad? I think it is too early to tell as so many high picks were traded, and lot of intriguing mid and lower round draft picks are coming up now. It is a matter doing good evaluations and keeping the right ones as only a few will succeed.

Wow, sounds good - I was for Magic Gus going at the deadline or sooner but I guess I can sit on the bandwagon's tailgate (easy to jump off) for now. He seems to be getting better recently. Keeping him would require moving Manning soon and probably keeping some of Manning's salary.

Keith - Jokiharju
Gustaffson - Seabrook
Forsling/Dahlstrom - Murphy
-------------
Out:
Manning
-------------
Rockford:
Carlsson - Tuulola
Snuggerud - Raddysh
Gilbert - Hillman
--------------
Coming Soon:
Beaudin - Boqvist
Mitchell - Krys
Ryczek(?)

Has drafting has been good or bad? I think it is too early to tell as so many high picks were traded, and lot of intriguing mid and lower round draft picks are coming up now. It is a matter doing good evaluations and keeping the right ones as only a few will succeed.
- totem

I’d trade Manning and retain 50% of his deal. Cap space isn’t an issue this season and next year it would be manageable. If a deal isn’t done I’d expect the Hawks to buy out Manning in the summer. The cap hit would be around $917K in the first year and $667 in the second.

@MarkLazerus
Jeremy Colliton on Erik Gustafsson: "He's always had the ability. He continues to battle the puck decisions, engagement defensively. He's got the world at his feet if he wants, as far as his ability to contribute in this league at a high level. It's raising the minimum level that he plays at. If he does that then he can be a top player on top teams."
- pdx2ord

Does “top teams” indicate Colliton thinks Gus will play on more teams than the Hawks?

Does “top teams” indicate Colliton thinks Gus will play on more teams than the Hawks?
- Z3Hawk

Ha! I had the same thought. . .foreshadowing a trade?

Ha! I had the same thought. . .foreshadowing a trade?
- pdx2ord

I’d rather not see Gus traded but he’s one of the more moveable d-men on the roster. He’s on pace for close to 20 goals and over 40 points. Yes, I’m sure he’ll cool down a bit but he’s still a great value for $1.2 million.

Ideally Gus would be a #5 defenseman and PP specialist. I think a contender could afford to fit Gus into their time in that role given his cap hit.

That being said, I hope the Hawks hold onto Gustafsson. He’s not an all star but he’s been damn effective offensively. If the can become more consistent defensively the Hawks will really have something.

I’d rather not see Gus traded but he’s one of the more moveable d-men on the roster. He’s on pace for close to 20 goals and over 40 points. Yes, I’m sure he’ll cool down a bit but he’s still a great value for $1.2 million.

Ideally Gus would be a #5 defenseman and PP specialist. I think a contender could afford to fit Gus into their time in that role given his cap hit.

That being said, I hope the Hawks hold onto Gustafsson. He’s not an all star but he’s been damn effective offensively. If the can become more consistent defensively the Hawks will really have something.
- DarthKane

I do, too. Just a weird statement by JC.

2 games 2 elbows if the league doesn't do anything about this one, Blackhawks need to start playing with elbows up
- BetweenTheDots

Yes and I'm surprised Foley or Eddie didn't mention it was a blatant elbow thrown by the retreating opponent. Saw Murphy coming behind him and threw his elbow hard right at face level. Broken nose at the least I'm assuming given all the blood.

Ha! I had the same thought. . .foreshadowing a trade?
- pdx2ord

JC might have been foreshadowing Gustafsson being a top player for the Hawks when they are contending again. Who knows?

Back-to-back games with necessary effort level and team play. It's a pleasure to watch competitive hockey again. Lets keep it rolling tonight in Colorado!

Yes and I'm surprised Foley or Eddie didn't mention it was a blatant elbow thrown by the retreating opponent. Saw Murphy coming behind him and threw his elbow hard right at face level. Broken nose at the least I'm assuming given all the blood.
- Assman22

It did look blatant. The dude checked his blind spot and moved his elbow up higher. Looked bad but apparently Murphy says he's okay

It did look blatant. The dude checked his blind spot and moved his elbow up higher. Looked bad but apparently Murphy says he's okay
- Hawks_49

Unrelated I'm sure, but I did see (on replay) Murphy cross check Benn in the throat the period prior. I'd like to see Murphy wreck opponents near the crease like that on a regular basis. Hayden no longer hits like he used to and Martinsen rarely plays. Lets hope both Murphy and Dahlstrom are ok as both were just hitting their strides.

I’d rather not see Gus traded but he’s one of the more moveable d-men on the roster. He’s on pace for close to 20 goals and over 40 points. Yes, I’m sure he’ll cool down a bit but he’s still a great value for $1.2 million.

Ideally Gus would be a #5 defenseman and PP specialist. I think a contender could afford to fit Gus into their time in that role given his cap hit.

That being said, I hope the Hawks hold onto Gustafsson. He’s not an all star but he’s been damn effective offensively. If the can become more consistent defensively the Hawks will really have something.
- DarthKane

Hate to throw water on the Gus Train but....there was a reason he could fortuitously stop the puck from crossing the goal-line early in the game. Well he was standing totally alone beside Ward at the red line. Gus was near nobody - he was by himself. This occurred with former Art Ross winner Benn also completely alone, right in the deep slot, right in front of Ward.

Whatever Gus was doing he was not effectively engaging or erasing any opposing player. However, for the one of a kind stop the puck situation, he was by happenstance perfectly situated.

I guess that makes you little d, because of your username. I only call HawkintheD, Big D, because he uses a capital D, which is a big letter, childish, I know. Proper nouns and all that, especially for Detroit. I'm going to keep saying it, because I don't care. I'm not gay.
- I Am The Breadman

Not that there's anything wrong with that

Unrelated I'm sure, but I did see (on replay) Murphy cross check Benn in the throat the period prior. I'd like to see Murphy wreck opponents near the crease like that on a regular basis. Hayden no longer hits like he used to and Martinsen rarely plays. Lets hope both Murphy and Dahlstrom are ok as both were just hitting their strides.
- Assman22

Agreed. I like the edge that Murphy brings. He did cross check Benn and he was making life difficult for guys all night long. With Dahlstrom they are a pair that doesn't seem to make many mistakes and they dictate the physical play. It's a huge edge to have when they are on the ice.

Not that there's anything wrong with that
- dpard

No, no, of course not! People's personal sexual preferences are nobody's business but their own!

Not that there's anything wrong with that
- dpard

Ha! Beat me to it. Just back reading this am. Seinfeld was on late night after the game. It wasn't that episode but the one where George bought "John Voight's" LeBaron and Tim Whatley (Bryan Cranston) was having his annual party and didn't invite Jerry.

Boys played well last night, and have now stacked two 60 minute efforts. Hope Murph and Dahlstrom are both ok. Both Gus' played well and Erik in particular I thought had some nice plays in his own end.

Even though he only had an assist Toews looked really good and so did his line mates.

Ha! Beat me to it. Just back reading this am. Seinfeld was on late night after the game. It wasn't that episode but the one where George bought "John Voight's" LeBaron and Tim Whatley (Bryan Cranston) was having his annual party and didn't invite Jerry.

Boys played well last night, and have now stacked two 60 minute efforts. Hope Murph and Dahlstrom are both ok. Both Gus' played well and Erik in particular I thought had some nice plays in his own end.

Even though he only had an assist Toews looked really good and so did his line mates.
- HawkintheD

George wants to have the teeth marks examined, and The Midnight Cowboy nose bleed, that's a good one. Hell, they're all good.

Great game, Dal got some fortunate bounces, but another whole game effort. Pp scored, and pk put in work. 2 wins in a row.

Not that there's anything wrong with that
- dpard

Okay, little d.

George wants to have the teeth marks examined, and The Midnight Cowboy nose bleed, that's a good one. Hell, they're all good.

Great game, Dal got some fortunate bounces, but another whole game effort. Pp scored, and pk put in work. 2 wins in a row.
- I Am The Breadman

The puffy shirt. Vandalay Industries. It was such a great show

The puffy shirt. Vandalay Industries. It was such a great show
- Hawks_49

Opposite George, The Contest, The Marble Rye, Del Boca Vista...still love that show.

Opposite George, The Contest, The Marble Rye, Del Boca Vista...still love that show.
- HawkintheD

Little Kicks, Kramer's shower salad tosser, the chicken light from the fast food place, the red dot on the sweater....the list goes on.

It did look blatant. The dude checked his blind spot and moved his elbow up higher. Looked bad but apparently Murphy says he's okay
- Hawks_49

Completely agree he saw him coming and took a free shot at Murphy, funny Hawks have been playing tougher as a whole and now all of a sudden Crawford gets run over, and 2 elbows. The good news they are playing tougher and in layers bad news teams are taking free shots on them. Hartman saw Kruger coming and rotated his elbows so that was first point of contact

*NEW* blog up: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=96697