I don’t remember Crawford playing two years behind another a starting NHL goaltender.
- walleyeb1

I said that because I'd like to have Crawford healthy for the last 2 years. Also, Crawford got blasted his first couple seasons because of all the softies he let in. Maybe he should have been a backup for 2 years

I said that because I'd like to have Crawford healthy for the last 2 years. Also, Crawford got blasted his first couple seasons because of all the softies he let in. Maybe he should have been a backup for 2 years
- tvetter

He also had about 260 games in the AHL - 5 full seasons for a goalie in Norfolk and Rockfish.

He also had about 260 games in the AHL - 5 full seasons for a goalie in Norfolk and Rockfish.
- StLBravesFan

The defense in front of him was also a little better than was Forsberg had last year.

Buon Natale to all!

Buon Natale to all!
- riozzo

Grazie Riozzo

God Jul (Svenska)

hyvää joulua

Frohe Weihnachten!

The biggest thing this season for the Hawks organization is to find out who is the real deal and who are the pretenders in the system.

This. Couldn’t agree more.

Regarding Galvas. He will be the go to guy on Czech D, no. 1 defenseman. He plays in top Czech league and enjoys the most ice-time on his team in Olomouc. In the last game before the break, he was even named captain (temporary, the usual captain was injured) and that is uncommon for such young player. The other dmen on Czech team play mostly in 2nd tier men league or CHL. Král (Spokane) and Kvasnička (Pilsen/Litoměřice) will likely round out the Top 3 D for this tournament. The strength of Czech Team is definitely up front with Martin Nečas, Filip Zadina and Martin Kaut being relied upon heavily.

Galvas is going to have a real nice career, but I am not sure if he can make up for the lack of size to be considered NHL prospect.

Regarding Galvas. He will be the go to guy on Czech D, no. 1 defenseman. He plays in top Czech league and enjoys the most ice-time on his team in Olomouc. In the last game before the break, he was even named captain (temporary, the usual captain was injured) and that is uncommon for such young player. The other dmen on Czech team play mostly in 2nd tier men league or CHL. Král (Spokane) and Kvasnička (Pilsen/Litoměřice) will likely round out the Top 3 D for this tournament. The strength of Czech Team is definitely up front with Martin Nečas, Filip Zadina and Martin Kaut being relied upon heavily.

Galvas is going to have a real nice career, but I am not sure if he can make up for the lack of size to be considered NHL prospect.
- stonefire

From dobberprospects

Don’t expect big offensive numbers but Galvas has the talent to be a top-four defender in the NHL.

Observations

December 2018- Galvas has been given the chance to earn his second trip to the world junior hockey championships after being named to the Czech Republic’s preliminary roster. He is putting together a solid season playing in the Czech Republic’s top division with HC Olomouc where he currently sits second on the team in points. Tony Carr
December 2017 – The Blackhawks continued their trend of drafting smooth skating, smart defensemen when taking Galvas in the fifth round at this year’s draft. Galvas does everything well on the ice but will need to pack on some weight to his undersized frame. Despite his lack of size, he does not shy away from the physical side of the game. It will be interesting to see how he handles the smaller ice surface here in North America when he represents the Czech Republic at the 2018 World Junior Championship.

Tony Carr

Among the FA goalies on the market this summer:

Varlomov, Mike Smith, Howard, Ward, Koskinen, Ryan Miller, Lehrer, Mrazek

Among the FA goalies on the market this summer:

Varlomov, Mike Smith, Howard, Ward, Koskinen, Ryan Miller, Lehrer, Mrazek
- scottak

Leher or mrazek hawks shoulda signed leher this. Past offseason

Went to a Christmas party tonight and there was a White Elephant gift exchange. I drew the first pick so I chose the smallest gift. Turned out to be Jack Hughes.

It was actually a Starbucks gift card so maybe Stan can redeem it at the draft to move up a few slots.

Ian Mitchell will be wearing one of the "A"s for Canada. I didn't see that coming. Guess they think highly of him and his leadership skills.

Ian Mitchell will be wearing one of the "A"s for Canada. I didn't see that coming. Guess they think highly of him and his leadership skills.
- Justin Lowe

Very nice. Jokiharju and Mitchell with A’s and Galvas with the C.

Ian Mitchell will be wearing one of the "A"s for Canada. I didn't see that coming. Guess they think highly of him and his leadership skills.
- Justin Lowe

Justin do you think keith gets traded in your honest opinion and if so to where and for what? What would be your trade proposal?

Among the FA goalies on the market this summer:

Varlomov, Mike Smith, Howard, Ward, Koskinen, Ryan Miller, Lehrer, Mrazek
- scottak

Are there any European free agent goalie targets this summer?

Justin do you think keith gets traded in your honest opinion and if so to where and for what? What would be your trade proposal?
- Scott1977

Hey scott,

I notice that you put a lot of thought into your observations. Even following Justin, another blogger or your question for the board/panel, you have some possibilities or suggestions for a trade. Often there is some descent ideas you come up with.

I would be very surprised if Justin or anyone can sensibly outline a case for trading Keith now. On some night the team may slide by without a top calibre proven veteran like Keith. The defense would be in shambles, everyone in a different notch or tasked with a higher rank on the defense than they should ever face. Kids also need to grow and learn with the veterans surrounding them. y

On offense this is not such a big deal. But defense takes a long time to master.

I know I have addressed this topic previously. Just know that the team had to be respectable to the fans who pay for tickets. You cannot rely on whom remains on the blueline. It is like John MacEnroe (sic), the infamous tennis player of yesteryear, whom when really beside himself on a referee call and he exclaims "You can't be serious.!"

I suggest Bowman csnnot be serious trading Keith yet. At the trade deadline if he gets a kings ransom? Still no in my way of thinking. You may get less for him in a year and so be it.

You really need to see for the remainder of this season both Murphy and Dahlstrom play well, Gus decides to play defense, maybe Mitchell makes the team next season. Maybe one or both Forsling and Jokiharju improve even a tad more.

Oh someone will get moved before next season is very old....this I expect because there will need to be more playing time for a current youngster on the team now and or a Mitchell or Carlsson. You are nuts to push Boqvist or Kyrs or Beaudin too fast. No need to rush them. Your guys here should play and let Boqvist, Beaudin play some in Rockford. They come up better prepared.

Justin I am going to really be surprised if you say trade Keith now.

Among the FA goalies on the market this summer:

Varlomov, Mike Smith, Howard, Ward, Koskinen, Ryan Miller, Lehrer, Mrazek
- scottak

So because he's a FA, they won't have to trade Kane to get Miller

Ian Mitchell will be wearing one of the "A"s for Canada. I didn't see that coming. Guess they think highly of him and his leadership skills.
- Justin Lowe

I predicted after the draft that Mitchell would be with the Hawks before Boqvist.

I'm still sticking with that, even with AB improved numbers

Hey scott,

I notice that you put a lot of thought into your observations. Even following Justin, another blogger or your question for the board/panel, you have some possibilities or suggestions for a trade. Often there is some descent ideas you come up with.

I would be very surprised if Justin or anyone can sensibly outline a case for trading Keith now. On some night the team may slide by without a top calibre proven veteran like Keith. The defense would be in shambles, everyone in a different notch or tasked with a higher rank on the defense than they should ever face. Kids also need to grow and learn with the veterans surrounding them. y

On offense this is not such a big deal. But defense takes a long time to master.

I know I have addressed this topic previously. Just know that the team had to be respectable to the fans who pay for tickets. You cannot rely on whom remains on the blueline. It is like John MacEnroe (sic), the infamous tennis player of yesteryear, whom when really beside himself on a referee call and he exclaims "You can't be serious.!"

I suggest Bowman csnnot be serious trading Keith yet. At the trade deadline if he gets a kings ransom? Still no in my way of thinking. You may get less for him in a year and so be it.

You really need to see for the remainder of this season both Murphy and Dahlstrom play well, Gus decides to play defense, maybe Mitchell makes the team next season. Maybe one or both Forsling and Jokiharju improve even a tad more.

Oh someone will get moved before next season is very old....this I expect because there will need to be more playing time for a current youngster on the team now and or a Mitchell or Carlsson. You are nuts to push Boqvist or Kyrs or Beaudin too fast. No need to rush them. Your guys here should play and let Boqvist, Beaudin play some in Rockford. They come up better prepared.

Justin I am going to really be surprised if you say trade Keith now.
- jhawk59

Its been proven over and over again, better to trade someone a year early than a year late. There are exceptions, but those are if you need that guy to win a cup (which posters sometime forget when critizing Stan). However, Hawks aren't in that position now.

I'd trade Keith tomorrow as long as its a great return. He'll be very good for a team like Toronto. He will look much better than he does here, and posters will rip management and current coach for losing this great dman. He may even win them a cup.

As it was with the Hawks in cup years, when you have your chance, you go for it.

IMO, Toronto isn't winning the cup with that D. Tampa is young also, so it isn't a given that you will be there next year.

Been an awful long time since the last cup in Toronto, they need to go for it. Giving the Hawks a ton for Keith, would be a positive move for them.

Its been proven over and over again, better to trade someone a year early than a year late. There are exceptions, but those are if you need that guy to win a cup (which posters sometime forget when critizing Stan). However, Hawks aren't in that position now.

I'd trade Keith tomorrow as long as its a great return. He'll be very good for a team like Toronto. He will look much better than he does here, and posters will rip management and current coach for losing this great dman. He may even win them a cup.

As it was with the Hawks in cup years, when you have your chance, you go for it.

IMO, Toronto isn't winning the cup with that D. Tampa is young also, so it isn't a given that you will be there next year.

Been an awful long time since the last cup in Toronto, they need to go for it. Giving the Hawks a ton for Keith, would be a positive move for them.
- vabeachbear

This is a great point on Toronto. You take nothing for granted in this league and when you have shot, you have to take it. Keith has a good cap hit and would be worth trading for.

DK will always be one of my favorite players. But that said, business has to be business. I wish we could realistically see a future where he could be a part of the hawks forever and get another 2-3 runs with the Hawks. But i think its more likely that before he retires either A) we done make it back to the Cup Finals or B) if we do, it a one year run not a "dynasty run". And if Trading him can help build up the next "dynasty run" you have to strongly consider it.

Boqvist, Joki, DCat, Strome is they type of Core you can build around. Obviously none of them are on elite level today, but they are have talent, and could get there. Take those 4, keep the Last legs of Toews/Kane around, and add 2-4 Top Talents by making the right deals this year and we could be talking about the 2021-2025 Hawks the way we talk about the 2011-2015 Hawks.

Or if we hold Keith past he's trade value... maybe we fondly remember a suprise 2020 Hawks with their Last run. and then go back to re-tooling on the fly and in 2022 we are no better than we are today.

I think pulling the trigger early (for once) is the right way to go here.

Its been proven over and over again, better to trade someone a year early than a year late. There are exceptions, but those are if you need that guy to win a cup (which posters sometime forget when critizing Stan). However, Hawks aren't in that position now.

I'd trade Keith tomorrow as long as its a great return. He'll be very good for a team like Toronto. He will look much better than he does here, and posters will rip management and current coach for losing this great dman. He may even win them a cup.

As it was with the Hawks in cup years, when you have your chance, you go for it.

IMO, Toronto isn't winning the cup with that D. Tampa is young also, so it isn't a given that you will be there next year.

Been an awful long time since the last cup in Toronto, they need to go for it. Giving the Hawks a ton for Keith, would be a positive move for them.
- vabeachbear

If Keith does get traded, the Blackhawks need a big return.

It’s true that a player’s trade value can decline quickly but Keith still has a lot of value to the team as a leader. He’s still the zhawks’ best defenseman. If he goes, it might slow down the development of some of the young guys. (It could speed it up with trial by fire too, hard to know but I’d guess it helps the future that he’s on the team now.

If Keith does get traded, the Blackhawks need a big return.

It’s true that a player’s trade value can decline quickly but Keith still has a lot of value to the team as a leader. He’s still the zhawks’ best defenseman. If he goes, it might slow down the development of some of the young guys. (It could speed it up with trial by fire too, hard to know but I’d guess it helps the future that he’s on the team now.
- matt_ahrens

Right.. you CANT just deal him for 2 seconds and move one...

but if you get a blue chip prospect, a B-Prospect, and a 1st (likely Late because the team is contending for a cup), and a 4th or lower pick, that takes the sting out of losing him.

Think of it as 2 1st and 2 4ths (give the idea a blue chip would be a former 1st and the B-level is a previously 3rd-5th round pick).