The Hawks haven't been the same since Hossa left. Yes, he did bring out the best in Saad and Toews. Its been said before, but those two owe Hoss part of their big salaries.
- boilermaker100

An Hossa never won a Cup until he came to Chicago (altho he certainly came close a couple of times).

So he owes a big part of his legacy to Toews and Saad - and Kane and Keith and Crawford and Seabrook and....

On good teams, players play with and for each other - and complement each other and make each other better - and successful.

Let me get this straight. For draft pick reasons, I have to choose STL over NYI tonite? My God, there isn't a cocktail glass big enough.

Idk if Kruger will be back. I may be one of the few who wouldn't mind it if he was brought back on a one year deal for close to the minimum as our 4C while Kampf mans the 3C spot (though I think on a legit Playoff team he'd be great as the 4C).

Also, idk about bringing in Dzingel. Shown flashes his whole career of having some top skill but never really put it together and then his contract year he has a career year? Red flag IMO. Especially if he's gonna want like 4-5M per for five years or so.

I know TC mentioned it before, I think on here and the podcast, that a guy like Michael Ferlund might be a good fit for the team at a lower cost. Idk what he's gonna want on the market (maybe 3-4M for 4-5 years?) but he bring some physicality and grit that this team sorely lacks with the ability to put the puck in the net. If we did sign him (unlikely we get Stone in my previous mentioned scenario) we could role with something like...

Saad-Toews-FA/Draftee
Cat-Strome-Kane
Ferlund-Kampf-Kahun
Perlini-Highmore-Caggiula
- Savetheembers33

Seems like JC likes him as he leans on him in the 3rd for defense. Bring him back for $2 mil or less and I’d do it.

Let me get this straight. For draft pick reasons, I have to choose STL over NYI tonite? My God, there isn't a cocktail glass big enough.
- gabriel

These are dark times, indeed.

Anyone else have their doubts about Kampf being a long term part of a winning team? I like him and his work ethic but his effectiveness on the ice has not really progressed year over year. I'm not saying they have to cut him, but my confidence in him has dropped a bit. I'm a strong believer that most players of his caliber follow the typical development curve and at age 24, I think the Hawks need to see a bit more from him soon.
- breadbag

Kampf isn't a lock for 4C but will be amongst the finalists for next year. I think Highmore could nab the job away from him next fall pushing Kampf to the wing or spare forward spot.

Just hope Stan can secure a bona fide 3C this off season so he takes away the option of Colliton slotting Kampf as a 3rd liner.

This right here outlines why the Hawks won't make the playoffs. The red is where they give up more than league average shots at 5v5. That big red area all around the net is a problem. We can't defend this area well and it results in the goalies giving up goals.
- breadbag

At least they have the right point (offense's prespective) covered.

It isn't all that matters.

What else matters is the development of players on the big team roster - like Jokiharju, Strome, Dahlstrom, Delia, Kampf, Kahun....
- StLBravesFan

They can all develop and lose at the same time.

Definitely agree. Sorry, the last part of my comment when I said "doesn't really matter anyway" was in reference to rankings like the one by SCH, not on the potential of the top prospects. As a fan who pours too much time and energy into reading about prospects, I am truly optimistic with some and cautiously optimistic with most no matter what rankings say or don't say.
- AEL_Fox

Though I don't read as much as you about prospects I do agree
that one man's prospect might not exactly be another's.

I would've put Entwhistle at 6, I think he centers the 3rd line
next year.

What I'd really like is for JC to put the 4th line together as
Perlini/Kampf/Drake and just let them be.

Let Joki play w/Keith and qb the number 1 pp and go from there
I'm a dreamer

Anyone else have their doubts about Kampf being a long term part of a winning team? I like him and his work ethic but his effectiveness on the ice has not really progressed year over year. I'm not saying they have to cut him, but my confidence in him has dropped a bit. I'm a strong believer that most players of his caliber follow the typical development curve and at age 24, I think the Hawks need to see a bit more from him soon.
- breadbag

Depends on his role with the team. Kampf could be an effective 4th line (a la Frolik) but I have doubts about him being anything more than that.

At least they have the right point (offense's prespective) covered.
- boilermaker100

That might be due to Kane coming back late most of the time.

Nobody is defending Quenville you idiot, everyone is sick of your constant whining about him. You're comments are moronic. Back to the retirement community for you!
- GPHawksfan

So olddumbman has gotten to you too. I can relate!!!

Though I don't read as much as you about prospects I do agree
that one man's prospect might not exactly be another's.

I would've put Entwhistle at 6, I think he centers the 3rd line
next year.

What I'd really like is for JC to put the 4th line together as
Perlini/Kampf/Drake and just let them be.

Let Joki play w/Keith and qb the number 1 pp and go from there
I'm a dreamer

- gazza53

Agree with rolling a 4th line like Kampf centering Perlini and Caggiula.

Also agree that Jokiharju should slot with Keith and quarterback one of the PP units. With Gustafsson on the team, I would like him playing 3rd pair sheltered minutes at ES and quarterbacking the other PP unit.

While I think Entwistle could be a future 3C (bottom 6 at least), I don't see him cracking the lineup until 2020-21 at the earliest. He needs some time on the farm.

That's not what he said to him you idiot. He told him to calm down because they needed him. You could read his lips plain as day.
- GPHawksfan

Was second round not western conference finals

They can all develop and lose at the same time.
- SimpleJack

And they probably will.

But losing with a purpose - the development of the future.

We can all be “tankful” about that.

Guess they're booing Gardiner in Toronto. Dmen are on an island often and made to look bad at times, especially in the new up tempo jump in the play way Dmen play the game these days. Couple quotes: https://www.sportsnet.ca/...rsen-siege-return-action/

The 28-year-old defenceman has always had a high-risk, high-reward element to his game, but it’s telling how fervently he’s been defended by Mike Babcock in recent years. The coach is unafraid to tell it like it is and has repeatedly said that Gardiner does more than enough good on the ice to make up for the occasional brain cramp.

“Guys make mistakes out there all night,” said Rielly. “That’s the way the game is. It’s played on ice so things happen that can be unpredictable.

As much I've advocated adding Panarin to the team, Mark Stone might be the better overall fit for this team to actually replace Big Hoss on the team since we already have (whether people will argue or not) two top six forwards in Saad and Cat and Stone plays a more complete game.

Saad-Toews-Stone
Cat-Strome-Kane

That's a very solid top six. Problem is you'd definitely need to pay more to get Stone to sign. What they do from there for the bottom six is the big question mark.

Make no mistake this team is SORELY missing Hoss and Hammer from this team and have not found adequate replacements for them or better depth overall to make up for the loss of them.
- Savetheembers33

Sounds like one possible option to explore to improve the top 6. I personally would want Stone over Panarin given that DeBrincat is a deadly offensive weapon like the Breadman and is starting to show off a wicked one timer on backdoor plays whether on the PP or ES. In contrast, there is no young forward or prospect in Stone's mold.

Also agree that adding a top 6 winger whether Stone, Panarin, Duchene, etc. would be just part of the solution to get the Hawks back to contender status. None of them are a panacea given the team also needs to strengthen it's bottom 6 and blueline as well as lock down who the goalie tandem will be moving forward.

Of course, cap constraints and other teams with more attractive offers/better opportunities may eat into the Hawks chances of landing an elite free agent but Stan has to at least try. Gotta play to win and it starts with being active on the market.

One of the very best in holding up his man. Elated to hear you mention his name. Talk about being crushed to death by hips/buttocks. Wingers did not immediately jump back into play looking for a tip or deflection. Checking for body parts, as it should be. Someone else who remembers. So very cool.
- gabriel

As I recall Al McNeil was Doug Jarrett's partner. How far back do you guys go? I saw my first game at the Stadium in 1959 when I was 12. In 1961 when they won the Cup, I was at the 3 overtime, 2-1 semifinal game against the Canadiens won by Murray Balfour -- a night I'll never forget.

As I recall Al McNeil was his partner. How far back do you guys go? I saw my first game at the Stadium in 1959 when I was 12, and was at the 3 overtime, 2-1 game won by Murray Balfour with my dad -- a night I'll never forget!
- BMWChiFan

heard of that. started listening on radio in early 60 s. the crowd. that organ. that stadium. Unreal,you experienced that errand blackhawks. the Golden Jet, Balfour died young. cancer

Agree with rolling a 4th line like Kampf centering Perlini and Caggiula.

Also agree that Jokiharju should slot with Keith and quarterback one of the PP units. With Gustafsson on the team, I would like him playing 3rd pair sheltered minutes at ES and quarterbacking the other PP unit.

While I think Entwistle could be a future 3C (bottom 6 at least), I don't see him cracking the lineup until 2020-21 at the earliest. He needs some time on the farm.
- AEL_Fox

Mr Fox, after dabbling in the fancies over Christmas I have a new and much bigger appreciation for Joki and even at 18/19 not sure he needs sheltered. Watching the kid he plays a quiet game (incredible for an 18 yr old and Dman to boot), no flash, then looking at his fancies I see his value that I didn't realize with the eye. ..........

Now I know with the fancies you can spend 10-12 hours digging deeper but this kid is way over + in corsi, fenwick and scoring chances for, as an 18 yr old on THIS roster........... Fool with it to see how his fancies are with different teammates: https://www.naturalstattr...p2=8480035&p3=0&p4=0&p5=0

And they probably will.

But losing with a purpose - the development of the future.

We can all be “tankful” about that.
- StLBravesFan

Agree, but what players at RKF, or any prospects, can be brought up? They tried Sikura and he was waaaaay lost. Plenty of Dmen prospects but their full at the NHL level.

When he was there, I didn't know of others beside him. They have decent young guys now. Keller, Domi, Hayton, and Chychrun. Yeah, Schmaltz is definitely up there, Hino too.
- I Am The Breadman

Domi is playing for Montreal.

Mr Fox, after dabbling in the fancies over Christmas I have a new and much bigger appreciation for Joki and even at 18/19 not sure he needs sheltered. Watching the kid he plays a quiet game (incredible for an 18 yr old and Dman to boot), no flash, then looking at his fancies I see his value that I didn't realize with the eye. ..........

Now I know with the fancies you can spend 10-12 hours digging deeper but this kid is way over + in corsi, fenwick and scoring chances for, as an 18 yr old on THIS roster........... Fool with it to see how his fancies are with different teammates: https://www.naturalstattr...p2=8480035&p3=0&p4=0&p5=0
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks for sharing, Rico. I agree, Jokiharju does not need sheltering and needs a boost in his TOI. He is so valuable yet under utilized. He will reach new heights, just need the ice time to grow and gain experience.

Agree, but what players at RKF, or any prospects, can be brought up? They tried Sikura and he was waaaaay lost. Plenty of Dmen prospects but their full at the NHL level.
- Mr Ricochet

No one really as far as forwards. Highmore would have been a candidate if he hadn't gone down with an injury. The only one I would possibly give a chance to who we haven't seen yet is Knott. See if he can provide the same or more than Perlini and Caggiula as a 4th line winger.

Domi is playing for Montreal.
- BMWChiFan

Oh crap, Galchenyuk, thanks for catching that.

Kampf isn't a lock for 4C but will be amongst the finalists for next year. I think Highmore could nab the job away from him next fall pushing Kampf to the wing or spare forward spot.

Just hope Stan can secure a bona fide 3C this off season so he takes away the option of Colliton slotting Kampf as a 3rd liner.
- AEL_Fox

I think you are right that Kampf will be in the running for the job, but I'm just hoping we can start to see some bottom 6 guys who have more upside. I mean in some of our good years we had a 4C who could possibly slot 3C on some teams or at the very least we had a very strong 3C and a 4C who was playing above average for a 4th line pivot.

I miss that depth and I wonder if Kampf would be a 4C on a contender, or would he be playing AHL minutes in case of injury. I do like his attitude but the skill maybe isn't there.