This reminded me of an Athletic article. Powers wrote on Jan 20th about the development of Joki and are the Hawks doing this right. He was saying the concern was the rookie wall and the physicality of the season going forward. One quote stood out in reference to what JC said in the bolded above.

One league executive thought the Blackhawks were taking the right approach with Jokiharju.

“I am fine with it, it’s the (Steven) Stamkos program,” the league source said. “He needs to get stronger.”

Jokiharju’s strength and willingness/ability to absorb physical play has been an issue scouts have noticed this season. After a Winnipeg Jets game earlier this season, a scout said, “He looked poop-scared to me. He got hit early and wanted no part of the puck after that.”
- Mr Ricochet

Agreed. I'm really not that concerned that he was sent down. He may feel a little slighted, but he's 19. He wasn't/isn't getting any PP time with the Hawks (nor much PK time if memory serves). I'd much rather that he get used to that and gain more confidence in those situations.

I'll continue to beat this horse... we need to stop thinking that most/any of these moves/decisions are in the vein of trying to win anything this year. There will be showcases, and strange line combinations at least until the TDL.

This isn't going to be a quick fix. They need to continue to rebuild. Signing FA at this point will only leave them with a bad team and no cap space.
- Elbows15

Yeah, I'm not in the boat of trying to sign Panarin/Stone, etc. I'd rather they find more Stromes, Murphys, etc. Younger guys that they can grow into certain positions while they are still affordable.

One of our biggest issues was that all of our best players got old at the same time and we had traded away all of our prospects/picks that should have replenished a lot of that.

Agreed. I'm really not that concerned that he was sent down. He may feel a little slighted, but he's 19. He wasn't/isn't getting any PP time with the Hawks (nor much PK time if memory serves). I'd much rather that he get used to that and gain more confidence in those situations.

I'll continue to beat this horse... we need to stop thinking that most/any of these moves/decisions are in the vein of trying to win anything this year. There will be showcases, and strange line combinations at least until the TDL.
- Chunk

And to add a bit more to this the other 2 who are waiver exempt are Dahlstrom and Forsling. At 24 yrs old not sure how much more Dahlstrom can develop at AAA and same for Forsling to a lesser degree at 22. No doubt at 19 Joki can and will develop down there.

Also I would think the Hawks want to further evaluate both Forsling and Dahlstrom vs NHL competition.

Why?

Rockford is limited in RHD as well.

You think they want him on the Left vs. Right?
- Justin Lowe

I don't know but they had him playing his off side in the NHL, there must be a reason for it

As some are pointing out -

Maybe we are going to accept/get used to our team is going to be for the most part the same team next seasin.

Well uh huh we all in the back of our mind figured this is how it plays out. What other choice realisticly does Stan have. It is all about the prospects.

So Jokiharju going to Rockford is just what we tbought it is; Bowman confirmed it today. This move is typical as a aprecurser to the choice Bowman prefers with his best prospects. Expect this and maybe we should stream Icehog hockey. There is also Wolves games on cable so we can catch a few of those games.

I just caution about the acquisition of too many lame duck or retread type prospects.

That said, I am in on the Koekkoeck experiment. He might work out. I noticed that in the grand schematic AEL_FOX is not giving him much support. I like his experience and willingness to hit check occasionally and he is a mobile descent offensively looking prospect. Be not surprised if he turns out ok since after all he was drafted 1oth overall and that speaks to an above average talented player.

Jokiharju demotion therefore keeps the door open for Koekkoeck. Meanwhile perhaps Gus is showcased yet he is playing anyway.

Tbere may forwards Bowman takes a flyer on since they are not cost prohibitive. I know Duclair did not work out. Edsjell and Louis are not whetting my appetite. Tell you this: i would rather no more prospects trying to catch lightning in a bottle. I prefer a large size. checker like Knott or even Sikura (who needs to get stronger) than another waste like Duclair

Yeah, I'm not in the boat of trying to sign Panarin/Stone, etc. I'd rather they find more Stromes, Murphys, etc. Younger guys that they can grow into certain positions while they are still affordable.

One of our biggest issues was that all of our best players got old at the same time and we had traded away all of our prospects/picks that should have replenished a lot of that.
- Chunk

what prospects did they really trade? TT and Johns? The 1st for Vermette was worth it.
The Danault trade was terrible and it still makes me irritated. Not being able to get real value for good players hurt more than trading some picks/prospects. They had a ten year run. About what you can expect.

Bowman actually was able to re-coup a lot of the picks he moved. He had as many picks as teams going through rebuilds. for most of those years. Drafting in the 20s is hard to find difference makers. Sure it happens but odds are against it.

The Seabrook contract is the only truly terrible contract. Toews and Kane? Even in hindsight, not sure you would do it differently

I am attaching links to lists of 2019 UFA and 2020 UFA.

https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/free-agents/ufa/

https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/free-agents/2020/ufa/

The 2019 class looks better with the likes of Panarin, Stone, Duchense, Karlsson and Skinner.

The 2020 class includes Backstrom from the Caps, Hall from NJ and Nugent-Hopkins from EDM.

I was thinking the Hawks would not make a big splash this summer on the big names, but maybe they would. To me, slim pickings in 2020. Or am I missing someone?

If they don't go big into free agency, they'll have to depend on top 9 forward or top 4 defense improvement via the draft, existing prospects, trades, or under the radar Euro FA signings.

Antoine Vermette retired. I used to see him playing with Ottawa when I was passing thru Canada's arctic. Shivers thinking how key he was in out last Cup. Damm was he clutch. SB won that one

A few Second City Hockey articles from today:

- Vermette retires.
- Gustafsson getting traded hinges on return being impressive.
- Kayumov announces he will play out his KHL contract and sign with the Hawks in 2020; formerly rumored that he was going to sign after this current season.

For those keeping track of how acquired draft picks pan out, Kayumov was drafted using the pick in the deal that sent Bickell and Teravainen to the Canes.
- AEL_Fox

1. Great for Verm! 2015 cup champ!

2. SB getting "wowed" for Magic Gus ... curious what that entails.

3. Kayumov, I remember he was in talks with SB after the WJC. I hope this is the best path for him. Just no more punching refs.

Thanks, AEL, for the forecast.

what prospects did they really trade? TT and Johns? The 1st for Vermette was worth it.
The Danault trade was terrible and it still makes me irritated. Not being able to get real value for good players hurt more than trading some picks/prospects. They had a ten year run. About what you can expect.

Bowman actually was able to re-coup a lot of the picks he moved. He had as many picks as teams going through rebuilds. for most of those years. Drafting in the 20s is hard to find difference makers. Sure it happens but odds are against it.

The Seabrook contract is the only truly terrible contract. Toews and Kane? Even in hindsight, not sure you would do it differently
- Elbows15

I wasn't really lamenting what we lost, but more the timing of it all. As you said, aside from the Danault trade, I wouldn't really take any of them back considering the fruits of the exercise.

My main point was that while Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, etc. have gotten older, there hasn't been a notable influx of talent behind them (that haven't also had to be shipped out). In my opinion, the best way to sty competitive is by growing your own talent pool, not signing guys in the offseason.

1. Great for Verm! 2015 cup champ!

2. SB getting "wowed" for Magic Gus ... curious what that entails.

3. Kayumov, I remember he was in talks with SB after the WJC. I hope this is the best path for him. Just no more punching refs.

Thanks, AEL, for the forecast.
- I Am The Breadman

A 3rd?

I wasn't really lamenting what we lost, but more the timing of it all. As you said, aside from the Danault trade, I wouldn't really take any of them back considering the fruits of the exercise.

My main point was that while Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, etc. have gotten older, there hasn't been a notable influx of talent behind them (that haven't also had to be shipped out). In my opinion, the best way to sty competitive is by growing your own talent pool, not signing guys in the offseason.
- Chunk

Yeah, we are in agreement. The last thing I want to see is a bad team with cap troubles.

A 3rd?
- Elbows15

I think Grit is using your account.

Yeah, that is a question mark, too, in addition to Crawford. Hughes and Kakko seem closest to being NHL ready next year. The others like Cozens, Darby, Boldy, and Podkolzin may need a year before making the jump. Who knows, it could end up being the other way around.
- AEL_Fox

That's not necessarily the worst thing. That would mean next year's team would also be getting a high draft pick. It worked after drafting Toews.

I think Grit is using your account.
- I Am The Breadman

A 3rd?
- Elbows15

8th

- Elbows15

Hahahaha!!

What does five fingers say to the face.....slap!! I'm rick james b!tch!

What does five fingers say to the face.....slap!! I'm rick james b!tch!
- Like_a_Hoss

Cold blooded!

Duclair has 24 seconds TOI tonight through 2 periods

saw on Twitter, Hawks have 2 scouts at the PHI/BOS game. wonder who are they looking at?

saw on Twitter, Hawks have 2 scouts at the PHI/BOS game. wonder who are they looking at?
- ikeane

Been scouting Boston for a long while now.

saw on Twitter, Hawks have 2 scouts at the PHI/BOS game. wonder who are they looking at?
- ikeane

The Hawks had two scouts at the Bruins and Flyers game back on January 16th also. They have there eyes somebody from one of those teams.

saw on Twitter, Hawks have 2 scouts at the PHI/BOS game. wonder who are they looking at?
- ikeane

Heard they've been looking at PHI quite a bit the last few months.