Two thoughts on the D.

I can see the man-to-man D be modified to be a hybrid of zone and man-to-man. Similar to the match up zone in basketball. So the Dmen play man to man, but they switch instead of being drawn to the point.

Will they bring in a D coach (like they tried with Ulfie). Maybe Q stifled Ulfie too.

How much better could the Hawks D get from just familiarity and playing together for the rest of this year and through training camp next year. Murphy, Joki, Keith, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom, Seabs, Gus, Forsling. If they do not move anyone at the TDL it will be interesting to see if they have peaked already, if they get a little better, or if they get dramatically better by year end. Obviously someone needs to go at the TDL or in the Summer. This board tends to think Forsling. I would agree to that. But Bowman loves his Swedish Dmen.
- -Doh-

IIRC from interviews and articles, Brookbank is coaching the D and I believe also the PK. He is a contemporary of Keith and Seabrook playing under Q, so wonder if that factors in to how the D corps and PK scheme are being taught.

I would have to agree that Forsling is trending towards being the odd one out if you boil down the choices to him, Koekkoek, and Dahlstrom. While all are works in progress, the latter 2 are at least proving some value when given ice time especially in their own zone. Forsling is not even though he may have the most talent of the 3.

Exactly kwolf.
But that point would be lost on most here.

He's had some up/down seasons there -- last year was the absolute worst and he has admitted it. Instead of Barry throwing the guy under the bus, he's worked with him and I think has him believing in himself again. Results speak volumes.

Have noticed Barry has him back on PK duty as well when for the longest time, he wasn't part of that special teams group. We'll see what Barry can do with the club, they are definitely short of offensive firepower but has them playing great D which is always in vogue in the playoffs.
- savvyone-1

It's too bad Leddy wasn't willing to put the effort into developing his defensive game when he played for the Hawks or he still may be here. Better late than never I suppose.

PIPELINE - yes, Bovquist, Beaudin, Mitchell, Barrat, Entwhistle, Soderland seems to be getting lost in the conversation, and he has been compared as another Victor Ardvisson (watched him in the WJC, man can he scoot). Been a long time since the Hawks had so many prospects play in the WJC (I think they had 9, and most played prominent roles).
- LAHawk

Hawks had 8 prospects in the WJC if you count the injured Nordgren.

USA: Barratt
Canada: Entwistle, Mitchell
Sweden: Boqvist
Finland: Jokiharju, Nordgren
Swiztzerland: Kurashev
Czech Republic: Galvas

I believe the Hawks had the most of any team, a few had 7 prospects, and a couple had zero.

Agree on Soderlund. He could be an impact sleeper. Arvidsson Lite on the high end (middle 6 flashy forward) but his potential has him at least as a bottom 6 winger who is fearless and relentless with pretty decent offensive upside. Like you said, he has a killer shot.

@TSNRyan Rishaug

Oilers had discussion with Markus Lehto, agent for Jesse Puljujarvi today. Team is open to trading him if a proper return can be found, and in the meantime an AHL stint to help boost offence and confidence is being considered. No decisions yet.

My take on McDonough is I am not necessarily his fan and a lot of people have laid responsibility at his feet, but there is no known evidence of McDonough pushing for players and/or contracts. All we actually do know about him is he "markets" the Blackhawks and on the end of things I have no real issue with him.

Give me actual evidence that he is meddling with the GM or coaches then I'll critique it, but speculation and hearsay isn't evidence.
- kwolf68

They are on this board.

It's too bad Leddy wasn't willing to put the effort into developing his defensive game when he played for the Hawks or he still may be here. Better late than never I suppose.
- paulr

Sometimes change is good.
This probably can be said about any person, any job and walk of life.
Quite possibly, too immature to realize he NEEDED to do that.

Time has a way of catching up with everyone and evening up the score.
If you have read/seen any of Trotz's interviews (or Leddy's) it's clear Nick has gotten the message loud and clear. Lots of pride came through and that was something Barry has talked about.

Could be, too, that Q's way(s) to get that across simply didn't register (and never would). I can speak from my own work life to say sometimes these things do matter.
That's why I say, no regrets. Change is sometimes good.

@TSNRyan Rishaug

Oilers had discussion with Markus Lehto, agent for Jesse Puljujarvi today. Team is open to trading him if a proper return can be found, and in the meantime an AHL stint to help boost offence and confidence is being considered. No decisions yet.
- pdx2ord

Perlini for Poolparty is as far as I would go.

I would trade AA to Carolina for a draft pick. We need to get his cap space to sign one or two good players in free agency. That said, I believe he has some type of partial no move/no trade clause. Is that right? Like he can either only provide ten teams he wants to get traded to or provide ten teams he does not want to get traded to.

They aren’t better than half of the teams in the league - they are in the group of bubble teams trying to FINISH in the top half and make the post-season.

They could just as easily wind up at 14th or 15th in the conference as 8th.
- StLBravesFan

Since December 9-4 vs similar bubble teams. You're right they could collapse, but based on the Wild sucking of all the middling teams in the WC, my money would be on the Hawks based on the 2 scoring lines, good PP, and JC realizing he'll get more out of Ward playing him every other game. And if CC comes back?

For allowing 35+ shots against every night how is it they are allowing only 3 Goals per game since the all star game

Point taken, and my point is it took Leddy 9 seasons to become above average.
- riozzo

Nothing against JC, but hire Trotz away from the Islanders.

Perlini for Poolparty is as far as I would go.
- Elbows15

I still remember the collective gasp when CBus took P-L Dubois over him. Turned out really well for the Jackets so far.

Trotz had almost no offensive talent in Nashville. He finally got talent in Washington and won a Cup. And he's having a terrific season with the Isles.

I think Savvy's point about Leddy is trotz has been good for him and Leddy's game has ticked up another level working with him.
- kwolf68

My point is...screw Nashville

Curious which team do you think has the best shot at the last wild card spot.
- walleyeb1

The team with the second most points after the top 3 in each division is determined of course.

Hmmm he skates good puts up 40ish points a year and isnt horrid defensively and usually flips the ice. Fine second pairing and power play guy. Did a good job covering for rozy when here. I dunno what yall expect from the kid. He's also only 27 which is kind of cool. That -42 is super impressive but crap happens sometimes.

His cap hit is appropriate for the skill set (probs a bargain at this point) and he's better than just about everyone on the Hawks not named Connor Murphy at this point.

Don't get why people dont like him.

Anyway, he's probably the ceiling on most of those lil guys they have now so get used to seeing 3 of those guys on ice at the same time soon.
- fattybeef

Personally I never disliked him when he was with the Hawks. I'd disagree with you about his defensive play when he was in Chicago, he was pretty bad. But he had many attributes I liked. When it was a choice between him and Oduya, it was a no brainer for the short term. And the short term returned another cup which I really couldn't have seen the Hawks doing with Leddy and without Oduya.

I still remember the collective gasp when CBus took P-L Dubois over him. Turned out really well for the Jackets so far.
- Chunk

Discussed this very topic on NHL radio this morning with CBL GM - ironic!!

Discussed this very topic on NHL radio this morning with CBL GM - ironic!!
- glennjpawlak22

its coincidental.

Corey Crawford says he's ready to come back. Just needs a few more practices as per nhl radio a few minutes ago.

its coincidental.
- Elbows15

Take the credit and run Elbows!!!!

@TSNRyan Rishaug

Oilers had discussion with Markus Lehto, agent for Jesse Puljujarvi today. Team is open to trading him if a proper return can be found, and in the meantime an AHL stint to help boost offence and confidence is being considered. No decisions yet.
- pdx2ord

Puljujarvi is another one of these guys drafted high in the 1st round that hasn't found his stride in the NHl yet - maybe never will. Stan has acquired three of those guys so far this season with the results being good (Strome), promising but jury still out (Koekkoek), and doesn't look good but still hope (Perlini). If Edmonton would take something we're willing to part with - let's give it a try.

Puljujarvi is another one of these guys drafted high in the 1st round that hasn't found his stride in the NHl yet - maybe never will. Stan has acquired three of those guys so far this season with the results being good (Strome), promising but jury still out (Koekkoek), and doesn't look good but still hope (Perlini). If Edmonton would take something we're willing to part with - let's give it a try.
- EbonyRaptor

We already gave them Manning

Sometimes change is good.
This probably can be said about any person, any job and walk of life.
Quite possibly, too immature to realize he NEEDED to do that.

Time has a way of catching up with everyone and evening up the score.
If you have read/seen any of Trotz's interviews (or Leddy's) it's clear Nick has gotten the message loud and clear. Lots of pride came through and that was something Barry has talked about.

Could be, too, that Q's way(s) to get that across simply didn't register (and never would). I can speak from my own work life to say sometimes these things do matter.
That's why I say, no regrets. Change is sometimes good.
- savvyone-1

I think in his case it's all about time. The good news is that means maybe just maybe Gusto might be able to figure it out

Puljujarvi is another one of these guys drafted high in the 1st round that hasn't found his stride in the NHl yet - maybe never will. Stan has acquired three of those guys so far this season with the results being good (Strome), promising but jury still out (Koekkoek), and doesn't look good but still hope (Perlini). If Edmonton would take something we're willing to part with - let's give it a try.
- EbonyRaptor

Yeah. I'm not sure if it's a case of he's never going to play to his potential or he's a decent player on a bad team/system. According to the the Oilers' blogger it sounds like Edmonton never really had a plan for him. Up and down the line up, up and down in the NHL/AHL, on the big club but sitting in the press box. I'd take a chance if the price was right.

Yeah. I'm not sure if it's a case of he's never going to play to his potential or he's a decent player on a bad team/system. According to the the Oilers' blogger it sounds like Edmonton never really had a plan for him. Up and down the line up, up and down in the NHL/AHL, on the big club but sitting in the press box. I'd take a chance if the price was right.
- Rota's Rooter

His skating is terrible, wayyyt slower than Connor Murphy and Dylan Strome and it doesn’t allow him to do much with the NHL pace. I watch Edmonton fairly often as the late game and just to watch McJesus. Agree with elbows, Forsling/Perlini is all he’s worth. Maybe throw in a 4th round pick

Jury is out on Colliton - idiotic scheme of man-to-man D and also needs to be smarter on match-ups (certainly not to the extent of Q but I think he's done a poor job of that).

What I'd really like to know is what moron is coaching the PK?
It's the same passive scheme under Q and even more ineffective.
Pressure the puck, take away time and space and the success rate goes up with the right guys out on the ice.

Not sold at all on Gus (gets WAY too much TOI) but am really liking the size, speed and decision-making I've seen from CooCoo. More #68 and no more #42.

How's that Bogie?
- savvyone-1

thats good...and how about this; i agree with you

I think in his case it's all about time. The good news is that means maybe just maybe Gusto might be able to figure it out
- BetweenTheDots

They are virtually same age.
IMO, doubtful Gus is going to be much more than what he is today.
IF he was early 20's, I might agree with you.
Given his age - he is what he is, a disaster in his own zone and offensively talented with not much decision making ability to determine when to use those skills.