Damn, back to the reeducation camp for me.
- mohel

Not sure how you got out to begin with.

The zone scheme that they were using before Q was bagged wasn’t working either though.

In my mind defense play is at least 60% hustle and “want to”. This team could be much better defensively if they really wanted to be, and if the coaches emphasized it enough. The offense would likely suffer though, especially for guys like Toews who would likely be leaned on as a shut down forward.

What this team needs is Dave Bolland 2.0. A 3rd line centered by a Bolland type flanked by Kahun and Saad would be a nice Defensive Line with a little offensive upside.
- Ogilthorpe2

Maybe Entwhistle in a couple of years?

https://www.secondcityhoc...for-guelph-storm-ohl-2019

Anddddd cost controlled!
- nickmo2699

Cost control is something Bowman seems to be paying more attention to now. Kook falls in line with that way of thinking along with adding size to the lineup.

Also, jumping on our defencemen for the goals against problem is too simplistic. Turnovers and poor puck control with the bottom 6 should not be overlooked. They are part of the problem and turning over defencemen may not necessarily solve these issues.

Not sure how you got out to begin with.
- Ogilthorpe2

I told JJ, using a pseudonym of course, that the Hawks were tearing it up and retooling with a team of mouth-breathing thugs. Not sure if he ran with it, but I got a get-out-of-jail-free card.

KOKO, I would keep. need a guy that can play at NHL speed but also be physical. Forsling is allot like the our 4 top prospects, Mitchel, Krys (somebody watched him and said he looked great) boquist and beuadin.

I also not sure why you trade Hayden, he might just be 11-13 forward but every team needs that and we have no one to replace him and he is getting better. We could sign someone like kunitz that is getting worse. Hope none of the Ottowa guys sign EXT, will help flood the UFA market even if the hawks do not sign one of them.

Is Dougie available and what would the Hawks need to throw at Carolina to make that happen?
- fattybeef

Just out of curiosity to the group..............
Which player would help the Blackhawks more in the next 3 to 5 years.

1. Dougie Hamilton 25 years old 26 in June
2. Josh Manson 27 years old 28 in October

Could both be available with a Gustafsson + scenario. ???

At this point the "man-to-man" defensive scheme that supposedly has been installed is just not working. The question becomes one of can it or will it ever become effective at the NHL level. As you mentioned above, the Islanders have done a 180 with the same personnel, none of whom are great defenders, by changing the schemes and coverages. They also had an off-season and pre-season with a new coach to install the new ideas. Would Collitons "man-to-man" be better if it was installed pre-season?

One thing to think about now is, how much of the offensive surge is due in part to the defensive scheme. If the Hawks were to go back to a traditional defensive structure, would it effect the offense? The Penguins won their most recent cups with questionable defense, but got outstanding goaltending and were just able to out gun teams when they had too. Their defensive philosophy was to just get pucks out of their zone and let their forwards go get it and score. If the Hawks were to make the playoffs, a quick exit is assured if they keep giving up 4+ goals a game, but if a "regular" defense gets you down to 3 or less a game does it give your offense a chance to win you games instead. I'm OK with 4-3 games as opposed to 2-1.
- TheTrob

I think it is a complicated combination of factors. New coach. New scheme. No training camp to install the scheme. Personnel. Commitment from the forwards to play a 200' game. New wingers with new linemates not used to playing with each other. A constant rotation of defensive pairings.


I am not sold on the man-to-man scheme. I would like to see that changed or tweaked. But a lot of the defensive issues is not the scheme, it is execution.

I am not sure the d will get better over time or not. But I would be cautious blaming dmen or moving dmen at the TDL. If Stan loves a deal he should move a dman, but not just to clear out the logjam. These things have a way of working themselves out.

I think you may need to sacrifice some scoring in order to improve the D. But giving up 3 plus goals a game (much less 4, 5, 6, and 7 goals a game) is incompatible with winning in the long run. If they can get their goals against per game under 3, keep a potent offense and good power play it could be a winning combination.

Part of that has to be figuring out the PK. I think they have the forwards and defensemen that could be the basis of a good PK. But they need to focus on commitment, execution and discipline.

Just out of curiosity to the group..............
Which player would help the Blackhawks more in the next 3 to 5 years.

1. Dougie Hamilton 25 years old 26 in June
2. Josh Manson 27 years old 28 in October

Could both be available with a Gustafsson + scenario. ???
- Hawkytalk

No, they couldn't.

The zone scheme that they were using before Q was bagged wasn’t working either though.

In my mind defense play is at least 60% hustle and “want to”. This team could be much better defensively if they really wanted to be, and if the coaches emphasized it enough. The offense would likely suffer though, especially for guys like Toews who would likely be leaned on as a shut down forward.

What this team needs is Dave Bolland 2.0. A 3rd line centered by a Bolland type flanked by Kahun and Saad would be a nice Defensive Line with a little offensive upside.
- Ogilthorpe2

Among the problems with Q's D were the constant D-to-D passes and re-cycling until turning up ice, or the breakout schemes that did not change in 10 years. Other teams adapted and jumped all their "normal" passing lanes causing issues.

What this team has missed the most the last few seasons is HOSSA. All the people wanting to move him, get cap space, squawking that he was done can now see how much he meant to this team.

I'm not expecting much if anything really. Probably an AHL trade or two to help out Rockford with some veteran depth that can help them win this year while also clearing out some roster spots for the next year. Maybe see them doing a minor hockey trade that is NHL talent for NHL talent. Wouldn't be shocked if Kruger stays on the team the rest of the year with how he's been playing with a fire under him lately and the team playing better

The zone scheme that they were using before Q was bagged wasn’t working either though.

In my mind defense play is at least 60% hustle and “want to”. This team could be much better defensively if they really wanted to be, and if the coaches emphasized it enough. The offense would likely suffer though, especially for guys like Toews who would likely be leaned on as a shut down forward.

What this team needs is Dave Bolland 2.0. A 3rd line centered by a Bolland type flanked by Kahun and Saad would be a nice Defensive Line with a little offensive upside.
- Ogilthorpe2

Besides needing to help our Defense improve (besides buying in, building chemistry, and playing the system effectively which I think they can do without making any major moves), they two things that would help take this team to another level is adding that Dave Bolland 2.0 and another winger to play either with Toews-Kane or Strome-Cat. I think AA fits that mold BUT we need more speed on this team and that is where having AA in that role hurts. Now, if the Hawks can add two legit wingers who have above average speed to play with our 1-2 punch then having AA as our 3C for the time being would be better.

??-Toews-Kane
Cat-Strome-??
Saad-AA-Kahun
Cags-Kampf-??

That seems like a VERY solid forward group depending on who those three guys are that they get to fill in those roles.

I think it is a complicated combination of factors. New coach. New scheme. No training camp to install the scheme. Personnel. Commitment from the forwards to play a 200' game. New wingers with new linemates not used to playing with each other. A constant rotation of defensive pairings.


I am not sold on the man-to-man scheme. I would like to see that changed or tweaked. But a lot of the defensive issues is not the scheme, it is execution.

I am not sure the d will get better over time or not. But I would be cautious blaming dmen or moving dmen at the TDL. If Stan loves a deal he should move a dman, but not just to clear out the logjam. These things have a way of working themselves out.

I think you may need to sacrifice some scoring in order to improve the D. But giving up 3 plus goals a game (much less 4, 5, 6, and 7 goals a game) is incompatible with winning in the long run. If they can get their goals against per game under 3, keep a potent offense and good power play it could be a winning combination.

Part of that has to be figuring out the PK. I think they have the forwards and defensemen that could be the basis of a good PK. But they need to focus on commitment, execution and discipline.
- -Doh-

I'm not disagreeing with you, but if you look at the forwards as a whole, they are for the most part not bad defensively. Kane is not a shut-down winger, but neither is he as bad as he is made out to be. You also are willing to tolerate his defensive deficiencies because of what he generates at the other end. A few others, like Hayden, Strome, Perlini, Sikura are OK defensively, but still make a whole bunch of rookie mistakes and lose coverage or are unsure where to go.

What kills me is how bad the PK is. Q had them in a much to passive scheme that was dependent on blocking passing lanes and shots, but rarely attacked the puck for fear of odd-man chances. The more effective PK's in the league are aggressive in challenging the puck and forcing hurried passes and plays.

This staff managed to get the PP out of a several year doldrums, maybe they can eventually do the same for the PK.......and oh, yeah, lose the F@#king push em back entry on the PP.

I'm not expecting much if anything really. Probably an AHL trade or two to help out Rockford with some veteran depth that can help them win this year while also clearing out some roster spots for the next year. Maybe see them doing a minor hockey trade that is NHL talent for NHL talent. Wouldn't be shocked if Kruger stays on the team the rest of the year with how he's been playing with a fire under him lately and the team playing better



Besides needing to help our Defense improve (besides buying in, building chemistry, and playing the system effectively which I think they can do without making any major moves), they two things that would help take this team to another level is adding that Dave Bolland 2.0 and another winger to play either with Toews-Kane or Strome-Cat. I think AA fits that mold BUT we need more speed on this team and that is where having AA in that role hurts. Now, if the Hawks can add two legit wingers who have above average speed to play with our 1-2 punch then having AA as our 3C for the time being would be better.

??-Toews-Kane
Cat-Strome-??
Saad-AA-Kahun
Cags-Kampf-??

That seems like a VERY solid forward group depending on who those three guys are that they get to fill in those roles.
- Savetheembers33

I hope they take a run at UFA Jakob Silvferberg, would slot him as third line RW, and leave Kahun with Strome and Cat since they seems to have nice chemistry. He also can slide up and down the line-up, and kills penalties.

I hope they take a run at UFA Jakob Silvferberg, would slot him as third line RW, and leave Kahun with Strome and Cat since they seems to have nice chemistry. He also can slide up and down the line-up, and kills penalties.
- LAHawk

i read this morning that Silvferberg has signed an extension with ANA but it cant be announced yet because of tagging rules

So agreed, it's all about business now and some fantasy league thrown in. it seems Stevie Y had, and Sakic have the right third dimension It seems if you go top heavy with two or three contracts over 9 Mil, you are heading into a danger zone. Toronto is headed there. when that happens the bottom starts to thin. just my opinion but it seems 5.5 to 8.5 Mil. is best balance and more mid term contracts. Love the Cat , overachieving at every level,he is the real deal and SB will have to pay at least 7.5 or 8mil and if strome keeps going , over five. it's why a top 3 in draft this year was looking good, a entry level contract for 3 years for a potential star out of the gate. damm has Colorado lucked in. So this great streak blackhawks are on is like kissing your ugly sister

Among the problems with Q's D were the constant D-to-D passes and re-cycling until turning up ice, or the breakout schemes that did not change in 10 years. Other teams adapted and jumped all their "normal" passing lanes causing issues.

What this team has missed the most the last few seasons is HOSSA. All the people wanting to move him, get cap space, squawking that he was done can now see how much he meant to this team.
- TheTrob

bid Hoss was the man, he was still earning his keep at 38 and I'm sure this year as well

I'm not expecting much if anything really. Probably an AHL trade or two to help out Rockford with some veteran depth that can help them win this year while also clearing out some roster spots for the next year. Maybe see them doing a minor hockey trade that is NHL talent for NHL talent. Wouldn't be shocked if Kruger stays on the team the rest of the year with how he's been playing with a fire under him lately and the team playing better



Besides needing to help our Defense improve (besides buying in, building chemistry, and playing the system effectively which I think they can do without making any major moves), they two things that would help take this team to another level is adding that Dave Bolland 2.0 and another winger to play either with Toews-Kane or Strome-Cat. I think AA fits that mold BUT we need more speed on this team and that is where having AA in that role hurts. Now, if the Hawks can add two legit wingers who have above average speed to play with our 1-2 punch then having AA as our 3C for the time being would be better.

??-Toews-Kane
Cat-Strome-??
Saad-AA-Kahun
Cags-Kampf-??

That seems like a VERY solid forward group depending on who those three guys are that they get to fill in those roles.
- Savetheembers33

Not you , but this talk about trading Hayden, he's cost controlled, he's getting stronger on his skates, he's only 24, his checks look like they are leaving marks, and at 24 he can work on strength and conditioning. He's the kind of smart hockey player i want on the bottom 6.

I think the Islanders have the best 4th line in hockey and it took time for those players to develop.

So agreed, it's all about business now and some fantasy league thrown in. it seems Stevie Y had, and Sakic have the right third dimension It seems if you go top heavy with two or three contracts over 9 Mil, you are heading into a danger zone. Toronto is headed there. when that happens the bottom starts to thin. just my opinion but it seems 5.5 to 8.5 Mil. is best balance and more mid term contracts. Love the Cat , overachieving at every level,he is the real deal and SB will have to pay at least 7.5 or 8mil and if strome keeps going , over five. it's why a top 3 in draft this year was looking good, a entry level contract for 3 years for a potential star out of the gate. damm has Colorado lucked in. So this great streak blackhawks are on is like kissing your ugly sister
- holyJumpin_NL

Don't understand why people keep saying Cat will get between 7.5-8..

Look at Forsberg or Pastarnak with similar numbers. Both of them got ~6 x6.

This is what I expect Debrincat to get. Hopefully 6.6 x 6...

So agreed, it's all about business now and some fantasy league thrown in. it seems Stevie Y had, and Sakic have the right third dimension It seems if you go top heavy with two or three contracts over 9 Mil, you are heading into a danger zone. Toronto is headed there. when that happens the bottom starts to thin. just my opinion but it seems 5.5 to 8.5 Mil. is best balance and more mid term contracts. Love the Cat , overachieving at every level,he is the real deal and SB will have to pay at least 7.5 or 8mil and if strome keeps going , over five. it's why a top 3 in draft this year was looking good, a entry level contract for 3 years for a potential star out of the gate. damm has Colorado lucked in. So this great streak blackhawks are on is like kissing your ugly sister
- holyJumpin_NL

Well Stevie Y is no longer in Tampa and they do have cap problems next year, Kucherov goes to $9.5 M, Gourde goes to $5.75. they are over 70 million with 16 players signed, 3 regular defenseman are UFA's and they have to give raises to RFA's Point (big raise there), Erne, Cirelli, and Paquette.

Little tweaks like moving Coo Coo? He just got here and he looks great...
- shidler

I have liked Koekkoek as well but wanted to include him as their could be some unexpected clearance from Bowman from what I'm hearing.

The Hawks simply can't bring back the same defence and forwards as this year and think they can improve significantly.

Among the problems with Q's D were the constant D-to-D passes and re-cycling until turning up ice, or the breakout schemes that did not change in 10 years. Other teams adapted and jumped all their "normal" passing lanes causing issues.

What this team has missed the most the last few seasons is HOSSA. All the people wanting to move him, get cap space, squawking that he was done can now see how much he meant to this team.
- TheTrob

I do not think there was a person asking to move him for cap space until it became clear that he would not play again.

Hawks playoff probability up to 23%, with 83 points.
COL & MIN just ahead with 85 projected points.

I do not think there was a person asking to move him for cap space until it became clear that he would not play again.
- -Doh-

There was a whole contingent of people here wanting to move Hossa for cap space among other reasons. Also, because he was 'done', couldn't shoot or score anymore, etc. etc. etc.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BarstoolChief

He tweets that Stan has scouted Columbus and Suggests Wennberg and Murray as potential targets

also saw Washington is putting Jaskin on waivers today

I have liked Koekkoek as well but wanted to include him as their could be some unexpected clearance from Bowman from what I'm hearing.

The Hawks simply can't bring back the same defence and forwards as this year and think they can improve significantly.
- Justin Lowe

Unless they are banking on the growth of their younger players, more time to learn JC's systems and better PP/PK for a whole season. Does any of that put them back among the elite teams......probably not.

Two things-
Would offer sheet Kapanen because someone will.

Lot’s written on the Hawks man to man defence.
Does anyone have a couple of videos showing Hawks implementing said system?