Today @ 8:38 AM ET Darth said ...
I am happy with Stan's approach to this year's TDL. They Hawks were not buyers and they still needed to maintain a minimal viable product on the ice.

For better or worse it's becoming clear that Stan has a plan and he's sticking to it. The plan started with brining on Kahun then replacing Schmaltz with Strome, both risks that paid off. Adding Caggiula was another move that paid off and improved the forward depth.

I would expect the roster transformation to continue, the next step will be signing college prospects (i.e. Mitchell) and a combination of college and/or European free agents in the spring. In the summer Stan will address the bottom 6 and defence through trades and free agency. Justin has said it many times and he's right, the team simply cannot return with this defense. There's just no way that Forsling, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom and Gustafsson all return.

The rest of this season should be used for give these board line players a shot to see who should stay and who should go. If Stan can fix the team defense then the Hawks can be a playoff team next season. Maybe not a true contender, but easily a playoff team.


Completely agree.

I think two top 4 D is the hardest part. Probably more realistic to start with one, and see how the kids look. I’d like to see Kahun on the third line with Saad something like...

Caggiula Toews Kane
Cat Strome ?
Saad ? Kahun
Hayden Kampf Sikura
- Ogilthorpe2

I didn’t mean to imply that the 2 D would both be FAs. Most likely it is 1 already in the system, and either a FA or trade for another.

Justin, with all due respect to Stan and the Blackhawk organization, that isn’t anywhere near a good NHL roster. From the blog:

Caggiula-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Kahun
Anisimov-Kampf-Saad
Perlini/Sikura-Kruger-Hayden

Keith-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy
Koekoek-Gustafsson

Crawford

What I’d like to see in a future blog, is what you think the team might look like next year, including the current players now in the NCAA, AHL & major junior, plus some FAs you’d target.

I’d say this is the roster to build around. The ? are holes I believe this team will need to fill. I think need a top 6 wing, a 3 center, and 2 top 4 D, in order to be a competitive playoff team. And thanks for all the work you do.

???-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Kahun
Caggiula-???-Saad
Perlini/Sikura-Kampf-Hayden

Keith-???
???- Murphy
Koekoek-Seabrook

Crawford
- scottak

Why start now?

From Powers’ article in ‘The Athletic’, about the young D.

At this point, it’s unlikely Adam Boqvist, Nicolas Beaudin or Ian Mitchell will be ready for the NHL to begin next season. If Jokiharju isn’t cutting it in Colliton’s book, none of those defensemen likely will right out the gate.

Around this time a season ago, it was pretty apparent that Jokiharju would have a shot at being an NHL defenseman. He took a massive step in all facets of his game during his second season in the WHL. By the end of last season, he was holding his own with and against NHL players while playing for Finland.

Boqvist, Beaudin and Mitchell are all having solid seasons, but none appear to be having the impact Jokiharju did last season. I’m going to see all three prospects in the coming weeks and hope to have a better feeling for where they are in their development.

I asked Bowman on Monday whether he felt any of the defensemen were close to where Jokiharju was last season. Bowman gave this long answer.

“Yeah, different leagues so it’s kind of hard to necessarily compare one who’s in the Western League versus college versus Ontario League and Quebec,” he said. “They’re all sort of in different situations but they’ve all had great seasons. I think they’ve taken the next step in their development.

“In Adam’s case going to London I think it was just a big chance for him to come to North America to get used to life over here. He’s been very effective offensively and I think that’s important because he’s an offensive defenseman. If he were to come over here and have a hard time scoring he’s going to get frustrated. At the end of the day his offense is not something we’re ever concerned with. He’s got to learn the two-way game and I think it’s been a good step for him from that perspective. I think he’s got 17 goals so that’s a lot of goals for a defenseman. So he’s certainly doing the offensive thing. For him the measurement’s going to be can he defend and as he gets stronger and learns tactics to handle bigger and stronger players. But this was a good first step for him.

“The other guys as well, Mitchell and Beaudin have both been standout players in their leagues. I think it looks very promising for where they are. I try not to put a timeline on it or handicap which one’s ahead of the other one. They’re all really progressing nicely. I don’t think any of them has stalled in their progression. They’ve all taken their next step forward, which is great to see and we want that to continue in the coming years.”

Justin, with all due respect to Stan and the Blackhawk organization, that isn’t anywhere near a good NHL roster. From the blog:

Caggiula-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Kahun
Anisimov-Kampf-Saad
Perlini/Sikura-Kruger-Hayden

Keith-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy
Koekoek-Gustafsson

Crawford

What I’d like to see in a future blog, is what you think the team might look like next year, including the current players now in the NCAA, AHL & major junior, plus some FAs you’d target.

I’d say this is the roster to build around. The ? are holes I believe this team will need to fill. I think need a top 6 wing, a 3 center, and 2 top 4 D, in order to be a competitive playoff team. And thanks for all the work you do.

???-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Kahun
Caggiula-???-Saad
Perlini/Sikura-Kampf-Hayden

Keith-???
???- Murphy
Koekoek-Seabrook

Crawford
- scottak

How are they expected to fill holes when the CAT and Strome are up after next year and will combine for 14-15 mil.

Why start now?
- mohel

You know, after reading your posts, I’m starting to believe in reincarnation. No one could become as ignorant as you in one lifetime.

Take a look through the 2019 blue line free agents that are available. Unless the Hawks want to sign a big defensemen that is older than Seabrook, I don't see a whole lot of realistic help there. San Jose will re-sign Karlsson. Given Stan's love for fast skating defensemen, who on that list helps the Hawks?

So now you're talking either a trade (with what assets to move, exactly?) or relying on the smallish kiddie corps of draftees from the past couple of years. Joker should be up full-time next year, so there is one probably upgrade (assuming his game and body mature). But who else?

In terms of defensive defensemen it will still be Seabrook, Keith and Murphy, with Gustafsson as the PP specialist floater. That leaves two spots with Joker probably being one.
- jrsamu

You and Ogi are correct, imo. The top pairing is gonna be tough to do in the near future. They're going to have to develop one or steal one in a trade with a really dumb gm. So they need to strengthen the rest of the team, imo. No Hall for Larsson trades, please.

Really liked what Columbus did but thought Winnipeg had a solid trade deadline day also.

. . .

I do think some posters think they can be a better GM than the pros. Sometimes trades are fun, but they have to be for the better of the team. Currently, this team has holes, but better to fill them in the summer. It will be fun to follow up to the draft and Free Agency.
- powerenforcer


- HawkintheD

Only Some, I thought we were all better than Stan.

I think two top 4 D is the hardest part. Probably more realistic to start with one, and see how the kids look. I’d like to see Kahun on the third line with Saad something like...

Caggiula Toews Kane
Cat Strome ?
Saad ? Kahun
Hayden Kampf Sikura
- Ogilthorpe2

Think you are correct two top 4 I don't think is doable , Jokiharju could take one of spots

You know, after reading your posts, I’m starting to believe in reincarnation. No one could become as ignorant as you in one lifetime.
- scottak

You are so mean.

If they have any hopes of taking one final run at this years postseason,Along with talent ,And the other teams beating each other up,you’re going to have to depend on that veteran winning Pedigree To lead the way which is still in that locker room ,Chris Kunitz which will probably be his last hurrah, is part of that also.The will and the know-how Along with the kids playing meaningful hockeyWill loom large, JC will use him on the fourth line more times than not on one of those wings.

Justin, with all due respect to Stan and the Blackhawk organization, that isn’t anywhere near a good NHL roster. From the blog:

Caggiula-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Kahun
Anisimov-Kampf-Saad
Perlini/Sikura-Kruger-Hayden

Keith-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy
Koekoek-Gustafsson

Crawford

What I’d like to see in a future blog, is what you think the team might look like next year, including the current players now in the NCAA, AHL & major junior, plus some FAs you’d target.

I’d say this is the roster to build around. The ? are holes I believe this team will need to fill. I think need a top 6 wing, a 3 center, and 2 top 4 D, in order to be a competitive playoff team. And thanks for all the work you do.

???-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Kahun
Caggiula-???-Saad
Perlini/Sikura-Kampf-Hayden

Keith-???
???- Murphy
Koekoek-Seabrook

Crawford
- scottak

More Bulletin Board Material for SB!!!

I'm singing from the same hymn book - no problem with Stan standing pat.

Now what? They still have a shot to make the playoffs which is more about the weakness of the teams above them than anything that can be attributed to the Hawks. So I guess that means the mindset of Colliton/Stan is to try to climb up the standings rather than dedicate the remaining games to player evaluation and development. In other words we'll probably see Kunitz and Kruger suiting up for games rather than some guys who have a shot to be part of the Hawks future. Oh well - not that big of a deal considering there's no prospect beating down the door to get his shot in the NHL with the exception of Jokiharju and the Hawks probably don't want him to play that 40th game and knock a year off his RFA-UFA transition period.

So I'm going to enjoy these last 19 games which is a whole lot better than not having Hawks games to watch which will start to be the case soon enough. I'm enjoying the individual success of some of the players which is enough considering I wasn't even sure that was going to be the case coming into this season.

More Bulletin Board Material for SB!!!
- TrueGrit

That’s good, because the team that Stan has constructed is about to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year. And unless he pulls off a miracle, and get Seabrook’s contract off the books, the 2019-20 season doesn’t look promising.

I understand your view of the future is all rainbows and unicorns, but, how many more years do you allow Stan and JC to turn it around? Stan’s on year 2, JC’s on year 1.

And, Jerry Reinsdorf doesn’t own the Hawks, so Stan isn’t going to get as many chances as Paxson has.

That’s good, because the team that Stan has constructed is about to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year. And unless he pulls off a miracle, and get Seabrook’s contract off the books, the 2019-20 season doesn’t look promising.

I understand your view of the future is all rainbows and unicorns, but, how many more years do you allow Stan and JC to turn it around? Stan’s on year 2, JC’s on year 1.

And, Jerry Reinsdorf doesn’t own the Hawks, so Stan isn’t going to get as many chances as Paxton has.
- scottak

Not to mention, we likely just wasted career years for both Kane and Toews

That’s good, because the team that Stan has constructed is about to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year. And unless he pulls off a miracle, and get Seabrook’s contract off the books, the 2019-20 season doesn’t look promising.

I understand your view of the future is all rainbows and unicorns, but, how many more years do you allow Stan and JC to turn it around? Stan’s on year 2, JC’s on year 1.

And, Jerry Reinsdorf doesn’t own the Hawks, so Stan isn’t going to get as many chances as Paxson has.
- scottak

It's not about turning it around, it's about rebuilding and growing. It's what Stan is doing, JC hasn't even coached a full season? WTF? and since last year the Hawks are playing better?

Why do you hate them so much?

Im grateful that they didn't make any dumb moves, this tells me Bowman is running the show.

It's not about turning it around, it's about rebuilding and growing. It's what Stan is doing, JC hasn't even coached a full season? WTF? and since last year the Hawks are playing better?

Why do you hate them so much?

Im grateful that they didn't make any dumb moves, this tells me Bowman is running the show.
- BetweenTheDots

Just the opposite, I love the team and want them to win. I don’t believe they’re anywhere close to doing that again.

And, they haven’t improved from LY. They are within 1 point of where they were at this time last season.

I think the Hawks (and other teams) could take advantage of some teams' cap problems this summer.

For instance, Vegas, with the Stone signing, will be at 82M next year with 17 players signed. So they are already near next year's projected cap, have to renew William Karlsson who'll be asking for at least 7M, and still need to add a few to fill out the roster.

Trade for one of their D such as a Miller (3 years 3.875M) or McNabb (3 years 2.5M) and a 3C like Eakin (1 year 3.8M). In return send a Koekkoek and/or Forsling or Dahlstrom or another AHLer. Hawks can flip Eakin at next year's TDL if not in contention or use him as a placeholder until hopefully Entwhistle is ready in 20-21.

Vegas gains about 5M in cap space. Hawks fill 2 slots in exchange for a depth defenseman or two and alleviate their log jam at that position.

There will be possible similar situations with WPG, TOR, TBL.

Just the opposite, I love the team and want them to win. I don’t believe they’re anywhere close to doing that again.

And, they haven’t improved from LY. They are within 1 point of where they were at this time last season.
- scottak

So they are just supposed to win every year, magically with a hard cap? Not happening, never will happen for any team in any sport even without a salary cap

Oh and when i say hate them, i mean Stan and JC.

I think the Hawks (and other teams) could take advantage of some teams' cap problems this summer.

For instance, Vegas, with the Stone signing, will be at 82M next year with 17 players signed. So they are already near next year's projected cap, have to renew William Karlsson who'll be asking for at least 7M, and still need to add a few to fill out the roster.

Trade for one of their D such as a Miller (3 years 3.875M) or McNabb (3 years 2.5M) and a 3C like Eakin (1 year 3.8M). In return send a Koekkoek and/or Forsling or Dahlstrom or another AHLer. Hawks can flip Eakin at next year's TDL if not in contention or use him as a placeholder until hopefully Entwhistle is ready in 20-21.

Vegas gains about 5M in cap space. Hawks fill 2 slots in exchange for a depth defenseman or two and alleviate their log jam at that position.

There will be possible similar situations with WPG, TOR, TBL.
- boilermaker100

Great post! And this will likely be the route Stan takes. He will know exactly the number he is taking on instead of playing highest bidder in FA.

It's not about turning it around, it's about rebuilding and growing. It's what Stan is doing, JC hasn't even coached a full season? WTF? and since last year the Hawks are playing better?

Why do you hate them so much?

Im grateful that they didn't make any dumb moves, this tells me Bowman is running the show.
- BetweenTheDots

Here comes the “I don’t hate them...but I’m a realist” mantra...(not from you but the poster you’re quoting).

Any of the realists have Toews bouncing back in a big way before the season started? Saad? Schmaltz turning into Strome, Manning to Caggiula, Kahun and Kampf being a couple more nice Euro finds by the scouting dept., Jokiharju actually looking like he could stick at 19?

Granted yes there are still holes but like you said, they’re playing better, and Stan running the show meant there were no dumb window dressing moves at the TDL.

Before we pen our obit for next season and beyond, maybe we could let them finish this one.

So they are just supposed to win every year, magically with a hard cap? Not happening, never will happen for any team in any sport even without a salary cap

Oh and when i say hate them, i mean Stan and JC.
- BetweenTheDots

Neutral on Stan. Some great trades this year. Some not so good previously. They’ve been well documented on the blog by others. He’s also the guy that signed Seabrook to his current contract, when almost all here said was too long/expensive. He’s also the guy that hands out NMCs like candy on Halloween.

JC is not a qualified NHL coach. 4 years with Tier 2 Mora and 1 in Rockford don’t cut it.

Here comes the “I don’t hate them...but I’m a realist” mantra...(not from you but the poster you’re quoting).

Any of the realists have Toews bouncing back in a big way before the season started? Saad? Schmaltz turning into Strome, Manning to Caggiula, Kahun and Kampf being a couple more nice Euro finds by the scouting dept., Jokiharju actually looking like he could stick at 19?

Granted yes there are still holes but like you said, they’re playing better, and Stan running the show meant there were no dumb window dressing moves at the TDL.

Before we pen our obit for next season and beyond, maybe we could let them finish this one.


- HawkintheD

Board of Fairy Tales has been eclipsed again by the Board of Doom!

Neutral on Stan. Some great trades this year. Some not so good previously. They’ve been well documented on the blog by others. He’s also the guy that signed Seabrook to his current contract, when almost all here said was too long/expensive. He’s also the guy that hands out NMCs like candy on Halloween.

JC is not a qualified NHL coach. 4 years with Tier 2 Mora and 1 in Rockford don’t cut it.
- scottak

Starting from scratch, who would you prefer to coach the team next year?