And take Cornelison to do the anthem.
- boilermaker100

AMEN

Not enough people are talking about how hard of a time Joki will have making the team next training camp, much less being this impact player everyone was counting on.

Since Colliton took over, Joki has been a non factor. Colliton sent him down, keeping 8 defensemen, and told the press they are keeping the 8 guys that give them the best chance to win.

Gilbert was called up for a cup of coffee two games ago, and Colliton said he was the best defenseman on Rockford which is why he was called up.

What is going to happen between April and September to turn Joki into this ass kicking defenseman that Colliton is willing to use?

Don't get me wrong, I think he is much better than the playing time he has been given under Colliton. But the coach and how he uses a player is EVERYTHING in hockey for that player's career.
- hereismike1

Well it might just be that Gilbert was playing actually better than any other Dman in Rockford.

As long as the team is communicating to the kid what they need him to get better at and how he"ll do it, I have no problem with their approach. Too many kids come to the NHL, get rave reviews immediately and get overpaid and then flatline into mediocre Dmen - see Luke Schenn, Michael Del Zotto and more. Zach Werensky was the next Bobby Orr and now he isn't. Ristolainen in Buffalo has never really improved much.

I’d venture to think Edler play(ed)s his entire career with Vancouver.
- AEL_Fox

Corrected...and he is done!!!

Not enough people are talking about how hard of a time Joki will have making the team next training camp, much less being this impact player everyone was counting on.

Since Colliton took over, Joki has been a non factor. Colliton sent him down, keeping 8 defensemen, and told the press they are keeping the 8 guys that give them the best chance to win.

Gilbert was called up for a cup of coffee two games ago, and Colliton said he was the best defenseman on Rockford which is why he was called up.

What is going to happen between April and September to turn Joki into this ass kicking defenseman that Colliton is willing to use?

Don't get me wrong, I think he is much better than the playing time he has been given under Colliton. But the coach and how he uses a player is EVERYTHING in hockey for that player's career.
- hereismike1

Joki being down had nothing to do with his ability. It was all about giving him time to develop and to save a year before he was due for next deal.

I would not worry about him. He is part of the solution.

Joki being down had nothing to do with his ability. It was all about giving him time to develop and to save a year before he was due for next deal.

I would not worry about him. He is part of the solution.
- TrueGrit

Also, was about giving a lot of other guys rope to see if one of them can catch on and stick.

Not enough people are talking about how hard of a time Joki will have making the team next training camp, much less being this impact player everyone was counting on.

Since Colliton took over, Joki has been a non factor. Colliton sent him down, keeping 8 defensemen, and told the press they are keeping the 8 guys that give them the best chance to win.

Gilbert was called up for a cup of coffee two games ago, and Colliton said he was the best defenseman on Rockford which is why he was called up.

What is going to happen between April and September to turn Joki into this ass kicking defenseman that Colliton is willing to use?

Don't get me wrong, I think he is much better than the playing time he has been given under Colliton. But the coach and how he uses a player is EVERYTHING in hockey for that player's career.
- hereismike1

Jokiharju is the best defenseman in the minors. He had a bit of a funk where he just seemed to be going through the motions for 2-3 games but he has resurged with his poise, compete level, and strong play across 200 feet. I'm not worried about him and think he should make the team again this fall.

If not, I would like to believe it is because management decided to do the "slow and steady" approach to developing prospects rather than rushing them. And/or Bowman was able to acquire at least 2 experienced blueliners to shore up the back end.

I know you are a Savvy finance guy.

But your comment about over paying is a great "static" analysis of a fluid market.

Exhibit A is the UFA defensmen list. There is nothing there to get really excited about.

The free market likely inflates the values of the sub par supply. And I know you are hoping we do not participate.

Just introducing the dynamic.
- TrueGrit

Exactly, no Strallman, Coburn, Kronwell, Del Zotto, etc.

What if Boqvist makes the team next season and Joki takes the next step?

Keith Boqvist
Murphy Joki
Gus Seabrook

Would you trust this defense going into next season?
- SoftServe

Unless Gustafsson and Boqvist both improve significantly in their defensive games, then I personally wouldn't want them starting on the blueline at the same time.

There may be varying perspectives on this but I also see Boqvist as the heir apparent to Gustafsson. The timing may not work out, though, where Boqvist immediately supplants Gustafsson in the event that the latter is traded this summer. Boqvist needs at least another year in either London or Rockford.

Well it might just be that Gilbert was playing actually better than any other Dman in Rockford.

As long as the team is communicating to the kid what they need him to get better at and how he"ll do it, I have no problem with their approach. Too many kids come to the NHL, get rave reviews immediately and get overpaid and then flatline into mediocre Dmen - see Luke Schenn, Michael Del Zotto and more. Zach Werensky was the next Bobby Orr and now he isn't. Ristolainen in Buffalo has never really improved much.
- RickJ

Zac Werenski may never be Bobby Orr, but he is a stud.

And take Cornelison to do the anthem.
- boilermaker100

Please, Please, Please.

Exactly, no Strallman, Coburn, Kronwell, Del Zotto, etc.
- LAHawk

Stralman is the only useable guy on the list for the hawks.

AMEN
- riozzo

Does Binny's have a FL location?

Stralman is the only useable guy on the list for the hawks.
- TrueGrit

What about charoit?

What about charoit?
- Scott1977

As opposed to some here, I do not see him as a top 4, I would rather they leave room and give a chance to Gilbert, Hillman or Carlsson (all would be cheaper) than sign another 5/6 guy

Zac Werenski may never be Bobby Orr, but he is a stud.
- TrueGrit

Very good player for sure but Seth Jones better. Both of them will have their hands full in this playoff round.

Does Binny's have a FL location?
- glennjpawlak22

No,but there is a chain called Big Daddy's. Maybe Q can work for them.

Not enough people are talking about how hard of a time Joki will have making the team next training camp, much less being this impact player everyone was counting on.

Since Colliton took over, Joki has been a non factor. Colliton sent him down, keeping 8 defensemen, and told the press they are keeping the 8 guys that give them the best chance to win.

Gilbert was called up for a cup of coffee two games ago, and Colliton said he was the best defenseman on Rockford which is why he was called up.

What is going to happen between April and September to turn Joki into this ass kicking defenseman that Colliton is willing to use?

Don't get me wrong, I think he is much better than the playing time he has been given under Colliton. But the coach and how he uses a player is EVERYTHING in hockey for that player's career.
- hereismike1

I'm not so sure the decision to send Joki to Rockford was made by Colliton. I think it more likely Stan made the decision based on him thinking the Hawks either wouldn't make the playoffs or even if they did wouldn't make any noise in the playoffs so the decision was made to save a year of RFA by keeping Joki under 40 games this season. He played 38 games - just under the 40 game threshold so the Hawks "control" him for one more year than they would have if he had played 40+ games this season.

Not enough people are talking about how hard of a time Joki will have making the team next training camp, much less being this impact player everyone was counting on.

Since Colliton took over, Joki has been a non factor. Colliton sent him down, keeping 8 defensemen, and told the press they are keeping the 8 guys that give them the best chance to win.

Gilbert was called up for a cup of coffee two games ago, and Colliton said he was the best defenseman on Rockford which is why he was called up.

What is going to happen between April and September to turn Joki into this ass kicking defenseman that Colliton is willing to use?

Don't get me wrong, I think he is much better than the playing time he has been given under Colliton. But the coach and how he uses a player is EVERYTHING in hockey for that player's career.
- hereismike1

Yup, Jokiharju is gone, he clearly didn’t play well enough for JC. Now, if you ask me which Hawk ends up in FLA, my money would be on Jokiharju.

FLA finished with 2 more points than the Blackhawks, and one slot in the standings above them.

Which team finishes next season with more points, and does either make the playoffs?

FLA finished with 2 more points than the Blackhawks, and one slot in the standings above them.

Which team finishes next season with more points, and does either make the playoffs?
- scottak

The two teams will face off in the Stanley Cup Finals, Bettman is already drawing up the blueprints.

A tale of a dysfunctional family?

The goaltending and D seem to know how to do it in the Rock.

https://www.the-rink.com/...de-after-texas-road-trip/

Rockford’s record this season, when scoring three or more goals, is a staggering 29–2–2. The IceHogs have the lowest-scoring offense in the AHL with 178 goals for this season, averaging out to 2.44 goals per game. It is mind-blowing to see that in 33 games where the IceHogs score at least three goals, they have only come away with no points twice.

As it has been all season long for the IceHogs, the defense and goaltending has been rock-solid, yet the offense will be the make or break in their final three games of the regular season.

A tale of a dysfunctional family?

The goaltending and D seem to know how to do it in the Rock.

https://www.the-rink.com/...de-after-texas-road-trip/

Rockford’s record this season, when scoring three or more goals, is a staggering 29–2–2. The IceHogs have the lowest-scoring offense in the AHL with 178 goals for this season, averaging out to 2.44 goals per game. It is mind-blowing to see that in 33 games where the IceHogs score at least three goals, they have only come away with no points twice.

As it has been all season long for the IceHogs, the defense and goaltending has been rock-solid, yet the offense will be the make or break in their final three games of the regular season.
- gazza53

So the big club can't defend and the minor club can't score.

Justin mailbag question: Do hawks make more trades or free agent signings. Here is mine propose lineup through trades and signings some have been mentioned before by myself and others.

Saad toews kane
Dcat strome kahun/kublik
Caggulia eakin perlini
Tanev Kampf hayden

Keith joki
Murphy mcnabb/miller
Charoit Seabrook
Koko

Crawford
Ward if resigned
Delia i dont he is ready just my opinion
AA and forsling are traded for picks and prospects those picks are then traded to vegas for eakin and McNabb or miller
Gust is traded at the draft for a 2nd and prospect or a late 1st round pick this year or a first next year. Tanev signs 3 years between 1.5 and 2million helps out on pk
Chariot signs for 2.5 million for 3 years
Ward if brought back 3million 1 year. The AA and gust salaries cover eakin and McNabb or miller contracts. I would also approach dcat with a contract if 7 million per year for 6 to 8 years. Strome 5.5 million per year for 4 to 6 years. Perlini 1 to 2 years for 1.5 million per year. Other rfa's qualifying offers. Then there should be enough money to do moves during the season if need be. Tanev eakin helps out the pk McNabb or miller and chariot stablizes the defense and gives more time for future d to develop. Sikrua stays in rock ford for other season. Last hope hawks get a top 6 pick in draft lottery but unlikely it happens.

I would not be counting on the Panthers taking on any of Stan's contract problem players. DT is going to be on a short leash in Florida, especially paying Q that kind of money. And especially if they plan to sign either or both of Panarin and Bobrovsky.

Would love Werenski as one of the blue line problem solvers, but if he is available, I doubt the Hawks will be the high bidder. Stralman is going to be massively overpaid by somebody, which means the Hawks probably shouldn't go there. Otherwise, there is a lot of trash in the free agent ranks this summer.

Stan signing free agents scares me. Our track record is not wonderful. It would be nice to secure a 4th line center that can win faceoffs, but I don't see much there either.

Hell of a hire and that picture terrifies me that another team has Quenneville... just so happy he's in the East.
- Justin Lowe

Why would this terrify you? FFS, he was overrated and he’s got a squad full of young players. It’s going to be turbulent times down there. His doghouse is going to be very active and those line changes are going to be the thing of legend. I have to sympathize with the CF that’s coming to Florida.