I like Brendan Dillon. I remember him giving Kane fits in a game this season at the UC. I do not think that he will cost too much in a trade either.

Hawks are a 1st class organization. They keep in touch with their NCAA and junior kids. Much like every organization does. They left the decision up to him and they have stated in the past, they support the decision these kids make.

Maybe the kid has a sense of loyalty and feels he has some unfinished business at DU. Its a great program which should be in the hunt for a NCAA title next season. Add in the chance he could be Captain of the team and staying makes a whole of sense. At least to me it does.
- Elbows15

Not necessarily the case for Mitchell as he hasn’t explicitly said this but many NCAA prospects also see the value of getting a college degree. That was the case for Hayden and Sikura.

I say we forget about the feel good bring the home town guy back stories. Why waste one of the 50 man contract spots on Darling when Forsberg, Lankinen and Gravel are in the pipeline? Personally hope to resign Forsberg. Maybe he's one of the types that need to mature and grow into the job. Have him available in case Delia wets the bed next year as the backup to Cro.
- boilermaker100

I’m with you actually. Prefer not to go after Darling but just can see the organization considering it. Would rather stick with Delia, Forsberg, and Lankinen.

The Athletic also has an analysis of the Hawks D up today, more of season grades than future look, but some really good stuff. Here’s Scott Powers’ on Duncan Keith’s season:

SP: If you want to measure this Duncan Keith to the Duncan Keith of the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup teams, then he’s not going to stand up. But if you want to gauge him on where he’s at in his career, how he’s still used and what he still does, then he’s exceeding expectations. He turns 36 in June and again led the Blackhawks in ice time. He was still put in all situations and still drove possession, defended and was on the ice for many more goals for than against. Honestly, he should be in a lesser role at this stage of his career. He’d do even more if his main responsibility was just even-strength play. He was one of the league’s top-30 defensemen in even-strength play, according to Evolving-Hockey.com. He did play much better this season than in the previous one. Age catches up to players and it’s on the Blackhawks for not better preparing for the future with their defensemen. There are quality defensemen coming, but they should have been here already. Keith may not be the same player he was five years ago, but he still carried the defense this season. Final grade: A-minus

Except for the first few games, I don't think Delia showed any more than Forsberg did 2 years ago.
- LAHawk

Minor league goaltender. NHL shooters figure those guys out very quickly. Lots of minor league playing time best for his development.

Powers also had an article on Mitchell where he asked him about signing with CHI. Mitchell said he had no idea where people would get the idea that he did not want to join the Hawks. He was very positive about the prospect of joining the Hawks in the future.

Yes, there is always the chance that he bolts, but as of right now there is nothing directly from him that states otherwise.
- Chunk

The article also points out he’s just finishing his sophomore year. Mitchell’s comments sounded like he’ll sin next year, after his junior season. I wouldn’t sweat him staying out 2 more years to go FA.

Our blueline is bad, but it is also full unless we are moving out everyone other than Keith and Seabrook (since we can't move them).

Murphy
Gus
Joki
Dahlstrom

all of these guys are signed for next year and 4K and Forsling might be resigned. Does Mitchell beat out any of them right now?
- Chunk

All im saying is if he thinks he's top 4 material, why sign elsewhere.

If he plays better than any of those dmen he will start.

Powers on Murphy:

SP: Connor Murphy will probably never stop being compared to Niklas Hjalmarsson. The same goes for Brandon Saad with Artemi Panarin. Saad may never win that comparison. Murphy, though? He closed the gap at least this season. Murphy and Hjalmarsson were two of the league’s top shutdown defensemen this season. Here’s a look at some numbers from Natural Stat Trick:

Offensive zone starting percentage: Hjalmarsson 28.31, Murphy 35.19

Corsi percentage: Hjalmarsson 49.63, Murphy 48.63

Expected-goals percentage: Hjalmarsson 52.73, Murphy 44.44

Actual-goals percentage: Hjalmarsson 45.05, Murphy 54.67

One of the alarming stats for Murphy was he was on the ice for 13.7 high-danger chances against per 60 minutes. He was eighth-worst among league defensemen.

Two things
1- Hawks are not trading Gus
2- Myth
A training camp with JC will change everything, it won’t

Radulov is an idiot

Two things
1- Hawks are not trading Gus
2- Myth
A training camp with JC will change everything, it won’t
- Colbyboy

So much for next season

I like Brendan Dillon. I remember him giving Kane fits in a game this season at the UC. I do not think that he will cost too much in a trade either.
- KMFDMLight

I’d go after Pesce, offer up DeBrincat and make it happen Stan!

But those few games showed how good he could be - not just the stats, but the way he looked in the net - quick, efficient, squared to the puck - he really looked like an NHL goalie.

Not sure Forsberg has looked that good yet - at least not here.
- StLBravesFan

Yes Delia looked good early than the league had the chance to review tape and expose his weak spots.

As for Forsberg , maybe he hasn't improved since his time here in 17-18 and he's not the answer as a backup.

You'll know what Bowman and company think about both of them if they sign a veteran backup this summer.

Two things
1- Hawks are not trading Gus
2- Myth
A training camp with JC will change everything, it won’t
- Colbyboy

1. No, they will move him to forward
2. Yes it will, the Hawks will be worse

Goaltending - The defense could get better, but it will not be stellar. If Crow is not able to play 55+/- games at an elite level then next year will be a transition year no matter who the backup is. I like Forsberg better than Delia, and Ward better than either of them (but just a little).

D - Hawks could move Gus, but I doubt it.

Just because players can play either side does not mean they play at the same level on both sides. Hjamarlsson is a good example. In the Dzone he was just as good on either side. In the Ozone he was pretty worthless at the right point.

A shot blocker would be great. That would help the PK and maybe others would take the cue from him.

Keith L, Seabs R, Joki R, Gus L, Murphy R, probably will be back. I am thinking one of Forsling L / Dahlstrom L will be back. I would sign both and send one to the Rock. There are several top 4 candidates out there. The new D man could be L or R, ability to play both would be a plus at least in the Dzone. If it is a R maybe Seabs sits more. If it is a L Dahlstom or Forsling sit more. When the new Dman plays and Seabs plays the new guy slides to the left side.

Key to a better defensive team is Crow being healthy and playing at an elite level, adding 1 or 2 D minded physical/mean/fast forwards in the bottom 6, commitment to D up and down the lineup (and behind the bench), a full training camp that stresses D.

Yes Delia looked good early than the league had the chance to review tape and expose his weak spots.

As for Forsberg , maybe he hasn't improved since his time here in 17-18 and he's not the answer as a backup.

You'll know what Bowman and company think about both of them if they sign a veteran backup this summer.
- boilermaker100

I think it's impressive that Delia and CC shared the same save percentage this season.

Delia > Forsberg

Agree, any new defenders brought in whether through free agency or trade would be ideally on short-term deals or expiring contracts. Some of the examples TC listed fit that criteria. Boilermaker also discussed the option of exposing them in the Seattle expansion draft if they are still on the team at that point.
- AEL_Fox

This

Saros coming in already

Carolina doesn't need Gus, they still have Faulk and Hamilton (18 goals) to run the point on the power play. Nice trade for the Hawks, but I do not see Carolina interested.
- LAHawk

Probably. My point was more about not just throwing guys (assets) into a trade just to make it happen.

Last year people were suggesting giving up a boatload of young players for Duchene to make that trade happen: Dinky, Schmaltz, Forsling, others.

Rinne pulled after allowing 4 goals in the 1st.

Watching last and this year's playoffs, i agree, he really isn't that good, makes some good plays, but all in all not impressed
- BetweenTheDots

I like him. Don't get me wrong but i just don't think he bring enough to be paid twice as much as Murphy. Their 5 v 5 scoring isn't that far off of each other aside from this season. Trouba is better for sure but not twice as much better. At least to me.

I like Brendan Dillon. I remember him giving Kane fits in a game this season at the UC. I do not think that he will cost too much in a trade either.
- KMFDMLight

Who does he play for?

Powers on Murphy:

SP: Connor Murphy will probably never stop being compared to Niklas Hjalmarsson. The same goes for Brandon Saad with Artemi Panarin. Saad may never win that comparison. Murphy, though? He closed the gap at least this season. Murphy and Hjalmarsson were two of the league’s top shutdown defensemen this season. Here’s a look at some numbers from Natural Stat Trick:

Offensive zone starting percentage: Hjalmarsson 28.31, Murphy 35.19

Corsi percentage: Hjalmarsson 49.63, Murphy 48.63

Expected-goals percentage: Hjalmarsson 52.73, Murphy 44.44

Actual-goals percentage: Hjalmarsson 45.05, Murphy 54.67

One of the alarming stats for Murphy was he was on the ice for 13.7 high-danger chances against per 60 minutes. He was eighth-worst among league defensemen.
- scottak

With a revolving door of partners with limited NHL experience.

Who does he play for?
- BGKarras

Sharks. Wears #4. He is a pretty good shutdown d-man. Be the perfect partner for Murph. Not sure the Sharks are looking to move him though.

Sharks. Wears #4. He is a pretty good shutdown d-man. Be the perfect partner for Murph. Not sure the Sharks are looking to move him though.
- Elbows15

Better delete any tape you have of him playing with Burns in this series vs Vegas. Loads of mistakes.