I think he might be part of a package with other assets (AA?) going away. He might be a serviceable 3rd pair guy for someone.

Koekkoek's underlying numbers were significantly better than Forsling & Dahlstrom. KK also fits Stan's recent proclivity for grabbing high draft picks who haven't yet panned out with their original club.
- scottak

So do they resign him or just QO him?

Kook did not impress me in his short audition .Decent price ,hope he proves me wrong
- oldduffman

He'll be given a role that he can prepare for in the summer and then a trainig camp to apply it, hopefully he can show something then.

I think he might be part of a package with other assets (AA?) going away. He might be a serviceable 3rd pair guy for someone.

Koekkoek's underlying numbers were significantly better than Forsling & Dahlstrom. KK also fits Stan's recent proclivity for grabbing high draft picks who haven't yet panned out with their original club.
- scottak

I know that moves can be made right now, but I would guess that any move that is made prior to the draft and free agency is simply asset management. Especially considering the comments that have been made at or since the end of the year about not having the same roster, and needing to be better defensively.

Here is the year end analysis of Koekkoek from Powers & Lazarus in The Athletic. Note KK’s numbers.

Slater Koekkoek

ML: You could do worse than Koekkoek as your No. 6. In a decent sample size of 22 games, he had a positive Corsi (52.01), a positive xGF (51.63) and a positive actual GF (54.05). That’s no small feat on this team, especially considering he wasn’t heavily sheltered (he started about 51 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, compared with Gustafsson, who started nearly 61 percent of his in the offensive zone). He doesn’t provide much offense, but he’ll surely be re-signed and will again be in the mix for a rotational spot on the blue line. Again, ideally, you’d like him to be a depth guy with prospects or free-agent signings leapfrogging him in the organizational hierarchy. But he was fine. Final grade: C

SP: If you’re weighing who will be the sixth or seventh defenseman next season out of Koekkoek, Forsling and Dahlstrom, there’s an argument for Koekkoek. His numbers indicate the Blackhawks were doing better with him on the ice than the others. Colliton seemed to recognize that down the stretch too. Koekkoek was getting more opportunities than Dahlstrom. The Blackhawks will have to decide whether to re-sign Koekkoek and how he fits into the big picture, but he’s worthy of consideration. He’s not a bad pickup in the Jan Rutta trade. Final grade: B-minus

The Hawks need to plan on Crow being healthy and playing 55+/- games at an elite level. I hope they sign Forsberg. I am not convince Delia is the answer (yet). I would rather have Forsberg, Delia, and Lankinen compete for the backup spot in training camp. Any update on Nalimov?

Wedin - Does anyone know if his contract has the return to Sweden claus if he does not make the Hawks roster or could he play in Rockford?

Entwistle is going to be a very intriguing player to watch in camp.

I wonder how many of these young players will play in the rookie tournament before camp.

I think you may be right... you can insert a couple other names in there as well:

Sikura, Perlini, Hayden.


I believe there will be some moves to move out a couple forwards and/or defencemen.
- Tyler Cameron

Yep. For the first time in years there could be some real training camp battles. For the first time in years some pretty decent forwards (with NHL potential) could be sent down to Rockford to start the season. That is a good thing for the team, the fans and the posters on this blog.

Here is the year end analysis of Koekkoek from Powers & Lazarus in The Athletic. Note KK’s numbers.

Slater Koekkoek

ML: You could do worse than Koekkoek as your No. 6. In a decent sample size of 22 games, he had a positive Corsi (52.01), a positive xGF (51.63) and a positive actual GF (54.05). That’s no small feat on this team, especially considering he wasn’t heavily sheltered (he started about 51 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, compared with Gustafsson, who started nearly 61 percent of his in the offensive zone). He doesn’t provide much offense, but he’ll surely be re-signed and will again be in the mix for a rotational spot on the blue line. Again, ideally, you’d like him to be a depth guy with prospects or free-agent signings leapfrogging him in the organizational hierarchy. But he was fine. Final grade: C

SP: If you’re weighing who will be the sixth or seventh defenseman next season out of Koekkoek, Forsling and Dahlstrom, there’s an argument for Koekkoek. His numbers indicate the Blackhawks were doing better with him on the ice than the others. Colliton seemed to recognize that down the stretch too. Koekkoek was getting more opportunities than Dahlstrom. The Blackhawks will have to decide whether to re-sign Koekkoek and how he fits into the big picture, but he’s worthy of consideration. He’s not a bad pickup in the Jan Rutta trade. Final grade: B-minus
- scottak

Between Dahlstrom, Koekkoek and Forsling only one should return and be in the 7D spot. I don't really have a preference on which one it is. Maybe Dahlstrom and Forsling (if re-signed) start the season in Rockford as I think they are still waiver exempt.

Forsling is an interesting situation. He hasn't done enough to be a full time NHLer but he's still young and tough to give up on.

This is the key. I think Stan will move out a couple forwards this summer, either to get help on defense or free up rosters space.

Not that we need another lineup discussion but I'll post one anyone because it's Monday and I don't want to work. Based on the fowards who ended theseason with Chicago and are still under contract:

OPEN - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - OPEN
Saad - Anisimov (flight risk) - Kahun
Cagguila - OPEN - OPEN
Hayden (flight risk)

Open Roster Spots - 4

RFAs:

Kampf
Perlini
Sikura
Johnson

Rockford / Prospects (signed)

Kubalik
Nilsson
Highmore
Kuraschev
Soderlund
Entwistle
Wedin

There are plenty of open roster spots and I think there will be even more. I would be surprised to see AA and Hayden on the opening day roster (note: I am not advocating a trade, this is just what I anticipate). I would also expect Kampf and Sikura to be re-signed. Kampf can be a solid 4th lines and Sikura had a strong finish to the season in Chicago and Rockford. Perlini will likely be re-signed, but less likely than the other two. I could see him as part of a deal in the summer.

The only prospect I could see making the team (to start) is Kubalik. Highmore (if healthy) will likely get a shot eventually but he'll start in Rockford. Kuraschev and Entwistle will be watched closely, they could get a cup of coffee with the big club at some point.
- DarthKane

This. The forward group could get even more crowded if they sign a Tanev (or Tanev type) for the 4th line (I kind of like Caggiula, Kampf, Tanev). Not to mention the possibility of drafting a forward with the #3 pick. They would at least have to give that player a look in camp. The real question is does Stan do something more major like going after a young veteran top 6 forward, top 4 Dman or 3C. Or does he keep most of his cap space for TDL shopping. There are a ton of good possibilities.

There aren't too many teams that actually have six top-6 forwards. Chicago has five, but Saad seems to be on the third line to create depth. Chicago's issues last year where's scoring, it was defense.

It's likely that their offensive game will regress a bit, but that will be ok if their defense is improved. While not flashy, moves like signing guys like Tanev are exactly what this team needs (in addition to drafting Caufield).
- DarthKane

Don't forget to include acquiring Frolik for the bottom 6 and PK. I would not mind a roster of Toews, Kane, ADB, Strome, Saad, Kahun, Kampf, Frolik, Tanev, Kubalik, Caggiula, Sikura, Perlini, Keith, Murphy, Joki, Byram, Seabs, Gus, Dahlstrom, Crow, Forsberg. With $10mil in cap space for TDL shopping for a good rental (so we have space to resign ADB and Strome over the summer).

Koekkoek resigned by Blackhawks, 1 year $925,000, per NHL.com
- scottak

1) Creates trade options with extra dmen as trade pieces.
2) Sets up a battle in camp.
3) Could have a pretty D corp in Rockford.
4) They are not going to be able to move Seabs (right?)

I would still try to sign Forsling. (for all of the above reasons).

Koekkoek resigned by Blackhawks, 1 year $925,000, per NHL.com
- scottak

Kooky signing...I had too.

This. The forward group could get even more crowded if they sign a Tanev (or Tanev type) for the 4th line (I kind of like Caggiula, Kampf, Tanev). Not to mention the possibility of drafting a forward with the #3 pick. They would at least have to give that player a look in camp. The real question is does Stan do something more major like going after a young veteran top 6 forward, top 4 Dman or 3C. Or does he keep most of his cap space for TDL shopping. There are a ton of good possibilities.
- -Doh-

Caufield!

Don't understand the irrational hatred some players cause in some fans. Sikura was a 6th round pick who went the college route and improved his game to the point he was one of the best college players in his junior and senior years. He comes to the Hawks and struggles and goes to Rockford. He's one of the best players on Rockford while there so he comes back to the Hawks. He's noticeably better in all facets except he's snake bit at putting the puck in the net.

He's not a wonder boy. He never was a wonder boy. He's a 6th round pick who plays hard and has a chance to carve out a career in the NHL as a 2-way player with some offensive ability. I applaud him for the improvements he's made and hope he proves his naysayers wrong.
- EbonyRaptor

Some fans are hard driving. Too much so

Many things in life have to be the best: any flaws or weaknesses are difficult to tolerate. Success begets success. The only time they weren't on top of everything was when they were just born. They only know one way, not the many paths people take as they strive to get.to the top. Sikura....he's too weak. I wonder if they only have stocks that constantly are going.up? Some fans are just too persnickity about everything.in life

5 Blackhawks thoughts for your Monday morning:

http://bit.ly/2YjW1Ro

- Hawks sign Wedin
- Ejdsell goes home
- Lankinen can play
- NHL playoffs
- Entwistle wins again
- Tyler Cameron

- Hawks sign Wedin
Roster competition for bottom 6 but don't see him being anything special. I see Nilsson 2.0 with a little more talent but not as much sandpaper. Agree, it will be tough for him to make the Hawks with so many options even before considering free agency and potential trades as well as the #3 pick.

- Ejdsell goes home
Good riddance. He wasn't an impact player for the Hogs outside of the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs. I read that the Hawks still retain his rights even though he signed for 2 years in Sweden. If he returns in a few years a much better player, then could be worth the wait. Not holding my breath, though.

- Lankinen can play
Guessing that Forsberg finds a greener pasture leaving Lankinen as the starter in Rockford assuming Delia is the Hawks backup. If that's the case, either Tomkins or Marchand is the backup for the Hogs. Maybe Nalimov finally signs and crosses over? Or the Hawks make the jump to sign Gravel to an ELC now?

- NHL playoffs
My pick for Cup winners is the Bruins over the Sharks in 6 games.

- Entwistle wins again
Entwistle and Kurashev may be amongst the last cuts in training camp in September, then have starring roles in Rockford playing in the top 6 there. Possible cups of coffee later in the season, then challenge for starting jobs in 2020-21.

1) Creates trade options with extra dmen as trade pieces.
2) Sets up a battle in camp.
3) Could have a pretty D corp in Rockford.
4) They are not going to be able to move Seabs (right?)

I would still try to sign Forsling. (for all of the above reasons).
- -Doh-

Definitely feels like last year, where we had a lot of guys that seemed to be "slotted in" and I think you are bang on in #1. There will likely be trades and parts moved that will shift the landscape.

1) Creates trade options with extra dmen as trade pieces.
2) Sets up a battle in camp.
3) Could have a pretty D corp in Rockford.
4) They are not going to be able to move Seabs (right?)

I would still try to sign Forsling. (for all of the above reasons).
- -Doh-

he also has one thing this D is really missing is speed.
Keith no longer has it AVG at this point
Seabs and murphy below avg
Gus is a above AVG but not a burner
Forsling is good on his skates but is not fast end to end.
Dahlstrom is AVG.
Joki is a plus skater.

Between Dahlstrom, Koekkoek and Forsling only one should return and be in the 7D spot. I don't really have a preference on which one it is. Maybe Dahlstrom and Forsling (if re-signed) start the season in Rockford as I think they are still waiver exempt.

Forsling is an interesting situation. He hasn't done enough to be a full time NHLer but he's still young and tough to give up on.
- DarthKane

They each have a strength or points you like about their game. Improvement, consistency will play a big role in determining their future.

I have mentioned of the threesome, that Koekkoek shows the mraness or willingness to lay a heavy hit. Dahlstrom at times was using his big frame well in physical plays. Forsling is the golden boy if he amps up his consistency because he has the quick react make plays at speed. Bowman and Q really wanted to steer him through just because that abulity, but Firsling wasn't ready

Right place, right time a prospect could.turn the corner. You could go by their draft rating but that is outdated. Like wiz said about Forsling i will say actually about each one: givevthem ti maybevDecembervto show enough improvement.

There is not really a magical date how long to wait on each player. They arev relatively cheap but other prospects are pushing and getting closer.

I am.personally intrigued by Tuulola how he might surprise even later on in another organization.

Tyler Cameron refused on at least two occassions inasked for explanation to say why he does not like Koekkoek. Must believe K just sucks worse among the threesome.

Byram's Vancouver will play tonight against Leason's Prince Albert in Game-7 for the WHL championship. Entwistle's Guelph is the OHL champion and Rouyn-Noranda is the QMJHL champion, and Halifax is the host team. Memorial Cup tournament starts on Friday.

Good blog, TC.

RE: Koekoek. Good move. I'd expect Stan to package Forsling up in a trade. As others have said, he's shown great flashes and is still young, but biggest concern with him are his injury issues. Some guys are just injury prone, and they also tend to stay that way throughout their careers.

Byram's Vancouver will play tonight against Leason's Prince Albert in Game-7 for the WHL championship. Entwistle's Guelph is the OHL champion and Rouyn-Noranda is the QMJHL champion, and Halifax is the host team. Memorial Cup tournament starts on Friday.
- EbonyRaptor

Fingers crossed that the Giants can complete the comeback.

Good blog, TC.

RE: Koekoek. Good move. I'd expect Stan to package Forsling up in a trade. As others have said, he's shown great flashes and is still young, but biggest concern with him are his injury issues. Some guys are just injury prone, and they also tend to stay that way throughout their careers.
- Bjm84

I expect Forsling will be re-signed as well. That being said, signing Koekkoek, Forsling and Dahlstrom doesn't mean they will start in Chicago next season or even be with the organization. Worst case scenario with these guys is that they are lost of waivers or traded for minimal return. Not a real loss either way.

Koekkoek resigned by Blackhawks, 1 year $925,000, per NHL.com
- scottak

Interesting to see he is signed before Forsling.

I can see a few trades going down leading up to and at the draft to move some of these extra bodies.

I'm not saying they'll just be dumping a guy like Forsling or Dahlstrom, but there could be moves made for picks or other prospects (who maybe aren't as far along).

Caufield!
- DarthKane

DK, just curious as to why you would go Caufield over Cozens or Turcotte.

Question (not saying the Hawks should even consider trading #3) if Byram is available at #3, and Toronto would want him, (I know they have supposedly stud defenseman on the Marlies), what would you want from Toronto?

Interesting to see he is signed before Forsling.

I can see a few trades going down leading up to and at the draft to move some of these extra bodies.

I'm not saying they'll just be dumping a guy like Forsling or Dahlstrom, but there could be moves made for picks or other prospects (who maybe aren't as far along).
- Tyler Cameron

Wonder how much that has to do with the player’s agent? Murray Kuntz is Koekkoek’s agent, not sure who’s representing Forsling now.