KC Johnson has left the Tribune after something like 29 years.

Don’t know which side initiated the departure, but could it be soon that the Bulls and Hawks don’t have beat writers following teams on the road - or even that all reporting of local stories comes from AP (as do all regional, national, and international stories do now)?

Very soon after Blackhawks leave for their games oversea, there is an exhibition game where Rockford affiliate will represent Blackhawks vs (i forgot maybe NYR?)an NHL team.

If anyone does view this game, it would be interesting to know if Derek King, Icehogs head coach, is also using Colliton's system
.
Also of interest is the Icehogs lineup and the TOI particularly among dmen..i believe Laakinen would be in net so we have a strong goaltender. Boqvist leaves with parent NHL team then i foresee Beaudin, Carlsson, Tuuola as steadiest dmen then you have Kyrs too. Gilbert assigned to Icehogs then could be a descent blueline crew. Hope the forwards help out. If the NHL opponent dresses only roughly half NHL players then could be a decent match up. Tyler:If you hear about how this game goes then please pass on any pertinent nuggets.

I would drop Kampf out of the lineup completely honestly. He is not better than the other options.
- bsac1192

What kind of offensive output are you looking for from a 4th line center? Kruger never scored nine in a season but more than proved his value as a 4C.

Kampf has played parts of two seasons with similar numbers to Carpenter, and Zach Smith was able to score some goals higher up in the Sens lineup, but he likely won’t be doing that here.

Kampf definitely showed ability to win board battles, keep plays alive and flip the ice. He may actually also prove his worth playing with other NHL players who have a little bit of finish vs guys like Martinsen, Luke Johnson, etc...

A bunch of thoughts together:

I bet Dach stays and EVENTUALLY gets slotted to play games and THEN the decision on him gets made in November, but not some rush.
They have to see if he has more value helping win now as opposed to later.
He is clearly a cut above the Sikura Highmore Saarela farm hands already, and I don't think there will be a "tough decision" if he stays all season.
The tough decision is shipping out an asset who might help you win during the long season you need to be REALLY successful in to have a post season, b/c you not gonna be able to do a Rockford type call up from Saskatoon after he gets assigned there.

Keith is still their best backliner.

I am more curious as to the direction the Jets will take to fix their hole on defense on the cheap...I wonder if the overstock of bottom defenders and "close forwards" would be enough to package one of each to Winnipeg, for an outside solution to the "3rd centre problems"--Bryan Little, but he is signed until 2024 and his contract doesn't equal the two under a million hawk low end guys I want to send for help----this is why DACH stays, if he shows aptitude and ability to.

I am gonna bet the Nylander situation is one where they want him happy for a chance - and JC , "don't go to Rockford whining, improve lecture" was also intended for his ears.

I bet they want the continued relationship and the politics (the entire Jokiharju fan base seeing this deal as one sided) to improve, so Nylander's stay might have more different aspects, but I am sure it is perplexing to think you may cut a journeyman whose value is as a now plugger to allow Nylander a longer rope to hang himself on.

I think they have given Alex some nice line mates and a lot to think about to self evaluate.

I like Holm- there is something that reminds me of John Marks in his strides, and I think they are gonna see his value in both parts of the teams, parent and farm club, and don't think the looming expansion has nothing to do with loading up.

They HAVE to really win now, and it will be contingent upon lots of improvements and the last bottom pieces no matter how up and down fluid the bar ride from rockford is it will be important ones...but the idea of being so deep for the long playoff run is putting the horse before the cart.
- wiz1901

Wow a John Marks reference, another defenseman turned forward. going back to the last blog, I am totally against Bovquist being moved to a forward. Under the logic presented, Boston would of made Bobby Orr a center, as opposed to revolutionizing the defense position.

Personally, I think the odds are better that Dach stays with the team. I think the Hawks feel he is ready and it is more about Dach justifying it once they get him on the ice so they can move forward with him.

Not really much in the way of big surprises IMO. The lineup is shaping up to be a lot of what was expected. The question will be how this team plays once the games matter. Can the patch up that leaky PK and protect the lead when they have it.

Wiz
If Byram plays another exhibition then it surely means they are excited about his potential and they wantbto rrinforce to him and in him thstvhe has a long wsys to go in certain parts ofhis game.

Similar situation to Boqvist last exhibition season. Only i bet Boqvist was at least a little bit ahead of Byram in development. Still too esrly for another year or more to see whether Byram is overated.

A bunch of thoughts together:

I bet Dach stays and EVENTUALLY gets slotted to play games and THEN the decision on him gets made in November, but not some rush.
They have to see if he has more value helping win now as opposed to later.
He is clearly a cut above the Sikura Highmore Saarela farm hands already, and I don't think there will be a "tough decision" if he stays all season.
The tough decision is shipping out an asset who might help you win during the long season you need to be REALLY successful in to have a post season, b/c you not gonna be able to do a Rockford type call up from Saskatoon after he gets assigned there.

Keith is still their best backliner.

I am more curious as to the direction the Jets will take to fix their hole on defense on the cheap...I wonder if the overstock of bottom defenders and "close forwards" would be enough to package one of each to Winnipeg, for an outside solution to the "3rd centre problems"--Bryan Little, but he is signed until 2024 and his contract doesn't equal the two under a million hawk low end guys I want to send for help----this is why DACH stays, if he shows aptitude and ability to.

I am gonna bet the Nylander situation is one where they want him happy for a chance - and JC , "don't go to Rockford whining, improve lecture" was also intended for his ears.

I bet they want the continued relationship and the politics (the entire Jokiharju fan base seeing this deal as one sided) to improve, so Nylander's stay might have more different aspects, but I am sure it is perplexing to think you may cut a journeyman whose value is as a now plugger to allow Nylander a longer rope to hang himself on.

I think they have given Alex some nice line mates and a lot to think about to self evaluate.

I like Holm- there is something that reminds me of John Marks in his strides, and I think they are gonna see his value in both parts of the teams, parent and farm club, and don't think the looming expansion has nothing to do with loading up.

They HAVE to really win now, and it will be contingent upon lots of improvements and the last bottom pieces no matter how up and down fluid the bar ride from rockford is it will be important ones...but the idea of being so deep for the long playoff run is putting the horse before the cart.
- wiz1901

Nice John Marks reference.

Will withhold judgement fully, but the last game was terrible, a repeat of last year, haphazard defense, slow skating/reacting, and minor leaguers getting numerous high quality chances with the goalie standing on his head to save the day.

The hype machine has been working OT on Dach and Nylander, but neither are useful right now. Dach, injured, and still at this point completely unproven and an unknown. Nylander showed flashes in the first pre-season game, but was a ghost last game. He has to show more come Wednesday.

I AM very pleased with Gilbert. Yes, he's probably on the outside looking in, but he has been solid as a rock.

If Holm and Nilsson go unclaimed then they could still be in the mix at some point this season. After all it is a long season. I suspect that both are serviceable. Holm has plenty of professional experience. He is a back up puck mover should Gus be moved or Keith is injured. Nilsson projects as a chippy defensive sound bottom line/get this: he was a 19 goal scorer despite not really an offensive producer AND named Icehogs MVP

I do suggest that there is a good possibility either Koekkoeck or Dahlstrom does not last the entire season. It is a long ways until expansion draft and wanting bodies to be exposed for the draft. Dahlstrom appears the right type style player as a veteran (already) to stabilize the Rockford kiddie corps.

Koekkoeck either earns a 6th/ fill in role or may be moved at trade deadline. Imminent arrival of Carlsson, Boqvist, Beaudin,Mitchell so it is only a matter of exactly when a parent Blackhawk dman is moved. Should Gus perform well then i really believe that Bowman would trade him for a #1. Two dmen could be sutracted this season!

In short some dmen are going to be moved because of salary structure related to salary cap and retaining an extra dman for Expansion Draft consideration ....
It is not a major concern. So what only one dman can be taken by expansion....meanwhile we have lots of drafted dmen who will be filtering in. And there is always Gilbert, Kyrs, maybe Tuuola to join if only as reserves. Although just to highlight: Kyrs needs probably two seasons AHL. Then he is a high rewards risk #3 pair.

That is the dmen; now more about forwards

I do believe if ever Bowman contemplates trading up for a higher #1, then this is the draft he goes after another center (eventually Towes replacement) or a power forward (because Bowman knows teams advancing in playoffs include rostered couple of power forwards).

No Toewes still plays for a few more years. But Dach and another center need to make us deep at center since it us asking a lit to exoect that Toews continues major TOI. He still plays a lot but in another year and more he has a LOT of mileage and he has already changed his style to allow fir a long career.

Bowman is going to have to come uo with a plan hiw to retain both Strome and DeBrincat too BECAUSE Toews probably retires as a Blackhawk and when that season comes he will have been paid handsomely for a long time. The make up of our roster long term if Toews/Kane remain and either DeBrincat/Strome stays?

Expect an onslaught of young players. We have many whom look promising. We never have had such a harvest.

Expect next year gone: Crawford and Saad. Then we might afford both DeBrincat & Strome.

Also at some point when two of these dman prospects appear solid enough, the mathematics spells Keith's departure. It's again a salary cap issue. Keith will wind up gone for not too much - maybe a #2 round - to one of few teams he would accept - and it happens because 1) Keith represents playoff veteran whom could step up and be a force in the grueling playoffs; and 2) his value diminishes the longer he is here IF our dmen prospects each pan out. Mitchell, Boqvist, Beadin are trending as future NHL dmen (just a question of when and how good they become).

I do not know how well Colliton's system will work and how long before it works well. But i am certain good drafting and signings is going to affect the make up of this roster. Numerous changes are more likely coming after this season and not so much this season
- jhawk59

No Way. Not gonna happen. Keith is still your best defenseman AND his cap hit is not outrageous at around $5mil. He is not what he used to be, but he is far, far, far from someone that you want to get rid of. He is still a top pairing Dman on a lot of teams in the league and for sure a solid 2nd pairing guy on EVERY team in the league. You want to make space for young d-men, then besides Seabrook who you will probably never be able to shed, you still have Murphy, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom, de Haan, Maata. If Keith asks to be moved because the season is in the crapper and he wants to be on a playoff team, you accommodate him, but you better be getting more than a 2nd for him.

A bunch of thoughts together:

I bet Dach stays and EVENTUALLY gets slotted to play games and THEN the decision on him gets made in November, but not some rush.
They have to see if he has more value helping win now as opposed to later.
He is clearly a cut above the Sikura Highmore Saarela farm hands already, and I don't think there will be a "tough decision" if he stays all season.
The tough decision is shipping out an asset who might help you win during the long season you need to be REALLY successful in to have a post season, b/c you not gonna be able to do a Rockford type call up from Saskatoon after he gets assigned there.

Keith is still their best backliner.

I am more curious as to the direction the Jets will take to fix their hole on defense on the cheap...I wonder if the overstock of bottom defenders and "close forwards" would be enough to package one of each to Winnipeg, for an outside solution to the "3rd centre problems"--Bryan Little, but he is signed until 2024 and his contract doesn't equal the two under a million hawk low end guys I want to send for help----this is why DACH stays, if he shows aptitude and ability to.

I am gonna bet the Nylander situation is one where they want him happy for a chance - and JC , "don't go to Rockford whining, improve lecture" was also intended for his ears.

I bet they want the continued relationship and the politics (the entire Jokiharju fan base seeing this deal as one sided) to improve, so Nylander's stay might have more different aspects, but I am sure it is perplexing to think you may cut a journeyman whose value is as a now plugger to allow Nylander a longer rope to hang himself on.

I think they have given Alex some nice line mates and a lot to think about to self evaluate.

I like Holm- there is something that reminds me of John Marks in his strides, and I think they are gonna see his value in both parts of the teams, parent and farm club, and don't think the looming expansion has nothing to do with loading up.

They HAVE to really win now, and it will be contingent upon lots of improvements and the last bottom pieces no matter how up and down fluid the bar ride from rockford is it will be important ones...but the idea of being so deep for the long playoff run is putting the horse before the cart.
- wiz1901

Matta for Little? Leaves Dach a chance on the 1st line
as a wing and Little in between 20-65 on the 3rd with
12-17-8 on the 2nd. Would they take 4K, Dahlstrom, Gus?

Gilbert, I think is a keeper, I want him starting the year in
the Rock and being the first call up depending on the
circumstance whether or not Gus is traded and Boquist
replacing Gus

Well done JC.

Goaltending a definite strength.
Defense probably a little better than last year.
Nylander - Sometimes it is hard to adjust to playing with Toews and Kane. I would let it play out a little and give him a chance.
Dach - When he is healthy and ready, he will get a 9 game shot at 3C. I think he sticks.

I would rather see:
ADB Strome Kane
Nylander Toews Kubalik
Saad, Wedin (Dach eventually) Shaw
Caggiula - ? - ? (Kampf, Smith, Carpenter)

I don't see Saarela or Quenneville making the team. Unless there is a trade I do not see Perlini making the team either.

If DeHaan is healthy the 7th defender should be interesting. My guess is K4, but I like Gilbert as a dark horse. Don't mess with Boqvist. Let him start out at Rockford. It would be easier for him then starting with the Hawks and being sent down.

I have real questions about Colliton's defensive structure.

Also I question Colliton's ability to outwit other coaches getting favorable matchups at home. (A strength of Q).

But I am willing to give him some rope.

KC Johnson has left the Tribune after something like 29 years.

Don’t know which side initiated the departure, but could it be soon that the Bulls and Hawks don’t have beat writers following teams on the road - or even that all reporting of local stories comes from AP (as do all regional, national, and international stories do now)?
- StLBravesFan

All these writers are allowed to write anymore are "5 thoughts," "10 thoughts," "3 things to know," they aren't even articles.

No Way. Not gonna happen. Keith is still your best defenseman AND his cap hit is not outrageous at around $5mil. He is not what he used to be, but he is far, far, far from someone that you want to get rid of. He is still a top pairing Dman on a lot of teams in the league and for sure a solid 2nd pairing guy on EVERY team in the league. You want to make space for young d-men, then besides Seabrook who you will probably never be able to shed, you still have Murphy, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom, de Haan, Maata. If Keith asks to be moved because the season is in the crapper and he wants to be on a playoff team, you accommodate him, but you better be getting more than a 2nd for him.
- TheTrob

Everything you mention plus there is another aspect to it - I call it value to the team by having him on the team.

There is a reason why Dmen like Jay Bouwmeester, Deryk Engelland, Chara and until this year Dan Girardi keep getting contracts when everybody can see their best on ice days are behind them. It's because smart GM's know from experience that those types of players bring something in the way of respect to a squad in the dressing room and off the ice and to a coaching staff (especially when a team has a green horn behind the bench who is learning too).

Its a shame the NHL game for most fans has evolved into a "what's his cap hit" determination of worth to a team.

Everything you mention plus there is another aspect to it - I call it value to the team by having him on the team.

There is a reason why Dmen like Jay Bouwmeester, Deryk Engelland, Chara and until this year Dan Girardi keep getting contracts when everybody can see their best on ice days are behind them. It's because smart GM's know from experience that those types of players bring something in the way of respect to a squad in the dressing room and off the ice and to a coaching staff (especially when a team has a green horn behind the bench who is learning too).

Its a shame the NHL game for most fans has evolved into a "what's his cap hit" determination of worth to a team.
- RickJ

You want to see bad defense. Take Keith off this team.

As to your last point about cap hits, so much yes. It goes even further than that. You start wondering how to afford guys when the ELCs expire.

Sorry... he's not cleared for full practice yet. Will fix.

He's just been skating on his own.

I suspect he gets clearance this week to skate with the team.
- Tyler Cameron

Great blog Tyler, first not to nitpick but “While the "real" Blackhawks board a plan”, I believe you meant plane. Sorry it’s the proof reader in me, sometimes it raises its ugly head. I also fixed the above for you.

Now on to hockey 🏒, I think the last week or so of the preseason will be interesting. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few trades around the league. The waiver wire is also going to be interesting to watch.

CBJ Ryan MacInnis, C - Waived
CBJ Zac Dalpe, C - Waived
CBJ Adam Clendening, D - Waived
CBJ Markus Hannikainen, LW - Waived
CBJ Veini Vehvilainen, G - Sent to minors Cleveland-AHL
CBJ Doyle Somerby, D - Sent to minors Cleveland-AH

I hope the Hawks aren't considering a trade to acquire Bryan Little - OK player but he makes $5.3M for 5 more years. That would hose up cap management for Stan next summer.

You want to see bad defense. Take Keith off this team.

As to your last point about cap hits, so much yes. It goes even further than that. You start wondering how to afford guys when the ELCs expire.
- Elbows15

There are probably 30 General Managers and millions of fans who hope the Maple Loafs fry for years in NHL hell with their three $11M contracts.

ROSTER MOVE: Forward Jacob Nilsson and defenseman Philip Holm have been assigned to Rockford.

With these moves, the #Blackhawks training camp roster currently stands at 30:
- 17 forwards
- 10 defensemen
- 3 goalies

Glad to see Holm cleared.

Calgary Flames Calgary Flames Placed on waivers:

Rinat Valiev, Buddy Robinson, Andrew Nielsen,
Justin Kirkland, Byron Froese

Per Cap Friendly:

All players who were on waivers yesterday cleared.

The following players have been placed on waivers Mon, Sept 23

Buffalo #Sabres
Jean-Sebastien Dea

Calgary #Flames
Rinat Valiev
Buddy Robinson
Andrew Nielsen
Justin Kirkland
Byron Froese

Carolina #Hurricanes
Kyle Wood
Alex Lintuniemi
Roland McKeown
Brian Gibbons
Fredrik Claesson

San Jose #Sharks
Trevor Carrick
Antoine Bibeau

Minnesota #Wild
Kyle Rau
Matthew Bartkowski
Luke Johnson


Columbus #BlueJackets
Ryan Macinnis
Markus Hannikainen
Zac Dalpe
Adam Clendening

Pittsburgh #Penguins
David Warsofsky
Kevin Czuczman
Ryan Haggerty
Thomas Di Pauli
Joseph Cramarossa
Joseph Blandisi
Andrew Agozzino

Colorado #Avalanche
Anton Lindholm
Mark Alt

Los Angeles #Kings
Martin Frk

You want to see bad defense. Take Keith off this team.

As to your last point about cap hits, so much yes. It goes even further than that. You start wondering how to afford guys when the ELCs expire.
- Elbows15

The biggest issue I see with this defensive scheme is the D and to some extent the F don't know where the release point is to clear the zone.

The D to D passing is subpar and far to many times guys just eat pucks in the corner (which usually leads to a turnover). There doesn't appear to be a structure that allows for easy exits and transition back the other way.

I am sure many of us are tired of seeing the puck thrown around the boards to an empty wing or to the opposing teams D/F that is on the point. Not an expert but I assume this stems, at least in part, from lack of structure and players not understanding where they should be?

It is a recipe for disaster and minute plus possessions by the opposing team in our zone.

Calgary Flames Calgary Flames Placed on waivers:

Rinat Valiev, Buddy Robinson, Andrew Nielsen,
Justin Kirkland, Byron Froese
- walleyeb1

Sounds like one of the guys from the Bob Luce All Star wrestling show.

No Way. Not gonna happen. Keith is still your best defenseman AND his cap hit is not outrageous at around $5mil. He is not what he used to be, but he is far, far, far from someone that you want to get rid of. He is still a top pairing Dman on a lot of teams in the league and for sure a solid 2nd pairing guy on EVERY team in the league. You want to make space for young d-men, then besides Seabrook who you will probably never be able to shed, you still have Murphy, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom, deyou dsy. Haan, Maata. If Keith asks to be moved because the season is in the crapper and he wants to be on a playoff team, you accommodate him, but you better be getting more than a 2nd for him.
- TheTrob

I am tentatively agreeing that Keith means as much as you say. Say after two years Mitchell and Beaudin are playing well and playing a lot. By then Boqvist is going to be here getting playing time. Carlsson and Gilbert - one or both -are correct type of complementary dmen. At this time what is so unimaginable now MIGHT happen. It is a way to shed more cap dollars im favor of younger talent.

Yet poster Rick is correct when he mentioned the value of Keith extends to the respect factor and other points there is not ststistics really to measure. Hiw much ice Keith gets in two years - he might have to accept playing less. I am just saying two trade deadlines from now he MIGHT be traded. A lot of thought will go into it. He means a lot even if youngsters come along really well.

It could happen