I think we all know where this team is currently. We don’t have a way back machine to undo all of the mistakes that have gotten us here. How does this mess get fixed?

I told my ticket rep when Q got fired, they fired the wrong guy. Still believe that. Because that roster as constructed was a total loser. Just had a conversation with my new ticket rep and told her they need a builder at GM, not a tinkerer. Because this roster as constructed is still not a winner.

So I want a new architect at the GM position. Question for me is who, when?

When? Before the trade deadline or immediately following the end of game 82 at the latest (with Bowman cut off from any trades). The hockey equivalent of the physician’s oath - first do no (more) harm.

Who? This one is trickier. Mark Hunter? Chris Chelios? McIssac? For me I want someone new to the org who will give everything a fresh eye and critical review. I want someone with scouting expertise.

I think we all know where this team is currently. We don’t have a way back machine to undo all of the mistakes that have gotten us here. How does this mess get fixed?

I told my ticket rep when Q got fired, they fired the wrong guy. Still believe that. Because that roster as constructed was a total loser. Just had a conversation with my new ticket rep and told her they need a builder at GM, not a tinkerer. Because this roster as constructed is still not a winner.

So I want a new architect at the GM position. Question for me is who, when?

When? Before the trade deadline or immediately following the end of game 82 at the latest (with Bowman cut off from any trades). The hockey equivalent of the physician’s oath - first do no (more) harm.

Who? This one is trickier. Mark Hunter? Chris Chelios? McIssac? For me I want someone new to the org who will give everything a fresh eye and critical review. I want someone with scouting expertise.
- Marlowe

Well put
many fans are where you are moving forward-
I know I am -

Well put
many fans are where you are moving forward-
I know I am -
- Colbyboy

It's true that many are having a temper tantrum.

I'll give you faster, but Schmaltz is not much (if any) better defensively (individually) than Strome. I've seen plenty of yotes games this year and Schmaltz is the same guy he was here. He just has more confidence offensively and better awareness with where to go with the puck. AZ plays a bit of that "swarming" defense game which covers up a decent amount of individual flaws as long as everyone is on it.

Schmaltz was a decent back-checker when he was here, and still is, but positionally in his own zone, he is still a disaster, and he still gets knocked off the puck, out of the corners quite easily.
- Chunk

Does Strome even make it to the corners?

If deHaan is out for an extended period that seals the Hawks fate. They were barely a marginal playoff contender with him. Without him they are out of contention. We would basically be back to last year, playing 3 or 4 AHL caliber defensemen every night.

Actually that could work out for the Hawks and make decisions easier for Bowman. Gus is a goner. A lottery pick (probably one of the first 4). Trade Lehner and/or Crow. Stop playing Keith and Kane so many minutes. Give Lankinen a shot at the NHL level. Sign Mitchell, it might be too late for this year, but he will definitely see there is room for him in Chicago next year. Play Smith as much as possible and see if you can move his contract. Play Boqvist and Dach extended minutes.

A problem might be a willingness to give Colliton a longer look (next year) because he is coaching a team with 10 AHL players (last year and this year).

I think we all know where this team is currently. We don’t have a way back machine to undo all of the mistakes that have gotten us here. How does this mess get fixed?

I told my ticket rep when Q got fired, they fired the wrong guy. Still believe that. Because that roster as constructed was a total loser. Just had a conversation with my new ticket rep and told her they need a builder at GM, not a tinkerer. Because this roster as constructed is still not a winner.

So I want a new architect at the GM position. Question for me is who, when?

When? Before the trade deadline or immediately following the end of game 82 at the latest (with Bowman cut off from any trades). The hockey equivalent of the physician’s oath - first do no (more) harm.

Who? This one is trickier. Mark Hunter? Chris Chelios? McIssac? For me I want someone new to the org who will give everything a fresh eye and critical review. I want someone with scouting expertise.
- Marlowe

Ron Hextall

Stanley never deserved being a GM

If deHaan is out for an extended period that seals the Hawks fate. They were barely a marginal playoff contender with him. Without him they are out of contention. We would basically be back to last year, playing 3 or 4 AHL caliber defensemen every night.

Actually that could work out for the Hawks and make decisions easier for Bowman. Gus is a goner. A lottery pick (probably one of the first 4). Trade Lehner and/or Crow. Stop playing Keith and Kane so many minutes. Give Lankinen a shot at the NHL level. Sign Mitchell, it might be too late for this year, but he will definitely see there is room for him in Chicago next year. Play Smith as much as possible and see if you can move his contract. Play Boqvist and Dach extended minutes.

A problem might be a willingness to give Colliton a longer look (next year) because he is coaching a team with 10 AHL players (last year and this year).
- -Doh-

Lankinen could be a real NHL goalie, the Rock obviously plays
like it's big brother

https://icehogs.com/

It's true that many are having a temper tantrum.
- mohel

That is very true. During that last conversation with my ticket rep she commented about a lot of season ticket holders calling their reps and yelling. So ah yeah. (Not that it’s doing any good as far as I can tell.)

Agree there Darth,Bottom line is this team is horsepoop and until Rocky gets a set of balls and fires Stan Bowman and Jeremy Colliton it’ll be the same bullpoop, I bet they will lose at least 5000 season-ticket holder’s,Empty seats are not in their plan I don’t buy that rebuild crap one bit.Colliton has lost his team.And Gus is skating around like he gives two (frank)s.
- wonthecup10

They've lost over 10k people off of the waiting list over the past 2-3 years. I know because I was around 10k and was offered season tix for this season. The bleeding is real, and they are feeling it.

That is very true. During that last conversation with my ticket rep she commented about a lot of season ticket holders calling their reps and yelling. So ah yeah. (Not that it’s doing any good as far as I can tell.)
- Marlowe

Temper tantrums =/= effective decision-making.

They've lost over 10k people off of the waiting list over the past 2-3 years. I know because I was around 10k and was offered season tix for this season. The bleeding is real, and they are feeling it.
- tazer_and_diet

Question....how does a team acquire GREAT, foundational players in today's NHL?

I think we all know where this team is currently. We don’t have a way back machine to undo all of the mistakes that have gotten us here. How does this mess get fixed?

I told my ticket rep when Q got fired, they fired the wrong guy. Still believe that. Because that roster as constructed was a total loser. Just had a conversation with my new ticket rep and told her they need a builder at GM, not a tinkerer. Because this roster as constructed is still not a winner.

So I want a new architect at the GM position. Question for me is who, when?

When? Before the trade deadline or immediately following the end of game 82 at the latest (with Bowman cut off from any trades). The hockey equivalent of the physician’s oath - first do no (more) harm.

Who? This one is trickier. Mark Hunter? Chris Chelios? McIssac? For me I want someone new to the org who will give everything a fresh eye and critical review. I want someone with scouting expertise.
- Marlowe

Well said. Second city wrote a article just recently discussing 4 possible candidates Chicago could look to as potential GM candidates.

We can debate if it was the the right move to fire hall of fame coach Joel quenville.

I think Stan should have been fired years ago just because he created this mess , from depleting his prospects, to bad contract signings , weak drafting , poor free agent signings and awful trades that where so unbalanced .

Coach Q deserved better and his record of accomplishments proved he could still win with a weak team.

JC is in way over his head and his post game interviews are just the same in terms of speech , if we play the right way we can win, who's job is it to implement systems and coach these players to achieve ,

Their is no magic wand to fix this team right away that is a process, but change is long overdue and welcomed.

Well said. Second city wrote a article just recently discussing 4 possible candidates Chicago could look to as potential GM candidates.

We can debate if it was the the right move to fire hall of fame coach Joel quenville.

I think Stan should have been fired years ago just because he created this mess , from depleting his prospects, to bad contract signings , weak drafting , poor free agent signings and awful trades that where so unbalanced .

Coach Q deserved better and his record of accomplishments proved he could still win with a weak team.

JC is in way over his head and his post game interviews are just the same in terms of speech , if we play the right way we can win, who's job is it to implement systems and coach these players to achieve ,

Their is no magic wand to fix this team right away that is a process, but change is long overdue and welcomed.
- Taylorst1

Chicago Blackhawks, 2020 Central Division Champions.

Question....how does a team acquire GREAT, foundational players in today's NHL?
- mohel

Not sure how I got in your path of burning down all fan irrationality, I am generally in agreement with you. I'm just stating facts, they are losing season ticket holders.

Regardless, to your point, with DeHaan and Keith being out, the Blackhawks are likely done for the year and should treat this as a development year. Luckily, that also includes losing a lot of games and getting a higher draft pick, allowing them to (hopefully) acquire a GREAT, foundational player.

They should also be looking to make trades that will improve the team in the long-term. If that includes trading core players, then they should do that.

Edit: It doesn't help that they have one of the highest ticket prices in the NHL. They need to start cutting prices, especially in the 300 level, and get the diehards back in that they have priced out.

Not sure how I got in your path of burning down all fan irrationality, I am generally in agreement with you. I'm just stating facts, they are losing season ticket holders.

Regardless, to your point, with DeHaan and Keith being out, the Blackhawks are likely done for the year and should treat this as a development year. Luckily that also includes losing a lot of games and getting a higher draft pick, allowing them to (hopefully) acquire a GREAT, foundational player.

They should also be looking to make trades that will improve the team in the long-term. If that includes trading core players, then they should do that.
- tazer_and_diet

Sorry, Tazer, I was asking the class - should've been clearer on that. My belief is they need a couple real studs. Generally that happens at the top of the draft now. The fans who want to sneak into the playoffs as a middling team are thinking in a short-sighted, emotional fashion, because they will not get the players they need picking in the middle of the draft every year. Hopefully Dach and Boqvist are two of those guys.

Not sure how I got in your path of burning down all fan irrationality, I am generally in agreement with you. I'm just stating facts, they are losing season ticket holders.

Regardless, to your point, with DeHaan and Keith being out, the Blackhawks are likely done for the year and should treat this as a development year. Luckily, that also includes losing a lot of games and getting a higher draft pick, allowing them to (hopefully) acquire a GREAT, foundational player.

They should also be looking to make trades that will improve the team in the long-term. If that includes trading core players, then they should do that.

Edit: It doesn't help that they have one of the highest ticket prices in the NHL. They need to start cutting prices, especially in the 300 level, and get the diehards back in that they have priced out.
- tazer_and_diet

To your edit - they surely knew fans would leave if they announced a rebuild 1.5 years ago. That's why they're doing it on the quiet. But they will leave, and be back.

Well said. Second city wrote a article just recently discussing 4 possible candidates Chicago could look to as potential GM candidates.

We can debate if it was the the right move to fire hall of fame coach Joel quenville.

I think Stan should have been fired years ago just because he created this mess , from depleting his prospects, to bad contract signings , weak drafting , poor free agent signings and awful trades that where so unbalanced .

Coach Q deserved better and his record of accomplishments proved he could still win with a weak team.

JC is in way over his head and his post game interviews are just the same in terms of speech , if we play the right way we can win, who's job is it to implement systems and coach these players to achieve ,

Their is no magic wand to fix this team right away that is a process, but change is long overdue and welcomed.
- Taylorst1

There is no magic wand, you're right but part of the process will include getting back the salary cap from a core that are no longer elite. Then re-stocking a pool of talent, then developing that talent, then picking up a star or two via the draft, a solid UFA acquisition and lots of luck and the Hawks will be set to be competative again.

Sorry, Tazer, I was asking the class - should've been clearer on that. My belief is they need a couple real studs. Generally that happens at the top of the draft now. The fans who want to sneak into the playoffs as a middling team are thinking in a short-sighted, emotional fashion, because they will not get the players they need picking in the middle of the draft every year. Hopefully Dach and Boqvist are two of those guys.
- mohel

Yeah, I agree with you 100%. Some people can't handle the losing, but that ship has sailed. No sense getting mad about it, they are what they are.

I signed up for a 9 game package this year, and I've really enjoyed it. I would like some better seats, but hopefully that will come next year with some more attrition. 41 games is just too much, especially when there's no chance I can sell them for anywhere near face value.

If deHaan is out for an extended period that seals the Hawks fate. They were barely a marginal playoff contender with him. Without him they are out of contention. We would basically be back to last year, playing 3 or 4 AHL caliber defensemen every night.

Actually that could work out for the Hawks and make decisions easier for Bowman. Gus is a goner. A lottery pick (probably one of the first 4). Trade Lehner and/or Crow. Stop playing Keith and Kane so many minutes. Give Lankinen a shot at the NHL level. Sign Mitchell, it might be too late for this year, but he will definitely see there is room for him in Chicago next year. Play Smith as much as possible and see if you can move his contract. Play Boqvist and Dach extended minutes.

A problem might be a willingness to give Colliton a longer look (next year) because he is coaching a team with 10 AHL players (last year and this year).
- -Doh-

this is the key point...since the 3-0 stars which ended a nice 6-7 game positive streak they have reverted back to who they are...a bottom of league defensive/puck possession team that requires 94% save percentage to have a chance...

craw made some outstanding saves or the knights have 4-5 more goals and MAF was very good also...hawks did have some great chances but they still lose even if they potted a few...

the kid goalie for the hogs stopped 55-56 shots last night...this organization has problems up and down...

and once again special teams kill them: another pss poor pp at the end of the first and then the shorty in the second

the injury "bug" has bit them hard in the last 2 weeks this way send them on their way to sparring with the kings and wings at the bottom...

To your edit - they surely knew fans would leave if they announced a rebuild 1.5 years ago. That's why they're doing it on the quiet. But they will leave, and be back.
- mohel

Agree. If you gauge how patient many of the diehards are who post here can you imagine how that would sit with the casual fans?

Even when the Cubs announced what they were doing, I would still hear (here) irate "fans" calling in to the Score to complain about trading the Scott Feldmans, Matt Garzas or other players who likely wouldn't be around when the team was competitive again. I think the Cubs also had a bit more luxury to do so.

The offense has dried up again. The PP has been withered all season. The PK is better than last season but seems a bit snake bit unlucky. The lack of team speed wouldn't be as much of an issue if the Hawks would play a cohesive team game but they aren't consistent in doing so - so their lack of team speed is being exposed on most nights.

Other than that - good season so far.

What's that word that rhymes with Lafreniere again?

this is the key point...since the 3-0 stars which ended a nice 6-7 game positive streak they have reverted back to who they are...a bottom of league defensive/puck possession team that requires 94% save percentage to have a chance...

craw made some outstanding saves or the knights have 4-5 more goals and MAF was very good also...hawks did have some great chances but they still lose even if they potted a few...

the kid goalie for the hawks stopped 55-56 shots last night...this organization has problems up and down...

and once again special teams kill them: another pss poor pp at the end of the first and then the shorty in the second

the injury "bug" has bit them hard in the last 2 weeks this way send them on their way to sparring with the kings and wings at the bottom...
- bogiedoc

Was out of town the last few weeks. The Wings are on an 0-12 run I see. Not sure the Hawks can catch them but maybe they have some luck with the lottery again.

The offense has dried up again. The PP has been withered all season. The PK is better than last season but seems a bit snake bit unlucky. The lack of team speed wouldn't be as much of an issue if the Hawks would play a cohesive team game but they aren't consistent in doing so - so their lack of team speed is being exposed on most nights.

Other than that - good season so far.

What's that word that rhymes with Lafreniere again?
- EbonyRaptor

How do you pronounce the "iere"? Is it like "air" or "yay"?

I've seen wither away or poor play for Lafreniere(yay) and something else for the other pronunciation.

Going nowhere for Lafreniere or something like that I believe.

Fire Colliton. This team sucks.

Rebuild everything. Don't settle or live in the world of mediocrity for the next twelve years.

New Blackhawk advertising tag line: We’re better than the Kings!

And it would be nice if Brookbank could teach Gus how to defend a 2 on 1. Take the guy without the puck, eliminating the cross ice pass & leaving the shooter to the goalie.

The teach that in Pee Wees.