Hard to calculate how many NHL, AHL, and juniors players owe their careers to Kane's:

"His Calder Trophy-winning rookie campaign, and the subsequent three Stanley Cups he won with the Blackhawks, was part of a watershed moment for the league. Kane made it cool to be a little guy. He helped usher in an era where skill and speed trumped size and strength. General managers changed the way they looked at undersized skill players because of what Kane did."

https://theathletic.com/1...emains-the-star-of-stars/
- pdx2ord

Before Kane, Denis Savard was thought to be small. Marcel Dionne, Stan Mikita.

Before Kane, Denis Savard was thought to be small. Marcel Dionne, Stan Mikita.
- rpeters01

During Stan Mikita's time players were a lot smaller. The Henri Richards, Dave Keons, and especially Camille Henri would be considered small today but not back then. Elmer Vasko for sure would not be referred to as "Moose" today.
Marcel Dionne was build like a brick sh---house and would not be considered small in any era.

During Stan Mikita's time players were a lot smaller. The Henri Richards, Dave Keons, and especially Camille Henri would be considered small today but not back then. Elmer Vasko for sure would not be referred to as "Moose" today.
Marcel Dionne was build like a brick sh---house and would not be considered small in any era.
- 67hawks

The "Big" M was 6' 205, the heaviest Maple Leaf during the mid 60's, which is about the size of Saad and Toews.

From Dom in ‘The Athletic’, he has the Blackhawks on the bubble.

Chicago Blackhawks (35.3 percent)

That the Blackhawks are in this position at all is a small shock given where they were a month ago, but just like last season, the team is ready for a late-season push. Chicago is 12-6-0 since mid-December and that’s brought them to within sniffing distance of the playoff race, mostly on the back of strong shooting. The team has the fourth-best shooting percentage at 5-on-5 during their hot streak.

The Blackhawks still sit well behind the rest in the West race and it’s hard to see them keeping up when their sticks get a bit colder. Goaltending has been there for them all season, but it’s not enough for a below-average scoring chance team. One thing that could help though is a boost on the power play. Chicago ranks 27th there, a huge departure from last year’s second-half surge where the team converted on 25 percent of their chances, good for third in the league. With the same personnel available, a similar hot streak in that department could bring them closer to a playoff spot.

Would a trade of lehner to carolina for pesce and draft pick or prospect be the right return for the hawks.

From Dom in ‘The Athletic’, he has the Blackhawks on the bubble.

Chicago Blackhawks (35.3 percent)

That the Blackhawks are in this position at all is a small shock given where they were a month ago, but just like last season, the team is ready for a late-season push. Chicago is 12-6-0 since mid-December and that’s brought them to within sniffing distance of the playoff race, mostly on the back of strong shooting. The team has the fourth-best shooting percentage at 5-on-5 during their hot streak.

The Blackhawks still sit well behind the rest in the West race and it’s hard to see them keeping up when their sticks get a bit colder. Goaltending has been there for them all season, but it’s not enough for a below-average scoring chance team. One thing that could help though is a boost on the power play. Chicago ranks 27th there, a huge departure from last year’s second-half surge where the team converted on 25 percent of their chances, good for third in the league. With the same personnel available, a similar hot streak in that department could bring them closer to a playoff spot.
- scottak

I don't see how the Hawks get even a third rounder for Gustafsson if his primary (only?) asset is running a power play and with the talent the Hawks have are 4th worse on the power play.

Can’t watch the All-Star game. Hockey is a fantastic game based upon the dynamic interaction of speed, power and finesse. Remove any of the three elements during a game and you reduce it to a boring exhibition. The only sport whose All-Star game translates to what the game really is is MLB. Having said that, I think it’s a good forum for young kids to watch their sports heroes

The women’s game was entertaining but I expected more scoring and skill across the board. Some of the players were very skillful and I thought the Canadian goalie played very well. With regard to expanding the women’s game, these are the only two teams in the world that can compete against the other. It would have to be a pretty small league to be competitive. I guess you would have to look at whether you believe the WNBA is successful. It probably has a much larger pool of players to pull from and a wider audience base. Women’s hockey will always be a niche sport. Personally, I’d take a pass

Would a trade of lehner to carolina for pesce and draft pick or prospect be the right return for the hawks.
- Scott1977

Carolina would need to add Slavin and Aho for that deal to happen.

Carolina would need to add Slavin and Aho for that deal to happen.
- HawkintheD

Ha sarcasm so what would be the return then for real?

Ha sarcasm so what would be the return then for real?
- Scott1977

I think that all depends on how dire the Canes view their goalie situation. It doesn't look like Riemer and Mrazek have played too bad for them.

During Stan Mikita's time players were a lot smaller. The Henri Richards, Dave Keons, and especially Camille Henri would be considered small today but not back then. Elmer Vasko for sure would not be referred to as "Moose" today.
Marcel Dionne was build like a brick sh---house and would not be considered small in any era.
- 67hawks

Dionne was something like 5'6" 190 lbs.

Ha sarcasm so what would be the return then for real?
- Scott1977

I don't think the Canes would weaken their defense to add a goaltender. I also think the Hawks would want a 1st rounder+.

Not that Pesce wouldn't be a good get but I doubt the Canes would trade him now in season if they have any Cup aspirations.

Would a trade of lehner to carolina for pesce and draft pick or prospect be the right return for the hawks.
- Scott1977

After Hamilton's injury, the Hurricanes are looking to add a defenseman, not trade one away, especially since they are disappointed in the play of Jake (Gustafson) Gardiner

I don't think the Canes would weaken their defense to add a goaltender. I also think the Hawks would want a 1st rounder+.

Not that Pesce wouldn't be a good get but I doubt the Canes would trade him now in season if they have any Cup aspirations.
- HawkintheD

Ok i was maybe overthinking but more likely have take reimer back a 1st Toronto and a prospect be more likely the return hawks be looking for. Like someone mention depends if how much confidence do the canes have in their current goalies would determine the return.

After Hamilton's injury, the Hurricanes are looking to add a defenseman, not trade one away, especially since they are disappointed in the play of Jake (Gustafson) Gardiner
- LAHawk

I forgot about Hamilton injury thanks. Then expand the trade lehner kkkk for ?

Man have the Hawks made a meal out of whatever that competition that Kane won was ... looked like the roll the ball up to a series of cups -and the more points that you get the more tickets the thing spits out -- then you can go trade it in for a little stuffed toy.

BFD - it was barely tangentially hockey related .... what's next, see how many pucks you can stack on top of another til they topple over??? It's like that casino in Vegas Vacation where Clark thinks he has a chance... too funny.

Glad you brought up Highmore. Many posters have been critical of his game but I have loved his heart and tenacity since I first saw him. He is a keeper and some fans will be eating crow.
- 67hawks

Just like posters that used to complain about Nordstrom. All Nordstrom has done is carve out a nice career as a dependable 4th line player/PK guy. Highmore definitely can carve out the same type of career. Tho, I do think Highmore has a bit more offense to his skillset than he has shown to date.

The difference between Joki and Boqvist is that Adam is getting better as the season has gone on. Joki started to regress as the season wore on for various reasons. Some out of his control. i also wasn't sure Boqvist would be ready for the NHL at this point. He has not looked out of place at all. Sure he makes some rookie mistakes but his progress since he first stepped in the line-up has been quite noticeable.

I think we will start to see more of his offensive skills in this part of the season.

Would a trade of lehner to carolina for pesce and draft pick or prospect be the right return for the hawks.
- Scott1977

First of all I don't think you should expect any major trade. Carolina would only want Lehner or some other goaltender. Maybe Quick if he isn't injuries toed. But I doubt they are willing to surrender a current dman . It defeats the purpose of better defense. But they do have a couple nice dman prospects. J Bean is progressing nicely and won the Calder Cup against the Wolves last season.

Bowman doing a rebuild on the fly and he is going to trade a sure thing in Lehner for Crawford and a couple of not exactly great goaltender prospects are going to emerge. That is a huge gamble. Gravel is a few years away if you put him in the mix. I as GM trade Gus and Crawford if he waives. That is all. If you insist on knowing what is fair renumeration, it comes down to if you want prospects + draft choices or quality player(s) for Lehner. Too dmen are always the last thing you should trade. IMHO

Man have the Hawks made a meal out of whatever that competition that Kane won was ... looked like the roll the ball up to a series of cups -and the more points that you get the more tickets the thing spits out -- then you can go trade it in for a little stuffed toy.

BFD - it was barely tangentially hockey related .... what's next, see how many pucks you can stack on top of another til they topple over??? It's like that casino in Vegas Vacation where Clark thinks he has a chance... too funny.
- SC116

Guys - it's entertainment, it's showtime, it's part of a show to take up 3 hours of time and maybe keep some people entertained.

Fans seem to like it - they sell out (or paper the crowd) at each of the All Star weekends every year.

And - I'm guessing (but only guessing) that it was a way to keep the players entertained, too - all of the "skills competition" games ("Beat the Clock") - the players seemed to enjoy them.

Just like posters that used to complain about Nordstrom. All Nordstrom has done is carve out a nice career as a dependable 4th line player/PK guy. Highmore definitely can carve out the same type of career. Tho, I do think Highmore has a bit more offense to his skillset than he has shown to date.
- Elbows15

I was one that doubted him but i was wrong has been a good 4th line energy player and pk player. Has speed not afraid of contact and little pest in him. Also agree there is more there as far as offensive upside.

The difference between Joki and Boqvist is that Adam is getting better as the season has gone on. Joki started to regress as the season wore on for various reasons. Some out of his control. i also wasn't sure Boqvist would be ready for the NHL at this point. He has not looked out of place at all. Sure he makes some rookie mistakes but his progress since he first stepped in the line-up has been quite noticeable.

I think we will start to see more of his offensive skills in this part of the season.
- Elbows15

I know it is just spot plays that I'm keying on here, but I've noticed Boqvist on a number of occasions, basically lock onto his forward in the defensive zone and basically take them out of the play leading to an easy breakout the other way. His gap has been quite good for the most part, and he seems to be pretty effective with his stick.

He has been and will get pushed around a bit, but I agree that his overall game has progressed nicely.

First of all I don't think you should expect any major trade. Carolina would only want Lehner or some other goaltender. Maybe Quick if he isn't;I need. But I doubt they are willing to surrender a current dman . It defeats the purpose of better defense. But they do have a couple nice dman prospects. J Bean is progressing nicely and won the Calder Cup against the Wolves last season.

Bowman doing a rebuild on the fly and he is going to trade a sure thing in Lehner for Crawford and a couple of not exactly great goaltender prospects are going to emerge. That is a huge gamble. Gravel is a few years away if you put him in the mix. I as GM trade Gus and Crawford if he waives. That is all. If you insist on knowing what is fair renumeration, it comes down to if you want prospects + draft choices or quality player(s) for Lehner. Too dmen are always the last thing you should trade. IMHO
- jhawk59

Like i said i over thought my first trade Hamilton is out so unlikely they trade pesce. But if hawks and lehner cannot come to a agreement on contract extension by feb 24 then he needs to be traded imo and has more value than Crawford at this point. Plus he be easier to move due the fact that lehner does not have a nmt clause in his current contract.

Man have the Hawks made a meal out of whatever that competition that Kane won was ... looked like the roll the ball up to a series of cups -and the more points that you get the more tickets the thing spits out -- then you can go trade it in for a little stuffed toy.

BFD - it was barely tangentially hockey related .... what's next, see how many pucks you can stack on top of another til they topple over??? It's like that casino in Vegas Vacation where Clark thinks he has a chance... too funny.
- SC116

Kane said he would have preferred something more hockey-related, like the stickhandling competitions he has been in in prior ASGs. Looked like Seguin could hardly believe he was being asked to do this.

I know it is just spot plays that I'm keying on here, but I've noticed Boqvist on a number of occasions, basically lock onto his forward in the defensive zone and basically take them out of the play leading to an easy breakout the other way. His gap has been quite good for the most part, and he seems to be pretty effective with his stick.

He has been and will get pushed around a bit, but I agree that his overall game has progressed nicely.
- Chunk

He does a real good job of keeping his stick in the way while moving his feet. If they catch him off balance he does get moved but he is willing to engage and if he is well balanced, he does a nice job of using his body to take guys out of the play,

His stick position is excellent for such a young D-man. That gives him time get his feet in good position. He already is better than Gus and Special K with his stick positioning. Tho, Special K has been a bit better of late, it was making me nuts how he would go into the corners with his stick in the air.