I bet Q would be loving some Crawford right now. Man was Bobrovsky bad last night.
- LAHawk

Not possible, no way Dale would ever over pay for a FA goalie and be stuck with him for years at a terrible cap number

*Monday TDL passes and Hawks do nothing*

Stan:

"We really like our team and feel like that we can be Playoff team."


- Savetheembers33

And over the intercom/PA at the UC on Monday morning, a voice booms:

"Ugh, Stan, the Costco semi with your chip order has arrived. Where do you want me to move these pallets?"

Savard didn't mold anyone that I'm aware of? The best job the hawks have done in development was Trent Yawney working with Keith from a one way offensive defenseman to a very good two way defenseman. And that development was done where it should be, in the minors.
- paulr

Kane credits savard. Believe he even cried when savard was fired. IIRC

Thought seabrook and Keith learned at the nhl level with yawney?

I remember reading uncle Barry rozner chastising hawks for not keeping yawney as a coach.

Who cares about Florida? Not me.
- SteveRain

At least it’s hockey related no one cares when JJ is brought up by the same people over and over TYLER AS BEEN YEAR FOR TWO SEASONS GET OVER IT.

I think dach and boqvist have more been better then bad overall. They have a taste. Game speed won’t be an adjustment. I expect them to be a little better at minimum next year.

As far as jc....team looks lost far too often. Slow starts. Bad home record. Unable to win big games when they needed it to stay In contention. Horrific zone coverage.

Some is on players and some is on coaching. Again there are better options but this team still isn’t ready to win. So keep jc. If problems persist next year or get worse....you move on.
- SteveRain

Sorry i can not take another year of Jc coaching this team.The Hawks look lost and get severely out coached in the third period way to often.

At least it’s hockey related no one cares when JJ is brought up by the same people over and over TYLER AS BEEN YEAR FOR TWO SEASONS GET OVER IT.
- Abadseed

Get over what exactly?

I know there's a call to replace Stan, and while that's not necessarily the wrong move we are started to see some GMs stick around longer than expected.

Look at Vancouver as example, the Canucks (much like the Hawks) were reluctant to acknowledge the rebuild process. The past 4 seasons have been terrible for the Canucks and the season prior they were upset in the first round by Calgary.

This season the Canucks are firmly in the playoff hunt, buyers at the deadline, and could finish first in their division. Jim Benning made some questionable trades and signings along the way too (i.e. Eriksson).

As painful as it might be, is patience the best way forward?
- DarthKane

Dumbest comment of all time.

Savard didn't mold anyone that I'm aware of? The best job the hawks have done in development was Trent Yawney working with Keith from a one way offensive defenseman to a very good two way defenseman. And that development was done where it should be, in the minors.
- paulr

Kane (especially) and Toews have both credited him with their early development as NHLers, specifically putting them on the ice in all situations and trusting their instincts.

I think dach and boqvist have more been better then bad overall. They have a taste. Game speed won’t be an adjustment. I expect them to be a little better at minimum next year.

As far as jc....team looks lost far too often. Slow starts. Bad home record. Unable to win big games when they needed it to stay In contention. Horrific zone coverage.

Some is on players and some is on coaching. Again there are better options but this team still isn’t ready to win. So keep jc. If problems persist next year or get worse....you move on.
- SteveRain

I also think Boqvist and Strome have played really well too. My point is more to do with the weaker parts of their games. Will it hurt them longterm not getting more development? Dach was a good not great scorer in junior, can he learn that aspect of his game in the NHL? Boqvist was an average defender in junior and while he has played pretty well defensively for the Hawks will being called up early hurt that development down the road?

At times changes are necessary to get a couple sets of fresh eyes on the situation at hand.

A fresh set of eyes is needed with no biases attached.

Kane credits savard. Believe he even cried when savard was fired. IIRC

Thought seabrook and Keith learned at the nhl level with yawney?

I remember reading uncle Barry rozner chastising hawks for not keeping yawney as a coach.
- SteveRain

Yes I saw an interview where Kane cried. Other than some creative plays I'm not sure what Savard did to develop Kane?

Yawney developed Keith in Norfolk for two seasons from 2003 to 2005. And perhaps there was continued development in the NHL also? Yawney couldn't win at the NHL level that's why he was fired. It's a shame Yawney didn't realize his strength was in development and not as a head coach in the NHL.

Welcome to Chicago Mr. Backes.

@andystrickland

Expect a move involving David Backes before Monday’s trade deadline. Likely moving back to the Western Conference. #Bruins

Another horrible story of an talented but predatory coach passed from team-to-team, including Chicago Mission, Team Illinois, UofMN, Chicago Young Americans, from the 80s through 2018, this time in the Midwest

https://theathletic.com/1...ach-sexually-abused-them/

I will never understand those who look the other way or just fire the perp instead of calling the police.

Q wouldnt even be able to say "Bobo was just OK but we need more."

This Russian stiff in goalie pads is going to single handedly cost Florida a playoff spot and Tallon his job.
- RickJ

Bob has done this before he will be great..in two years.

Another horrible story of an talented but predatory coach passed from team-to-team, including Chicago Mission, Team Illinois, UofMN, Chicago Young Americans, from the 80s through 2018, this time in the Midwest

https://theathletic.com/1...ach-sexually-abused-them/

I will never understand those who look the other way or just fire the perp instead of calling the police.
- pdx2ord

And worse is finding out after the fact that people did report it and nothing was done about it. It's all about protecting ones self instead of doing the right thing.

I also think Boqvist and Strome have played really well too. My point is more to do with the weaker parts of their games. Will it hurt them longterm not getting more development? Dach was a good not great scorer in junior, can he learn that aspect of his game in the NHL? Boqvist was an average defender in junior and while he has played pretty well defensively for the Hawks will being called up early hurt that development down the road?
- paulr

Not sure on either. I think both will be cornerstones. I’d just lock boqvist to Keith until Keith retires or wants to leave. Learn from the best.

I like dach a lot. I don’t think he’ll ever be a 100 pt player but if he adds some muscle to that frame he’s going to be a tank. He shows flashes offensively. Once he gets more comfortable think that’ll only get better (offensively)

See, I knew this would be fun!

The deals I included with the goaltenders has seemed to strike a nerve, so let me tell you my rationale.

I know there isn't much in terms of history of moves for goaltenders at the deadline because I wrote about it last week.

And while I thought it was unlikely that the Hawks would move either, I have shifted my thinking a little bit now that I see some situations in CAL, CAR and yes COL (I didn't include them as I recently heard Grubaurer's injury might not be as serious but yes, they are for a team that might pull the trigger on a goalie).

CAR and COL specifically are going all in this year to win. Both teams will want to ensure that they are solid between the pipes.

If Mrazek goes down, do you want Reimer trying to win you games in the 2nd round?

Can Bednar and Sakic count on some dude named Francouz trying to win them a Stanley Cup when he's played 26 career NHL games (0 in the playoffs)?

No. And the rumour is - and something to keep in mind - that CAR would love to acquire Lehner and sign him long-term (they like him that much). So, would they ante up to take a chance this year and beyond? I sure as hell would if I was Don Waddell.


Lastly, the market dictates everything and it can change year by year.

Originally, I didn't have the return for Crawford or Lehner quite as high as they were in the blog, but I upped them a bit based on what Jack Campbell got from Toronto:

February 5th, 2020 – Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Jack Campbell, Kyle Clifford (50% retained salary) from the LA Kings in exchange for Trevor Moore, 2020 conditional 3rd rd pick, 2021 conditional 3rd rd pick

That conditional pick could turn into a 2nd rounder is Campbell resigns. So, you have a young, talented roster player, a 3rd and potentially a 2nd rounder for a goalie how is a tier below Lehner and Crawford.

--

I know there was some anger in regards to those FAKE trade proposals but just remember, they are just for FUN and it's just a game, guys and gals.

Yes I saw an interview where Kane cried. Other than some creative plays I'm not sure what Savard did to develop Kane?

Yawney developed Keith in Norfolk for two seasons from 2003 to 2005. And perhaps there was continued development in the NHL also? Yawney couldn't win at the NHL level that's why he was fired. It's a shame Yawney didn't realize his strength was in development and not as a head coach in the NHL.
- paulr

I don’t follow minors or juniors as much as I probably should. But they need a great teacher in Rockford. That is 100% correct.

Maybe at the time he didn't like the management or the coach , think Edmonton has had about 47 coaches since he left.
Also not sure if you are referring to Crawford and Lehner as the back ups but pretty sure they have proven they are starting goalies.
Think it would be silly for teams like Colardo and Carolina to waste a season by not having top of the line goaltending.
- HamiltonHawk

This.

Oh, and Erik Gustafsson doesn't have a choice where he goes. CHI can trade him wherever they find the best deal.

Not sure on either. I think both will be cornerstones. I’d just lock boqvist to Keith until Keith retires or wants to leave. Learn from the best.

I like dach a lot. I don’t think he’ll ever be a 100 pt player but if he adds some muscle to that frame he’s going to be a tank. He shows flashes offensively. Once he gets more comfortable think that’ll only get better (offensively)
- SteveRain

My favorite things about Dach are how well he plays defensively without the puck, he reminds me of Hossa the way he strips opposing players of the puck and his ability to see the ice so well.

Saad is supposedly Boston’s fall back if they can’t get Kreider from the NYR.
- scottak

Sounds like Saad might be in play more than we would like.

If he does goes, I would expect a very strong return as I don't think the Hawks really want to move him unless they get an offer they can't refuse.

The offer would need to include a good, young roster player + high pick/top prospects.

I don’t follow minors or juniors as much as I probably should. But they need a great teacher in Rockford. That is 100% correct.
- SteveRain

I have shared seasons tickets to the Oshawa Generals for the past 20 years. I also see games in Peterborough, Guelph and London on occasion. Plus the NHL package also includes many CHL junior games. So I see quite a bit of the junior players.

I bet Q would be loving some Crawford right now. Man was Bobrovsky bad last night.
- LAHawk

Crow at 50% for Vincent Trocheck... done.

FYI - practice notes from Ben:

@BenPopeCST

Zack Smith (hand injury), and Erik Gustafsson and Brandon Saad (trade rumors), all present at Blackhawks morning skate.

Both goalies also present but Crawford in the presumed starter’s crease.

Sounds like Saad might be in play more than we would like.

If he does goes, I would expect a very strong return as I don't think the Hawks really want to move him unless they get an offer they can't refuse.

The offer would need to include a good, young roster player + high pick/top prospects.
- Tyler Cameron

I don't mind it TC. Kubalik is going to get a pay raise and if we can only have one of them, I want Kubalik. He's younger, bigger and he's winning board battles.

Nothing against Saad, but Kubalik won't be 6m and Kubs has yet to peak.