I applaud your optimism but you have a lot of "if's" and "coulds" in your thoughts. Some will happen and some won't. Chances are next year at this time the Hawks will be in the same situation as they are now.
- boilermaker100

I agree. I was not saying the cup was full, only half full. Next year probably depends on a lot of variables. Jettisoning of Colliton. Moving on in one way or another from Maatta, Kampf, and Smith. Signing Mitchell. Progress of Nylander, Boqvist, Dach, Carlsson, Mitchell. The play of the backup keeper, where we fall in the draft lottery, rehab of deHaan, rehab of Seabs, health of Shaw, health of Crow, etc....

But I think we are in better position now then in the last few years. If things go tits up we get a great spot in the 2021 lottery. If things go well we are back in the playoffs.

My guess Olli and De Haan were brought in as veteran filler who perhaps could help secure a playoff spot. I don’t see either being part of, or linked to, the rebuild process
- paulr

Me, either. But trading for vets during the rebuild process hinders the quality of the rebuild. Had de Haan stayed healthy, the Hawks draft position would suffer. Top of the draft is the best place to get what they need - another new core player.

Fun fact. Both Ian Mitchell and Kirby Dach are from St. Albert, AB, CAN. Played on different youth teams and a couple year difference in age.
- Rota's Rooter

Thanks Pierre

I agree. I was not saying the cup was full, only half full. Next year probably depends on a lot of variables. Jettisoning of Colliton. Moving on in one way or another from Maatta, Kampf, and Smith. Signing Mitchell. Progress of Nylander, Boqvist, Dach, Carlsson, Mitchell. The play of the backup keeper, where we fall in the draft lottery, rehab of deHaan, rehab of Seabs, health of Shaw, health of Crow, etc....

But I think we are in better position now then in the last few years. If things go tits up we get a great spot in the 2021 lottery. If things go well we are back in the playoffs.
- -Doh-

Colliton's contract ends after next season. I believe he will still be had coach for at least the beginning of the year.

Colliton's contract ends after next season. I believe he will still be had coach for at least the beginning of the year.
- LAHawk

yes...but stan is happy with JC...don't be surprised of an extension by early next season...

Colliton's contract ends after next season. I believe he will still be had coach for at least the beginning of the year.
- LAHawk

You may be right. But he is only making $1.3 mil. That is chump change for Rocky (thank God he is not like the late Dollar Bill Wirtz, RIP). Hawks are eating $600,000 on the Lehner contract (50% of $5 mil prorated over 20 games) and will probably eat more when he buys out Smith. If the last 20 games are a disaster I think there could be a coaching change at the end of the season.

Me, either. But trading for vets during the rebuild process hinders the quality of the rebuild. Had de Haan stayed healthy, the Hawks draft position would suffer. Top of the draft is the best place to get what they need - another new core player.
- mohel

I agree having vets who aren’t projected to be part of the rebuild process will hinder the process but the team also has to factor in having a competitive lineup for the people paying to see the team play. It’s easier here in Toronto, Maple Leafs, or if the team were the Cubs where the fans aren’t concerned with how competitive the team is and would happily fork over money to see a sub par team or a rebuilding club. Hell those same fans would even pay to see Hockey Buzz posters on the team and would purchase home and away jerseys and third jerseys with names, Mohel, HawkintheD, Sage, Edzo, Elbows, Ogi, Taylor, Steve Rain and Tyler stitched on the back. But the Blackhawks don’t have that luxury, they have to try to remain competitive even through a rebuild. As I said in another post Bowman has his hands tied.

My guess...

Stan gets one more year (why I do not understand; say what you want about the previous years and Cup wins every year we miss the Playoffs is a year wasted of Kane and Toews careers and we're already on year three of wasting it) and they'll use the injuries to de Haan, Shaw, and Seabrook as excuses as to why the team didn't "reach it's full potential".

JC will be retained again and those two will be tied together next year. If they succeed then both will stick around ( ) if they fail and miss the Playoffs both will be let go and the Hawks will finally move on from both of them ( ).

They will probably bank on having de Haan, Seabrook, and Shaw all back healthy next year ( ), signing Ian Mitchell, and continued development from Dach, Kubalik, Nylander, and bounce back years from Cat and Strome to go along with another Top 10 pick and a few minor FA moves as well.

In other words: more of the same from the past few years

I agree having vets who aren’t projected to be part of the rebuild process will hinder the process but the team also has to factor in having a competitive lineup for the people paying to see the team play. It’s easier here in Toronto, Maple Leafs, or if the team were the Cubs where the fans aren’t concerned with how competitive the team is and would happily fork over money to see a sub par team or a rebuilding club. Hell those same fans would even pay to see Hockey Buzz posters on the team and would purchase home and away jerseys and third jerseys with names, Mohel, HawkintheD, Sage, Edzo, Elbows, Ogi, Taylor, Steve Rain and Tyler stitched on the back. But the Blackhawks don’t have that luxury, they have to try to remain competitive even through a rebuild. As I said in another post Bowman has his hands tied.
- paulr

Agree. It'll be interesting to see how they handle the summer.

You may be right. But he is only making $1.3 mil. That is chump change for Rocky (thank God he is not like the late Dollar Bill Wirtz, RIP). Hawks are eating $600,000 on the Lehner contract (50% of $5 mil prorated over 20 games) and will probably eat more when he buys out Smith. If the last 20 games are a disaster I think there could be a coaching change at the end of the season.
- -Doh-

One can only hope. I feel bad for the players but I hope the rest of the season is so bad, enormous mockery and criticism of the team mainly Stan Bowman in the media, and the fans get out right sick and tired and just Outright voice their displeasure, Rocky has no choice but to fire Stan Bowman and Jeremy Colliton, don't know what to say about yesterday, Stan Bowman put this team in that predicament over a year and a half ago and maybe longer with all his bullpoop garbage trades and other decisions. Starting with the head coach and the joke of his assistant coaching team other than Mark Crawford. If Rocky really had any balls he would come down and fire both of those guys and let Mark Crawford coach the team for the rest of the season. And clean total house in the off-season. It never should've came to the way this has been playing out the last so many months not with 19 and 88 and number 2 still with some tread left on the tires.

My guess...

Stan gets one more year (why I do not understand; say what you want about the previous years and Cup wins every year we miss the Playoffs is a year wasted of Kane and Toews careers and we're already on year three of wasting it) and they'll use the injuries to de Haan, Shaw, and Seabrook as excuses as to why the team didn't "reach it's full potential".

JC will be retained again and those two will be tied together next year. If they succeed then both will stick around ( ) if they fail and miss the Playoffs both will be let go and the Hawks will finally move on from both of them ( ).

They will probably bank on having de Haan, Seabrook, and Shaw all back healthy next year ( ), signing Ian Mitchell, and continued development from Dach, Kubalik, Nylander, and bounce back years from Cat and Strome to go along with another Top 10 pick and a few minor FA moves as well.

In other words: more of the same from the past few years
- Savetheembers33

Could it be as simple as that they agree a rebuild is needed, want it to be a soft rebuild, and they think Stan is doing what they want?

Of all the coaching changes that have been made, the best one has been Rick Bowness in Dallas, who except for a short stint in Phoenix, hasn't coached in 20 years, and has the Stars playing like a team 20 years ago, stingy on defense,, nothing flashy, greasy goals.

Tampa made moves to get grittier, Boston has always been gritty. I am starting to believe that you have to have a bunch of Hans Brinke'sr in order to play today's game is way overstated. If you have a team that can play and think the game, you will be a good team.

I have said it before. The Hawks are bad because for the most part, the team is deficient between the ears, not in talent. Doesn't matter what the system is, when you make a stupid play out of the defensive zone and turn it over at your blue line time after time you are going to be a bad defensive team. If you station yourself on the wrong side of the puck in the defensive zone, you are going to be a bad defensive team.

That is what made the 4 horseman of Jammer, Oduya, Keith and Seabrook. It wasn't pure hockey skill (although they had it, it was the hockey smarts. Hossa was the smartest of them all, always in the right place, rarely made a mental error with the puck.

Dallas reminded me of this. You can argue the Hawks have more skill than Dallas, but Dallas has way smarter players than the Hawks.

That is why I would trade Saad. He makes the same mistakes that he made when he was a rookie. He doesn't have a Hossa to cover for them. I think Saad is a dumb hockey player with great skill, but you do not win with a Saad being anything more than a complementary piece.

ADB is turning into a Saad, but he is still young and hope he learns to make the CORRECT play instead of getting his cross ice passes picked off at his own blue line.
- LAHawk

Very well said

My guess...

Stan gets one more year (why I do not understand; say what you want about the previous years and Cup wins every year we miss the Playoffs is a year wasted of Kane and Toews careers and we're already on year three of wasting it) and they'll use the injuries to de Haan, Shaw, and Seabrook as excuses as to why the team didn't "reach it's full potential".

JC will be retained again and those two will be tied together next year. If they succeed then both will stick around ( ) if they fail and miss the Playoffs both will be let go and the Hawks will finally move on from both of them ( ).

They will probably bank on having de Haan, Seabrook, and Shaw all back healthy next year ( ), signing Ian Mitchell, and continued development from Dach, Kubalik, Nylander, and bounce back years from Cat and Strome to go along with another Top 10 pick and a few minor FA moves as well.

In other words: more of the same from the past few years
- Savetheembers33

Do you even know what you want? Success will make you sad, but sucking again will make you happy? It's been said before - but who is to say that the next guy will be better or worse than Stan? I think you just want a change for the sake of change.

Ben Pope‏Verified account @BenPopeCST · 7m7 minutes ago

Blackhawks post-deadline morning skate underway in St. Louis.

Present: Malcolm Subban, Crawford, Carpenter, Kane, Toews, Strome, Kampf, Dach, DeBrincat, Kubalik, Carlsson, Nylander, Koekkoek, Highmore, Seeler, Boqvist, Keith.

Smith not playing tonight due to a back injury.

P.S. Don't tell Elbows about that last part. I think he is almost done driving Lehner to Vegas and I wouldn't want him to get into an accident.

Ben Pope‏Verified account @BenPopeCST · 7m7 minutes ago

Blackhawks post-deadline morning skate underway in St. Louis.

Present: Malcolm Subban, Crawford, Carpenter, Kane, Toews, Strome, Kampf, Dach, DeBrincat, Kubalik, Carlsson, Nylander, Koekkoek, Highmore, Seeler, Boqvist, Keith.

Smith not playing tonight due to a back injury.

P.S. Don't tell Elbows about that last part. I think he is almost done driving Lehner to Vegas and I wouldn't want him to get into an accident.
- Chunk

If we see the same Lucas Carlsson we saw in Dallas, I will be very happy.

My guess...

Stan gets one more year (why I do not understand; say what you want about the previous years and Cup wins every year we miss the Playoffs is a year wasted of Kane and Toews careers and we're already on year three of wasting it) and they'll use the injuries to de Haan, Shaw, and Seabrook as excuses as to why the team didn't "reach it's full potential".

JC will be retained again and those two will be tied together next year. If they succeed then both will stick around ( ) if they fail and miss the Playoffs both will be let go and the Hawks will finally move on from both of them ( ).

They will probably bank on having de Haan, Seabrook, and Shaw all back healthy next year ( ), signing Ian Mitchell, and continued development from Dach, Kubalik, Nylander, and bounce back years from Cat and Strome to go along with another Top 10 pick and a few minor FA moves as well.

In other words: more of the same from the past few years
- Savetheembers33

This is such a tired refrain. I am not begrudging those two their money at all, but those contracts are exhibit A and B (not to mention Seabrook's contract) for why this team is struggling to rebuild. There is little to no flexibility under the cap, so Stan does what he can to build around the edges with what he has. If you (rhetorical you, not you specifically) are concerned about Toews and Kane's primes, ask them to waive to go to a contender. There simply is not enough cap space to do otherwise.

If we see the same Lucas Carlsson we saw in Dallas, I will be very happy.
- LAHawk

I didn't get to see that game, so I am intrigued (and hopeful) that he plays a similar game tonight.

Could it be as simple as that they agree a rebuild is needed, want it to be a soft rebuild, and they think Stan is doing what they want?
- mohel

I get that, but even a "soft rebuild" shouldn't take almost four years to do. Missing the Playoffs for a year or two after everything they went through with the cup years and emptying everything out I get it. Reset get pieces in place and grow as a team. We're going on a third year of them missing the Playoffs and if it goes south again next year under Stan a fourth year. I understand that we will likely NEVER, in our life times, reach the level of greatness this team had this past decade. All I want is competent and competitive hockey night in and night out.

I'm not on the Stan has no idea what he's doing train, but a fresh voice is needed sometimes to shift the team to where they want to go. Loyalty seems to be their fault right now after years of having none.

Do you even know what you want? Success will make you sad, but sucking again will make you happy? It's been said before - but who is to say that the next guy will be better or worse than Stan? I think you just want a change for the sake of change.
- powerenforcer

I want them to play competent and competitive hockey. I don't think that the combo of Stan and JC will accomplish that. That's not to say that either aren't good or could be successful. As I mentioned previously, sometimes having a fresh voice is what is needed to shift a team to where they wanna be.

Stan has been here almost a decade. Even Theo on the north side has stated that is about the shelf life for any person in one organization before a change should be made. Could be a solid GM elsewhere? I think so. I don't think he's been as bad as people think he has, and I don't think he's been as great as some people think he is. I think he's stuck in the middle knowing that he needs to retool this team, but facing the reality that the front office needs to sell tickets. Could JC be a successful coach in this league? Possibly, but I've said from the get go he was put in a position to fail by having him preach about things to guys who are younger and accomplished waaayyy more than he's ever dreamed of. A veteran coach, like Trotz the summer before, would have been a much better fit for the team to win now. A coach like JC is better suit for a young true rebuilding team that he could put his stamp on and teach his system.

That's why I don't see this combo as a good fit for the team right now. Could they hit gold and make the Playoffs again next year? Of course! That would likely mean that both Stan and JC would get extended by the organization...and then we could go another four years missing the Playoffs. It's like extending a player who's had ONE good year before their about to hit FA and ignoring the previous years. This can set your franchise back even further.

This is such a tired refrain. I am not begrudging those two their money at all, but those contracts are exhibit A and B (not to mention Seabrook's contract) for why this team is struggling to rebuild. There is little to no flexibility under the cap, so Stan does what he can to build around the edges with what he has. If you (rhetorical you, not you specifically) are concerned about Toews and Kane's primes, ask them to waive to go to a contender. There simply is not enough cap space to do otherwise.
- Chunk

no no, that's just an excuse to justify the cap mis-management.
First, the TK27 caphits are agreed upon by both sides. So they shouldn't be used as an excuse one way or the other.
you cant tell them to waive their NTCs if youre the one who gave it to them.
Secondly, there is flexibility in the cap. especially when Hossa's was off the books and now Lehner's. You do realize that there is 15m spent on Shaw, Smith, DeHaan and Maatta and only half of that is currently playing. One can say that 15mil could have been better spent.
But it is what it is, excuses and reasons are coming from both sides. Who knows whos right, the fact of the matter is, you see the result of said "cap management". That result cannot be debated

Thanks Pierre
- TheTrob

I get that, but even a "soft rebuild" shouldn't take almost four years to do. Missing the Playoffs for a year or two after everything they went through with the cup years and emptying everything out I get it. Reset get pieces in place and grow as a team. We're going on a third year of them missing the Playoffs and if it goes south again next year under Stan a fourth year. I understand that we will likely NEVER, in our life times, reach the level of greatness this team had this past decade. All I want is competent and competitive hockey night in and night out.

I'm not on the Stan has no idea what he's doing train, but a fresh voice is needed sometimes to shift the team to where they want to go. Loyalty seems to be their fault right now after years of having none.
- Savetheembers33

Really? Seems they take a long time and are often unsuccessful. Look around the league.

Well another wasted season.
Bowman sucks and needs to go.
Cant believe the Lehner trade.
2nd round pick for a premier goalie..terrible
And apparently he wanted to stay and take a 3
Year contract. If this is true then it's really awful.
Year in year out this front office has mis managed
And (frank)ed up so bad it's a wonder Kane and Toews want to stick around ...certainly not their fault.
Changes are needed...sorry but Bowman and Colliton are not the solution...they are out of their league and are hurting this team.

This is such a tired refrain. I am not begrudging those two their money at all, but those contracts are exhibit A and B (not to mention Seabrook's contract) for why this team is struggling to rebuild. There is little to no flexibility under the cap, so Stan does what he can to build around the edges with what he has. If you (rhetorical you, not you specifically) are concerned about Toews and Kane's primes, ask them to waive to go to a contender. There simply is not enough cap space to do otherwise.
- Chunk

The Seabrook contract is the one that has killed the cap for this Franchise. They have gotten absolutely nothing from that deal and it's cost them from being about to even consider retaining a guy like Panarin, trading Teravainen, etc. were a direct result from paying top dollar for a below average Defensemen. Now this could all be due to the major injuries he's had and is now getting taken care of, but had they let him walk (and actually developed talent on the backend) we could be talking about a different future for this team IMO.

The point with that is that they should be working to maximize those guys careers here and put talent around them to be in position to compete. For three years now we've been non competitive. That's the issue I take with Bowman. He's tried and failed to put good players around those two the past three years. I get he made good moves in previous years, but how many shots are we gonna give to him before we look and realize that we wasted five years of shots from him and Kane isn't the player he used to be any longer?

Time for Scotty's son to step aside and let someone else pull the trigger on Madison Ave.

As for goalies, I saw Delia play against the Wolves last Sunday. He was beat like a drum. If the Hawks wanted a backup from Vegas they should have taken Sparks.