NJ is instituting an 8 PM - 5 AM travel curfew.

You just wish the various states and Federal governments could come up with a comprehensive plan instead of putting all of theses restrictions in piecemeal - what has change since yesterday or two or three days ago that they couldn’t figure out that a travel curfew would be advisable?
- StLBravesFan

Maybe, but I like to think of the 50 states as 50 different laboratories. Not only for the virus, but gun control, marijuana, health care, legalized gambling, etc.... Let them create their own legislation and then see what works and what does not work. Then other states can continually refine the legislation in their states. Also the demographics and habits can vary state to state. Maybe high populous areas should be treated differently than low populous areas. It is hard to name major costly programs that the federal government runs efficiently and cost effectively.

So everyone was pissed about this trade when it happened, now they are defending it? My goodness....
- nickmo2699

I am not sure too many people are defending it. Many posters after seeing Carlsson, Boqvist, Beaudin and with the talk about Mitchell understand why Bowman let a good dman prospect go and are reserving judgement on Nylander since he has shown a decent skill set and is showing signs of figuring things out (and he just turned 22).

Two legitimate concern I have:
1). All these new age or just all of them here now and coming, they suffer concussion on a more frequent basis when Bowman does not stock the team with enough team toughness or grit.

I do not agree advanced stat's is to be used as the only way to base decisions. Advanced studies are useful and can influence decisions perhaps.but the eye test remains .my choice to figure things out.

So you can go look up concussions suffered by Edm and Washington players -where Kassian and T Wilson reside.

I am concerned high skill not really physical checking players like Boqvist already suffered a few concussions. If you are seriously committed to having a dynamite group of new age puck moving dmen, does concussions suffered by Boqvist possibly influence to draft Drysdale?

First of all, perhaps our players get more respect when our team has more toughness ("perhaps" emphasis added).
As for drafting Drysdale, I kind if doubt Bowman dies and that is more to do with Draftsite.com shows a lot of really good players among forwards.

And BTW I would not draft the top rated lefty glove Anisimov (about #13 overall on draftsite.com). Aksu if not a 2020 #1 then I am very interested in another Russian goaltender (Sorokin) is available. He is NHL ready.

With a Crawford and trioka at Rockford I do not expect Bowman pursues Sorokin. Would not be totally surprised though if Bowman thinks Sorokin is going to be really good. Meanwhile, Laakinen may OK but Delia ultimately could be the better. If Sorokin is traded, NYI probably want a player from trade whom hey would protect in expansion draft. Would they want to add a Saad but would be be protected. Guessing not protected.

Sorokin therefore is hard to trade to us and the logic as with a Chicago trade, it applies to any trade proposal. I just like the scouting report on Sorokin and that Russian RW I think Vancouver drafted #1 last draft.

2). So if Seabrook is not traded then we wind up having one more good player exposed for Expansion Draft. We only loose is it one or two players in the draft. So Carlsson and Nylander among those available. Whom else would you worry is left available to draft

Two legitimate concern I have:
1). All these new age or just all if them here now and coming, they suffer concussion on a more frequent basis when Bowman does not stock the team with enoughj team toughness or grit.

I do not agree advanced stat's is to be used as the only way to base decisions. Advanced studies are useful.and can influence decisions perhaps.but the eye test remains .my choice to figure things out.

So you can go look up concussions suffered by Edm and Washington players -where Kassian and T Wilson reside.

I am concerned high skill not too physical checking players like Boqvist already suffered a few concussions. If you are seriously committed to having a dynamite group if new age puck moving dmen, does concussions suffered by Boqvist possibly influence to draft Drysdale? Draftsite.com shows a lot of really good players among forwards.

And BTW I would not draft the top rated lefty glove Anisimov (about #13 overall on draftsite.com) it if not a 2020 #1 then I am very interested if another Russian goaltender (Sorokin) is available. He is NHL ready.

With a Crawford and trioka at Rockford I do not expect Bowman pursues Sorokin. Would not be totally surprised though if Bowman thinks Sorokin is going to be really good. Meanwhile, Laakinen may OK but Delia ultimately could be the better. If Sorokin is traded, NYI probably want a player from trade whom hey would protect in expansion draft. Would they want to add a Saad but would be be protected. Guessing not protected.

Sorokin therefore is hard to trade to us and the logic as with a Chicago trade, it applies to any trade proposal. I just like the scouting report on Sorokin and that Russian RW I think Vancouver drafted #1 last draft.

2). So if Seabrook is not traded then we wind up having one more good player exposed for Expansion Draft. We only loose is it one or two players in the draft. So Carlsson and Nylander among those available. Whom else would you worry is left available to draft
- jhawk59

Tom Wilson, Zack Kassian and Milan Lucic don’t stop their teammates from getting concussions. But they are there to beat up the opposition when they hurt their teammate. Toughness and grit are great to have provided they can play.

Thanks for the Mailbag blog TC!

I thought Nylander started to look better when they put him with Kane (shocker) and Strome and could see that being a line next year too.

He just turned 22 and you can definitely see some talent there, so I hope they have some patience with him and the lightbulb locks in the on position permanently at some point.

If so, assuming Saad stays, that could give them a pretty good top 9 with 8, 19, 20, 92, 17, 88, 12, 77 and ______. Maybe Hagel? Just one game but liked what I saw

While not all will, if some of the prospects continue to pan out, it gives the Hawks the ability to supply depth from within.
- HawkintheD

Agreed on the potential that top 9 has to be great. Lots of depth and firepower, BUT this is only if Cat and Strome can take that next step(was hoping for it this season but instead they regressed). That duo, assuming we commit to Strome with a wise contract, can put us over the top offensively. Gives us the ability to roll 3 legit scoring lines. Saad, Toews, Kane, Dach, Kubalik, Nylander....AND Cat and Strome playing at the top of their game? Scary thought for opponents.

Hoping Shaw makes a full recovery and Caggiula comes back too. Overall we can have some serious forward depth IF the right decisions are made with the roster.

However, regardless of how many goals we can score we have to see what happens with the defense and goaltending. That will be the key. Glad the PK improved this season, and overall the blue line took a step in the right direction. The young quartet of Boqvist, Carlsson, Mitchell, and Beaudin has me excited. I would look to trade Maatta. Crawford is good but you never know how many games he’s gonna miss, so we NEED a solid backup/duo. If we make some smart moves(including the upcoming draft) and get some good news on the injuries(de Haan making a full recovery would be nice)we have the potential to ice a contender next season. I truly believe it’s possible.

Kubalik-Toews-Caggiula/Saad
Nylander-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Dach-Saad/Caggiula
Highmore-Kampf-Shaw
Hagel

Keith-Boqvist
de-Haan-Mitchell
Carlsson-Murphy
Beaudin (Seabrook)

Crawford
???

Gotta make smart moves, create the right roster with these pieces. Combine the surge of young talent with the ‘last stand’ for Kane/Toews/Keith/Crawford. Get those guys one final crack at a Cup.

Tom Wilson, Zack Kassian and Milan Lucic don’t stop their teammates from getting concussions. But they are there to beat up the opposition when they hurt their teammate. Toughness and grit are great to have provided they can play.
- paulr

And speaking of concussions, the NHL is being sued about keeping players in the dark about concussions. Too bad, might have saved some lives (Probert, Montador, Ewen, Rypian, Belak, Boogard, Reggie Fleming (the first to be diagnosed with CTE in hockey)

Which are legit NHL prospect? I know Regula has huge point totals but he has been net front presence on the PP. I am pretty high on Vlasic. Don't know much about the other 2.
- bhawks2241

Theo would have a better idea than I would, but it seems Shea is finally putting everything together. Not sure if this is a "late bloomer" situation, or an outlier season.

Vlasic thus far is no more than an intriguing prospect really. Most of what I've heard about him has been a bit underwhelming. It appears that he is still trying to figure out how to play within his body. He's not really a banger. He's got skill, but again is trying to figure out how to harness it, and needs to get better with his skating.

Disclaimer: I am not a scout or any sort of authority on the matter. I just read a lot and have seen about 2/3 of one of his games.

Hey ER. The one distinction that I want to make is that I actually think that Boqvist has contributed more this year than I expected, and I think he has played at a borderline top 4 level. That said, if he is virtually the same player two years later, is that a win (for a #8 overall pick)?

Obviously, there are considerations to be made regarding D-man vs Fwd, but Nylander has admittedly struggled to break into the NHL. He shows very high end skill, but the consistency and production are just not quite there yet.

I guess is all goes to asset value and management in the end.
- Chunk

Maybe a bit of a quibble, but a distinction I would mention is our slightly different assessments of Boqvist where I think he's shown enough improvement and consistency to lock up a top-4 spot where you assess him to be more borderline top-4. So from that perspective spending the #8 overall pick on Boqvist is already at least a good #8 pick with the potential to grow into a very good #8 pick.

Maybe a bit of a quibble, but a distinction I would mention is our slightly different assessments of Boqvist where I think he's shown enough improvement and consistency to lock up a top-4 spot where you assess him to be more borderline top-4. So from that perspective spending the #8 overall pick on Boqvist is already at least a good #8 pick with the potential to grow into a very good #8 pick.
- EbonyRaptor

Absolutely fair. Specifically your last point. I actually hold Boqvist in very high regard. My take comes from comparing him to all other NHL defensemen, and not just rookies or the Hawks players. Again, completely subjective.

Theo would have a better idea than I would, but it seems Shea is finally putting everything together. Not sure if this is a "late bloomer" situation, or an outlier season.

Vlasic thus far is no more than an intriguing prospect really. Most of what I've heard about him has been a bit underwhelming. It appears that he is still trying to figure out how to play within his body. He's not really a banger. He's got skill, but again is trying to figure out how to harness it, and needs to get better with his skating.

Disclaimer: I am not a scout or any sort of authority on the matter. I just read a lot and have seen about 2/3 of one of his games.
- Chunk

Interesting... he is very young and will probably take several years to develop. I am excited to see him in a few years.

Maybe a bit of a quibble, but a distinction I would mention is our slightly different assessments of Boqvist where I think he's shown enough improvement and consistency to lock up a top-4 spot where you assess him to be more borderline top-4. So from that perspective spending the #8 overall pick on Boqvist is already at least a good #8 pick with the potential to grow into a very good #8 pick.
- EbonyRaptor

I really want to see what happens when the Hawks let him off the leash. He seems to have been focusing on the defensive side of things (which is the 100% right thing to do) but he has some real offensive skill that we haven't seen yet.

Agreed on the potential that top 9 has to be great. Lots of depth and firepower, BUT this is only if Cat and Strome can take that next step(was hoping for it this season but instead they regressed). That duo, assuming we commit to Strome with a wise contract, can put us over the top offensively. Gives us the ability to roll 3 legit scoring lines. Saad, Toews, Kane, Dach, Kubalik, Nylander....AND Cat and Strome playing at the top of their game? Scary thought for opponents.

Hoping Shaw makes a full recovery and Caggiula comes back too. Overall we can have some serious forward depth IF the right decisions are made with the roster.

However, regardless of how many goals we can score we have to see what happens with the defense and goaltending. That will be the key. Glad the PK improved this season, and overall the blue line took a step in the right direction. The young quartet of Boqvist, Carlsson, Mitchell, and Beaudin has me excited. I would look to trade Maatta. Crawford is good but you never know how many games he’s gonna miss, so we NEED a solid backup/duo. If we make some smart moves(including the upcoming draft) and get some good news on the injuries(de Haan making a full recovery would be nice)we have the potential to ice a contender next season. I truly believe it’s possible.

Kubalik-Toews-Caggiula/Saad
Nylander-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Dach-Saad/Caggiula
Highmore-Kampf-Shaw
Hagel

Keith-Boqvist
de-Haan-Mitchell
Carlsson-Murphy
Beaudin (Seabrook)

Gotta make smart moves, create the right roster with these pieces. Combine the surge of young talent with the ‘last stand’ for Kane/Toews/Keith/Crawford. Get those guys one final crack at a Cup.
- SimpleJack

Hey SJ. I always like optimism, but I personally think this team is at least 2-3 years away from being a real PO contender. From that perspective, I want to venture a question to everyone.

What do you (collectively) think about trading everything that is not nailed down (i.e Keith and Seabrook) on the blueline, and letting all of our young prospects man those positions to grow them a bit. You still have experience to lead them but it would theoretically speed up the learning curve and get them there quicker.

OKie dokie folks. My very amateur opinion about some of the D prospects that have seen a few times.

Mitchell- A true 2 way D-man. While he doesn't have elite speed, I would consider him a very good skater. He uses change of speeds very well. High IQ for the game. An excellent passer. VG vision. My personal feeling is he almost plays as if holding something back to stay within the team's structure. A caveat. He is my favorite prospect since Danault. I believe he will be better than Joki.

Demin. He intrigues me. While watching Mitchell, I always noticed him. By no means an career comparison but in regards to his skating ability, he reminds me of Niedermayer. Meaning that his skating just looks effortless. DU likes their D-man to be physical and he has the size. He may need another season or two to develop but there is some potential there.

Shea. Smooth describes his skating. Not sure he is a late bloomer but more someone who needed to just develop. I haven't watched him a lot . Mostly when he played against Union College. My focus was more on a kid I know who plays for Union but Shea has gotten more noticeable every time I have seen him. Definitely one of the best players on the ice this season. Another that plays both sides of the ice,

Theo would have a better idea than I would, but it seems Shea is finally putting everything together. Not sure if this is a "late bloomer" situation, or an outlier season.

Vlasic thus far is no more than an intriguing prospect really. Most of what I've heard about him has been a bit underwhelming. It appears that he is still trying to figure out how to play within his body. He's not really a banger. He's got skill, but again is trying to figure out how to harness it, and needs to get better with his skating.

Disclaimer: I am not a scout or any sort of authority on the matter. I just read a lot and have seen about 2/3 of one of his games.
- Chunk

Vlasic even said himself he needed some time to develop for at least a coupe of seasons at BU. Seems about right from what little I have seen of him. He is tall and lanky. Guys like that tend to take a bit ore time to find their skating. His footwork is decent but could be improved upon and prolly will come with more core strength.

Which are legit NHL prospect? I know Regula has huge point totals but he has been net front presence on the PP. I am pretty high on Vlasic. Don't know much about the other 2.
- bhawks2241

Hard to say at this point. If draft position is any indication, Vlasic would have the most upside but he has had peaks and valleys as a BU freshman and likely needs to play at least through junior year before going pro. Upon drafting, he was billed as a defensive defenseman with the ability to transition the puck.

Regula is tearing it up in juniors but not sure how he is defensively. You are right that London is playing him as the PP net presence guy.

Moberg is having a solid season as well in juniors. At least in prospects camp and the Traverse City tourney last summer, he was one of the defensive standouts for the Hawks. Could he be a sleeper as a 7th rounder?

Demin could prove to have the highest stock, at least at this moment in time, as far as defensive coverage. A critique I've seen about his game is that he needs to be better offensively but I honestly don't care about that since he's already an excellent skater and focuses on defense.

Keep in mind he isn't a big player. He will not be hitting guys like Chris Pronger. He will be similar to Keith defensively, taking away shooting and pssing lanes, good gap control and getting to loose pucks. I belive Mitchell patterns his game after Tyson Berry which I hope is only the offesnive said of his game.
- paulr

Keith is his idol. He is very conscious of defensive responsibilities unlike Barrie. Keith is more who I would compare his style of play to instead of Barrie.

Hard to say at this point. If draft position is any indication, Vlasic would have the most upside but he has had peaks and valleys as a BU freshman and likely needs to play at least through junior year before going pro. Upon drafting, he was billed as a defensive defenseman with the ability to transition the puck.

Regula is tearing it up in juniors but not sure how he is defensively. You are right that London is playing him as the PP net presence guy.

Moberg is having a solid season as well in juniors. At least in prospects camp and the Traverse City tourney last summer, he was one of the defensive standouts for the Hawks. Could he be a sleeper as a 7th rounder?

Demin could prove to have the highest stock, at least at this moment in time, as far as defensive coverage. A critique I've seen about his game is that he needs to be better offensively but I honestly don't care about that since he's already an excellent skater and focuses on defense.
- AEL_Fox

Its funny. When watching Boqvist last season at London, I kept noticing Regula. He was playing his offside a bit. Says something he was able to stand out a bit on a defense that had Bouchard and Boqvist.

If the NHL plays out the regular season, are any teams at risk of going over the salary cap due to players coming off LTIR? Think back to 2015. If the season was suspended for a month, Kane comes back before the regular season ends, and the Hawks are over the cap with Vermette

If the NHL plays out the regular season, are any teams at risk of going over the salary cap due to players coming off LTIR? Think back to 2015. If the season was suspended for a month, Kane comes back before the regular season ends, and the Hawks are over the cap with Vermette
- tvetter

What about if they are playing after July 1, do the UFA's get to play? What about RFA's/ do the UFA's and RFA's have to be reupped before July 1? Lots on negotiation between the owners and the NHLPA

Keith is his idol. He is very conscious of defensive responsibilities unlike Barrie. Keith is more who I would compare his style of play to instead of Barrie.
- Elbows15

I read somewhere that when asked who he plays like, he said Barrie. Couldn’t have many better idols than Keith.

I read somewhere that when asked who he plays like, he said Barrie. Couldn’t have many better idols than Keith.
- paulr

https://www.the-rink.com/...-getting-in-ian-mitchell/

Hey SJ. I always like optimism, but I personally think this team is at least 2-3 years away from being a real PO contender. From that perspective, I want to venture a question to everyone.

What do you (collectively) think about trading everything that is not nailed down (i.e Keith and Seabrook) on the blueline, and letting all of our young prospects man those positions to grow them a bit. You still have experience to lead them but it would theoretically speed up the learning curve and get them there quicker.
- Chunk

I’d like to see at least 2 rookies get a starting role next season(Mitchell, Beaudin, Carlsson, etc). Boqvist obviously has a spot locked down as well. Wouldn’t mind keeping Murphy and de Haan(if he’s healthy) just to provide added experience and depth.

If it were up to me I’d open the season with:

Keith
Boqvist
Beaudin
Mitchell
Carlsson
Murphy
de Haan
(Seabrook on LTIR)

Tom Wilson, Zack Kassian and Milan Lucic don’t stop their teammates from getting concussions. But they are there to beat up the opposition when they hurt their teammate. Toughness and grit are great to have provided they can play.
- paulr

And all three of those guys can play. One of them may be on the down side but during his good years he definitely proved he belonged.
I’ve been beating that big drum for a lot of years on this. I would love to see our team have a couple of players like Tom Wilson. Ask 3/4 of the players that played with John Scott or some of those other tough guys we’re on the bench.That would handle players that would play out of their shoes. I understand the game is changed totally that’s why I asked for a kid like Kassian or Wilson that can Provide toughness but can definitely play the game and play regular shift and then some.
Far as Dennis Gilbert and Nick Seeler , out of the two Seeler is probably the better fighter. But neither of those guys can play a top six role in the NHL. So time to MoveOn from both of those guys.
In my personal thoughts, that is just a small drops in a bucket of water That’s really unimportant at this time. I want freaking Bowman gone at all cost same with the coach. Nothing will change with him, he will still draft a small puck moving defenseman. And nonphysical forwards.
I even went as far as talking to my ticket rep Friday has to just possibly refunding me my money I put towards next season. I’m gonna think about it for a bit. Because we know the end of the season bullpoop press conference out of John McDonough And Rocky is coming. That both of those guys will be safe another year.

And all three of those guys can play. One of them may be on the down side but during his good years he definitely proved he belonged.
I’ve been beating that big drum for a lot of years on this. I would love to see our team have a couple of players like Tom Wilson. Ask 3/4 of the players that played with John Scott or some of those other tough guys we’re on the bench.That would handle players that would play out of their shoes. I understand the game is changed totally that’s why I asked for a kid like Kassian or Wilson that can Provide toughness but can definitely play the game and play regular shift and then some.
Far as Dennis Gilbert and Nick Seeler , out of the two Seeler is probably the better fighter. But neither of those guys can play a top six role in the NHL. So time to MoveOn from both of those guys.
In my personal thoughts, that is just a small drops in a bucket of water That’s really important at this time. I want freaking Bowman gone at all cost same with the coach. Nothing will change with him, he will still draft a small puck moving defenseman. And nonphysical forwards.
I even went as far as talking to my ticket rep Friday has to just possibly refunding me my money I put towards next season. I’m gonna think about it for a bit. Because we know the end of the season bullpoop press conference out of John McDonough And Rocky is coming. That both of those guys will be safe another year.
- wonthecup10

Kassian and Wilson are idiots, both can play but are so undisciplined. Wouldn’t want any party of Kassian but a Wilson provided he was reined in would be a good addition.

If you dislike how the team plays why threaten to give up your tickets? Just cancel them now!

NBA is looking at a 3-month hiatus from games - a June restart.

I would guess the NHL would follow along.