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

If they don’t stop teammates from getting concussions - implying, I guess, that the quantity of bad and dangerous hits on teammates isn’t reduced - then what’s the point of fighting?

Other than to satisfy the bloodlust of some fans.

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)
- SimpleJack

I agree this is an ideal group to start with. As you indicated DeHahn may not ready. The success of the defensemen really gets a big boost when the forwards help out as they should. Under Colliton we need to see everyone care to commit
- even Kane- on defensive effort. Break outs is maybe the biggest concern.

Get this much of the equation improved and even if other concerns about Colliton system is valid, I think we have an opportunity to become a stronger group. The compete levell is going to become better with the Rockford kids joining up 8n bottom forward lines. I do question how both Barrett and Strome can find a role since you have both with weakness in skating and there will be an increase in team speed once you fa for in the newbies on defense and Rockfod forwards + Highmore. Sikura us an interesting case too Perhaps he .I was back and forth AHL/NHL like a yo yo until the expansion team begins playing. Then there may be an opening somewhere

Presently as far as depth goes it would make sense either Maata or Koekkoek moves on. Seeler is a stop gag .... useful as Seabrook is out for a while and Seeler"s style is appreciated since there is a lack of toughness even in dumping the opponent to the ice. Gilbert should be left in AHL to develop

You would be quite happy if some of the new dmen can become top two pair guys, leaving Kyrs as a nice weapon on third pair . Or perhaps Shea starts in AHL then transitions well to NHL

If you recall the recent home game against Edm, we can skate with fast teams and match skill when as a preresiquite the defense can move the puck well. The new age dmen type are capable. The newbies + Carlsson do qualify.

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.
- Elbows15

Thanks for sharing those observations on Regula. As long as he can be steady on defense and play a balanced game like Beaudin and Mitchell, even Boqvist, then that’s a plus to build upon.

EDIT: Also enjoyed reading your observations on Mitchell, Demin, and Shea. Sounds like a law firm.

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!
- paulr

Tom Wilson has got size, a mean streak and can play the game. What he has been guilty of in the past is some stupid hits after the NHL made it known they wanted those type of hits gone from the game. But unlike some of the little rats like Marchand who do something dirty and then run and hide, Wilson takes on whoever wants a piece of him.

It won't ever happen but I'd take him on the Hawks any day of the week.

Nice write up. I think they have to have all team outside of and including the wildcards perform a play-in game. If you make the statement that the top 16 teams point-wise get in now, they would be discounting what type of movement they might have had during the remainder of the season.

There is no “ideal” situation short of playing the remainder of the schedule if the season is played, and that ain’t gonna happen.

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.
- SimpleJack

Good summary.

I think Carpenter is still a cog to maintain for the bottom 6, 4th line especially. Great veteran leadership, grit, strength, and compete level.

Really like that defense if at least one of de Haan and/or Seabrook is fully healed and bounces back strongly AND if the youngsters continue to build upon a pretty good start to what are hopefully promising careers for the Hawks.

Of course this doesn’t count any free agents or trades. Or if they draft a 1st rounder who can play instantly in the NHL.

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

I would guess the NHL would follow along.
- StLBravesFan

If they restart in June, do they delay the draft and free agency by 3 months? They always have the option of shortening next season. It would make more sense since they could plan for it.

Tyler thanks for what you do on hawks blog. As for my question of if the hawks might make a blockbuster trade i was thinking like a keith +Saad trade to say Florida for example for what fill in the blanks. That was my thinking behind the question.

I miss hockey so much I think I could almost watch a Blues/Predators game............Nah!

If they restart in June, do they delay the draft and free agency by 3 months? They always have the option of shortening next season. It would make more sense since they could plan for it.
- tvetter

I wonder what the salary cap would be next season if there is no more hockey/abbreviated playoffs/ 24 team “buy in” playoffs.

https://www.the-rink.com/what-are-the-chicago-blackhawks-getting-in-ian-mitchell/
- paulr

Offensively, I would agree. At least as far as in the O-zone. He has a vg shot. He has both a vg snap shot and slap shot. In the other two zone he is more of a Keith type.

Just type. I am aware how unique Keith is as a player. Mitchell is the kind of guy you will like, IMO. He has a high hockey IQ.

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.
- Chunk

IMO, we haven't even begun to see the best of Boqvist. And I already like a lot of what I have seen from him.

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.
- -Doh-

How about following the bill of rights and not suspending rights based on a virus
I will manage my own security and health without government assistance

How about following the bill of rights and not suspending rights based on a virus
I will manage my own security and health without government assistance
- molly2522

While you’re managing your health, you are endangering mine.

You may be strong enough and man enough to get only a mild case, if you get one at all. But the person(s) you pass the virus on to may not be so lucky.

This is a community problem - let’s solve it AS a community.

Good summary.

I think Carpenter is still a cog to maintain for the bottom 6, 4th line especially. Great veteran leadership, grit, strength, and compete level.

Really like that defense if at least one of de Haan and/or Seabrook is fully healed and bounces back strongly AND if the youngsters continue to build upon a pretty good start to what are hopefully promising careers for the Hawks.

Of course this doesn’t count any free agents or trades. Or if they draft a 1st rounder who can play instantly in the NHL.
- AEL_Fox

Agreed on Carpenter, I forgot about him. Good point.

And yes that defense has serious potential and we can certainly upgrade even further with an instant hit in the first round of the upcoming draft.

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

FTR, I’m still pissed about it.

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

I would guess the NHL would follow along.
- StLBravesFan

Yeah, but the NBA isn’t a physical game. They could go with virtually no off-season without risking future repercussions...not so sure the NHL could go that route.

Tom Wilson has got size, a mean streak and can play the game. What he has been guilty of in the past is some stupid hits after the NHL made it known they wanted those type of hits gone from the game. But unlike some of the little rats like Marchand who do something dirty and then run and hide, Wilson takes on whoever wants a piece of him.

It won't ever happen but I'd take him on the Hawks any day of the week.
- RickJ

Pass. Dirty POS.

FTR, I’m still pissed about it.
- Ogilthorpe2

Yea i wasn't thrilled about it either considering all the vacancies. Oh well, hopefully 92 man's up

If they don’t stop teammates from getting concussions - implying, I guess, that the quantity of bad and dangerous hits on teammates isn’t reduced - then what’s the point of fighting?

Other than to satisfy the bloodlust of some fans.
- StLBravesFan

You never see fighting in the Olympics even with NHL players representing their country

Strict contact to the head rules even in fighting would change everything, then you wouldnt have players who miss their check because they are to slow and spin around so they can cough cough accidentally punch the player in the face. Hand goes up whistle is blown and the player is gone for the game.

You never see fighting in the Olympics even with NHL players representing their country

Strict contact to the head rules even in fighting would change everything, then you wouldnt have players who miss their check because they are to slow and spin around so they can cough cough accidentally punch the player in the face. Hand goes up whistle is blown and the player is gone for the game.
- BetweenTheDots

Actual enforcement by DoPS would be a welcome addition as well. I still don't understand how they can look at clear video evidence of a guy intentionally spearing an opponent in the nuts and not so much as a talking to. In my mind, you get half the season for that crap. I've seen Lucic do it twice. Behind the play, no possible effort toward the puck and purely (and solely) intent to injure.

Just to get a conversation started....

Hawks are two games into the schedule suspension. They would have played at home against Ottawa and at Washington last week. Figure one win and one loss. Big home and home against the Wild tonight and Thursday. Wonder which Hawks team would have showed up in these big games. This year and last when the playoffs were on the line, they didn't do well in these types of pressure games. Figure a split in these two games as well. Then a winnable game at Buffalo Saturday, followed by 5 straight at home against NSH, PIT, DAL, LAK and MTL. I'll be optimistic and say they go 3-1-1. Last two games at NYI and NYR. Let's say they go 1-1.

That makes them 7-4-1 = 15 points, a total of 87 points and most likely out of the playoffs.

What are your predictions?

You never see fighting in the Olympics even with NHL players representing their country

Strict contact to the head rules even in fighting would change everything, then you wouldnt have players who miss their check because they are to slow and spin around so they can cough cough accidentally punch the player in the face. Hand goes up whistle is blown and the player is gone for the game.
- BetweenTheDots

That was ridiculous what Sunqvist or whatever his name did. Those guys probably have a beef from when they were kids.

Just to get a conversation started....

Hawks are two games into the schedule suspension. They would have played at home against Ottawa and at Washington last week. Figure one win and one loss. Big home and home against the Wild tonight and Thursday. Wonder which Hawks team would have showed up in these big games. This year and last when the playoffs were on the line, they didn't do well in these types of pressure games. Figure a split in these two games as well. Then a winnable game at Buffalo Saturday, followed by 5 straight at home against NSH, PIT, DAL, LAK and MTL. I'll be optimistic and say they go 3-1-1. Last two games at NYI and NYR. Let's say they go 1-1.

That makes them 7-4-1 = 15 points, a total of 87 points and most likely out of the playoffs.

What are your predictions?
- boilermaker100

Hawks lose in the one game buy in 24 team tournament.

Just to get a conversation started....

Hawks are two games into the schedule suspension. They would have played at home against Ottawa and at Washington last week. Figure one win and one loss. Big home and home against the Wild tonight and Thursday. Wonder which Hawks team would have showed up in these big games. This year and last when the playoffs were on the line, they didn't do well in these types of pressure games. Figure a split in these two games as well. Then a winnable game at Buffalo Saturday, followed by 5 straight at home against NSH, PIT, DAL, LAK and MTL. I'll be optimistic and say they go 3-1-1. Last two games at NYI and NYR. Let's say they go 1-1.

That makes them 7-4-1 = 15 points, a total of 87 points and most likely out of the playoffs.

What are your predictions?
- boilermaker100

That sounds about right. Don't know if you're an Athletic subscriber but they had a write up the other day detailing four scenarios for the Hawks in the offseason.

Just for ER one of them even had Max Shalunov coming over.

Other than possibly trading Matta, buying out Smith and figuring out the goalie situation, I think the team looks similar to the way it ended this season.

Some of that depends on the health of de Haan, Shaw and Seabs; but I suspect any new faces will likely come from within the organization.

Maybe they make hay with another Euro signing that allows some of the Ice Piggies to develop further.