If they decide to move on from Crawford, that moves the needle big time.

If they decide to move on from Crawford, that moves the needle big time.
- LAHawk

That is kind of where I expect them to start. It's kind of a weird thought process though. In my mind, you would need to replace him with someone cheaper than what he would sign for. Otherwise, why not just resign him and let the young guys develop an extra year or two?

That is kind of where I expect them to start. It's kind of a weird thought process though. In my mind, you would need to replace him with someone cheaper than what he would sign for. Otherwise, why not just resign him and let the young guys develop an extra year or two?
- Chunk

Or they go Subban, Delia, and hope that they are adequate. Or sign a career back-up (khodobin?) for cheap and hope for one year he performs as a #1 (like Carolina did with Mrazek).

PM Trudeau announces that Canada is open to the idea of a Canadian city being one of the hubs which is what the NHL has been pushing for. Toronto seems to have the inside track ahead of Edmonton and Vancouver.

Looks like the Hawks along with the other Western teams might play there while the East heads to Vegas.

Blackhawks looking to get younger
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Chicago Blackhawks plan on trying to “innovate and change some things” from how they’ve operated in past offseasons according to GM Stan Bowman. In the past offseasons, they’ve replaced aging players with equally aging free agents. So, look for the Blackhawks to try and get younger this offseason.

Anyone else think McDonough was against this, and that is the reason he was fired?
- LAHawk

Anyone else think this departure from the past post-dated the McD termination and was due in large part to the Covid-19 issues and a projected stagnant cap at best for the next year or two?

PM Trudeau announces that Canada is open to the idea of a Canadian city being one of the hubs which is what the NHL has been pushing for. Toronto seems to have the inside track ahead of Edmonton and Vancouver.

Looks like the Hawks along with the other Western teams might play there while the East heads to Vegas.
- boilermaker100

I was seriously going to say you’d want the reverse - West in Vegas, East in Toronto - better fan draws.

But then I remembered....

how about younger and faster? strome, matta, are down right slow, CAT is slow when you factor in he is 5-6, Smith is probably slower then AA.

If I could get 1 gift from all of this it would be 1 compliance buyout!!! this team could be back in the playoffs perennially with that. IMO.

I like carpenter on the 4th line. he still got 2 good years left.

Trades last year:
Joki-Nylander I would say 60-40 loser
Shaw -2/3 pick 95% loser
Matta-kahun and 5th (31 pts in 56 games would look real good on the 4th line) 70-30 loser when you factor in contracts.
Dehann-forsling Forsberg 65-35 loser with his injury history and the fact he is going to get hurt again.

you reverse all of those and you keep the most productive Forward (kahun) you have the most productive D in Joki you have extra 2,3,5 picks and 10 mil in cap space.

Blackhawks looking to get younger
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Chicago Blackhawks plan on trying to “innovate and change some things” from how they’ve operated in past offseasons according to GM Stan Bowman. In the past offseasons, they’ve replaced aging players with equally aging free agents. So, look for the Blackhawks to try and get younger this offseason.

Anyone else think McDonough was against this, and that is the reason he was fired?
- LAHawk

Thank you for sharing that tidbit. I personally hope that is the case to shift the direction of the team towards the youth.

One reason why relying more on the youth moving forward is more viable today than in recent seasons is because the prospect pipeline is much stronger.

I'm more comfortable letting Dach, Kubalik, Highmore, Hagel, Sikura, Boqvist, Carlsson, and Beaudin all be a part of the big club and grow together than McNeill, Morin, Pirri, Iacopelli, Knott, Svedberg, Pokka, and Clendening.

Then right behind this new wave is another pool of hopefuls, i.e. Entwistle, Kurashev, Soderlund, Altybarmakyan, Barratt, and Teply up front and Krys, Vlasic, Regula, Galvas, Moberg, and Demin in the backend.

See who sticks and jettison the rest.

I was seriously going to say you’d want the reverse - West in Vegas, East in Toronto - better fan draws.

But then I remembered....
- StLBravesFan

Earlier in this playoff process, it was mentioned that a team in the playoffs cannot play in its own hub city. So if that's the case Vegas can't play in Vegas so they and the rest of the west go to Toronto if that's the other hub.

Maybe the league will change its tune. It's not like VGK will have a home ice advantage if there's no attendance at the games and they are staying at some hotel instead of their own homes. EDIT ditto with Toronto.

how about younger and faster? strome, matta, are down right slow, CAT is slow when you factor in he is 5-6, Smith is probably slower then AA.

If I could get 1 gift from all of this it would be 1 compliance buyout!!! this team could be back in the playoffs perennially with that. IMO.

I like carpenter on the 4th line. he still got 2 good years left.

Trades last year:
Joki-Nylander I would say 60-40 loser
Shaw -2/3 pick 95% loser
Matta-kahun and 5th (31 pts in 56 games would look real good on the 4th line) 70-30 loser when you factor in contracts.
Dehann-forsling Forsberg 65-35 loser with his injury history and the fact he is going to get hurt again.

you reverse all of those and you keep the most productive Forward (kahun) you have the most productive D in Joki you have extra 2,3,5 picks and 10 mil in cap space.
- kmw4631

I agree on Shaw (in hindsight of course, but his injury history did lead to the assumption he would not last a full season).

Kahun had 31 points primarily playing with Crosby and Malkin. I doubt he would have that many playing on the 4th line. Nylander who spent a considerable amount of time playing 4th line had 26, so maybe pure points wise Kahun was more productive, but I do not think he is more productive than Nylander.

If you are going to go by points, Matta was more productive than Joki, with a better plus minus, and probably playing against better competition. Yes he is slow, but he can still play good defense.

DaHaan was the best defenseman before he got hurt. We traded him for 2 guys (one in Europe, and one played one game in goal in the NHL, and was yanked. How could that be a loss because of his salary?. Hawks did not have salary issues last year, and in fact had glorious cap space at the TD, which was never used.

Funny the trade I hated, AA for Smith you did not list.

I actually think the Hawks would of been worse off if they would of kept Joki, and Kahun for DaHaan, Matta, and Nylander, but then again they would of had a better chance for a top 3 pick.

Really? That's great.

I really miss being on the ice. I have this pesky knee cap that won't stay in place though. On the list to have surgery. Hoping a couple years from now I'm playing again.
- Tyler Cameron

Yes. It has been sweet. Well, painful, but sweet. It's way out of my way but that's fine. We are having a parking lot pizza party after our skate this week. I know the virus is harsh on certain people, but to keep everything closed or 10 and under groups, imo, come on...seriously...preventing so many from doing what they want and need to do for other, good, health reasons.

Blackhawks looking to get younger
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Chicago Blackhawks plan on trying to “innovate and change some things” from how they’ve operated in past offseasons according to GM Stan Bowman. In the past offseasons, they’ve replaced aging players with equally aging free agents. So, look for the Blackhawks to try and get younger this offseason.

Anyone else think McDonough was against this, and that is the reason he was fired?
- LAHawk

Hey LAHawk - where did you see this quote from Ben.

I can't seem to find it.

Can you send my way? Thanks!

Hey LAHawk - where did you see this quote from Ben.

I can't seem to find it.

Can you send my way? Thanks!
- Tyler Cameron

https://chicago.suntimes....emy-colliton-patrick-kane

https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2020/6/13/21288668/danny-wirtz-era-blackhawks-rocky-wirtz-john-mcdonough-stan-bowman-jeremy-colliton-patrick-kane
- LAHawk

Thank you kindly!

https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2020/6/13/21288668/danny-wirtz-era-blackhawks-rocky-wirtz-john-mcdonough-stan-bowman-jeremy-colliton-patrick-kane
- LAHawk

This is on a side note...I dont like Danny Wirtz bringing in the Pitchfork founders and their art department. I dont respect those guys as artists in fact I know they exploit people (hosting gangster rap groups and acting like it's cool) and either they're too ignorant to know it, or too arrogant to care. I lived on the south side, west side, and many places in the city...and gangster rap is completely negative and hurting generations of people. Maybe when it first came out it had some legitimacy as a way for guys to express themselves but it has been a hindrance and way for easy exploitation against the very people it purports to help. Danny Wirtz thinks these promoters are cool. I look forward to helping them understand, if they care. I'm obviously not happy about it. End rant

Blackhawks looking to get younger
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Chicago Blackhawks plan on trying to “innovate and change some things” from how they’ve operated in past offseasons according to GM Stan Bowman. In the past offseasons, they’ve replaced aging players with equally aging free agents. So, look for the Blackhawks to try and get younger this offseason.
- LAHawk

Isn't that what the Tribune did when they hired Ben Pope right out of Northwestern?

Anyone else think this departure from the past post-dated the McD termination and was due in large part to the Covid-19 issues and a projected stagnant cap at best for the next year or two?
- StLBravesFan

No. I think they realize that acquiring mediocre vets is no way to push this rebuild forward. Now that McD is out of the way, Bowman is full steam ahead.

So... looking at the elders on the team:
Seabrook
Keith
Kane
Toews
Crawford
de Haan
Smith
Saad
Carpenter

If what was reported is correct, we'll see who is willing to waive to be traded. Otherwise, moving the bottom 5 on this list doesn't really move the needle that much, but who knows. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
- Chunk

2-3 players at a time would be a lot. They won't get younger in one year.

I agree on Shaw (in hindsight of course, but his injury history did lead to the assumption he would not last a full season).

Kahun had 31 points primarily playing with Crosby and Malkin. I doubt he would have that many playing on the 4th line. Nylander who spent a considerable amount of time playing 4th line had 26, so maybe pure points wise Kahun was more productive, but I do not think he is more productive than Nylander.

If you are going to go by points, Matta was more productive than Joki, with a better plus minus, and probably playing against better competition. Yes he is slow, but he can still play good defense.

DaHaan was the best defenseman before he got hurt. We traded him for 2 guys (one in Europe, and one played one game in goal in the NHL, and was yanked. How could that be a loss because of his salary?. Hawks did not have salary issues last year, and in fact had glorious cap space at the TD, which was never used.

Funny the trade I hated, AA for Smith you did not list.

I actually think the Hawks would of been worse off if they would of kept Joki, and Kahun for DaHaan, Matta, and Nylander, but then again they would of had a better chance for a top 3 pick.
- LAHawk

The poster you replied to had an obvious agenda.

2-3 players at a time would be a lot. They won't get younger in one year.
- rpeters01

True. I wasn't expecting them to blow the whole lot out. Although you could potentially drop Smith and Crawford and not really blink (assuming of course that they could find a slightly above average goalie to replace Crow).

True. I wasn't expecting them to blow the whole lot out. Although you could potentially drop Smith and Crawford and not really blink (assuming of course that they could find a slightly above average goalie to replace Crow).
- Chunk

I'd like to see Crawford come back, goalie is a position they can't afford to go with youth/inexperience overnight. I'm not hopeful that any of the Rockford goalies will be the solution either, maybe Stan trades for a younger goalie to mentor under Crawford for a couple years (i.e. Georgiev).

True. I wasn't expecting them to blow the whole lot out. Although you could potentially drop Smith and Crawford and not really blink (assuming of course that they could find a slightly above average goalie to replace Crow).
- Chunk

A factor for the goalie situation is the unconfirmed salary cap and how that will dictate who the Hawks re-sign.

Also, will Crawford be willing to sign a short-term deal (1-2 years) at lower than his current salary? But if not, which goalies would be viable to be the starter instead?

If they prioritize Crawford and his salary is around what he makes now, that could significantly impact the ability to re-sign either or both Kubalik and Strome.

Crawford, Kubalik, and Strome (not necessarily in that order) are the priorities, IMO.

Then once you know where they land, then see what's left for the other free agents (Caggiula, Koekkoek, Subban) if there is any interest to retain them.

I'd like to see Crawford come back, goalie is a position they can't afford to go with youth/inexperience overnight. I'm not hopeful that any of the Rockford goalies will be the solution either, maybe Stan trades for a younger goalie to mentor under Crawford for a couple years (i.e. Georgiev).
- DarthKane

Although likely not a popular notion, my preference would be to go with Crawford and Subban as the goalie tandem next season. The contract terms could make this idea null, though.

If possible, re-sign Crawford to $4-$4.5M for at most 2 years, then Subban for a year around what he makes now ($850K).

This would allow Delia, Lankinen, and Tomkins to continue marinating in the AHL. They're all 25 years old.

Crawford didn't become the starter until he was 26. Even then, he began 2010-11 as the backup to Turco before taking the reigns partway through that season.

For 2021-22, roll with Crawford (if signed for 2 years or he re-ups on another single year deal) and whoever proves to be the strongest out of Subban, Delia, Lankinen, and Tomkins.

I realize that the subject of what line up to we employ vs Edmonton has been touched upon in various blogs here on Tyler"s site. Yet I just feel a need to address this again . I not only knowledge that we can beat them; yet moreover I am concerned how difficult the challenge could become if we do not have the correct line up and match up (eg strategy).

If I may use a barometer which measures the change in weather as a metaphor, then let's just recognize that a barometer we experience is just what level of in shape condition are all players. Specificly two points to really fret: 1) will Edm try to overwhelm with their speed game if not only in better shape but also so much speed throughout the lineup. McDavid and Drausalti on same line here and there? The rookie Yamamoto is damn good too plus Neal is lurking (he was injured previously). .

Another Issue in game shape is coming back from a layoff, if our rookies (think experience) or veterans (think DeHahn rusty) can be beat....

Conversly what about (next point 2) our supposed huge advantage in the goaltender match up. A proven dialed in Crawford is able to steal a series but can he expect to be so good without the benefit of real season games as a preparatory?

So yeah we beat them without McDavid running amok in three contests this season. The last game featured a fast skating back and forth exchange. The difference was when we converted and were able to keep the lead. The Oilers took it to us in the third period but we did not go into a shell (defensively).

In that last contest we had Carlsson and Beaudin playing well. I liked our puck movement and transition. On a time out I sensed Tippet was frustrated after watching his team not overwhelm a defense with a couple of greenhorns

So can we expect to beat the Oilers in their preferred high tempo speed & skill track meet - beat them again? What strategy might Tippet break out? Do we insert as much veterans as possible on defense?

Ok then Boqvist was out injured in the last match. He is in and Beaudin is out. Now I come to Koekkoek and Maata. Inconsistent or to slow and I know Elbows would say both will get beat

So insert Carlsson

I would like the board to explain just whom they dress or omit. I would consider Fortin in a second or third game as a black ace if we see his speed and improved game could help

I realize that the subject of what line up to we emoloy .vs Edmonton has been touched upon in various blogs here on Tyler"s site. Yet I just feel a need to address this again . I not only knowledge that we can beat them; yet moreover I am concerned how difficult the challenge could become if we do not have the correct line up and match up (eg strategy).

If I may use a barometer which measures the change in weather as a metaphor, then let's just recognize that a barometer we face is just what level of in shape condition are all players. Specificly two points to really fret: 1) will Edm try to overwhelm with their speed game if not only in better shape but also so much speed throughout the lineup. McDavid and Drausaltu on same line hereand there? The rookie Yamamoto is damn good too plus Neal is lurming (he was injured previously). .

Another Issue in game shape is coming back from a layoff, if our rookies (think experience) or veterans (think DeHahn rusty) can be beat....

Conversly what about (next point 2) our supposed huge advantage in the goaltender match up. A proven dialed in Crawford is able to steal a series but can he expect to be so good without the benefit of real season games as a preparatory?

So yeah we beat them without McDavid running amok in three contests this season. The last game featured a fast skating back and forth exchange. The difference was when we converted and we're able to keep the lead. The Oilers took it to us in the third period but we did not go into a shell (defensively).

In that last contest we had Carlsson and Beaudin playing well. I liked our puck movement and transition. On a time out I sensed Tippet was frustrated after watching his team not overwhelm a defense with a couple of greenhorns

So can we expect to beat the Oilers in their preferred high tempo speed & skill track meet - beat them again? What strategy might Tippet break out? Do we insert as much veterans as possible on defense?

Ok then Boqvist was out injured in the last match. He is in and Beaudin is out. Now I come to Koekkoek and Maata. In insistent or to slow and I know Elbows would say both will get beat

So insert Carlsson

I would like the board to explain just whom they dress or omit. I would consider Fortin in a second or third game as a black ace if we see his speed and improved game could help
- jhawk59

I would go:

Keith-Bovquist
Matta-Murphy
Carlsson-DaHaan

If leading or tied at end of the game move DaHaan with Keith and Bovquist gets ice time on favorable match-ups.

I am assuming that Tippet keeps McDavid and Draisaitl split. I would initially start with our 3 best defensive defenseman (Keith, Murphy, DaHaan) on separate pairings. Only a 5 game series so game in game and game to game adjustments will probably be made qquick.