I think Joki and Nylander provided equal value to the teams that they were on. Joki was being pushed for a spot on the team coming out of camp, and ended doing well for himself as the year progressed. He got some extra minutes due to injuries and he was able to improve his overall game with the experience. I'm not sure if he would have fared as well on CHI or not. Nylander is not the disaster that many make him out to be. He struggled a bit at the beginning, but by the end of the year, he was playing much more responsibly defensively and was one of the better players breaking out of the zone (and he actually produced some points as well). I'm not as upset with the move now as I was when it happened.
- Chunk

If you go watch highlights of the last five games or so, Nylander , Kane and Strome were producing pretty well together. The kid has talent for sure in my opinion its a confidence thing. Look at Panarin, he wasn't even drafted but became a damn good nhl player. Nylander might never become that but he might need more time to develop.

If you go watch highlights of the last five games or so, Nylander , Kane and Strome were producing pretty well together. The kid has talent for sure in my opinion its a confidence thing. Look at Panarin, he wasn't even drafted but became a damn good nhl player. Nylander might never become that but he might need more time to develop.
- GPHawksfan

I think you are 100% right with this. That is one of the reasons why I was so upset that they had to stop the season. Nylander was playing quite well and looked to be playing faster (letting his skill take over more).

I'm not sour on Joki either. I think he is a good d-man, but won't become an upper echelon guy. Kind of like Murphy with the chance to have a bit more offense. He also is still young and needs time to improve.

I think you are 100% right with this. That is one of the reasons why I was so upset that they had to stop the season. Nylander was playing quite well and looked to be playing faster (letting his skill take over more).

I'm not sour on Joki either. I think he is a good d-man, but won't become an upper echelon guy. Kind of like Murphy with the chance to have a bit more offense. He also is still young and needs time to improve.
- Chunk

Agree with you guys on Nylander. Thought he was stringing some good games together with 17 and 88. Thought his play away from the puck and positioning was looking better too.

Like you said, letting his skill take over vs earlier in the season it looked like half the time he was in the wrong place in the OZone and just trying to get out of the way.

Muller was who the screw him was for. I would rather they move Bowman up and find a new GM than hire Gillis. Gillis has Canuck stink on him.
- Elbows15

Hexstall or shero possible gm candidates if bowman is move up. Also like the idea of norm maciver as the gm.

Hexstall or shero possible gm candidates if bowman is move up. Also like the idea of norm maciver as the gm.
- Scott1977

As long as he has duct tape and a toothpick, he could put a team together.

No to Hextall
https://www.crossingbroad...iring-of-ron-hextall.html

If you go watch highlights of the last five games or so, Nylander , Kane and Strome were producing pretty well together. The kid has talent for sure in my opinion its a confidence thing. Look at Panarin, he wasn't even drafted but became a damn good nhl player. Nylander might never become that but he might need more time to develop.
- GPHawksfan

Wasn't Panarin 25 when we got him? Everyone wants to give up on Nylander at 21.

If you go watch highlights of the last five games or so, Nylander , Kane and Strome were producing pretty well together. The kid has talent for sure in my opinion its a confidence thing. Look at Panarin, he wasn't even drafted but became a damn good nhl player. Nylander might never become that but he might need more time to develop.
- GPHawksfan

If anyone was expecting Alex to be Willie Nylander, he can't be, as he doesn't have those kinda of feet; he does have a high hockey IQ and quick trigger.



I had time to go back the last month and read through stuff I jotted down on prospects over the last 15 years and it was interesting because I know how we all feel the new game has a number one priority of speed in their skating.

It turned out that the majority of the prospects that has panned out, all had me writing down the had high hockey IQ and their reactions were quick to that moment.

Most had negatives attached like "needs to be faster from a stop to a start", or lacks afterburners, and of course the "needs more girth and strength" concerns that most place on still developing kids.

The guys whether mid-first round or later who were recognized as good visioned players almost always succeeded as nhl players filling a variety of roles, so even if they didn't end up reaching the very unrealistic projection so many put on these kids as first line players they fit in some form as players who could be called upon to score that odd big goal while plAying in secondary roles.

I just thought it was interesting that being able to slow the action down process it and be ready for what was about to transpire was more crucial to foot speed.


One was Dylan Strome...

Wasn't Panarin 25 when we got him? Everyone wants to give up on Nylander at 21.
- rpeters01

He was, and that was my point if i didn't make it clear. Nylander definitely has talent. Let him develop by putting in a position to succeed. Not on the fourth line with guys who dump and chase.

If anyone was expecting Alex to be Willie Nylander, he can't be, as he doesn't have those kinda of feet; he does have a high hockey IQ and quick trigger.



I had time to go back the last month and read through stuff I jotted down on prospects over the last 15 years and it was interesting because I know how we all feel the new game has a number one priority of speed in their skating.

It turned out that the majority of the prospects that has panned out, all had me writing down the had high hockey IQ and their reactions were quick to that moment.

Most had negatives attached like "needs to be faster from a stop to a start", or lacks afterburners, and of course the "needs more girth and strength" concerns that most place on still developing kids.

The guys whether mid-first round or later who were recognized as good visioned players almost always succeeded as nhl players filling a variety of roles, so even if they didn't end up reaching the very unrealistic projection so many put on these kids as first line players they fit in some form as players who could be called upon to score that odd big goal while plAying in secondary roles.

I just thought it was interesting that being able to slow the action down process it and be ready for what was about to transpire was more crucial to foot speed.
- wiz1901

His best games were the last five or so before the season shut down. He was figuring out how to play with Kane. I agree he's not a burner on his skates like his brother. But he has a good shot and was figuring out how to get open with Kane and Strome feeding him. They did quite a bit of give and go work down low. I wish other guys on this team would do that too.

Sounds like we're in agreement there but this was the guy I was thinking of from Carolina...

Darren Yorke (Hurricanes, Director of Player Personnel)
Yorke is in his 11th season with the Hurricanes, and second as director of player personnel. He started as a video scout (2009-17) and manager of scouting (2017-18) before taking on his current role. He’s in charge of the team’s amateur scouting and draft, which has been highly-rated by draft analysts the past few years.

Yorke would bring a new, open mindset with a track record of success developing young talent to Chicago’s rebuilding organization.

Don't know him other than this blurb from Second City, but I thought he sounded like an interesting candidate. Some of the others mentioned in the piece were Ron Hextall, Mark Hunter, Bill Zito and Mike Gillis.
- HawkintheD

I personally feel it is a bit of a stretch to say he has had a track record of success since he has only had that position for one draft. Kelley has a proven track record and I am nore than fine with keeping Kelley around to run the draft.

IMO, it is the Hawks pro scouting department that needs an overhaul. Their amaateur/Euro scouts have done a good job. Their pro scouts? Not so much.

I think you are 100% right with this. That is one of the reasons why I was so upset that they had to stop the season. Nylander was playing quite well and looked to be playing faster (letting his skill take over more).

I'm not sour on Joki either. I think he is a good d-man, but won't become an upper echelon guy. Kind of like Murphy with the chance to have a bit more offense. He also is still young and needs time to improve.
- Chunk

Nylander has a poop ton of skills. He just needs to get to a point where he lets them take over. He was beginning to get there. Early in the season I felt he was thinking too much on the ice. Also, felt he was really. trying to work on his play away from the puck.

It was starting to come together for him. He appeared to be playing freer.

I wasn't trying to say I soured on Joki as much as I was saying I think the Hawks moved the right D-man prospect. Boqvist and Mitchell have higher ceilings as RHD, imo

From pictures on social media, looks like Kurashev and Regula have joined the voluntary workouts this week. Wonder if that means they are locked in as Black Aces.

For those who like to track jersey numbers, Kurashev is wearing 71 and Regula is wearing 75.

Strome joined workouts earlier in the week along with Kane, DeBrincat, Nylander, and Subban who started last week.

Regula Kurashev Black Aces?

You may see a dozen black Aces playing if there isn't a pause in the pandemic that everyone has started to ignore...

So do we put the NHL phase two on hold?
or is PHASE THREE ?
Last week, the NHL and NHLPA announced training camps (Phase 3) would open on July 10, “provided that medical and safety conditions allow and the parties have reached an overall agreement on resuming play.”


"Three Lightning players and at least one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 this week, forcing the team to temporarily shut down its small group workouts in Phase 2 of the Return to Play,"
There have been 18 players working out at the Tampa facilities, with three groups of six split between Amalie Arena and TGH Sportsplex in Brandon.

The cases he in Florida have been going crazy since the Governor fell unlock step being the country's top executive.
Since June 10th the cases have spiked higher than any other days since this started...maybe, a little to do with the higher amount of testing, but...


Phase 2 is optional and players who choose to not go to a team facility can skate where they want and do not have to follow the guidelines agreed to by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association.

So where are we now?

(From the Athletic)Sources also said the NHL and NHLPA may for the remainder of Phase 2 simply announce “an NHL player or NHL players” tested positive for COVID-19 in perhaps a weekly report rather than continue to identify the player’s team or what market he was skating in, as first reported by TSN’s Bob McKenzie

(That sounds pretty convenient eh? It takes any direct connection of a name player to the pandemic off the table...)

Regula Kurashev Black Aces?

You may see a dozen black Aces playing if there isn't a pause in the pandemic that everyone has started to ignore...

So do we put the NHL phase two on hold?
or is PHASE THREE ?
Last week, the NHL and NHLPA announced training camps (Phase 3) would open on July 10, “provided that medical and safety conditions allow and the parties have reached an overall agreement on resuming play.”


"Three Lightning players and at least one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 this week, forcing the team to temporarily shut down its small group workouts in Phase 2 of the Return to Play,"
There have been 18 players working out at the Tampa facilities, with three groups of six split between Amalie Arena and TGH Sportsplex in Brandon.

The cases he in Florida have been going crazy since the Governor fell unlock step being the country's top executive.
Since June 10th the cases have spiked higher than any other days since this started...maybe, a little to do with the higher amount of testing, but...


Phase 2 is optional and players who choose to not go to a team facility can skate where they want and do not have to follow the guidelines agreed to by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association.

So where are we now?

(From the Athletic)Sources also said the NHL and NHLPA may for the remainder of Phase 2 simply announce “an NHL player or NHL players” tested positive for COVID-19 in perhaps a weekly report rather than continue to identify the player’s team or what market he was skating in, as first reported by TSN’s Bob McKenzie

(That sounds pretty convenient eh? It takes any direct connection of a name player to the pandemic off the table...)
- wiz1901

That could very well be the reality that the number of Black Aces will need to be flexible so that X number of spots can be filled if there is a coronavirus-related reason for the opening.

If there is a hockey-related injury, though, that may not be reason for the league to allow a team to add a new player to the roster.

Then there's the bigger reality that what just happened with the Lightning may be the tip of the iceberg with the coronavirus potentially shutting down this restart quicker than it can get going.

No to Hextall
https://www.crossingbroad...iring-of-ron-hextall.html
- Charlau

Ok thanks did not know all that.

Nylander has a poop ton of skills. He just needs to get to a point where he lets them take over. He was beginning to get there. Early in the season I felt he was thinking too much on the ice. Also, felt he was really. trying to work on his play away from the puck.

It was starting to come together for him. He appeared to be playing freer.

I wasn't trying to say I soured on Joki as much as I was saying I think the Hawks moved the right D-man prospect. Boqvist and Mitchell have higher ceilings as RHD, imo
- Elbows15

I agree on Nylander, young players sometimes have a bad habit of thinking too much instead of reacting, so basically the game is too fast for them, once they start to react, the game will slow down for them. One thing for sure, he’s not a 4th line player, he has to play top 9.

As long as he has duct tape and a toothpick, he could put a team together.
- powerenforcer

Ha thats funny yea spelled his name wrong. But still think he be a good candidate for the hawks gm job if bowman gets fired or move to another position in the organization.

Ha thats funny yea spelled his name wrong. But still think he be a good candidate for the hawks gm job if bowman gets fired or move to another position in the organization.
- Scott1977

Glad you saw the "humor". I thought I was the only old guy here.

Regula Kurashev Black Aces?

You may see a dozen black Aces playing if there isn't a pause in the pandemic that everyone has started to ignore...

So do we put the NHL phase two on hold?
or is PHASE THREE ?
Last week, the NHL and NHLPA announced training camps (Phase 3) would open on July 10, “provided that medical and safety conditions allow and the parties have reached an overall agreement on resuming play.”


"Three Lightning players and at least one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 this week, forcing the team to temporarily shut down its small group workouts in Phase 2 of the Return to Play,"
There have been 18 players working out at the Tampa facilities, with three groups of six split between Amalie Arena and TGH Sportsplex in Brandon.

The cases he in Florida have been going crazy since the Governor fell unlock step being the country's top executive.
Since June 10th the cases have spiked higher than any other days since this started...maybe, a little to do with the higher amount of testing, but...


Phase 2 is optional and players who choose to not go to a team facility can skate where they want and do not have to follow the guidelines agreed to by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association.

So where are we now?

(From the Athletic)Sources also said the NHL and NHLPA may for the remainder of Phase 2 simply announce “an NHL player or NHL players” tested positive for COVID-19 in perhaps a weekly report rather than continue to identify the player’s team or what market he was skating in, as first reported by TSN’s Bob McKenzie

(That sounds pretty convenient eh? It takes any direct connection of a name player to the pandemic off the table...)
- wiz1901

A Toronto reporter didn't get the message. He named Matthews as testing positive.

A Toronto reporter didn't get the message. He named Matthews as testing positive.
- Elbows15

Anyone think the "secrecy" in not naming anyone who has tested positive is related to HIPPA rules? Does Canada have a HIPPA like rule?

Anyone think the "secrecy" in not naming anyone who has tested positive is related to HIPPA rules? Does Canada have a HIPPA like rule?
- boilermaker100

It very may be Hippa related...but isn't it ok for you to know my business if I choose to reveal it?

I guess by being anonymous the player gets to by-pass the ton of press questions on the virus.

Wasn't Panarin 25 when we got him? Everyone wants to give up on Nylander at 21.
- rpeters01

Panarin was like really good as a kid and playing int he KHL at 18 \ 19 years old. You could tell watching his edge work and how he would attack the goal that he was probably going to be a special player.

Nylander is an ok skater and has very nice hands but he lollygags around, is rarely in the soft areas ready to shoot and not especially strong on his skates. He is pretty horrible on the boards and makes a lot of lazy passes. He doesn't look like a hockey player to me and I'd predict him to be in Europe after 2 seasons getting marginal NHL minutes.

Anyone think the "secrecy" in not naming anyone who has tested positive is related to HIPPA rules? Does Canada have a HIPPA like rule?
- boilermaker100

That is a HIPAA rule...

It very may be Hippa related...but isn't it ok for you to know my business if I choose to reveal it?

I guess by being anonymous the player gets to by-pass the ton of press questions on the virus.
- wiz1901

My understanding is that if any person wants the public to know his/her medical condition, then he/she can reveal it. Otherwise, it's no one's business.