Subban is an interesting pick-up. The Hawks since Crawford has taken over as #1 has had great success with finding back-up goaltenders (Emery, Raanta, Darling). This is from MyNHLdraftsight scouting report on Subban in his draft year

The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K., Malcolm Subban went against the family mould of blueliners and became a goaltender. He may be smaller than most netminders in Canadian junior hockey but he uses his smaller stature to his advantage. Subban has really solid technique that includes quick feet and agile positioning. He squeezes tight in the butterfly and he uses his lower centre of gravity to pull the puck into his body. He has stellar reflexes which makes his glove hand very fast. Subban moves from post to post with fluidity and he watches the play closely. However, he does need to improve on watching the play while being screened as he tends to stand in his crease without trying to look around the player in front of him. Most goals that go in on him are ones that go high since he is a smaller goalie. He also needs to work some more on his rebound control as he gives out big rebounds on a consistent basis.

Sounds very much like a Crawford clone. Wonder how much he could improve just watching Crawford in games and practice habits, and what Waite can do with him.

Have only seen Lankinen in the Tourney that Finland won, so don't know about his upside. Unless Delia made a significant improvement on his technique, I do not think of him as an NHL goaltender. He reminds me of Mike Palmatter and his career sub .900 save percentage.
- LAHawk

Count me as intrigued by the possible improvement of Subban. I think his pedigree (former first rounder) and his experience set him up as a possible late bloomer. If he turned into the next Dubnyk, it wouldn't be a bad thing.

Another good article Theo. (Side note to Tyler, Hurry back from cottage before you lose the job. LOL)

Couple of comments....
Regarding Maatta, deHaan and Murphy, there's a good chance you'll lose one of them in the expansion draft after the 20/21 season, which would open up a spot for a Beaudin or Mitchell.

Regarding F prospects, hopefully Chalupa, the recent Euro signing, will be in the mix in a year or two. And if the Hawks retain the 9th spot in the draft, another good F could be added to the list.
- boilermaker100

Thanks, boiler!

You are right on with pointing out the expansion draft, entry draft, and European free agents as additional factors that impact the roster calculus.

I would also added NCAA free agents (i.e. those who were never drafted) as another factor although the Hawks have had less success there.

Trevor van Riemsdyk is the most recent NCAA free agent who worked out as he spent no time in the minors and was a Cup contributor.

Tanner Kero was decent.

Definitely not Drew LaBlanc, Matt Carey, or Kyle Baun.

Subban is an interesting pick-up. The Hawks since Crawford has taken over as #1 has had great success with finding back-up goaltenders (Emery, Raanta, Darling). This is from MyNHLdraftsight scouting report on Subban in his draft year

The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K., Malcolm Subban went against the family mould of blueliners and became a goaltender. He may be smaller than most netminders in Canadian junior hockey but he uses his smaller stature to his advantage. Subban has really solid technique that includes quick feet and agile positioning. He squeezes tight in the butterfly and he uses his lower centre of gravity to pull the puck into his body. He has stellar reflexes which makes his glove hand very fast. Subban moves from post to post with fluidity and he watches the play closely. However, he does need to improve on watching the play while being screened as he tends to stand in his crease without trying to look around the player in front of him. Most goals that go in on him are ones that go high since he is a smaller goalie. He also needs to work some more on his rebound control as he gives out big rebounds on a consistent basis.

Sounds very much like a Crawford clone. Wonder how much he could improve just watching Crawford in games and practice habits, and what Waite can do with him.

Have only seen Lankinen in the Tourney that Finland won, so don't know about his upside. Unless Delia made a significant improvement on his technique, I do not think of him as an NHL goaltender. He reminds me of Mike Palmatter and his career sub .900 save percentage.
- LAHawk

I'm hoping the same thing with Subban as far as further development under Waite and having Crawford as a mentor.

What's on Subban's side is an outstanding work ethic and dedication to not only improve himself but help his teammates hone their craft, too.

Nice write up Theo, trying to get all your thoughts out in a few blogs, haha. I do agree gots to go young hopefully Mitchell and Boqvist will become main stays as RD for years to come
- BetweenTheDots

Thanks, Dots!

Brevity is something I need to work on, no doubt.

I’m not first, but I will second the analysis you
- jhawk59[Theo] provided at the end of the last blog. I was particularly interested in your evaluation of Drysdale.

Now for some banter about dmen whom do not want to be stuck in quicksand and play their way out of town

The team really should try their darnedest to retain Murphy for two seasons. Beside Carlsson in Murphy you have a physical checker on defense as they complement the offensive style puck movers already aboard or soon arriving for good.

I noticed that Koekkoek was skating early in the return to practice/workouts. Special K needs to be special if he wants to stick around in Chicago - in the NHL as it will likely be sometime next season or once expansion happens

A youthful veteran already is Koekkoek and it is the challenge from many kids plus his professional experience which he must use as a springboard. He probably could become better; better however may be just enough to be depth for another team.

With Maata he is now more a placeholder or an option should one of the kids be deemed to benefit from a tad more AHL seasoning. Maata does not endear himself to fans with his slow skating but actually he is not a bad dman whom fills a third pair as a descent player and even when pressed can survive in a second pair.

Both Maata and Koekkoek help qualify as members of dman available for expansion team selection. Both should realize that they cannot slide with poor play since this will necessitate a youngster getting a shot in their stead.

I seriously question whether Gilbert could become anything above a third pair and some muscle role as needed. I know that Theo will keep us informed of Gilbert’s progress.

There should be no surprise when both Beaudin and Kyrs continue to develop. I really believe that Tuuola could catch on somewhere after another solid AHL season. He is in a numbers game with Chicago

And Rogula is an intriguing talent but MuST not be rushed.

The sooner Seabrook can play the soonest a Koekkoek or Maata might depart (but not both/I would hypothesize due to the Seattle expansion fodder).

We can think of our defense going forward with youth. In defense of the.... well....the defensemen Is certainly a theme as kids may have their moments. But three pairs of strong puck movers is what I suggest Bowman has planned or strategized for as a backbone to augment the team’s success.

Pretty solid perspective on the defensemen, jhawk.

In terms of what I think about Drysdale, a comparable that keeps coming to mind is Quinn Hughes. Similar size and offensive talent. Drysdale is also no slouch in defending.

With a projected stagnant cap it's going to be interesting to see how they go about this transition to youth. I think every team in the league is going to try this to some degree.

I don't see any blockbuster or wholesale trades to move out players. I don't think they would get enough value from those and it just may not be possible with movement clauses and some of those salaries.

I see more of a methodical series of minor or innocuous moves that we see as insignificant but, in the long run accomplish the goal.

Should be fun whether it's Stanley calling the shots or someone else.
- Rota's Rooter

If every team needs to move salary then nobody can move salary. Second choice would be compliance buyouts but there is no money for that. I look for some kind of "cap amnesty" for 2-3 years where other deals are still possible. You have to have ~22 players.

So glad to see Marian Hossa a first ballot Hall of Famer.
#SimplyTheBest.

So glad to see Marian Hossa a first ballot Hall of Famer.
#SimplyTheBest.
- 35Tony0

Watched game 4 of the 2015 WCF last night. It was a pleasure watch Hossa on the broadcast. The man looked so graceful and powerful on his skates, and he was always where he needed to be on the ice.

Game 7 is On Friday. IIRC, Q made a line change immediately after the opening face off and Toews was an absolute beast in the first period, which is where the Hawks won the game.

Thanks Theo - Do you believe Rockford has the correct coaches in place to build a solid organization?
- powerenforcer

No

Time for be to cast shade:

I have read more than one article already talking about the 2021 NHL hall of Fame candidates, and "whether the Sedin Brothers should be put in the HALL of FAME as a "couple."
I dunno I just dunno with the way everyone nitpicks why and how many players who slipped in already were benchmarks fro all these others...now we take up two entry spaces to honor twin births, and lump their accomplishments with connected with each other as one feat of accomplishments?

Do they equally have criteria to be enrolled as separates?

You would think if Larmer and his numbers are not enough to get in a Savard Secord 's linemate that one of the Sedin's is on equal footing as a Laremr?

I AM PREJUDICED. Never liked them thought they were less effective in battle situations and the won all those Cups...not...I just dont know if the entire fan base of the NHL feels they get a novelty selection...
Someone can easily argue their numbers to me.

Daniel had FOUR seasons where he scored 80 points.
Danile scored 41 goals ONCE.
Larmer had SEVEN seasons
Larmer had FIVE 40 gaol plus seasons.

You see where I am going?

I just don't thinking a twin in hockey, getting the NHL to cater to your being drafted together...that was a special consideration, but into the HALL because they are Sedin Twins, frank that!

No
- Scott1977

Hey Scott. What are they missing in Rockford and who would you like to replace them?

Time for be to cast shade:

I have read more than one article already talking about the 2021 NHL hall of Fame candidates, and "whether the Sedin Brothers should be put in the HALL of FAME as a "couple."
I dunno I just dunno with the way everyone nitpicks why and how many players who slipped in already were benchmarks fro all these others...now we take up two entry spaces to honor twin births, and lump their accomplishments with connected with each other as one feat of accomplishments?

Do they equally have criteria to be enrolled as separates?

You would think if Larmer and his numbers are not enough to get in a Savard Secord 's linemate that one of the Sedin's is on equal footing as a Laremr?

I AM PREJUDICED. Never liked them thought they were less effective in battle situations and the won all those Cups...not...I just dont know if the entire fan base of the NHL feels they get a novelty selection...
Someone can easily argue their numbers to me.

Daniel had FOUR seasons where he scored 80 points.
Danile scored 41 goals ONCE.
Larmer had SEVEN seasons
Larmer had FIVE 40 gaol plus seasons.

You see where I am going?

I just don't thinking a twin in hockey, getting the NHL to cater to your being drafted together...that was a special consideration, but into the HALL because they are Sedin Twins, frank that!
- wiz1901

I have to concur Wiz. I don't deny they were both great talents and worked well together, but there is absolutely no reason that they should go in because they are twins. They don't make that distinction for any other set of teammates.

If they merit getting in individually, fine, I have no problem, if one or the other doesn't meet the criteria, it is ludicrous to include them simply because it is interesting that two brothers played together for their whole career.

Never take a person who uses ALL CAPS seriously

Never take a person who uses ALL CAPS seriously
- SimpleJack

I AGREE.

I AGREE.
- DarthKane

WOOF

There is a reason Subban has bounced around since being drafted. He is too short for today's NHL.

There is a reason Subban has bounced around since being drafted. He is too short for today's NHL.
- Elbows15

??? Did you start saucing early? He's the same size as Crow.

??? Did you start saucing early? He's the same size as Crow.
- Chunk

No, he isn't. There is no way he is 6'2". Plus he sucks. He was a throw-in and won't be re-signed is my guess.


EDIT: I was stunned to see he was listed at that height. He always looked much shorter. Either way.He can be fired into the sun with the rest of the bums. Maatta, Smith, Carpenter and injured trio, Shaw, de Haan and Cagguila.

Bring in the youngins. I'm ready.

??? Did you start saucing early? He's the same size as Crow.
- Chunk

He bounced around is an inaccurate adjective. UPDDATE if bounced around implies he is not very good


Subban needed time to develop. He did get necessary time in the AHL.

He has not been ajudged good enough to unseat the incumbent since leaving Beantown. Just needs to play. Has some things to improve on.. Has top level ability but until he puts it all together, you never know if he does if he gets that opportunity.. As s back up his salary is more than Laakinen or Delia

I would like to see Laakinen as back up. I have reservations about Delia style and if he is NHL ready. Would there be much difference in savings to choose Laakinen over Subban.........
Don't know if this is a big issue. I don mind Subban getting the role although he really needs to play as a #1 to develop.....with Jimmy Waite coaching all along.,.....maybe the way this could occur is if Crawford is injured for an extended period - of-time. Totally expect Crawford re- signs. Subban maybe.

No, he isn't. There is no way he is 6'2". Plus he sucks. He was a throw-in and won't be re-signed is my guess.


EDIT: I was stunned to see he was listed at that height. He always looked much shorter. Either way.He can be fired into the sun with the rest of the bums. Maatta, Smith, Carpenter and injured trio, Shaw, de Haan and Cagguila.

Bring in the youngins. I'm ready.
- Elbows15

We have a bingo here. All the lads mentioned have seen their best days, time to see what the kids can bring.

No, he isn't. There is no way he is 6'2". Plus he sucks. He was a throw-in and won't be re-signed is my guess.


EDIT: I was stunned to see he was listed at that height. He always looked much shorter. Either way.He can be fired into the sun with the rest of the bums. Maatta, Smith, Carpenter and injured trio, Shaw, de Haan and Cagguila.

Bring in the youngins. I'm ready.
- Elbows15

The stats on players is usually bullpoop

No, he isn't. There is no way he is 6'2". Plus he sucks. He was a throw-in and won't be re-signed is my guess.


EDIT: I was stunned to see he was listed at that height. He always looked much shorter. Either way.He can be fired into the sun with the rest of the bums. Maatta, Smith, Carpenter and injured trio, Shaw, de Haan and Cagguila.

Bring in the youngins. I'm ready.
- Elbows15

Subban and Delia are both 26, Lankanin is 25.

Never take a person who uses ALL CAPS seriously
- SimpleJack

In his defense, the first letter of his sentence wasn't capitalized, the rest of it was.

No, he isn't. There is no way he is 6'2". Plus he sucks. He was a throw-in and won't be re-signed is my guess.


EDIT: I was stunned to see he was listed at that height. He always looked much shorter. Either way.He can be fired into the sun with the rest of the bums. Maatta, Smith, Carpenter and injured trio, Shaw, de Haan and Cagguila.

Bring in the youngins. I'm ready.
- Elbows15

The youngins haven't been very good in the AHL let alone the NHL.

Subban and Delia are both 26, Lankanin is 25.
- LAHawk

The HAWKS goalie prospects are nothing but Lottery tickets and you might want to check the expiration date on a couple .
Askarov will fall into the HAWKS lap at 9th and failure to capitalize on this opportunity will be a colossal mistake that will haunt the organization for years .
Timing is everything in sports. And with the dreadful state of the goalie pipeline in Chicago the timing could not be better for them to grab the best goalie prospect since Cary Price .