I was waiting for this one Theo!!!!

What we lack in upside forward prospects, we have in spades in this group of D-men. I know Boqvist not in your list....but when you add him to the top 5 you listed, what a collection of Top 4 potential.

In fact....in 2 years time....if things work out decently....we can have Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin eating big minutes in the top 4, and enough info
on the rest to be able to move a piece or two to acquire a quality forward.

Defence are always a highly sought after asset. Moving a good young D-man when the time comes could really add to our forward mix!!!
- hawk35

Yes, if potential gets realized or is at least on the right trajectory for realization, then the top 4 in a few years could be:

Beaudin - Mitchell
Carlsson - Boqvist

Carlsson is the only one who plays a consistently physical game. He's not a huge player but neither was Kronwall in Detroit and he was 1st pair defender who was known for his heavy style.

I know people (in general, not saying those who visit these boards) don't see that as an NHL top 4 yet think the Avs have an awesome top 4 in Makar, Girard, Byram, and Timmins. None of them are huge as far as size.

Makar is great -- but like Hughes in Vancouver -- needs to improve on defense. Byram and Timmins haven't proven anything yet and someone like Beaudin could be just as good as Girard.

And I like the Avs blueline a lot. Just don't think the Hawks future blueline is terribly behind.

Nice blog Theo. My guess your blog on goalie prospects in the system will probably be one of your shortest blogs of the season.
- LAHawk

Haha, yeah, the goalie blog will be much shorter. Not even a top 10 or even a top 5.

I hope 3 or 4 make it as regulars eventually. One thing I don't like is that the 3 projected top pair Boqvist, Mitchell Beaudin are all in the 5-11 180 lb range. Most if not all other teams have bigger guys 6-3 or more on their 1st pair... Hedman, Jones/Werenski, Slavin/Hamilton, Lindell/Klingberg, Parayko to name a few.

The Hawks in their heyday had 6-1 Keith and 6-3 Seabrook.

IMO the Hawks will need some bigger guys on their 1st pair to go up against opponents top lines and clear the front of the net on the PK. Is someone like Owen Power the answer. If so if the Hawks can nab him in the 2021 draft, he's 3 or 4 years out.
- boilermaker100

I'm not as worried about there being a lack of a huge physical player in the top 4 as long as those who will fill those spots (and the 3rd pair) are well balanced with solid compete level and commitment to defense.

For Boqvist, he really should have stayed in the AHL to hone his defense and gain confidence playing the hard hitting style of North American pro hockey.

In lieu of that, the next option is having Zadorov be his partner to protect him and open up space for him so he can be confident with his wheeling and dealing.

Then for the other D prospects, it's appropriate for them to marinate in Rockford. Carlsson has two years experience. Beaudin and Krys have one year.

Mitchell should marinate first in the minors, even if just for a little bit. Yet, I don't see him struggling as much as Boqvist.

I hope 3 or 4 make it as regulars eventually. One thing I don't like is that the 3 projected top pair Boqvist, Mitchell Beaudin are all in the 5-11 180 lb range. Most if not all other teams have bigger guys 6-3 or more on their 1st pair... Hedman, Jones/Werenski, Slavin/Hamilton, Lindell/Klingberg, Parayko to name a few.

The Hawks in their heyday had 6-1 Keith and 6-3 Seabrook.

IMO the Hawks will need some bigger guys on their 1st pair to go up against opponents top lines and clear the front of the net on the PK. Is someone like Owen Power the answer. If so if the Hawks can nab him in the 2021 draft, he's 3 or 4 years out.
- boilermaker100

Vlasic, however, could be that top 4 defensive defeseman the team may need.

I like Owen Power a lot as a 1st round option in 2021. There's also Carson Lambos and Brandt Clarke.

My main thoughts on the Hawks dmen situation.
Don't be in a rush to make moves. You basically have 2 dmen you can count on Keith and Murphy. You have 2 dmen recovering from surgeries in Seabs and DeHaan. Then you have a number of younger players with potential. If DeHaan and Seabs are healthy it will be a dog fight for roster spots and playing time. It would not be bad to start with Keith, Murphy, DeHaan, Zadorov, Seabs, Carlsson and Boqvist on the NHL roster. Then Mitchell, Beaudin, Kalynuk, Regula, Lindholm, Krys, and Seeler at the Rock. As their play warrants it or as injuries occur you can shuttle dmen back and forth from the Rock to the Hawks. No need to rush anyone.
- -Doh-

I think that is ideal, too. Not sure if Colliton will play his cards that way, though. He seems to have the green light and the eagerness to play the youth as much as he desires.

Theo
You follow the Ice Hogs. I appreciate that. If the Hogs started the year with Mitchell, Beaudin, Kalynuk, Regula, Lindholm, Krys, and Seeler at the Rock on D and either Lankinen or Delia in net, how would that compare to prior years.
- -Doh-

There's more potential with the Hogs possible blueline this season than past seasons. That's a plus.

Another plus is having Franson back as the leader of not only the blueline but the entire team. He enjoys being a mentor and taking young players under his wing. I wouldn't be surprised if he's named captain with Tyler Sikura with the Cleveland Monsters now.

Last year's Hogs blueline on opening day:

Tuulola - Carlsson
Holm - Boqvist
Krys - Beaudin

Potential Hogs blueline to start 2020-21:

Beaudin - Franson
Kalynuk - Krys
Lindholm - Regula

This assumes Mitchell and Carlsson are in the NHL. If either or both start in Rockford, the Hogs blueline depth improves.

Mitchell should marinate first in the minors, even if just for a little bit. Yet, I don't see him struggling as much as Boqvist.
- Theo Fox

I am thinking he is better off up in the mix.
He has a solid all around college game, handles bigger boys and is pretty good at knowing when to react.

There is no way he gets the larger jump to the quickness of the NHL attacking speed, NHL hunt to tae back pucks unless he is here for some games.

He HAS to see not just be told about it, and as soon as he seems overwhelmed then he gets send down at the end of this first nine games...

I dont expect Mitchell to be a bottom end pair guy. I think he is sound positionally and quick out there in his reactions and actions, so he may just surprised us and stick.

Does this send anther defender packing, retiring or simply demoted. It might happen.

Seems like deHaan will go at some point (might retain salary to improve the return).

One of Murphy, Zadorov or Carlsson looks to be destined for Seattle. They could trade Murphy and that would allow them to protect Zadorov or Carlsson, while getting some more assets for Murphy.

I think I read somewhere that Krutil was coming over to play for Kelowna in the WHL. Unfortunately the Canadian WHL teams won't be coming "south of the border" this year so no chance to get a look at Krutil or Moberg in person.

https://seattlethunderbir...or-2020-21-regular-season

That sounds like a plausible and fair scenario. Start with the veterans then work in the youth over the course of the season.

Another scenario is Colliton starting with the youth movement right off the bat and having Seabrook as the 7th man which opens up a spot for Mitchell.

A part of me feels that Colliton already has Seabrook earmarked as the 7th man no matter how healthy he is and strongly he plays in training camp.

Carlsson gets his chance with de Haan's fate, i.e. injured again, healthy scratch, or traded.
- Theo Fox

Working in the youth over the course of the season is obviously what Collitin and Bowman will do. They are on the same page. Trading someone whom is a regular on defense is not a mysterious matter of whom or when.

That player will be Murphy.. Keith can veto a trade. Keith himself may eventually be moved, but that day is not soon and the circumstances for it to occur is going to be based on several kids transitioning into descent (expect) average NHL dmen

Murphy would fetch most in a trade. He can step in and become a valuable second pair for a playoff contender. His salary and age is very attractive, although he would need a new contract next year (I think next year).

I do not expect that Bowman will be able to manipulate a trade scenario where he gets a very good prospect
More likely a first in 2021 and if he would give back a 2nd in 2021 it is a fair and attractive trade proposal.

Really what Bowman needs is to draft the one earliest pick in round one. But he probably will be excited to try for a forward and dman if he can wrangle a second #1 2021

Theo you have it down right when you project how Bowman hopes to see the defense evolve. It should be stressed, too, that Zadorov should be a mainstay on the third pair as the team needs his style for better balance on the blueline. Kalynuk may challenge for a second pair spot and certainly Khyrs figures to play as well as there are always injuries.

Vlasic seems ideal for Zadorov's spot if he develops but this is at least three years before Vlasic gets a serious look. Of course if they draft a sturdy tough dma in round 1 2021, then the dman pairs ultimately become extremely competitive.

LOOKING more toward overall team development:
:
I expect the threescorme of Kurashev, Barrett and Wise between them will give quality minutes for third line or other line spot duty.

Soderlund and Entwhistle with Hagel and Highmore is going to provide grit, speed, descent ability and puck pursuit. Those 4th line players could move in as spot duty, even hold a third line job (Hagel and Entwhistle will complement any line).

I clearly am seeing and hoping all these prospects at forward for bottom two lines TOGETHER makes us very strong in rolling four lines. Those bottom two lines could ouplay, outperform their opponent. When you have a puck mover who might have a big shot, too, in third defense pair what we could expect is to take our opponents by surprise as far as how effective and how good our bottom two lines.

Plenty of speed after Kurashev and Barrett. Barret is a yapper and I like having that sort of player when he has skill package as well. Some concern voiced by Wiz over Kurashev toughness when play is especially physical. We shall see.

I am thinking he is better off up in the mix.
He has a solid all around college game, handles bigger boys and is pretty good at knowing when to react.

There is no way he gets the larger jump to the quickness of the NHL attacking speed, NHL hunt to tae back pucks unless he is here for some games.

He HAS to see not just be told about it, and as soon as he seems overwhelmed then he gets send down at the end of this first nine games...

I dont expect Mitchell to be a bottom end pair guy. I think he is sound positionally and quick out there in his reactions and actions, so he may just surprised us and stick.

Does this send anther defender packing, retiring or simply demoted. It might happen.
- wiz1901

He has the most potential of all of the youngsters. I normally would say every guys should play in Rockford, even if its half a season.

Think i agree he'll probably be up, I'm sure it will be easily figured out in camp.

I hope 3 or 4 make it as regulars eventually. One thing I don't like is that the 3 projected top pair Boqvist, Mitchell Beaudin are all in the 5-11 180 lb range. Most if not all other teams have bigger guys 6-3 or more on their 1st pair... Hedman, Jones/Werenski, Slavin/Hamilton, Lindell/Klingberg, Parayko to name a few.

The Hawks in their heyday had 6-1 Keith and 6-3 Seabrook.

IMO the Hawks will need some bigger guys on their 1st pair to go up against opponents top lines and clear the front of the net on the PK. Is someone like Owen Power the answer. If so if the Hawks can nab him in the 2021 draft, he's 3 or 4 years out.
- boilermaker100

Agreed what you're saying is the Hawks are not finished potentially drafting D-men in the first round.

Hi All,
Hope everyone is doing well. I just wanted to say a big thank you to all those who have served past and present.
Theo keep up the good work!!!!
Semper Fi!!!

Agreed what you're saying is the Hawks are not finished potentially drafting D-men in the first round.
- rpeters01

...but, in the 2023 draft we are taking that Russian from SKA, Matvei Michkov since he is Kane-like.

Spent the last two days looking at him....

...but, in the 2023 draft we are taking that Russian from SKA, Matvei Michkov since he is Kane-like.

Spent the last two days looking at him....
- wiz1901

By fall 2023
To celebrate this Russians exploits
Between periods
A Russian cocktail whatever that is
Or just a mai tai. Still have them at the game

Hi All,
Hope everyone is doing well. I just wanted to say a big thank you to all those who have served past and present.
Theo keep up the good work!!!!
Semper Fi!!!
- BGKarras

Back at you buddy! Thank you

Back at you buddy! Thank you
- powerenforcer

👍

https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-290621842?tid=277729150

NHL.com has articles out projecting every team's starting lineup. Chicago's projection:

Kubalik - Toews - Shaw
DeBrincat - Dach - Kane
Suter - Strome - Janmark
Nylander - Kampf - Carpenter

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Zadorov - Seabrook

Delia
Subban

Notable ex-Hawks:

Saad is on the Avs 2nd line with Kadri and Burakovsky.

Maatta is on the Kings 1st pair with Doughty.

Crawford is "sharing the net" with Blackwood. The Devils article doesn't state Crawford as the starter.

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-fantasy-hockey-team-previews-2020-21/c-290621842?tid=277729150

NHL.com has articles out projecting every team's starting lineup. Chicago's projection:

Kubalik - Toews - Shaw
DeBrincat - Dach - Kane
Suter - Strome - Janmark
Nylander - Kampf - Carpenter

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Zadorov - Seabrook

Delia
Subban

Notable ex-Hawks:

Saad is on the Avs 2nd line with Kadri and Burakovsky.

Maatta is on the Kings 1st pair with Doughty.

Crawford is "sharing the net" with Blackwood. The Devils article doesn't state Crawford as the starter.
- Theo Fox

They missed Wallmark

They missed Wallmark
- RaleighHawk

They missed a lot of things when looking at rosters for other teams.

One other notable is Jokiharju on the Sabres 2nd pair with Ristolainen (both righties). Dahlin and McCabe as the 1st pair (both lefties).

...but, in the 2023 draft we are taking that Russian from SKA, Matvei Michkov since he is Kane-like.

Spent the last two days looking at him....
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz, do you agree with Theo's possible projections?

Agree wholeheartedly boilermaker.

Thanks to my fellow vets and to everyone's support!

They missed Wallmark
- RaleighHawk

I think Hawks fans will be pleasantly surprised by Wallmark. He’ll be a solid upgrade on the 4th line and can fill in on the 3rd line in short stints if needed.

My assumption is this "New Direction" is to infuse young players into the lineup with the destination being to win the Stanley Cup with those young players forming the nucleus of the team.

"New direction" is an amorphous term. It provides little in how to reach the destination and milestones along the way with which to measure progress.

Is this a 3-year plan, a 5-year plan, a 10-year plan? The answer is unknowable at this point but there should be expectations against which progress can be measured and adjustments made along the way if needed.

I suppose we're not privy to that level of plan detail but from the outside it seems, at least so far, they're not making moves that would benefit this new direction. One such move would be to trade deHaan or Murphy to open a slot for one of the young d-men to get NHL games under his belt. They have one salary retention slot available which could be used to move one of those players out of the way. They have the cap space in 2020/21 and 2021/22 - why not use it to get closer to the destination?

I think Hawks fans will be pleasantly surprised by Wallmark. He’ll be a solid upgrade on the 4th line and can fill in on the 3rd line in short stints if needed.
- DarthKane

If needed? We need him on the top line. Toews isn't up to snuff.

If needed? We need him on the top line. Toews isn't up to snuff.
- I Am The Breadman

Fair enough. Maybe Wallmark gives JC enough options down the middle to finally move Toews to 3C where he belongs.