They're not a cup contender.. far from it. It will take years for that to happen, so in the meantime, you have Strome on a team like this. If he finds something in that time, he becomes a potentially tradeable asset. Other than that, he is what he is, on a team that is what they are. They need to fill the roster and why not him, instead of someone making more money on a team that won't be a contender.
- HawksHype

I understand that and that was my point.

Strome playing top line minutes at center on a lottery pick team is one thing......strome playing top 6 minutes on a cup contending team is entirely different.

I understand that and that was my point.

Strome playing top line minutes at center on a lottery pick team is one thing......strome playing top 6 minutes on a cup contending team is entirely different.
- SteveRain

I read your follow up post after I had commented, saying he was a stop gap. I agree.

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/

Brandon Pirri on waivers. Friggin' JC didn't even give him a chance.

edit: Reese Johnson and Entwhistle recalled to the taxi squad.

Dominos?

Again I assume it's where he ends up positionally.....winger or center. Right now he's playing center out of necessity but when healthy isn't he best suited to play wing?

Than to your point and betweenthedots, the notion of sustained pressure is fine as Strome doesn't have as large of defensive responsibilities and you don't have to penalize his line by being gun shy starting them off in their own zone.

I hope the kid pans out.....I do, but if he doesn't Hawks need to realize what they have and than evaluate if that spot is best used for a younger cheaper player who may have larger upside.

We all also need to realize that Kane carrying these slower skaters and trying to dance around guys waiting for trailers is fine now....but eventually he too will start to slow down.
- SteveRain

Nope. He was god awful on wing when tried there. The coaches, the GM, the media, he himself all said so.

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/

Brandon Pirri on waivers. Friggin' JC didn't even give him a chance.

edit: Reese Johnson and Entwhistle recalled to the taxi squad.

Dominos?
- Rota's Rooter

He is what we thought he is........ (you read this like Dennis Green, didn't you).

another who cares moment. Hagel/Highmore/Kurashev showing they deserve a chance. Maybe he clears and goes to Rockford, maybe he sails off into the sunset.

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/

Brandon Pirri on waivers. Friggin' JC didn't even give him a chance.
- Rota's Rooter

Were talking about Brandon Pirri here, he’s a known quantity, he can score, he’s not a playmaker, he’s not a great skater, he’s not a possession player, he’s brutal defensively and most importantly he’s not a prospect. Guys like Pirri are tweeners, he’s solid in the AHL but there are too many holes in his game for the NHL. I’d rather see a young guy get a chance than waste time with a guy who won’t be part of the team when they’re more competitive.

I'm wondering if Stan figures in the next couple of weeks that he just needs to cut bait and make some room for more young players:

It appears the Blachkawks have moved Brandon Hagel back to the taxi squad and brought Carl Soderberg to the active roster today.They're also still carrying all three goalies on the active roster.

Were talking about Brandon Pirri here, he’s a known quantity, he can score, he’s not a playmaker, he’s not a great skater, he’s not a possession player, he’s brutal defensively and most importantly he’s not a prospect. Guys like Pirri are tweeners, he’s solid in the AHL but there are too many holes in his game for the NHL. I’d rather see a young guy get a chance than waste time with a guy who won’t be part of the team when they’re more competitive.
- paulr

100% and guys who aren't long term answers I am more than happy with them booting off the island. I would rather see a stable full of younger guys play and be evaluated to see what they have sooner rather than later....assuming said younger players are deemed NHL ready

Learn something every day.


https://www.alabamahockeyclub.com/news
- Rota's Rooter

Yes we do.

The answer is yes.....and no.

You can always be taught better technique, this is not age dependent. Most teams in the league have power skating coaches and players have individual coaches to help them with stride and technique.

That being said there are a few things that will work against you. At a certain point no matter how good your technique is, you will be limited by your body and muscle type. All the training and technique in the world isn't gonna turn anybody into McDavid. In addition, when push comes to shove you are gonna revert to what has been deeply ingrained and that is the poor technique/bad habits.

So, yes you can learn better technique and become faster regardless of age, those increases in speed are still going to be capped at whatever your physical limitations are (regardless of training and workout regime), and most people revert to the norm when pressure is highest (though this can be overcome).

Watch in any sport, guys can look great in practice, or when there is no pressure, but when the stakes get higher the bad habits surface. It's the QB who looks great until pressure then every throw is off the back foot and not within 5 yds of anyone. Its the Hockey player where every pass is tape to tape until the game when he cant hit a teammate to save his life, Its the baseball player that botches simple plays or throws, etc. etc. etc.
- TheTrob

Thanks for the response.

Yes we do.
- Angotti

I was surprised that Alabama had any ice surface larger than crushed and cubed.

A friend’s son, who’s 23, plays pro basketball in Italy where’s he trying to showcase himself to get NBA tryouts. We had this same discussion as his son is working on getting quicker while also trying to get bigger. Apparently his coach said most speed is natural based on the type of muscle the athlete has. I’m assuming you’ve heard of quick twitch muscle, that is required for speed? Guys like Dylan Larkin or Connor McDavid are probably born with this muscle type. However speed can be improved regardless of muscle type. It requires a combination of specific exercises building the core, hips, knees and ankles. The workouts include working on explosive power to improve the first three steps. Also players have to work on technique. This basketball player works on footwork over and over.

Also, and this is my opinion, when judging guys like Strome or Dach remember a tall guy will look slower than a smaller player. My Dad pointed out to me years ago when I laughed at how Frank Mahovlich skated that he looked slow because smaller players used more strides. He said watch how many players out skate him. While he wasn’t the fastest guy I noticed he had no problem keeping up.
- paulr

Thanks. I guess it is like many situations - we don't know all the facts. For Strome, has he tried all these techniques and this is what he's got? Or maybe he hasn't, and there's room for improvement? If the latter, I'd wonder why he hasn't tried them yet - there's only millions at stake....

The answer is yes.....and no.

You can always be taught better technique, this is not age dependent. Most teams in the league have power skating coaches and players have individual coaches to help them with stride and technique.

That being said there are a few things that will work against you. At a certain point no matter how good your technique is, you will be limited by your body and muscle type. All the training and technique in the world isn't gonna turn anybody into McDavid. In addition, when push comes to shove you are gonna revert to what has been deeply ingrained and that is the poor technique/bad habits.

So, yes you can learn better technique and become faster regardless of age, those increases in speed are still going to be capped at whatever your physical limitations are (regardless of training and workout regime), and most people revert to the norm when pressure is highest (though this can be overcome).

Watch in any sport, guys can look great in practice, or when there is no pressure, but when the stakes get higher the bad habits surface. It's the QB who looks great until pressure then every throw is off the back foot and not within 5 yds of anyone. Its the Hockey player where every pass is tape to tape until the game when he cant hit a teammate to save his life, Its the baseball player that botches simple plays or throws, etc. etc. etc.
- TheTrob

Missed this, but well said and broken down.

Personally I added about 20-30 lbs of muscle after college and noticed my game in mens league was entirely different than when I was younger. Harder to move off the puck and my shot got harder and quicker release. Technology? Sure.....old aluminum sticks and wood sticks vs composite and lighter equipment etc......

but there is a fine line between too much mass muscle and keeping that quickness burst....otherwise David Boston would be in Canton......


When our son gets older, and if he chooses to play hockey, first thing I will do is find the best skating instructor I can to get his foundation set.

100% and guys who aren't long term answers I am more than happy with them booting off the island. I would rather see a stable full of younger guys play and be evaluated to see what they have sooner rather than later....assuming said younger players are deemed NHL ready
- SteveRain

This got me thinking, as well as some other previous comments. How do scouts go about determining where a player is best to develop. With some, they need to stay in the AHL (e.g. Sikura), while others need to make the jump right away (e.g. Boqvist). There are examples of both paying off, and many examples of them failing. I don't think there is a right answer, but something I've thought about. What impression / skills does a player need to show to determine where they will benefit more.

Thanks. I guess it is like many situations - we don't know all the facts. For Strome, has he tried all these techniques and this is what he's got? Or maybe he hasn't, and there's room for improvement? If the latter, I'd wonder why he hasn't tried them yet - there's only millions at stake....
- mohel

The thing I noticed is some players are strong on their skates, have great balance and can power their way through when an opponent tries to tie them up or pin them to the boards. Strome is weak in these three areas. Seemingly anyone can impede him, staple him to the boards, get him off stride or knock him on his ass. The last game Shaw bowled over a defenseman lining him up, I can’t see Strome doing the same.

Again I assume it's where he ends up positionally.....winger or center. Right now he's playing center out of necessity but when healthy isn't he best suited to play wing?

Than to your point and betweenthedots, the notion of sustained pressure is fine as Strome doesn't have as large of defensive responsibilities and you don't have to penalize his line by being gun shy starting them off in their own zone.

I hope the kid pans out.....I do, but if he doesn't Hawks need to realize what they have and than evaluate if that spot is best used for a younger cheaper player who may have larger upside.

We all also need to realize that Kane carrying these slower skaters and trying to dance around guys waiting for trailers is fine now....but eventually he too will start to slow down.
- SteveRain

There's the downside....if you wait for absolute proof that the guy has maxed out, his trade value drops big, because everyone knows the same thing. The #3 pick in the draft has value when he's 20/21. Not so much by the time he's 25.

Let's look at it from another angle. Let's say two years goes by and nobody wants to give a pick for him. Will anyone here say "Stan waited too long to realize the guy is just a guy; coulda had a #2/3 pick for him a couple years ago"? Yes, sir, and I bet that group includes some who want to see if gets better.

Thanks. I guess it is like many situations - we don't know all the facts. For Strome, has he tried all these techniques and this is what he's got? Or maybe he hasn't, and there's room for improvement? If the latter, I'd wonder why he hasn't tried them yet - there's only millions at stake....
- mohel

yeah and that's the frustration for me at times as a fan....you can see the flashes of some of these guys and I can completely understand how people get in that camp and defend said player.

Im sure its combination of

1. being used correctly by a coach. A perfect example is how Q maximized guys like Bolland and Frolik into huge components of championship teams. They still had the skill set to contribute in scoring, but he got them to focus on putting the team first. A previous blogger always referred to Frolik as "baby Jagr" and all these NHL players were probably THE guy at some point in their playing careers but end up fulfilling needs 1-12 at F and 1-6 on D.

2. mental side.....having confidence and being able to adjust to what teams/league is doing to "shut you down"

3. work ethic.....again, patrick kane is the prime example....guy was a pass first player when he came into the league and reminded me of Adam Oates.....now he's improved his shot and his back hand may be the best I have ever seen. How many times have we seen him go top shelf from within 5 ft on a goalie? For those of us who have played at any level, it's damn near impossible and he makes it look so easy.

The thing I noticed is some players are strong on their skates, have great balance and can power their way through when an opponent tries to tie them up or pin them to the boards. Strome is weak in these three areas. Seemingly anyone can impede him, staple him to the boards, get him off stride or knock him on his ass. The last game Shaw bowled over a defenseman lining him up, I can’t see Strome doing the same.
- paulr

Yeah, he doesn't remind me much of Shaw. I noticed what you're talking about in Dach last year; getting harder to move off his path or spot. Strome doesn't seem to have a high tempo gear. But, maybe it'll come.

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/

Brandon Pirri on waivers. Friggin' JC didn't even give him a chance.

edit: Reese Johnson and Entwhistle recalled to the taxi squad.

Dominos?
- Rota's Rooter

Getting closer to my 4th line of Entwhitsle, Hagel, and Highmore

I undertand we need vets. but we already had carp and kampf. if janmark was making $1 mil it would not come up. we are not going to be able to trade him unless teams get a bunch of injuries. how did we go from Q playing the top line in game 5 vs vegas to not being in the top 15 now? They are both head scratchers.

There's the downside....if you wait for absolute proof that the guy has maxed out, his trade value drops big, because everyone knows the same thing. The #3 pick in the draft has value when he's 20/21. Not so much by the time he's 25.

Let's look at it from another angle. Let's say two years goes by and nobody wants to give a pick for him. Will anyone here say "Stan waited too long to realize the guy is just a guy; coulda had a #2/3 pick for him a couple years ago"? Yes, sir, and I bet that group includes some who want to see if gets better.
- mohel

100% and thats what separates the good gms from the great gms.....and I haven't followed Arizona but has Bowman "won" this Strome trade yet? I also get organizational needs also play a role......hawks may have wanted a center who is bigger in size or lefty vs a smaller righty?

In the end we as fans, have to hope/pray we have the right GM and talent evaluators who hit on a lot more than they miss.

I have never female doged about Teuvo or Danault. I knew to remove Bickells deal and keep that window open they had to offer a cherry to Carolina.

Danault? At the time they had the spot filled and they were in win now and needed more depth. It didn't work out. ANyone cry when they sent Ben Smith to San jose for Handzus? Of course not. Or the ever immortal marko Dano to Winnipeg for Ladd?

It's easy to play revisionist and everyone to an extent is at fault with it.....my whole mantra is that if the window to win NOW is open I want a GM who goes all in.....you arent' going to stay on top forever and if you win a cup, or even multiple, the leash to rebuild is longer.....that's why I am at peace now......and I am glad they are in full on rebuild and not piece mailing a roster together that is caught in between.

All I want now is Bowman to identify pieces he has, young and old, and I am 110% sure privately he has a time frame hes expecting to be back in contending window....if players won't be here....sell high.

The 1 guy who has bit them in the ass was Panarin but you also can't have 40%+ of your cap devoted to 3 guys.....could Bowman have dealt a Seabrook to make it work? Maybe....but again, would Panarin be in his prime when teh Hawks are retooled/rebuilt again? Likely not.

This got me thinking, as well as some other previous comments. How do scouts go about determining where a player is best to develop. With some, they need to stay in the AHL (e.g. Sikura), while others need to make the jump right away (e.g. Boqvist). There are examples of both paying off, and many examples of them failing. I don't think there is a right answer, but something I've thought about. What impression / skills does a player need to show to determine where they will benefit more.
- HawksHype

I don't know either...but I think it's combination of skill set and being coachable and putting the team/organization first. Guys who play selfishly likely get moved a lot quicker.

I don't know either...but I think it's combination of skill set and being coachable and putting the team/organization first. Guys who play selfishly likely get moved a lot quicker.
- SteveRain

It seems like the art of a weatherman. Use as much info as you can, but be wrong most of the time. When they're right though...

Spot on Paul

There are guys in the NHL based on raw athletic skill, there are guys that are there based on superior technique, there are guys who are there based on work ethic and heart, there are guys based on superior hockey sense, and then there are the superstars who put them all together.
- TheTrob

And then you have guys like Kampf, big body, works out like a fiend, skates well, has a statuesque body, and can't put the puck in the ocean, nor has the hockey sense to make a play. Which one do you prefer?

The thing I noticed is some players are strong on their skates, have great balance and can power their way through when an opponent tries to tie them up or pin them to the boards. Strome is weak in these three areas. Seemingly anyone can impede him, staple him to the boards, get him off stride or knock him on his ass. The last game Shaw bowled over a defenseman lining him up, I can’t see Strome doing the same.
- paulr

Strome isn't little. At 6'3" 200 lbs he probably grew up as one of the bigger players around. While his skating speed may not be top notch, he is not a horrible skater. Couple that with a decent set of skills (hands, shot, vision) and he probably didn't take a lot of contact until he hit the pros. It's a different path than a guy like Shaw who survived and advanced based on a completely different style of play. Strome is never going to be a physical guy. He can improve balance and technique to make him stronger/better along the boards, but he is never gonna play physical, its has never been his game.

Hawks traded Schmaltz for him. A better skater but one who plays an even softer game, and at twice the cost. All things considered, I would rather have Strome than Schmaltz.