If his usage thus far is any indication, they will. He's shown to be more effective than a number of other forwards.

On defense, I know he isn't as big, and doesn't go out of his way to hit people, but What are everyone's thoughts on Bowey vs Zadorov? I thought Bowey played better hockey, made quicker/better decisions, skates better and can still play tough in front of the crease.
- Chunk

If and when Bowey slots in and continues to get better

Strome prefers to make video clips of him and his girlfriend playing with their dog. Thats why he was useless in the Edmonton bubble - he was homesick for the dog.
- RickJ

How Strome can lose almost every puck battle baffles me. He needs to spend a summers working with Gary Roberts to get some lower body strength that would help with his ability to battle for the puck, not get knocked off stride so easily and perhaps even help with his speed, especially his first three strides.

I think your Toews replacement will eventually be Dach. If this year is just about growth, no need to try to replace The Capt if he can’t return this season.

Hopefully he is able to return or regain his health to where he isn’t dealing with whatever he currently is.
- HawkintheD

Hard to believe they don't have some idea what's wrong with him, especially if you go back to when first reports / rumors came out about it. I would assume he's has access to some pretty good doctors.

If they really have no idea, maybe they should call Dr. House, he's usually able to figure out what's wrong with someone fairly quickly.

If his usage thus far is any indication, they will. He's shown to be more effective than a number of other forwards.

On defense, I know he isn't as big, and doesn't go out of his way to hit people, but What are everyone's thoughts on Bowey vs Zadorov? I thought Bowey played better hockey, made quicker/better decisions, skates better and can still play tough in front of the crease.
- Chunk

In fairness to Zadorov, he’s had three or four good games in a row and I think a big reason is his positioning and that he’s not getting out of position always looking for the big hit. That said I remember watching Bowey in junior and I really thought he was going to be a very good pro. He also had a very solid world junior tournament against the top junior players in the world. Is he a diamond in the rough or just another good junior player who couldn’t make that last big step to the NHL?

In fairness to Zadorov, he’s had three or four good games in a row and I think a big reason is his positioning and that he’s not getting out of position always looking for the big hit. That said I remember watching Bowey in junior and I really thought he was going to be a very good pro. He also had a very solid world junior tournament against the top junior players in the world. Is he a diamond in the rough or just another good junior player who couldn’t make that last big step to the NHL?
- paulr

When i sit back and think about it, it's amazing how many of these kids don't make it. I read somewhere around 40% of 1st round picks make up NHL rosters. Then the numbers are in the single digits for every other round and rookie FA.

Well hopefully the child their expecting make him more mature and responsible, like it did to me.

Since you enjoyed throwing that in my face, how about the uber talented Dubois, your boy, he's lighting it up isn't he. Talk about growing up
- BetweenTheDots

Remember something about Strome, as a junior he played on a really good Erie team that produced plenty of NHL players - McDavid, ADB, Burakovsky, Connor Brown, Cernak, Travis Dermott. That is at least part of the reason for how he amassed the point totals he did.

Mistakes are made all the time at the draft especially by the idiots in Arizona who decided Strome was a good pick ahead of Marner, Provorov, Werenski, Barzal, Chabot, Rantanen and more.

Dubois is not 'my boy', although I do like him as a player. Your snapshot of like 2 games with the Jets is hardly a measurement of a successful or bad trade. He will be fine and he won't disappear in the playoffs when the real playing starts like Strome did.

Remember something about Strome, as a junior he played on a really good Erie team that produced plenty of NHL players - McDavid, ADB, Burakovsky, Connor Brown, Cernak, Travis Dermott. That is at least part of the reason for how he amassed the point totals he did.

Mistakes are made all the time at the draft especially by the idiots in Arizona who decided Strome was a good pick ahead of Marner, Provorov, Werenski, Barzal, Chabot, Rantanen and more.

Dubois is not 'my boy', although I do like him as a player. Your snapshot of like 2 games with the Jets is hardly a measurement of a successful or bad trade. He will be fine and he won't disappear in the playoffs when the real playing starts like Strome did.
- RickJ

I know Dubois is good but nothing about the way he handled the situation, nothing? To overlook the fact that he may be a head case? I know he didn't make you look good by singing his praises when we were debating Strome. The fact he quit on his team mates. Really?

At least i can admit being unhappy about the way a player is performing that i support.

Hard to believe they don't have some idea what's wrong with him, especially if you go back to when first reports / rumors came out about it. I would assume he's has access to some pretty good doctors.

If they really have no idea, maybe they should call Dr. House, he's usually able to figure out what's wrong with someone fairly quickly.
- vabeachbear

I believe they have to know, given that LTIR has to be approved by the league.

So, what "condition" is serious enough to cause him to miss a season of his career, but is not life threatening? And is such that the team says "we won't push you, just let's us know when you are ready to play?

In fairness to Zadorov, he’s had three or four good games in a row and I think a big reason is his positioning and that he’s not getting out of position always looking for the big hit. That said I remember watching Bowey in junior and I really thought he was going to be a very good pro. He also had a very solid world junior tournament against the top junior players in the world. Is he a diamond in the rough or just another good junior player who couldn’t make that last big step to the NHL?
- paulr

What's Bob's opinion?

How Strome can lose almost every puck battle baffles me. He needs to spend a summers working with Gary Roberts to get some lower body strength that would help with his ability to battle for the puck, not get knocked off stride so easily and perhaps even help with his speed, especially his first three strides.
- paulr

Paul, you know there are plenty of hockey guys around Toronto that know the real deal with lots of pro players. Tons of them like Roberts, Shanahan, Nieuwendyk etc. Hell, Tocchet is a Toronto guy and even he didn't want Strome after seeing him in action for a few games.

What's the first thing McDavid does after the season ends - he is in working with Roberts. Ever hear anybody mention something like that about Strome?

What's Bob's opinion?
- mohel

🤷🏼

🤷🏼
- paulr

He never did really know what was going on? Big talker, that guy.

I know Dubois is good but nothing about the way he handled the situation, nothing? To overlook the fact that he may be a head case? I know he didn't make you look good by singing his praises when we were debating Strome. The fact he quit on his team mates. Really?

At least i can admit being unhappy about the way a player is performing that i support.
- BetweenTheDots

I definitely didn't condone what Dubois did and said so on here the day it became public. I still don't, but does anybody really know what happened in Columbus? I think it was more than a conflict with Torts. Why sign a 2 year contract and then want out in a month or so, he already knew what his coach was like. Something more to that story.

He never did really know what was going on? Big talker, that guy.
- mohel

He had some people fooled!

In fairness to Zadorov, he’s had three or four good games in a row and I think a big reason is his positioning and that he’s not getting out of position always looking for the big hit. That said I remember watching Bowey in junior and I really thought he was going to be a very good pro. He also had a very solid world junior tournament against the top junior players in the world. Is he a diamond in the rough or just another good junior player who couldn’t make that last big step to the NHL?
- paulr

I'll definitely admit that Z has been playing much better lately. He needs to keep that up. I'm sure it's just the eye test, but he looks so unsure of where to go with the puck when he has it. Bowey just appeared to be a more confident defender when out there.

He had some people fooled!
- paulr

I hear he’s real close to EK.

I believe they have to know, given that LTIR has to be approved by the league.

So, what "condition" is serious enough to cause him to miss a season of his career, but is not life threatening? And is such that the team says "we won't push you, just let's us know when you are ready to play?
- mohel

WebMD says he's pregnant.

Paul, you know there are plenty of hockey guys around Toronto that know the real deal with lots of pro players. Tons of them like Roberts, Shanahan, Nieuwendyk etc. Hell, Tocchet is a Toronto guy and even he didn't want Strome after seeing him in action for a few games.

What's the first thing McDavid does after the season ends - he is in working with Roberts. Ever hear anybody mention something like that about Strome?
- RickJ

I know that if Murphy isn't traded before The Expansion Draft, I protect Murphy instead of Strome. Murphy may still be traded later. We can find a better center than Strome even if it means waiting on someone perhaps not yet drated. For time being i will agree that Strome has been better this season. Strome remains not really desired in my book. I am partial to players who offer up something besides a general skill level. Skating, quick think and react at speed, can carry puck, shut down artist, good boards game .....something.

If you have size but don't use it to your advantage in this game of hockey, then you need to be really good. Strome is pedestrian. Just IMHO.

WebMD says he's pregnant.
- rpeters01

Could be.

Thanks Theo,

Interesting read as always. Especially thanks for the Rockford updates.

Was going through playlists and hit on "Mack the Knife"; reminder that it is time for MacKenzie Entwistle to get in, or to go to Rockford and play a lot.

Like reading about how to get the win in the next game while still bringing in the yoots.
- totem

You bet, totem.

Entwistle is reassigned to Rockford which will be good for him to actually play. He's gotten great experience practicing with NHL players but that can only go so far.

He will be back sooner or later. At the very least, he's pushing for a starting role with the Hawks next season.

How strong a prospect is Yetman? He has continued getting points as he transitions to a rookie pro.

And as for Moberg and Phillips, do they skate reasonably well. I am thinking that in the years ahead Chicago may at times have the talent on the bluelune to play a puck posession game. With many compete players now and in the pipeline, I am wondering a darkhorse one of Phillips or Moberg could be the physical dman on a third pair....would help if they are descent skate and pass.
- jhawk59

Yetman is pretty effective up and down the ice, just isn't flashy like say Hagel. Part of me sees a Versteeg-like player in Yetman but without the loud personality.

As for Phillips and Moberg, let's see how they fare over the course of a season. If one game is any indication, Phillips has the greater potential: skates well for a big body, plays physical, defends and attacks reasonably well. You're right that 3rd pair is his ceiling.

If Moberg ever makes it, I'd venture to say it's as a reserve D on the depth chart. True defensive defenseman who makes the simple plays. Think Roszival, Brookbank, or Boynton -- all of whom are righties like Moberg.

Thank you Theo for the update and Rockford report.

It is encouraging that the young players are stepping up, both the forwards and the Dmen. In your opinion, where do you think the team has the stronger pool of players (D or F)? And do you see some kind of trade with some of these players to maybe get a Toews replacement If he does not return to where he needs to be?
- powerenforcer

You're welcome, PE.

IMO, the Hawks have a stronger D pipeline with many options who could potentially skate top 4 and many who could solidify the 3rd pair.

At forward, it's predominantly middle 6 and bottom 6 with the latter being the case. Of the current Rockford forwards, they're all bottom 6 except perhaps Teply but even he has a long way to go.

Barratt has good energy but in just a handful of games so far, he doesn't stand out as a top 6 option. Maybe more Hagel-like in that he gives his all and can contribute secondary scoring.

If there is a trade to replace Toews, I would think it wouldn't happen until the offseason. Even then, the Hawks could just roll with Dach, Strome, and Kurashev.

But if they did trade for a Toews replacement, some high-end prospects and draft picks would have to be in the package so not sure how attractive that is.

Who knows what to do with Strome, i don't believe they will trade him this year. My biggest issue with him is once they lose possession he will try to take an angle and steal the puck back, but imho he's a completely different skater when the offense has the puck and when they don't. There seems to be no urgency getting back on defense.

Hopefully Boqvist was able to get the piano off his back.
- BetweenTheDots

Agree, if they do decide to trade Strome, it wouldn't be until the offseason or more so into next season.

The one downside to waiting is what if Strome regresses as this season goes along. His trade value woud plummet.

Yet, I do like the strides he's been making. His PPG needs to improve, though. He's at 0.50 but needs to be 0.67 give or take.

Remember something about Strome, as a junior he played on a really good Erie team that produced plenty of NHL players - McDavid, ADB, Burakovsky, Connor Brown, Cernak, Travis Dermott. That is at least part of the reason for how he amassed the point totals he did.

Mistakes are made all the time at the draft especially by the idiots in Arizona who decided Strome was a good pick ahead of Marner, Provorov, Werenski, Barzal, Chabot, Rantanen and more.

Dubois is not 'my boy', although I do like him as a player. Your snapshot of like 2 games with the Jets is hardly a measurement of a successful or bad trade. He will be fine and he won't disappear in the playoffs when the real playing starts like Strome did.
- RickJ

Isn’t that what they said about ADB, reason why he slipped to round 2?

If his usage thus far is any indication, they will. He's shown to be more effective than a number of other forwards.

On defense, I know he isn't as big, and doesn't go out of his way to hit people, but What are everyone's thoughts on Bowey vs Zadorov? I thought Bowey played better hockey, made quicker/better decisions, skates better and can still play tough in front of the crease.
- Chunk

I've liked Bowey so far and would like to see more to see how he fares over a bigger sample size. Between him and Zadorov, I'd lean towards retaining Zadorov but do want to see how the season plays out for him, too.