To me you HAVE to keep Murphy.

He has only given up 7 giveaways this year. Keith has given up 25 (he has the most ice time by far), Zadorov has 18, DaHaan 24, even Beaudin in his limited time has 11 give aways. Mitchell only has 7 also.

Murphy has 3 takeaway which gives him a -4 in that category. Mitchell is -9, Beaudin -10, the rest of the defense is -15 and over.

Plus Murphy plays against the best offensive players on the other teams. I know a few on this board that thinks he is no better than Nick Boynton was, i think he is by far the Hawks second best defenseman, and would be playing top 4 for just about if not all the remaining teams in the league (probably not Carolina, but they are stacked), all for $3 mil.

If he is made available, i bet Seattle takes him, makes him the captain or flips him for a few good prospects.

Hawks rookie defenseman have been very sheltered (except a couple of games by Mitchell when Murphy was hurt). Mitchell only played 10 minutes last game because very frankly he was not very good that game. You can't just rely on Keith to be the veteran presence back there. DaHaan and Zadorov (although I don't think the later is as bad as is made out to be) can be flipped at the trade deadline IMO.

Was it back problems or concussions that pushed Smith out?
- Chunk

Neither. Ultimately it was talent (or lack thereof). He was traded to SJ for Dejardins and bounced around to a few teams from there but was never really able to stick for any length of time in the NHL. He has played the last 3 seasons overseas.

Smith, like some of the others mentioned like Hinostroza, Nordstrom, Highmore, etc. are the dime a dozen guys.

To me you HAVE to keep Murphy.

He has only given up 7 giveaways this year. Keith has given up 25 (he has the most ice time by far), Zadorov has 18, DaHaan 24, even Beaudin in his limited time has 11 give aways. Mitchell only has 7 also.

Murphy has 3 takeaway which gives him a -4 in that category. Mitchell is -9, Beaudin -10, the rest of the defense is -15 and over.

Plus Murphy plays against the best offensive players on the other teams. I know a few on this board that thinks he is no better than Nick Boynton was, i think he is by far the Hawks second best defenseman, and would be playing top 4 for just about if not all the remaining teams in the league (probably not Carolina, but they are stacked), all for $3 mil.

If he is made available, i bet Seattle takes him, makes him the captain or flips him for a few good prospects.

Hawks rookie defenseman have been very sheltered (except a couple of games by Mitchell when Murphy was hurt). Mitchell only played 10 minutes last game because very frankly he was not very good that game. You can't just rely on Keith to be the veteran presence back there. DaHaan and Zadorov (although I don't think the later is as bad as is made out to be) can be flipped at the trade deadline IMO.
- LAHawk

It all depends on how the season plays out. You don't make any decisions after 20 games. Mitchell, Boqvist, Beaudin, Carlsson and possibly Kalynuk could show out and
possibly push the vets for ice time. They could also take a dump and show they need a few more years. I think what the Hawks will do is minimize their exposure for the expansion draft. I don't think Stan makes a move unless the return is lights out - because he doesn't have to.

Neither. Ultimately it was talent (or lack thereof). He was traded to SJ for Dejardins and bounced around to a few teams from there but was never really able to stick for any length of time in the NHL. He has played the last 3 seasons overseas.

Smith, like some of the others mentioned like Hinostroza, Nordstrom, Highmore, etc. are the dime a dozen guys.
- TheTrob

Gotcha. For some reason, I thought he was one of those perpetually injured guys.

Nice write up Theo, I love me some Hagel, if he can put up 12-15 goals a year he will be a huge asset. I’ve seen enough of Highmore, we can find players like him anytime. I’m not sold on Johnson like many others here, I’d like to see a similar player that can score 10-12 goals, Johnson will never ever score that many in the NHL, heck he won’t score that many in the AHL.

Lots to digest here, but pretty much spot on Steve.

1. As long as McDavid, Matthews, Drasaitl, McKinnon and a few others put up gaudy numbers, Kane will never really get the respect he deserves for doing basically the same with much less. To add to the argument, Kane also gets hammered for his defensive liabilities, which are not as bad as made out to be, but look at the list above and tell me which one plays solid D..........yeah, didn't think so.

2 Those wanting to discard ADB were a bunch of the same wanting to jettison Hossa after an off shooting season.

3.what? you didn't see how much his absence affected the offense on tues? Not sure I would classify him as a turd, but I would never pay him a dime over what he is making now.

4&5. Pleasantly surprised with Beaudin and Mitchell's progress. I think Boqvist will be OK too.

6&7 Agree. I think Lankinen is better than Niemi, more positionally sound.

8. I think JC is fine and is improving. A good sign is to see how hard they play and compete. They have been in almost every game, which is way above what most expected.

I am currently of the belief that selling off a few of those pieces at the TDL may actually be beneficial. I would keep Soderberg only because C is not necessarily a position of strength with Toews and Dach out. I think deHaan and Zadarov have been horrible this year, save a few brief moments where they were "OK". I can live with mistakes from youngsters as they learn, not so much from veterans. Shaw is probably done career wise (or should be if he is smart)
- TheTrob

Well with your logic on 3, i guess we don't need Murphy since the only shut out we had was when he wasn't dressed?

To me you HAVE to keep Murphy.

He has only given up 7 giveaways this year. Keith has given up 25 (he has the most ice time by far), Zadorov has 18, DaHaan 24, even Beaudin in his limited time has 11 give aways. Mitchell only has 7 also.

Murphy has 3 takeaway which gives him a -4 in that category. Mitchell is -9, Beaudin -10, the rest of the defense is -15 and over.

Plus Murphy plays against the best offensive players on the other teams. I know a few on this board that thinks he is no better than Nick Boynton was, i think he is by far the Hawks second best defenseman, and would be playing top 4 for just about if not all the remaining teams in the league (probably not Carolina, but they are stacked), all for $3 mil.

If he is made available, i bet Seattle takes him, makes him the captain or flips him for a few good prospects.

Hawks rookie defenseman have been very sheltered (except a couple of games by Mitchell when Murphy was hurt). Mitchell only played 10 minutes last game because very frankly he was not very good that game. You can't just rely on Keith to be the veteran presence back there. DaHaan and Zadorov (although I don't think the later is as bad as is made out to be) can be flipped at the trade deadline IMO.
- LAHawk

No way they give up Murphy unless his trade value in return is so enticing that Stanbo can't resist. Where would he find another Dman playing at Murphy's current level for $3.8M?

There are Dmen around the league that stink all making more than Murphy - I can name a few, you can probably add to the list - Nikita Zaitsev, Tyler Myers, Eric Gudbranson, Justin Schultz, Shane Gostisbehere, Marcus Petterson.

In addition to the reasonable salary, Murphy is probably a good influence in the room and positive support to the kids in their rookie seasons.

I sure can get used to these 6pm central starts

Well with your logic on 3, i guess we don't need Murphy since the only shut out we had was when he wasn't dressed?
- BetweenTheDots

Nah, was just a general comment on Strome, and I am not as opposed to Strome as others have voiced, I just don't think he is worth more than what he gets now.

I think of the veteran Defensman not named Keith, the one they need to keep is Murphy. As stated elsewhere, he has been the most consistent and at a reasonable cost as opposed to what is available. I think they protect him. My opinions on deHaan and Zadorov are known, they can go, I would prefer as a TDL deal so they get at least a little something back as opposed to the expansion draft, but either way, with the glut of defenseman the Hawks seem to have in the system neither one should be around long.

I know Hagel is being compared to Sikura but I don’t see the similarities? He’s made some really smart heads up skilled plays. As you say he plays with his nose over the puck, similarly to Shaw, he’s not afraid of the tough areas one being in front of the net where you and I could bag a half dozen goals a season just by pucks deflecting in off our, heads, butts and other body parts. I think he’ll be a bottom six guy who can on occasion step into the top six to give the opposition a different look.
- paulr

I like the comparison of Hagel to Shaw.

Nah, was just a general comment on Strome, and I am not as opposed to Strome as others have voiced, I just don't think he is worth more than what he gets now.

I think of the veteran Defensman not named Keith, the one they need to keep is Murphy. As stated elsewhere, he has been the most consistent and at a reasonable cost as opposed to what is available. I think they protect him. My opinions on deHaan and Zadorov are known, they can go, I would prefer as a TDL deal so they get at least a little something back as opposed to the expansion draft, but either way, with the glut of defenseman the Hawks seem to have in the system neither one should be around long.
- TheTrob

I think these are all good points. It would be nice if we could get something for any of our veteran players, hate to agree with Rick but he's right you look around the league and there are so many, not so good dmen getting paid a lot more money than Murphy

Hope everyone is well....



3. Strome.....turd. Waste of every $1 they pay him.


- SteveRain

I agree with so much of what you wrote, but I have to wonder if the concussions are what's holding Strome back right now. He did have 51 points in 59 games here in 2019 after the trade. And he was doing okay last season until he went into concussion protocol, then had less production when he came back. He had a decent start this year, also, production wise, prior to the tailspin and subsequent diagnosis. As for his defense and struggling at the dot, can't argue there. And the concussion issue will make him untradable in the nearer term, unfortunately.

To me you HAVE to keep Murphy.

He has only given up 7 giveaways this year. Keith has given up 25 (he has the most ice time by far), Zadorov has 18, DaHaan 24, even Beaudin in his limited time has 11 give aways. Mitchell only has 7 also.

Murphy has 3 takeaway which gives him a -4 in that category. Mitchell is -9, Beaudin -10, the rest of the defense is -15 and over.

Plus Murphy plays against the best offensive players on the other teams. I know a few on this board that thinks he is no better than Nick Boynton was, i think he is by far the Hawks second best defenseman, and would be playing top 4 for just about if not all the remaining teams in the league (probably not Carolina, but they are stacked), all for $3 mil.

If he is made available, i bet Seattle takes him, makes him the captain or flips him for a few good prospects.

Hawks rookie defenseman have been very sheltered (except a couple of games by Mitchell when Murphy was hurt). Mitchell only played 10 minutes last game because very frankly he was not very good that game. You can't just rely on Keith to be the veteran presence back there. DaHaan and Zadorov (although I don't think the later is as bad as is made out to be) can be flipped at the trade deadline IMO.
- LAHawk

Murphy is such a bargain for what the Hawks get out of him.

Ek doesn't have us as sellers, darn

Ek doesn't have us as sellers, darn
- LAHawk

That means Kane is traded!

Ek doesn't have us as sellers, darn
- LAHawk

Does he even watch games other than maybe Philly?

Anisimov - has barely played, no value
Gagner - a difference maker?
so many other examples he posits that are just not realistic.

That means Kane is traded!
- powerenforcer

Bite your tongue!!!

Love that Hagel finally dented the twine with his FIRST! Like some have said, anything you get from him on offense is gravy.

Once he hits his water level, being a 3rd liner capable of 15 goals (30-35 points) isn't out of the question.

He's around the puck and the net so often where I could see that too Theo. Great write up and Go Hawks!
- HawkintheD

Thanks, D.

I didn't put this in the blog because I know it would be a lightning rod (no pun intended) for Tampa Bay fans and others, but if Hagel hits maximum potential, then I see a winger version of Anthony Cirelli.

The probability of Hagel hitting that potential is low yet he has the hustle, dedication, and skill to do his darndest to get there. His energy and passion are limitless.

Even if he falls short, Hawks fans will still love what he brings to the rink.

Colliton says youth development vs. pushing for playoffs aren't conflicting priorities, but rather in tandem: "We like that we’re in the mix, we’re in the race, every game matters. That’s a huge boost for development for our guys, so we’re trying to win for sure."

Wallmark on the penalty kill defending Laine tonight:

"He’s a goal scorer and he’s going to shoot the puck. You have to be ready when he’s on the ice and take those passes away so they can’t find him as easy as last game."

Malcolm Subban starts tonight for the Blackhawks.

"For now, the plan is same lineup" as Tuesday, Colliton adds.

Thank you, Theo. Like you, I cannot say enough about this young Hagel. Great motor, nose for the puck, ++ speed. Will be, if not already, first on the ice for the PK, deservedly so. He's earning minutes, big time.
- 35Tony0

Thanks, Tony.

I like your take on Hagel being first on the ice for the PK. He is tailor made for both special teams actually but particularly killing penalties.

Once he gets in his offensive groove, it should be expected that he will start to register shorthanded goals and perhaps be a league leader in that category.

Theo. When looking at Special teams I always use the 100% rule.

Any combination on PP and SH % at or around 100% is mid-pack and acceptable. Really between 97-98% and 102-103% is ok.
Hawks are presently 33% and 77%. That is a 110% Total. That puts them among league leaders in combined special teams.

If the Hawks SH % could creep over 80%....and the PP keep around the same, that would be elite in the league.

On another note, If Hawks truly want to be a playoff contender...tonight is huge. Unless Florida implodes, Hawks will be fighting Dallas and Columbus for that 4th spot. A win over Columbus tonight would REALLY help their cause.

Starting to believe this team has a real chance to get in. Let's see a win tonight, then we have 2 against Detroit. We need these points......because a slew of games vs Dallas and Tampa are on the horizon. We likely need 4 or 5 of the next six points to head into those games in good shape.

Go Hawks....keep up the great writing Theo!!!
- hawk35

Thanks for shout out and especially for the perspective on PP+PK. Very helpful to see it from that lens. Never thought of it that way.

Theo who else in the chicago system would be the same type or close to player like hagel?
- Scott1977

In the system:

Altybarmakian
Barratt
Entwistle
Slaggert
Soderlund

An honorable mention would be Saarela but I place him more in the category of Kruger and Kampf, i.e. excellent shutdown centers that tilt the ice yet are offensive deserts. Saarela may actually have more offense than them.

Thanks Theo.

I was just thinking about how "well" this team is doing (based on expectations) and trying to figure out why. Do you think in some way without Toews playing this season there is less pressure on some of the young guys to just play their game?
- powerenforcer

You bet, PE.

To answer your question, honestly, I don't think Toews is a factor. My take is a lot of credit goes to Colliton staying true to what he has been professing since the offseason, i.e. work ethic and compete level.

Colliton also stresses team first. I could easily be misperceiving things given my limited lens compared to writers who have access to the team, but it seems that Kane and Keith are genuinely on board.

I was guessing that there would still be tension between Colliton and the veterans but that has been far from the case. At least in videos and pictures, Kane and Keith seem to be loving the atmosphere and are all in with what Colliton is teaching.

Who knows, though, if Toews and Seabrook were playing, would they be on board like Kane and Keith? Or would they be unhappy?

Theo, I take credit for calling Hagel a "dime a dozen player" it was in reference to finding D-Men like Zadarov. My question, is what Hagel brings sustainable or will he wear out quickly? I'm fine with ~$4M/yr 3rd line players when they are a notch above your "dime a dozen" 3rd line players. They are the ones who make a better team. Of the players you mentioned, I think Ben Smith was the biggest difference maker albeit for a short time before he wore his body out.
- rpeters01

For the record, the "dime a dozen" reference was not stemming from you using that term in a previous blog but was simply a reference to a term I see a lot about role players (F or D).

I do share the same concern about Hagel's sustainability given his kamikaze style. That high energy is great to watch as a fan but can imagine it taking a toll on him over time.

Even if it's not the wear and tear, he also throws his body around in a way where he could get hurt.

In Rockford last year, there were so many times when he would be overly aggressive in a board battle and just got pummeled by the opposition. Sometimes his head would be dangerously close to banging the boards or ice.

Again, you love his passion but that style might catchup to him if he's not careful.

To me you HAVE to keep Murphy.

He has only given up 7 giveaways this year. Keith has given up 25 (he has the most ice time by far), Zadorov has 18, DaHaan 24, even Beaudin in his limited time has 11 give aways. Mitchell only has 7 also.

Murphy has 3 takeaway which gives him a -4 in that category. Mitchell is -9, Beaudin -10, the rest of the defense is -15 and over.

Plus Murphy plays against the best offensive players on the other teams. I know a few on this board that thinks he is no better than Nick Boynton was, i think he is by far the Hawks second best defenseman, and would be playing top 4 for just about if not all the remaining teams in the league (probably not Carolina, but they are stacked), all for $3 mil.

If he is made available, i bet Seattle takes him, makes him the captain or flips him for a few good prospects.

Hawks rookie defenseman have been very sheltered (except a couple of games by Mitchell when Murphy was hurt). Mitchell only played 10 minutes last game because very frankly he was not very good that game. You can't just rely on Keith to be the veteran presence back there. DaHaan and Zadorov (although I don't think the later is as bad as is made out to be) can be flipped at the trade deadline IMO.
- LAHawk

I would retain Murphy, too, and build the budding blueline around Keith and him as the veterans.

Murphy does have durability issues but thankfully it's just a few games here and there rather than half a season or longer.

That issue could play in Chicago's favor in that it builds in opportunity to work in new rookies in future years just like it opened the door so far this season.