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.
- Angotti

Thanks, Angotti.

The "dime a dozen" players are fine right now. All teams have them then they get recycled amongst one another and their farm teams.

Hagel is just a cut above where he becomes such a valuable staple on whatever line he lands on and in all situations.

Highmore is a head scratcher as I thought he and Hagel would be carbon copies of another to form a formidable 4th line with Kampf. Not sure why he's regressed this year.

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

Ive always been a firm believer that playoff experience is invaluable....especially for the younger guys. If they can somehow make it as the 4 seed, I think it would help tremondously. Give these younger guys a taste of just how much the playoffs ramp up speed/intensity wise vs regular season.

I agree on the TDL and moving some guys for picks or prospects where the organizational depth is thin. 20 games doesn't make a season/career, but very impressed by some of these younger guys.

Fun team to watch.

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 can go either way on Murphy. Some nights he looks very good, and others not so much. Same with the big Russian kid from Colorado. Both get caught a bit too much trying to light guys up in the neutral zone or at the blue line.....I need to watch Murphy more closely and see his game the next 20+.

I know everyone crows about his leadership but besides a covid forced playoff apperance this past summer for the Hawks, he doesn't play on many winning teams. Bad luck, or his he part of the issue?

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 just don't see the major upside others do......

Assuming Toews isn't "done" done you have 2 top 6 centers now....so where does Strome fit in? He cant play wing, and then you have Suter. I just don't see a fit, and the more Strome plays and shows that his partial trade season was more a mirage than a building block, I just would prefer they sell high now and get what they can before they either let him walk for nothing or sell at a loss.

I forgot to mention Keith in my original post....both he and Kane have been great mentoring guys and what not from what we can see in games, bench shots, and on social media during morning skates/practice. Kudos to both of them as they likely could have said f it and this team would be in turmoil.

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.
- RickJ

Lot out of whack salaries in the league.....g, d, and F. Imperative you are able to replace guys coming off of entry level deals who are trying to break the bank....

As much as I ripped Bowman in the past, he is going a great job replenishing right now. Lots of these guys you can see the flashes of what could be and if they can find more and more consistency at those levels, this team could be well ahead of the curve in getting back to a perrenial player team.

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.
- 333inthe3rd

could be and I don't argue the point.

I just think if Strome was a guy they viewed as an important LT building block they would have been more proactive getting him signed last year and this summer. Instead it was almost like an after thought....likely because player/agent view him as far more valuable dollar wise than the league does.

I like the comparison of Hagel to Shaw.
- 333inthe3rd

That he plays with "all out reckless abandon" scares me he isn't Carcillo.

I can go either way on Murphy. Some nights he looks very good, and others not so much. Same with the big Russian kid from Colorado. Both get caught a bit too much trying to light guys up in the neutral zone or at the blue line.....I need to watch Murphy more closely and see his game the next 20+.

I know everyone crows about his leadership but besides a covid forced playoff apperance this past summer for the Hawks, he doesn't play on many winning teams. Bad luck, or his he part of the issue?
- SteveRain

Hello, Rainman. Hope you are well. Good stuff today. I agree on much of it, especially Kane, Strome, Murphy and Stan.

Elbows has said for years that Kane really works hard on his craft. It shows.

Strome isn't a turd in my book, but I think you described well the lack of a place available to him shortly.

Conversely, some here think Murph is no good. I think he's fine.

Stan is playing the role of builder pretty well. There are good reports on Reichel, too, and hopefully another good 1st rounder coming. Development seems to have improved, too. That said, Stan is going to be under pressure at the TDL and the offseason to pick the right guys to keep and the right ones to trade.

All in all, a fun year, imo.

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

He's had nagging injuries over the years and several significant concussions where he was out extended periods. He's not the biggest guy.

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.
- Theo Fox

I think an important question about Murphy - perhaps, really, THE question - is:

He’s 28 in a month.

Would he be as valuable to this team in 2-5 years out (at 30-33), the years when presumably the Stanley Cup window is open, as the asset(s) he could bring back at the TDL (or even the off-season)?

I think an important question about Murphy - perhaps, really, THE question - is:

He’s 28 in a month.

Would he be as valuable to this team in 2-5 years out (at 30-33), the years when presumably the Stanley Cup window is open, as the asset(s) he could bring back at the TDL (or even the off-season)?
- StLBravesFan

That is certainly the question, no doubt (really for all the players). The answer may depend on when they think they'll be good.

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

Still early. Still think hawks will be sellers at the tdl. Soderbergh janmark wallmark zadorov Murphy Dehann possibly keith Strome carpenter all possible trade chips.

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.
- Theo Fox

ok thanks

Hello, Rainman. Hope you are well. Good stuff today. I agree on much of it, especially Kane, Strome, Murphy and Stan.

Elbows has said for years that Kane really works hard on his craft. It shows.

Strome isn't a turd in my book, but I think you described well the lack of a place available to him shortly.

Conversely, some here think Murph is no good. I think he's fine.

Stan is playing the role of builder pretty well. There are good reports on Reichel, too, and hopefully another good 1st rounder coming. Development seems to have improved, too. That said, Stan is going to be under pressure at the TDL and the offseason to pick the right guys to keep and the right ones to trade.

All in all, a fun year, imo.
- mohel

hello hello.....

I stayed away for a bit as the start was a little rough and then they went on a tear and wanted to give it a bit to make sure some of these guys weren't really quick flashes. I know it's still only 20 games but I like what I see here....I really do. A lot more then what I thought before the season started.

Answer your question(s):

100% on Kane....think it started for me when he did that viral stick handling video (bolig tried and bombed) in between pucks and he really took the Buffalo incident and has excelled on/off ice since. Can't recall the last time we saw a video/picture of him out. Has a kid now....a very mature patrick kane, and will likely go down as the greatest usa born player....ever. Watching him, is like watching jordan in the 90s...you take for granted his greatness and try to remind yourself you likely wont see this type of player on his team again.....and he's doing it with essentially no proven supporting cast outside of DeBrincat.

I hope Strome shows more of his in season trade from Phoenix then what he shows since then. I think it's time to pump and dump.....just don't see a LT spot for him unless 19 is going to be done for an extended time. otherwise, sell high.

100% agreed, and great point, on who to keep and who to sell on. ME?

I look at this roster and unless I am blown away by offers....I keep at F
Kubalik, DeBrincat, Dach, Toews, Kane, Kurashev, Suter, Hagel, and Janmark. I could move Janmark if somebody came hard after him, but I see a lot of depth here already and want to see it grow more.

D wise....Mitchell, Beuadin, Keith, Boqvist, and pick one...Murphy or Zadorov

Big fan of Lankinen and he seems VERY hungry and personable.

honestly, the whole team seems hungry and the only 2 with skins on the wall, Kane/Keith, are 100% engaged.

180 degree different from where I thought they'd be.

Sprinkle in some pieces, and get continual consistent growth from the younger kids at F and D and Lankinen....and they can be a playoff team moving forward starting next year......

Not a kool aid drinker, but I love hagel's game.....he creates and just needs to finish. Guy busts his @ss every shift.

Love watching a young, hungry team hell bent on proving the world wrong.

I think an important question about Murphy - perhaps, really, THE question - is:

He’s 28 in a month.

Would he be as valuable to this team in 2-5 years out (at 30-33), the years when presumably the Stanley Cup window is open, as the asset(s) he could bring back at the TDL (or even the off-season)?
- StLBravesFan

WE've seen the crazy prices for proven NHL D men at the deadline.....bet murphy could easily fetch a 1st.....could package both 1st and move into a top 10 or top 5 and get another blue chip prospect.....

that's a move that has to be weighing on bowman's mind.....zadorov I believe hits 26 this spring. Not sure you need both.

murphy carpenter, soderberg, dehaan......3/4 are usually sought after pieces.....depth scoring, top 4 d men, and a reliable PK F.....

I am a fan of his. Kid busts tail every night.....I think what another poster said holds true.....on a contending team, I think he can be a 3rd line, depth scorer, disrupter......he gets the chances, and if he works on his finishing he can elevate further.

Always a tell for me....the guys who routinely get chances....tells us they are doing the right things vs a guy who isn't scoring and isn't noticeable where you start to worry.....say, Strome?
- SteveRain

The one thing I notice about Hagel is stops and starts. Constantly. No wide turns when the puck is at stake. the kid freakin hustles.

The one thing I notice about Hagel is stops and starts. Constantly. No wide turns when the puck is at stake. the kid freakin hustles.
- 6628

Classic picture of playing like his hair is on fire.

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.
- Theo Fox

whoa whoa whoa, Slow down. I like Hagel's game quite a bit but he doesn't have Cirelli's ceiling, imo.

Hagel should be a useful 30-35 point guy that can play the PK and should be relatively cheap. Cirelli is more of a 40-50 point all terrian player.

WE've seen the crazy prices for proven NHL D men at the deadline.....bet murphy could easily fetch a 1st.....could package both 1st and move into a top 10 or top 5 and get another blue chip prospect.....

that's a move that has to be weighing on bowman's mind.....zadorov I believe hits 26 this spring. Not sure you need both.

murphy carpenter, soderberg, dehaan......3/4 are usually sought after pieces.....depth scoring, top 4 d men, and a reliable PK F.....
- SteveRain

I don't think Murphy gets you a 1st but that is where any package has to start in order for me to move him.

i sure hope you weren't considering Carpenter a reliable PK FWD cause he isn't, imo. His lack of puck skills, failed clears and shooting the puck into players a foot from him, plus he is slow to read the play makes him a mediocre PK'er.

I don't think Murphy gets you a 1st but that is where any package has to start in order for me to move him.

i sure hope you weren't considering Carpenter a reliable PK FWD cause he isn't, imo. His lack of puck skills, failed clears and shooting the puck into players a foot from him, plus he is slow to read the play makes him a mediocre PK'er.
- Elbows15

You mean the reason why Laine was so wide open on his PP goals because Carpenter was on the other side of the ice?

You mean the reason why Laine was so wide open on his PP goals because Carpenter was on the other side of the ice?
- LAHawk

Unfortunately, he makes a habit of doing it. You can almost see the look of confusion on the other forwards' faces when he goes wandering.

The one thing I notice about Hagel is stops and starts. Constantly. No wide turns when the puck is at stake. the kid freakin hustles.
- 6628

The other thing I like is he makes some really smart creative plays. I’ve seen him on a few occasions make passes against the grain catching the late open forward skating to the goal. If hagel can prove to be a good solid defensive player who can eventually be a strong penalty killer and if he can chip in 30-40 points he becomes a valuable depth player who will also battle for loose pucks, throw his weight around and get under the skin of his opponents.

Is anybody going to challenge Savard?

The other thing I like is he makes some really smart creative plays. I’ve seen him on a few occasions make passes against the grain catching the late open forward skating to the goal. If hagel can prove to be a good solid defensive player who can eventually be a strong penalty killer and if he can chip in 30-40 points he becomes a valuable depth player who will also battle for loose pucks, throw his weight around and get under the skin of his opponents.
- paulr

Still can't believe Buffalo never offered him a contract. It wasn't like he was some extremely late bloomer. He was over a PPG until his last year in Red Deer where he put up massive numbers. PPG in the WHL is pretty good. Even his 16 year old year was a respectable .5PPG

Is anybody going to challenge Savard?
- mohel

Hopefully by putting the puck in his corner all night and forcing him to handle the puck a lot.

Though, he seems to play well against the Hawks while looking like general ass against everyone else.