I don’t think the defense is that bad. But, I’d like to replace de Haan with another veteran d-man. Somebody who’s more likely to play without sustaining an injury and miss a bunch of games. Maybe Mike Reilly or somebody like that.
Kalynuk needs to play, I think the Hawks have something in him. Since they dealt Boqvist the Hawks really need a young defenseman to step up. Kalynuk played well, he’ll get a chance to continue his development.
Stillman played well too and has earned more playing time.
Seth Jones will be solid, he’s a top pairing d-man and will play 25 minutes a night.
For me, Caleb Jones is a question mark. I’m not writing him off but I don’t have any expectations that he’ll contribute next season.
I’m not sure how the Hawks will get playing time for Mitchell and/or Beaudin. Their future is promising, maybe spending most of the season in Rockford is best.
- DarthKane
I saw where a lot of people on this board were unhappy with the Jones trade. Their wrath is primarily centered around how we gave up too much future.in #1 picks for a good albeit not really strong first pair dman
Well I have talked to a few people and below are some facts to help get a better handle on the trade. Which you might feel was not so bad after all.
Where does this team start if it wants to seriously get into the playoff picture.
It starts on defense. It starts with having someone who can cover the other teams big guys. Not just the other teams star players - well, yeah that too - but coverage of the big, large size players.
You want to try to outscore everyone, really, with concussed Boqvist and "Joke e har ju."
You have to pay to play. Overpay. First glance, yes, it seems so. In dollars and sense. But in two years whom makes big dollars - just Kane and S Jones. Toews will make much less or retired.
Now what we next need is that Sillinger type. And a top offensive #2 center....More top two line players whom have some skill but preresiquite can and like to play the cycle boards game. Because teams that win in playoffs are proficient in those ways. The proof is in what you saw the past few playoff years. So Bowman brings in Jones. He basicly is moving on from Boqvist
Not that Boqvist cannot be a star player. But he is fragile
Did you catch how some feel.Montreal is choosing the right time to move on the trade value of two young talent - Kokineimi and Suzuki - if that is what it takes to bring aboard (what Bergevin believes) is a generational player [Eichel]
Well Bowman is sayng what we need is someone who can handle the big boys and is a pretty good player. It is past tense and inconsequential if Jokiharju or Boqvist ever become stud players. Because they weren't going to lead us in the future.
The future begins with a defense that can be the backbone of the team. You have to hope that Mitchell develops. Kalynuk actually is pretty good.
I feel Murphy is solid for now. I foresee Vlasic and Kaiser working out well. I like what they bring, their game and Beaudin has next season to prove he can step up. The other defense prospects, whatever....if they develop, fine but I am not looking toward Regula or even too confidant in Beaudin.
S Jones complements fast skill guys on defense. You need a balance of both even as more new age fast skill guys - even undersized- find teams pushing for their inclusion. Sometimes, though, you push too hard too soon and they aren't ready.
Example: Forsling. He is alright now though..
Example: Boqvist. He may be really good if he can stay healthy. Believe me, I liked better that other trade rumor with Kurashev and was it Mitchell and whatever because I wanted Boqvist to do well as a Blackhawk. Instead, I have to accept that he is brittle and now is the time you trade him because his value is high now. It meant landing Jones.
The drafting by Bowman/Kelly this draft sure sends a message that they believe the way to win is to get tougher, bigger. Sure they still like the European smurfs but there appears a message that the team needs to be tougher and bigger
You know Seabrook is no longer around on defense....just saying so because he was a warrior and could handle the big boys.
Now if the defense can become a strong suit, then we are in the playoff hunt. I believe we are still trying to rebuild, too, but needed this trade to happen. More youth is going to filter in, although more bottom line players than top line guys. Let us hope Reichel and Borgstrom.work out.
