Travis Sandheim just signed for $4.7M, Rasmus Anderson $4.55, Oleksiak $4.6, Goligoski $ 5 mil. , Leddy $5.5, Schmidt $5.95, Tyler Myers $6 mil, etc. etc, Murphy if he goes free agent would definitely get $5 mil.
- LAHawk

Yes, and don’t forget that he’s a RD, those are harder to find. If I’m not mistaken, Mitchell is the only RD that is somewhat ready for NHL action, out of the young guys that is.

Travis Sandheim just signed for $4.7M, Rasmus Anderson $4.55, Oleksiak $4.6, Goligoski $ 5 mil. , Leddy $5.5, Schmidt $5.95, Tyler Myers $6 mil, etc. etc, Murphy if he goes free agent would definitely get $5 mil.
- LAHawk

Seriously, just go to CapFriendly and look at the guys making $4m-6m per year (cap hit). Its not going to jump off the page.

https://www.capfriendly.c...ts=caphit-4000000-6000000

Travis Sandheim just signed for $4.7M, Rasmus Anderson $4.55, Oleksiak $4.6, Goligoski $ 5 mil. , Leddy $5.5, Schmidt $5.95, Tyler Myers $6 mil, etc. etc, Murphy if he goes free agent would definitely get $5 mil.
- LAHawk

All depends on whether blackhawks would want him back and what would they would want to sign him for. Plus how does mithchell progress in Rockford may determine Murphy future with the hawks. Personally i said before if hawks are out of the playoff picture trade murphy and see what you can get.

Yes, and don’t forget that he’s a RD, those are harder to find. If I’m not mistaken, Mitchell is the only RD that is somewhat ready for NHL action, out of the young guys that is.
- Angotti

That is correct on Mitchell being the only RHD who is somewhat ready. Regula is a RH shot and can play either side but he's far from ready. I really wasn't impressed with him in Rockford last season and didn't feel he deserved the cup of coffee either.

Kalynuk can play both sides but not sure if he has a strong side or preference. Beaudin and Krys have been tried on both sides in Rockford. I believe Galvas can play either side, too.

For those that can play both sides, the question then becomes should they as there is naturally a dominant side and a team shouldn't necessarily play someone on their off side if it's not necessary.

That is correct on Mitchell being the only RHD who is somewhat ready. Regula is a RH shot and can play either side but he's far from ready. I really wasn't impressed with him in Rockford last season and didn't feel he deserved the cup of coffee either.

Kalynuk can play both sides but not sure if he has a strong side or preference. Beaudin and Krys have been tried on both sides in Rockford. I believe Galvas can play either side, too.

For those that can play both sides, the question then becomes should they as there is naturally a dominant side and a team shouldn't necessarily play someone on their off side if it's not necessary.
- Theo Fox

Ideally, we would be able to have 3 NHL caliber RH dmen. As good as Hammer was, and as much as I liked him, I couldn't stand when he won a board battle only to throw a weak backhand into the neutral zone (if he even got it out).

Ideally, we would be able to have 3 NHL caliber RH dmen. As good as Hammer was, and as much as I liked him, I couldn't stand when he won a board battle only to throw a weak backhand into the neutral zone (if he even got it out).
- tvetter

That drove me crazy, too.

Toews will skate with the 1A or 1B line and when his minutes require limiting another Center will be switched in with those Wings. He won't play 4C to limit his minutes.

- rpeters01

Agreed. He isn't going to be a bottom 6 forward when he is still head a shoulders the best C on the team. I'm willing to bet he could have played last year if he really really wanted to, but knew that he would have to dial it back or would have trouble keeping up. It really sounds like he is actually feeling better and should be playing normal minutes.

I think in reality Strome being traded will have little to do with Toews. Why? Because Strome doesn't replace Toews.

Honestly, with Toews likely back to normal and Dach being healthy, Strome could have a better season if the Hawks don't trade him and his value could come up more again. I think he does better when the Hawks have more C depth to allow the coach to deploy him at the right times.

It's fine if they trade Strome, because the do have enough depth down the middle, but I think it will all come down to the return. If Toews isn't ready to go for some reason, I don't think Strome fixes the problem, so if the right trade is there I think Bowman makes it.

Would be good if Dach takes the next step and solidifies himself as a top 6C at the NHL level. He will get there and is getting closer.

Hagel - Toews - Kane (Kane and Toews fit well together when they have an energy guy with them)
DeBrincat - Dach - Borgstrom - Could shuffle around Johnson and Borgstrom, but the young guys here could be dangerous.
Kubalik - Johnson - Nylander - These guys could do well against the 2nd and 3rd pairing types.
Khaira - Gaudette - Carpenter - Let these guys play physical and play with energy.

Honestly, they can slice and dice it a lot of ways and it could depend on what clicks in camp or who goes down with injury early.

THN/Ryan Kennedy ...... Ranking the Best Developmental Programs in North America

https://www.si.com/hockey...programs-in-north-america

Curious what you Canadian boys think of the list?

THN/Ryan Kennedy ...... Ranking the Best Developmental Programs in North America

https://www.si.com/hockey...programs-in-north-america

Curious what you Canadian boys think of the list?
- Mr Ricochet

Having had seasons tickets for the Oshawa Generals for the past 32 years I normally see 20-30 OHL games a season I’d agree with the rankings of the OHL except I’d put Windsor a bit higher. I saw Lindros, Bolland, to McDavid plus many many more play live.

All of these junior development leagues, except the “Q” are producing lots of NHL players. Most of the absolute top end players are still coming out of the OHL or WHL. But the USHL is catching up and is putting more and more players into the NHL. If I had a son who was good enough to play at that level and was given a choice I’d prefer he plays College hockey to provide the educational opportunities junior hockey doesn’t provide.

That drove me crazy, too.
- Theo Fox

There were a few backhanded "delay of game over the glass" for good measure.

I think in reality Strome being traded will have little to do with Toews. Why? Because Strome doesn't replace Toews.

Honestly, with Toews likely back to normal and Dach being healthy, Strome could have a better season if the Hawks don't trade him and his value could come up more again. I think he does better when the Hawks have more C depth to allow the coach to deploy him at the right times.

It's fine if they trade Strome, because the do have enough depth down the middle, but I think it will all come down to the return. If Toews isn't ready to go for some reason, I don't think Strome fixes the problem, so if the right trade is there I think Bowman makes it.

Would be good if Dach takes the next step and solidifies himself as a top 6C at the NHL level. He will get there and is getting closer.

Hagel - Toews - Kane (Kane and Toews fit well together when they have an energy guy with them)
DeBrincat - Dach - Borgstrom - Could shuffle around Johnson and Borgstrom, but the young guys here could be dangerous.
Kubalik - Johnson - Nylander - These guys could do well against the 2nd and 3rd pairing types.
Khaira - Gaudette - Carpenter - Let these guys play physical and play with energy.

Honestly, they can slice and dice it a lot of ways and it could depend on what clicks in camp or who goes down with injury early.
- breadbag

I agree Strome and Toews are not linked been saying that for a while but you must have a crystal ball or something regarding Toews.

All depends on whether blackhawks would want him back and what would they would want to sign him for. Plus how does mithchell progress in Rockford may determine Murphy future with the hawks. Personally i said before if hawks are out of the playoff picture trade murphy and see what you can get.
- Scott1977

Assuming Stillman and the other Jones are NHL good not a minor assumption.

Having had seasons tickets for the Oshawa Generals for the past 32 years I normally see 20-30 OHL games a season I’d agree with the rankings of the OHL except I’d put Windsor a bit higher. I saw Lindros, Bolland, to McDavid plus many many more play live.

All of these junior development leagues, except the “Q” are producing lots of NHL players. Most of the absolute top end players are still coming out of the OHL or WHL. But the USHL is catching up and is putting more and more players into the NHL. If I had a son who was good enough to play at that level and was given a choice I’d prefer he plays College hockey to provide the educational opportunities junior hockey doesn’t provide.
- paulr

Good to read a Canadian perspective and for sure if a kid can go the NCAA route it's the best way to go. Having that degree whether you use it or not the experience and knowledge gained will be with you for 60-70 yrs.

That said it's not for everyone and I'm all for kids having lots and lots of options. No one path fits all.......... Oh yea, Canadian and Steel Adam Fantilli just committed to Michigan today.

32 yrs of following the OHL??? A beautiful thing. Some folks wonder what the draw of jr hockey is especially if you have access to an NHL team. I even wonder about it too sometimes but am reminded of something I read awhile back. Said jrs is the last chance you get to see world class hockey players before they get the wild horse coached out of them. Indeed, the spontaneity and youthful exuberance of these freakish athletes can sometimes be the best hockey you see .........

Good to read a Canadian perspective and for sure if a kid can go the NCAA route it's the best way to go. Having that degree whether you use it or not the experience and knowledge gained will be with you for 60-70 yrs.

That said it's not for everyone and I'm all for kids having lots and lots of options. No one path fits all.......... Oh yea, Canadian and Steel Adam Fantilli just committed to Michigan today.

32 yrs of following the OHL??? A beautiful thing. Some folks wonder what the draw of jr hockey is especially if you have access to an NHL team. I even wonder about it too sometimes but am reminded of something I read awhile back. Said jrs is the last chance you get to see world class hockey players before they get the wild horse coached out of them. Indeed, the spontaneity and youthful exuberance of these freakish athletes can sometimes be the best hockey you see .........
- Mr Ricochet

If he leaves in/near Oshawa he won’t have access to an NHL team. Maybe Buffalo, but that’s a fair drive.

If he leaves in/near Oshawa he won’t have access to an NHL team. Maybe Buffalo, but that’s a fair drive.
- DarthKane

Does Buffalo have an NHL team?

Good to read a Canadian perspective and for sure if a kid can go the NCAA route it's the best way to go. Having that degree whether you use it or not the experience and knowledge gained will be with you for 60-70 yrs.

That said it's not for everyone and I'm all for kids having lots and lots of options. No one path fits all.......... Oh yea, Canadian and Steel Adam Fantilli just committed to Michigan today.

32 yrs of following the OHL??? A beautiful thing. Some folks wonder what the draw of jr hockey is especially if you have access to an NHL team. I even wonder about it too sometimes but am reminded of something I read awhile back. Said jrs is the last chance you get to see world class hockey players before they get the wild horse coached out of them. Indeed, the spontaneity and youthful exuberance of these freakish athletes can sometimes be the best hockey you see .........
- Mr Ricochet

As a parent I value Education as the absolute most important thing I could get my kids to pursue. Three of my daughters were very good fastpitch players. But if they didn’t maintain their marks in school I would have taken them out of the sport in a heartbeat. Same had I had boys.

I’ve heard about Fantilli but never seen him play. Hopefully he makes the Canadian World Junior team. He was given exceptional status to allow him to play in the OHL at an early age but obviously was targeting NCAA. The 2023 draft is gonna be very good. Bedard, Dvorsky and Fantilli.

When I got married I went to a few Gens games for a few years. The old Oshawa arena was about three miles from where I live. In ‘87 two friends and I bought seasons tickets between us. One guy moved away in the mid ‘90s and the two of us continued to buy the tickets. We’d go to a few games, give some to minor teams to raffle and sell some. The best thing about junior hockey to me is seeing the exuberance, passion and love of the game along with tons of mistakes. I knew Lindros would be dominant when he got to the NHL. He always skated with his head down and I figured he’d always get away with it. I thought Bolland would be a top six center, it never occurred to me he’d be seen a checking center. I thought Josh Ho Sang would be good NHL player, I didn’t realize he was such a headache. I knew Cory Perry wold be a good NHL player and a bigger pain in the ass. And the first time I saw him play I thought McDavid was the best player I’d seen since Lindros and better.

Does Buffalo have an NHL team?
- tvetter

Yes, they are the closest NHL caliber team to Oshawa.

If he leaves in/near Oshawa he won’t have access to an NHL team. Maybe Buffalo, but that’s a fair drive.
- DarthKane

I’ve driven to more Buffalo games than Toronto games. It’s about a three hour drive. The tickets are easier to get and are less expensive. Plus I don’t have to listen to (frank)ing leaf fans planning parades!

I’ve driven to more Buffalo games than Toronto games. It’s about a three hour drive. The tickets are easier to get and are less expensive. Plus I don’t have to listen to (frank)ing leaf fans planning parades!
- paulr

Leafs? I thought we were talking about NHL caliber teams?

Leafs? I thought we were talking about NHL caliber teams?
- DarthKane

Not many NHL caliber teams within 150 miles from where I live. Lucky I can see lots of junior teams.

New blog! A look at what a taxi squad could look like for the Blackhawks if the NHL was forced to revive this feature for another season.

https://bit.ly/3mzrNcz