I think deBrincat is the next new face of the franchise. Yes, the organization wants Dach to very much succeed but he needs to earn the big bucks. Due to his youth, early entry into the league and wrist injury, he hasn't been able to show much in the first two years of his ELC. Even if he puts up 50 points, with his standing as an RFA, the Hawks have the control and a 3 x 3M bridge is reasonable. If he continues to produce he can be rewarded next contract. Just my opinion.
- boilermaker100

One of the bright spots was Cat and Dach on the PK, a real threat to score if you make a mistake.

Is it our duty to provide you a certain amount of hockey talk?
- mohel

I think it is ...

There is talk that the three Canadian Major Junior leagues will attempt to continue the "World Junior Challenge" or whatever name it will ha(s)ve...where a Russian younger squad comes over and plays teams from all three junior leagues.

It might be scaled back, but it looks like they are being optimistic.

I think it is ...

There is talk that the three Canadian Major Junior leagues will attempt to continue the "World Junior Challenge" or whatever name it will ha(s)ve...where a Russian younger squad comes over and plays teams from all three junior leagues.

It might be scaled back, but it looks like they are being optimistic.
- wiz1901

Wiz, you're old enough to remember Adam Creighton who was picked in the 1st round, and 11th overall. It's so difficult to project what a player will become. While hoping the best for Dach, who really knows? Would it stun you to learn he ends up being another guy who played in the NHL? Point being, at this juncture, might a little perspective be in order?

I think deBrincat is the next new face of the franchise. Yes,
the organization wants Dach to very much succeed but he needs to earn the big bucks. Due to his youth, early entry into the league and wrist injury, he hasn't been able to show much in the first two years of his ELC. Even if he puts up 50 points, with his standing as an RFA, the Hawks have the control and a 3 x 3M bridge is reasonable. If he continues to produce he can be rewarded next contract. Just my opinion.
- boilermaker100

With the contract the Hawks gave Seth Jones, isn't he the future face of the franchise?

With the contract the Hawks gave Seth Jones, isn't he the future face of the franchise?
- LAHawk

AdB has new. Contract negotiations coming up next summer.

Assuming another good season coming up - any doubts that he would at least equal Jones’ deal, even as an RFA?

AdB has new. Contract negotiations coming up next summer.

Assuming another good season coming up - any doubts that he would at least equal Jones’ deal, even as an RFA?
- StLBravesFan

Sure, but all i read is ADB, and Dach being face of the franchise, nobody mentioned Jones

Sure, but all i read is ADB, and Dach being face of the franchise, nobody mentioned Jones
- LAHawk

Heck, at this point, I'm just hoping they all play well together as a team. It does no good to be the face of a poopty franchise. Just ask Jack Eichel.

Sure, but all i read is ADB, and Dach being face of the franchise, nobody mentioned Jones
- LAHawk

Yes.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but just that it wouldn't surprise me for them to go bigger in term and value.
- breadbag

Could be. We'll be see.

Sure, but all i read is ADB, and Dach being face of the franchise, nobody mentioned Jones
- LAHawk

Maybe because Cat and Dach are home grown and have some seniority with the organization? Most likely Jones will do a lot of community and charity work and will be recognized accordingly.

AdB has new. Contract negotiations coming up next summer.

Assuming another good season coming up - any doubts that he would at least equal Jones’ deal, even as an RFA?
- StLBravesFan

9.5M for AdB is my prediction.

NHL to compete in the Olympics next Feb.

NHL to compete in the Olympics next Feb.
- boilermaker100

Great news.

Great news.
- 35Tony0

No.

I am against anyone getting suspended here. We are adults (I think) and we can filter out posts we want to read and react to and don't. It shouldn't be someone's job to do that for us. It's called "ignore". (And for the record I have had my fair share of suspensions on this site).

I think though you are missing out on environmental policies that have caused fires to be worse in the west. It's easy to just look at one factor. Many factors make up a complex issue.
- powerenforcer

If Von Douche didn’t get suspended for his posts in the last thread, I’m not sure how the mods could possibly justify banning anyone here today.

No.
- Ogilthorpe2

No.

Hi Theo - thanks for the breakdown. I guess that is the price you pay when you have successful seasons. Drafting late in the rounds will force you to pick guys that may take longer to develop. Some "luck" is also involved in the draft positioning
- powerenforcer

Luck is definitely a factor as even top 10 picks are no sure thing either. Look at Strome and Nylander and others like Stefan, Yakupov, and Lawton.

Then you have gems like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Point. Byfuglien was an 8th rounder.

I believe with the hard cap era where you can poach cap strapped teams, and having a healthy relationship with rookie free agents, is a real option to build a Stanley Cup contending team.
- BetweenTheDots

Rookie free agents, particularly those from the NCAA, are a good source as you pointed out. Kalynuk is a current example to get excited about.

But then some are duds or at least ones who don't work out right away. Vesey was between the Hawks and Rangers but that was a dodged bullet. He's getting better but not a player I covet.

Same with the Justin Schultz sweepstakes. I can't recall if the Hawks were one of his many suitors.

I see you've lollygagged your way through another write up with more lazy blogging Theo...BOO!!!
- HawkintheD

Good stuff as always! I'm excited for the season to start and hopefully see some of the offseason moves pay dividends.

Also excited to see Hagel's progression and more importantly what Kirby can do with hopefully his most normal season with the team.

Obviously Covid is still around but in Dach's case, I don't think he's even been able to participate in a Hawk training camp or start the season due to injury, so hoping for that at least.

I think it was from the NHL site Theo posted that predicted him with like 70 pts but I think 50 would be a good season for him in a 2C role. Also hoping for some improvement at the dot.

If he and Toews can both start the season I think that also will help improve the overall team D.

Agree on Dach's offensive outlook for this season, i.e. 50 points seems realistic.

Hagel was underestimated by the Hockey News in their fantasy guide. I think he's capable of 35-40 points, not 28 like they projected.

No.
- gabriel

I may be in a minority here but the Olympics will be played during the dog days of the NHL regular season, the Hawks won’t play a meaningful game all season although I suspect they will be entertaining and hopefully show improvement. Olympic hockey will be a chance to cheer on a team that has a good chance of winning.

NHL to compete in the Olympics next Feb.
- boilermaker100

So is the NHL going to suspend these COVID protocols for the Olympics?

• Players will be prohibited from carpooling to games, there will be no road trip roommates, and teams must secure an additional two hotel rooms on road trips in the event of a positive COVID-19 test.

• Players will also only be permitted to go to the rink and hotel on road trips. No other destinations, including bars, restaurants, clubs, etc., will be permitted.

So is the NHL going to suspend these COVID protocols for the Olympics?

• Players will be prohibited from carpooling to games, there will be no road trip roommates, and teams must secure an additional two hotel rooms on road trips in the event of a positive COVID-19 test.

• Players will also only be permitted to go to the rink and hotel on road trips. No other destinations, including bars, restaurants, clubs, etc., will be permitted.
- LAHawk

Good points, I never factored that into my comments about the NHLs involvement in the Olympics

Rookie free agents, particularly those from the NCAA, are a good source as you pointed out. Kalynuk is a current example to get excited about.

But then some are duds or at least ones who don't work out right away. Vesey was between the Hawks and Rangers but that was a dodged bullet. He's getting better but not a player I covet.

Same with the Justin Schultz sweepstakes. I can't recall if the Hawks were one of his many suitors.
- Theo Fox

They should count as "draft choices" as far as "development analysis" goes you went and picked who you wanted they haven't played for anyone else.

Back to hockey. Flyers Joe Farabaee, has been extended, signed for 6 years at 5M AAV, beginning next year after his ELC expires. 107 NHL games played in his first two years with 28 goals and 31 helpers. They must expect big things from him.

Reminds me of the Debrincat situation when he signed his 6.4M extension with one year left on his ELC. He had better numbers after his 2 seasons warranting the 6.4M.

Wonder how this would affect Kubalik's ask.
- boilermaker100

I read an article a few weeks ago about how the Flyers are much higher on Farabee than on Frost and possibly even Konecny now.

Konecny and van Riemsdyk are supposedly on the trade block to help alleviate the cap crunch in Philly.

So is the NHL going to suspend these COVID protocols for the Olympics?

• Players will be prohibited from carpooling to games, there will be no road trip roommates, and teams must secure an additional two hotel rooms on road trips in the event of a positive COVID-19 test.

• Players will also only be permitted to go to the rink and hotel on road trips. No other destinations, including bars, restaurants, clubs, etc., will be permitted.
- LAHawk

Beijing the Olympic location, correct?
I can see teams staying away from bars, restaurants and touristy sites...