Although Bowman overpaid in his major trade, monetheless, thiis team actually is a breathe of fresh air if you were digging in for another year of sacrifice to the kids developing

Oh the kids can still develop here and in Rockford too

With a healthy Toews and Fleury's somewhat surprisre addition, the new look team actually can compete and win. Can come from behind. Can actually beat good teams even if outplayed. We have the personnel and experienced enough to compete against anyone. Sure there are better teams than us but we can stand strong and might even win sometimes. Never was going to happen if Bowman had stayed the course on major youth infusion.

I am skeptical how much some prospects or young players could help this season

The opportunity is there I bet more for a Nylander and Rockford forwards to Inject a bit of not really expected but not too surprised help. They have it in them They need to run with the opportunity.

Nylander as secondary scoring The Rockford forwards offer up with grit, effort, some of them descent two way game. They each therefore could kindle the new fire burning on this team

Mitchell could come in maybe and stick but he needs to get his act together for a while in the AHL. Someone mentioned Borgstrom might impress with stickhandling more than scoring. Not a great endorsement. Actually I would like McLaughlin to get serious. A skill guy lile him could bring some strong scoring opportunities

Two dmen, Kalynuk and Stillman. Have a game and can be useful
- jhawk59

I think the Hawks FO was able to give a ton of opportunities to young players last year. This year they brought in a more complete set of NHL players to not only give the young guys playing time, but give the team a chance to compete. I'm not pinning any hopes on Toews being what he was until he shows it. I expect this team to be better than last year simply due to having more "responsible" players and guys who aren't trying to slow the game down.

If I had to pin the success (or more to the point "moving the needle") of the year on one guy, it would be Dach. They need him to be much improved and consistent if they are going to truly compete for the PO's. The overall D will be better (notably due to the D-corps, but also the forwards), the overall goaltending is better.

Re Borgstrom: From what I've seen, he has a really good shot. Yes, he can pass and make plays, but I would not underestimate his shot. He has a really solid, accurate wrister, and solid control of his body to get shots off with what looks like little effort.

I think the Hawks FO was able to give a ton of opportunities to young players last year. This year they brought in a more complete set of NHL players to not only give the young guys playing time, but give the team a chance to compete. I'm not pinning any hopes on Toews being what he was until he shows it. I expect this team to be better than last year simply due to having more "responsible" players and guys who aren't trying to slow the game down.

If I had to pin the success (or more to the point "moving the needle") of the year on one guy, it would be Dach. They need him to be much improved and consistent if they are going to truly compete for the PO's. The overall D will be better (notably due to the D-corps, but also the forwards), the overall goaltending is better.

Re Borgstrom: From what I've seen, he has a really good shot. Yes, he can pass and make plays, but I would not underestimate his shot. He has a really solid, accurate wrister, and solid control of his body to get shots off with what looks like little effort.
- Chunk

I agree with your observations on Borgstrom. Saw just what you said in youtubes of him when he played some games with the Panthers. ALWAYS around the net and in the slot. Give him some wingers who can crash the boards and get him the puck and that could be a very good secondary scoring line

It's a prospect tournament. What are your expectations? If you already see guys like Allen, del Mastro, Crevier, and Phillips as lesser players then you likely wouldn't be excited. Most (all) of the higher end prospects aren't going to be playing in this (Mitchell, Beaudin, Kalynuk.

I tend to prefer the wait and see game with prospects instead of expecting to see something then being disappointed.
- Chunk

Don't get me wrong, I'm not writing them off. Just saying personally, when I look at this roster, up front we got some guys who have some expectations. In contrast, I think the D is a bit more lack luster in terms of what may be expected. Sure, there might be a couple gems in there, but generally I find there is a difference between being excited for prospects who have some expectations vs just prospects.

Some years we have some D prospects who are among the best in the group, I just don't see that this year. Maybe it's just me,.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not writing them off. Just saying personally, when I look at this roster, up front we got some guys who have some expectations. In contrast, I think the D is a bit more lack luster in terms of what may be expected. Sure, there might be a couple gems in there, but generally I find there is a difference between being excited for prospects who have some expectations vs just prospects.

Some years we have some D prospects who are among the best in the group, I just don't see that this year. Maybe it's just me,.
- breadbag

True. It does seem that the Hawks draft in bunches. One or two years in a row they will concentrate on D, the next Centers (or forwards), and they go through cycles of one group or another being higher caliber.

It could also be simply overall exposure to these players' games. We heard a lot about Kaiser being really good last year (he's not playing in the tournament), but few actually saw him play.

I agree with your observations on Borgstrom. Saw just what you said in youtubes of him when he played some games with the Panthers. ALWAYS around the net and in the slot. Give him some wingers who can crash the boards and get him the puck and that could be a very good secondary scoring line
- chuckdahammer

Good to hear that Borgstrom is always in the slot or in front of the net, the challenge is getting him forwards with size that crash the boards and retrieve pucks, the Hawks are limited there. With the quantity of forwards and defensemen on the roster, it’s now up to Stan to trade some of that quantity for at least one forward with that attribute. A young Andrew Ladd type player would be perfect, easier said than done.

I think the Hawks FO was able to give a ton of opportunities to young players last year. This year they brought in a more complete set of NHL players to not only give the young guys playing time, but give the team a chance to compete. I'm not pinning any hopes on Toews being what he was until he shows it. I expect this team to be better than last year simply due to having more "responsible" players and guys who aren't trying to slow the game down.

If I had to pin the success (or more to the point "moving the needle") of the year on one guy, it would be Dach. They need him to be much improved and consistent if they are going to truly compete for the PO's. The overall D will be better (notably due to the D-corps, but also the forwards), the overall goaltending is better.

Re Borgstrom: From what I've seen, he has a really good shot. Yes, he can pass and make plays, but I would not underestimate his shot. He has a really solid, accurate wrister, and solid control of his body to get shots off with what looks like little effort.
- Chunk

If Dach and borgstrom can be that one two punch down the middle hawks are in good shape for the future. Just don't much about borgstrom other than highlights but hopefully he can fill that top 6 role whether its at center or even wing would go along way. Towes is still the biggest question mark not only this season but next season. Agree the d and goaltending has been upgraded but can it translate to the ice. I stated this before JC is on hot seat imo if hawks not playing well and above 500. By thanksgiving i think he is gone. Bottom six on paper seems to have been improved but we will see.

Good to hear that Borgstrom is always in the slot or in front of the net, the challenge is getting him forwards with size that crash the boards and retrieve pucks, the Hawks are limited there. With the quantity of forwards and defensemen on the roster, it’s now up to Stan to trade some of that quantity for at least one forward with that attribute. A young Andrew Ladd type player would be perfect, easier said than done.
- Angotti

I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but I think you will see Gaudette grow nicely into this role this year. I know he's kind of expected to be launched, but I think Connolly would do well here as well.

The more I look at this roster, the less I see a spot for Strome. He does have skill and I think he is a smart hockey player. I just don't get the feeling he will put everything together and be consistent. He is almost useless on the wing as he doesn't provide anything over the other established players, and IMO, the other center options can provide the same or better performance at a lower price.

I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but I think you will see Gaudette grow nicely into this role this year. I know he's kind of expected to be launched, but I think Connolly would do well here as well.

The more I look at this roster, the less I see a spot for Strome. He does have skill and I think he is a smart hockey player. I just don't get the feeling he will put everything together and be consistent. He is almost useless on the wing as he doesn't provide anything over the other established players, and IMO, the other center options can provide the same or better performance at a lower price.
- Chunk

Yeah, I’m looking forward to seeing both Borgstrom and Gaudette in a Hawks uni, hopefully we get secondary scoring from them. Not sure the Hawks will get a 200’ game from Borgstrom, but it would be great if they get that from Gaudette. You can have four Seabrook’s on the back end, but if forwards don’t commit to defense, then you’ll still give up a bunch of goals. At this time they have Dach, Dcat, Kubalik, and Toews that will commit to the 200’ game in the top six, they could use one more forward on the top six that brings that as well. Maybe that is Gaudette, Kurashev,or Reichel, we’ll see.

Borgstrom here with the wrist shot - then faceoff win - going to front of the net - and puck dug out from behind the net to Borgstrom, goal from greasy area in front of the net. Gaudette is adding weight and might be a good fit on line with Borgy. Kaira also has size and maybe be fit on the other wing




https://youtu.be/fnDnv5xOmvk

When does Minnesota vs hawks or tournament start and where can you watch it

it starts tonight on Minn youtube channel.

it starts tonight on Minn youtube channel.
- kmw4631

Thanks

it starts tonight on Minn youtube channel.
- kmw4631

The first game is actually Friday at 7:00pm CDT. Sunday 1:00pm CDT for the second game.

I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but I think you will see Gaudette grow nicely into this role this year. I know he's kind of expected to be launched, but I think Connolly would do well here as well.

The more I look at this roster, the less I see a spot for Strome. He does have skill and I think he is a smart hockey player. I just don't get the feeling he will put everything together and be consistent. He is almost useless on the wing as he doesn't provide anything over the other established players, and IMO, the other center options can provide the same or better performance at a lower price.
- Chunk

If god forbid two out of four of Nylander, Borgstrom, Reichel and Gaudette were to be a success we would be a totally different hockey team. Add in Dach and two out of our 980 young defensemen and OMG we're in it for the long haul.

Key word, "if."

Hawks sign 2021 1st round pick Nolan Allan to an ELC.

Borgstrom here with the wrist shot - then faceoff win - going to front of the net - and puck dug out from behind the net to Borgstrom, goal from greasy area in front of the net. Gaudette is adding weight and might be a good fit on line with Borgy. Kaira also has size and maybe be fit on the other wing




https://youtu.be/fnDnv5xOmvk
- chuckdahammer

Thanks for the video, hope to see more of that this year.

Hawks sign 2021 1st round pick Nolan Allan to an ELC.
- Theo Fox

Already? He hasn't shown anything yet!

I didn't see anyone else post this yet, but:

More sad news: Lou Angotti — a Blackhawks forward for five seasons in the '60s and '70s, including in the '71 and '73 Stanley Cup Finals — died today at age 83.

The first game is actually Friday at 7:00pm CDT. Sunday 1:00pm CDT for the second game.
- Theo Fox

Hey Theo, did you ever do a write up on Jakub Pour? I know they signed him this offseason, but I wasn't sure if you weighed in on him or not. Just curious about your thoughts.

Hey Theo, did you ever do a write up on Jakub Pour? I know they signed him this offseason, but I wasn't sure if you weighed in on him or not. Just curious about your thoughts.
- Chunk

I did a brief scouting report but there really wasn't much on Pour besides being a big winger who can play physical. Some offense as a bottom 6 forward. Not expecting much from him to be honest, but always willing to be pleasantly surprised.

He's older with experience but could be short-lived in NA like Anton Wedin or Jacob Nilsson who are back home in Sweden. Or he could be like Dennis Rasmussen and have a tad bit of staying power in the NHL but not enough to carve out a 10+ year career.

Already? He hasn't shown anything yet!
- Chunk

Questionable timing.

Fleury looks happy. Note the "35" patch on this year's uniforms honoring Tony-O.

https://twitter.com/renla...16736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

I did a brief scouting report but there really wasn't much on Pour besides being a big winger who can play physical. Some offense as a bottom 6 forward. Not expecting much from him to be honest, but always willing to be pleasantly surprised.

He's older with experience but could be short-lived in NA like Anton Wedin or Jacob Nilsson who are back home in Sweden. Or he could be like Dennis Rasmussen and have a tad bit of staying power in the NHL but not enough to carve out a 10+ year career.
- Theo Fox

You're laying the praise on a little thick, no?

I didn't see anyone else post this yet, but:

More sad news: Lou Angotti — a Blackhawks forward for five seasons in the '60s and '70s, including in the '71 and '73 Stanley Cup Finals — died today at age 83.
- Chunk

Lloyd Pettit: "Those aren't boos you are hearing, those are Lou's!"
RIP Mr Angotti.

Sounds like Kane's unspecified injury hasn't fully healed, but is close?

https://twitter.com/NHLdo...tatus/1438597646810185728