@ByScottPowers

Matej Chalupa is on unconditional waivers for the Blackhawks.
- DarthKane

With Chalupa being placed on unconditional waivers, does that signal the totally unsubstantiated and wild Dominik Kubalik trade rumors?

Considering Blackhawk defenders follow their guy out to the blue line, and Blackhawk defenders activate constantly in the ozone, other than the pk what's the point of even having defenseman on this roster?
- BetweenTheDots

FFS. Do you watch any other teams? This is not specific to the Hawks (and it's not like it happens regularly). Any team that plays man D this happens occasionally.

All teams also have defensemen that activate in the O-zone. The problems that we've seen the last few years are mostly due to either inexperience (thus slow reactions to developing plays) or lower talent (not having the ability to keep up or defend properly). I'm sure you know better than the pro coaches though.

I would rather see them get the disgruntled Rangers first rounder, Vitali Kravtsov, who wants a trade b/c he didn't make their roster.

Sure you get get something in picks, but I still like this physical player and he is worth the price of Dylan Strome, 24, than a pick.

Kravtsov will be 22 around Christmas.

Not saying I refuse a first rounder from Rangers, but I am not sure what Dylan Strome gets you in draft pick return.
- wiz1901

Interesting option, I like it. He had a break out season in the KHL 2020-21 49 games 16 goals 8 assists for 24 points.

Wiz do you know which line he player on in the KHL?

FFS. Do you watch any other teams? This is not specific to the Hawks (and it's not like it happens regularly). Any team that plays man D this happens occasionally.

All teams also have defensemen that activate in the O-zone. The problems that we've seen the last few years are mostly due to either inexperience (thus slow reactions to developing plays) or lower talent (not having the ability to keep up or defend properly). I'm sure you know better than the pro coaches though.
- Chunk

You mean players aren't robots? I think Dots likes the table hockey type defenseman, that they only stay in those slots and never cross center ice. Question is do you draft the metal or plastic version?

Friedman: “I’m hearing stuff about the potential of maybe Dylan Strome moving”.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more confident and certain statement.
- DarthKane

A little bit more meat on that bone...

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
1h
Multiple NHL insiders reporting today that the Blackhawks are, unsurprisingly, looking into trading Dylan Strome.

.
@frank_seravalli
wrote the Hawks are "actively listening to interest from other teams on Strome and will assess their options."

You mean players aren't robots? I think Dots likes the table hockey type defenseman, that they only stay in those slots and never cross center ice. Question is do you draft the metal or plastic version?
- LAHawk

The metal version of course

What most don't realize those other teams that run the same poopty version, actually pressure the puck very well all over the ice, including zone entries

Is anyone else really interested to see the Borgstrom-Dach-Hagel line in action? If Borgstrom is as billed, that can be a really effective line.

The metal version of course

What most don't realize those other teams that run the same poopty version, actually pressure the puck very well all over the ice, including zone entries
- BetweenTheDots

No. This is the part that you keep getting wrong. We all know and can see this. The difference is that we realize that a lot of the problem stemmed from talent issues and inexperience. Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin, and Kalynuk (even Zadorov) all played the way you (we) want for short periods last year. The problem was that they could not (or would not) do it on a consistent basis and faltered more often than they succeeded.

So Gaudette and Strome on the outside looking in. Sure it could be better, but considering our roster, I’m okay with these lines.
- Angotti

Wasn't Gaudette banged up a bit or is my info out of date? I'm sure he will get into the lineup.

Is anyone else really interested to see the Borgstrom-Dach-Hagel line in action? If Borgstrom is as billed, that can be a really effective line.
- Chunk

The top 9 has some serious potential, but I’m still not sold on Johnson between DeBrincat and Kane. Maybe it will work out, Anisimov worked between Panarin and Kane.

Hopefully Johnson is a placeholder until Dach is ready to step up with more minutes.

The metal version of course

What most don't realize those other teams that run the same poopty version, actually pressure the puck very well all over the ice, including zone entries
- BetweenTheDots

Could that be because they have more talented players? With the upgrades up front and growth in Kurashev, Hagel, Dach, etc. I bet the Hawks will pressure the puck better all over the ice. I don't think you will see Carpenter centering for Kane this year. Dach is properly slated as the #3 center (hopefully he takes a step and then Dach and Johnson can eventually switch places), Hagel properly slated on line #3., etc.

The top 9 has some serious potential, but I’m still not sold on Johnson between DeBrincat and Kane. Maybe it will work out, Anisimov worked between Panarin and Kane.

Hopefully Johnson is a placeholder until Dach is ready to step up with more minutes.
- DarthKane

Just curious but what is the concern with Johnson? Anisimov was an adventure when the puck was on his stick but at least Johnson can handle the puck.

Is anyone else really interested to see the Borgstrom-Dach-Hagel line in action? If Borgstrom is as billed, that can be a really effective line.
- Chunk

Very excited to see that line in action. It looks very well balanced in size, speed, skill and some grit. With the lower quality of opposition i'm really hoping they can be a very effective line and provide some decent depth scoring.

Do you think all three players could reach 20 goals?

Wasn't Gaudette banged up a bit or is my info out of date? I'm sure he will get into the lineup.
- breadbag

Maybe the Hawks are easing Gaudette into the season, just be sure he’s recovered.

Just curious but what is the concern with Johnson? Anisimov was an adventure when the puck was on his stick but at least Johnson can handle the puck.
- breadbag

Johnson is more suited for the 3rd line, the ADB/Kane/TJ line will put up points, however they will get pinned in their own end as well. This is one trade that baffles me, not sure getting a 2nd with Johnson and his cap hit was enough, Tampa should have retained salary as well.

Just curious but what is the concern with Johnson? Anisimov was an adventure when the puck was on his stick but at least Johnson can handle the puck.
- breadbag

Both Anisimov and Johnson have strengths and weaknesses. (As does Dach.) Right now Johnson and Dach are good 3c’s. Debrincat and Kane are your #1 LW and RW. The hope is that Johnson is just a placeholder and Dach will mature into a 1C or 2C. For the time being I am ok with Johnson and Dach on the lines they are on. Let Dach force the issue with his performance. The line blender is plugged in and ready to go. Colliton has his finger on the switch.

Very excited to see that line in action. It looks very well balanced in size, speed, skill and some grit. With the lower quality of opposition i'm really hoping they can be a very effective line and provide some decent depth scoring.

Do you think all three players could reach 20 goals?
- SchwiftyHawk

I would say that Borgstrom has the best chance (as long as he stays in the lineup) due to his shot, and his willingness - and ability- to work in the crease. Hagel is going to get a lot of chances just due to his play. I can see Dach getting points, but I don't see the goals coming unless he has worked on his shot (and willingness to use it).

Both Anisimov and Johnson have strengths and weaknesses. (As does Dach.) Right now Johnson and Dach are good 3c’s. Debrincat and Kane are your #1 LW and RW. The hope is that Johnson is just a placeholder and Dach will mature into a 1C or 2C. For the time being I am ok with Johnson and Dach on the lines they are on. Let Dach force the issue with his performance. The line blender is plugged in and ready to go. Colliton has his finger on the switch.
- Ztra

I would like to see Borgstrom eventually get some time between ADB, and Kane. Kane prefers a left handed center (gets passes from the center from the centers forehand, and on center drives to the net, easier for a left handed center to redirect a Kaner seeing eye pass.)

Is anyone else really interested to see the Borgstrom-Dach-Hagel line in action? If Borgstrom is as billed, that can be a really effective line.
- Chunk

Were you not able to see any pre season games? Borgstrom looks good, that line even looked ok with Strome on it last game.

Johnson is more suited for the 3rd line, the ADB/Kane/TJ line will put up points, however they will get pinned in their own end as well. This is one trade that baffles me, not sure getting a 2nd with Johnson and his cap hit was enough, Tampa should have retained salary as well.
- Angotti

That trade isn't that complicated to figure out. Hawks got a servicable player and a pick to take Seabrook contract to use as LTIR relief, it made no sense for them to retain money when they were trying to get cap compliant.

I would say that Borgstrom has the best chance (as long as he stays in the lineup) due to his shot, and his willingness - and ability- to work in the crease. Hagel is going to get a lot of chances just due to his play. I can see Dach getting points, but I don't see the goals coming unless he has worked on his shot (and willingness to use it).
- Chunk

I am just worried in the theoretical goal race that I have set up between the three, Hagel not being on the second power play will be at a disadvantage to Borgstrom, who is also my favorite to lead the three in goals. I wish all three would up their shot totals, it would make them even more dangerous as a line. I'm sure Hagel will get his shot on the PP at some point and may even see time with Toews and Kubalik [I really liked that combination as well].

I'm hoping with Strome and Gaudette eager to get back into the lineup it will force Kurashev and Borgstrom to maintain a very high compete level.

Could that be because they have more talented players? With the upgrades up front and growth in Kurashev, Hagel, Dach, etc. I bet the Hawks will pressure the puck better all over the ice. I don't think you will see Carpenter centering for Kane this year. Dach is properly slated as the #3 center (hopefully he takes a step and then Dach and Johnson can eventually switch places), Hagel properly slated on line #3., etc.
- LAHawk

We'll see, but if they keep giving up uncontested shots down Broadway, i don't think JC or Stan will be here after this year, maybe that's what Danny wants.

I would like to see Borgstrom eventually get some time between ADB, and Kane. Kane prefers a left handed center (gets passes from the center from the centers forehand, and on center drives to the net, easier for a left handed center to redirect a Kaner seeing eye pass.)
- LAHawk

Agree, I was really hoping to see what Borgstrom looked like at center with Kane.
Any predictions, I don't really think I saw Borgstrom play much center in the pre-season.

Where would you place Johnson if Borgstrom worked out? At wing with Toews and Kubalik or on the 3rd as a center wing?

We'll see, but if they keep giving up uncontested shots down Broadway, i don't think JC or Stan will be here after this year, maybe that's what Danny wants.
- BetweenTheDots

And I am sure you will be the first to point out each and every one.

Were you not able to see any pre season games? Borgstrom looks good, that line even looked ok with Strome on it last game.
- GPHawksfan

Yah that last pre-season game with Borgstrom-Dach-Strome looked really well, i'm curious to see if it will be given a shot during the regular season?