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Forums :: Blog World :: Theo Fox: Decision Forks
Author Message
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Nov 9 @ 10:31 AM ET
Don't we always complain about players constantly deferring to Kane?
- tvetter


No. He's the best player on the ice, why wouldn't you want the puck on his blade. Unless he's got 3 guys on him and you're alone - where if that is happening the kid will have even more opportunities to shine since he'll have more time and space.
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Nov 9 @ 10:34 AM ET
I remember reading here, just yesterday, that the Euro leagues were trash and the AHL was where it's at. Hard to keep up.....

Not directed at you, fatty.

- mohel


Its a bit of a different game with the bigger surface but playing against men is still playing against men. And if that success is replicated - and in this case exceeded in the AHL where the surface is smaller and the game is more physical - I dunno what else the kid has to prove.

Other than satisfying peoples need to equate the NHL to the MLB both in terms of player development AND being able to unload talent for meaningful futures which are both incomparable.
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Nov 9 @ 10:36 AM ET
Theo: Kirby Dach also is at a critical nexus in his young NHL career. Can he finally take off under a new coach or will he continue to flatline in his development? As mentioned in a previous blog, gaining confidence and refining his skills in the AHL could be the best medicine for Dach.

Me: Finally? He’s 20 - and probably should have been returned to Saskatoon after the draft, likely should have been in Rockford the next season (pandemic issues aside), and possibly should spend time in Rockford now.

- StLBravesFan


Dach will be fine. Sending him to the AHL will do nothing for him. Look at him like Couturier. Started probably too young and treaded water for a couple of seasons before taking off.
GreenJeans
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Rural, WI
Joined: 06.29.2016

Nov 9 @ 10:38 AM ET
What's going on with Tyler Johnson? Goes on Covid protocol last week and I haven't seen a mention since. Is he okay?
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Nov 9 @ 10:39 AM ET
The AHL is a more grindy and physical league since the players don't have the skill for it to be otherwise. The game is slower and if he is outpacing it then he doesn't need to be there. There is no marinating that happens there.

Boqvist has been a glass man since his time in juniors, and he's injured again. Playing in the AHL wouldn't have helped that at all. At 18 and 19 Reichel was playing against men in Germany. Kind of a difference.

The kid has proven himself against adults and is not hampered by the physicality, lack of talent surrounding him or smaller ice in the AHL. He should be with the big club figuring out the NHL so next season he will be ready to go.

- fattybeef


I was watching earlier this year the wolves vs ice hogs and both broadcasters loved Reichel. Complimenting his play at every turn,
couple of chuckles and what a nice play, guess who. They weren't doing this for Nylander or any other player on the ice. Both teams and that was a Wolves broadcast.

And to your point if he's playing so well in the AHL and being a dynamic dominant player, how do you not bring him up for a cup of coffee.
rpeters01
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 07.09.2016

Nov 9 @ 10:41 AM ET
Theo: Kirby Dach also is at a critical nexus in his young NHL career. Can he finally take off under a new coach or will he continue to flatline in his development? As mentioned in a previous blog, gaining confidence and refining his skills in the AHL could be the best medicine for Dach.

Me: Finally? He’s 20 - and probably should have been returned to Saskatoon after the draft, likely should have been in Rockford the next season (pandemic issues aside), and possibly should spend time in Rockford now.

- StLBravesFan

Yes, yes and yes and in reality, he's really only played one full season of games and was injured for part of that. He's got a long way to go yet.
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Nov 9 @ 10:43 AM ET
Didn't play for like a year and wrist injuries are no bueno.

He holds the puck too long and doesn't look as fit as he should be. He isn't pushing guys off the puck like he was in the playoffs 2 years ago.

I'd give it a half dozen games under King to see if he can get settled down and stop thinking the game and just play it.

His job should be solely to win the puck, give it to Kane and go to the net. Once he starts doing that well and picking up some Crosby points (secondary assists) and his confidence goes up I think you'll see a different player.

He's certainly better than anyone he'll play against in the AHL. This preposterous notion that playing in Rockford will help any of these players develop is getting ridiculous.

This isn't like AAA Baseball where you'll see very near to MLB and some MLB calibre competition while having the resources and facilities available to improve - the AHL is more like the D league in the NBA where its guys that aren't good enough for the Pros but maybe can be the 12th guy on the roster if poop happens.

- fattybeef


In baseball now more players are making the jump from AA to the majors, maybe with just short stays in AAA for contract control reasons. AAA now is really full of guys who are career minor leaguers and/or roster fillers for injury, etc.
rpeters01
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 07.09.2016

Nov 9 @ 10:45 AM ET
If the German kid is better than the competition in the AHL, meaning he's better then players on the NHL roster, he should be playing in the NHL. If he's playing inconsistently or struggling with the size of the ice then that is a different story but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Its not like hes some rough around the edges prospect that needs to be coddled. He played against men in Germany for two years with a lot of success and obviously the smaller ice and more physical play isn't bothering him.

The best thing for development is being appropriately challenged and if he has been consistently good for the first half dozen games then there is no reason for him to linger in the AHL.

He could potentially be a better option at center with his speed, hands and tenacity then what they have at the club now (and push Dach to the wing which I agree more and more with LA there every game I watch). The AHL is nothing but an overflow league for players that aren't quite good enough to play in the NHL or very late bloomers. This young man seems to be neither of those.

#freelukas

- fattybeef

I bring him up only if we get into playoff contention. Otherwise, I'm going the "Kris Bryant route" and saving a year of ELC eligibility. Bring him up with 9 games to go in the season.
rpeters01
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 07.09.2016

Nov 9 @ 10:46 AM ET
In baseball now more players are making the jump from AA to the majors, maybe with just short stays in AAA for contract control reasons. AAA now is really full of guys who are career minor leaguers and/or roster fillers for injury, etc.
- TheTrob

Correct - the best prospects are at AA. They give them a few games at AAA to see what they might get from some "grizzled" vets.
RickJ
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Burlington, ON
Joined: 01.12.2010

Nov 9 @ 10:47 AM ET
The AHL is a more grindy and physical league since the players don't have the skill for it to be otherwise. The game is slower and if he is outpacing it then he doesn't need to be there. There is no marinating that happens there.

Boqvist has been a glass man since his time in juniors, and he's injured again. Playing in the AHL wouldn't have helped that at all. At 18 and 19 Reichel was playing against men in Germany. Kind of a difference.

The kid has proven himself against adults and is not hampered by the physicality, lack of talent surrounding him or smaller ice in the AHL. He should be with the big club figuring out the NHL so next season he will be ready to go.

- fattybeef

You spew nonsense, plain and simple.

There are probably 600 players currently in the NHL who spent some time 'marinating' in the AHL - learning the pro game, learning how to be a pro, etc.

And if you don't believe me, just look up how many games a few well known names spent in the 'slow' league - Patrick Sharp, Brad Marchand, Roman Josi, Ryan Kesler, Nick Leddy. There are many more.
LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.02.2017

Nov 9 @ 10:49 AM ET
I was watching earlier this year the wolves vs ice hogs and both broadcasters loved Reichel. Complimenting his play at every turn,
couple of chuckles and what a nice play, guess who. They weren't doing this for Nylander or any other player on the ice. Both teams and that was a Wolves broadcast.

And to your point if he's playing so well in the AHL and being a dynamic dominant player, how do you not bring him up for a cup of coffee.

- BetweenTheDots


Do you play him top 6, 15 minutes a night? If you bring him up to play 10 minutes a night to play on the 4th line, better off leaving him in Rockford. Are you giving up on Borgstrom already? He needs minutes to show what he can do. Do you keep Kurashev as 4C, or do you send him down to the A? Do you play Strome, or give him away?

GPHawksfan
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: AB
Joined: 01.26.2018

Nov 9 @ 10:57 AM ET
If the German kid is better than the competition in the AHL, meaning he's better then players on the NHL roster, he should be playing in the NHL. If he's playing inconsistently or struggling with the size of the ice then that is a different story but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Its not like hes some rough around the edges prospect that needs to be coddled. He played against men in Germany for two years with a lot of success and obviously the smaller ice and more physical play isn't bothering him.

The best thing for development is being appropriately challenged and if he has been consistently good for the first half dozen games then there is no reason for him to linger in the AHL.

He could potentially be a better option at center with his speed, hands and tenacity then what they have at the club now (and push Dach to the wing which I agree more and more with LA there every game I watch). The AHL is nothing but an overflow league for players that aren't quite good enough to play in the NHL or very late bloomers. This young man seems to be neither of those.

#freelukas

- fattybeef

Its such a lucky thing you have no say in what this team does. Your ideas are all so stupid.
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Nov 9 @ 11:01 AM ET
Do you play him top 6, 15 minutes a night? If you bring him up to play 10 minutes a night to play on the 4th line, better off leaving him in Rockford. Are you giving up on Borgstrom already? He needs minutes to show what he can do. Do you keep Kurashev as 4C, or do you send him down to the A? Do you play Strome, or give him away?
- LAHawk


All valid questions. I guess the real question will become where do Bowmans and Davidsons views diverge. Borgstrom, Nylander, Strome, etc. are all guys that were part of Bowmans 1st round pick reclamation project. Does Davidson feel the same way about them. Will Davidson even be in position long enough to make long term decisions. Gotta factor in the differences between JC and King also. The 5 mins of 5-on-5 play for Gus the other night was a nice bright neon sign about how he feels about Gus.
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Nov 9 @ 11:10 AM ET
It’s logic like this that gets you the Jesse Puljujaarvi and Alex Nylander’s of the league. Guys who were drafted high and when the team is short on talent they go mining with their young talent that isn’t ready. Patience pays off, especially when a kid is adjusting to North American rinks vs wide open euro rinks. We’ve rushed Dach along, we let Hagel round his game out in Rockford and it’s paid off.
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Nov 9 @ 11:12 AM ET
You spew nonsense, plain and simple.

There are probably 600 players currently in the NHL who spent some time 'marinating' in the AHL - learning the pro game, learning how to be a pro, etc.

And if you don't believe me, just look up how many games a few well known names spent in the 'slow' league - Patrick Sharp, Brad Marchand, Roman Josi, Ryan Kesler, Nick Leddy. There are many more.

- RickJ


Nonsense, but......times are changing. Current trend is that 1st rounders are thrown into the fire pretty quickly, especially those at the top of the round. Works for some, not for others. Huges, Kakko, Lafreniere all struggled out of the gate, they are slowly starting to round into better players, others have benefitted from time in the AHL or staying in Jrs/College.

(Sharp, Marchand, Josi were all 2nd or 3rd round picks, way, way less of them making the jump directly to the NHL)
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Nov 9 @ 11:14 AM ET
You spew nonsense, plain and simple.

There are probably 600 players currently in the NHL who spent some time 'marinating' in the AHL - learning the pro game, learning how to be a pro, etc.

And if you don't believe me, just look up how many games a few well known names spent in the 'slow' league - Patrick Sharp, Brad Marchand, Roman Josi, Ryan Kesler, Nick Leddy. There are many more.

- RickJ

And the biggest name of all Duncan Keith who entered Norfolk of the AHL as a one way offensive defenseman and after two years became one of, if not the, best two defensemen of his era.
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Nov 9 @ 11:16 AM ET
I was watching earlier this year the wolves vs ice hogs and both broadcasters loved Reichel. Complimenting his play at every turn,
couple of chuckles and what a nice play, guess who. They weren't doing this for Nylander or any other player on the ice. Both teams and that was a Wolves broadcast.

And to your point if he's playing so well in the AHL and being a dynamic dominant player, how do you not bring him up for a cup of coffee.

- BetweenTheDots

He can have coffee later. Let him work on any deficiencies he has in his game. We don’t need another 20 year old bust.
LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.02.2017

Nov 9 @ 11:16 AM ET
It’s logic like this that gets you the Jesse Puljujaarvi and Alex Nylander’s of the league. Guys who were drafted high and when the team is short on talent they go mining with their young talent that isn’t ready. Patience pays off, especially when a kid is adjusting to North American rinks vs wide open euro rinks. We’ve rushed Dach along, we let Hagel round his game out in Rockford and it’s paid off.
- ObeseOprah


I get your point but not a fair comparison. Hagel was signed as an overager. He was still playing in the WHL at 21. Dach is only 20.
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Nov 9 @ 11:18 AM ET
You spew nonsense, plain and simple.

There are probably 600 players currently in the NHL who spent some time 'marinating' in the AHL - learning the pro game, learning how to be a pro, etc.

And if you don't believe me, just look up how many games a few well known names spent in the 'slow' league - Patrick Sharp, Brad Marchand, Roman Josi, Ryan Kesler, Nick Leddy. There are many more.

- RickJ

Totally agree. Look at Tampa Bay’s cup rosters, Yzerman let nearly every single player round out their game in Syracuse.
Our own Duncan Keith played in Milwaukee and another minor league town before coming up, and he’s an all time great. Every draft there are MAYBE 3-4 guys who stick in their first year. We got Reichel with I believe the 17th pick, so he’s likely not one of the 3-4 special guys who can stick right away. Obviously we’re a year removed from his draft, but that still only ups the number of guys playing from that draft year a bit. I’d rather him play 16 minutes a night in Rockford than 9 minutes a night here.
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Nov 9 @ 11:18 AM ET
It's interesting that Herr Reichel busted out immediately after Derek King got the call up to the bigs. Was King a detriment to is development?

I call it a win if Dach can stay healthy for a season and stay on his skates most of the game.
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Nov 9 @ 11:21 AM ET
It’s logic like this that gets you the Jesse Puljujaarvi and Alex Nylander’s of the league. Guys who were drafted high and when the team is short on talent they go mining with their young talent that isn’t ready. Patience pays off, especially when a kid is adjusting to North American rinks vs wide open euro rinks. We’ve rushed Dach along, we let Hagel round his game out in Rockford and it’s paid off.
- ObeseOprah


While I get your point, your examples are not really relevant. Puljujarvi and Nylander were both first round picks and both played more games in the minors than 6th round pick Hagel. It's how you play and what you make of your opportunities.
OGSixFan
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 10.31.2021

Nov 9 @ 11:26 AM ET
Didn't play for like a year and wrist injuries are no bueno.

He holds the puck too long and doesn't look as fit as he should be. He isn't pushing guys off the puck like he was in the playoffs 2 years ago.

I'd give it a half dozen games under King to see if he can get settled down and stop thinking the game and just play it.

His job should be solely to win the puck, give it to Kane and go to the net. Once he starts doing that well and picking up some Crosby points (secondary assists) and his confidence goes up I think you'll see a different player.

He's certainly better than anyone he'll play against in the AHL. This preposterous notion that playing in Rockford will help any of these players develop is getting ridiculous.

This isn't like AAA Baseball where you'll see very near to MLB and some MLB calibre competition while having the resources and facilities available to improve - the AHL is more like the D league in the NBA where its guys that aren't good enough for the Pros but maybe can be the 12th guy on the roster if poop happens.

- fattybeef

Could be my imagination, but it seems that he gets targeted early in games by the other team to put a big hit on him and it seems to take a while for him to "shake it off" and get his nose over the puck and play. I have said this before he looks like he is still trying to play the "junior game" where he was a top talent and had more time and space to operate. Perhaps he won't have as many things to think about under the new coach and will just play more naturally.
RickJ
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Burlington, ON
Joined: 01.12.2010

Nov 9 @ 11:29 AM ET
Nonsense, but......times are changing. Current trend is that 1st rounders are thrown into the fire pretty quickly, especially those at the top of the round. Works for some, not for others. Huges, Kakko, Lafreniere all struggled out of the gate, they are slowly starting to round into better players, others have benefitted from time in the AHL or staying in Jrs/College.

(Sharp, Marchand, Josi were all 2nd or 3rd round picks, way, way less of them making the jump directly to the NHL)

- TheTrob

Who cares where in the draft they were selected - they are either ready to contribute or need further exposure to a man's league.

I don't see Lafreniere lighting the league on fire or Hughes or Dach or Kakko.

Want to win in the NHL - most 18 years olds arent ready unless the name is Lindros, McDavid, Lemieux. NHL coaches spend too much time tutoring kids that aren't ready, some time in 'pro' school never hurts.
OGSixFan
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 10.31.2021

Nov 9 @ 11:29 AM ET
And the biggest name of all Duncan Keith who entered Norfolk of the AHL as a one way offensive defenseman and after two years became one of, if not the, best two defensemen of his era.
- paulr

And Huge thanks to Trent Yawney for teaching them that aspect of the game at that level as it made a difference at the NHL level for sure.
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Nov 9 @ 11:30 AM ET
I was watching earlier this year the wolves vs ice hogs and both broadcasters loved Reichel. Complimenting his play at every turn,
couple of chuckles and what a nice play, guess who. They weren't doing this for Nylander or any other player on the ice. Both teams and that was a Wolves broadcast.

And to your point if he's playing so well in the AHL and being a dynamic dominant player, how do you not bring him up for a cup of coffee.

- BetweenTheDots


Worst case is after a handful of games he looks out of place and needs to go back. Not a lot to lose at this point and they need all the help they can get + something positive for the fan base.
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