We don't know if the Hawks are rebuilding and a good bet Hawk management doesn't know if they are or not either and therein lies the rub. The Hawks, as far as we know, are the same rudderless ship they've been the last 5 yrs without a hockey mind charged with carrying out a "plan" at the top of the organIzational pyramid.

And IMO until they know that moving a Kane or Toews is not wise. ...... I'm afraid a fan is going to be left to watch their moves to see what the plan is, again if there is one, cuz the chances of them telling us is slim.
- Mr Ricochet

So they spend over a $100 million on 3 dmen, 1 of the dmen they trade 2, 1st round picks and a promising young dman, then sign that player who's entering his prime years to a huge contract?

I mean i know I'm not the brightest guy out there but everything about these moves seems to be the opposite of what a rebuild looks like.

As far as Kane goes, his shooting percentage is back into double digits so i don't think his issue is really hindering him like it did at the end of last season. As far as trading him, no way, he's just such a dynamic player and he still can control play on his stick.

Toews? I'm just happy he's playing now, i hope he sticks around

The guy I’d look to trade is Kubalik, again, only if the return is solid.

I’m a fan, but he’ll be 27 to start next season and I question if he’s worth a long term big money deal. If the Hawks can get a 1st round pick and/or A-level prospect KD should pull the trigger. Next season Reichel can take Kubalik’s place in the lineup and the Hawks can use the cap space elsewhere.

At the TDL de Haan, Strome, Carpenter, Fleury and Gus should all go too.

Its way too early to start talking trading away either player. Toews has been a little snakebit this season when it comes to putting the buck in the net. His value is only going to go up as he continues to regain his form and scores some goals.

Kane deserves a massive haul as he can single handedly take a team to the next level. I don't think it makes sense to rush with him either until you can have a bidding war in March.

The young players on this team can stand to benefit from both of their leadership a while longer.

The guy I’d look to trade is Kubalik, again, only if the return is solid.

I’m a fan, but he’ll be 27 to start next season and I question if he’s worth a long term big money deal. If the Hawks can get a 1st round pick and/or A-level prospect KD should pull the trigger. Next season Reichel can take Kubalik’s place in the lineup and the Hawks can use the cap space elsewhere.

At the TDL de Haan, Strome, Carpenter, Fleury and Gus should all go too.
- DarthKane

It really depends on what Kubalik and his agent are looking for. This team has issues scoring goals, they just don’t have enough offensive talent. If the ask does not make sense, then I’m with you, he needs to be traded for a good asset. If he’s willing to sign for $4.5M for four or five years, then I would keep him.

The guy I’d look to trade is Kubalik, again, only if the return is solid.

I’m a fan, but he’ll be 27 to start next season and I question if he’s worth a long term big money deal. If the Hawks can get a 1st round pick and/or A-level prospect KD should pull the trigger. Next season Reichel can take Kubalik’s place in the lineup and the Hawks can use the cap space elsewhere.

At the TDL de Haan, Strome, Carpenter, Fleury and Gus should all go too.
- DarthKane

Don’t know why Kubalik is suddenly trade fodder. We got him for next to nothing and he’s become what we always wanted Saad to be, a shooting wing that can put up points 5on5. He’s not getting first unit minutes for some god forsaken reason, and that’s killing his production vs previous years.
He is an above average player on a team full of average and below average players. I’d give him a solid offer and if he doesn’t like it I’d take him to arbitration, he is RFA after all, not UFA.
We have team control on a scoring winger with three years of his prime left, we should not be selling him unless the return is outstanding.

This guy averages 30 goals per season and still hasn’t played two full seasons worth of hockey, I think we got a late bloomer for next to nothing. 50+ point players don’t grow on trees, let’s keep him.

You are right...if this is a rebuild, then they have been doing it all wrong...you don't trade away 1st round picks during a rebuild and you don't trade for a goalie who undoubtedly will stay for 1 year only. You go with the youngsters, lose as much as you can and get high valuable 1st rounders.
- Chisoxhawk

A yr from now will the Hawks have a prez of hockey ops overseeing a GM to carry out an agreed upon long term organIzational plan? Will Rocky and Son have brought in 3-4-5-8 experienced hockey men interviewing for hockey ops prez position and ask what would you do if you got the job? Experienced smart guys that make pitches to rebuild, retool, go with the 10.5 mil twins and win a cup in 2 yrs?

Or will Rocky and Son go the path of least resistance and keep Davidson, who they know, in place as GM and add the title of hockey ops prez like Stan was his last day of work. By all accounts Davidson is thought highly of. Is a 32 yr old who was hired by the Hawks as an intern 11 yrs ago, so he's not a fresh set of eyes, the guy Rocky and Son entrust to forge the organIzational path?

As far as we know, other than a 32 yr old calling the shots, today the Hawks are a rudderless franchise.

Don’t know why Kubalik is suddenly trade fodder. We got him for next to nothing and he’s become what we always wanted Saad to be, a shooting wing that can put up points 5on5. He’s not getting first unit minutes for some god forsaken reason, and that’s killing his production vs previous years.
He is an above average player on a team full of average and below average players. I’d give him a solid offer and if he doesn’t like it I’d take him to arbitration, he is RFA after all, not UFA.
We have team control on a scoring winger with three years of his prime left, we should not be selling him unless the return is outstanding.

This guy averages 30 goals per season and still hasn’t played two full seasons worth of hockey, I think we got a late bloomer for next to nothing. 50+ point players don’t grow on trees, let’s keep him.
- ObeseOprah

I’d say Kubalik is more of a 20-25 goal scorer. Still, I think he’s good and has value but he’s the one guy on the roster that could return more than his value to the Hawks. As you said, the Hawks got Kubalik for nothing so they’re not wasting assets. I could see a deal surrounding Kubalik and Girard.

Edit: I suggested trading Kubalik last season, this isn’t something new.

Like anyone else I really liked the NYR roster coming in and the add of Gallant too but it ain't really working right now. That is to say the way they've earned their fine record is not sustainable. ........ Decent read on the Rangers.

https://dobberhockey.com/...ds-struggles-november-11/
- Mr Ricochet

And I'm sure you know who ripped off the Rangers to get Buchnevich and gave them back Sammy Blais and one of those oh so valuable 2nd round picks - Doug Armstrong. Same guy that ripped off the Sabres for Ryan O'Reilly. One of the best GM's in the game and GM of Team Canada. Hawks wouldn't go wrong stealing him away from the Blues.

It really depends on what Kubalik and his agent are looking for. This team has issues scoring goals, they just don’t have enough offensive talent. If the ask does not make sense, then I’m with you, he needs to be traded for a good asset. If he’s willing to sign for $4.5M for four or five years, then I would keep him.
- Angotti

I would trade kb no matter what imo based on his previous seasons more than likely be asking around the 6 million mark especially if he puts up another 25 plus goals. As for Kane and Toews they dictate what happens. Personally Kane stays signs an 3 to 4 year extension around 8 million per year towes on the other hand signs in Winnipeg for 1 or 2 years or just retires don't see him coming back. One last thing would it be better served to play dach on wing than center because he cannot win face-off worth a lack. And yes I know it's early in career but I see him better suited as a winger.

Yeah, I was worried Kubalik would be the next Panik but so far he's proven me wrong.

So they spend over a $100 million on 3 dmen, 1 of the dmen they trade 2, 1st round picks and a promising young dman, then sign that player who's entering his prime years to a huge contract?

I mean i know I'm not the brightest guy out there but everything about these moves seems to be the opposite of what a rebuild looks like.

As far as Kane goes, his shooting percentage is back into double digits so i don't think his issue is really hindering him like it did at the end of last season. As far as trading him, no way, he's just such a dynamic player and he still can control play on his stick.

Toews? I'm just happy he's playing now, i hope he sticks around
- BetweenTheDots

Dots, the guy(s) in Hawk management who made these deals is gone, not here anymore. What they did before 2 weeks ago means nothing unless you believe Rocky/Danny, who were left out of the fact that a monster on THEIR payroll was preying on players, were in on the previous long "plan" and want it to continue.

My question is who is making the "plan" and who is charged with carrying it out? 32 yr old Kyle Davidson?

I would trade kb no matter what imo based on his previous seasons more than likely be asking around the 6 million mark especially if he puts up another 25 plus goals. As for Kane and Toews they dictate what happens. Personally Kane stays signs an 3 to 4 year extension around 8 million per year towes on the other hand signs in Winnipeg for 1 or 2 years or just retires don't see him coming back. One last thing would it be better served to play dach on wing than center because he cannot win face-off worth a lack. And yes I know it's early in career but I see him better suited as a winger.
- Scott1977

I’d try Dach on the Wing for a stretch too. The Hawks have several guys they can try down the middle. Given the current state of the team now’s the time to experiment with guys in different roles.

There are differences though between wanting out now, being open to waiving the NTC, and being ready to move on after next season. In the case of Toews especially, I could potentially see him retiring after next season. If they know this is his plan, then that changes things.

Unless they want out ASAP, I doubt their agent would start a poop storm now.
- Ogilthorpe2

I didn't mean a poop storm, but Brisson is the Scott Boras of hockey. He has so many clients, that he would be engineering the trade(s), just as much or moreso than Davidson.

The guy I’d look to trade is Kubalik, again, only if the return is solid.

I’m a fan, but he’ll be 27 to start next season and I question if he’s worth a long term big money deal. If the Hawks can get a 1st round pick and/or A-level prospect KD should pull the trigger. Next season Reichel can take Kubalik’s place in the lineup and the Hawks can use the cap space elsewhere.

At the TDL de Haan, Strome, Carpenter, Fleury and Gus should all go too.
- DarthKane

Kubalik is a younger Mike Hoffman. A great shot that is below average in everything else. Like Hoffman, he is good TDL trade bait. He is not the type of player that you give a long term contract to IMO.

I’d say Kubalik is more of a 20-25 goal scorer. Still, I think he’s good and has value but he’s the one guy on the roster that could return more than his value to the Hawks. As you said, the Hawks got Kubalik for nothing so they’re not wasting assets. I could see a deal surrounding Kubalik and Girard.

Edit: I suggested trading Kubalik last season, this isn’t something new.
- DarthKane

If they could somehow swindle Sakic into ditching Girard 1 for 1 I would do it. But I don’t think Sakic has lost many trades recently. The Avs are looking for wings after losing Saad and Donskoi.

That said, I like Kubalik’s game a lot. 26 is not old, and he’s still only going to be a RFA. The team isn’t strong at any one position, and losing Kubalik would take them from around average at wing with Kane, Debrincat, Kubalik, Hagel to weak. I see Kubalik as an aldi Sharp, and the idea of keeping him for $4-5M is perfect. His underlying numbers are also outstanding, especially considering the team he’s played on the last two years. When he plays, picks go flying at the other team’s net, good things happen. I have little interest in losing one of the few guys who plays ‘the right way’ if you will.

And I'm sure you know who ripped off the Rangers to get Buchnevich and gave them back Sammy Blais and one of those oh so valuable 2nd round picks - Doug Armstrong. Same guy that ripped off the Sabres for Ryan O'Reilly. One of the best GM's in the game and GM of Team Canada. Hawks wouldn't go wrong stealing him away from the Blues.
- RickJ

Or someone like him....... This is why I do not want the Hawks to do anything major, like trading Kane or Toews, until they have that hockey mind hired to bring this once proud original six franchise out of this dark time. Trading Kane and or Toews is not just something you do cuz the deal looks good. It's, or isn't, done in the context of carrying out an agreed upon long term organIzational plan made by the best hockey minds money can buy.

NYR banked on Goodrow and Reaves to make em tough and Laffy, Kakko, Chytil would take a step forward making signing Buch long term at 6 mil per prohibitive. ........ NYR had never bought into Buch going by deployment but Armstrong sees a fit with his Blues. Blues are a deep and tough out. Really good to see Tank playing like he was 5 yrs ago.

Theo Fox: Make Haste Thoughts on the Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane trade rumors to help hasten a Blackhawks rebuild.

I am surprised that anyone sees enough value in Toews that they think another team would give up assets in order to secure his services. He couldn't bring the team together in the first 10 games as captain, he is still pretty ordinary on the ice, and he could go back on LTIR at any time. As of today I don't see any market for him.

Kane on the other hand could garner some assets in return, and may have more value sooner than later given his half hearted effort on many shifts. He seems deflated.

I sure hope S. Jones is the last 8 year deal they ever sign a player to.

Dots, the guy(s) in Hawk management who made these deals is gone, not here anymore. What they did before 2 weeks ago means nothing unless you believe Rocky/Danny, who were left out of the fact that a monster on THEIR payroll was preying on players, were in on the previous long "plan" and want it to continue.

My question is who is making the "plan" and who is charged with carrying it out? 32 yr old Kyle Davidson?
- Mr Ricochet

But even though he's gone, the players he signed are not, draft picks have been dealt. The reality we are stuck in purgatory for a while.

I’d say Kubalik is more of a 20-25 goal scorer. Still, I think he’s good and has value but he’s the one guy on the roster that could return more than his value to the Hawks. As you said, the Hawks got Kubalik for nothing so they’re not wasting assets. I could see a deal surrounding Kubalik and Girard.

Edit: I suggested trading Kubalik last season, this isn’t something new.
- DarthKane

Jeff Marek had the Avs beat writer on his show/podcast yesterday and he feels 100% the Avs are looking to move Girard. Guess he was bad in the playoff loss to Vegas(?) last yr and with the emergence of Byram seems the Avs have soured on Girard.

As I understand it good chance the 23 yr old Dman signed for 5 more yrs at 5 mil per Girard is moved.

I am surprised that anyone sees enough value in Toews that they think another team would give up assets in order to secure his services. He couldn't bring the team together in the first 10 games as captain, he is still pretty ordinary on the ice, and he could go back on LTIR at any time. As of today I don't see any market for him.

Kane on the other hand could garner some assets in return, and may have more value sooner than later given his half hearted effort on many shifts. He seems deflated.

I sure hope S. Jones is the last 8 year deal they ever sign a player to.
- GreenJeans

Good points, especially about Toews.

If they ever get a player like Kane, Keith, Seabrook and Toews, I hope they sign them to 8 year deals at 25 years old.

Soon, though, they will have the cap space to sign free agents, and there will be plenty here drooling over any 30 year old UFA out there.

Theo, will start by saying the content and frequency of your blogs are most appreciated and the content is usually excellent. But there are occasions where you leave yourself very vulnerable to criticism. This is one of them.

First, who is the source(s) of these "hot takes on proposed trades"? If they come from anybody other than your boss Eklund, suggest you reveal them.

And as it relates to Toews, tell me how that trade idea with Calgary makes any sense at all. Do you think Rocky is going to call Danny and say 'I heard this rumour about doing a deal with Calgary for Johnny. Seems like a good idea to me that we retain 50% of his salary for about a year and a half. And even though Monahan is coming off hip surgery and Sutter has him on their 4th line, that $6.4M deal is OK if we get a 2nd and some kid with a bit of potential too. Even though Johnny was captain of the team that won our 1st Cup in nearly 50 years and 2 more after, there probably won't be any blowback in the press. And probably won't hurt ticket sales either, right Danny?"

The trade idea is ridiculous. And one last thing to remember - Johnny doesn't have to go anywhere he doesn't want to go.
- RickJ

Thanks, Rick.

Thought it was implied in my hot takes comment but can see where that’s really not clear on my part. Sorry about the lack of clarity.

Those hot takes are my own, not anyone else’s. I would have cited my sources if they weren’t my own.

Since both have Pat Brisson as their agent, fi they want to leave, it will be known.
- LAHawk

/i could be wrong but I believe at least one of them has a different agent.

EDIT: Guess not.

But even though he's gone, the players he signed are not, draft picks have been dealt. The reality we are stuck in purgatory for a while.
- BetweenTheDots

Lets just say they hire a hockey op prez and he wants to rebuild. I would agree trading all those assets for Jones, man 18 yr old Sillinger looks damn good centering the CLB 1st line, makes his job tougher but by no means impossible. After next yr the only big contract on the books is Jones and the only draft pick they are without is next yrs 1st. ....... While it's not a clean slate it's pretty damn close for the next guy.

As a Hawk's fan who has their games 4th or 5th on my list to watch each game day the last few yrs I'm beyond excited at the "possibilities" for the organIzation now that BOTH StanBow and Colliton are gone. ....... Even though Rocky has shown me little he'll do the right thing and make the right hires the last 5 yrs I'm 100% glass half full. How could a fan not be after shedding StanBow and JC???

Or someone like him....... This is why I do not want the Hawks to do anything major, like trading Kane or Toews, until they have that hockey mind hired to bring this once proud original six franchise out of this dark time. Trading Kane and or Toews is not just something you do cuz the deal looks good. It's, or isn't, done in the context of carrying out an agreed upon long term organIzational plan made by the best hockey minds money can buy.

NYR banked on Goodrow and Reaves to make em tough and Laffy, Kakko, Chytil would take a step forward making signing Buch long term at 6 mil per prohibitive. ........ NYR had never bought into Buch going by deployment but Armstrong sees a fit with his Blues. Blues are a deep and tough out. Really good to see Tank playing like he was 5 yrs ago.
- Mr Ricochet

If they continue to play Gallants system they will be in a lot, lot, lot of games. Maybe the goalies save percentage is so good because no one in front of him is cheating, they are playing defense first. Just a theory, like in basketball how do they determine a good defense, shooting percentage. Hockey is save percentage. Of course there are better goalies than others but if he has no help it doesn't matter how good he is.

A yr from now will the Hawks have a prez of hockey ops overseeing a GM to carry out an agreed upon long term organIzational plan? Will Rocky and Son have brought in 3-4-5-8 experienced hockey men interviewing for hockey ops prez position and ask what would you do if you got the job? Experienced smart guys that make pitches to rebuild, retool, go with the 10.5 mil twins and win a cup in 2 yrs?

Or will Rocky and Son go the path of least resistance and keep Davidson, who they know, in place as GM and add the title of hockey ops prez like Stan was his last day of work. By all accounts Davidson is thought highly of. Is a 32 yr old who was hired by the Hawks as an intern 11 yrs ago, so he's not a fresh set of eyes, the guy Rocky and Son entrust to forge the organIzational path?

As far as we know, other than a 32 yr old calling the shots, today the Hawks are a rudderless franchise.
- Mr Ricochet

That's a good post. I have been thinking the same thing but couldn't put it succinctly into words. What is the current organizational path? Rebuild, retool, or ice a competitive enough team to make the playoffs and put fannies in the seats? Bowman was all over the map the past few years, and I really don't know what Davidson's thoughts are, or even if he has to authority to make wholesale changes at this time.

If Davidson is the GM of the future why was he given just an interim title? I hope the long range plan is to bring in a new President of Hockey Operations to develop a long term plan and put a GM and coach in place to implement it. Let's just pick a lane and stay there.