Kane must be hilarious to be around.

MAF quote, from Dietz:

"Sometimes he tells me I'm slow. Sometimes he yells to the goalie coach, 'Fix the goalie!'" -MAF on what Kane will chirp to him after scoring in practice.
- scottak

From the anecdotes over the years since he started in this league, he saves his harshest chirps/criticisms for his teammates. Guess when you are as good as he has been, you get to be (are expected to be?) a Richard/diva. He and Toews were infamous for going at each other all the time re: missed plays, etc. in their first few seasons.

One of my favorite stories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFJXHiUZ4sA

So, Toews trying to dictate his role on the PP...we shall see what happens. Given the scoring drought what seems to be obvious exhaustion in the 3rd, he may be just as likely to lose his place on it for a while.

@Joe_Brand1

King and Toews were talking about lines & the power play: "He doesn't want to be in the bumper spot. So, I have to move him somewhere else. He probably wants to run the top (smirk). But we'll figure it out. We're going to have a little pow-wow tomorrow with the power play guys."

4 Blackhawks prospects named to preliminary U.S. roster for the WJC:

Drew Commesso (G)
Wyatt Kaiser (D)
Connor Kelley (D)
Landon Slaggert (F)

Kaiser and Kelley are D partners at now #1 ranked Minnesota-Duluth.

I don't know Mr.R but seems to me this organization needs to be thinned out first before they begin restructuring the hockey operations

At the very top of the front office is a Chairman (Rocky), a CEO (Danny) and a President of Business Operations (Jamie Faulkner). And going down from there are numerous people with VP and GM and Asst GM titles. Our interim GM works in the "Hockey Strategy and Analytics" Division with a bunch of Directors and Coordinators. I have a hard time understanding how all of these people fill their days without taking a nap in the morning and another one after lunch and then head out early to beat the traffic.

Like what top hockey guys is going to want to come in and deal with cleaning up that structure mess?
- RickJ

When I think of the Hawks the last 5ish yrs, in real time, two words come to mind, riddle and conundrum. Your post makes me scratch more holes in my head wondering is it worse than I even imagined? ...... I say this admitting I know many organIzations are structured differently, and beyond the guys who talk to the media like John Davidson, Burke and Lamarillo types I do not know how franchises are structured.

I think the Hawks are looked at as a helluva challenge and tiger to tame. Most guys would love to run an original 6 franchise and live in Chicago. I think the Hawk top hockey ops job is very attractive to most in the very small world of hockey.

Much depends on how candidates see Rocky and his boy cuz that's who they're gonna have to deal with.

#Blackhawks lines at practice:
Hagel-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Dach-Strome
Kubalik-Borgstrom-Khaira
Slavin-R. Johnson-Carpenter

1) Switch Dach and Strome and see if they start playing to their strengths.
2) Still hate Khaira on the 3rd.
3) Hardman has been in and out of the practice lines recently. Maybe he's going down next.

4 Blackhawks prospects named to preliminary U.S. roster for the WJC:

Drew Commesso (G)
Wyatt Kaiser (D)
Connor Kelley (D)
Landon Slaggert (F)

Kaiser and Kelley are D partners at now #1 ranked Minnesota-Duluth.
- Theo Fox

I've seen a little bit of Kaiser. Can you tell us anything about Kelley? He seems like a Defensive D-man from his numbers. Big enough (6' 190lbs at 19).

So, Toews trying to dictate his role on the PP...we shall see what happens. Given the scoring drought what seems to be obvious exhaustion in the 3rd, he may be just as likely to lose his place on it for a while.

@Joe_Brand1

King and Toews were talking about lines & the power play: "He doesn't want to be in the bumper spot. So, I have to move him somewhere else. He probably wants to run the top (smirk). But we'll figure it out. We're going to have a little pow-wow tomorrow with the power play guys."
- pdx2ord

To be fair, he's likely one of a few guys on this team who can do so. He is still the best center and If he knows he is not going to be effective in that role, I'm not sure I would force him into it.

I don't discount what you are saying though. At some point the coach needs to assert what he wants on the ice. Being an interim coach doesn't give you much leeway there.

To be fair, he's likely one of a few guys on this team who can do so. He is still the best center and If he knows he is not going to be effective in that role, I'm not sure I would force him into it.

I don't discount what you are saying though. At some point the coach needs to assert what he wants on the ice. Being an interim coach doesn't give you much leeway there.
- Chunk

Sounds like King is listening to the players on what they think will be the best use of their own skills. All you can ask for as a player. And, I'm sure they will collectively find something that works, whatever it means for the individuals on the ice.

Welp, if they are going to play him, this is the correct move...ball is again in his court

@MarkLazerus

Derek King on Dylan Strome going from healthy scratch to top-six role: "There's no point to us putting him back in the lineup in a fourth-line checking role. That's not him. He's a skilled guy."
- pdx2ord

Well then I hope he freakin' shows that for more then a game or two.

Here's my candidate Mr. R - Doug Wilson.

Why did he step away from his SJ job temporarily a few days after induction into the Hall of Fame? Did he have a migraine headache all of a sudden? Or might the Hawks want him as President of Hockey Ops? Clean cut image, very experienced hockey guy, etc.

(Plus I really like his beautiful white shirts with starch in the collar).
- RickJ

And he'd be an easy sell, which I hope the Hawks don't care about, to the fans. Helluva player as a Hawk..... Checks a lotta boxes no doubt. Ex Hawk, paid his dues in management, no police blotter nonsense, some fine Shark teams, drafted and developed decently, experienced but not old, mature even as a young player.

Fine candidate. ......... As good as the organIzation has been bringing in Euros they must have a solid network on that continent in fact that's where JC came from. Wonder if a Euro might be a candidate to run the hockey side? Love that Finn GM in CLB. How bout Jarmo as a candidate?

I've seen a little bit of Kaiser. Can you tell us anything about Kelley? He seems like a Defensive D-man from his numbers. Big enough (6' 190lbs at 19).
- Chunk

Here's some of my notes that I gathered from various sources when Kelley was drafted in the 7th round this past summer:

Kelley is swift of foot with extra gears and excellent edge work that he uses to his advantage to manage gaps, employ angles, nullify plays early, and retreat back if the puck gets in deep.

Similar to Krys, Beaudin, and Mitchell, Kelley is willing to battle down low in his end but lacks strength to consistently win those contests. Despite being outmuscled much of the time, he's still fearless and composed finding other ways to defend including having an active stick.

Offensively, Kelley leverages creativity and hockey sense to generate chances. He processes the game quickly to scan for options whether it's making outlet passes, initiating rushes, pinching to get open for teammates, and putting shots on net.

So yes, I would generally say Kaiser may be the more offensively inclined yet still balanced in all zones compared to Kelley who may be more of a defensive defenseman.

But there may not be that big of a gap as Kaiser is defensively wired to think defense first and has been criticized for not pushing the pace enough offensively, at least that was his M.O. upon being drafted.

Nolan Allan had a similar criticism which to me shouldn't be as I'd prefer more defensive-minded blueliners in the system. As long as they can skate and pass well to move the puck out, then that's all I care about which Kaiser, Kelley. and Allan can do.

Any offense is icing on the cake.

Here's my candidate Mr. R - Doug Wilson.

Why did he step away from his SJ job temporarily a few days after induction into the Hall of Fame? Did he have a migraine headache all of a sudden? Or might the Hawks want him as President of Hockey Ops? Clean cut image, very experienced hockey guy, etc.

(Plus I really like his beautiful white shirts with starch in the collar).
- RickJ

I read it was some non-covid related health issues.

I'm on board with many who state that the first priority should be a head of Hockey Operations who will then name a GM, review and overhaul if necessary the scouting and player development areas, and provide an overall strategy going forward to rebuild this team into a Cup contender.

Now the problem is to find that person. I wouldn't be surprised for Danny to bypass some of the "old timers" like Lombardi and go with some fresh blood. You would think there are some up and coming hockey executives working within other NHL organizations, the minors, juniors or USHL. I'm not familiar with any names at those lower levels, except for the Hunter brothers who have been mentioned here before.

Also, as has been discussed here, who, if anybody, is advising Danny at this pivotal point that will determine the organization's future?
- boilermaker100

By far, and it's not close, my biggest concern/fear. Lets be honest, Danny W won the sperm lottery and if not he's nowhere near being a major league sports executive and he seemingly will make the call on who will run the hockey side. ....... Doesn't mean he'll fail but for this fan watching the Bears and Hawks, family owned franchises, for 50 yrs it's a concern.

By far, and it's not close, my biggest concern/fear. Lets be honest, Danny W won the sperm lottery and if not he's nowhere near being a major league sports executive and he seemingly will make the call on who will run the hockey side. ....... Doesn't mean he'll fail but for this fan watching the Bears and Hawks, family owned franchises, for 50 yrs it's a concern.
- Mr Ricochet

They'd be wise to hire an exec search firm with a speciality in professional sports hires. Do it like all the other organizations who are seeking a chief exec after not properly succession planning.

NOTE: I realize that a housecleaning during a scandal is not the normal scenario and they may have had a succession plan in place that got obliterated in that process.

I hope they name the hockey ops guy soon to make a call on Davidson’s status as interim GM or look for a permanent one. Then the scouting staff has to be evaluated. Mr. Ricco made a good point about the lack of talent in the organization. Was the scouting staff competent drafting players and Bowman overriding them or does the scouting need to be addressed? It seems the European side has found some gems over the past few years but the North American side hasn’t fared as well.

Now is the time to make any scouting changes, lots of NCAA, N/A Junior and Euro junior players to assess as well as scouting the WJC to be ready for June. They also need to be ready for the TDL in the event any moves are made.

From Roumeliotis:


Blackhawk lines at practice:

Hagel - Towes - Kane
DeBrincat - Dach - Strome
Kubalik - Borgstrom - Khaira
Slavin - R. Johnson - Carpenter
- scottak

Just love seeing Borstrom penciled in game after game as a 3C. Let the kid earn more than 12:00 per game and 1:00 on the PP but give him a long consistent look.

Saw Slavin as a Steel when they made a TDL move to bring him in. They won their first ever cup that yr and IMO Slavin put them over the top.

The kid is captain material, doesn't take short cuts or cheat the game or a shift. He'll peel the thing off the 1/2 wall and bull to the hash marks, rip and follow the puck for a rebound. Lift a stick, block a shot, take and make a hit, get a puck deep, fill a lane, win a draw, set a screen.

Not gonna light the scoresheet up, average hands and skater, great size, maybe not an NHLer, maybe a glue type 11:00 4th liner but the 22 yr old is a blood and guts dude who says Jesus every other word and is an addition as a human being wherever he goes.

Love that the kid is getting a look. One thing I do know he won't cheat the chance.

#Blackhawks lines at practice:
Hagel-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Dach-Strome
Kubalik-Borgstrom-Khaira
Slavin-R. Johnson-Carpenter

1) Switch Dach and Strome and see if they start playing to their strengths.
2) Still hate Khaira on the 3rd.
3) Hardman has been in and out of the practice lines recently. Maybe he's going down next.
- Chunk

Switch Strome and Toews

And he'd be an easy sell, which I hope the Hawks don't care about, to the fans. Helluva player as a Hawk..... Checks a lotta boxes no doubt. Ex Hawk, paid his dues in management, no police blotter nonsense, some fine Shark teams, drafted and developed decently, experienced but not old, mature even as a young player.

Fine candidate. ......... As good as the organIzation has been bringing in Euros they must have a solid network on that continent in fact that's where JC came from. Wonder if a Euro might be a candidate to run the hockey side? Love that Finn GM in CLB. How bout Jarmo as a candidate?
- Mr Ricochet

The contracts to Burns, Karlsson and the Pickle make the Seabs deal look awesome. He also brought in E. Kane, who wrecked the locker room.

The grass is always greener.....

I hope they name the hockey ops guy soon to make a call on Davidson’s status as interim GM or look for a permanent one. Then the scouting staff has to be evaluated. Mr. Ricco made a good point about the lack of talent in the organization. Was the scouting staff competent drafting players and Bowman overriding them or does the scouting need to be addressed? It seems the European side has found some gems over the past few years but the North American side hasn’t fared as well.

Now is the time to make any scouting changes, lots of NCAA, N/A Junior and Euro junior players to assess as well as scouting the WJC to be ready for June. They also need to be ready for the TDL in the event any moves are made.
- paulr

Yes to all of this. Simply said there is a helluva lot of work to do and the sooner you get that hockey side boss in the more time he has to do that work in the sweet spot of the yr of the TDL and preparing for the draft. ......... In fact as this thread points out by many posters there's an enormous amount of work to be done.

By far, and it's not close, my biggest concern/fear. Lets be honest, Danny W won the sperm lottery and if not he's nowhere near being a major league sports executive and he seemingly will make the call on who will run the hockey side. ....... Doesn't mean he'll fail but for this fan watching the Bears and Hawks, family owned franchises, for 50 yrs it's a concern.
- Mr Ricochet

One thing going for Danny is that he's had some business experience in the Wirtz family beverage and real estate arms so hopefully he's hired qualified people before. And with Rocky being on the league's Board of Governors, you think he would have some experienced contacts to reach out for to support any upcoming organizational changes.

The contracts to Burns, Karlsson and the Pickle make the Seabs deal look awesome. He also brought in E. Kane, who wrecked the locker room.

The grass is always greener.....
- mohel

I'm with you on the Karlsson deal that runs thru 2027 I believe. Burns at 8 mil even at his age is solid. And E Kane is a rare rare talent who would be an absolute steal at 5.8 per if he weren't nuts. Who's Pickle?....... Don't forget the Vlasic deal at 7 mil thru 2026. There is your Seab's deal.

Don't forget those Shark teams the Hawks beat. If it weren't for the Hawks they'd have made a Finals or two. Watching them from my 300 level 1st row perch they were scary even against some of the best ever Hawk squads. IIRC the Hawks out goalied them in a couple series, that was the difference.

Every CANDIDATE will have warts but there is a lot to like about Wilson.

I'm with you on the Karlsson deal that runs thru 2027 I believe. Burns at 8 mil even at his age is solid. And E Kane is a rare rare talent who would be an absolute steal at 5.8 per if he weren't nuts. Who's Pickle?....... Don't forget the Vlasic deal at 7 mil thru 2026. There is your Seab's deal.

Don't forget those Shark teams the Hawks beat. If it weren't for the Hawks they'd have made a Finals or two. Watching them from my 300 level 1st row perch they were scary even against some of the best ever Hawk squads. IIRC the Hawks out goalied them in a couple series, that was the difference.

Every CANDIDATE will have warts but there is a lot to like about Wilson.
- Mr Ricochet

Vlasic pickles.

As Rick pointed out the only way Wilson is coming to Chicago is at a higher level then GM.

I wonder if the Beach fiasco will stop some candidates from being interested?

I hope they name the hockey ops guy soon to make a call on Davidson’s status as interim GM or look for a permanent one. Then the scouting staff has to be evaluated. Mr. Ricco made a good point about the lack of talent in the organization. Was the scouting staff competent drafting players and Bowman overriding them or does the scouting need to be addressed? It seems the European side has found some gems over the past few years but the North American side hasn’t fared as well.

Now is the time to make any scouting changes, lots of NCAA, N/A Junior and Euro junior players to assess as well as scouting the WJC to be ready for June. They also need to be ready for the TDL in the event any moves are made.
- paulr

I think this is a major question. Looking back at the drafts while considering their position in the draft, who they chose and who was chosen after them, how many outright swings and misses were there? Given the draft boards at the time, how many players chosen after them are just better, and I'm not talking about 3rd/4th/5th/etc rounders that all of a sudden surprise. Obviously a guy that has been passed up by every team, multiple times just had not shown yet, developed late, growth/strength spurt, etc.

Looking at past drafts, there is no glaring miss. There is nothing along the lines of the Bruins in 2015, who had 3 picks in the first, and came away with 1 ok player in Debrusk, while leaving Barzal, Connor, Svechnikov, Boesser, Koneckny, Beauvillier, Roslovic and Chabot on the board.

Just love seeing Borstrom penciled in game after game as a 3C. Let the kid earn more than 12:00 per game and 1:00 on the PP but give him a long consistent look.

Saw Slavin as a Steel when they made a TDL move to bring him in. They won their first ever cup that yr and IMO Slavin put them over the top.

The kid is captain material, doesn't take short cuts or cheat the game or a shift. He'll peel the thing off the 1/2 wall and bull to the hash marks, rip and follow the puck for a rebound. Lift a stick, block a shot, take and make a hit, get a puck deep, fill a lane, win a draw, set a screen.

Not gonna light the scoresheet up, average hands and skater, great size, maybe not an NHLer, maybe a glue type 11:00 4th liner but the 22 yr old is a blood and guts dude who says Jesus every other word and is an addition as a human being wherever he goes.

Love that the kid is getting a look. One thing I do know he won't cheat the chance.
- Mr Ricochet

Yup, I saw him with the Steel the year before he went to Colorado College. He was noticeable all over the ice, and in all 3 zones, in a good way. I think he only played 1 year in CC? Quick move up the the show.

Vlasic pickles.

As Rick pointed out the only way Wilson is coming to Chicago is at a higher level then GM.

I wonder if the Beach fiasco will stop some candidates from being interested?
- paulr

I doubt it has any effect whatsoever. A chance to run an original 6 franchise is a big enough carrot, regardless of the fact that everyone from that fiasco is gone.