Boyle, quoting D Keith, on the latest Blackhawks Talk Podcast:

"Coaching matters in this league"

====

They also mentioned that Scotty Bowman was the loudest voice pushing for Hammer over Niemi. Wondering how much of the decision-making on how to retool around The Core (TM) was Scotty's influence.
- pdx2ord

I really appreciate you posting these kinds of things you find on the internets, pdx. Otherwise most of these things I would not ever see.... Thank you for your effort.

So how has our US amateur scouting been since 2009?

Doneghey has been with the Blackhawks since 2009 and was previously the team’s head U.S. scout. and director of player evaluation and recruitment.

Hope we don't lose the Euro scouting group with Kelley's departure. Going to be interesting if he find a role with another team.
- pdx2ord

pdx, this question is an example I read this site. Some of these folks have fantastic memories and give context to trades and drafts. I guess we can decide for ourselves but here is all the Hawks drafts: https://www.hockeydb.com/...aft/teams/dr00005218.html

We can't know yet but I think KD believes the same as 90% of Hawk fans, something has to change, gotta try something different so even though I don't know about the internal promotions I love the reasoning behind bringing new voices into the draft process, well any process really.

pdx, this question is an example I read this site. Some of these folks have fantastic memories and give context to trades and drafts. I guess we can decide for ourselves but here is all the Hawks drafts: https://www.hockeydb.com/...aft/teams/dr00005218.html

We can't know yet but I think KD believes the same as 90% of Hawk fans, something has to change, gotta try something different so even though I don't know about the internal promotions I love the reasoning behind bringing new voices into the draft process, well any process really.
- Mr Ricochet

The internal promotion is like the coach, currently interim.

I am thinking that KD made the move now for a couple of possible reasons:

His previous jobs for the Hawks put him in the room regarding discussions about drafts, trades, player evaluation. Maybe KD in his mind thought they should of targeted a different player. I remember a clip of Kelley whispering in Bowman’s year they had to select Bovquist when the Hawks turn at #8. Maybe KD (and the new guy by reading a few articles about him) thought Dobson was the choice ?

Pro scouting has been a disaster. We all know that.

The last thought, is probably KD thought that this young whippersnapper who likes analytics would not be accepted by his former bosses? KD worked for these guys on his way up. He probably thought these guys would not be very cooperative working for a previous intern?

In any event, KD is hitting the ground running. Will be interesting in the next 20 days and beyond how he reshapes the roster, and hockey ops.

I found these reports over on nhlrumors.com and thought I would share if anyone hasn't read them.


Charlie Roumeliotis: Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat on the team’s plan for a rebuild: “He has a plan. He’s been around here for a while so he obviously knows what it takes to win … I want to be here and win championships and help this team win, so any part I can do, obviously I’m trying to do that.”

Ben Pope: Blackhawks forward Dylan Strome on the team’s rebuild and how he thinks it will affect him: “I guess we’ll find out. I’m not too sure. It’s not really up to me… keep working hard and let the chips fall where they may.”

TSN: According to Pierre LeBrun’s sources, Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson pulled Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Seth Jones and Marc-Andre Fleury into a room before his press conference and told them that he was going to say are going to go through a rebuild.

“What it means for those guys remains to be seen. Patrick Kane is obviously the most interesting player in terms of what he can bring to another team. But my sense right now is, I don’t think the Blackhawks think that he’s at play before the March 21 deadline.

For one, Kane might not want to leave Chicago before the end of his deal in a year and a half. But even if he does, that’s more of a summer conversation considering his $10.5 million cap hit. “

I found these reports over on nhlrumors.com and thought I would share if anyone hasn't read them.


Charlie Roumeliotis: Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat on the team’s plan for a rebuild: “He has a plan. He’s been around here for a while so he obviously knows what it takes to win … I want to be here and win championships and help this team win, so any part I can do, obviously I’m trying to do that.”

Ben Pope: Blackhawks forward Dylan Strome on the team’s rebuild and how he thinks it will affect him: “I guess we’ll find out. I’m not too sure. It’s not really up to me… keep working hard and let the chips fall where they may.”

TSN: According to Pierre LeBrun’s sources, Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson pulled Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Seth Jones and Marc-Andre Fleury into a room before his press conference and told them that he was going to say are going to go through a rebuild.

“What it means for those guys remains to be seen. Patrick Kane is obviously the most interesting player in terms of what he can bring to another team. But my sense right now is, I don’t think the Blackhawks think that he’s at play before the March 21 deadline.

For one, Kane might not want to leave Chicago before the end of his deal in a year and a half. But even if he does, that’s more of a summer conversation considering his $10.5 million cap hit. “
- boilermaker100

Thanks for sharing. I find the bolded interesting and not only a class move but also a getting out ahead of it move vs having to deal with the fallout from the team leaders after making the announcement and having not told them.

I hope Strome keeps working hard enough to return us a second rounder.

The internal promotion is like the coach, currently interim.

I am thinking that KD made the move now for a couple of possible reasons:

His previous jobs for the Hawks put him in the room regarding discussions about drafts, trades, player evaluation. Maybe KD in his mind thought they should of targeted a different player. I remember a clip of Kelley whispering in Bowman’s year they had to select Bovquist when the Hawks turn at #8. Maybe KD (and the new guy by reading a few articles about him) thought Dobson was the choice ?

Pro scouting has been a disaster. We all know that.

The last thought, is probably KD thought that this young whippersnapper who likes analytics would not be accepted by his former bosses? KD worked for these guys on his way up. He probably thought these guys would not be very cooperative working for a previous intern?

In any event, KD is hitting the ground running. Will be interesting in the next 20 days and beyond how he reshapes the roster, and hockey ops.
- LAHawk

Could be. Maybe the search committee and the consultants also concluded that scouting and development needed a rehaul. If Darche was brought in he would have probably brought in his own people. Maybe Davidson was told that changes would have to be made in that area if he wanted the job.

Thanks for sharing. I find the bolded interesting and not only a class move but also a getting out ahead of it move vs having to deal with the fallout from the team leaders after making the announcement and having not told them.

I hope Strome keeps working hard enough to return us a second rounder.
- HawkintheD

Different attitudes between Debrincat and Strome isn't there? Cat's all in and wants to win. Strome is like meh.

Could be. Maybe the search committee and the consultants also concluded that scouting and development needed a rehaul. If Darche was brought in he would have probably brought in his own people. Maybe Davidson was told that changes would have to be made in that area if he wanted the job.
- boilermaker100

I think in his interview KD said changes must be made and already told the committee who would be replaced. And who are Darche’s “people”? He hasn’t run a franchise before. Think he would bring over the Lightning front office?

Different attitudes between Debrincat and Strome isn't there? Cat's all in and wants to win. Strome is like meh.
- boilermaker100

I took Strome's attitude as I'll get paid no matter what

Different attitudes between Debrincat and Strome isn't there? Cat's all in and wants to win. Strome is like meh.
- boilermaker100

Reflects the different status the players have on the team, what would be your response if you have been told every day that we are looking at shipping you out?

Reflects the different status the players have on the team, what would be your response if you have been told every day that we are looking at shipping you out?
- LAHawk

It's a fair point and it's hard to glean a ton from snippets of interviews or know exactly what someone's thinking.

He did do the juggling thing in the offseason to strengthen his non dominant hand and get better at FO's; though I thought his response at the end of the season sounded less like a guy who was taking to heart instruction about him needing to get better away from the puck and stronger in general vs a guy who was just mad cause he was being sat.

Like I said though...kind of hard to tell.

I think in his interview KD said changes must be made and already told the committee who would be replaced. And who are Darche’s “people”? He hasn’t run a franchise before. Think he would bring over the Lightning front office?
- LAHawk

Neither has Davidson for that matter. Who will be his people?

Reflects the different status the players have on the team, what would be your response if you have been told every day that we are looking at shipping you out?
- LAHawk

Yes it's been reported widely that he is trade fodder along with almost everyone else on the team including Debrincat.

Neither has Davidson for that matter. Who will be his people?
- boilermaker100

But he already had an evaluation of who should stay and go, how long would it have taken Darche?

But he already had an evaluation of who should stay and go, how long would it have taken Darche?
- LAHawk

Neither of us were in the room and don't know what anyone's ideas were (except for what Davidson said after he got the job). Maybe Darche had some names in mind too or maybe when he was asked who he would bring in to revamp the scouting department he scratched his head and said I don't know. But I see your point about Kyle being more familiar with the front office staff. I'm not bashing Davidson, just trying to bring something to the discussion here.

Watching Kings, Blue Jackets. Bovquist on IR again. Kid can’t stay healthy
- LAHawk

Three concussions in junior...

But you look at that defenseman draft class after their current on the job training, () and you see what the Hawks took the shot with Boqvist.

As much as I like many of the defenseman and forwards after the selection with their hawk pick, Evan Bouchard, Noah Dobson, Adam still looks/plays more offensively skilled and is an high end attacker in comparison.

This explains why trades are not yet happening, I think:"NHL front-offices sources over last few days, the buyers keep telling the sellers they need more time (for cap reasons mostly, 16 teams in LTIR).
Sellers are getting a bit antsy, they want to get it going..."

Neither of us were in the room and don't know what anyone's ideas were (except for what Davidson said after he got the job). Maybe Darche had some names in mind too or maybe when he asked who he would bring in to revamp the scouting department he scratched his head and said I don't know. But I see your point about Kyle being more familiar with the front office staff. I'm not bashing Davidson, just trying to bring something to the discussion here.
- boilermaker100

Maybe just maybe, Kyle knew exactly what he would do even when Bowman was running the show. I know I've disagreed with my bosses many times and thought i would do it this way but being employed by someone that's how it goes.

It'll be nice to have a young fresh hockey mind in the FO. So glad they didn't hire a retread.

Let's say Davidson makes a trade with a cap strapped team this summer to take a bad contract and getting a high pick or good prospect too.

Let's say the Hawks have about 5M left in cap space. MAF and Kubalik not signed yet. What's your choice. One year of MAF at 5M or Kubalik one year at 4M? Assuming Fleury is happy in Chicago and will play another year for 5M.
- boilermaker100

Flower in a heartbeat - he buys them time with their goalies.

Kubalik will sign with a team that can make him better by way of his linemate's play ala Duclair...he always had feet, hands and could take a beating, juts never played the entire ice or couldn't break past habits of a star junior scorer.

Someone will take Kubs...good luck to both sides.

Maybe just maybe, Kyle knew exactly what he would do even when Bowman was running the show. I know I've disagreed with my bosses many times and thought i would do it this way but being employed by someone that's how it goes.

It'll be nice to have a young fresh hockey mind in the FO. So glad they didn't hire a retread.
- BetweenTheDots

Just look at Lafferty trade yes its small trade but imo it shows one he not on board or tied to reclamation projects second he address physical player speed and size. Not saying Lafferty is set the world on fire he is role that is versatile. And what are things Blackhawks have lacking for long time speed size and physical players. Will he stay that's up Davidson I would keep him don't think he cost much against the cap. 4th line center/winger that can kill penalties also.

Just look at Lafferty trade yes its small trade but imo it shows one he not on board or tied to reclamation projects second he address physical player speed and size. Not saying Lafferty is set the world on fire he is role that is versatile. And what are things Blackhawks have lacking for long time speed size and physical players. Will he stay that's up Davidson I would keep him don't think he cost much against the cap. 4th line center/winger that can kill penalties also.
- Scott1977

I just hope that this is Kyle's show, no interference from any other departments, so so so glad they didn't hire the husband that would of been a disaster, maybe the round table creation was in part of Bowman own realization he wasn't very good at his job.

Different attitudes between Debrincat and Strome isn't there? Cat's all in and wants to win. Strome is like meh.
- boilermaker100

Ehhh i think Strome's comments are realizing at any moment he can be a healthy scratch, because he has been, and just needs to worry about being and becoming a better hockey player.

Even the questions are different, Pope doesn't ask Cat how it affects his status with the team.

The internal promotion is like the coach, currently interim.

I am thinking that KD made the move now for a couple of possible reasons:

His previous jobs for the Hawks put him in the room regarding discussions about drafts, trades, player evaluation. Maybe KD in his mind thought they should of targeted a different player. I remember a clip of Kelley whispering in Bowman’s year they had to select Bovquist when the Hawks turn at #8. Maybe KD (and the new guy by reading a few articles about him) thought Dobson was the choice ?

Pro scouting has been a disaster. We all know that.

The last thought, is probably KD thought that this young whippersnapper who likes analytics would not be accepted by his former bosses? KD worked for these guys on his way up. He probably thought these guys would not be very cooperative working for a previous intern?

In any event, KD is hitting the ground running. Will be interesting in the next 20 days and beyond how he reshapes the roster, and hockey ops.
- LAHawk

All very good points, particularly the the one about dynamics in the office after he got promoted over some other long-time leaders in the org.

Definitely looking forward to seeing what the kid can do. As you and Rico and others have said, change was definitely needed and it's clear, so far, he's not afraid of making decisions to go in a different direction.

pdx, this question is an example I read this site. Some of these folks have fantastic memories and give context to trades and drafts. I guess we can decide for ourselves but here is all the Hawks drafts: https://www.hockeydb.com/...aft/teams/dr00005218.html

We can't know yet but I think KD believes the same as 90% of Hawk fans, something has to change, gotta try something different so even though I don't know about the internal promotions I love the reasoning behind bringing new voices into the draft process, well any process really.
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks for the link. I can't remember who addressed our drafting record earlier, but it sounded like we were below-average to average when compared to the rest of the league. Soooo many factors go into whether a draft pick pans out, both on the organization's and individual's side, it's hard to put it all on the organization. Though, I do believe we've collectively agreed that the Hawks' development of their prospects has left a lot to be desired.

ETA: Hawks definitely have a spotty record - for all the talk of the no-brainer picks of Toews and Kane, the rest of their picks those years were crap. Some years they hit at all tiers, some, none. Since 2014, it looks to be on the not-so-good side of the equation. How much a product of the quality of the draft class, how much the internal decision-makers and scouts involved? No clue.

(Did not realize Big Buff was EIGHTH round. Wow )

Reflects the different status the players have on the team, what would be your response if you have been told every day that we are looking at shipping you out?
- LAHawk

This.

I took Strome's attitude as I'll get paid no matter what
- 6628

I am so conflicted on Strome. Three months ago I was all for just getting rid of Strome even if it meant getting back some practice pucks and a few rolls of tape. Despite his warts, skating ability, very weak battling for pucks Strome has played well lately. Is Strome playing well because he cares or because it’s his contract year? I think you hit the nail on the head, he’s there for the money. I think Strome may turn out to be a mercenary who relaxes after his next contract. Tough call for Davidson, do you re-sign him hoping he continues to play quite well or does he lose his incentive and rest on his laurels with the new contract in hand?