good shocker for hawks. fluery sounds like in net again.
- kmw4631

Cannot blame Fleury for game 1 loss when he got no goal support.

KD loves Campbell (not like that, Paulie...). He is going to have a prominent role; I'll be curious if it is behind the bench or in the FO. Either way, he's going to be a major player.

On Toews and Kane....a cynic (it is possible I have a touch of cynicism) might say that KD is trying to avoid the "bad guy" tag. He's telling everyone that the next few seasons will suck, while also saying there's room for the Twins. I suspect he wants them to say they want to leave, rather than the team saying the Hawks need them to leave.
- mohel

While he may do some things on the ice, KD was pretty definitive that Campbell will be a FO member and believes he has a good future ahead in that role.

While he may do some things on the ice, KD was pretty definitive that Campbell will be a FO member and believes he has a good future ahead in that role.
- Chunk

Good that he has a couple confidants near him. I hope Campbell can help with development; they will need it.

THEO, very good write up ! I agree entirely on the 3rd and 4th line production. Give me three guys with 10 or more goals on third line equals some depth scoring. Makes it easier on your top six. Fourth line has to more than all the spare parts that could not be on lines 1-3 and maybe someone in doghouse dropped to 4th line. Hawks starting to assemble good 4th line - just pick three and run with it for awhile. Look at how good Hawks 3rd line in cup years was: 2013: Boland-Ladd-Versteeg
2015: Teraveinen-Sharp-Vermette.. Third line is the key. Lot of talk about how Lightning won back to backs with the success of their third line of Goodrow-Gourde-Coleman. You need that scoring depth

Good that he has a couple confidants near him. I hope Campbell can help with development; they will need it.
- mohel

I'm optimistic because there is a concerted stress on patience and sticking with the plan. I also like that he is hiring people around him from a variety of perspectives. It just makes for a more well rounded operation.

I'm sure there will be hiccups here and there, but I think the end result will be quite good. For the next 2-3 years, I would be less concerned about who specifically is on the ice and more interested in what the plan/structure/organization looks like as a whole. What kind of players are being signed/traded for/drafted? What does the development process look like?

Good that he has a couple confidants near him. I hope Campbell can help with development; they will need it.
- mohel

Campbell was closely working with Boqvist for what thats worth

FYI - as much as people can't stand the guy (for reasons unknown to me), he is still really good at hockey:

Scoring chances when Sidney Crosby’s line has been on the ice tonight: 28-2 Pittsburgh.

My goodness.

FYI - as much as people can't stand the guy (for reasons unknown to me), he is still really good at hockey:

Scoring chances when Sidney Crosby’s line has been on the ice tonight: 28-2 Pittsburgh.

My goodness.
- Chunk

Really good player.

He's been a 1st class whiner, in answer to your question. But, he's been a great player.

KD loves Campbell (not like that, Paulie...). He is going to have a prominent role; I'll be curious if it is behind the bench or in the FO. Either way, he's going to be a major player.

On Toews and Kane....a cynic (it is possible I have a touch of cynicism) might say that KD is trying to avoid the "bad guy" tag. He's telling everyone that the next few seasons will suck, while also saying there's room for the Twins. I suspect he wants them to say they want to leave, rather than the team saying the Hawks need them to leave.
- mohel

I would agree this...re wonder twins.

I think Toews is most likely going to ask out before Kane will. Assuming 12 and 17 are back Kane can still play with what he feels are good matches for him to produce up to his expectations.

The kick in the sack is that of the 2...kane by far gets you the biggest return so trading Toews isn't going to move the needle much.

Watching that Rangers game last night...lots of younger talent I wouldn't mind seeing Davidson target IF Kane were to want to go.

While he may do some things on the ice, KD was pretty definitive that Campbell will be a FO member and believes he has a good future ahead in that role.
- Chunk

I am sure he will be groomed in an assistant gm role and where/when he gets his chance as a GM will be interesting to see.

I'm optimistic because there is a concerted stress on patience and sticking with the plan. I also like that he is hiring people around him from a variety of perspectives. It just makes for a more well rounded operation.

I'm sure there will be hiccups here and there, but I think the end result will be quite good. For the next 2-3 years, I would be less concerned about who specifically is on the ice and more interested in what the plan/structure/organization looks like as a whole. What kind of players are being signed/traded for/drafted? What does the development process look like?
- Chunk

The only 2 teams in this town I care about....bears and Hawks are both on similar paths.

Just care about player development for the long term and how the Hawks go about it. I also think if Dach doesn't have a great camp...there is no reason NOT to have him start at the AHL level to gain some confidence and work on some things that are missing from his offensive game. Hopefully this summer, he will be getting stronger, faster, and more skillful.

I agree on your take on Reichel. NO sense rushing him along.

This team is going to be very bad for at least 1 year, maybe 2..and then hopefully by the start of 2024-25 season we as fans see some how pieces to get excited about and they make a push similar to 2007-08....that would be my expectation at this moment.

Again, assuming the Wirtz family is 100% on board with this and willing to absorb the financial losses at the gate/concessions when the UC has a lot of empty seats.

Team needs a total do-over. In no way should King be talked about as the HC. Guy needs to go. 19/88 need to be moved as that era is miles away. 3-5 years before this team is any kind of relevant again. The Cup run was magical, but wow did this team bottom out.

Team needs a total do-over. In no way should King be talked about as the HC. Guy needs to go. 19/88 need to be moved as that era is miles away. 3-5 years before this team is any kind of relevant again. The Cup run was magical, but wow did this team bottom out.
- z1990z

I am not saying the Kings did it the "right way" but the tell for me during the last few weeks is when Kane unprovoked about LA brought them up as an example as a team that quickly did a "rebuild"

So to me...kane is looking there seeing Brown, Doughty, Quick, and Kopitar still there (yes brown is retiring) and thinking why can't the Hawks do that?

I would pay considerable money to watch a live video feed of 19/88 talk to Davidson about this and how he navigates that...according to him he wasn't going to "sell" either of them on the rebuild yet then says yesterday he plans on having open dialogue with both to get their input on what the team needs as both "have won in this league"

So to me....it seems there's a bit of mixing of messages of here.....actions will speak louder than words, but like you....both 19/88 need to go and I am perfectly OK shipping 12 off as well, and 17 and whoever else. Blow this thing sky high. If you can find somebody to take on Jones $$, ship him off as well.....

My biggest concern is Davidson has to either extend 19/88 if they dont' want to move or trade them all before end of the season. WIth those cap hits I don't see how they get a deal done in season, even retaining money, and getting ample return for either and/or both......This is more of a window of now until UFA signing starts..........

Sounds like Vlasic will not play with Ice Hogs post season, they want him to get healthy and train all summer to be ready for next year.

That sure doesn't sound like a team expecting him to play in the AHL.

Get healthy? Was he playing hurt?

FYI - as much as people can't stand the guy (for reasons unknown to me), he is still really good at hockey:

Scoring chances when Sidney Crosby’s line has been on the ice tonight: 28-2 Pittsburgh.

My goodness.
- Chunk

Yea he's unbelievable, snags a clearing attempt with his stick about waist high at the blue line and controls the puck like it was a simple pass from a team mate and creates a great scoring chance.

I am not saying the Kings did it the "right way" but the tell for me during the last few weeks is when Kane unprovoked about LA brought them up as an example as a team that quickly did a "rebuild"

So to me...kane is looking there seeing Brown, Doughty, Quick, and Kopitar still there (yes brown is retiring) and thinking why can't the Hawks do that?

I would pay considerable money to watch a live video feed of 19/88 talk to Davidson about this and how he navigates that...according to him he wasn't going to "sell" either of them on the rebuild yet then says yesterday he plans on having open dialogue with both to get their input on what the team needs as both "have won in this league"

So to me....it seems there's a bit of mixing of messages of here.....actions will speak louder than words, but like you....both 19/88 need to go and I am perfectly OK shipping 12 off as well, and 17 and whoever else. Blow this thing sky high. If you can find somebody to take on Jones $$, ship him off as well.....

My biggest concern is Davidson has to either extend 19/88 if they dont' want to move or trade them all before end of the season. WIth those cap hits I don't see how they get a deal done in season, even retaining money, and getting ample return for either and/or both......This is more of a window of now until UFA signing starts..........
- SteveRain

Toews is clearly done. His body can do no more. The guy played the game hard his entire career, but he cannot do much of anything anymore and should medically retire if thats possible. If Kane is smart, he will ask for a trade. This team is a pure dumpster fire right now and he can still play. He has done wonders for this team and should be allowed to decide his fate.

The Seth Jones deal is a joke and Bowman never should have been allowed to make that deal. Huge contract for a guy that will never live up to it.

Toews is clearly done. His body can do no more. The guy played the game hard his entire career, but he cannot do much of anything anymore and should medically retire if thats possible. If Kane is smart, he will ask for a trade. This team is a pure dumpster fire right now and he can still play. He has done wonders for this team and should be allowed to decide his fate.

The Seth Jones deal is a joke and Bowman never should have been allowed to make that deal. Huge contract for a guy that will never live up to it.
- z1990z

For Toew's sake, I hope he hasn't gone as far a Seabrook did in playing through injuries that need surgeries and end the career. Instead, I hope the health gets to a point he could go full tilt for entire shifts again.

Toews is clearly done. His body can do no more. The guy played the game hard his entire career, but he cannot do much of anything anymore and should medically retire if thats possible. If Kane is smart, he will ask for a trade. This team is a pure dumpster fire right now and he can still play. He has done wonders for this team and should be allowed to decide his fate.

The Seth Jones deal is a joke and Bowman never should have been allowed to make that deal. Huge contract for a guy that will never live up to it.
- z1990z

Toews is clearly done. His body can do no more. The guy played the game hard his entire career, but he cannot do much of anything anymore and should medically retire if thats possible. If Kane is smart, he will ask for a trade. This team is a pure dumpster fire right now and he can still play. He has done wonders for this team and should be allowed to decide his fate.

The Seth Jones deal is a joke and Bowman never should have been allowed to make that deal. Huge contract for a guy that will never live up to it.
- z1990z

You mean, he's smart if he sees it the way you do..... If he wants to stay, he's a moron?

Really good player.

He's been a 1st class whiner, in answer to your question. But, he's been a great player.
- mohel

You could say that about #19 in red also.

The only 2 teams in this town I care about....bears and Hawks are both on similar paths.

Just care about player development for the long term and how the Hawks go about it. I also think if Dach doesn't have a great camp...there is no reason NOT to have him start at the AHL level to gain some confidence and work on some things that are missing from his offensive game. Hopefully this summer, he will be getting stronger, faster, and more skillful.

I agree on your take on Reichel. NO sense rushing him along.

This team is going to be very bad for at least 1 year, maybe 2..and then hopefully by the start of 2024-25 season we as fans see some how pieces to get excited about and they make a push similar to 2007-08....that would be my expectation at this moment.

Again, assuming the Wirtz family is 100% on board with this and willing to absorb the financial losses at the gate/concessions when the UC has a lot of empty seats.
- SteveRain

During the Kings rebuild, the fans kept coming, and I would argue that the Hawks fan base is way bigger in the city than the Kings. Of course, the Kings/Lakers/Clippers do have a package where you get all 3 teams plus any concerts for an ungodly amount. So maybe some tickets are give-aways by those corps that own that all access pass.

I am not saying the Kings did it the "right way" but the tell for me during the last few weeks is when Kane unprovoked about LA brought them up as an example as a team that quickly did a "rebuild"

So to me...kane is looking there seeing Brown, Doughty, Quick, and Kopitar still there (yes brown is retiring) and thinking why can't the Hawks do that?

I would pay considerable money to watch a live video feed of 19/88 talk to Davidson about this and how he navigates that...according to him he wasn't going to "sell" either of them on the rebuild yet then says yesterday he plans on having open dialogue with both to get their input on what the team needs as both "have won in this league"

So to me....it seems there's a bit of mixing of messages of here.....actions will speak louder than words, but like you....both 19/88 need to go and I am perfectly OK shipping 12 off as well, and 17 and whoever else. Blow this thing sky high. If you can find somebody to take on Jones $$, ship him off as well.....

My biggest concern is Davidson has to either extend 19/88 if they dont' want to move or trade them all before end of the season. WIth those cap hits I don't see how they get a deal done in season, even retaining money, and getting ample return for either and/or both......This is more of a window of now until UFA signing starts..........
- SteveRain

if you actually watch the press conference, I don't think you will get any sense of mixed messaging. Yes, there is some hedging there as he isn't going to flat out say "go fly a kite" to two of the most important Blackhawks in the history of the team, but overall the message is the same. They have a process to follow, and there is a place in that process for both of them, but they aren't going to alter the path to placate these two.

Sounds like Vlasic will not play with Ice Hogs post season, they want him to get healthy and train all summer to be ready for next year.

That sure doesn't sound like a team expecting him to play in the AHL.

Get healthy? Was he playing hurt?
- BetweenTheDots

Not sure if he is injured now. He was injured last offseason and KD mentioned that he wants to make sure that, the young guys especially, have a full offseason of training to get them on the right development path.

I'd agree that it doesn't sound like KD expected Vlasic to spend much time in the AHL. I'll defer to actual hockey people on this...

Toews is clearly done. His body can do no more. The guy played the game hard his entire career, but he cannot do much of anything anymore and should medically retire if thats possible. If Kane is smart, he will ask for a trade. This team is a pure dumpster fire right now and he can still play. He has done wonders for this team and should be allowed to decide his fate.

The Seth Jones deal is a joke and Bowman never should have been allowed to make that deal. Huge contract for a guy that will never live up to it.
- z1990z

Kane 100% controls his own fate. I don't think it is any secret that KD is willing to do anything with any player on this roster.

If Kane is smart he will do whatever he feels is in his own best interest. If that is winning now, he likely goes elsewhere. If that is achieving Blackhawk records, helping the young players become better players he stays. He knows what is most important, no one else.

You mean, he's smart if he sees it the way you do..... If he wants to stay, he's a moron?
- mohel

You are telling me you wouldn't consider asking out if you were Kane? Sitting at home watching some ex teammates compete for a championship?

Believe Kane's girlfriend, Amanda, is from here...and with a baby...maybe that holds him back but again...his deal is up a year from now....so its not like he's not having to make that decision 3 years from now....

A kane trade helps expedites this rebuild a lot quicker...there isn't 1 player on this team that could get the hawks the package back that 88 could, and that includes 12.