Looks like Davidson is going goaltender shopping


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Davidson on Blackhawks' goalie plan:

"We definitely need to bring some NHL contracts in. [Lankinen and Delia] are part of that discussion...but there’s some players that we’ll look at in free agency and see which direction we want to go. Not ruling out the trade market either."

Looks like Davidson is going goaltender shopping


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Davidson on Blackhawks' goalie plan:

"We definitely need to bring some NHL contracts in.
- LAHawk[Lankinen and Delia] are part of that discussion...but there’s some players that we’ll look at in free agency and see which direction we want to go. Not ruling out the trade market either."

KD should go with a Mrazek / Korpisalo duo.

Looks like Davidson is going goaltender shopping


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Davidson on Blackhawks' goalie plan:

"We definitely need to bring some NHL contracts in.
- LAHawk[Lankinen and Delia] are part of that discussion...but there’s some players that we’ll look at in free agency and see which direction we want to go. Not ruling out the trade market either."

Sounds like listening to a bad weather report.

Should be warm tomorrow but it could cool off with the chance of rain but maybe some sunshine and windy conditions that may blow past us.

I think we are talking past each other here a bit Rain. There was a comment earlier that "if Kane was smart he would ask to be traded".

Mo's statement (and I 100% agree) is that he would be smart to do what he thinks is best for himself. Full stop.

My last comment there was just me being a bit of an bumhole.

I don't think Kane is like that either. I think if he doesn't want to be in CHI he will let it be known and get moved. I personally think the rest of your comment is a bit far fetched. If he leaves under those circumstances, why would he come back?
- Chunk

My bad….misread your tone so that makes sense.

Maybe I was asleep the last 10+ years, likely but....

how many players who had NMCs dug in when their team was open to trading him (assuming Hawks would/want to go this route)

that's my point...if the Hawks REALLY want to trade Kane, they'll get it done. I don't envy Davidson's job right now......that's for damn sure.

What a circus he inherited.
- SteveRain

Circus is right.

Kane is a rink rat. He loves to play and my guess is that he will continue playing for another 3-5 at least. While both Kane and Toews obviously like to win, I don't think it is the driving factor for either of them anymore. Neither needs to chase a cup or money anymore.

How much longer will Toews play? I think next season will mean a lot for him to personally evaluate where both his health and his game are. If he feels that he just can't reach the level he wants, then I can see him retiring, if he feels his health is back then signing a 3 year or so contract is not out of the question. Physically, Toews has taken a much bigger pounding over the years than Kane has, regardless of his illness. I don't see him playing much beyond that.

Again, at this point with 3 cups, and various other trophies and accolades, neither one of them has anything to prove anymore.

Why? He played out his contract, provided a lot of entertainment and some championships, he doesn't owe the team anything at that point and the team doesn't owe him anything either.
- fattybeef

It would be a colossal failure to let kane leave and not get something for him. That can’t happen. Either extend him or trade him. They got Campbell to waive to go to Florida they could getkane to waive if they absolutely had to. I would hope that wouldn’t happen (pushing kane to scenario)

It would be a colossal failure to let kane leave and not get something for him. That can’t happen. Either extend him or trade him. They got Campbell to waive to go to Florida they could getkane to waive if they absolutely had to. I would hope that wouldn’t happen (pushing kane to scenario)
- SteveRain

They got three Championships. And he's the only watchable player on the team. They certainly got their value for the contract. If he walks - he walks. He's earned it at this point.

Eh, lots of former players doing pretty well in the playoffs.

Keith is about what you'd expect from a player with his miles. But he hasn't been bad.

Forsling is skating important minutes. TVR is playing. Duclair was on the Hawks at some point. Zadorov is skating top 4 minutes on arguably the best defensive team in the league. Maata was eating minutes. Teravainen is certainly an important player. Raanta was a Hawks goalie. Hagel and Ruuta (17 pims lol). Kampf is kind of important to his team. Danault - oops. Saad. Hartman. Panarin of course who they got nothing for. Nick Leddy.

While they couldn't have kept all of them, and some of the moves (Hagel, Hartman for example) were no brainers at the time - I would argue that their biggest issue was identifying talent and attempting to build an identity of any sort. Not hiring a competent coach after Q was dismissed and wasting 3 years was an oops.

Anyway, they were clueless regarding the value of the assets they had and even more so regarding who they were drafting or picking up with a trade or via free agency. Even before you think about "developing" anyone they've done a garbage job evaluating talent in the first place.

The right side anchor defender replacement was available in Bouchard or Dobson and they passed.

Clearly teams can continue to be in the mix without blowing it up and can be turned around with a good trade of free agent acquisition. New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Tampa certainly Washington (who has been a playoff team the last 30 years). The Calgary Flames never went full tank and neither did Colorado. But they drafted well on down years, moved on from the right players and got excellent value for them.

At this point giving King the job based on how he was able to coax some great hockey out of Dylan Strome who was banished by the previous regime deserves some serious thought. Maybe he could get through to some of the other younger players?
- fattybeef

Yeah I don’t disagree. Further away we get from the last regime more and more really looks like a dumpster fire from their last cup win to the end. Likely why they are where they are. Kept guys they shouldn’t have and booted guys out early they shouldn’t have.

Yes some of us, myself included, applauded those decisions but again nobody here is a paid nhl hockey ops person.

Man rock bottom hasn’t even hit yet.

They got three Championships. And he's the only watchable player on the team. They certainly got their value for the contract. If he walks - he walks. He's earned it at this point.
- fattybeef

One of the things most important to Kane is his legacy. He understands what this organization has done for him, and stood by him during his "idiot phase" lets call it. I doubt he does something like that. If at the point his contract is up and he truly wants out, my guess is he would let the Hawks work some kind of sign and trade deal.

Looks like Davidson is going goaltender shopping


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Davidson on Blackhawks' goalie plan:

"We definitely need to bring some NHL contracts in.
- LAHawk[Lankinen and Delia] are part of that discussion...but there’s some players that we’ll look at in free agency and see which direction we want to go. Not ruling out the trade market either."

That's not a surprise.....Lankinen is maybe a #2 in the league....and Delia...sure he's a nice guy. THey need a stopgap until an internal piece is hopefully ready.

Eh, lots of former players doing pretty well in the playoffs.

Keith is about what you'd expect from a player with his miles. But he hasn't been bad.

Forsling is skating important minutes. TVR is playing. Duclair was on the Hawks at some point. Zadorov is skating top 4 minutes on arguably the best defensive team in the league. Maata was eating minutes. Teravainen is certainly an important player. Raanta was a Hawks goalie. Hagel and Ruuta (17 pims lol). Kampf is kind of important to his team. Danault - oops. Saad. Hartman. Panarin of course who they got nothing for. Nick Leddy.

While they couldn't have kept all of them, and some of the moves (Hagel, Hartman for example) were no brainers at the time - I would argue that their biggest issue was identifying talent and attempting to build an identity of any sort. Not hiring a competent coach after Q was dismissed and wasting 3 years was an oops.

Anyway, they were clueless regarding the value of the assets they had and even more so regarding who they were drafting or picking up with a trade or via free agency. Even before you think about "developing" anyone they've done a garbage job evaluating talent in the first place.

The right side anchor defender replacement was available in Bouchard or Dobson and they passed.

Clearly teams can continue to be in the mix without blowing it up and can be turned around with a good trade of free agent acquisition. New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Tampa certainly Washington (who has been a playoff team the last 30 years). The Calgary Flames never went full tank and neither did Colorado. But they drafted well on down years, moved on from the right players and got excellent value for them.

At this point giving King the job based on how he was able to coax some great hockey out of Dylan Strome who was banished by the previous regime deserves some serious thought. Maybe he could get through to some of the other younger players?
- fattybeef

Keith, Big Z and Maata all playing better. How much of this is having better D partners and how much of this is having more responsible forwards?

Big Z played a lot like McCabe does with the puck, slow decisions and lots of takeaways. Keith often sent it up the boards to no one. Spacing is definitely off in the current Hawks' system.

One of the things most important to Kane is his legacy. He understands what this organization has done for him, and stood by him during his "idiot phase" lets call it. I doubt he does something like that. If at the point his contract is up and he truly wants out, my guess is he would let the Hawks work some kind of sign and trade deal.
- TheTrob

Agreed and that's my point...he seems a little more focused on his legacy than say 19 who is still looking at the short term picture.

IF they want to stay, what dollars and term do 19 & 88 ask for?

19 could ask for $6 million / 3 year deal, not budge on his ask…would KD sign him to that? Don’t think I would…

Then what….

88 could ask for close to what he’s getting now… would KD sign him to that for 3/4 more years?

That’d be a tough one….

KD definitely has tough decisions to make…

Exhale….

Eh, lots of former players doing pretty well in the playoffs.

Keith is about what you'd expect from a player with his miles. But he hasn't been bad.

Forsling is skating important minutes. TVR is playing. Duclair was on the Hawks at some point. Zadorov is skating top 4 minutes on arguably the best defensive team in the league. Maata was eating minutes. Teravainen is certainly an important player. Raanta was a Hawks goalie. Hagel and Ruuta (17 pims lol). Kampf is kind of important to his team. Danault - oops. Saad. Hartman. Panarin of course who they got nothing for. Nick Leddy.

While they couldn't have kept all of them, and some of the moves (Hagel, Hartman for example) were no brainers at the time - I would argue that their biggest issue was identifying talent and attempting to build an identity of any sort. Not hiring a competent coach after Q was dismissed and wasting 3 years was an oops.

Anyway, they were clueless regarding the value of the assets they had and even more so regarding who they were drafting or picking up with a trade or via free agency. Even before you think about "developing" anyone they've done a garbage job evaluating talent in the first place.

The right side anchor defender replacement was available in Bouchard or Dobson and they passed.

Clearly teams can continue to be in the mix without blowing it up and can be turned around with a good trade of free agent acquisition. New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Tampa certainly Washington (who has been a playoff team the last 30 years). The Calgary Flames never went full tank and neither did Colorado. But they drafted well on down years, moved on from the right players and got excellent value for them.

At this point giving King the job based on how he was able to coax some great hockey out of Dylan Strome who was banished by the previous regime deserves some serious thought. Maybe he could get through to some of the other younger players?
- fattybeef

Damn fine post!

That's not a surprise.....Lankinen is maybe a #2 in the league....and Delia...sure he's a nice guy. THey need a stopgap until an internal piece is hopefully ready.
- SteveRain

Assuming they have their 2023 1st round pick, do we really want them to have good goaltending next year?

Yeah I don’t disagree. Further away we get from the last regime more and more really looks like a dumpster fire from their last cup win to the end. Likely why they are where they are. Kept guys they shouldn’t have and booted guys out early they shouldn’t have.

Yes some of us, myself included, applauded those decisions but again nobody here is a paid nhl hockey ops person.

Man rock bottom hasn’t even hit yet.
- SteveRain

Are you sure rock bottom hasn't been hit? The beginning and end to this season were true dumpster fires, probably as close to rock bottom as you can get. But, while this team may not be competing for a cup in the near future, its not a stretch to see them in that gooey middle of mediocrity.

Hypothetically speaking, You bring up a few young D, who prove to be better than the veteran crap that has been a mainstay of the past few years. You sign a veteran goalie who at least shows better than the twin sieves of Lankinen and Delia. You maybe get some growth from Dach and Reichel is the real deal. It's not inconceivable that they are better. Not cup contenders, maybe at best competing for the 2nd wildcard and an early exit. The real problem is that is not where you want to be. Stuck in mediocrity, drafting in the middle of the rounds.

Yeah I don’t disagree. Further away we get from the last regime more and more really looks like a dumpster fire from their last cup win to the end. Likely why they are where they are. Kept guys they shouldn’t have and booted guys out early they shouldn’t have.

Yes some of us, myself included, applauded those decisions but again nobody here is a paid nhl hockey ops person.

Man rock bottom hasn’t even hit yet.
- SteveRain

Unless they do what you wish, which is to tear it down to the studs (which I don't think happens, I think the team will be better next year

1) JC is gone. Also the Beach incident is in the rear view mirror.
2) Probably C. Jones, deHaan, Gus, gone from defense.
3) forward RFA's Dach, Krashev, Kubalik, Strome? I think Strome is back, Dach. for sure. Would anyone miss Kurashev or Kubalik? Can anyone playing for a contract have a worse year then Kubalik.
4) Competent goaltending. I think KD realizes Lankinen/Delia is not the answer,

Will they make the playoffs? Highly doubt it. But this was a team that went from nearly unwatchable to one that competed every night. Not down 3-0 after the first 10 minutes of a game, no crazy defensive scheme that I think was based on the Keystone Cops.

I

Circus is right.

Kane is a rink rat. He loves to play and my guess is that he will continue playing for another 3-5 at least. While both Kane and Toews obviously like to win, I don't think it is the driving factor for either of them anymore. Neither needs to chase a cup or money anymore.

How much longer will Toews play? I think next season will mean a lot for him to personally evaluate where both his health and his game are. If he feels that he just can't reach the level he wants, then I can see him retiring, if he feels his health is back then signing a 3 year or so contract is not out of the question. Physically, Toews has taken a much bigger pounding over the years than Kane has, regardless of his illness. I don't see him playing much beyond that.

Again, at this point with 3 cups, and various other trophies and accolades, neither one of them has anything to prove anymore.
- TheTrob

To fatty's earlier post....some trades Bowman had to make to keep the window open (fully supported those) that didn't pan out and a few players are haunting us more than I ever thought they would (teuvo, Danault)....some just didn't work out here...and some....well....loyalty to existing players at the time superseded that.

Man oh man....Rangers love running almost everything through Panarin in offensive sets and that soft touch pass to the defenseman (think it was Fox) who pushed it a little too far in front of Strome would have been a beauty of a goal last night. Panarin was a special player.........

Now they are left scrambling to put players back in the right spots, and I will say this about Davidson....lets hope he holds true to his word and lets these kids develop because part of my issue has been assuming that if a TEAM feels THAT player is NHL ready, then I expect results......see Dach....because again I am not a hockey ops employee of the Hawks so I am trusting they do know what the hell they are doing with some of these young kids....but apparently Bowman in his final hours didn't because I get a sense some of these kids were nowhere near ready and you just a get sense Bowman may be one of the most overrated GMs when all is said and done and time gets further and further away...inherited a loaded young team, fined tune around a young core and HOF UFA signing, and then failed miserably and reloading and picking 3 core pieces to build around instead of 7...and giving out NMCs to almost everyone.

Assuming they have their 2023 1st round pick, do we really want them to have good goaltending next year?
- mohel

No...I want a lottery pick..........

IF they want to stay, what dollars and term do 19 & 88 ask for?

19 could ask for $6 million / 3 year deal, not budge on his ask…would KD sign him to that? Don’t think I would…

Then what….

88 could ask for close to what he’s getting now… would KD sign him to that for 3/4 more years?

That’d be a tough one….

KD definitely has tough decisions to make…

Exhale….
- mike7076

I think Toews in the $6-7M cap hit for 3 KD does.

I think Kane signs a more front loaded deal for 4-5 years that averages around $8-9M

Unless they do what you wish, which is to tear it down to the studs (which I don't think happens, I think the team will be better next year

1) JC is gone. Also the Beach incident is in the rear view mirror.
2) Probably C. Jones, deHaan, Gus, gone from defense.
3) forward RFA's Dach, Krashev, Kubalik, Strome? I think Strome is back, Dach. for sure. Would anyone miss Kurashev or Kubalik? Can anyone playing for a contract have a worse year then Kubalik.
4) Competent goaltending. I think KD realizes Lankinen/Delia is not the answer,

Will they make the playoffs? Highly doubt it. But this was a team that went from nearly unwatchable to one that competed every night. Not down 3-0 after the first 10 minutes of a game, no crazy defensive scheme that I think was based on the Keystone Cops.

I
- LAHawk

Agree with everything LA says here.

Even having new players/retreads with the skill level like Janmark, Suter, Vinnie, etc., will make this a better team. Being able to score 20-25 more goals would get us a good number of more wins. Second City did an article about how the lack of scoring doomed us the most this year. In any event, I see Dach and if back, Kubalik and Kurashev having better years next year.

Are you sure rock bottom hasn't been hit? The beginning and end to this season were true dumpster fires, probably as close to rock bottom as you can get. But, while this team may not be competing for a cup in the near future, its not a stretch to see them in that gooey middle of mediocrity.

Hypothetically speaking, You bring up a few young D, who prove to be better than the veteran crap that has been a mainstay of the past few years. You sign a veteran goalie who at least shows better than the twin sieves of Lankinen and Delia. You maybe get some growth from Dach and Reichel is the real deal. It's not inconceivable that they are better. Not cup contenders, maybe at best competing for the 2nd wildcard and an early exit. The real problem is that is not where you want to be. Stuck in mediocrity, drafting in the middle of the rounds.
- TheTrob

Rock bottom to me is trading 19/88/12 and they roll a lineup where Seth Jones is your face of the franchise until the next wave of talent is ready. I don’t think it happens (trading all 3) but we shall see. To me that nuclear option nets them
The most prospects and picks.

Unless they do what you wish, which is to tear it down to the studs (which I don't think happens, I think the team will be better next year

1) JC is gone. Also the Beach incident is in the rear view mirror.
2) Probably C. Jones, deHaan, Gus, gone from defense.
3) forward RFA's Dach, Krashev, Kubalik, Strome? I think Strome is back, Dach. for sure. Would anyone miss Kurashev or Kubalik? Can anyone playing for a contract have a worse year then Kubalik.
4) Competent goaltending. I think KD realizes Lankinen/Delia is not the answer,

Will they make the playoffs? Highly doubt it. But this was a team that went from nearly unwatchable to one that competed every night. Not down 3-0 after the first 10 minutes of a game, no crazy defensive scheme that I think was based on the Keystone Cops.

I
- LAHawk

I’ll agree to disagree. They gave up a ton of goals it seemed after flower was dealt. Does a veteran goalie on the 2nd or 3rd tier really solve that?

I don’t want to see the group of players. Definition of insanity.

I’ll agree to disagree. They gave up a ton of goals it seemed after flower was dealt. Does a veteran goalie on the 2nd or 3rd tier really solve that?

I don’t want to see the group of players. Definition of insanity.
- SteveRain

Who said a goalie of a second or third tier? KD said he was open to trading for one if need be also. There will be plenty of good goaltender either as a UFA or because the team needs to dump salary.

Casey deSmith is a UFA. He is stuck behind Triston Jarry. He would immediately become the Hawks #1 goaltender. Kuemper is a UFA, Colorado. don't think Colorado is resigning him, they signed Francouz , don't think they are looking to resign Kuemper. Billington is available by trade. I can go on and on.

And I don't want to see a team without Kane, ADB, and probably Toews, I think that will actually lengthen the rebuild by a decade at least. And you talk about fans in the seats, you would probably go years with less than 10,000, if they can watch better hockey/team for cheaper at a Wolves game. Lets see if Toronto can finally win a playoff series 6 years after Marner and Matthews came to the team.

IF they want to stay, what dollars and term do 19 & 88 ask for?

19 could ask for $6 million / 3 year deal, not budge on his ask…would KD sign him to that? Don’t think I would…

Then what….

88 could ask for close to what he’s getting now… would KD sign him to that for 3/4 more years?

That’d be a tough one….

KD definitely has tough decisions to make…

Exhale….
- mike7076

If I am KD, and considering both want to be back, I would seriously inquire to see if they would both go on high $, 1 year deals. Kind of like the last two years of Jordan with the Bulls. That gives both sides flexibility to leave/trade if wanted, and KD can re-evaluate year by year whether they fit.