Another article about Richardson and his communications skills

https://ontariohockeyleag...s-natural-ability-to-lead

Progress to me this year is less too many men on the ice penalties as last year (or get as good as Colorado in not getting caught)

Laz and Powers have a piece on Richardson. These are the first fe4w paragraphs. https://theathletic.com/3...ke-richardson-blackhawks/

When Mike Kostka and his Binghamton Senators teammates got to the rink for a Monday morning practice during the 2015-16 season, they knew it was going to be rough. The Senators were coming off a lousy weekend slate of games, and sure enough, 10 minutes before the practice began, the equipment staff let the players know that coach Luke Richardson had instructed them not to put any pucks on the ice.

It was the dreaded bag skate.

“We were like, poop,” Kostka said. “Like, this is old-school. This is gonna suck.”

Of course, bag skates are hardly uncommon, particularly in the minor leagues. But this one stood out to Kostka for one reason: Richardson joined them in the misery.

“Luke skated us for probably 40 minutes, no puck,” Kostka said. “But he did every drill with us — every one. He bagged himself. Your coach is there in his tracksuit doing stops and starts for 40 minutes with you because he’s like, our failure is his failure, and I’m going to stand next to you. I don’t think it gets much better than that, like in terms of, this sucks, but we’re going to sit in the suck together.”

It wasn’t the first time, either. Chris Wideman, who played for Richardson in the three previous seasons in Binghamton, had a similar story. The Senators were mired in a brief losing streak, and Richardson skated his team — and himself — into the ground.

“He’s doing the bag skate with us,” Wideman said. “Because he’s like, ‘Hey, I’m invested in this, too. I’m on this losing streak. I own this record just as much as you guys do.’ So he put himself on the line and he’s skating with us. Not only is he skating, he’s like, lapping guys, because he keeps himself in such good shape. So he’s definitely a players coach, he’s in it with the players. He’s able to relate to the players because he’s been through it.”

Laz and Powers have a piece on Richardson. These are the first fe4w paragraphs. https://theathletic.com/3...ke-richardson-blackhawks/

When Mike Kostka and his Binghamton Senators teammates got to the rink for a Monday morning practice during the 2015-16 season, they knew it was going to be rough. The Senators were coming off a lousy weekend slate of games, and sure enough, 10 minutes before the practice began, the equipment staff let the players know that coach Luke Richardson had instructed them not to put any pucks on the ice.

It was the dreaded bag skate.

“We were like, poop,” Kostka said. “Like, this is old-school. This is gonna suck.”

Of course, bag skates are hardly uncommon, particularly in the minor leagues. But this one stood out to Kostka for one reason: Richardson joined them in the misery.

“Luke skated us for probably 40 minutes, no puck,” Kostka said. “But he did every drill with us — every one. He bagged himself. Your coach is there in his tracksuit doing stops and starts for 40 minutes with you because he’s like, our failure is his failure, and I’m going to stand next to you. I don’t think it gets much better than that, like in terms of, this sucks, but we’re going to sit in the suck together.”

It wasn’t the first time, either. Chris Wideman, who played for Richardson in the three previous seasons in Binghamton, had a similar story. The Senators were mired in a brief losing streak, and Richardson skated his team — and himself — into the ground.

“He’s doing the bag skate with us,” Wideman said. “Because he’s like, ‘Hey, I’m invested in this, too. I’m on this losing streak. I own this record just as much as you guys do.’ So he put himself on the line and he’s skating with us. Not only is he skating, he’s like, lapping guys, because he keeps himself in such good shape. So he’s definitely a players coach, he’s in it with the players. He’s able to relate to the players because he’s been through it.”
- Mr Ricochet

But can he beat Brind"Amour in the bench press?

But can he beat Brind"Amour in the bench press?
- LAHawk

I like it….. there is no I in team guy…

Don’t think Coliton ever did that, even in the Swedish “D”league…

Exhale

I like it….. there is no I in team guy…

Don’t think Coliton ever did that, even in the Swedish “D”league…

Exhale
- mike7076

There’s no “I” in team but if you look closely you’ll find me.

Inhale

There’s no “I” in team but if you look closely you’ll find me.

Inhale
- paulr

Are we doing BOD VO2 testing today?

100% I think the Hawks will extend C. Jones. He just turned 25 and really should be starting to become more reliable. He can add some offense, which the current group lacks after Seth Jones and he isn't "so good" that he will block a young Dman who is ready to play top 4 minutes.

No real downside to keeping him around at a reasonable price.

Are we doing BOD VO2 testing today?

- LAHawk

100% I think the Hawks will extend C. Jones. He just turned 25 and really should be starting to become more reliable. He can add some offense, which the current group lacks after Seth Jones and he isn't "so good" that he will block a young Dman who is ready to play top 4 minutes.

No real downside to keeping him around at a reasonable price.
- breadbag

Other than taking up a roster spot they could give some of the other leftys in the org a shot at.

Other than taking up a roster spot they could give some of the other leftys in the org a shot at.
- fattybeef

But you would rather press box a guy like C. Jones than a rookie. If you are going to "sit" a rookie I think you would rather have them playing in the AHL.

But you would rather press box a guy like C. Jones than a rookie. If you are going to "sit" a rookie I think you would rather have them playing in the AHL.
- Chunk

The only left handed rookie defenseman currently on the roster that I can see making the club is Galvas. I think both Beaudin and Kalnyuk stock has fallen where they would be nothing more than emergency injury replacement. I would hope they learned by rushing Bovquist to just let Vlasic play all year in the A. I don't care how "good" he looked playing with McCabe, which is an oxymoron because everytime McCabe was on the ice, no one looked good.

Don't forget guys.

Rebuilding ≠ Tanking

The Hawks have pretty much said they are willing to listen on value for players who are not Toews, Kane, Seth Jones. Doesn't seem likely that any of those three are going anywhere at this point. I think if any of them wanted out, it would be something the GM would know already at this point and they'd be shopping them now to see what deal can be made.

Debrincat rumors might be in fashion but the price for a guy who is top 10 in goals since joining the league will be huge and he could keep those numbers going for the next 10 seasons if healthy. Big question will be is anyone will be willing to pay the price to get him. I don't see him moving unless it's a knock your socks off trade offer.

The big question will be the RFAs, who is coming back, who might hold out and who is going to be priced out of town or just moved. I think now that they have their coach, they will have those conversations as a staff.

Dach, Kubalik, Kurashev, Strome, C Jones are all RFA. Probably Kubalik/Strome have the biggest chance of being moved IMO.

Not saying the Hawks won't trade anyone for younger prospects or picks, but they do need a reason for fans to show up and buy jerseys.

I definitely thing that the Hawks will bring in a goalie, via a trade or UFA and then probably give a guy like Soderblom a chance to play some games. Maybe a guy like Domingue or Wedgewood with experience.

The only left handed rookie defenseman currently on the roster that I can see making the club is Galvas. I think both Beaudin and Kalnyuk stock has fallen where they would be nothing more than emergency injury replacement. I would hope they learned by rushing Bovquist to just let Vlasic play all year in the A. I don't care how "good" he looked playing with McCabe, which is an oxymoron because everytime McCabe was on the ice, no one looked good.
- LAHawk

You may be right there and really no reason to rush them until they are ready. I think it's good to have some guys like C Jones who you can afford to lose if you need to if the young guy like Galvas, etc turn the corner and earn the spot.

Other than taking up a roster spot they could give some of the other leftys in the org a shot at.
- fattybeef

There will be chances for the young guys to make the team and injuries will happen. They could push a guy like C Jones off the team, but it's not like the Hawks have so many Dmen showing they could be ready. It's mostly guys who get called up but fail to impress lately. Keith said it well around the time the Hawks fired Q. The NHL isn't a developmental league. Jones is at the age and experience where he can fill a hole and that's not a bad thing.

There will be chances for the young guys to make the team and injuries will happen. They could push a guy like C Jones off the team, but it's not like the Hawks have so many Dmen showing they could be ready. It's mostly guys who get called up but fail to impress lately. Keith said it well around the time the Hawks fired Q. The NHL isn't a developmental league. Jones is at the age and experience where he can fill a hole and that's not a bad thing.
- breadbag

I think the BOD doesn't like C. Jones for the same reason they don't like S. Jones, it is more about S. Jones contract than the player(s).

A recap of Hawks picks in the early 2000's leading up to the Cup runs.

2002 - Keith (2nd round)
2003 - Seabrook (1st - 14th overall), Crawford (2nd), Buff (7th)
2004 - Bolland (2nd), Bickell (2nd), Brouwer (7th)
2005 - Hammer (4th)
2006 - Toews (1st - 3rd OA)
2007 - Kane (1st - 1st OA)

It's interesting to note that of about 50 draft picks between 2002-2005, only 8 picks contributed to the Cup winning teams a decade later. 10 picks out of 66 if you count the 2006 and 2007 draft classes. (Yes, no one besides Toews and Kane made it from the 2006 and 2007 draft.) The "draft success rate" if you want to call it that, comes out at 15 to 16%.

And then corresponding playoff history after those drafts -

2003-2004 through 2008-2009 seasons - Missed Playoffs
2009-2010 season - Won 2 rounds - lost in conference final
2010-2011 season - Won Stanley Cup

A few years of drafting (and then developing) players followed by the two high 1st rounders (and the luck of the draw in getting the 1st overall in 2007) led up to the dynastic years. (Edit - This was augmented by a decent trade or two (Sharp) and the Hossa UFA signing.)

Aside from Debrincat who it seems has one foot out the door, what other young players on the team or in the system compare to the guys drafted from 2002 onward? Maybe Dach if the light bulb turns on. Probably too early to tell with some of the others. Anyway I guess when Davidson said the rebuild may take 5 or 6 years he was looking at the early 2000's as a model.
- boilermaker100

This is good analysis, thanks for writing this up. I was poking through these old records yesterday but didn't really get to any conclusions.

The win totals are interesting from 2003 to 2010 - wins by year are 20, 26, 31, 40, 46, 52 (Champions). The current club took a step back this year and had 28 wins. So is this year equivalent to 2003, or is there another step back in store before starting to move up?

Regarding the drafts/players, the current analogs might be something like this. Some of these are obvious mismatches on playing style and/or talent level.

Keith - Mitchell
Seabrook - S. Jones
Crawford - Commesso/Soderblom
Buff - Vlasic
Bolland - 2022 2nd or 3rd?
Bickell - K. Dach
Brouwer - C. Dach
Hjalmarsson - Allan
Toews - 2023 or 2024 1st?
Kane - DeBrincat

Lots of holes and needed upgrades, but the cupboard isn't completely bare. There are some decent prospects but many of them are a couple of years away.

There will be chances for the young guys to make the team and injuries will happen. They could push a guy like C Jones off the team, but it's not like the Hawks have so many Dmen showing they could be ready. It's mostly guys who get called up but fail to impress lately. Keith said it well around the time the Hawks fired Q. The NHL isn't a developmental league. Jones is at the age and experience where he can fill a hole and that's not a bad thing.
- breadbag

Heck, doesn't Richardson have some time spent with Gus already?

Heck, doesn't Richardson have some time spent with Gus already?
- Chunk

I guess so. I think Gus is a guy who is gone again just because he is now 30 and hasn't repeated the success he had in 2018-19.

Might come down to what the coach thinks about him and if C Jones wants to be paid more than he is worth. Maybe Gus signs on for a low cap hit as a known quantity depth D.

I guess so. I think Gus is a guy who is gone again just because he is now 30 and hasn't repeated the success he had in 2018-19.

Might come down to what the coach thinks about him and if C Jones wants to be paid more than he is worth. Maybe Gus signs on for a low cap hit as a known quantity depth D.
- breadbag

The closest Gus will come to being on the Hawks bench is if he buys a ticket to a game. I was just making a joke. He's got nothing left to benefit this team.

I think the BOD doesn't like C. Jones for the same reason they don't like S. Jones, it is more about S. Jones contract than the player(s).
- LAHawk

Are you saying the problem is with C. Jones contract, or because he was brought on to entice his brother? I can't imagine there is much of an issue with his contract.

I thought Regula was paired with McCabe.

But can he beat Brind"Amour in the bench press?
- LAHawk

In a fight I'd take him easily. Good hire for a young club. C Jones if they resign him it means vlasic is playing in the minors which isn't a bad thing. He looked good just has to be more physical with that big body around the net and boards. I still would try to trade seth jones horrible contract if you could. Just bury the last of bowman horrible moves. Trade for next year draft pick because it's a deeper draft. If kane wants trade him to buffalo or resign him to a contract extension along with dcat who should be the next captain once toews leaves to go be a 3rd liner on a Stanley cup contender next year.

You just when I start to think all is going to above board with the Blackhawks and their man in CHARGE" Kyle Davidson, we hear this idea that Derek King might be back as an assistant.

I don't know if this was claptrap to show him backhanded respect, but if I am Luke Richardson, my first thought is how short my puppet string is that I have to consider it.




I think I am about ready to settle in on my draft board at this point.

I just know that after last year, that the teams all have different wants of priorities of what they see are th over riding characteristic on the prospects in this draft class.

I see all the predicting on each teams “needs” like the individual teams will go for a need over what their board says, but after last year, I am not sure if that isn’t the case.

I put myself through enough Blackhawk draft simulations everyday, and still am clueless as to what they will do starting with #38 and #57, let alone when the pickens go slim at #81, #90 and #94.

I see Pronman calling defenseman a need, but I see a stable of them.
Granted there is no pair guy about to emerge, but I don’t see that happens at #38 either.

I have thrown up a player evaluation for all of the players in the first tow rounds, all the Blackhawk slots and a few of the slots round those later prospects.

I, at this moment, feel like I do not know who anyone is going to pick except for the first Shane Wright.

I go so far as to say the no team is showing their preferences or hinting any negatives on anyone, so the mock drafts you see everywhere may be full of hype.

I have spent so much of my Blackhawk energy with lists that reflect players I like in that first selection, and keep thinking there is NO way it anything but a forward. Then I fear there will be an ample number of dropping defenders, so many that they line up as if they can ONLY be considered the best available at that juncture, and start scratching my head.

I have some strong Blackhawk player selections if they were able to move up into the first, but I will rtell you who I am selecting if they get New Jersey or Seattle’s choice as we have heard through the rumor mill.
For now I am happy with this mock.
Just remember after clicking on the name inserted in any Blackhawk draft slot, you have to then scroll down past the 150 plus “versions” crap to the WRITTEN Player Scouting report.
https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts
I have taken a lot of time and care to with these long descriptions and the website has still not moved the player scouting report to the top where it should be.
And I am far from done, but I have already expounded on the 2023 draft player scouting reports if you are still wondering why we all can’t stop talking about THAT draft class:
https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/2023

Are you saying the problem is with C. Jones contract, or because he was brought on to entice his brother? I can't imagine there is much of an issue with his contract.
- Chunk

The former. i don't think C. Jones made any more mistakes per 60 min. than any other Hawk defenseman, it is just because he is S. Jones brother it is highlighted every time he does make a mistake. As was said previously, he is the second best defenseman on the team to get the puck out of the zone either by skating or passing.