Top 2022/23 Questions?
1. Will Kane and Toews stay or be traded at the trade deadline?
Kane and Toews are the last players from the Hawks Stanley Cup winning days and are in their last year of $10.5M contracts. The big question is will they be here at seasons end or will they request a trade and be traded out at the trade deadline? KD has chosen the path to tear the team down and restock and rebuild. Young players like DeBrincat and Dach were traded for picks and well as Strome and Kubalik were not offered qualifying offers and allowed to walk, all with the hope to speed up the rebuild. Rumours abound daily of Toews and Kane being traded, but they are control of their future, will they be traded for future picks and prospects? It will be one to watch as the season progresses.
2. How will the Blackhawks fare under a new GM, and new coach?
Kyle Davidson is now fully in control as GM of the Blackhawks and picked his coach Luke Richardson to lead this team as they shed players for picks and prospects. The tank is on for high draft picks over the next few years. Coach Richardson will bring in a new defensive system and it will be interesting to see how well and quickly the players and team adapt to it. Not many Wins are expected but I’m sure everyone is hoping for a better system that makes the Blackhawks more defensively aware and competitive. Once the new kids start coming along there will be surely growing pains, but hopefully the foundation will have been set and they will be able to return to their wining ways and again push for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how long this process takes and the twists and turns that unfold.
3. What will the play of veterans be like?
Toews publicly questioned the soundness of tearing down the team and starting fresh with an estimated 5-year rebuilding process. Kane was disappointed at seeing his linemate DeBrincat traded as well as other young players. S Jones’ new contract kicks in this year, the first of eight and the idea of spending a good majority of it going through a deep rebuilding may not sit well with him. How will the veterans respond? Except for S. Jones most veterans are on expiring deals and will be UFAs by season end. How many and who will be shipped out? How will M. Domi, A. Athanasiou, J. Khaira, and J. Johnson fair? I would expect most of them get traded at the deadline to give the kids some games at the end of the season.
What are your thoughts and other questions you have of the 2022-23 Blackhawks?
- SchwiftyHawk

All good questions and another nice post. My head says that we should trade the wonder twins, and my heart says that we should sign them to three year deals. You have my vote to take over for Theo.

Top 2022/23 Questions?
1. Will Kane and Toews stay or be traded at the trade deadline?
- SchwiftyHawk


Oh, to be inside their heads. As we all know, with their NMC's, the ball is in their court. Many things will factor into their decisions. Their family situation, health and loyalty to the organ-I-zation could be some of them.

Are they comfortable playing for a bottom dweller, or do their competitive instincts want them to play for a contender with a chance to win another Cup? You can make a case that they know they have been playing for a non-Cup contender for a few years, so why would they want out sometime during the course of this season? They have weathered playing for JC and so playing for Richardson shouldn't be enough to change their minds.

In Kane's case, is his goal to become the all time Hawks points leader? If so, he'll want to remain here and sign another contract. Would he accept a trade with a contender to chase a Cup and then re-sign with the Hawks next summer to continue accumulating those points? That would be a nice option, with the Hawks getting a Giroux like return (1st & 3rd round picks, mediocre prospect) for him at the TDL to help the rebuild.

Will Toews retire or want to continue playing? That decision will most likely be determined by his health. If he's over his immune system problem he may want to continue to play. If he plans to retire, does he request a trade to a contender, or does he want to play his last game with the Indian head on his sweater?

2. How will the Blackhawks fare under a new GM, and new coach?
- SchwiftyHawk



Too early to tell, but it's pubic knowledge the rebuild will take at least 5 years. That's at least 2 more drafts then allowing the recent and future draftees a minimum of 3 to 4 years to develop. 80 to 90% of the current roster probably won't be around by that time.


3. What will the play of veterans be like?
- SchwiftyHawk



The newcomers like AA, Domi, J. Johnson knew the situation here when they signed, and know if they play well they will be in demand at the TDL. And if they play well this season, they are assured of a decent contract next year.

Kane will be Kane. Toews' health/endurance will determine the quality of his play. Not expecting much from T. Johnson. Doubt if anyone will be interested him at the TDL.

Seth Jones, IMO, will play his game (whether you think it's good or bad) and be happy to collect his pay check. Murphy and McCabe? 3rd pair guys on a decent team and also happy to be paid like 2nd pair guys here. They will play their usual games when not on IR.

Top 2022/23 Questions?
1. Will Kane and Toews stay or be traded at the trade deadline?
Kane and Toews are the last players from the Hawks Stanley Cup winning days and are in their last year of $10.5M contracts. The big question is will they be here at seasons end or will they request a trade and be traded out at the trade deadline? KD has chosen the path to tear the team down and restock and rebuild. Young players like DeBrincat and Dach were traded for picks and well as Strome and Kubalik were not offered qualifying offers and allowed to walk, all with the hope to speed up the rebuild. Rumours abound daily of Toews and Kane being traded, but they are control of their future, will they be traded for future picks and prospects? It will be one to watch as the season progresses.
2. How will the Blackhawks fare under a new GM, and new coach?
Kyle Davidson is now fully in control as GM of the Blackhawks and picked his coach Luke Richardson to lead this team as they shed players for picks and prospects. The tank is on for high draft picks over the next few years. Coach Richardson will bring in a new defensive system and it will be interesting to see how well and quickly the players and team adapt to it. Not many Wins are expected but I’m sure everyone is hoping for a better system that makes the Blackhawks more defensively aware and competitive. Once the new kids start coming along there will be surely growing pains, but hopefully the foundation will have been set and they will be able to return to their wining ways and again push for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how long this process takes and the twists and turns that unfold.
3. What will the play of veterans be like?
Toews publicly questioned the soundness of tearing down the team and starting fresh with an estimated 5-year rebuilding process. Kane was disappointed at seeing his linemate DeBrincat traded as well as other young players. S Jones’ new contract kicks in this year, the first of eight and the idea of spending a good majority of it going through a deep rebuilding may not sit well with him. How will the veterans respond? Except for S. Jones most veterans are on expiring deals and will be UFAs by season end. How many and who will be shipped out? How will M. Domi, A. Athanasiou, J. Khaira, and J. Johnson fair? I would expect most of them get traded at the deadline to give the kids some games at the end of the season.
What are your thoughts and other questions you have of the 2022-23 Blackhawks?
- SchwiftyHawk

All signs point to the Hawks taking the long road. That would mean less time initially for the young guys. I'm still not sure if Reichel makes the team out of camp. I would guess, at most, we see two or three younger players get time to start the year. Some more likely toward the end of the year.

I still think that Richardson is going to have more impact on this team this year than any player. He's stated they are going to simplify the defense. How many times over the past four years have we heard that "we need to simplify our game, play better defense and the chances will come."? Almost every game. The Hawks have also added a number of players who have no issue at all going to the net and fighting for pucks/chances. Lafferty, Domi, Katchouk, Raddysh, Athanasiou (to an extent), in addition to Entwistle, Khaira (if he plays) and most of whoever they would actually call up from RFD.

I would also think that the Hawk defenders will improve by default. There will much less thinking and more reacting in the D-zone. That can only help everyone. As much as I can hear several people's heads exploding, I think Murphy will be much improved without having to chase guys around the zone. I think health will be the most critical issue.

Regarding the vets, I think if they really want to be traded to a contender, they will want to put their best foot forward so that more teams will have interest.

If literally everything goes right, I think the Hawks can be a middle of the pack team. I expect results less than that. The question that I have is if the Hawks surprisingly find themselves in a playoff spot near the trade deadline (not fringe, but actually solidly in a spot), does KD change tact? Would he break up a "competitive" team to keep pushing his vision. It seems like he would, but I think it would be a bit hard to swallow for the players and fans alike.

Hawks have announced uniform numbers for their new players. There's a picture of the sweaters out there but I haven't been able to paste it here.

Anyway to all Tony-O fans, Mrazek is now officially #34. Note that the intern over at the Hawks official web site hasn't updated the roster page yet.

Hawks have announced uniform numbers for their new players. There's a picture of the sweaters out there but I haven't been able to paste it here.

Anyway to all Tony-O fans, Mrazek is now officially #34. Note that the intern over at the Hawks official web site hasn't updated the roster page yet.
- boilermaker100

#34 should be a Chicago Retired number

Top 2022/23 Questions?
1. Will Kane and Toews stay or be traded at the trade deadline?
Kane and Toews are the last players from the Hawks Stanley Cup winning days and are in their last year of $10.5M contracts. The big question is will they be here at seasons end or will they request a trade and be traded out at the trade deadline? KD has chosen the path to tear the team down and restock and rebuild. Young players like DeBrincat and Dach were traded for picks and well as Strome and Kubalik were not offered qualifying offers and allowed to walk, all with the hope to speed up the rebuild. Rumours abound daily of Toews and Kane being traded, but they are control of their future, will they be traded for future picks and prospects? It will be one to watch as the season progresses.

2. How will the Blackhawks fare under a new GM, and new coach?
Kyle Davidson is now fully in control as GM of the Blackhawks and picked his coach Luke Richardson to lead this team as they shed players for picks and prospects. The tank is on for high draft picks over the next few years. Coach Richardson will bring in a new defensive system and it will be interesting to see how well and quickly the players and team adapt to it. Not many Wins are expected but I’m sure everyone is hoping for a better system that makes the Blackhawks more defensively aware and competitive. Once the new kids start coming along there will be surely growing pains, but hopefully the foundation will have been set and they will be able to return to their wining ways and again push for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how long this process takes and the twists and turns that unfold.

3. What will the play of veterans be like?
Toews publicly questioned the soundness of tearing down the team and starting fresh with an estimated 5-year rebuilding process. Kane was disappointed at seeing his linemate DeBrincat traded as well as other young players. S Jones’ new contract kicks in this year, the first of eight and the idea of spending a good majority of it going through a deep rebuilding may not sit well with him. How will the veterans respond? Except for S. Jones most veterans are on expiring deals and will be UFAs by season end. How many and who will be shipped out? How will M. Domi, A. Athanasiou, J. Khaira, and J. Johnson fair? I would expect most of them get traded at the deadline to give the kids some games at the end of the season.
What are your thoughts and other questions you have of the 2022-23 Blackhawks?
- SchwiftyHawk

#34 should be a Chicago Retired number
- powerenforcer

It will be after Mrazek's stint in Chicago.

I was really hoping they would bring Leah Hextall over so we could have 2 of the squeakiest broadcasters in the booth together, and put a chalkboard between the benches and any time they go there someone can just scratch it.
- BetweenTheDots

I got a fever… and the only prescription… is more Squeaky

All signs point to the Hawks taking the long road. That would mean less time initially for the young guys. I'm still not sure if Reichel makes the team out of camp. I would guess, at most, we see two or three younger players get time to start the year. Some more likely toward the end of the year.

I still think that Richardson is going to have more impact on this team this year than any player. He's stated they are going to simplify the defense. How many times over the past four years have we heard that "we need to simplify our game, play better defense and the chances will come."? Almost every game. The Hawks have also added a number of players who have no issue at all going to the net and fighting for pucks/chances. Lafferty, Domi, Katchouk, Raddysh, Athanasiou (to an extent), in addition to Entwistle, Khaira (if he plays) and most of whoever they would actually call up from RFD.

I would also think that the Hawk defenders will improve by default. There will much less thinking and more reacting in the D-zone. That can only help everyone. As much as I can hear several people's heads exploding, I think Murphy will be much improved without having to chase guys around the zone. I think health will be the most critical issue.

Regarding the vets, I think if they really want to be traded to a contender, they will want to put their best foot forward so that more teams will have interest.

If literally everything goes right, I think the Hawks can be a middle of the pack team. I expect results less than that. The question that I have is if the Hawks surprisingly find themselves in a playoff spot near the trade deadline (not fringe, but actually solidly in a spot), does KD change tact? Would he break up a "competitive" team to keep pushing his vision. It seems like he would, but I think it would be a bit hard to swallow for the players and fans alike.
- Chunk

I wonder myself if this motley crew of players for the most part. Could get their backs up and with solid coach behind them, and a us against the world attitude surprise some teams early on and build confidence. I believe it is a long shot to say the least .Vegas comes to mind for me in their 1st year . Hockey can be a strange game .

I wonder myself if this motley crew of players for the most part. Could get their backs up and with solid coach behind them, and a us against the world attitude surprise some teams early on and build confidence. I believe it is a long shot to say the least .Vegas comes to mind for me in their 1st year . Hockey can be a strange game .
- oldduffman

I'm under no delusions that they will be any good. I just like asking the "what if" questions.

I wonder myself if this motley crew of players for the most part. Could get their backs up and with solid coach behind them, and a us against the world attitude surprise some teams early on and build confidence. I believe it is a long shot to say the least .Vegas comes to mind for me in their 1st year . Hockey can be a strange game .
- oldduffman

The difference is Vegas actually had good players unlike this group of misfits. Like does anyone actually believe guys like Domi, AA and Sam Lafferty have been misused in their careers? Or Tyler Johnson found what Ponce de Leon was looking for in the time he spent in TB? Seth Jones will manage to stay upright? McCabe to make quicker decisions with the puck?

If they avoid being slaughtered on a nightly basis the season will be a success.

The One Goal for this season is Tank Hard for Bedard.

Hawks have announced uniform numbers for their new players. There's a picture of the sweaters out there but I haven't been able to paste it here.

Anyway to all Tony-O fans, Mrazek is now officially #34. Note that the intern over at the Hawks official web site hasn't updated the roster page yet.
- boilermaker100

Vlasic gave up 43 to Blackwell and will be wearing 72. Ya think someone would tell the kid to pick a different number but here we are.

Domi will wear 13
AA 89
Stalock 32
Sikura 79 and the other two we know

All signs point to the Hawks taking the long road. That would mean less time initially for the young guys. I'm still not sure if Reichel makes the team out of camp. I would guess, at most, we see two or three younger players get time to start the year. Some more likely toward the end of the year.

I still think that Richardson is going to have more impact on this team this year than any player. He's stated they are going to simplify the defense. How many times over the past four years have we heard that "we need to simplify our game, play better defense and the chances will come."? Almost every game. The Hawks have also added a number of players who have no issue at all going to the net and fighting for pucks/chances. Lafferty, Domi, Katchouk, Raddysh, Athanasiou (to an extent), in addition to Entwistle, Khaira (if he plays) and most of whoever they would actually call up from RFD.

I would also think that the Hawk defenders will improve by default. There will much less thinking and more reacting in the D-zone. That can only help everyone. As much as I can hear several people's heads exploding, I think Murphy will be much improved without having to chase guys around the zone. I think health will be the most critical issue.

Regarding the vets, I think if they really want to be traded to a contender, they will want to put their best foot forward so that more teams will have interest.

If literally everything goes right, I think the Hawks can be a middle of the pack team. I expect results less than that. The question that I have is if the Hawks surprisingly find themselves in a playoff spot near the trade deadline (not fringe, but actually solidly in a spot), does KD change tact? Would he break up a "competitive" team to keep pushing his vision. It seems like he would, but I think it would be a bit hard to swallow for the players and fans alike.
- Chunk

If this team is anywhere near a playoff spot I will eat my shorts.

The difference is Vegas actually had good players unlike this group of misfits. Like does anyone actually believe guys like Domi, AA and Sam Lafferty have been misused in their careers? Or Tyler Johnson found what Ponce de Leon was looking for in the time he spent in TB? Seth Jones will manage to stay upright? McCabe to make quicker decisions with the puck?

If they avoid being slaughtered on a nightly basis the season will be a success.

The One Goal for this season is Tank Hard for Bedard.
- Elbows15

i am on board all the way with the #tankhardforBedard .But as some say the best laid plans never get laid . And we have some good players if they stick around and never underestimate the confidence of youth . I will still be rooting for the boys on a nightly bases

If this team is anywhere near a playoff spot I will eat my shorts.
- Elbows15

100%. Again, my interest was in seeing how dedicated to the plan KD would be depending on the situation.

100%. Again, my interest was in seeing how dedicated to the plan KD would be depending on the situation.
- Chunk

I would say he has no choice but to stick to the plan. I know it was a point for discussion but I just don't see a way for it to be even an area of concern for him given the roster.

In my most optimistic mode I don't see a way for this roster to surpass 65 points. I think they are going to be closer to 2014 Avs bad. Think that was the year they had 48-ish points.

That is even without trading Kane before the season. Its going to be a hard watch especially since there really aren't many young players on the roster. Especially at forwards. And the D-men spots seem filled with vets unless a couple get moved.

But everyone loves watching a train wreck I guess and after Mrazek blows up his groin we might find out if Soderblom has a future.

If this team is anywhere near a playoff spot I will eat my shorts.
- Elbows15

Bacon strips and all?

Bacon strips and all?
- paulr

Still experiencing a TP shortage up there?

Still experiencing a TP shortage up there?
- Elbows15

No, I bought a lifetime supply in early 2020

No, I bought a lifetime supply in early 2020
- paulr

No wonder TP companies are in a slump

No wonder TP companies are in a slump
- Elbows15

In horse racing parlance, they’re wiping up the rear.

I would say he has no choice but to stick to the plan. I know it was a point for discussion but I just don't see a way for it to be even an area of concern for him given the roster.

In my most optimistic mode I don't see a way for this roster to surpass 65 points. I think they are going to be closer to 2014 Avs bad. Think that was the year they had 48-ish points.

That is even without trading Kane before the season. Its going to be a hard watch especially since there really aren't many young players on the roster. Especially at forwards. And the D-men spots seem filled with vets unless a couple get moved.

But everyone loves watching a train wreck I guess and after Mrazek blows up his groin we might find out if Soderblom has a future.
- Elbows15

Well 65 points would have put them 5th from the bottom last year. ARI and MTL with 57 and 55 respectively were the bottom 2. For the sake of the Bedard watch, let's hope they get less than 60 points, something like a 25-50-7 record.

Well 65 points would have put them 5th from the bottom last year. ARI and MTL with 57 and 55 respectively were the bottom 2. For the sake of the Bedard watch, let's hope they get less than 60 points, something like a 25-50-7 record.
- boilermaker100

They'll be lucky to win 20 games this year

I changed my mind on where I want Kaner to go if agrees he needs another Cup run:

A Ranger Russian reunion with Breadman, mostly because the fact they have history, it makes him a bit more insurance Panarin is in the game.

Besides I want basically for this superstar if the Blackhawks take on half the salary,

1) LW Brennan Othmann (Elbows' boy from last draft. He is only 6 foot but he is physical and a scorer. That precedes asking fora roster guy coming on slowly. Sure they can easily unload Kaapo Kakko, but I think they aren't doing subtraction by way of full season strating forwards...He IS going to eventually be that in close dominant big man.He is signed until end of 2023-24 C Filip Chytil will need a new deal after this year. I just don't think they are commodities available, or Lafrenière, After the six foot Othmann, I would prefer a 2023 first rounder no matter where they finish than any body else they drafted.
Sure getting part of the Rangers' kid line works better as a now upgrade with Othmann, but I would stand firm on Othmann and the pick...if the others are off the table.
Somewhere a long the timeline a big CENTRE is a NEED... (please no lil Dach centre ideas, ok?)
We know Bedard can play centre, as Nazar but Frankie would be my F 1, Bedard wherever he feels comfortable, but a bigger fast tough face-off man would make work or maybe Fantilli is our gift with Nazar and get a good in the dot centre with our 2023 Tampa first...

I changed my mind on where I want Kaner to go if agrees he needs another Cup run:

A Ranger Russian reunion with Breadman, mostly because the fact they have history, it makes him a bit more insurance Panarin is in the game.

Besides I want basically for this superstar if the Blackhawks take on half the salary,

1) LW Brennan Othmann (Elbows' boy from last draft. He is only 6 foot but he is physical and a scorer. That precedes asking fora roster guy coming on slowly. Sure they can easily unload Kaapo Kakko, but I think they aren't doing subtraction by way of full season strating forwards...He IS going to eventually be that in close dominant big man.He is signed until end of 2023-24 C Filip Chytil will need a new deal after this year. I just don't think they are commodities available, or Lafrenière, After the six foot Othmann, I would prefer a 2023 first rounder no matter where they finish than any body else they drafted.
Sure getting part of the Rangers' kid line works better as a now upgrade with Othmann, but I would stand firm on Othmann and the pick...if the others are off the table.
Somewhere a long the timeline a big CENTRE is a NEED... (please no lil Dach centre ideas, ok?)
We know Bedard can play centre, as Nazar but Frankie would be my F 1, Bedard wherever he feels comfortable, but a bigger fast tough face-off man would make work or maybe Fantilli is our gift with Nazar and get a good in the dot centre with our 2023 Tampa first...
- wiz1901

Othmann and a 1st would be a nice package for Kane. KD could ask for that but some things have to fall into place to get that return.

Kane really has to be disenchanted with the direction of the Hawks to waive his NMC. Personally I see him sticking around and chasing Stan Mikita's franchise point total.

And if he does waive and only wants to go to the New York, the Rangers have the negotiating edge. Now if Kane waives and names maybe three teams he would play for, KD can play one team off against another and a bidding war could ensue.