No one seems to address the 3 obvious reasons why the Blackhawks are in state state they are currently in. First on the list has to be Bowman. Too many BLOATED contracts, including but not limited to the one he gave to Toews. With that said, Captain Serious was never worth 10.5 MM a year IMO...Kane yes, Toews no, but again, Bowman started a ritual where they were tied to the hip in contract status. Second on the list has to be ownership...namely Wirtz. Someone had to approve the contracts AND trades that Bowman orchestrated. If ownership stepped in and asked Bowman "Are you out of your &^&%ing mind?", even just a couple of times, things would have gone down much differently. Perhaps it was his (Wirtz) attempt to erase the days of his father Dollar Bill, but in doing so, he and Bowman killed what should be a still running dynasty. Last on the list is the fact that due to the 2 aforementioned folks calling the shots in Chitown, Davidson has come in to a show that was forced into a rebuild. Despite that, trading away YOUNG talent is not how a successful rebuild works. This is especially true in regard to trading Debrincat and Hagel. It also pertains to not qualifying Strome and even Kubalik. Look at the Hawks draft history, how many players have actually gone on to be "stars", I'm not talking Kane type stars but more so Keith, Seabrook and Crawford type players? It doesn't happen often so why would you trade a proven 40 goal scorer to draft some 18 year old kid with potential? A bird (or in this case a cat) in the hand is worth far more than 2 in the bush. Prepare for dark years...it is going to take quite some time before this team is a force let alone even considered a force.
- Chisoxhawk

So, without trading ADB, and Dach for picks, you have Reichel coming up in the next three years, and a defenseman or two. The team as constructed couldn’t come close to a playoff spot. Having cat and Hagel play on a crap team doesn’t get you anywhere.

You couldn’t give away Kubalik and Strome at the deadline. It’s because they leave a lot to be desired.

...and those moves you speak of were done by Bowman...a feeble attempt to salvage a sinking ship.....

...and those moves you speak of were done by Bowman...a feeble attempt to salvage a sinking ship.....
- Chisoxhawk

No, Davidson traded ADB, Hagel, and let Strome and Kubalik walk. Be that as it may, Bowman is gone, KD has just about (or will continue) purging all things Bowman. Can’t wait to see your posts when Kane and Toews get traded.

...and those moves you speak of were done by Bowman...a feeble attempt to salvage a sinking ship.....
- Chisoxhawk

In addition to what was previously mentioned, regarding Toews and his bloated deal...not long after it was signed, there was a poll taken by GM's around the league that put him at the top of the list (even ahead of Sid) as the player to build a team around.

The biggest reason the Toews deal started looking rich was because he started wearing down and couldn't sustain that level of play...that and probably Hossa getting older as well and eventually retiring. But why let facts get in the way of a rant based in hindsight.

Is NAZAR in camp. Will we see him tomorrow night
- glennjpawlak22

Not allowed due to college play

Athletic's Scott Powers' projections of opening night roster -

T. Johnson – Toews – Blackwell
Raddysh – Domi – Kane
Athanasiou – Lafferty – Katchouk
Khaira – Kurashev – Entwistle
R. Johnson

C. Jones – S. Jones
J. Johnson – Murphy
Stillman – Regula

Mrazek - Stalock

So basically a veteran lineup with the exception of Regula. No 7D listed. Maybe it will be Vlasic or another youngster until McCabe returns. No Reichel either.

Athletic's Scott Powers' projections of opening night roster -

T. Johnson – Toews – Blackwell
Raddysh – Domi – Kane
Athanasiou – Lafferty – Katchouk
Khaira – Kurashev – Entwistle
R. Johnson

C. Jones – S. Jones
J. Johnson – Murphy
Stillman – Regula

Mrazek - Stalock



So basically a veteran lineup with the exception of Regula. No 7D listed. Maybe it will be Vlasic or another youngster until McCabe returns. No Reichel either.
- boilermaker100

They are on the road tomorrow night. My guess is Toews and some other vets don't make the trip and we see Reichel and some other fresh meat in the line-up then.

They are on the road tomorrow night. My guess is Toews and some other vets don't make the trip and we see Reichel and some other fresh meat in the line-up then.
- Rota's Rooter

Richardson said both Toew's and Kane are playing in the first exhibition.

Is Lukas starting on the Rock because they are saving him from the suckage (and to enhance the tank), or because they see him as Sikura II?

They are on the road tomorrow night. My guess is Toews and some other vets don't make the trip and we see Reichel and some other fresh meat in the line-up then.
- Rota's Rooter

Maybe I wasn't clear. That was Powers' thoughts on the regular season opening night roster. So he thinks Reichel will start the season in Rockford.

Richardson said both Toew's and Kane are playing in the first exhibition.
- LAHawk

That's usually the case. Play the stars in front of the home crowd and give them time off during the road exhibitions games.

Blackhawks lines in morning skate vs. Blues:

Athanasiou-Domi-Kane
TJohnson-Toews-Raddysh
Robinson-Guttman-Blackwell
Savoie-Slavin-Teply

Vlasic-SJones
Korchinski-Murphy
Del Mastro-CJones

Mrazek/Stalock

Blackhawks lines in morning skate vs. Blues:

Athanasiou-Domi-Kane
TJohnson-Toews-Raddysh
Robinson-Guttman-Blackwell
Savoie-Slavin-Teply

Vlasic-SJones
Korchinski-Murphy
Del Mastro-CJones

Mrazek/Stalock
- LAHawk

I'm surprised to see that Toews cracked the top 6, must be feeling better.

GameDay Blog: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=118833