When you look at all these past cup teams sure they've got a great core but they always lose complimentary players, its what does all of them in including us.
- BetweenTheDots

For the Hawks, 2010 they have some incredible depth and guys who weren't labelled as "core" doing a lot for sure. Outside of Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, we had.

Bolland, Brouwer, Ladd, Madden, Kopecky, Versteeg, Eager, Byfuglien, Sopel, Boynton

2013 Hawks again great depth, especially on the back end.
You have almost the same core guys, but then again

Bolland, Saad, Shaw, Frolik, Bickell, Kruger, Handzus, Stalberg, Leddy, Rozsival.

Yeah a few guys were kind of past their prime but the majority of the supporting cast were just hitting their stride at the NHL level or in the middle of their best NHL years. Many of the players went on to bigger roles with other teams when the Cap meant they could not remain in Chicago.

Fast forward to today, the Hawks are trying to build a core for the future and will need a lot of depth. Still so many question marks still.

It is Chico Maki Day! #16 There were a few good players to wear this number. Hull's first number and his brother, Rich Preston, Ed Olczyk, Ladd, Krueger to name a few.
But it is Maki day none the less.

For the Hawks, 2010 they have some incredible depth and guys who weren't labelled as "core" doing a lot for sure. Outside of Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, we had.

Bolland, Brouwer, Ladd, Madden, Kopecky, Versteeg, Eager, Byfuglien, Sopel, Boynton

2013 Hawks again great depth, especially on the back end.
You have almost the same core guys, but then again

Bolland, Saad, Shaw, Frolik, Bickell, Kruger, Handzus, Stalberg, Leddy, Rozsival.

Yeah a few guys were kind of past their prime but the majority of the supporting cast were just hitting their stride at the NHL level or in the middle of their best NHL years. Many of the players went on to bigger roles with other teams when the Cap meant they could not remain in Chicago.

Fast forward to today, the Hawks are trying to build a core for the future and will need a lot of depth. Still so many question marks still.
- breadbag

Absolutely, that's why I'm a big fan of basically starting over and 2 years in a row we've drafted 11 players with 16 of them in the top 100.

I believe one of the question marks is right in front of you how do you accumulate that talent and depth, its definitely not how the Oilers did

Absolutely, that's why I'm a big fan of basically starting over and 2 years in a row we've drafted 11 players with 16 of them in the top 100.

I believe one of the question marks is right in front of you how do you accumulate that talent and depth, its definitely not how the Oilers did
- BetweenTheDots

Seems to me that they are doing well at getting the middle six forwards, and 2nd and 3rd pairing defensemen. What they need are the cornerstones - so far they have one.

I watched the Hossa farewell game last week and it was a pretty decent game to watch, particularly with the hawks from the cups era participating.

Looks like it is being broadcast again on Sunday night about 7:15pm. It started a bit late when i watched it last week, so the time may not be exact.

Here is the link to the schedule.

https://jojsport.joj.sk/program?date=2023-08-27

Here is my take at the schedule,
The schedule shows it at 2:15 am Monday morning slovak time, which i think turns into Sunday at 7:15pm here.

Here is the link to the live stream of the channel it will be broadcast on:

http://tv.popcornuj.eu/?t...5DJh1U_J2tBMzqedeKv9Rpqtc

If you want to understand the play by play, brush up on your Slovak
- bhawk1s

I just want to see how large big Buff is..

I just want to see how large big Buff is..
- wiz1901

From what i recall, he seemed to play fairly decent, good instincts etc but his skating was much slower. Did not look real out of shape till closeups of his face, he has filled out a bit. I noticed Keith observing the puck go into his net quite a bit though, maybe its just that he was fast enough to be in camera range

Hi everyone, Avid reader but haven't posted for years. I need a bit of advice, I will be in Las Vegas in April next year (yes it is timed to coincide with the Blackhawks being in town). I obviously have to go to the Knights v Blackhawks game but am unsure on the best way to get tickets. Is it as easy as buying them through NHL.com? Do I need an app? I will be buying them from New Zealand. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Hi everyone, Avid reader but haven't posted for years. I need a bit of advice, I will be in Las Vegas in April next year (yes it is timed to coincide with the Blackhawks being in town). I obviously have to go to the Knights v Blackhawks game but am unsure on the best way to get tickets. Is it as easy as buying them through NHL.com? Do I need an app? I will be buying them from New Zealand. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
- NZBlackHawk

I would buy then well ahead of time. Bedard sold out every building he was playing in the WHL, including the 20K+ saddledome. I expect no less in the NHL
https://www.ticketmaster....ts-tickets/artist/2386258

I would buy then well ahead of time. Bedard sold out every building he was playing in the WHL, including the 20K+ saddledome. I expect no less in the NHL
https://www.ticketmaster....ts-tickets/artist/2386258
- wizardofi

Thanks for the link. I was looking to book in the next day or so, there seems to be more tickets available through nhl.com is that a good option?

Seems to me that they are doing well at getting the middle six forwards, and 2nd and 3rd pairing defensemen. What they need are the cornerstones - so far they have one.
- mohel

That’s the funny thing about NHL draft picks. You don’t always know where your stars are going to come from. 22 picks over the last two years, and multiple high ones in the next three.

Thanks for the link. I was looking to book in the next day or so, there seems to be more tickets available through nhl.com is that a good option?
- NZBlackHawk

I don't believe you can resell those tickets if for whatever reason you don't make the trip.

That’s the funny thing about NHL draft picks. You don’t always know where your stars are going to come from. 22 picks over the last two years, and multiple high ones in the next three.
- Chunk

You know these things have to happen over time. Many are worried so much he's going to (frank) it up. Everyone is right we have limited NHL talent so far, also say he knows how to tear it down.

The last i checked many are saying that the top 5 players in our system are Bedard, Korchinski, Moore, Reichel, Nazar. So analysts are recognizing these are the best players in our system right now and 4 out of 5 were drafted in the last 2 years. So KD has done something else correctly put a lot more high end talent in our system.

Safanov is a perfect example of drafting. Didn't hear poop about him and all of a sudden his name is coming up this summer.

Those top 5 all have top 6, or top 4 potential. Now it's up to them and the team to help them develop the best way possible.

You know these things have to happen over time. Many are worried so much he's going to (frank) it up. Everyone is right we have limited NHL talent so far, also say he knows how to tear it down.

The last i checked many are saying that the top 5 players in our system are Bedard, Korchinski, Moore, Reichel, Nazar. So analysts are recognizing these are the best players in our system right now and 4 out of 5 were drafted in the last 2 years. So KD has done something else correctly put a lot more high end talent in our system.

Safanov is a perfect example of drafting. Didn't hear poop about him and all of a sudden his name is coming up this summer.

Those top 5 all have top 6, or top 4 potential. Now it's up to them and the team to help them develop the best way possible.
- BetweenTheDots

Safonov popped up because Powers needed a new Russian to fawn over. 😂

On the point you are making. I agree. He’s built up a lot of talent in the prospect ranks. I’m always interested to see the later round picks who turn into something special. Ideally, the 1st rounders at least hit their projected floor.

It is Chico Maki Day! #16 There were a few good players to wear this number. Hull's first number and his brother, Rich Preston, Ed Olczyk, Ladd, Krueger to name a few.
But it is Maki day none the less.
- bjphawkfan

Michel Goulet

Absolutely, that's why I'm a big fan of basically starting over and 2 years in a row we've drafted 11 players with 16 of them in the top 100.

I believe one of the question marks is right in front of you how do you accumulate that talent and depth, its definitely not how the Oilers did
- BetweenTheDots

If they don't trade and get anymore high picks, or trade away current picks for a player or two they will have potentially on how teams finish in '25 and '26, 34 top 100 picks over a 5 year stretch.

That's really amazing when you think about it. Though im not convinced KD is done adding picks yet. With the current cap space, and a trade of some current players, its not out of the question that you could get a few more.

If you want to rebuild and build sustainable depth in your organization, adding roughly 7.5 top 100 players for 5 years straight, seems like a pretty good way to do it.

Yes you have to be able to scout and develop, but you have way more chances than you normally would.

If you do it right, you can trade surpluses at certain positions for either weaknesses, or keep adding future draft picks with players who may be able to play, just can't crack your line up.

And lastly, don't deviate from your plan, unless, you are confident a move will get you a cup.

If they don't trade and get anymore high picks, or trade away current picks for a player or two they will have potentially on how teams finish in '25 and '26, 34 top 100 picks over a 5 year stretch.

That's really amazing when you think about it. Though im not convinced KD is done adding picks yet. With the current cap space, and a trade of some current players, its not out of the question that you could get a few more.

If you want to rebuild and build sustainable depth in your organization, adding roughly 7.5 top 100 players for 5 years straight, seems like a pretty good way to do it.

Yes you have to be able to scout and develop, but you have way more chances than you normally would.

If you do it right, you can trade surpluses at certain positions for either weaknesses, or keep adding future draft picks with players who may be able to play, just can't crack your line up.

And lastly, don't deviate from your plan, unless, you are confident a move will get you a cup.
- vabeachbear

I agree, you see Arizona, Buffalo have gone this route to a similar degree, Arizona has a ton of 2nd round picks the next few years. Philly with Briere, like LA says it's a copy cat league. Will not surprise me to see Buffalo become a consistent playoff team once the talent from 21, 22, 23 drafts start coming up through the ranks, because they have a lot of nice NHL pieces right now.

Plus, since Bedard's name sells tickets alone and we were so fortunate to win the lotto, it keeps Danny off of KDs back to win now.

Seems to me that they are doing well at getting the middle six forwards, and 2nd and 3rd pairing defensemen. What they need are the cornerstones - so far they have one.
- mohel

It seems the Hawks (right now) will have 3 more drafts of high volume of picks in the first 2 rounds. 5 picks in the first and 8 in the second round of the next 3 drafts, and that is without whatever they can sell off in the next couple seasons.

While that may be true, some of the cornerstones don't look like them until they are nearly NHL ready. They will likely have the odd draft pick that surprises. I mean, Keith was a second round pick 54th overall and was at least as important as Kane/Toews when it came to winning cups. Seabrook was a middle of the first round pick.

Looking back at the Hawks just as an example, the majority of the success was built over 5-7 years of draft and trading. KD is giving the coaching staff some talent in the pipeline and we'll have to see what they can do with it over the next handful of years.

If they don't trade and get anymore high picks, or trade away current picks for a player or two they will have potentially on how teams finish in '25 and '26, 34 top 100 picks over a 5 year stretch.

That's really amazing when you think about it. Though im not convinced KD is done adding picks yet. With the current cap space, and a trade of some current players, its not out of the question that you could get a few more.

If you want to rebuild and build sustainable depth in your organization, adding roughly 7.5 top 100 players for 5 years straight, seems like a pretty good way to do it.

Yes you have to be able to scout and develop, but you have way more chances than you normally would.

If you do it right, you can trade surpluses at certain positions for either weaknesses, or keep adding future draft picks with players who may be able to play, just can't crack your line up.

And lastly, don't deviate from your plan, unless, you are confident a move will get you a cup.
- vabeachbear

I don't think he is done acquiring draft picks either. I'm willing to bet they will keep eating cap hit for value in trades for at least this season and the next.

KD may have brought in guys to help Bedard, but none of them factor into the long term and there are still parts that I'm sure he is hoping can get enough value to be worth trading. I actually expect KD will keep getting picks further out when he can to keep the pipeline healthy in the long term, until the team starts to flip from "rebuild" to "competitive" to "win now" (hopefully).

Safonov popped up because Powers needed a new Russian to fawn over. 😂

On the point you are making. I agree. He’s built up a lot of talent in the prospect ranks. I’m always interested to see the later round picks who turn into something special. Ideally, the 1st rounders at least hit their projected floor.
- Chunk

Was looking at the recent late-rounders:

2020 4 Krutil, Michael D 6-1 176
2020 5 Phillips, Isaak D 6-3 194
2020 6 Yetman, Chad RW 5-11 179
2020 7 Crevier, Louis D 6-8 216

2021 4 Del Mastro, Ethan D 6-4 209
2021 4 Stjernborg, Victor C 5-10 202
2021 6 Safonov, Ilya C 6-4 205
2021 7 Kelley, Connor D 6-1 190
2021 7 Luypen, Jalen LW 5-10 155

2022 6 Gorman, Liam C 6-3 196
2022 6 James, Dominic LW 5-11 165
2022 6 Juntorp, Nils RW 6-1 185
2022 7 Tohila, Riku C 6-8 190

2023 4 Pharand, Alex RW 6-3 201
2023 5 Marcel, Marcel LW 6-4 243
2023 6 Oscarson, Milton RW 6-6 216
2023 7 Peltonen, Janne D 6-3 174

2020 got Phillips and Crevier. Phillips looks promising, Crevier should get a little more time to develop.

2021 Del Mastro coming this year. Safonov is getting interest but is signed in Russia for two more years. Curious about Stjernborg, thick and fast, captained Sweden at WJC last year, needs to break out in the SHL this year and then come over. Kelley stay-at-home RD, played one year with Kaiser, may get a chance with good year at Providence. Luypen flashed here and there, will see how he does at Rockford this year.

2022 Gorman was actually a trade for a #6, is 23 already, big jump in scoring at Princeton last year, at UMass this year - wasn't at development camp, good size though. James had jump in scoring last year, age 21, mid sized guy, is there room for him with all the other forwards? Juntorp has decent size, did OK in USHL last year but is starting in Sweden level 3 this year. Tohila is tall and thin, not sure if he can score much but may get a chance in Liiga this year.

2023 Will see how they do, just hope Marcel can get enough PT now that he is in the AHL. Not sure if Oscarson or Peltonen will get any time in the top leagues this year.

Don't see any obvious breakouts in the unsigned guys yet, curious how Stjernborg and Safonov progress.

Today is Eric Nesterenko Day! #15. The star of Youngblood with Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze. Shout out to Tim Higgins.

I don't think he is done acquiring draft picks either. I'm willing to bet they will keep eating cap hit for value in trades for at least this season and the next.

KD may have brought in guys to help Bedard, but none of them factor into the long term and there are still parts that I'm sure he is hoping can get enough value to be worth trading. I actually expect KD will keep getting picks further out when he can to keep the pipeline healthy in the long term, until the team starts to flip from "rebuild" to "competitive" to "win now" (hopefully).
- breadbag

Agree, think KFC likes to have about 6 top 100 picks each year. Would expect him to fill up 2025 and 2026 (one top 100 each) and then work on the 2027 top 100. Will see how he handles his two retention spots at the deadline.

By 2024-25 there might already start being too few spots for all the guys you want to develop in the AHL. By that time he might be a buyer at the deadline and be able to acquire using the surplus of picks as has been mentioned.

Maybe at deadline:
Perry for 2026 #3
D!ckinson for 2025 #3
Foligno for 2027 #2
T. Johnson for 2027 #3 (definitely have to retain salary)
Blackwell for 2025 #5
Then next year Hall for a 2026 or 2027 late #1.

Agree, think KFC likes to have about 6 top 100 picks each year. Would expect him to fill up 2025 and 2026 (one top 100 each) and then work on the 2027 top 100. Will see how he handles his two retention spots at the deadline.

By 2024-25 there might already start being too few spots for all the guys you want to develop in the AHL. By that time he might be a buyer at the deadline and be able to acquire using the surplus of picks as has been mentioned.

Maybe at deadline:
Perry for 2026 #3
D!ckinson for 2025 #3
Foligno for 2027 #2
T. Johnson for 2027 #3 (definitely have to retain salary)
Blackwell for 2025 #5
Then next year Hall for a 2026 or 2027 late #1.
- totem

Agree there will be another year or two of collecting picks. The above are likely candidates, but the returns would be anyone's guess.

Along with Hall at the 2024-25 TDL, there could be AA, Donato and whoever KD signs as one year free agents next summer. I also have a feeling Murphy gets dealt before his contract expires.

Agree there will be another year or two of collecting picks. The above are likely candidates, but the returns would be anyone's guess.

Along with Hall at the 2024-25 TDL, there could be AA, Donato and whoever KD signs as one year free agents next summer. I also have a feeling Murphy gets dealt before his contract expires.
- boilermaker100

There would not be any surprise for myself if Hall has a break out year statistically; after all he has the pedigre. Should Hall click with Bedard - even more so on the Pp generating points - then KD has to decide if he wants to retain Hall until another season or opportistic time for Hall to be traded

In the rebuild not each player with value has to be traded At least one of Bedard potential linemattes could stay? Even just one more season..The contract for Hall if he sticks around could be a consideration which I am unsure how it affects moving him

There is pressure enough on Bedard and I am at least willing to consider whether a good season from Hall causes him to stick around a while. Waiting for prospects to become NHL capable is a process which might mean give them at least one year once they turn pro (example Nazar). Hall can be a solid player for two years here or more. All the eggs in one basket if Hall and Reichel.is all you have for 1-2 seasons. So Hall could stay beyond next trade deadline if he plays/produces

There would not be any surprise for myself if Hall has a break out year statistically; after all he has the pedigre. Should Hall click with Bedard - even more so on the Pp generating points - then KD has to decide if he wants to retain Hall until another season or opportistic time for Hall to be traded

In the rebuild not each player with value has to be traded At least one of Bedard potential linemattes could stay? Even just one more season..The contract for Hall if he sticks around could be a consideration which I am unsure how it affects moving him

There is pressure enough on Bedard and I am at least willing to consider whether a good season from Hall causes him to stick around a while. Waiting for prospects to become NHL capable is a process which might mean give them at least one year once they turn pro (example Nazar). Hall can be a solid player for two years here or more. All the eggs in one basket if Hall and Reichel.is all you have for 1-2 seasons. So Hall could stay beyond next trade deadline if he plays/produces
- jhawk59

I expect Hall will bounce back a bit with the opportunity for more ice time and a larger role again. I'd expect his ice-time will come in between 19-20 minutes a night, up from the around ~16 minutes a night with Boston and he should be playing PP1 unit all year and get decent amount of Powerplay opportunity. I think realistically we can expect something like 20-25 goals and 35-40 assists for around 60 points, at least for his scoring pace.

I think the TDL factors will come down to a combination of the following.

1) What offers are on the table, because for the right price Hall would be moved for sure. Really will depend how well he plays.
2) Will Chicago eat some salary to move him, they would likely have to eat an extra year of salary to probably fit him onto a contender.
3) How is Bedard dong and is Hall actually mentoring him? Not saying he won't but maybe he won't be the main influence on Bedard.
4) Health and how does it seem he will be looking forward to 24/25. If Hall does well this year and KD feels he can sell high now, rather than risk Hall falling off in 24/25, maybe he pulls the trigger.

Absolutely, that's why I'm a big fan of basically starting over and 2 years in a row we've drafted 11 players with 16 of them in the top 100.

I believe one of the question marks is right in front of you how do you accumulate that talent and depth, its definitely not how the Oilers did
- BetweenTheDots

The right guys at the right time taking a step forward and making quality depth signings that compliment the team rather than disrupt the chemistry.

The oilers have been singled out but certainly Calgary had issues getting the right group or coach for the-chuck or Johnny hockey. It took a bit of time for the right guys to show up for MacKinnon. Took a while to get Ovi his cup.

Joe Thornton was one of the best players in the league for a number of years and never won a cup even though some of those San Jose teams were very good. The Hawks crapped the bed in the 90s when a lot of good players should have gotten one before moving on in their twilight.

Lots of teams other than the oilers have had exceptional players but not been able to win a championship. They've made the playoffs 5/7 years since they drafted McDavid and made it to the conference finals once and out of the first round twice. You could make the same criticism of the Avalanche who couldn't build a team around Statsny or O'Reilly. Stamkos didn't look like he would get a cup until they finally won one.

The Oilers should have a good opportunity to get through the West this year and should have a very good team. Sure they've squandered some picks and made some mistakes but McDavid will have a very good two year window here before Bouchard and ze German need new paper and they'll have to think about what to do with a 32 year old RNH and a 33 year old Hyman. May not be a lot left in Eklhoms tank either.