Zach Jarom: 2023/2024 NHL Playoff and Award Predictions

Very minor detail, but Wright is likely to be in the AHL most of the year after being sent down (and reading Hakstol’s comments on the situation).

Very minor detail, but Wright is likely to be in the AHL most of the year after being sent down (and reading Hakstol’s comments on the situation).
- Chunk

Ah ok thats fair, I knew there was a chance but hadn't paid much attention to that situation other than the fact I wish all junior players could have the same option to play in the AHL over their junior clubs

If he's heathy, Makar should win the Norris with relative ease.

If he's heathy, Makar should win the Norris with relative ease.
- jmatchett383

I think it's going to be an extremely tight race for the Norris. I really like Makar, and in reality, I believe he's going to take it home. I was just was very impressed by Dahlin last year and am pulling for Buffalo to finally take that next step, so I'm putting my eggs in that basket even though it's most likely going to be wrong.

Why does everyone hate the Bruins? I understand they are going to do worse than last year. But, what's changed so much about them that they are gonna fall from arguably the best regular season of all time to out of the playoffs?

Why does everyone hate the Bruins? I understand they are going to do worse than last year. But, what's changed so much about them that they are gonna fall from arguably the best regular season of all time to out of the playoffs?
- Hawkeynation

They lost their top two centers, Bertuzzi, Hall and Foligno (depth scoring). Their top center right now is Charlie Coyle. That’s a lot to lose and maintain performance.

Edit: it’s not about hating the Bruins. It’s understanding the whole situation.

Per CapFriendly,Phillips was sent down. Unless there’s a trade, it’s Zaitsev or Tinordi on 3rd pair.

Edit- or waiver pickup, but doubt it.

Per CapFriendly,Phillips was sent down. Unless there’s a trade, it’s Zaitsev or Tinordi on 3rd pair.

Edit- or waiver pickup, but doubt it.
- Angotti

I wonder if they (or someone else) will claim Bogosian. Lots of tread wear on those tires, but a RD at 850K, he could probably be flipped at the deadline to a contender also.

Lots of love for Devon Levi...yet no love for Logan Cooley, which I have top of the list as Calder winner.

Marner for Selke? Did he learn defense over the summer?

Lots of love for Devon Levi...yet no love for Logan Cooley, which I have top of the list as Calder winner.

Marner for Selke? Did he learn defense over the summer?
- Glak18

Yeah, I have to agree that Cooley should be in the discussion (not sure he wins it, but definitely a strong candidate.

I wonder if they (or someone else) will claim Bogosian. Lots of tread wear on those tires, but a RD at 850K, he could probably be flipped at the deadline to a contender also.
- MartiniMan

Id guess they are going to try and keep as much space open for rookies/prospects as possible on the back end.

I think it's going to be an extremely tight race for the Norris. I really like Makar, and in reality, I believe he's going to take it home. I was just was very impressed by Dahlin last year and am pulling for Buffalo to finally take that next step, so I'm putting my eggs in that basket even though it's most likely going to be wrong.
- Zach Jarom

Heiskanen

Per CapFriendly,Phillips was sent down. Unless there’s a trade, it’s Zaitsev or Tinordi on 3rd pair.

Edit- or waiver pickup, but doubt it.

Jones is on the 1st pair and Murphy is on the 2nd. After that, I think all five other defense will be cycling on different pairings/ healthy scratch (except maybe Korchinski).

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice today — indicating the opening NHL roster:

Hall-Bedard-Donato
TJohnson-Reichel-Raddysh
Foligno-Richardinson-Perry
Katchouk-Guttman-Athanasiou
(Entwistle, RJohnson)

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Tinordi-Kaiser
(Zaitsev)

Soderblom / Mrazek

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice today — indicating the opening NHL roster:

Hall-Bedard-Donato
TJohnson-Reichel-Raddysh
Foligno-Richardinson-Perry
Katchouk-Guttman-Athanasiou
(Entwistle, RJohnson)

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Tinordi-Kaiser
(Zaitsev)

Soderblom / Mrazek
- LAHawk

So looks like Blackwell and Kurashev start the season on IR.

I would like to see them pick up Dylan Coghlan, a RD, on waivers. Waive Zaitsev and send him to Rockford. Play Kaiser at his natural LD on 3rd pairing with Coghlan. Coghlan has over 100 games NHL experience so he's not exactly a newbie.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice today — indicating the opening NHL roster:

Hall-Bedard-Donato
TJohnson-Reichel-Raddysh
Foligno-Richardinson-Perry
Katchouk-Guttman-Athanasiou
(Entwistle, RJohnson)

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Tinordi-Kaiser
(Zaitsev)

Soderblom / Mrazek
- LAHawk

You know it's bad when Zaitsev is sitting and Tinordi is playing, and Kaiser has to play his off side. I hope Kaiser is up for this. I said before it's a big ask for a rookie. The coaches either really believe in him, or they have no other viable options, or some combination thereof.

Lots of love for Devon Levi...yet no love for Logan Cooley, which I have top of the list as Calder winner.

Marner for Selke? Did he learn defense over the summer?
- Glak18

While I don’t think Marner is a top defensive forward, he is, and always has been very strong defensively. He can never be a Hart candidate because when the playoffs come he always proves he’s got no heart.

You know it's bad when Zaitsev is sitting and Tinordi is playing, and Kaiser has to play his off side. I hope Kaiser is up for this. I said before it's a big ask for a rookie. The coaches either really believe in him, or they have no other viable options, or some combination thereof.
- 333inthe3rd

As previously discussed, a defenseman playing on his opposite side was never really a big deal until about 13 years ago. Kaiser will be fine.

Lafferty shipped to Vancouver for a 5th for salary cap reasons.

Really liked him but we are chockful of 3rd and 4th liners.

Per CapFriendly,Phillips was sent down. Unless there’s a trade, it’s Zaitsev or Tinordi on 3rd pair.

Edit- or waiver pickup, but doubt it.
- Angotti

As expected Phillips back in AHL yet this is probably a good move for him him and the Blackhawks

I do not who recall who commented on this in the last blog; the gist of the analysis portrays the benefits of playing in a top pair in the AHL. Phillips may use basicly a season long assignnent to further develop. Returning next season full of confidance is a good thing. The Blackhawks may employ three rookies on defence thjs season and perhaps 1-2 .more rookies again 2024/25.

Too much inexperience vs a Zaitsev/Tinordi third pair - perhaps good coaching and a modicum of more or less a few cup of coffee then a full year in the AHL - is going to be a good enouh recipe for Vlasic to make the grade now as well.as Phillips next season.

Too many kids on same blueline is a concern but some or each of the kids on defence by 2024/25 may actually prove better than heavy reliance upon Tinordi and.Zaitsev.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice today — indicating the opening NHL roster:

Hall-Bedard-Donato
TJohnson-Reichel-Raddysh
Foligno-Richardinson-Perry
Katchouk-Guttman-Athanasiou
(Entwistle, RJohnson)

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Tinordi-Kaiser
(Zaitsev)

Soderblom / Mrazek
- LAHawk

So when Kurashev is ready, probably R Johnson goes down. I’d rather keep Entwistle than Reese Johnson, but not a deal breaker either way.

As previously discussed, a defenseman playing on his opposite side was never really a big deal until about 13 years ago. Kaiser will be fine.
- paulr

You’re right, but I’m going to beat the dead horse, not a fan of a rookie playing his offside.

As previously discussed, a defenseman playing on his opposite side was never really a big deal until about 13 years ago. Kaiser will be fine.
- paulr

I googled this phenomenon, and learned that Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque both played their off side. Notable exceptions aside, has defense improved overall (adjusting for quality of goaltending) since they started paying more attention to putting defensemen on their "correct" side? I would guess it has, given the emphasis on it today.

You’re right, but I’m going to beat the dead horse, not a fan of a rookie playing his offside.
- Angotti

I'd be more concerned about rookies, especially Dmen, standing up to the rigors of a 82 game NHL season and the physical toll it takes. This isn't the 30 game a season, full face shield weekend league anymore. Having the digital dexterity to play the offside is one thing, dealing with getting pounded every night by big nasty forwards is another matter.

Phillips will be back as will some of the other guys that were sent to Rockford. Or maybe they claim a vet defenceman off the wire.