Looks like capfriendly has the final roster set.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/blackhawks
- boilermaker100

11 mil in cap space, and 25 mil coming off the books this year.

Based on these predictions, the entire western conference postseason teams will be the same and only two changes in the east. Pretty sure that hasn't happened in the cap era. There will almost definitely be a lot more turnover than that.

11 mil in cap space, and 25 mil coming off the books this year.
- vabeachbear

The Hawks will have a lot of spending to do to get to the floor.

Reichel will get a new deal, but likely a reasonable bridge contract. There’s a bunch of other RFAs, but again, nobody that will demand a huge raise. Vlasic and Raddysh may be in line for the biggest raise in the group.

11 mil in cap space, and 25 mil coming off the books this year.
- vabeachbear

A few million of that cap space could go to Bedard’s and possibly KK's ELC's bonuses. Likewise in the two following years. Shouldn't be a problem.

The Hawks will have a lot of spending to do to get to the floor.

Reichel will get a new deal, but likely a reasonable bridge contract. There’s a bunch of other RFAs, but again, nobody that will demand a huge raise. Vlasic and Raddysh may be in line for the biggest raise in the group.
- DarthKane

There will still be plenty to spend after those three. Maybe Foligno and Perry re-up for similar amounts if they have anything left in the tank. Maybe D!ckinson hangs around. And there will most likely be a salary dump or two available that KFC could pick up and get a sweetener to boot.

I guess they really weren't on their way b/c of attitude, or desire to win a cup soon...
- wiz1901

The win Jets is expected now that they have committed to two of their big stars

Their fans are going to be disappointed when they cannot b at the very best teams in their Conference - which Ihas been the Avalanche and Stars. Now of course we have to include Cup winning Vegas.

Minnesota is a tough foe who hopes either the grizzled veteran Fleury or very good rookie goaltender can carry them farther in playoffs.

But wait…,hold on …..some day Edmonton may get to the Cup final. With that goaltending I wouldn’t count on it

Just don’t count on Winnipeg to get through to the Stanley Cip with so many teams better than them
You can say Seattle Kraken , too. They won’t be easy to dispense

So after Winnioeg will fail to get very far in the next two playoff years, they could entertain. trading signed star players - the big two they just signed

How old was Hammer when he started playing his offside? I believe it was fairly early in his career?

- rpeters01

I was expecting this comparison, but as much as I like Kaiser, he will never be as good as Hammer defensively, so basically two different animals.

I was expecting this comparison, but as much as I like Kaiser, he will never be as good as Hammer defensively, so basically two different animals.
- Angotti

Yes let’s declare Kaiser unable to reach Hammer’s ceiling after a single digit amount of games :/

A few million of that cap space could go to Bedard’s and possibly KK's ELC's bonuses. Likewise in the two following years. Shouldn't be a problem.
- boilermaker100

Reichel, Vlasic, Kaiser, and Gutman i believe all can receive a bonus as well, maybe even both bonuses for some

Yes let’s declare Kaiser unable to reach Hammer’s ceiling after a single digit amount of games :/
- ObeseOprah

I understand your point, and I’m a Kaiser fan, but I’ll go out on the limb and say that he will never be as good defensively as Hammer, who was one of the best defensive defenseman in the league the last 20 years.

Looks like Nick Lardis has 4 goals in 4 games for Brantford.

Martin Misiak has a goal in his first 4 games.

Roman Kantserov has a goal and 4 assists for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 16 KHL games.

Looks like Nick Lardis has 4 goals in 4 games for Brantford.

Martin Misiak has a goal in his first 4 games.

Roman Kantserov has a goal and 4 assists for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 16 KHL games.
- wiz1901

I see Lardis against the Gens a week Friday.

The Hawks will have a lot of spending to do to get to the floor.

Reichel will get a new deal, but likely a reasonable bridge contract. There’s a bunch of other RFAs, but again, nobody that will demand a huge raise. Vlasic and Raddysh may be in line for the biggest raise in the group.
- DarthKane

I don't mind Raddysh, but he's a bit overated to me. I don't mind extending him either, but it would by nice to not overpay, and keep to about 3 years.

Looks like Nick Lardis has 4 goals in 4 games for Brantford.

Martin Misiak has a goal in his first 4 games.

Roman Kantserov has a goal and 4 assists for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 16 KHL games.
- wiz1901

https://x.com/khl_eng/sta...K0V3KYwzk_xoVqs2r33w&s=01

I understand your point, and I’m a Kaiser fan, but I’ll go out on the limb and say that he will never be as good defensively as Hammer, who was one of the best defensive defenseman in the league the last 20 years.
- Angotti

He might be decent, but I think he still needs to get stronger. For me, I don't think he is in the Hjalmarsson mold, as he is smaller, quicker and just don't know if he will ever be able to physically battle as well as Hjalmarsson did. Not saying he won't be effective but just I think Kaiser reminds me more of Keith, but again not saying he will be as good as Keith, but the quick skating, quick feet, smart and hard working competitive nature he seems to have on the ice.

I know this wasn't a direct comparison you were making, but I just don't know that he will be exactly that type of Dman. I don't know that we have another Hjalmarsson as a D specialist right now (or that we will need one) but for me Vlasic is the young guy who is closest in my eyes.

He might be decent, but I think he still needs to get stronger. For me, I don't think he is in the Hjalmarsson mold, as he is smaller, quicker and just don't know if he will ever be able to physically battle as well as Hjalmarsson did. Not saying he won't be effective but just I think Kaiser reminds me more of Keith, but again not saying he will be as good as Keith, but the quick skating, quick feet, smart and hard working competitive nature he seems to have on the ice.

I know this wasn't a direct comparison you were making, but I just don't know that he will be exactly that type of Dman. I don't know that we have another Hjalmarsson as a D specialist right now (or that we will need one) but for me Vlasic is the young guy who is closest in my eyes.
- breadbag

I'd move away from comparing any of these guys to former players. You aren't going to rebuild that team, and each team is different. KD has built a pool of players that compete and skate all over the ice. Most of the D-men not named Korchinski are more defensively wired, but they bring other attributes to the game as well. Some are bigger hitters, others bring a big shot, some are better skaters.

If/when they win anything it will look different than when the team has won in the past. Watch to see what each of these players turns into and get excited for the different attributes they bring to the team.

The win Jets is expected now that they have committed to two of their big stars

Their fans are going to be disappointed when they cannot b at the very best teams in their Conference - which Ihas been the Avalanche and Stars. Now of course we have to include Cup winning Vegas.

Minnesota is a tough foe who hopes either the grizzled veteran Fleury or very good rookie goaltender can carry them farther in playoffs.

But wait…,hold on …..some day Edmonton may get to the Cup final. With that goaltending I wouldn’t count on it

Just don’t count on Winnipeg to get through to the Stanley Cip with so many teams better than them
You can say Seattle Kraken , too. They won’t be easy to dispense

So after Winnioeg will fail to get very far in the next two playoff years, they could entertain. trading signed star players - the big two they just signed
- jhawk59

Or they could've traded them this offseason, and started their inevitable rebuild which they'll have to do anyway.

Are those two worth more last year, trade deadline on, or now with all that term?? Schieffle drafted in 2011, Helleybuck while good, has a lot of tread on those tires, I guess we'll see.

I'd move away from comparing any of these guys to former players. You aren't going to rebuild that team, and each team is different. KD has built a pool of players that compete and skate all over the ice. Most of the D-men not named Korchinski are more defensively wired, but they bring other attributes to the game as well. Some are bigger hitters, others bring a big shot, some are better skaters.

If/when they win anything it will look different than when the team has won in the past. Watch to see what each of these players turns into and get excited for the different attributes they bring to the team.
- Chunk

Even each cup team was different

Prediction
Pens remember Hawks basically eliminated them from playoff contention last season and put a pasting on the Hawks in their home opener.

They smother Bedard and expose the Hawks weak 2nd and 4th lines and inexperienced defenders.

I hope I am 100% wrong.

Just glad we are playing hockey again.

Prediction
Pens remember Hawks basically eliminated them from playoff contention last season and put a pasting on the Hawks in their home opener.

They smother Bedard and expose the Hawks weak 2nd and 4th lines and inexperienced defenders.

I hope I am 100% wrong.

Just glad we are playing hockey again.
- Ztra

I bet you're fun at parties.

He might be decent, but I think he still needs to get stronger. For me, I don't think he is in the Hjalmarsson mold, as he is smaller, quicker and just don't know if he will ever be able to physically battle as well as Hjalmarsson did. Not saying he won't be effective but just I think Kaiser reminds me more of Keith, but again not saying he will be as good as Keith, but the quick skating, quick feet, smart and hard working competitive nature he seems to have on the ice.

I know this wasn't a direct comparison you were making, but I just don't know that he will be exactly that type of Dman. I don't know that we have another Hjalmarsson as a D specialist right now (or that we will need one) but for me Vlasic is the young guy who is closest in my eyes.
- breadbag

That’s correct bread, different type of players. I like what Kaiser brings to the table, and he seems to have a good hockey IQ. Can’t wait to see the three rookie dmen, along with Bedard, Reichel, and Guttman.

That’s correct bread, different type of players. I like what Kaiser brings to the table, and he seems to have a good hockey IQ. Can’t wait to see the three rookie dmen, along with Bedard, Reichel, and Guttman.
- Angotti

While I am certainly interested to see the rookies and young guys play, I'm also really excited to see Perry in a Hawks sweater for a real game. It just seems so foreign, but really interesting to see what he brings. By all indications, he's got the same interest level and love for hockey that Bedard does. He's simply older and slower.

While I am certainly interested to see the rookies and young guys play, I'm also really excited to see Perry in a Hawks sweater for a real game. It just seems so foreign, but really interesting to see what he brings. By all indications, he's got the same interest level and love for hockey that Bedard does. He's simply older and slower.
- Chunk

Yes, interested in some of the other guys that they brought in as well, I also think that Foligno was a good add. I’ll say the Hawks will improve by 10-12 points this year, or maybe I’m drinking too much koolaid, either way they should be fun to watch.

Yes, interested in some of the other guys that they brought in as well, I also think that Foligno was a good add. I’ll say the Hawks will improve by 10-12 points this year, or maybe I’m drinking too much koolaid, either way they should be fun to watch.
- Angotti

Not really Kool-Aid. It's more that most of us are really excited about all the new guys and they haven't really had the chance to disappoint us yet. To me, the biggest unknown is how the D-pairs mesh. I think if they actually play well off of each other, this team can be much better than last year. I think the forward lines have a little more talent and better depth than last year. Again, if they can all play as a unit and not as individuals, the results can be really exciting.

Prediction
Pens remember Hawks basically eliminated them from playoff contention last season and put a pasting on the Hawks in their home opener.

They smother Bedard and expose the Hawks weak 2nd and 4th lines and inexperienced defenders.

I hope I am 100% wrong.

Just glad we are playing hockey again.
- Ztra

.

As much as I'd like to see them win, that's a bonus. The next best part of the rebuild for me is to see the kids come up through the ranks. I didn't really appreciate it as much in the 2000s because i felt this franchise was clueless. I like how aggressive KD is with it, not at first i was in shock, but it makes so much sense to me.

Bedard has been smothered in all the preseason games anyways, he'll be fine and figure it out, and even so he's managed to get behind the defense in most of those games because of his high hockey IQ.