Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Kevin Korchinski is practicing with PP1 and Seth Jones with PP2. I'm sure absolutely no one will be excited about this news......


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice today are the same as Sunday:

Reichel-Bedard-Kurashev
Hall-TJohnson-Raddysh
Foligno-Richardinson-Perry
Donato-Entwistle-RJohnson

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Kaiser-Phillips
- LAHawk

To me this is the best lineup LR can ice given what KD has given him except IMO Katchouk should slot somewhere in the bottom 6 (is Katchouk in KD's dog house and if so is he the first ever in LR's dog house?). Like Reichel being on L1 with Bedard, if we remember that 3rd line was very effective early in the yr and who can wait to see KK on the #1 PP?

I see Tyler Johnson being the most likely of those three to be dealt. I see Foligno staying and getting another one year deal here next year. Not as sure on what happens with Perry. Maybe retirement after this season.

D*ckinson is another one I see being dealt. That could be the second retention slot after Tyler.

I don't know if/when Murphy gets dealt, either. Part of it depends on when they feel it's time to promote some of the prospects.

They're stuck with Zaitsev, it looks like. But they knew this was possible, and they got a 2nd round pick for their troubles.

Tinordi gets a 5th (what John Scott got), if there's a demand for sandpaper.
- 333inthe3rd

Agree, Zaitsev has such a large contract it isn't worth trying to trade him, even retaining salary won't get you anything. I am guessing he goes through waivers mid-season or so, and spends some time on Rockford - while Phillips goes back there for a while to get plenty of minutes and returns later. Guessing that they will want both Zaitsev and Phillips to be eligible for the AHL playoffs.

Also could see Zaitsev back on an AHL contract next year (similar to Bjork this year), especially if Kantserov is brought over (his contract in Russia is up) and starts in Rockford. Could also help with RD Connor Kelley if he is signed out of Providence and starts in AHL.

Can his wife consume alcohol and abuse him?
- powerenforcer

that's a good question. I just found it hilarious that they posted the terms of his release is he can't abuse his wife. I suppose the wife can drink and beat him up.

Well in order for the power play to improve, the Hawks:

Need someone who can win a faceoff, instead of having a clear and have to regroup.

Need to have a controlled entry so they can set up instead of losing the puck at the blueline or losing a 50/50 battle in the corner, having the puck cleared and see scenario 1.

Doesn't matter who the point guy is or where Bedard is stationed of you only have 20-30 seconds of offensvie zone time.
- LAHawk

Well in order for the power play to improve, the Hawks: They need better players.

that's a good question. I just found it hilarious that they posted the terms of his release is he can't abuse his wife. I suppose the wife can drink and beat him up.
- Hawk4life

I love how some people turn this on the alleged victim.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Kevin Korchinski is practicing with PP1 and Seth Jones with PP2. I'm sure absolutely no one will be excited about this news......


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice today are the same as Sunday:

Reichel-Bedard-Kurashev
Hall-TJohnson-Raddysh
Foligno-Richardinson-Perry
Donato-Entwistle-RJohnson

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Kaiser-Phillips
- LAHawk

Bamford listed the PP units in practice today. https://www.bleachernatio...i-to-top-power-play-unit/

PP1: Bedard, Kurashev, Reichel (bumper), Perry (net front), Korchinski
PP2: Hall, T. Johnson, Raddysh (bumper), Foligno (net front), Jones

The Blackhawks currently rank 29th in the NHL on the power play, converting only 11.3 percent of the time. We’ll get our first look at the groups in Columbus on Wednesday night against the Blue Jackets’ fourth-ranked penalty kill.

Agree, Zaitsev has such a large contract it isn't worth trying to trade him, even retaining salary won't get you anything. I am guessing he goes through waivers mid-season or so, and spends some time on Rockford - while Phillips goes back there for a while to get plenty of minutes and returns later. Guessing that they will want both Zaitsev and Phillips to be eligible for the AHL playoffs.

Also could see Zaitsev back on an AHL contract next year (similar to Bjork this year), especially if Kantserov is brought over (his contract in Russia is up) and starts in Rockford. Could also help with RD Connor Kelley if he is signed out of Providence and starts in AHL.
- totem

He'll be 33 next year. He either gets a league minimum deal somewhere with the understanding that he doesn't get sent down, or he retires. I have to wonder if he has a bunch of nagging injuries. He had such a promising start in Toronto, and they rewarded him with this contract that is finally expiring this season.

On the bolded, is that so bad for $4.5M? Now, given his age and where the rebuild is, if there’s an opportunity to get some value back for him, then by all means KD needs to jump on it, Howe like LA and you mentioned earlier, that is probably not going to happen until next year, as in the meantime they want him to eat some tough minutes and let the young guys keep developing. TBH, I believe that Murphy will bring more back in return than most think, we will see.
- Angotti

For if he was slotted correctly I think that's OK...I think if Murphy was on this team back in the hey day, the reactions would be a lot different as every win/loss was vital. Today? Not so much.

I am sure you both (breadbag) are correct and he may fetch a better piece in return.....but not sure when that happens. Again, all dependent on what the opposing team is willing to offer AND if the Hawks are willing to sell.

I love how some people turn this on the alleged victim.
- paulr

Nothing should surprise you in today's world....your best bet is to do what I have done and disengage yourself from all/any news. Better to live in a bubble and hope for the best vs tuning in and get caught in the manipulation of those in power refusing to accept accountability and always blaming anyone but themselves.

Feel horrible if the Lucic family has any kids. They don't need to witness that.

Where's Nostradamus when you need him?
- boilermaker100

I was napping; what's up?

To me this is the best lineup LR can ice given what KD has given him except IMO Katchouk should slot somewhere in the bottom 6 (is Katchouk in KD's dog house and if so is he the first ever in LR's dog house?). Like Reichel being on L1 with Bedard, if we remember that 3rd line was very effective early in the yr and who can wait to see KK on the #1 PP?
- Mr Ricochet

I would agree with the lines. I am shocked 14 isn't in there....I didn't see much to warrant him being taken out as he seemed to be a bright spot most nights with his tenacity and chipping in with the correct way to do the simple things. IMO....Entswhile and Johnson are rotated in and out, if 14 establishes himself again.

I am excited to see 55 on the PP. His speed alone should help zone entries. As many has said....this PP can't get much, if any, worse than it already is.

I would agree with the lines. I am shocked 14 isn't in there....I didn't see much to warrant him being taken out as he seemed to be a bright spot most nights with his tenacity and chipping in with the correct way to do the simple things. IMO....Entswhile and Johnson are rotated in and out, if 14 establishes himself again.

I am excited to see 55 on the PP. His speed alone should help zone entries. As many has said....this PP can't get much, if any, worse than it already is.
- SteveRain

I'm an LR guy and posted before puck drop on Game 1 we'll probably see a lotta juggling to find fits but IMO he has not iced his best chance to win lineups until now except Katchouk belongs somewhere in the bottom 6.

I'd also add IMO Guttman in the lineup on this roster also gives them the best chance to win.

No matter how bad any roster is there's still an optimal lineup and IMO this latest one is the closest we've seen so far from LR.

Last draft it was a big surprise when the Blackhawks won the lottery

The 2024 Entry Draft includes Celebrini
.This is the one player.who could.really help us improve. He will be drafted somewhere.second through sixth
.
In one mock draft he falls to us at #6 overall

I would rather.draft him before the sixth selection is on the.clock. Moving.from sixth.overall.two or three spots earlier, is going to cost.plenty.

I.would trade one among Phillips. DelMastro. Allen.plus our own #2 just to exchange first round.
If Phillips plays well ar the NHL level hereforth, then he could definitely become a bargaining chip

I'm an LR guy and posted before puck drop on Game 1 we'll probably see a lotta juggling to find fits but IMO he has not iced his best chance to win lineups until now except Katchouk belongs somewhere in the bottom 6.

I'd also add IMO Guttman in the lineup on this roster also gives them the best chance to win.

No matter how bad any roster is there's still an optimal lineup and IMO this latest one is the closest we've seen so far from LR.
- Mr Ricochet

I am an LR guy as well....and I have stated to exhaustion my only gripe is to make sure the kids are better when the season ends vs opening night in Pittsburgh. Those "kids" to me are defined as Bedard, Reichel, Korchinski, Kaiser, Vlassic......if you get bumps from anyone else...fantastic. The veterans play to increase their own value if are UFAs or possible trade ammunition for KD come the spring.

I think this team plays hard, smart, and he, LR, does a good job picking his spots when criticizing players. This is 180 degrees better than that clown JC and whatever beer league he is in charge of in BFE Europe......

Last draft it was a biig surprise whrn the Blackhawks wom the lottery

The 2024 Entry Draft includes Celebrini
.This is the one player.who could.really help us improve. He will be drafted somewhere.second through sixth
.
In one mock draft he falls to us at #6 overall

I would rather.draft him before the sixth selection is on the.clock. Moving.from sixth.overall.two or three spots earlier, is going to cost.plenty.

I.would trade one among Phillips. DelMastro. Allen.plus our own #2 just to exchange first round.
If Phillips plays well ar the NHL level hereforth, then he could definitely become a bargaining chip
- jhawk59

As of today you don't have to worry, the worst the Hawks would draft is 4th.

I am an LR guy as well....and I have stated to exhaustion my only gripe is to make sure the kids are better when the season ends vs opening night in Pittsburgh. Those "kids" to me are defined as Bedard, Reichel, Korchinski, Kaiser, Vlassic......if you get bumps from anyone else...fantastic. The veterans play to increase their own value if are UFAs or possible trade ammunition for KD come the spring.

I think this team plays hard, smart, and he, LR, does a good job picking his spots when criticizing players. This is 180 degrees better than that clown JC and whatever beer league he is in charge of in BFE Europe......
- SteveRain

or Abbotsford in the AHL

or Abbotsford in the AHL
- LAHawk

good for him....let him F up somebody else's players.

I would agree with the lines. I am shocked 14 isn't in there....I didn't see much to warrant him being taken out as he seemed to be a bright spot most nights with his tenacity and chipping in with the correct way to do the simple things. IMO....Entswhile and Johnson are rotated in and out, if 14 establishes himself again.

I am excited to see 55 on the PP. His speed alone should help zone entries. As many has said....this PP can't get much, if any, worse than it already is.
- SteveRain

I read a lot of people clamoring for Katchouk. I guess I get it, but I really think he's the same guy as R. Johnson and Entwistle. He skates hard and is good defensively, but that's about it from what I see.

I was napping; what's up?
- mohel

If you haven't back read, you are to predict which of the Hawks prospects will be "difference makers" in the future. And don't ask for a definition of "difference makers", just name them.

I see Tyler Johnson being the most likely of those three to be dealt. I see Foligno staying and getting another one year deal here next year. Not as sure on what happens with Perry. Maybe retirement after this season.

D*ckinson is another one I see being dealt. That could be the second retention slot after Tyler.

I don't know if/when Murphy gets dealt, either. Part of it depends on when they feel it's time to promote some of the prospects.

They're stuck with Zaitsev, it looks like. But they knew this was possible, and they got a 2nd round pick for their troubles.

Tinordi gets a 5th (what John Scott got), if there's a demand for sandpaper.
- 333inthe3rd

D!ckinson is the only over-25 forward worth retaining in my opinion. He's on pace for nearly 40 points, had 30 last year. He can fight, retrieve pucks, take faceoffs, play up and down the lineup at center or wing, he's durable, and Kayleigh has a massive crush on him. He likely will seek his fortune elsewhere without a hefty raise if he isn't traded, but if he would resign for a couple years at 3 million +/- I think he's a solid value. He's just 28.

If you haven't back read, you are to predict which of the Hawks prospects will be "difference makers" in the future. And don't ask for a definition of "difference makers", just name them.
- boilermaker100

All who make the NHL will make some sort of difference.

I am an LR guy as well....and I have stated to exhaustion my only gripe is to make sure the kids are better when the season ends vs opening night in Pittsburgh. Those "kids" to me are defined as Bedard, Reichel, Korchinski, Kaiser, Vlassic......if you get bumps from anyone else...fantastic. The veterans play to increase their own value if are UFAs or possible trade ammunition for KD come the spring.

I think this team plays hard, smart, and he, LR, does a good job picking his spots when criticizing players. This is 180 degrees better than that clown JC and whatever beer league he is in charge of in BFE Europe......
- SteveRain

Yes to all of this..... I think going by KD's opening night roster the two most important organIzational goals are the prospects developing in the NHL and securing a top 5 pick with fingers crossed for a top 2 pick.

And so far, but way too early to tell, it's unfolding as well as anyone could have hoped for.

I see Tyler Johnson being the most likely of those three to be dealt. I see Foligno staying and getting another one year deal here next year. Not as sure on what happens with Perry. Maybe retirement after this season.

D*ckinson is another one I see being dealt. That could be the second retention slot after Tyler.

I don't know if/when Murphy gets dealt, either. Part of it depends on when they feel it's time to promote some of the prospects.

They're stuck with Zaitsev, it looks like. But they knew this was possible, and they got a 2nd round pick for their troubles.

Tinordi gets a 5th (what John Scott got), if there's a demand for sandpaper.
- 333inthe3rd

Johnson has looked bad and Richardenson looks like the prototypical 4th liner. Probably not going to get good value for either of them and you still need guys to skate those minutes.

I listened to the BUF feed too. Did you catch them saying we can all go home now after the anthem was sung? That there is nothing like it in the league?

I do disagree however having Bedard on the right side of the PP. And unlike OV Bedard does move around on the PP besides being a threat to pass which OV does not. Bedard does move up and work from the point on the PP which OV does not.
- Mr Ricochet

Hall shouldn't be on the off side. He should be the net or the bumper. It should be the German or someone else on the off side that can pass the puck reliably or break someone's ankles and make a fast individual play.