I've Liked Phillips game tonight. He's getting better each game.

Yes, I can imagine what yr 1 AFTER the total teardown would look like if the kids that are up were in over their heads. Who gets the credit for that???

IMO management gets the most credit. So so so so important to place players where they properly BELONG at the RIGHT time, not where you want them to be. ..... Exhibit A, Vlasic. IMO he could have hung on the big roster last yr and done ok but at what price? The price of him not having a full yr with all the prime Dman minutes down of the farm with the results being he woud not be nearly as developed as he is today. Credit KD and Crew.

I'm a Phillips guy. Posted maybe 2 yrs back maybe just maybe they have a kind of K'Andre Miller type. Big rangy skater, plays physical and adds 25-30 pts. Kid is on track and IMO could stay up the rest of the yr.

But, like Vlasic, would he be better off with all the prime Dman minutes down at RKF or 16:00 a night counting 2nd pairing PK minutes in the Bigs? .... For me, give the kid all those RKF minutes and assume he'll be better off for it just like Vlasic has.

IMO doesn't take a scout to see Vlasic's hands were much much better with the puck after the first preseason game this yr. Those big minute4s in the AHL mattered.
- Mr Ricochet

Its interesting to look at what seems to be developing in the makeup of the Hawk's blueline going forward as it relates to their draft positions.

Playing regularly is KK (#7 overall): Kaiser (#81); Vlasic (#43); #141 (Philipps) and 2 guys getting pushed in Rockford: Del Mastro (#105) and Allan (#32).

Meanwhile there is little to nothing to show from draft picks expended on Boqvist (#8); Beaudin (#27); Jokiharju (#29); Mitchell (#57); Krys (#45). And probably a few others. Wonder why -bad drafting, poor coaching at the minor league level, no commitment by the NHL teaam??

I'm a big believer in the AHL for the competitive experience and development of young players - provided that their NHL teams have excellent coaches in place on the farm and a clear direction on what is expected of them in developing young pros. (I don't think that existed for a number of years in Chicago).

BTW - did you see the interview with Quinn Hughes after the late game in Vancouver last night? He told Scott Oake that the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) is the most competitive league he has ever played in, even more competitive than the NHL.

It's pretty wild when you start seeing better defensive play by the defenseman how much at times Seth Jones sticks out, and i dont mean in a good way.

So are the players going to call him out and ask him to pull his head out of his ass?

I think he made that one great pass vs the Preds on the PP yesterday, but he's a waste on the PP.

4-1-2-3-2

At least we had one line that could sustain pressure tonight.

Its interesting to look at what seems to be developing in the makeup of the Hawk's blueline going forward as it relates to their draft positions.

Playing regularly is KK (#7 overall): Kaiser (#81); Vlasic (#43); #141 (Philipps) and 2 guys getting pushed in Rockford: Del Mastro (#105) and Allan (#32).

Meanwhile there is little to nothing to show from draft picks expended on Boqvist (#8); Beaudin (#27); Jokiharju (#29); Mitchell (#57); Krys (#45). And probably a few others. Wonder why -bad drafting, poor coaching at the minor league level, no commitment by the NHL teaam??

I'm a big believer in the AHL for the competitive experience and development of young players - provided that their NHL teams have excellent coaches in place on the farm and a clear direction on what is expected of them in developing young pros. (I don't think that existed for a number of years in Chicago).

BTW - did you see the interview with Quinn Hughes after the late game in Vancouver last night? He told Scott Oake that the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) is the most competitive league he has ever played in, even more competitive than the NHL.


- RickJ

It’s been that way for a long time. When I played in it, not going to say how long ago, there were so many good teams. In those days there were residency rules regarding which team guys were allowed to play for. And it was very common for families to move into an area their kid was going to play in. There are still lots of teams today that I used to play against. The Toronto Red Wings, Toronto Marlies, Goulding Park Rangers, Faustian Toros, Don Mills Flyers renamed to Mustangs, to name a few.

I used to play for the Mississauga Blackhawks, green, white and black jerseys with the Blackhawk cresting. The Don Mills Flyers were the dirtiest bastages, we had a game against then and the brawl was so bad they called in about 20 cops.

Lots of good players went through that league, I wasn’t one of them.

Skated right around Seth to score the 3rd. Awful.
- scottak

Mrazak beaten high on the short side. Awful.

Ask LFS.
- HawkintheD

Yeah, hes doing it in the nhl. Well see.

Its interesting to look at what seems to be developing in the makeup of the Hawk's blueline going forward as it relates to their draft positions.

Playing regularly is KK (#7 overall): Kaiser (#81); Vlasic (#43); #141 (Philipps) and 2 guys getting pushed in Rockford: Del Mastro (#105) and Allan (#32).

Meanwhile there is little to nothing to show from draft picks expended on Boqvist (#8); Beaudin (#27); Jokiharju (#29); Mitchell (#57); Krys (#45). And probably a few others. Wonder why -bad drafting, poor coaching at the minor league level, no commitment by the NHL teaam??

I'm a big believer in the AHL for the competitive experience and development of young players - provided that their NHL teams have excellent coaches in place on the farm and a clear direction on what is expected of them in developing young pros. (I don't think that existed for a number of years in Chicago).

BTW - did you see the interview with Quinn Hughes after the late game in Vancouver last night? He told Scott Oake that the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) is the most competitive league he has ever played in, even more competitive than the NHL.
- RickJ

You know Rick, I don't know why the evaluating/drafting/developing of players, especially Dmen, was so poor at the end of StanBow's tenure and I'm not sure the Hawks knew why. That is the reason I wanted them to go outside of the organIzation to hire a GM or Prez of Hockey Ops.

Thought the organIzation needed fresh eyes cuz the problems were so numerous and long standing. ...... ... Early returns on hiring the youngest GM/tip of the hockey side iceberg are excellent, BUT it's really early in the rebuild.

Not sure what to think about Hughes' claim about the GTHL but off the top of my head following jrs drafts a lotta top talent comes out of that league.

This was the first game this season Mrazak was not sharp, in fact he wasn't good. Hope this isn't a change in his play, and don't expect it is, but all 3 goals he certainly could have saved, ...... Some anchoring, diving, scrambling and getting beat clean you have not seen from him this yr.

You know Rick, I don't know why the evaluating/drafting/developing of players, especially Dmen, was so poor at the end of StanBow's tenure and I'm not sure the Hawks knew why. That is the reason I wanted them to go outside of the organIzation to hire a GM or Prez of Hockey Ops.

Thought the organIzation needed fresh eyes cuz the problems were so numerous and long standing. ...... ... Early returns on hiring the youngest GM/tip of the hockey side iceberg are excellent, BUT it's really early in the rebuild.

Not sure what to think about Hughes' claim about the GTHL but off the top of my head following jrs drafts a lotta top talent comes out of that league.
- Mr Ricochet

Well wasn’t KD’s first move to fire Kelley?

EDIT second move, first was to fire Colliton.

This was the first game this season Mrazak was not sharp, in fact he wasn't good. Hope this isn't a change in his play, and don't expect it is, but all 3 goals he certainly could have saved, ...... Some anchoring, diving, scrambling and getting beat clean you have not seen from him this yr.
- Mr Ricochet

To be fair, the defense didn’t look great, one of the few games Korchinski struggled, Jones was awful, Murphy was Murphy but I thought Phillips had a strong game.

It's pretty wild when you start seeing better defensive play by the defenseman how much at times Seth Jones sticks out, and i dont mean in a good way.

So are the players going to call him out and ask him to pull his head out of his ass?

I think he made that one great pass vs the Preds on the PP yesterday, but he's a waste on the PP.
- BetweenTheDots

I've been saying all along that this team is not talented enough up front to use the 1 - 4 power play system.

And if you are married to the idea, then Seth Jones is NOT the one to be back there on the blue line.

The power play moves so much better on the second unit with Korchinski out there.

How is it that the entire hockey world sees it, except for this coaching staff?????

4-1-2-3-2
- boilermaker100

Hello tankathon my old friend.
I’ve come to check the standings yet again.

To be fair, the defense didn’t look great, one of the few games Korchinski struggled, Jones was awful, Murphy was Murphy but I thought Phillips had a strong game.
- paulr

20% of the schedule in the books, Hawks sitting at 31st overall. The real hard playing hasn't even really started yet, even though they have faced quite a few top teams.

I'm interested in seeing how those college boy and junior hockey rookies are looking after 40 games - not so good I expect. Its a man's league and there's no pity for bad teams.

*Reads comments*
*Checks notes*

Yes... the Hawks are exactly where we all thought they would be because they don't have enough talent.

20% of the schedule in the books, Hawks sitting at 31st overall. The real hard playing hasn't even really started yet, even though they have faced quite a few top teams.

I'm interested in seeing how those college boy and junior hockey rookies are looking after 40 games - not so good I expect. Its a man's league and there's no pity for bad teams.
- RickJ

The rookies will at least be upright, what about Perry and Foligno ?

The rookies will at least be upright, what about Perry and Foligno ?
- LAHawk

Maintenance practice days off might help

Oh joy

Oh btw since we are skating in Columbus next game, we conceivably might see old (ok, actually young) pal Boqvist in the lineup

Boqvist has been spotted in every few games and receives not even 15 minutes TOI. He played Saturday in their loss

Perhaps the superlative skills will come with a complete player who is good, because skill alone doesn’t always cut it. I’d like to see him play since I am wondering if he handles physical play better but just is not good enough overall

Oh joy

Oh btw since we are skating in Columbus next game, we conceivably might see old (ok, actually young) pal Boqvist in the lineup

Boqvist has been spotted in every few games and receives not even 15 minutes TOI. He played Saturday in their loss

Perhaps the superlative skills will come with a complete player who is good, because skill alone doesn’t always cut it. I’d like to see him play since I am wondering if he handles physical play better but just is not good enough overall
- jhawk59

Boqvist has often been interesting, but never really good. He actually sees the ice (offensively) quite well, but he's been a disaster in his own zone and physically doesn't (can't?) really engage. If each of your other D-men were like Vlasic, then you could probably get away with him, but he's not really going to improve your team.

Side-note, but I read that Laine was healthy scratched (or will be). What the heck is going on over there?

I'm still stuck at Richelieu on wing... I can't decide if it the Dumas version from the Three Musketeers, or the real guy -either way, it's not 1640 -so it sort of is a moot point.

I'm still stuck at Richelieu on wing... I can't decide if it the Dumas version from the Three Musketeers, or the real guy -either way, it's not 1640 -so it sort of is a moot point.
- SC116

D'artagnan at center, Aramis on the other wing, Athos and Pathos on defense.

Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place

That's an excellent point, the pipeline competition, with actual talent. It's what KD wants to do. That's a perfect example of it, Commesso will get his 2 years maybe more experience at the Rock while Soda gets his at the NHL level. Then you have a 19 year old getting his minutes.

I think KK was a pleasant surprise for the Blackhawks staff, but they have layers of LD men as well. Now they are doing it with the forwards.

Curious to see if Nazar signs his ELC and can help us with team speed, skill and his hunting the puck skills next season.

I don't know what Misiak is but i think he will be a NHL player, maybe in the Bolland kind of player mold.
- BetweenTheDots

They still gotta go out and get some guys. Havlat they got very early. Toews and Kane came in together and were able to help eachother. Sharp obviously some luck was involved. They threw a lot of money at Campbell and Hossa.

It would be nice if they got someone to help Bedard get 50 goals this year (though he could very well do it himself).

Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place
- Angotti

I'd guess the Hawks would have to add a low cost roster forward (Raddysh?) to make it work for EDM. They are working with two emergency loan guys on the roster as it is and only have 12 forwards at the moment. Holloway is also on LTIR, but not sure for what/how long.

I'm not sure the goalie position is all that critical for the Hawks this year, but just not sure if Campbell would do some weird crap to that group.