Soup Campbell took 5 years to become an NHL defenseman. It's going to take KK about the same he's being asked to do more than a stay at home guy.
- rpeters01

I think for him it might be about buying into a role. By that I also mean, the Hawks have a few guys that might be future #1, or #2 guys. They have a few that might be PP guys on the blueline. It might be that Korchinski doesn't get the prime time ice minutes and maybe he has to buy into and embrace a different role. I think on good teams, you see guys who have talent willing to buy into playing roles that are needed to win games.

When the Hawks were scary good, Bolland was talented enough to be an NHL 2C (and sometimes he was) but ultimately he embraced the role as 3C and was outstanding at it. Marcus Kruger similarly had enough playmaking skill to probably be 3rd line, and he filled in at 2C at times. He really embraced his role as 4C.

The coaches coming in and the players coming in need to work together and help the team and the individual players really establish their identity. Last year the line blender was a little crazy, but it would be good to start to have guys more clearly slot in. Have the coaches start to really lock guys into the spots in the lineup they work best. Korchinski might (keyword might) still have that 1D or 2D upside, but he might have to be a 3/4/5 long term and just take his role and work with it until more opportunity comes.

I just hope we get back to having a team with a lot of depth again. I remember the salary cap purges we had to do from 2010 to 2014 and many of the guys we "let go" moved onto bigger roles with new teams because we had above average depth.

Man, I was checking up on the Stars individual scoring. Someone needs to check on Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene because they have disappeared.

After leading the Dallas Stars in scoring 82 points in 82 games this season, Duchene has 6 points in 17 games and all of them are on the PP. Not a single even strength point to his name. That has him at -15 over those 17 games. I know Plus/Minus isn't everything, but that's a bad stretch.

Wyatt Johnston has 8 points in 17 games, but only 4 at even strength and sitting an impressively bad -18.

I mean, they are in the conference finals at least, so it's not some terrible season, but man they need guys like that to start showing up. I think Duchene has been having some chances at least, but that team needs to find a way to score 5v5.

Man, I was checking up on the Stars individual scoring. Someone needs to check on Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene because they have disappeared.

After leading the Dallas Stars in scoring 82 points in 82 games this season, Duchene has 6 points in 17 games and all of them are on the PP. Not a single even strength point to his name. That has him at -15 over those 17 games. I know Plus/Minus isn't everything, but that's a bad stretch.

Wyatt Johnston has 8 points in 17 games, but only 4 at even strength and sitting an impressively bad -18.

I mean, they are in the conference finals at least, so it's not some terrible season, but man they need guys like that to start showing up. I think Duchene has been having some chances at least, but that team needs to find a way to score 5v5.
- breadbag

Just to put it into perspective, out of the 16 teams that made the playoffs the Stars have almost the worst goal for per game at 2.47 and have been outscored 42-54 to this point over 17 games. Only 23 5v5 goals in those 17 games, 16 5v4 PP goals and 3 EN goals. Dallas has also given up the most 5v5 goals with 31.

They let Dean go because Blashill will run the defense. Liked Dean too but he had no place on this coaching staff with Blashill at the helm.
- Assman22

That's fair but for all the love Trent Yawney got from Uncle Barry back in the day, and some of it was justified, just feel that Dean had a similar relationship with a lot of the younger D men they had playing LARGE minutes late last year.

Good post Steve. Stop by more often.

I always enjoy the trade speculation. We'll see what KD has in mind. We know he's no shrinking violet when it comes to draft day trades.

#3, #25 plus something/somebody may be able to get #1. Other teams may want the #1 so the Islanders are in the driver's seat getting the best offer possible. If I was Darche, I'd ask for a young D as apart of the package to make up for the lost opportunity to select Schaefer. Then at #3, #4, or #5 they would still have the opportunity to pick their desired forward. If NYI really want Hagens, Martone, Desnoyers, etc one thing favoring the Hawks is that they are almost guaranteed to be there at #3, AND they have a stableful of young D.

Would you or anybody do #3, #25 and Korchinski for the chance to get Misa?

Darche could be thinking of selecting Hagens at #1, but can still shop the pick to add to the cupboard and wind up with him or a different F anyway.
- boilermaker100

Thanks......I still stop by time and time to read but this seems like a dying site by the day. Sucks because in it's heyday it was fun for daily interaction.


Educated guess but some D prospect(s) or two will be shipped off soon for either an upgrade (Barker v Leddy) or to acquire another need (Wisniewski). Think that will come down to how the Hawks see their D prospects coming along. I was very impressed with Rinzel, and Artie. Vlassic is a lock for top 4. So there I feel they have 3 of 4....Throw in Del Mastro, Allan, Korchinski, and likely a few others to start rounding it.

I wouldn't be shocked to see San Jose make a push for 1st offer. As Shaefer seems to be a necessary want them as they seem to be a little more deep up front vs the Hawks in their progress, and the Hawks back end vs the Sharks is more progressed.

Would NYI take a local kid at Hagens at #2?

Just feel adding Misa as a top C gives you options. Could keep nazar at C or move him to wing or even Bedard. Same would hold true with Marner IF they were to sign him (I don't think they will).....

THey have a LOT of picks coming up....still have 2 more 1sts next year. That's before they make any trades and deal off Murphy at the deadline to a desperate team....

Man, I was checking up on the Stars individual scoring. Someone needs to check on Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene because they have disappeared.

After leading the Dallas Stars in scoring 82 points in 82 games this season, Duchene has 6 points in 17 games and all of them are on the PP. Not a single even strength point to his name. That has him at -15 over those 17 games. I know Plus/Minus isn't everything, but that's a bad stretch.

Wyatt Johnston has 8 points in 17 games, but only 4 at even strength and sitting an impressively bad -18.

I mean, they are in the conference finals at least, so it's not some terrible season, but man they need guys like that to start showing up. I think Duchene has been having some chances at least, but that team needs to find a way to score 5v5.
- breadbag

Duchene looks to be a step slow and playing VERY soft. That whole line has been exploited. Jamie Benn is also MIA.

Johnston biggest contribution was a wide open, tough angle, PP goal late vs Col. Otherwise, I cant recall much of anything he has created and most games I have to look for him to notice him. Really been the fins carrying them, and now that Edmonton is shutting them down.....Dallas is having a helluva time scoring.

Draisatal D game is maybe the most underappreciated thing in hockey. That and RNH....he does a LOT of small things to help the Oilers outside of watching McDavid skate at mach 10 the entire game.

I hope between Tkachuk and Bennett and Marchand they can get Perry to self detonate as Corey Perry go F himself. Hated him in Anaheim, and really hope to see him get his @ss kicked in late in a period or at the end of a game, assuming he's not picking on some college kid. Total POS. Him and Evander kane, which makes pulling for Edmonton very difficult.

After watching the press conference yesterday, i firmly believe the BOD has a greater need for KD to improve the team to a much higher level than the Blackhawks do.

I do not think KD is even close to having major pressure on him.
- vabeachbear

Sadly I feel you are right. We will know right away depending upon KD spends in UFA I am not advocating spending on guys to spend like Huet or Campbell with ridiculous contracts, but for the Hawks to lure a top player here they will need to pay more on top of the attractiveness of Bedard.

Expectation wise....I really hope we see more of a 2006-07 where we can see it coming together and young guys take a big step. Would love to see that and a little of 2007-08 where they hang around contention past Valentine's day for a playoff spot, but that's likely wishful thinking.

All I ask is we get more Dale Talon and less Ryan Poles when it comes to evaluating players and knowing when that ceiling is getting close and selling high vs hanging on to guys far too long and pressing to make them something they are not. The Velus Jones or Roschon Johnson of the world immediately come to mind.

Need to see more savvy Ruutu for Ladd, Bochenski for Versteeg, Ellison for Sharp type trades.

That's how this team will start to take massive steps, with smart, calculated hockey trades. Just hope that Hockey ops department is just as savvy now as it was 15-20 years ago.

Just to put it into perspective, out of the 16 teams that made the playoffs the Stars have almost the worst goal for per game at 2.47 and have been outscored 42-54 to this point over 17 games. Only 23 5v5 goals in those 17 games, 16 5v4 PP goals and 3 EN goals. Dallas has also given up the most 5v5 goals with 31.
- breadbag

It's weird how the puck had been bouncing their way, even the 1st game of the series to get 3PPs and to score on all 3, but since then nada.

The adjustment of using their legs, as in coming back to the pass, skating the puck out, circling back if there's no play and starting over, taking away the center of the ice on the pk, Stars don't have the skating to match them. What i like about the Oilers is just like the Panthers they are going through players to make plays, not seeing many shortcuts by them.

It's weird how the puck had been bouncing their way, even the 1st game of the series to get 3PPs and to score on all 3, but since then nada.

The adjustment of using their legs, as in coming back to the pass, skating the puck out, circling back if there's no play and starting over, taking away the center of the ice on the pk, Stars don't have the skating to match them. What i like about the Oilers is just like the Panthers they are going through players to make plays, not seeing many shortcuts by them.
- BetweenTheDots

Whenever I watch the Oilers I'm just in awe of their cycle game on the attack. That puck is moving around quick and they are on top of it. They win a lot of battles in the corners to keep that puck in possession. Just really good at manufacturing scoring chances.

Whenever I watch the Oilers I'm just in awe of their cycle game on the attack. That puck is moving around quick and they are on top of it. They win a lot of battles in the corners to keep that puck in possession. Just really good at manufacturing scoring chances.
- breadbag

Looking like they have learned how to play playoff tough as nails hockey. Shut down D team - I dont recognize that team with that Jersey on

Looking like they have learned how to play playoff tough as nails hockey. Shut down D team - I dont recognize that team with that Jersey on
- glennjpawlak22

The Oilers received some terrible news, it looks Zach Hyman could be out for a while. Hyman is the perfect playoff performer. He’s got some skill, he can produce in tough games, he’s physical and he can play pretty much anywhere in the lineup.

Please explain why Mika Z. His cap hit is $8.5 mill, with four seasons to go. He is 32 years old, and two seasons removed from his high water mark 91 point season. This season's output was 58 points There's also the NMC to deal with, anyway. I don't see him waiving it to come here.

But, would anybody here trade Bertuzzi for him? Could Mika Z be had for half retained? What happened to Mika Z, exactly? Is it a product of Ranger dysfunction? Injuries we don't know about? Or is he in real decline now?
- 333inthe3rd

I don't want him...I was just stating the latest gossip.

i not so sure the Blackhawk group needs more "leadership." If a high paid guy is tere as a scorer/fill in vet, i think they may grab one, but I am not sure they are overload the SS Blackhawk with impedments to more kids staying and playing.


I think you hope to advance through the kids one more time.

I watched the Blashill introduction and it sounds like he is very pro forechecking. He gave all the right answers and loves that this team will have speed. He is very high on Anders Sorrenson and Michael Peca, but wouldn't give away who the third assistant coach would be. He knows, but he is not saying.
- bjphawkfan

Maybe a assistant coach that is still working for a final four team?

I heard although his skating is not elite it is NHL level and not really something to be concern with.
- HamiltonHawk

very true.

I don't want him...I was just stating the latest gossip.

i not so sure the Blackhawk group needs more "leadership." If a high paid guy is tere as a scorer/fill in vet, i think they may grab one, but I am not sure they are overload the SS Blackhawk with impedments to more kids staying and playing.


I think you hope to advance through the kids one more time.
- wiz1901

I thought I read somewhere that Donato was going to test FA. That may possibly open another forward spot up for another addition.

How many of the kids are likely to actually win a spot on the roster?
Bedard, and Nazar are the only true locks up front in my eyes.

Moore
Greene
Slaggert
Savoie
Dach
Lardis
*Spellacy
*Vanacker
Misiak, Hayes and Anderson are longshots at this point in time.
I'm assuming that whoever they draft at #3 isn't going to be ready yet.

Without Donato, they've got nine Forward locks (if you want to count Reichel there). I'm assuming KD adds two really solid F's via trade or FA. That leaves 2-3 spots for kids to take.

I'd guess Murphy, Vlasic and Rinzel are the only guys for sure in the lineup. Maybe KD adds an extra vet for insurance/rotation on the back end? So many moving parts

KK
Arty
Kaiser
EDM
Allan

I think you are right. I think the ownership/leadership understand that it's a process, Rome wasn't built in a day, etc... I think there might be some pressure at times, like when the Hawks played an embarrassing game outdoor (I still don't know why the NHL thought Chicago/St Louis should play an outdoor game at this point) but I don't think he is fighting just to keep his job at this point. Maybe that changes if Blashill fails hard or things derail with some of the RFAs coming up in the next year or so.
- breadbag

I agree with you guys, and that strategy just might be better than throwing a lot of money and term at this class of free agents. We all want to see improvement this year, however KD needs to be careful and stay the course. Make a trade or two, get a McTavish or a Lundell, or somebody in that same category that brings a 200’ game. Let’s see what the youngsters do this year not only at the NHL level, but also in Rockford as well a Juniors and college. Next year they’ll have a better idea on what need to prioritize. What if Boisvert and Vanacker take a big step, then they have two power forwards right there and that’s no longer a need for this team. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, big defensemen that can skate, two good young goalies, not counting Commesso, then you have Bedard and Nazar ready to breakout and others on the way.

Maybe a assistant coach that is still working for a final four team?
- wiz1901

It's Velucci from the Pens/Team USA. Reported today:

https://www.bleachernatio...lackhawks-coaching-staff/

How much did the brief postseason showings for Team Canada and Memorial Cup move the needle on a Martone vs Desnoyers comparison?
- Assman22

I think Desnoyers didn't help himself in the Memorial Cup...it's up couple pages back.

Martone is a winner and this idea he is a finesse tough guy is plain silly. The issue is he is tougher than competition and they are unable to stop him
in the areas he excels.

I would really like a bit more offense from him, instead of comparing his leadership to Bergeron/Toews.

I think Desnoyers didn't help himself in the Memorial Cup...it's up couple pages back.

Martone is a winner and this idea he is a finesse tough guy is plain silly. The issue is he is tougher than competition and they are unable to stop him
in the areas he excels.

I would really like a bit more offense from him, instead of comparing his leadership to Bergeron/Toews.
- wiz1901

Desnoyers was injured during the QMJHL playoffs. While the actual injury was kept quiet the Memorial Cup announcers made a few comments about him not playing his usual game and alluding to a possible injury. And remember neither Bergeron or Toews’ games were about offense, they were both about their complete games, their off the charts compete levels, their above average hockey IQs and yes their leadership. I’ve said it’s difficult to compare Desnoyers because he played in the Q where the game isn’t as physical or as good as the OHL and WHL. If Tallon had looked at offense and not their complete games he may have followed Wirtz’s wish and drafted Phil Kessel instead of Toews, and I’m pretty certain 2010, 13 and 15 wouldn’t have happened and the Hawks would be more ridiculous looking today than the Leafs.

Sadly I feel you are right. We will know right away depending upon KD spends in UFA I am not advocating spending on guys to spend like Huet or Campbell with ridiculous contracts, but for the Hawks to lure a top player here they will need to pay more on top of the attractiveness of Bedard.

Expectation wise....I really hope we see more of a 2006-07 where we can see it coming together and young guys take a big step. Would love to see that and a little of 2007-08 where they hang around contention past Valentine's day for a playoff spot, but that's likely wishful thinking.

All I ask is we get more Dale Talon and less Ryan Poles when it comes to evaluating players and knowing when that ceiling is getting close and selling high vs hanging on to guys far too long and pressing to make them something they are not. The Velus Jones or Roschon Johnson of the world immediately come to mind.

Need to see more savvy Ruutu for Ladd, Bochenski for Versteeg, Ellison for Sharp type trades.

That's how this team will start to take massive steps, with smart, calculated hockey trades. Just hope that Hockey ops department is just as savvy now as it was 15-20 years ago.
- SteveRain

JJ Peterka may be an interesting acquisition if the price isn’t too steep. He may also be an inexpensive RFA offer sheet signee?

I think for him it might be about buying into a role. By that I also mean, the Hawks have a few guys that might be future #1, or #2 guys. They have a few that might be PP guys on the blueline. It might be that Korchinski doesn't get the prime time ice minutes and maybe he has to buy into and embrace a different role. I think on good teams, you see guys who have talent willing to buy into playing roles that are needed to win games.

When the Hawks were scary good, Bolland was talented enough to be an NHL 2C (and sometimes he was) but ultimately he embraced the role as 3C and was outstanding at it. Marcus Kruger similarly had enough playmaking skill to probably be 3rd line, and he filled in at 2C at times. He really embraced his role as 4C.

The coaches coming in and the players coming in need to work together and help the team and the individual players really establish their identity. Last year the line blender was a little crazy, but it would be good to start to have guys more clearly slot in. Have the coaches start to really lock guys into the spots in the lineup they work best. Korchinski might (keyword might) still have that 1D or 2D upside, but he might have to be a 3/4/5 long term and just take his role and work with it until more opportunity comes.

I just hope we get back to having a team with a lot of depth again. I remember the salary cap purges we had to do from 2010 to 2014 and many of the guys we "let go" moved onto bigger roles with new teams because we had above average depth.
- breadbag

I think KK is the "do all" guy. Offense, defense, QB, PP1, PK, etc. Problem for him is he focuses on getting great at one and something else slips. This is why it's going to take longer for him.

I think KK is the "do all" guy. Offense, defense, QB, PP1, PK, etc. Problem for him is he focuses on getting great at one and something else slips. This is why it's going to take longer for him.
- rpeters01

His 3rd team might have a player if he can do one of those things at a NHL level.

Donato went from the verge of not making the roster coming out of training camp to having a career year playing with guys FAR exceeding his skill level, and scoring a lot of greasy goals. Good for him, but for a young team far from contending for a cup, you can likely replace him at a cheaper, younger version and that very well could be someone like Slaggert.

As much ribbing as Marner takes, just glad Wyatt Johnston is off the market. -17 which is on pace to the WORSE ALL TIME +/- rating since they started tracking it in 59-60. I mean that's something to behold right there, but i am sure his fan club president will spin it in a very positive manner.

I will defer to Wiz but i keep reading how slow Martone is and how below average his skating is.......Maybe it makes sense taking 3 and 25 plus a future 2nd or 3rd and seeing how in love the Islanders are sitting at 1st overall? I mean if the game is reliant on speed, which it seems to be, and some size, I don't see how Hagens fits that bill at 3rd? They seem to have enough D men, so why not give yourself the pick of the litter at F assuming the asking price to move up 2 slots isn't asinine?

Hell, KD was going to do it last year with Columbus to land Demidov. He obviously feels they need another young premier F to pair with Bedard.

Thats before we get to UFA to see where and on whom he chooses to spend, if he does at all, or does he roll the dice in hopes of landing 1 of the larger fish next summer (assuming they aren't extended).

Big summer looming for KD and the Hawks on how quickly they can get on the upward trajectory and exactly how THEY feel they are trending. Actions will speak louder than words.
- SteveRain

That’s fine, but if he can be resigned reasonably he’s also a useful guy to keep around even if he can’t replicate this past season. Plays the game the right way and pretty well respected by all accounts.

My point was mostly that you weren’t getting a 1st for him and not likely a 2nd, so he stood his ground instead of just taking a 3rd rd pick which I’ve read around here we have lots of.

Sadly I feel you are right. We will know right away depending upon KD spends in UFA I am not advocating spending on guys to spend like Huet or Campbell with ridiculous contracts, but for the Hawks to lure a top player here they will need to pay more on top of the attractiveness of Bedard.

Expectation wise....I really hope we see more of a 2006-07 where we can see it coming together and young guys take a big step. Would love to see that and a little of 2007-08 where they hang around contention past Valentine's day for a playoff spot, but that's likely wishful thinking.

All I ask is we get more Dale Talon and less Ryan Poles when it comes to evaluating players and knowing when that ceiling is getting close and selling high vs hanging on to guys far too long and pressing to make them something they are not. The Velus Jones or Roschon Johnson of the world immediately come to mind.

Need to see more savvy Ruutu for Ladd, Bochenski for Versteeg, Ellison for Sharp type trades.

That's how this team will start to take massive steps, with smart, calculated hockey trades. Just hope that Hockey ops department is just as savvy now as it was 15-20 years ago.
- SteveRain

Couple things first, Rain... Firstly, nowhere near the traffic here there once was but most everyday some pretty good hockey minds talk about the Hawks and the sport. Plenty goes on to interest both hockey and Hawk's fans.

And Mortone's skating. A guy like you watching the sport for awhile has guy's whos's opinion you respect going back awhile. I feel safe saying guys you've gravitated to don't say Martone's skating is prohibitive, cuz it's not. ... You can dislike Martone but his skating is not a reason to do that.

Now, signing Campbell back in the day a good bit before they won a cup. As bad as my memory is I do remember the hockey world acknowledging it was an overpay and that it needed to be done cuz the Hawks had to overpay to attract even mid pack FA. Hawks knew it to.

I didn't like it at the time but not only understand it with hindsight now, it worked. They won 3 cups after that signing. ....... To some degree they're gonna have to do that again, sign a Campbell, to take the next step forward.

With that in mind Hawk fans are more seasoned than when they signed Campbell. Anyone who lived thru the 3 cups has some form of cap PTSD. It dismantled cup teams a few times.

And now with both of those things in mind and understanding what has to come IMO the timing is as important as the player they wanna overpay. That's where I'm flying blind. I just don't know when to pull the trigger but until KD shows he's deficient in adding as we go along to different stages of the process I have full confidence in him without ticking off the reasons why.

IF, if, that time is now the guy I want is Bennett and would overpay to do it. If you overpay him for say 5 yrs to get him here I believe the 28 yr old centerman will play to the level he's at for 3 of the 5 yrs and the last 2 he'll still be productive enough to not be a burden to the lineup as far as the cap goes.

This dude checks every box a squad like the Hawks could use. A legit 2C and checks every single intangible box an organIzation could hope for, especially one like the Hawks with a slew of young talented kids coming to the Bigs in waves the next 4-5 yrs.... This dude sets a culture and a culture that wins in this sport.

Personally I think that's too much to give up. Misa is a solid high end prospect, but 3 firsts basically for a guy that "might" someday be a top 6. What is Misa ends up being like Pavel Brendl or any of the other guys who go top 5 but just don't really pan out. I mean, people generally thought Kaapo Kakko was going to be great and it's 6 years into his career and he is just about reaching the floor people thought he had and not near the ceiling.

I'm not saying don't trade up if you really like the guy, but both our firsts and a high end D prospect that is trending up is too much IMO.
- breadbag

Now if that were for B. Tkachuk...hmmm.