Hey guys and gals - if you haven't yet, re-read Scott Powers story on Matthew Highmore.

It will be interesting to see if this is just stint with the Hawks or if he plays out the season. I have only watched a little bit of him, but what I have seen has been good. Not crazy flashy, but a real smart 2-way player.


https://theathletic.com/1...-making-early-impression/


Here's an excerpt from the article:

Highmore has also been touted for his defense. He was compared to former Blackhawks center Phillip Danault by his Sea Dogs coach last season.
Matthew Highmore has been playing center for the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs)

Last season, Blackhawks director of player recruitment Ron Anderson also touched on what the organization had seen in Highmore to sign him.

“What I like about him is the ability in his game, he’s a solid, solid defensive player,” Anderson said in March. “The reason for that is he’s such a smart player on both sides of the puck. He reads the ice. He makes good decisions. He reads plays. He understands the game. So he knows where to be, when to be there. He knows how to play with the puck, without the puck, in his end, in the offensive zone, through the neutral zone. He’s a smart player. You factor in that he’s defensively responsible and the fact he’s skilled and productive, he’s a pretty good player."
- Justin Lowe

Sorry Justin but they don't even have Highmore rated in the top 10 of Hawks prospects I'm sure he'll suck, red font all over this

What is the name of the player that the Pred’s drafted with their high pick last summer?

I am sure Ryan Hartman will turn out to be a nice player for you guys for a long time, what I am puzzled about is that our coach constantly cries about not having enough dirty, greasy goals, and net presence, and the one player that is willing to do it, he benches .Make no mistake when we won those three Stanley cups we had enough players to put the dirty work in and get those type of goals, that’s what it takes to win. Just puzzled at what their mission is now.
- wonthecup10

I'm on the fence about the trade - gonna wait until the thing plays out a little more.

But: if Hartman was "all that" in getting to the net, wouldn't he have more than 8 goals this year in 57 games with Chicago? One in his last 23 games wearing the Indianhead? More than 7 assists and 8 points in those 23 games?

Only coming from my eyes watching the games, but I don't recall seeing a lot of him at the net - or at the boards winning puck battles....

Hartman What team gives up on a young cost controlled player?

I'm sure you will get a great player with the 30th pick. Preds did last year.
It's fun to have nothing to look forward to other than the draft, right?
- VopatsRash

His ability to play hockey isn't the problem, its the 2 cent brain that comes with it. Sounds like he had a good game last night but the pk better be ready and the other 4 players ready to cover for him defensively

The return for Hartman was good, I just don’t see the point in making the trade in the first place. Maybe there’s more to Stan’s plan, I’m reserving judgment until the draft to see how he uses that pick.
- DarthKane

I think the trade happened bc Hartman is a RFA and given the rumblings of his discontent with the coaching staff I highly highly doubt he was going to resign. The Hawks got a much bigger return then they would've gotten from the RFA compensation.

If Hartman is under contract for 2 more years I don't think this happens. People need to stop complaining about the trade so much. Even if Hartman excels the rest of the year with the Preds he wasn't going to stay here.

Lets not forget that he had a great opportunity to start the year on Kane's line and disappeared for the most part. That is why he got demoted to a lower line. He also was a complete non-factor when big boy hockey started last spring. He's a nice player with some skill that has an edge at times. He's not a franchise changer and he is not any kind of special player.

I don't even think this trade makes the Hawks any worse for this season tankathon.

I'm on the fence about the trade - gonna wait until the thing plays out a little more.

But: if Hartman was "all that" in getting to the net, wouldn't he have more than 8 goals this year in 57 games with Chicago? One in his last 23 games wearing the Indianhead? More than 7 assists and 8 points in those 23 games?

Only coming from my eyes watching the games, but I don't recall seeing a lot of him at the net - or at the boards winning puck battles....
- StLBravesFan

Have to agree not sure he scores greasy goals or plays that tough of a game. Yeah he throws a few checks and participates in some after whistle activities but he isn't a beast a long the boards and his puck possession skills are pretty average. I think Dcat has thrown as many big hits and Hartman this year.

I'm excited to see what Highmore brings. I think he can bring what Hartman did easily and better defensive game. Hayden can fill the"Hartman Roll" too and then some. I think spending a summer with Kane and Schmaltz went to Hartman's head. He is not an elite offensive threat.

Both bowman and coach Q along with the rest of the coaching staff has failed to put blame on one person is not fair. Bowman's trades in the offseason have not worked out and Q and coaching staff failing pp horrible pk improved only positive in zone d coverage horrible goaltending average at best crow going down didn't help still a perimeter team not enough net front presence Towes Kieth Seabrook not living up to their contract kane having a off season relying on the kids too much defense core substandard not having a puck moving d man that rush the puck up the ice quarter back a pp these are all reasons why the hawks are not in the playoff hunt. So lets focus on the offseason do bowman and Q stay or one or both go we'll find out in april. Who replaces Q or bowman? What do the hawks need to get back and contend for the playoffs. One or two of the core need to be traded revamp the d manning moore dehann two of those three would be a start need bigger players on the wings to forecheck and go the net. Vets need bounce back years drafting is crucial need homerun with first overall pick. Here is a question would you trade Nashville's 1st our 2 3rds and try and get another top 10 pick or hold on to those picks?

How many players in this year's draft are actually NHL ready from day 1?

The return for Hartman was good, I just don’t see the point in making the trade in the first place. Maybe there’s more to Stan’s plan, I’m reserving judgment until the draft to see how he uses that pick.
- DarthKane

As long as Stan packages both 1st round picks to draft Tzchuk I could give two (frank)s what Hartman does for Trashville this RS. If I don't have to see those hideous mustard yellow jerseys past Round 1, and the Hawks get Tzchuck, I will be very happy.

Edit: just remember who hated trading Hartman yesterday...myself, 67hawks, and HamiltonHawks all were not thrilled IIRC. See what happens when you're not getting choked by Quenneville's short leash??? It's one game, but Nashville picked up a good player.
- EnzoD

My thought is either they use the extra pick to move up to get someone they REALLY like, use the extra 1st trade try and beg someone to take Seabrook (with some amount of salary retained), or they hope and pray they can get an impact Forward AND D-man with both picks that can help in the next year or two. Not a great spot to be in but there are some glimmers of hope

RE: Hartman and Wingels

Honestly, these guys just joined new teams, those teams gunning to contend for a cup this year. After Wingels and Hartman dealt with the deadline day shock of being traded, their emotions would have shifted to prepping for the playoff grind.

No one should be surprised they came out and had really strong games. Both will immediately want to show their new teammates that they will go through a wall for them.

I wouldn't base Bowman's trades on 1-game each for these guys. We'll have to wait to see how it plays out in the long-term.
- Justin Lowe

Yes. This is 100% right. I think this is usually the case for many guys when traded on around deadline day. They come out and play well out of the gate.

Some examples, Deon Phaneuf doubled his goal total for the season in his first 4 games (3 goals) . Jerome Iginla was much the same last year when traded to the Kings around the deadline.

Nash had a good start with Boston since his trade. Scored a goal and saved one in dramatic fashion on the line.

Evander Kane had a great start with the Sharks last night.

With many guys, it will come down to how they contribute in the playoffs. With Hartman it is more long term, but the Hawks got a good return. If he was a problem and wanted out, this trade was good timing.

How many players in this year's draft are actually NHL ready from day 1?
- tvetter

Good question. This is the projected top 5.

1 Rasmus Dahlin
2 Andrei Svechnikov
3 Filip Zadina
4 Brady Tkachuk
5 Adam Boqvist

Dahlin is the consensus #1 and I believe is a lock to make whatever team picks him.

What are the projections for the other 4? It appears that several of the remaining projected top 10 are committed to NCAA programs.

After reading the Cap Friendly off season LTIR rules, it appears to me that we will not be hamstrung with Hossa's salary this summer as we were last summer. This should give Bowman more flexibility to make signings and trades this summer.
What I still am not certain about are player bonuses. We do not have Panarin's but there are several smaller ones that will accumulate to a fair sum. Are these covered with our current cap situation or do we still have to try to build space to cover them? It would be nice to have these off the books for next season too.

How many players in this year's draft are actually NHL ready from day 1?
- tvetter

Well, if you look at how many players usually play the year they are drafted, it is typically about 3-5 guys that make the jump out of the gate league wide. Some years there can be more, like 2013 there were 7 guys who played significant time in the NHL, but varying success.

MacKinnon
Monahan
Nichushkin
Jones
Barkov
Lindholm
Ristolainen

Most these guys (except MacKinnon who was 1st Overall pick) took a year or so to really get going in the NHL.

The issue with Hartman is we really do not have any prospects that project top 6. Hayden, HINO, Duke, Sikura, Cat really are not top 6 guys on really good teams. SAAD, NICK, KANE and TEOWS are really it. We also don't have any d that propject top pairing. We have to get 1 of those with our 1st pick and get lucky with Nashs IMO. I think Hart is going to be a good 3rd liner but is he going to be better then HINO or DUKE? It hurt that NASH came back and won!

NY Rangers at Vancouver, and HABS ISL 3pt game would be nice DET, BUF, in action as well.

After reading the Cap Friendly off season LTIR rules, it appears to me that we will not be hamstrung with Hossa's salary this summer as we were last summer. This should give Bowman more flexibility to make signings and trades this summer.
What I still am not certain about are player bonuses. We do not have Panarin's but there are several smaller ones that will accumulate to a fair sum. Are these covered with our current cap situation or do we still have to try to build space to cover them? It would be nice to have these off the books for next season too.
- 67hawks

This year’s bonuses count against this year’s cap until there is an overage. Then the overage is applied to next year.

After reading the Cap Friendly off season LTIR rules, it appears to me that we will not be hamstrung with Hossa's salary this summer as we were last summer. This should give Bowman more flexibility to make signings and trades this summer.
What I still am not certain about are player bonuses. We do not have Panarin's but there are several smaller ones that will accumulate to a fair sum. Are these covered with our current cap situation or do we still have to try to build space to cover them? It would be nice to have these off the books for next season too.
- 67hawks

I just tried to understand this - confusing as all heck...

The issue with Hartman is we really do not have any prospects that project top 6. Hayden, HINO, Duke, Sikura, Cat really are not top 6 guys on really good teams. SAAD, NICK, KANE and TEOWS are really it. We also don't have any d that propject top pairing. We have to get 1 of those with our 1st pick and get lucky with Nashs IMO. I think Hart is going to be a good 3rd liner but is he going to be better then HINO or DUKE? It hurt that NASH came back and won!

NY Rangers at Vancouver, and HABS ISL 3pt game would be nice DET, BUF, in action as well.
- kmw4631

DeBrincat is top 6, without a doubt. I think the Hawks are easing him into the lineup by playing him in the bottom 6. Not saying I agree with that strategy, but it appears they are taking things slow with him. Even so, DeBrincat is producing at a top 6 rate.

Hinostroza, Hayden and Duclair are all bottom 6 forwards who can fill in the top 6 as required. Vinnie could end up being a top 5 forward, he's scoring at a 50 point pace. Hartman fell into this category of forwards. I would rather have Hartman on the team than not and I don't mind the return, but I was hoping that if Stan traded Hartman it was for help on defense. Maybe that still happens if Stan trades one of the team's first round picks.

Edit: The jury is still out on Sikura, we need to see him play consistently before judging him.

I just tried to understand this - confusing as all heck...
- riozzo

It depends, there are 2 ways to play it. They can leave Hossa on LTIR through the summer and have that space. Or take him off at the conclusion of the season and play it like they did this year. I don’t understand it well enough to know which method works out better. They could have put him on LTIR last summer and chose not to.

It depends, there are 2 ways to play it. They can leave Hossa on LTIR through the summer and have that space. Or take him off at the conclusion of the season and play it like they did this year. I don’t understand it well enough to know which method works out better. They could have put him on LTIR last summer and chose not to.
- Quicky72

I'm no expert, but I thought the Hawks would be in the same situation every summer until Hossa's contract expired.

I wonder if Stan will use the 1st round pick acquired from Nashville to move Hossa's contract (i.e. to Ottawa)?

Interesting chart I came across.
- Rota's Rooter

Just sayin'... I find almost nothing interesting in that chart. If I had asked you to draw that chart before you saw it, would your drawn chart have differed from this one by much? Maybe the 12% undrafted is a little interesting, I'd have probably predicted that no higher than a 7th round pick. I'm guessing that is higher because of foreign players.

It depends, there are 2 ways to play it. They can leave Hossa on LTIR through the summer and have that space. Or take him off at the conclusion of the season and play it like they did this year. I don’t understand it well enough to know which method works out better. They could have put him on LTIR last summer and chose not to.
- Quicky72

Last year was different because Hossa wasn't on LTIR at the end of the previous year, so they couldn't put him there until day 1 off this season.

Just sayin'... I find almost nothing interesting in that chart. If I had asked you to draw that chart before you saw it, would your drawn chart have differed from this one by much? Maybe the 12% undrafted is a little interesting, I'd have probably predicted that no higher than a 7th round pick. I'm guessing that is higher because of foreign players.
- Cmonalready

I find this chart more interesting:

DeBrincat is top 6, without a doubt. I think the Hawks are easing him into the lineup by playing him in the bottom 6. Not saying I agree with that strategy, but it appears they are taking things slow with him. Even so, DeBrincat is producing at a top 6 rate.

Hinostroza, Hayden and Duclair are all bottom 6 forwards who can fill in the top 6 as required. Vinnie could end up being a top 5 forward, he's scoring at a 50 point pace. Hartman fell into this category of forwards. I would rather have Hartman on the team than not and I don't mind the return, but I was hoping that if Stan traded Hartman it was for help on defense. Maybe that still happens if Stan trades one of the team's first round picks.

Edit: The jury is still out on Sikura, we need to see him play consistently before judging him.
- DarthKane

Duclair has the ability/skill to be top 6, shown it in the past. Still one of the youngest guys on the team.

Just sayin'... I find almost nothing interesting in that chart. If I had asked you to draw that chart before you saw it, would your drawn chart have differed from this one by much? Maybe the 12% undrafted is a little interesting, I'd have probably predicted that no higher than a 7th round pick. I'm guessing that is higher because of foreign players.
- Cmonalready

That and late bloomers, both apply to the Swede we just got from Nashville IMO.

Duclair has the ability/skill to be top 6, shown it in the past. Still one of the youngest guys on the team.
- breadbag

It's possible that Duclair, Hayden and Hinostroza all emerge as top 6 forwards. It's unlikely but possible. Even if one guy becomes a top 6 forward and the others are 3rd liners that's not a bad thing.

Hartman What team gives up on a young cost controlled player?

I'm sure you will get a great player with the 30th pick. Preds did last year.
It's fun to have nothing to look forward to other than the draft, right?
- VopatsRash

I have absolutely terrific life long memories of 6-9-10; 6-24-13 and 6-15-15. Yes, I've memorized those dates. I also have terrific life long memories of the entire playoffs for those years - ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL MEMORIES that I was able to share with my teenage sons.

You are correct - the Blackhawks are not as good these days and who knows, they may never compete for a Stanley Cup again (1961 to 2010 was a very long time).

You come on here and seem to enjoy getting a dig in at the expense of diehard Blackhawks fans. Not sure why. I believe I may have commented to you in the past so I'll try just one more time:

Enjoy your teams' current success with some class and maturity.