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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Rockford Files – Tidbits, Whispers and Educated Thoughts
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z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

Jun 8 @ 11:53 AM ET
Agreed, which is why despite the huge need for defensemen I think the Hawks draft Wahlstrom if available. A projected difference maker in the offensive zone.
- Mr Ricochet



Go D when FA opens up. I might even move that #27 if it brings back legit D help. Pick best forward available at 8.
ikeane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Joined: 11.04.2005

Jun 8 @ 12:09 PM ET
Interesting FA guesses:

http://www.freeagentforec...l?team_id=69&position_id=
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Jun 8 @ 12:09 PM ET
Well we can move on past the first four dates, but here’s the other dates to watch!

57_E59143_8_CE1_4077_890_C_ACA4713013_AF

Hawksfan37
Joined: 05.11.2012

Jun 8 @ 12:11 PM ET
I like Darling and he played well while he was here. I'm one person that promoted moving Crawford and going with Darling/Raanta back when the Hawks carried 3 goalies. (Glad Crawford proved me wrong about that)

That said, I wonder if he would return to form and play well. Last season he wasn't prepared to play after getting his big contract, which might be worrisome. Also kind of sick of them bringing back players and then having them not work out. Oduya, Sharp, Saad. For 4.15 million I wouldn't take the chance on Darling if it were me. There goalie market has a lot of options that will come cheaper and you can find someone not coming off a terrible season.

- breadbag


If Carolina were to eat 50% of the salary on Darling, I'd consider it speaking solely from a Hawks salary cap perspective and having enough cap room for the Hawks to address other team needs. No idea on what Darling's trade value at $2M is, or if potentially that's part of a bigger trade with Carolina.
PatShart
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Vegas, NV
Joined: 06.25.2015

Jun 8 @ 12:11 PM ET
I agree, I’m happy for Ovi that he finally won a cup and didn’t go down in history as on of the best pure goal scorers to play the game without a cup but they/he could have had multiple cups by now with the teams they’ve had.
- Blackhawks4life


Just shows no matter "how stacked" teams are or aren't, it not just takes talent but also the chemistry, coaching and cohesiveness of an organization to win one - let alone 3. Yet it's taken for granted at times here or some assume Q doesnt know what he's doing (not that he has credentials or an OK resume or anything).
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Jun 8 @ 12:27 PM ET
Vegas didn’t have any superstar players. That was one of the main issues being discussed during the Cup. They were an average team that rode otherworldly goaltending and excellent coaching that included formalized interference all the way the Final. Then the clock struck 12. Sullivan’s “insights” are often illogical.
- Z3Hawk


McPhee is regretting not pulling the trigger on a trade for Erik Karlsson at the deadline which was reportedly VERY close to going down from what I’ve read. One could argue his offense would’ve put Vegas over the top....or at least made this a 7 game series
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 8 @ 12:29 PM ET
Watching the Capitals its obvious to me Hawks are multiple players away from sniffing that level. The PP the Caps roll out is insane. Hawks have ZERO players on D, maybe Seabrook, who can shoot and they traded away the only sniper they had for the back door snipe in Panarin to reacquaint Toews with Saad that blew up in Bowman's face.

Now....with the season renewal rates down, advertisers running for the hills, and the McDonough dog/pony show (hawks convention) STILL not sold out a month out.....you have Wirtz speaking to his friends at Crain's promising changes mid season. What that signals is a panic of forced moves by McDonough and hockey ops this summer.

They have 6.225 in cap space with a cap at 75 million, which supposedly is going up to 78-80. You trade Hossa and his cap hit with the Nashville pick to a cap floor team that ONLY pays Hossa 1 million in salary. You trade Murphy over AA as Murphy, contrary to those who touted his vast leadership skills last summer since he captained a JV US team in the worlds, is nothing more then a 5/6 D man and #2 centers don't grow on trees...……..You would then have 18-20 million in cap space.

IF NYI is dumb enough to let Tavares walk, you throw 10 million AAV at him and lock him in with Kane, and then you have 91/19/15 down the middle. Not bad. If not, you throw decent money at Carlson and Cole, and plug in some other decent Fs

This team needs MAJOR upgrades as the trajectory of 2/7/19 is steeply heading in the wrong direction and hoping for "underachievers" to bounce back is a dangerous mind set....This team has played 11 playoff games in the last 1095 days so the tired legs argument doesn't jive.....it's more then that.

Going to be a fun 22 days and a course of standing pat will force Wirtz to live by his words when the snow starts to fall.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 8 @ 12:32 PM ET
Very happy for Trotz…..great guy who deserves it and is arguably one of the best hockey minds in the game. Great to see.

Very happy for Ovechkin. I can't stand Crosby and seeing Washington beat Pittsburgh was magical and seeing Ovechkin raise his game each series there after, was remarkable. Guy led the league in goals, and then popped 15 more.....sure you could say there were others more deserving of the Conn Smythe, just like in 2010 you could say Buff easily could have won it over Toews, but the burden and negativity surrounding Ovechkin is gone.....and he won it in a year nobody expected it.

This guy will pop 900 goals IF he chooses to play as long as his skill level allows and doesn't run off early. His release and his dominance is remarkable and the best move I saw him make when he took on 2 Vegas guys, spun around and fired off a shot, wide granted, that would have hit the top corner in one motion....unheard of.

I hope he rides down the main road in Pittsburgh in a huge float, slamming beers with the cup.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 8 @ 12:41 PM ET
Thought it was time to subscribe to The Athletic with the Hawks drafting so high, 2 picks in the 1st rd, last yr being a train wreck and the coach and GM nowhere near being in sync.

Pronmen did an exhaustive ranking of the top 74 players. Kotkanieme 4th, Hughes 5th, Wahlstom 6th, Bokk 8th, Tkachuk 9th, Merkley 10th, Bouchard 17th, Dobson 20th.

Love how he obviously threw out the normal rankings and it reminded me the draft could shake out much much differently than we expect. The 27th is very interesting to me and he has LW Joel Farabee ranked 27th.

USNTDP U18 coach Seth Appert said: “He’s a complete player. He creates a ton of offense without any cheat to his game. He’s a 200-foot player. He’s a great penalty killer and dangerous shorthanded. He’s got the skill level to break you down 1-on-1 and make plays through people. He’s the absolute fiercest competitor.”

- Mr Ricochet


I am a huge fan of D-Man Merkley. May be my favourite player in the Draft. Has extremely high-end skill and skating. I’ve posted before that if you want to watch amazing videos watch Merkley at the U-18 Ivan Hlinka Tournament which Merkley played as a 16 year-old. Also really intelligent and mature in interview after Canada won Gold. Can see on Sarnia site. Interesting Merkley placed at 10 - others have him falling, some far, because of his “attitude”. I think his “attitude” problems are trying to do too much on a bad Sarnia team where he is clearly the best player. Lead team in scoring after being drafted #1 into OHL as 16 year-old winning Rookie of the Year. Productive 2nd season too. Has no problems on international stage. Even those who place him lower acknowledge he has top of the Draft skill and skating. I so much want Hawks to figure out a way to draft him.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Jun 8 @ 12:45 PM ET
I'm down for a nasto 3rd or 4th line of Martinsen, Hayden and Wingels.

Nice thing is that Wingels can play on any line - so he can slot in anywhere as needed, but I think the above would be cool to see. A true physical/grinder line but with enough skill to generate offense and score.

- Hank3Henshaw


I'd like that as a 4th line. I could see Hayden moving up and being a net front screen a bit more. I could see something like Wingel - Kampf - Martinsen. I think Tyler Sikura and Luke Johnson could be in the mix for 4th line duty.

I'd still love to see Riley Nash get signed to be the 3rd line C. I think he could play some good minutes.

Some other options to play on lower lines that might be worth kicking the tires on.

Vermette - he can still win a ton of draws, but age will be a factor
Derek Grant - good size, coming off a good year for the Ducks
Nate Thompson - Could be a 4th line option

walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Jun 8 @ 12:49 PM ET
If Carolina were to eat 50% of the salary on Darling, I'd consider it speaking solely from a Hawks salary cap perspective and having enough cap room for the Hawks to address other team needs. No idea on what Darling's trade value at $2M is, or if potentially that's part of a bigger trade with Carolina.
- Hawksfan37


The whole goalie situation is still the most intriguing to me. I’m really not sure what Crawford’s status is and sounds like Rocky’s not sure either.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 8 @ 12:49 PM ET
McPhee is regretting not pulling the trigger on a trade for Erik Karlsson at the deadline which was reportedly VERY close to going down from what I’ve read. One could argue his offense would’ve put Vegas over the top....or at least made this a 7 game series
- EnzoD


One would think that an elite player like Karlsson could certainly have made a difference. There have been times when he put Ottawa on his back - got them to game 7 of the Conference Final against Pens 2 years ago. I think they actually lost in OT - that’s how close they were to going to the Cup Final.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 8 @ 1:11 PM ET
Agreed, which is why despite the huge need for defensemen I think the Hawks draft Wahlstrom if available. A projected difference maker in the offensive zone.
- Mr Ricochet


It is interesting to listen to the interviews on the Hawks’ site. I am a huge proponent of drafting high-end skill and skating. Another thing I look for is where the player thinks he is in his own development. Can be an indicator of drive, confidence. This seems to especially apply to D-Men but can also apply to Forwards. For me it is a strike if the player himself thinks he is years and years away when another says something like “I’ll be training really hard over the summer as I want to make a big impression at Training Camp and make it hard for the team not to keep me.” Now I am aware that you have to be cognizant of false bravado but you can normally gauge the sincerity. Teams are in different positions from year to year too - for this year it seems the Hawks need to draft a player at 8 that could have immediete impact.

I agree with you that if you want to draft a player that could be impactful right away it may be smart to draft a forward with high-end skill and skating. This is especially so as Q has been sorta sketchy with younger D-Men recently.


riozzo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Cornwallis Island
Joined: 06.17.2014

Jun 8 @ 1:28 PM ET
Can someone at the Madhouse please put Toews on the OVi nutrition and training program?
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jun 8 @ 1:37 PM ET
It is interesting to listen to the interviews on the Hawks’ site. I am a huge proponent of drafting high-end skill and skating. Another thing I look for is where the player thinks he is in his own development. Can be an indicator of drive, confidence. This seems to especially apply to D-Men but can also apply to Forwards. For me it is a strike if the player himself thinks he is years and years away when another says something like “I’ll be training really hard over the summer as I want to make a big impression at Training Camp and make it hard for the team not to keep me.” Now I am aware that you have to be cognizant of false bravado but you can normally gauge the sincerity. Teams are in different positions from year to year too - for this year it seems the Hawks need to draft a player at 8 that could have immediete impact.

I agree with you that if you want to draft a player that could be impactful right away it may be smart to draft a forward with high-end skill and skating. This is especially so as Q has been sorta sketchy with younger D-Men recently.

- Z3Hawk


Reading Pronmen's, or any big league scouts', evaluation on players can be humbling. I've see every USHL kid as a fan every yr, I'm not scouting but am taking mental notes for sure, and they see things I don't. ......... But you don't need a scouts eye for Wahlstrom to jump out. Incredibly dynamic skating, skill, shot, IQ and great size. After having a Kane for 8-9-10 yrs the Hawks know what this kind of player means 3 cups later.

Point is I want my team to take the very best player at that slot regardless of any other consideration, especially so this yr at #8. Been forever since they have drafted that high and I'm willing to wait an extra yr or two for a player to get to the bigs that will hopefully be a difference maker for 10-12 yrs.

Very exciting as a fan after a yr to forget, as a fan. That #8 should/could change this organIzation's trajectory.

As far as Merkley no hockey guy questions his offensive prowess and as well as questioning his "attitude" they point out his poor defensive zone play.... IMO you just can't miss on the #8 pick but if he is the Hawks' guy they could trade down and get him and add another high pick. I'll go ahead and paste Pronman's evaluation since you're intrigued by the kid. Note the last sentence by his own coach:

Merkley, a former No. 1 overall pick in his OHL draft class, is one of the most skilled players in the draft class and is one of the best passers I’ve ever seen at his age. He has the vision to attempt and execute plays most players don’t think about and has the composure to move the puck at an elite level. When he’s on his game, he makes everyone around him look better. He also shows a high level of skill. While he won’t attempt end to end rushes like Ryan Murphy used to all the time in the OHL, Merkley can make a highlight reel skill play to open up space for his vision. He skates very well, but he’s more of an elusive skater with great edge work than a guy who blazes through the neutral zone, though he does possess above-average speed. He uses his footwork and edges to create space and looks for options. Now for his warts. Merkley is small, can be a headache defensively with some of his decisions, coverage and physicality — although I’ve seen him lay out a huge hit here and there. He has severe up and downs, where he looks dominant one game and can be a major negative another, as well as he can let his emotions get the best of him.

Guelph coach and GM George Burnett said: “Ryan’s an elite skill player. Nobody questions what he creates offensively. There’s progress in his defensive play and his discipline. He’s got a bright future if he wants one.”
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jun 8 @ 1:48 PM ET
The whole goalie situation is still the most intriguing to me. I’m really not sure what Crawford’s status is and sounds like Rocky’s not sure either.
- walleyeb1


Me too. As Justin points out what the Hawks do in free agency at the position will give us a window into their thinking concerning Crow. I'd add though they left themselves naked to the possibility Crow got injured last yr but hope they learned from that.

The signing of a Ward/Lethonen type could say they are worried about Crow or could tell us that they are worried enough and don't trust Forseberg to be a #1 if needed.

I wonder if the Hawks would consider moving Hossa for Darling straight up? If the Hawks think Waite can get Darling "right" again with 3 yrs left at 4.1? If Carolina would want to "dump" bad salary and get 5 mil against the cap for out of pocket cost of 1 mil? ........... But of course that would slot 10 mil at the goalie position assuming Crow will come back healthy.
savvyone-1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I'm singing the Blues!, IL
Joined: 03.04.2011

Jun 8 @ 1:49 PM ET
Can someone at the Madhouse please put Toews on the OVi nutrition and training program?
- riozzo

Sure, I'll get right ONNIT.

via GIPHY

SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 8 @ 2:01 PM ET
Sure, I'll get right ONNIT.
- savvyone-1


Yes...that program is paying such dividends for Toews.

While other players are at the gym, Johnny is off pruning his basil and other greens...…………….
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jun 8 @ 2:07 PM ET
Well we can move on past the first four dates, but here’s the other dates to watch!

57_E59143_8_CE1_4077_890_C_ACA4713013_AF


- walleyeb1


Thanks for posting Walleye!

I'm starting to hear things could get very interesting in the next 7-10 days for the Hawks.

I'll report back if I hear anything specific.

Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 8 @ 2:08 PM ET
Reading Pronmen's, or any big league scouts', evaluation on players can be humbling. I've see every USHL kid as a fan every yr, I'm not scouting but am taking mental notes for sure, and they see things I don't. ......... But you don't need a scouts eye for Wahlstrom to jump out. Incredibly dynamic skating, skill, shot, IQ and great size. After having a Kane for 8-9-10 yrs the Hawks know what this kind of player means 3 cups later.

Point is I want my team to take the very best player at that slot regardless of any other consideration, especially so this yr at #8. Been forever since they have drafted that high and I'm willing to wait an extra yr or two for a player to get to the bigs that will hopefully be a difference maker for 10-12 yrs.

Very exciting as a fan after a yr to forget, as a fan. That #8 should/could change this organIzation's trajectory.

As far as Merkley no hockey guy questions his offensive prowess and as well as questioning his "attitude" they point out his poor defensive zone play.... IMO you just can't miss on the #8 pick but if he is the Hawks' guy they could trade down and get him and add another high pick. I'll go ahead and paste Pronman's evaluation since you're intrigued by the kid. Note the last sentence by his own coach:

Merkley, a former No. 1 overall pick in his OHL draft class, is one of the most skilled players in the draft class and is one of the best passers I’ve ever seen at his age. He has the vision to attempt and execute plays most players don’t think about and has the composure to move the puck at an elite level. When he’s on his game, he makes everyone around him look better. He also shows a high level of skill. While he won’t attempt end to end rushes like Ryan Murphy used to all the time in the OHL, Merkley can make a highlight reel skill play to open up space for his vision. He skates very well, but he’s more of an elusive skater with great edge work than a guy who blazes through the neutral zone, though he does possess above-average speed. He uses his footwork and edges to create space and looks for options. Now for his warts. Merkley is small, can be a headache defensively with some of his decisions, coverage and physicality — although I’ve seen him lay out a huge hit here and there. He has severe up and downs, where he looks dominant one game and can be a major negative another, as well as he can let his emotions get the best of him.

Guelph coach and GM George Burnett said: “Ryan’s an elite skill player. Nobody questions what he creates offensively. There’s progress in his defensive play and his discipline. He’s got a bright future if he wants one.”

- Mr Ricochet


His “attitude” problems have apparently involved his Guelph Storm GM and Coach Burnett. I improperly previously referenced Sarnia. Given that there have been some Coach-player problems this is a very good Coach report. It is interesting that internationally he does just fine defensively and attitudinally. Perhaps GM and Coach Burnett should worry less about Merkley and more about the fact that his team is bad and stays bad. Maybe Merkley doesn’t enjoy losing.

It is also important to remember that Merkley has already accomplished a great deal as a hockey player and is still only 17. He has a very high ceiling. You can’t teach skill - the things he does intuitively. Whatever shortcomings he may have defensively on a bad OHL team can be addressed and don’t appear against the best opposition internationally. I’ve watched videos - he seems like an excellent skater - he can make plays at high speed too. Weird reference to Ryan Murphy I thought.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jun 8 @ 2:25 PM ET
I'd like that as a 4th line. I could see Hayden moving up and being a net front screen a bit more. I could see something like Wingel - Kampf - Martinsen. I think Tyler Sikura and Luke Johnson could be in the mix for 4th line duty.

I'd still love to see Riley Nash get signed to be the 3rd line C. I think he could play some good minutes.

Some other options to play on lower lines that might be worth kicking the tires on.

Vermette - he can still win a ton of draws, but age will be a factor
Derek Grant - good size, coming off a good year for the Ducks
Nate Thompson - Could be a 4th line option

- breadbag


I'm with you in adding somebody from the outside. Those 3 would be worth looking at and would be cheap.

Another one and I've dropped his name a couple times, Chris Wagner would be a great 4th line C option to add in some speed and grit. Had 16 points last year, mostly in a defensive role and has 175 games in the NHL.

PatShart
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Vegas, NV
Joined: 06.25.2015

Jun 8 @ 2:25 PM ET
Yes...that program is paying such dividends for Toews.

While other players are at the gym, Johnny is off pruning his basil and other greens...…………….

- SteveRain


Haha
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jun 8 @ 2:38 PM ET
Thought it was time to subscribe to The Athletic with the Hawks drafting so high, 2 picks in the 1st rd, last yr being a train wreck and the coach and GM nowhere near being in sync.

Pronmen did an exhaustive ranking of the top 74 players. Kotkanieme 4th, Hughes 5th, Wahlstom 6th, Bokk 8th, Tkachuk 9th, Merkley 10th, Bouchard 17th, Dobson 20th.

Love how he obviously threw out the normal rankings and it reminded me the draft could shake out much much differently than we expect. The 27th is very interesting to me and he has LW Joel Farabee ranked 27th.

USNTDP U18 coach Seth Appert said: “He’s a complete player. He creates a ton of offense without any cheat to his game. He’s a 200-foot player. He’s a great penalty killer and dangerous shorthanded. He’s got the skill level to break you down 1-on-1 and make plays through people. He’s the absolute fiercest competitor.”

- Mr Ricochet

I like that last descriptor of Farabee being a firece competitor. It fits the stated desire by Q for the Hawks to be more relentless. At face value, I like that Q is saying that but it still remains to be seen what relentless means in a Q-driven system.

If the Hawks will truly be more relentless (i.e. fierce, competitive, playing balls to the wall), then one has to like the Nilsson signing as Colliton described him as such a player. Then there are players who we know can play this way like Martinsen, Hayden, Murphy, and Wingels (assuming he re-signs with the Hawks this summer). Add in potential trade or free agency acquistions as well as prospects like Johnson and Tyler Sikura. The question is whether they will be allowed to play that way consistently for an entire season.
savvyone-1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I'm singing the Blues!, IL
Joined: 03.04.2011

Jun 8 @ 2:40 PM ET
Yes...that program is paying such dividends for Toews.

While other players are at the gym, Johnny is off pruning his basil and other greens...…………….

- SteveRain


RainMan, you should listen to the podcast link PDX posted -- pretty good IMO -- sounds like a LOT of people are pretty well fed up with Mr. 19's cavalier attitude on things like training, working w/the younger players, etc. Thought that was most telling. Plus, a lot of heat over the fact that the guy, in spite of 3 pretty down seasons with no/little playoff time, apparently can't bring himself to play in the new summer pro league (Kane, Saad, Schmaltz and the Cat are in).
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jun 8 @ 2:42 PM ET
I'd like that as a 4th line. I could see Hayden moving up and being a net front screen a bit more. I could see something like Wingel - Kampf - Martinsen. I think Tyler Sikura and Luke Johnson could be in the mix for 4th line duty.

I'd still love to see Riley Nash get signed to be the 3rd line C. I think he could play some good minutes.

Some other options to play on lower lines that might be worth kicking the tires on.

Vermette - he can still win a ton of draws, but age will be a factor
Derek Grant - good size, coming off a good year for the Ducks
Nate Thompson - Could be a 4th line option

- breadbag

I like these options you lay out. I'd add Beagle to that list of potential guys to pursue and even kick the tires on Roussel as much as he's hated by everyone.
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