One precaution to signing JVR, he was tenth in time on ice with Maple Leaf forwards last year. The guy is deadly on the PP in front of the net but he is mostly a third line forward 5on5. I wouldn't want him on a line with Kane or Toews.
- Wissler

THANK YOU! Signing 29 yr old JVR is like putting a band-aid on a severed artery......

If Barry Trotz isn't the Islanders coach by April 1st, it reeks of insider trading...and he is relaxing at home until the hawks falter.

Can he bring Toronto's asst GM and talent evaluator Mark Hunter too?
- wiz1901

Hunter can't go to another team until after the draft.

I have heard he's heading to NYI though right after.

So JVR was 10th in ice time but led them in goals, 5th in points.

Seems rather productive, IMO

So JVR was 10th in ice time but led them in goals, 5th in points.

Seems rather productive, IMO
- PatShart

Good point when you look at it that way.

I want everyone to understand how this draft class is being given high value worth in regards to not only the early picks but the ones where players will llnger to the mid range of the first round.

So let's say, the hawks talk to Vancouver and the Canucks they say they are getting calls, from teams that want "...a forward still on the board..."
"We are comfortable trading down a slot..."

That move in this draft costs at least a high second in THIS draft (because there is quality there lingering) and the Hawks #27.

I am not making it up, and sure as the board starts shaking out and reaches a point where you have a "tier drop," the value is less steep but you still pay.

The Blackhawks dropped a mere four slots and the 4 slot jump at the END of the first cost the Dallas Stars a third that was one slot from in the quarter of the third...

so IF the 'hawks want to step up and jump up, it's not gonna be with a marginal player as the sweetener and one of the third rounder won't do it in my humble opinion.

And besides, when they got out of the race, I said Stanley's next priority was to recoup picks...I don't think they want to get locked out at the various rounds by tossing this organization chips to the wind when they start to go full rebuild. These picks ARE the guys who will (if they develop) start filling the slots.

And i want to go back and correct something I recently heard in a podcast or somewhere in writing about how "...when Dallas came to the hawks and wanted the 26th overall last year, the hawks were fine because they knew Henri Jokiharju would still be there.." is not actually the way it was...

Sure, Dallas was afraid Ottawa would select goaler Oettinger (or nashvilel or another team would try and jump up in front of the Stars 29th overall.
Sure the two teams talked...beforehand...but what really sealed the deal was when Montreal selected big Ryan Poehling with the pick before the hawks at #25.

The hawks were looking to shore up big centre last year so no surprise they are taking Jesperi Kotkaniemi to lunch at the combine...

If Montreal goes a different direction they will scoop him over any other forwards on the board.

Hunter can't go to another team until after the draft.

I have heard he's heading to NYI though right after.
- Justin Lowe

I said April first and the Isles would be smart to lock him up.

One precaution to signing JVR, he was tenth in time on ice with Maple Leaf forwards last year. The guy is deadly on the PP in front of the net but he is mostly a third line forward 5on5. I wouldn't want him on a line with Kane or Toews.
- Wissler

Everything in context - Babcock gives more ice time and shifts per game to stone hands like Zach Hyman and Leo Komarov. JVR got about the same minutes/game as Alex Debrincat did in Chicago last year. The great Babcock doesn't care much for JVR's game away from the puck but he loves his plugs like Hyman, Komarov, Roman Polak and Ron Hainsey. And that in part is why Auston Mathews went home at the end of the year pissed off.

The hawks were looking to shore up big centre last year so no surprise they are taking Jesperi Kotkaniemi to lunch at the combine...

If Montreal goes a different direction they will scoop him over any other forwards on the board.
- wiz1901

What player(s) do you think have a legitimate shot at making the NHL this fall? Dahlin, Svechnikov, and......

Everything in context - Babcock gives more ice time and shifts per game to stone hands like Zach Hyman and Leo Komarov. JVR got about the same minutes/game as Alex Debrincat did in Chicago last year. The great Babcock doesn't care much for JVR's game away from the puck but he loves his plugs like Hyman, Komarov, Roman Polak and Ron Hainsey. And that in part is why Auston Mathews went home at the end of the year pissed off.
- RickJ

I think Babcock is vastly overrated IMO. I know the Canadian media loves kissing his @ss non stop.

I had to giggle on the last thread...…

So 20 brought down 19, even though before 20 was back 19 was a disaster because he didn't have anyone to play with.

Also, 72 carried 88......the things you miss when you don't post on here at night.

IMO

The Hawks should be focusing their needs directly to what will make 88 the absolute best he can be and maximize his return. What line combination and talent does he need? Forget 19......that ship has sailed.

Adding JVR makes sense but they still need a center in between him and 88.

THANK YOU! Signing 29 yr old JVR is like putting a band-aid on a severed artery......
- EnzoD

The Hawks need to maximize the return of their best asset, and that is Kane.

That should be the focal point. The 2 years they had Kane playing with a player with similar skill we got a flash as to how the ceiling can be for 88. Instead the Hawks love saddling him 2nd/3rd line talent and hoping 88 can make it work.

That's why IMO, if 91 hits 7/1 unsigned we better see the all time dog and pony show from this organization and that is saying a lot.

The Hawks catered to 19 last year in hopes of getting him going and his decline and Saad's aloofness was a double negative.

I think Babcock is vastly overrated IMO. I know the Canadian media loves kissing his @ss non stop.

I had to giggle on the last thread...…

So 20 brought down 19, even though before 20 was back 19 was a disaster because he didn't have anyone to play with.

Also, 72 carried 88......the things you miss when you don't post on here at night.
- SteveRain

I don't know about kissing his butt but he has escaped criticism in Toronto for the most part so far. But those days are fast coming to an end for Babs, because unlike a city like Chicago, the media won't hesitate to turn his coaching record and player deployment into something Robert Mueller investigating the Russians would be proud of. With 3 newspapers, 2 full time sports channels and countless podcasters and radio analysts, Babcock better start winning big time, in the post season.

FYI, his record in playoff series since 2010 is 1-6. At his salary, he needs to deliver something better in the center of the hockey universe.

The Hawks need to maximize the return of their best asset, and that is Kane.

That should be the focal point. The 2 years they had Kane playing with a player with similar skill we got a flash as to how the ceiling can be for 88. Instead the Hawks love saddling him 2nd/3rd line talent and hoping 88 can make it work.

That's why IMO, if 91 hits 7/1 unsigned we better see the all time dog and pony show from this organization and that is saying a lot.

The Hawks catered to 19 last year in hopes of getting him going and his decline and Saad's aloofness was a double negative.
- SteveRain

IMO, to maximize Kane's effectiveness age 30-35, Hawks need to draft one of those 200lb forwards with skill....Kotkaniemi to be his center, wahlstrom/zadina to be his finisher, or Tkachuk to be his protection and space opener with some finish. I'd be giving up whatever (reasonable) assets necessary to move up 1-2 spots to ensure you get one of those players.

Hunter can't go to another team until after the draft.

I have heard he's heading to NYI though right after.
- Justin Lowe

Justin seeing we need center help what about Jordan Stall from carolina for AA 27th duclair and a 3rd he becomes your 2nd line center behind or in front of towes good on faceoffs then move smaltz to lw wing sign or trade for 3rd line center say riley nash just an idea as far as a bold move would solve a lot of problems I belive he signed at 6 million per year for another 4 or 5 more years same money hawks be giving jvr.

IMO

The Hawks should be focusing their needs directly to what will make 88 the absolute best he can be and maximize his return. What line combination and talent does he need? Forget 19......that ship has sailed.

Adding JVR makes sense but they still need a center in between him and 88.
- SteveRain

I'm warming to Schmaltz's game

He had a ton of takaways... which bodes well for his defensive awareness

His faceoff are a big weakness, but hey - he improved from 30% to 40% from year 1 to 2..
So maybe 50% this year? (Tongue in cheek) If he can get that number up close to 50% though, and continue getting stronger, I'd be ok with him still at center. This year will probably be a big year in determining that, IMO, especially if they get a JVR type (FA, LW, top 6) to play with 8 & 88

It could make for a pretty good line 1

What player(s) do you think have a legitimate shot at making the NHL this fall? Dahlin, Svechnikov, and......
- EnzoD

I am fairly certain that any team that drafts the following, will, if they have good preseason camps,might rty to get these kids get NHL games
As you said both Rasmus Dahlin and Andrei Svechnikov seem like locks to stay.
In Buffalo they are gonna watch and access and add more minutes if he excels.

Svechnikov simply seems like he doesn't hurt you...he is a strong heavy to the net presence mover, and isn't gonna hurt his linemates while he improves

Evan Bouchard is close because of his head, balance and attack skills, and he has size enough to endure the rigors. The question remains can he defend NHL player already,but sure he gets a sniff.

Filip Zadina for sure has the feet attack skills and recognition to play soon. As I said in the last blog, he is in a very good place to develop as Halifax host the Memorial Cup and has a strong line up great new coach, and will add more pieces to try and win. they don't get a say in whether he returns, but if there starts to any sign of confidence loss or that the kid is in early, they had a terrific fall back to QMJHL.

Brady Tkachuk has already practiced with many of the Montreal NHL players and he said himself he got a close up look at how much quicker the pace and especially how much quicker your reaction when getting puck possession must be play oriented, crip and fast. He could get a sniff, and I would sign his now before I let him cousin Kevin Hayes me later....

Quinton Hughes is too fast to be held back, but has the option to return to Michigan. The thing is with when the college teams start, you probably make up your mind early, cause I don't think you keep a college kid out of class. The Worlds showed us he can hang already....

I said I might have this wrong and forget my source (and it may be another kid it was refering too) but Oliver Wahlstrom was talking about foregoing college if he made an NHL. Sniper. Teams need goals, enough to just line him up next to world class linemates to feed him and worry about the 200 foot game as on the job training? I dunno maybe. (I am certain the Oilers would love the chance for him to be on the wing with McDavid.)

and (i know you were waiting for this one)...Jesperi Kotkaniemi falls in that category where you can on the job groom him, because you like his dynamic straight ahead push to the net, through the pack, and his fluid motion and hands when you start him on the wing and he sets up your bottom six to begin with and plays a bit of PP. So yes, he could stay, he won't hurt you anywhere, and you probably use him a centre in practice and spot him there once his feet are wet. I am not gonna call him a Pierre-Luc Dubois, because Dubois is a physical beast the needed a year in junior to get reps at his newly found centre position, and although already has had reps as centre, he still compares more to the guy Columbus didn't take, Jesse Puljujärvi.
We all have him gift-wrapped to the habs and if he is, he probably plays pro now because they need him to.

I am gonna throw one more out there.

Depending upon the team, Barrett Hayton could play. I say this because he is so head smart, and has no weaknesses, and high end results if not more than what now amounts to very good overall skills in place...I think he can play in traffic (kinda like DeBrincat showed right away that "feel"...) can play any forward position and is an intense player willing to get hit, or physical, be solid when he has the biscuit and wants to have it, shoots a heavy puck, although...he is never gonna be the guy with the set of gears where he breaks away, but he is a player any NHL who want if the slots fits. He could play. His skating can improve and it has in the from last year to now.

Just pull that old memory how Owen Tippett was kept up with Tallon's Panthers, even though every scout said at the junior level he had no interest in the other side of the ice...so you simply never know who gets rewarded for good camps, who shines brightly and gets over promoted, and which prospects follow the slower developmental no rush no pressure path, similar to the way the hawks were able by early withdrawal from the post season got to introduce NHL speed and decision making and clear assessments to many of their prospects, so they KNOW what THEY have to do to eventual make the grade.

Did i answer that succinctly ? Probably not, eh?

I'm warming to Schmaltz's game

He had a ton of takaways... which bodes well for his defensive awareness

His faceoff are a big weakness, but hey - he improved from 30% to 40% from year 1 to 2..
So maybe 50% this year? (Tongue in cheek) If he can get that number up close to 50% though, and continue getting stronger, I'd be ok with him still at center. This year will probably be a big year in determining that, IMO, especially if they get a JVR type (FA, LW, top 6) to play with 8 & 88

It could make for a pretty good line 1
- PatShart

Don't forget, one player doesn't win all faceoffs. Get a bigger body in there to bang in the corner and dig the puck out and he wins a few more. Kane and the Cat are not the kind of players to dig for the puck on a tight faceoff.

IMO, to maximize Kane's effectiveness age 30-35, Hawks need to draft one of those 200lb forwards with skill....Kotkaniemi to be his center, wahlstrom/zadina to be his finisher, or Tkachuk to be his protection and space opener with some finish. I'd be giving up whatever (reasonable) assets necessary to move up 1-2 spots to ensure you get one of those players.
- EnzoD

I think they need to get a strong 3rd (or 4th) line that can really handle the checking line duties and play 19 and 88 together. Let the young guys take line 2.

I'm warming to Schmaltz's game

He had a ton of takaways... which bodes well for his defensive awareness

His faceoff are a big weakness, but hey - he improved from 30% to 40% from year 1 to 2..
So maybe 50% this year? (Tongue in cheek) If he can get that number up close to 50% though, and continue getting stronger, I'd be ok with him still at center. This year will probably be a big year in determining that, IMO, especially if they get a JVR type (FA, LW, top 6) to play with 8 & 88

It could make for a pretty good line 1
- PatShart

Pretty good chance he stays at C I think. He is getting better and stronger.

The Hawks need to maximize the return of their best asset, and that is Kane.

That should be the focal point. The 2 years they had Kane playing with a player with similar skill we got a flash as to how the ceiling can be for 88. Instead the Hawks love saddling him 2nd/3rd line talent and hoping 88 can make it work.

That's why IMO, if 91 hits 7/1 unsigned we better see the all time dog and pony show from this organization and that is saying a lot.

The Hawks catered to 19 last year in hopes of getting him going and his decline and Saad's aloofness was a double negative.
- SteveRain

Hey Rainman...I don't see 91 here...but what about the Breadman...? Panarin is a UFA next season and has already stated he won't sign an extension. Yes Panarin's defense is a concern, but Kane has had his best seasons with him on his left side. We also saw a different kid in the playoffs this year as opposed to last season. I don't think Kane was terribly happy when they made the trade.

It'll be interesting to see if Stan can get him back or next offseason (that's if Stan is still running the show). Bowman's got to make several key moves and really hit it out of the park this offseason to get this thing back on track. Based on his track record I don't know if he can get it done. But I'm hopeful he does. Really interested to see how this thing plays out.

Moving Hossa's cap hit is a key and an even bigger one is Crawford...should be interesting.

Hey Rainman...I don't see 91 here...but what about the Breadman...? Panarin is a UFA next season and has already stated he won't sign an extension. Yes Panarin's defense is a concern, but Kane has had his best seasons with him on his left side. We also saw a different kid in the playoffs this year as opposed to last season. I don't think Kane was terribly happy when they made the trade.

It'll be interesting to see if Stan can get him back or next offseason (that's if Stan is still running the show). Bowman's got to make several key moves and really hit it out of the park this offseason to get this thing back on track. Based on his track record I don't know if he can get it done. But I'm hopeful he does. Really interested to see how this thing plays out.

Moving Hossa's cap hit is a key and an even bigger one is Crawford...should be interesting.
- DK002

Would be funny to see another Saad for Panarin swap.

Would be funny to see another Saad for Panarin swap.
- Glak18

Tortorella would not see the humour in that.

So JVR was 10th in ice time but led them in goals, 5th in points.

Seems rather productive, IMO
- PatShart

Also indicates that he is very one dimensional.

Everything in context - Babcock gives more ice time and shifts per game to stone hands like Zach Hyman and Leo Komarov. JVR got about the same minutes/game as Alex Debrincat did in Chicago last year. The great Babcock doesn't care much for JVR's game away from the puck but he loves his plugs like Hyman, Komarov, Roman Polak and Ron Hainsey. And that in part is why Auston Mathews went home at the end of the year pissed off.
- RickJ

Babcock knows what he is doing. First off Polak wasn't even a regular on the Leafs blueline when they were healthy. Hainsey plays more than he should(if we had other D that could do that type of job). He played more PK time than any other player in the NHL and the Leafs PK was decent.(Around 10th I think).

Hyman is absolutely not a plug. He put up 40 points with ZERO PP time and his linemates both had great offensive seasons. Hyman also plays a ton of PK time as does Komarov

I do agree that I would prefer not to have Komarov on the Kadri, Marleau, Marner line....oh wait...Komarov was replaced with Marleau and never got his job back. Problem solved.

JVR's usage was perfect. He had a career year. Kadri has had two career years under babsocks.

***in reply to earlier posts***

If JVR could be signed for 5 years in the $6mil range he would absolutely be staying in Toronto.

Would be funny to see another Saad for Panarin swap.
- Glak18

It's not happening. They moved Panarin for cost certainly and it's clear Panarin is going the mercenary route, which is well within his rights. Great offensive player, but time to move on from him.

Good thing about JVR and Panarin rumors is based on past history of rumors these two moves are almost certain to NOT happen.