All is good
- eagle50

Toews goal would make Eddie Olczyk happy. He got the puck in front, held onto it an extra second to wait out the goalie and beat him. It was nice work in the corner from Debrincat to get the puck to him out front.

It didn't hurt that Schmaltz didn't play the body or try to really tie him up.

Sorry, but who are you referring to when you say Carlson? Lucas Carlsson, I assume. I would think Hillman and maybe even Dahlstrom are ahead of Carlsson on the depth chart. IMHO, Carlsson needs a year in Rockford with a possible cup of coffee later this season.

As for grit/skill combination, Fortin may have that to a certain degree but Knott and Noel have been stating their case recently as well. Kurashev, too.
- AEL_Fox

I do not doubt your appraisal of Carlsson's timeline for the NHL. I have practically been begging for appraisal of his showing in Traverse City; not much review was forthcoming anywhere.

The thing about Carlsson is that he is more a shutdown yet good skater AND he plays the right side. He affods a nice balancing act among the more acclaimed offensive skill prospects.

I anticipate one year development for all these prospects is going to leave the coaching staff and Bowman with difficult but pleasant headaches over the NHL start to many young players. Moreover, three years from now I hope maybe onlly Keith - if even him - carries over from last season's roster. Too much potential to ignore how much better these prospects could be. Most probably work out. Some due to a short coming may have great value on a third pair but are limited due to a short coming. Like Krys perhaps.

It shouldn't be Kampf vs Kruger - it should be Kampf vs Martinsen. And in that case, Kampf should make the team over Martinsen for that 4th line and it's not even close. And I say that as someone who likes Martinsen as a body checking option.

The issue is that Hayden is already on that line with Kruger and having both of them means that line cannot be an optimal checking/shutdown line because neither Hayden nor Martinsen can transition well and an actually good checking/shutdown line has to be able to get the puck out of the zone with possession. Hayden is a younger option who is also a better passer and shooter than Martinsen, so he should get the spot. The 3rd spot needs to go to someone who can carry a damn puck while skating so Kruger isn't the only option and can be good defensively - that's likely Kampf.

Successful teams do not have grinder 4th lines anymore - they just don't. I might throw something at my TV if Q goes back to something that just doesn't (frank)ing work anymore in the NHL like that.
- L_B_R

I'd be fine with a Hayden-Kruger-Kampf fourth line, but honestly I'm not overly hopeful for Hayden, Martisen and Ejdsell. Of the three I think Ejdsell might have a chance to make an impact because of his shot. I'd rather see Johnson get a shot with Kruger and Kampf.

Did Toews Score?
- eagle50

Honestly toews is paid like, and supposed to be an elite center.

Splitting up a training camp squad of a team that was the worst in the division last year should have him producing multi goal scrimmages like kane

Granted he might be taking it easy but for a guy who has taken a ton of heat since inking that mega deal, I would prefer to see him ultra competitive and willing to get his offensive flair back. Opening night won't field half a roster of guys going back to Juniors on the other bench

Q also said:

"I thought he had a real strong game, got better and better every shift. I thought he felt more comfortable when he had the puck back there. I liked his play recognition."

"He's quick (to) the loose pucks, he comes out of it in tight areas and there's a direct play to be made from it. … I like the fact that he wants the puck in some areas where some defensemen don't want it.""
- L_B_R

Seriously. ..I'm really sick of Quenneville's same ol same ol cliche BS commentary. My GOD Q, can you ever show some insightful creativity or do you seriously think we're going to accept it until you're dismissed ? It is soooooo time for a new voice to coach this team that it's almost laughable. I can't read much more of his commentary because none of it is different since he got here.

Thank you for your expertise in guiding this team if 4, 5 or 6 Hall of Fame players to 3 Stanley Cups, and hopefully you'll enjoy the fortunes these players have afforded you. It's been a wonder run but it's time to say goodbye while you still have some credibility in your profession.

That's all I'll say until you lead this team to about 30 points till Christmas.

Is there a link to highlights?
- tvetter

Blackhawks have most of them on their Twitter feed and on their web page under BHTV.

Nurse or Morrisey would be huge additions....

I do not doubt your appraisal of Carlsson's timeline for the NHL. I have practically been begging for appraisal of his showing in Traverse City; not much review was forthcoming anywhere.

The thing about Carlsson is that he is more a shutdown yet good skater AND he plays the right side. He affods a nice balancing act among the more acclaimed offensive skill prospects.

I anticipate one year development for all these prospects is going to leave the coaching staff and Bowman with difficult but pleasant headaches over the NHL start to many young players. Moreover, three years from now I hope maybe onlly Keith - if even him - carries over from last season's roster. Too much potential to ignore how much better these prospects could be. Most probably work out. Some due to a short coming may have great value on a third pair but are limited due to a short coming. Like Krys perhaps.
- jhawk59

I think in past posts you had Carlsson as a right-hand shot when he's actually a left-hand shot. Your point is still valid in that I think you're right he can play either side which helps him stand out amongst the deep prospect blueline. Hillman and Dahlstrom are also versatile in this way.

Your other point about Carlsson being defensively minded is correct. Hillman and especially Gilbert fit that mold as well. I would rate Carlsson as the more offensively talented of this group. Tuulola has potential to be a two-way defender.

These guys would help complement the offensively gifted blueline prospects, i.e. Jokiharju, Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, and Krys (although these last 3 could end up being the most balanced of the D youth as far as playing solid defense along with being strong puck carriers).

Nurse or Morrisey would be huge additions....
- EnzoD

I'd go with Nurse. We have a deep enough D pipeline with prospects like Morrissey. Nurse is going to be a top pairing defender in the NHL and proved this past season that he is on his way towards realizing that potential. A beast on the blueline.

I am a first-time blogger … actually to anything. Social media is not my thing. I have been a reader on this site for a long time. So I have to say, Justin, I think you are doing a great job and have loved all of your pieces. The passing of the torch has been seamless from Jaeckel to you. Keep up the great work.

I fall under the category of spoiled Hawks fan as I was only born in 95. Actually, drafting Toews got me interested in hockey, then came Kane, and the rest is dynasty. I appreciate the long run that we've had, always making it to the playoffs or even further. I'm not spoiled in the fact that I have missed out on some great Chicago runs, 85 Bears falls under the greatest year in football and Jordan's run with the Bulls. Sure I have the Sox in 05 and the Cubs are great … I actually hate baseball and basketball. Football and hockey all the way.

I know nothing about fancy stats, I've been here learning what certain things mean. I just give plays and people the eye test. I do have a question, it's not like every area on our team is filled to our liking and is perfect for playoff contention (outside of optimism,) with over 5 mil in cap space, who is the better addition as far as RFA's go: Forwards, William Nylander vs Miles Wood or Defense, Shea Theodore vs Darnell Nurse?

I am a first-time blogger … actually to anything. Social media is not my thing. I have been a reader on this site for a long time. So I have to say, Justin, I think you are doing a great job and have loved all of your pieces. The passing of the torch has been seamless from Jaeckel to you. Keep up the great work.

I fall under the category of spoiled Hawks fan as I was only born in 95. Actually, drafting Toews got me interested in hockey, then came Kane, and the rest is dynasty. I appreciate the long run that we've had, always making it to the playoffs or even further. I'm not spoiled in the fact that I have missed out on some great Chicago runs, 85 Bears falls under the greatest year in football and Jordan's run with the Bulls. Sure I have the Sox in 05 and the Cubs are great … I actually hate baseball and basketball. Football and hockey all the way.

I know nothing about fancy stats, I've been here learning what certain things mean. I just give plays and people the eye test. I do have a question, it's not like every area on our team is filled to our liking and is perfect for playoff contention (outside of optimism,) with over 5 mil in cap space, who is the better addition as far as RFA's go: Forwards, William Nylander vs Miles Wood or Defense, Shea Theodore vs Darnell Nurse?
- I Am The Breadman

Welcome on board!

As far as your question? who is the better addition as far as RFA's go: Forwards, William Nylander vs Miles Wood or Defense, Shea Theodore vs Darnell Nurse?

I am just going to chime on the hockey on ice part, skating, skills, fit, etc and not on salary, cost

Nylander is by far the better forward as he can skate and having the skills to back that up. However, he is a total finesse guy that is slotted for top 6.

Woods is a bottom 6 guy with great dead-head speed that can also grind and provide physicality.

For the current Hawks, the better fit is Nylander!

Nurse is the big-bodied left handed D man who can skate and athletic enough to get out of trouble in D zone when pressured. He can play physical and win battles, especially in front of net and in corners. Hockey IQ is TBD.

Theodore is your quintessential offensive D man is can carry the puck end to end and run your PP. However, is D zone work is in progress and been known for those juicy turnovers in D zone.

For the current Hawks, Nurse is by far the better fit!

I am a first-time blogger … actually to anything. Social media is not my thing. I have been a reader on this site for a long time. So I have to say, Justin, I think you are doing a great job and have loved all of your pieces. The passing of the torch has been seamless from Jaeckel to you. Keep up the great work.

I fall under the category of spoiled Hawks fan as I was only born in 95. Actually, drafting Toews got me interested in hockey, then came Kane, and the rest is dynasty. I appreciate the long run that we've had, always making it to the playoffs or even further. I'm not spoiled in the fact that I have missed out on some great Chicago runs, 85 Bears falls under the greatest year in football and Jordan's run with the Bulls. Sure I have the Sox in 05 and the Cubs are great … I actually hate baseball and basketball. Football and hockey all the way.

I know nothing about fancy stats, I've been here learning what certain things mean. I just give plays and people the eye test. I do have a question, it's not like every area on our team is filled to our liking and is perfect for playoff contention (outside of optimism,) with over 5 mil in cap space, who is the better addition as far as RFA's go: Forwards, William Nylander vs Miles Wood or Defense, Shea Theodore vs Darnell Nurse?
- I Am The Breadman

Hey, welcome aboard! Please post more. Look forward to reading your thoughts and hope other silent readers start sharing more, too.

To answer your question, D2D had a good post. I would go with Nurse over Theodore but the latter is an attractive RFA as well.

Nylander makes the most sense given the lack of top 6 talent in the pipeline after Sikura and Wise so adding such talent via free agency or trade are plausible options. I would prefer a power forward who can play top 6, though.

Wood plays a power game but is bottom 6. He could turn into a Clarkson type (in his prime, of course) with 20+ goals and bringing a physical style. Hawks have a boatload of bottom 6 forwards in the system so Wood would be a "nice to have" but not a "need to have" so cap space is likely better spent elsewhere.

Thanks D2D and AEL_Fox for your thoughts and welcome!

I have always liked Nylander's game, but I personally think that 5 out of the top 6 spots have been filled. Either Toews isn't getting his star winger or Kane isn't getting his star winger, but it sounds like Q is dead-set on having Saad with Kane. Toews will just have to make due with Sikura (? maybe ?) Offersheeting him, with our space, might just let the Leafs off the hook with how much Nylander actually wants and will just match. I was leaning more towards defense as well. Nurse was the guy I zeroed in on whenever we played Edmonton, or when they were in the playoffs two years ago.

Crow is on the ice with Waite.

Hey, welcome aboard! Please post more. Look forward to reading your thoughts and hope other silent readers start sharing more, too.

To answer your question, D2D had a good post. I would go with Nurse over Theodore but the latter is an attractive RFA as well.

Nylander makes the most sense given the lack of top 6 talent in the pipeline after Sikura and Wise so adding such talent via free agency or trade are plausible options. I would prefer a power forward who can play top 6, though.

Wood plays a power game but is bottom 6. He could turn into a Clarkson type (in his prime, of course) with 20+ goals and bringing a physical style. Hawks have a boatload of bottom 6 forwards in the system so Wood would be a "nice to have" but not a "need to have" so cap space is likely better spent elsewhere.
- AEL_Fox

If we are to go after anyone with our cap space, our lack of size needs to be addressed. Forwards from other teams owned the blue paint in our end last year. We blame our goal tenders but offer them no protection. That is why I, unlike some other posters, welcome additions like Murphy, Manning, and Davidson.
And to those who say that toughness and fighting is not part of today's game, try to lay a good legal check on an opponent and come back and say that (need to qualify that tho because it does not apply to the Hawks).

Is this what you were referring to 67Hawks?

https://youtu.be/i8AwRk50e18

Honestly toews is paid like, and supposed to be an elite center.

Splitting up a training camp squad of a team that was the worst in the division last year should have him producing multi goal scrimmages like kane

Granted he might be taking it easy but for a guy who has taken a ton of heat since inking that mega deal, I would prefer to see him ultra competitive and willing to get his offensive flair back. Opening night won't field half a roster of guys going back to Juniors on the other bench
- Stan_Bowman

Will be interesting indeed, and I'll be watching, cheering.
Trying to stay positive.

Is this what you were referring to 67Hawks?

https://youtu.be/i8AwRk50e18

- I Am The Breadman

Yes, small player comes to Kane's aid: "Are you okay Patrick?"
What would the response have been if one of our guys did that to Seguin, Crosby or any other big star? Our stars are fair game because the cheap shot artists of the league know.

Well, I heard that this guy could be had for cheap ... until the war continues next year and he finds his game again.

https://youtu.be/OZ4AydWIcsc

If we are to go after anyone with our cap space, our lack of size needs to be addressed. Forwards from other teams owned the blue paint in our end last year. We blame our goal tenders but offer them no protection. That is why I, unlike some other posters, welcome additions like Murphy, Manning, and Davidson.
And to those who say that toughness and fighting is not part of today's game, try to lay a good legal check on an opponent and come back and say that (need to qualify that tho because it does not apply to the Hawks).
- 67hawks

No one should ever have to defend themselve for making a clean legal hit, no matter who they hit, or how hard. Anyone who instigates a fight with someone because they laid a legal check ought to be suspended for 10 games.

No one should ever have to defend themselve for making a clean legal hit, no matter who they hit, or how hard. Anyone who instigates a fight with someone because they laid a legal check ought to be suspended for 10 games.
- Ogilthorpe2

The way it should be -too bad the league does not see it this way and allows it to happen.

the "show everybody we can play" mantra out to be a powerful motivator for this team. With two first round bow outs followed by a an awful season of ineptness, not ready to compete and pss poor coaching; the young and the old have zippo and nada excuse to repeat last year with or without #50. they have enough talent to compete..its a question of do they want to...

if they don't...goodbye Q, stanbow and the "beloved" core

The way it should be -too bad the league does not see it this way and allows it to happen.
- 67hawks

Maybe if they took off some of their crazy equipment and it hurt to hit, they would not feel invincible and do stupid things.

May i suggest "ice guardian's " on netflix. You'll get an new perspective on the "goon", I'm sure.

Go goons.

the "show everybody we can play" mantra out to be a powerful motivator for this team. With two first round bow outs followed by a an awful season of ineptness, not ready to compete and pss poor coaching; the young and the old have zippo and nada excuse to repeat last year with or without #50. they have enough talent to compete..its a question of do they want to...

if they don't...goodbye Q, stanbow and the "beloved" core
- bogiedoc

Don’t be so quick to assume they’d be gone.

Q is signed through next season at $6MM per; Bowman is signed through 2020-21 - don’t know the dollars, but has to be 7-figures, no?

Don’t know that Rocky would be so willing to pay out that kind of money to ex-employees - even with moving them to some rediculous made-up position in the or-ga-ni-za-tion.

Don’t be so quick to assume they’d be gone.

Q is signed through next season at $6MM per; Bowman is signed through 2020-21 - don’t know the dollars, but has to be 7-figures, no?

Don’t know that Rocky would be so willing to pay out that kind of money to ex-employees - even with moving them to some rediculous made-up position in the or-ga-ni-za-tion.
- StLBravesFan

a no playoff year or a repeat of I don't give poop type of play...Q is gone...he will find another coaching job with in hours if he wants it...

stanbow gets reassigned

Bogiedoc, I got to agree with you. Q was voted highest, most wanted coach to play under. The coaching door is always open to him. A coach past ten years with one team is dry, tired, and old. Bowman, he's a question mark to me. Maybe he remains in the organization. I have no clue. I don't dislike or disrespect him. He did what he could out of what he thought the team needed/what he was told by upper management to pursue/what he had to do as he was salary-strapped through our dynasty years.