Here’s the problem. If we do good this season all we’re doing is wasting a year when we should be tanking to get a higher draft pick. We gain absolutely nothing by overachieving and making the playoffs. We aren’t nearly good enough to be in the conversation for Stanley Cup. Anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional. The only proactive course of action is to suck it up, rid ourselves of as many large contracts as possible(like Crawford, AA, or Seabrook), develope the young guys giving them as much ice time as possible, and attempt to get the best quality piece in the upcoming draft as we can.

I know it sounds lame....but where we are right now our best bet as an organization is to lose as many games as possible.
- SimpleJack

I completely disagree with this line of thinking and think it is a terrible way to view the upcoming season.

Yes, the way things look right now this isn’t the Blackhawks best roster that we’ve seen, but I don’t think you can say that they aren’t in the conversation for cup contention. I mean look at last years Stanley cup final. I think that you could have easily said before the season about both of those teams that it would be in their best long term interest to throw the season and cross their fingers for a good draft pick. The Capitals were past their prime as a team and the Golden Knights were made up of bottom line players.

The point is, this is hockey and teams make runs all of the time that weren’t expected to. The Blackhawks are still largely comprised of a group of players who has won multiple Stanley cups and made up one of the most dominant cores in the modern era. They don’t seem that deep now, but if a couple of players step up on the bottom lines then I think their roster starts to look pretty solid. I don’t think it’s as far fetched as many people are saying around here for the Blackhawks to make a run at it.

Furthermore, even if the Blackhawks were to tank for the next couple of seasons, there is absolutely no guarantee that this team returns to glory in 5 years. Look at how many teams have been tanking and are still stuck as a bottom feeders.

I’m hoping the Blackhawks try to put a winner out every year even if they don’t have the best chance to succeed because it’s fun to watch and poop happens in hockey so you never know.

Or some gross homer announcers that are just brutal like the Ducks and Coyotes
- Stan_Bowman

What, you don't like Tyson Nash and his flashy suits? (just ribbing you)

There are quite a handful of homer announcers in any sport but there's no worse homer than Jack Edwards. He's so egregious that it's comical.

Hawks could tank for a few years and still not land anyone with that level of talent. Very few guys come into the league at that level. Drafting high is nice, but I think in the end having a successful team is about managing the assets more than just getting high picks. Look at SJ and how many top 10 picks they've had in recent years?
- breadbag

Definitely agree. The Sharks are a great example but think the Oilers are the poster children.

I completely disagree with this line of thinking and think it is a terrible way to view the upcoming season.

Yes, the way things look right now this isn’t the Blackhawks best roster that we’ve seen, but I don’t think you can say that they aren’t in the conversation for cup contention. I mean look at last years Stanley cup final. I think that you could have easily said before the season about both of those teams that it would be in their best long term interest to throw the season and cross their fingers for a good draft pick. The Capitals were past their prime as a team and the Golden Knights were made up of bottom line players.

The point is, this is hockey and teams make runs all of the time that weren’t expected to. The Blackhawks are still largely comprised of a group of players who has won multiple Stanley cups and made up one of the most dominant cores in the modern era. They don’t seem that deep now, but if a couple of players step up on the bottom lines then I think their roster starts to look pretty solid. I don’t think it’s as far fetched as many people are saying around here for the Blackhawks to make a run at it.

Furthermore, even if the Blackhawks were to tank for the next couple of seasons, there is absolutely no guarantee that this team returns to glory in 5 years. Look at how many teams have been tanking and are still stuck as a bottom feeders.

I’m hoping the Blackhawks try to put a winner out every year even if they don’t have the best chance to succeed because it’s fun to watch and poop happens in hockey so you never know.
- LaheysBRandy

I 've learned over 58 years of following Chicago sports to live for the present and enjoy the moments, story lines and personalities, both good and bad!

I think managing the assets is also important, which is why I said we need to rid ourselves of the big contracts. But you’ve gotta be able to see the difference in drafting top 3 as opposed to middle of the pack in the first round. If we’re not gonna win the Cup anyways, then what’s the point in trying to win during the regular season? I personally would rather take our chances on a top 2-3 pick over the next few drafts. It worked with Kane and Toews, it’s worked for countless other teams that have landed the next big star(s). Why not hit the reset button and try the same strategy again?
- SimpleJack

A few other posters have said it already but I think a key reason is that a tanking strategy would create a bad culture to develop young players. Develop the hand you're dealt, play the season as best as you can, then see where the chips lay with whether you get a playoff berth or not which in turn dictates draft order.

I'd much rather have a strong player development staff and coaches than a mindset of aiming for the #1 pick. The former allows you to develop youngsters and prospects whether the team is good or bad.

NHL Network just had a piece on Zetterberg and his retirement from the game. Has he been placed on LTIR yet? If he retired, why is there no talk of the recapture penalty?

NHL Network just had a piece on Zetterberg and his retirement from the game. Has he been placed on LTIR yet? If he retired, why is there no talk of the recapture penalty?
- powerenforcer

Not a lot of hope for us from them in their preview today:

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1042504878839488512

I think managing the assets is also important, which is why I said we need to rid ourselves of the big contracts. But you’ve gotta be able to see the difference in drafting top 3 as opposed to middle of the pack in the first round. If we’re not gonna win the Cup anyways, then what’s the point in trying to win during the regular season? I personally would rather take our chances on a top 2-3 pick over the next few drafts.
- SimpleJack

It worked with Kane and Toews, it’s worked for countless other teams that have landed the next big star(s).

Why not hit the reset button and try the same strategy again?

What you and so many other posters here are failing to grasp is this strategy takes 3+ decades to happen - if you are lucky.

And most of you will be gone when it happens again. So be careful in what you wish for. Once this core is done - you all will be yearning for these past few years - when this team was considered still relevant.

This was very interesting approach by Belfry and a look at another side of Kane's hockey IQ (hint: it's not just his mind for stats). Might be something Kane should introduce within the Hawks for the vets to impart knowledge to the young guys:

https://www.si.com/nhl/20...fry-hockey-film-breakdown

100% agreed! When building a team, one should always work from the back on up, meaning goalie and D's to F's! That said, given the Hawks are in transition, the team should get back to it's elite status when the likes of Joker, Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, etc get bigger and better with valuable experience in the AHL and NHL. Watch them develop! I would add to secure a stud big, mean, and D first guy as well!
- D2D

Agree I think the HAWKS took a real step in that direction with the draft .Getting Boqvist was a steal and Beaudin will be very solid player .Also believe Wise was a real good later pick .Think this draft will be one we look back at as one of Stan best

Here’s the problem. If we do good this season all we’re doing is wasting a year when we should be tanking to get a higher draft pick. We gain absolutely nothing by overachieving and making the playoffs. We aren’t nearly good enough to be in the conversation for Stanley Cup. Anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional. The only proactive course of action is to suck it up, rid ourselves of as many large contracts as possible(like Crawford, AA, or Seabrook), develope the young guys giving them as much ice time as possible, and attempt to get the best quality piece in the upcoming draft as we can.

I know it sounds lame....but where we are right now our best bet as an organization is to lose as many games as possible.
- SimpleJack

I wouldn't worry one bit Jack. This just might.be the worst team fielded since before Keith and Seabs draft years. I can't even imagine what 88 is thinking going into a season destined for last place. Toews is obviously totally disconnected with his recent comments.

The ONE GOAL for this year is LOTTERY PICK. The second goal should enhance the #1.... to LTIR Corey Crawford and hope for an eventual recovery to retire with his brain functioning properly. . And the 3rd goal should be to hope for a bounce back year from Toews so somebody chasing a CUP at the DL might want his experience and "great leadership".....hence some CAP relief for the future. Any objections ?

I wouldn't worry one bit Jack. This just might.be the worst team fielded since before Keith and Seabs draft years. I can't even imagine what 88 is thinking going into a season destined for last place. Toews is obviously totally disconnected with his recent comments.

The ONE GOAL for this year is LOTTERY PICK. The second goal should enhance the #1.... to LTIR Corey Crawford and hope for an eventual recovery to retire with his brain functioning properly. . And the 3rd goal should be to hope for a bounce back year from Toews so somebody chasing a CUP at the DL might want his experience and "great leadership".....hence some CAP relief for the future. Any objections ?
- Hawkytalk

Nobody wants over 30 Toews at $10.5 mil

Nobody wants over 30 Toews at $10.5 mil
- EnzoD

I completely disagree with this line of thinking and think it is a terrible way to view the upcoming season.

Yes, the way things look right now this isn’t the Blackhawks best roster that we’ve seen, but I don’t think you can say that they aren’t in the conversation for cup contention. I mean look at last years Stanley cup final. I think that you could have easily said before the season about both of those teams that it would be in their best long term interest to throw the season and cross their fingers for a good draft pick. The Capitals were past their prime as a team and the Golden Knights were made up of bottom line players.

The point is, this is hockey and teams make runs all of the time that weren’t expected to. The Blackhawks are still largely comprised of a group of players who has won multiple Stanley cups and made up one of the most dominant cores in the modern era. They don’t seem that deep now, but if a couple of players step up on the bottom lines then I think their roster starts to look pretty solid. I don’t think it’s as far fetched as many people are saying around here for the Blackhawks to make a run at it.

Furthermore, even if the Blackhawks were to tank for the next couple of seasons, there is absolutely no guarantee that this team returns to glory in 5 years. Look at how many teams have been tanking and are still stuck as a bottom feeders.

I’m hoping the Blackhawks try to put a winner out every year even if they don’t have the best chance to succeed because it’s fun to watch and poop happens in hockey so you never know.
- LaheysBRandy

This Hawk team is not going to make a run.

1. They are NOT largely comprised of cup winning players. They are largely comprised of middling bottom six players and unknown quantities in rookies which are at least two years out from showing signs of NHL value.

2. Except for Kane, the small group of remaining cup players are no longer elite level talent.

3. This combination deters good free agent talent from considering coming here.

4. The recent draft may have some gems in the rough, but honestly....no diamonds.

5. Every team in their division got better - again - and the talent gap is widening.

#embracethetank

I completely disagree with this line of thinking and think it is a terrible way to view the upcoming season.

Yes, the way things look right now this isn’t the Blackhawks best roster that we’ve seen, but I don’t think you can say that they aren’t in the conversation for cup contention. I mean look at last years Stanley cup final. I think that you could have easily said before the season about both of those teams that it would be in their best long term interest to throw the season and cross their fingers for a good draft pick. The Capitals were past their prime as a team and the Golden Knights were made up of bottom line players.

The point is, this is hockey and teams make runs all of the time that weren’t expected to. The Blackhawks are still largely comprised of a group of players who has won multiple Stanley cups and made up one of the most dominant cores in the modern era. They don’t seem that deep now, but if a couple of players step up on the bottom lines then I think their roster starts to look pretty solid. I don’t think it’s as far fetched as many people are saying around here for the Blackhawks to make a run at it.

Furthermore, even if the Blackhawks were to tank for the next couple of seasons, there is absolutely no guarantee that this team returns to glory in 5 years. Look at how many teams have been tanking and are still stuck as a bottom feeders.

I’m hoping the Blackhawks try to put a winner out every year even if they don’t have the best chance to succeed because it’s fun to watch and poop happens in hockey so you never know.
- LaheysBRandy

I didn't even both reading the rest of your post after this ridiculous statement

What you and so many other posters here are failing to grasp is this strategy takes 3+ decades to happen - if you are lucky.

And most of you will be gone when it happens again. So be careful in what you wish for. Once this core is done - you all will be yearning for these past few years - when this team was considered still relevant.
- dahawks8819

They already are done

And no, it doesn't take over 30 years to rebuild a team. That's insane.

- oldduffman

He's right

I wouldn't worry one bit Jack. This just might.be the worst team fielded since before Keith and Seabs draft years. I can't even imagine what 88 is thinking going into a season destined for last place. Toews is obviously totally disconnected with his recent comments.

The ONE GOAL for this year is LOTTERY PICK. The second goal should enhance the #1.... to LTIR Corey Crawford and hope for an eventual recovery to retire with his brain functioning properly. . And the 3rd goal should be to hope for a bounce back year from Toews so somebody chasing a CUP at the DL might want his experience and "great leadership".....hence some CAP relief for the future. Any objections ?
- Hawkytalk

I sure hope you're right. I'm right there with you. Lets draft as high as possible these next few seasons, combine those pieces with the young studs we have developing on defense, maybe a sprinkling of a Schmaltz and D-Cat here or there and then in 3-4 years we might be one to something.

Certainly shouldn't take "over 3 decades" to accomplish.

They already are done

And no, it doesn't take over 30 years to rebuild a team. That's insane.
- SimpleJack

If you truly believe they are done, then just do what every other bandwagon jumping person in Chicago does - move on.

Your negative comments are tired and old.

We all get it - everything in your world is gloom and doom - no one here cares to hear about it.

I sure hope you're right. I'm right there with you. Lets draft as high as possible these next few seasons, combine those pieces with the young studs we have developing on defense, maybe a sprinkling of a Schmaltz and D-Cat here or there and then in 3-4 years we might be one to something.

Certainly shouldn't take "over 3 decades" to accomplish.
- SimpleJack

It took the Hawks 49 years between their cups.

Ask Toronto and Edmonton how their rebuilds are going. 51 years and counting for Toronto, 28 years and counting for Edmonton.

And while we are at it - 51 years and counting for St. Louis, 48 years and counting for Vancouver, 35 and counting for the Islanders, 29 and counting for Calgary, 43 and counting for Philadelphia, it was 54 years between New York Ranger cup wins, it took Washington 44 years for their first cup - so I guess you are right - it doesn't take decades to win. (And in case you don't get it - and you don't - that last sentence was sarcasm).

It took the Hawks 49 years between their cups.

Ask Toronto and Edmonton how their rebuilds are going. 51 years and counting for Toronto, 28 years and counting for Edmonton.

And while we are at it - 51 years and counting for St. Louis, 48 years and counting for Vancouver, 35 and counting for the Islanders, 29 and counting for Calgary, 43 and counting for Philadelphia, it was 54 years between New York Ranger cup wins, it took Washington 44 years for their first cup - so I guess you are right - it doesn't take decades to win. (And in case you don't get it - and you don't - that last sentence was sarcasm).
- dahawks8819

Some team wins the Cup every year.

Some seem to be in the mix more often than others - and some never are.

It shouldn’t take 30 years - or even something like 10 - in a league with much ownership, front office, and coaching incompetence as the NHL certainly has.

It take a - yes - “one goal” mindset and good management staffing (a little luck doesn’t hurt) throughout the organization (yes, Jerry Krause wasn’t wrong in what he said, just how he said it) and good player development for a team to rebuild itself into a contender over three-five years.

Hawks can do it (under this FO and coaching regime? Remains to be seen).

He's right
- SimpleJack

NO your both wrong .Ask any real, and I emphasize REAL NHL GM they would take Toews in a heartbeat .. He is a one of a kind player

Some team wins the Cup every year.

Some seem to be in the mix more often than others - and some never are.

It shouldn’t take 30 years - or even something like 10 - in a league with much ownership, front office, and coaching incompetence as the NHL certainly has.

It take a - yes - “one goal” mindset and good management staffing (a little luck doesn’t hurt) throughout the organization (yes, Jerry Krause wasn’t wrong in what he said, just how he said it) and good player development for a team to rebuild itself into a contender over three-five years.

Hawks can do it (under this FO and coaching regime? Remains to be seen).



WOW lot of doom and gloom .Have TWO words for Ya Vegas baby
- StLBravesFan

It took the Hawks 49 years between their cups.

Ask Toronto and Edmonton how their rebuilds are going. 51 years and counting for Toronto, 28 years and counting for Edmonton.

And while we are at it - 51 years and counting for St. Louis, 48 years and counting for Vancouver, 35 and counting for the Islanders, 29 and counting for Calgary, 43 and counting for Philadelphia, it was 54 years between New York Ranger cup wins, it took Washington 44 years for their first cup - so I guess you are right - it doesn't take decades to win. (And in case you don't get it - and you don't - that last sentence was sarcasm).
- dahawks8819

Boom on the evidence! Some of those aren't rebuilds, but I thint that was your point. Some teams mentioned have been in the league that long, they are building towards their first cup. Which is worse than rebuilding. Washington will be under the microscope for quite a while now. Nashville and Winnipeg are on the countdown list as well, but they are definitely headed in the right direction (minus the Turris contract.) Time will tell if they can finish.

Our division has been the strongest for a while, minus the most recent cup winners.

This Hawk team is not going to make a run.

1. They are NOT largely comprised of cup winning players. They are largely comprised of middling bottom six players and unknown quantities in rookies which are at least two years out from showing signs of NHL value.

2. Except for Kane, the small group of remaining cup players are no longer elite level talent.

3. This combination deters good free agent talent from considering coming here.

4. The recent draft may have some gems in the rough, but honestly....no diamonds.

5. Every team in their division got better - again - and the talent gap is widening.

#embracethetank
- Return of the Roar

Except that in a sports organization you want to be fostering a winning attitude...tanking does not do this...hence why no organization truly embraces tanking...every team is trying to win