Looks like Kahun getting a shot higher up the lineup.

Schmaltz moved to wing which surprises me. I would move AA over before him.

It does look like they are creating room for Kampf at Centre.
- Justin Lowe

Like I posted before, I had a feeling they were going to try these 4 down the middle. No idea if it will stick, but I don't know if they have a spot for AA that isn't 2C.

I'm not sure Saad will hit many people's scoring expectations if he is on line 3, but he could get some good minutes against weaker Dmen and could add a good 2-way element to that line. I wonder if Kunitz will get going a bit better as things get closer to the opener.

Like I posted before, I had a feeling they were going to try these 4 down the middle. No idea if it will stick, but I don't know if they have a spot for AA that isn't 2C.

I'm not sure Saad will hit many people's scoring expectations if he is on line 3, but he could get some good minutes against weaker Dmen and could add a good 2-way element - to that line. I wonder if Kunitz will get going a bit better as things get closer to the opener.
- breadbag

That could be a blessing in disguise to have Saad play 3rd line so he can face lower QOC. To maximize his offensive contributions, he needs a playmaker. That's neither Kampf nor Kunitz. Enter Sikura.

Kahun - Toews - DeBrincat
Anisimov - Schmaltz - Kane
Saad - Kampf - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden/Highmore

Flip flop Kahun and Sikura depending on who shows the ability to play against higher QOC.

Looks like Kahun getting a shot higher up the lineup.

Schmaltz moved to wing which surprises me. I would move AA over before him.

It does look like they are creating room for Kampf at Centre.
- Justin Lowe

I would like to see these lines IMO:

Saad toews sikrua(playmaker)
Dcat AA kane(playmaker)
Hayden kampf kahun. (Playmaker)
Johnson kruger Kuninz(grinder line)
Martinsin extra forward (insert against more physical teams)

Trade smaltz for top 4 d man before bowman overpays him.

Looks like Kahun getting a shot higher up the lineup.

Schmaltz moved to wing which surprises me. I would move AA over before him.

It does look like they are creating room for Kampf at Centre.
- Justin Lowe

Schmaltz has not shown the ability to win face-offs enough to stay at center. I would rather him on the wing. AA would be fine on that line but he is not great at face-offs either but better then Schmaltz. I would rather AA on wing also and maybe try Kahun at center on the second line. We could really use a trade for a second line center.

For Toews linemate to go along with DeBrincat, I think it will boil down to Kahun or Sikura.

I do like Kampf being a bottom 6 center along with Kruger and knew the only way it would happen is if Anisimov plays top 6.

Agree that Anisimov with Kane and Schmaltz would be better off if Schmaltz is the center. Neither are great at faceoffs but Schmaltz is the better skater and playmaker. Anisimov is the one who creates space for Kane and Schmaltz to put their offensive talents on display.

For the 3rd line, I'd prefer it be Kampf centering Saad and Sikura.

Kunitz should be 4th line with Kruger and Hayden, Martinsen, Highmore, or Johnson. My vote is for Hayden and Highmore to be the 12th and 13th forwards.
- AEL_Fox

Agree with all of this!
Cat Toews Kahun -Yay, I called it 😍!
Schmaltz AA Kane - I like this line! Potentially trying to re create that panarin line!
Saad Kampf Sikura - could be good!
Kunitz Kruger Johnson

Fwd - 13

Saad Toews Debrincat
Scmaltz Johnson Kane
Amnisomov Kampf Kahun
Martinsen Kruger Hayden
Kunitz

Close - Sikura, Fortin, Edjell, Highmore.

Sikura is the one with top 6 potential. The rest bottom 6 guys for now.
I would use Sikura as tradebait for an experienced Center if one is available. (Ottawa?)

The reason I have moved Anisomov was to get more speed at center, someone who can take draws, and to get his big body on the boards.
Scmaltz needs to go to wing. He has yet to show he can take faceoffs.
Toews may have to move to wing in the next few years.

Defenceman - 8

Seabrook Kieth
Ruta Manning (Man this guy is not looking good so far)
Jokiharju Boqvist
Davidson Gustafsson

Injured - Forsling, Murphy. I have no idea how the D-Corps will look if these guys
come back sometime this year.

Close - Hillman, Tuulola, Dahlstrom, Gilbert, Raddysh, Carlsson.

Do not forget about Ian Mitchell. He will be in Chicago later this year.

Have not seen enough of these guys but for now they are future bottom pair defence or fringe players at best.
- Hawks_For_Life

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on lines. A few observations:

1) Johnson should not be put in a top 6 role at the NHL level. That's not his water level and creates a culture that needs to be avoided: improper slotting. He may play top 6 in Rockford but is a bottom 6 center in the NHL.

2) Jokiharju and Boqvist should not be partners as rookies. Pair each with a veteran. Plus they both are RHD. Don't think either are able to play both sides. Could be wrong, though.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on lines. A few observations:

1) Johnson should not be put in a top 6 role at the NHL level. That's not his water level and creates a culture that needs to be avoided: improper slotting. He may play top 6 in Rockford but is a bottom 6 center in the NHL.

2) Jokiharju and Boqvist should not be partners as rookies. Pair each with a veteran. Plus they both are RHD. Don't think either are able to play both sides. Could be wrong, though.
- AEL_Fox

Keith - Joki
Boqvist - Seabs would be ideal. But like you said idk if either are able to play their off side.

That could be a blessing in disguise to have Saad play 3rd line so he can face lower QOC. To maximize his offensive contributions, he needs a playmaker. That's neither Kampf nor Kunitz. Enter Sikura.

Kahun - Toews - DeBrincat
Anisimov - Schmaltz - Kane
Saad - Kampf - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden/Highmore
- AEL_Fox

That would make some sense. The top line is still a question mark a bit, with Kahun being unproven over an NHL season, but there is potential there. Honestly, I think the options are just way more open this season with Kruger back in the bottom 6 and looking like he can take the Dzone draws when required.

That would make some sense. The top line is still a question mark a bit, with Kahun being unproven over an NHL season, but there is potential there. Honestly, I think the options are just way more open this season with Kruger back in the bottom 6 and looking like he can take the Dzone draws when required.
- breadbag

Yes, thank goodness for a Kruger who seems to be healthy again and effective enough to get back to his old self. Crossing fingers that lasts. Kruger isn't a panacea but he is a major cog that can help set the Hawks in the right direction.

Crow looks better

https://mobile.twitter.co...43886311575375873/video/1

Like I posted before, I had a feeling they were going to try these 4 down the middle. No idea if it will stick, but I don't know if they have a spot for AA that isn't 2C.

I'm not sure Saad will hit many people's scoring expectations if he is on line 3, but he could get some good minutes against weaker Dmen and could add a good 2-way element to that line. I wonder if Kunitz will get going a bit better as things get closer to the opener.
- breadbag

Although never a sure thing and that year is more of an outlier, the Hawks best offensive line in 2008-09 featured Havlat, Ladd, and Bolland. Havlat scored 70+ points and both Ladd and Bolland had 45+ points.

Could a 3rd line of Saad, Kampf, and Sikura result in 50 points for Saad, 30 for Kampf, and 40 for Sikura?

Crawford on the ice again this morning and looking like he's moving a lot quicker than before.

I would guess he's a ways away but positive signs.
- Justin Lowe

Great news.
His workout song must be Feelin' Stronger Everday

Interesting lines coming out pf practice right now:

Debrincat-Toews-Kahun
Schmaltz-AA-Kane
Saad-Kampf-Kunitz
Martinsen-Kruger-Johnson
Sikura-Highmore-Hayden
Ejdsell-Fortin
- Justin Lowe

Not bad lineup, but I’d make some minor changes:

DeBrincat-Toews-Kahun
Schmaltz-Anisimov-Kane
Saad-Kampf-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Johnson
Kunitz

I’d prefer Schmaltz at centre but I’m sure Q will move him around. Nice to see Kampf and Johnson in there too.

Interesting lines coming out pf practice right now:

Debrincat-Toews-Kahun
Schmaltz-AA-Kane
Saad-Kampf-Kunitz
Martinsen-Kruger-Johnson
Sikura-Highmore-Hayden
Ejdsell-Fortin
- Justin Lowe

I'm fine with the top line. Maybe give Saad some incentive, or a chance to regain scoring touch against weaker dmen. Second line is good, Schmaltz as a centre, not good at faceoffs. I want Kunitz to be the 13th forward. Hayden or Fortin could take his place. I would swap Martinsen out with Sikura or Ejdsell. I have crossed fingers for Johnson to stay and Highmore to be an early callup. These lines might be good, I don't know, I am open to being proven wrong.
Any word on d pairings?

Although never a sure thing and that year is more of an outlier, the Hawks best offensive line in 2008-09 featured Havlat, Ladd, and Bolland. Havlat scored 70+ points and both Ladd and Bolland had 45+ points.

Could a 3rd line of Saad, Kampf, and Sikura result in 50 points for Saad, 30 for Kampf, and 40 for Sikura?
- AEL_Fox

I remember that line and they were the only line that really stuck that whole season because they were just so solid. Havlat was so slick when he wasn't broken and Bolland...still miss him.

Looks like Kahun getting a shot higher up the lineup.

Schmaltz moved to wing which surprises me. I would move AA over before him.

It does look like they are creating room for Kampf at Centre.
- Justin Lowe

What do you think of that third line? Confusing to me...

That could be a blessing in disguise to have Saad play 3rd line so he can face lower QOC. To maximize his offensive contributions, he needs a playmaker. That's neither Kampf nor Kunitz. Enter Sikura.

Kahun - Toews - DeBrincat
Anisimov - Schmaltz - Kane
Saad - Kampf - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden/Highmore

Flip flop Kahun and Sikura depending on who shows the ability to play against higher QOC.
- AEL_Fox

Like that third line a little better

Agree with all of this!
Cat Toews Kahun -Yay, I called it 😍!
Schmaltz AA Kane - I like this line! Potentially trying to re create that panarin line!
Saad Kampf Sikura - could be good!
Kunitz Kruger Johnson
- SoftServe

SoftServe - I was the one who said Cat must play Left Wing shooting Right and that Schmaltz could be another Left Wing shooting Right. Share the Credit - lol.

Per Powers.

"Quenneville said Crawford is getting closer to practicing with the team. He didn't rule that out for this week."

"Quenneville said Boqvist will likely play in all three preseason games this week to better assess him."

Schmaltz has not shown the ability to win face-offs enough to stay at center. I would rather him on the wing. AA would be fine on that line but he is not great at face-offs either but better then Schmaltz. I would rather AA on wing also and maybe try Kahun at center on the second line. We could really use a trade for a second line center.
- Hawks_For_Life

It is extremelyreally common for young centers to have a few years of working their way up to being good enough at faceoffs. The only way they got better is continuing to play center and taking faceoffs. Anisimov is what he is at FO% because of his age but Schmaltz could improve. It won't happen if he's not at center, getting the reps every game.

Just a look at some players and the seasons it took for them to get to 46% (when faceoffs are statistically irrelevant):

McDavid: not there after 3 seasons
Eichel: not there after 3 seasons
Larkin: 3rd
Couturier: 3rd
Kuznetsov: 3rd (but he's been sub 46% the last 2 seasons)
MacKinnon: 4th (but he reverted back to 42% last season, his best yet)
Schenn: 4th (but he fluctuates 44-48%)
Scheifele: 5th
Malkin: 6th (but he's been sub 46% the last 4 seasons)

Looking at centers over time, the ones that are defensive minded (Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar, Barkov, Backstrom, etc etc) take between 0-2 years in hitting 46%+ (often 50%+) while offensive minded guys (see above) take longer. Not everyone follows this but it's an interesting trend.

I only mention this because so many are dismissive of young center who are not great at FOs. I'm sure you all would have stopped playing guys like Scheifele after his first two seasons where he was back-to-back at 42%. I personally don't care which position Schmaltz plays as long as he's contributing to the team's success. I just do think if the organization wants him at center long-term, they need to play him there as much as possible, even though warts in his game. Otherwise, keep him at wing always and let him develop there. Pick one and be done with it.


Edit to add: if Schmaltz plays wing, I'd put him at RW with Saad-Toews and it should theoretically work like it did with Panik. Shot volume-shoot/playmaker-playmaker is a great combo. Line would then fall like:

Saad-Toews-Schmaltz
Debrincat-AA-Kane
Hayden-Kahun-Sikura
Kunitz-Kruger-Kampf

Kampf could also center the 3rd line and the other shuffle but I'd be really interested in Kampf being molded into a Frolik type of player (when he was on the Hawks).

SoftServe - I was the one who said Cat must play Left Wing shooting Right and that Schmaltz could be another Left Wing shooting Right. Share the Credit - lol.
- Z3Hawk

Haha you can bask in the credit! I just meant I called it with Kahun getting a shot with Toews and Cat!

It is extremelyreally common for young centers to have a few years of working their way up to being good enough at faceoffs. The only way they got better is continuing to play center and taking faceoffs. Anisimov is what he is at FO% because of his age but Schmaltz could improve. It won't happen if he's not at center, getting the reps every game.

Just a look at some players and the seasons it took for them to get to 46% (when faceoffs are statistically irrelevant):

McDavid: not there after 3 seasons
Eichel: not there after 3 seasons
Larkin: 3rd
Couturier: 3rd
Kuznetsov: 3rd (but he's been sub 46% the last 2 seasons)
MacKinnon: 4th (but he reverted back to 42% last season, his best yet)
Schenn: 4th (but he fluctuates 44-48%)
Scheifele: 5th
Malkin: 6th (but he's been sub 46% the last 4 seasons)

Looking at centers over time, the ones that are defensive minded (Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar, Barkov, Backstrom, etc etc) take between 0-2 years in hitting 46%+ (often 50%+) while offensive minded guys (see above) take longer. Not everyone follows this but it's an interesting trend.

I only mention this because so many are dismissive of young center who are not great at FOs. I'm sure you all would have stopped playing guys like Scheifele after his first two seasons where he was back-to-back at 42%. I personally don't care which position Schmaltz plays as long as he's contributing to the team's success. I just do think if the organization wants him at center long-term, they need to play him there as much as possible, even though warts in his game. Otherwise, keep him at wing always and let him develop there. Pick one and be done with it.
- L_B_R

Just to play devil's advocate, is there evidence to show that he can't improve at the dot while playing mostly wing. I mean, I know that experience is a great teacher, but there has to be some factors to his struggles at the dot, some of which could relate to his strength and ability to battle other centers. The coaches on the ice working with him really should be in a position to best tell if he is likely to improve, based on their analysis of why he loses draws. I won't pretend to know exactly why Schmaltz struggles, but I think some of the improvement of young players just comes with maturity of their bodies.

Some guys just don't have it at the dot. Malkin is a good example, who is still generally around 43%. Kuznetsov in a bit more than 4 seasons has yet to become much more than a 44% guy at the dot. Wennberg, very slight improvement over 4 years, but nothing to write home about so far.

Schmaltz might be what he is at the dot more or less. I think he will get opportunities to improve and show it at C, but they might not want two guys who are weak at the dot at C in the top 9.

Just to play devil's advocate, is there evidence to show that he can't improve at the dot while playing mostly wing. I mean, I know that experience is a great teacher, but there has to be some factors to his struggles at the dot, some of which could relate to his strength and ability to battle other centers. The coaches on the ice working with him really should be in a position to best tell if he is likely to improve, based on their analysis of why he loses draws. I won't pretend to know exactly why Schmaltz struggles, but I think some of the improvement of young players just comes with maturity of their bodies.

Some guys just don't have it at the dot. Malkin is a good example, who is still generally around 43%. Kuznetsov in a bit more than 4 seasons has yet to become much more than a 44% guy at the dot. Wennberg, very slight improvement over 4 years, but nothing to write home about so far.

Schmaltz might be what he is at the dot more or less. I think he will get opportunities to improve and show it at C, but they might not want two guys who are weak at the dot at C in the top 9.
- breadbag

There is evidence shows that guys who go between center/wing past a certain age have more trouble at faceoffs than those who don't. I'll find the article from a couple of seasons ago that reviewed this. It wasn't just faceoffs they looked at btw - it was general tasks related to being center. The age was 23 or 24, I can't remember exactly, so Schmaltz has a bit more time but it's ticking away. Coaches will often have younger centers play wing a season, maybe two, but not more than that (and they're usually in the 18-20 range).

The only reason I mention it is the absolute dismissive nature some are about Schmaltz as a center based just on his faceoffs. It's just silly, esp at his age. McDavid is the most skilled player in the NHL and he hanging around 42% after 3 seasons; MacKinnon had an MVP season at less than 42%; and Scheifele is a big strong guy and he struggled at the dot for years (and we don't know yet if last year was an outlier or true improvement). And as you say, some never get it but are great centers.

Schmaltz does so much else a center is supposed to do, it's odd that so many are hyper focused on the FO%. There are some who have other issues with him at center, and I respect those reasons, it's the FO thing I'm like meh about. And Anisimov could be moved to wing just as easily so the two-weak guys at center thing doesn't much hold water for me.

All that being said, I still don't care if Schmaltz is a center or not. He could end up being an ideal playmaking winger and I'm all for it (I liked him a lot with Toews). Like I said in my last comment, as long as he's helping the team succeed, it doesn't matter which position that is. Do think he should be moved away from Kane in that case but that's a different conversation.

Just to play devil's advocate, is there evidence to show that he can't improve at the dot while playing mostly wing. I mean, I know that experience is a great teacher, but there has to be some factors to his struggles at the dot, some of which could relate to his strength and ability to battle other centers. The coaches on the ice working with him really should be in a position to best tell if he is likely to improve, based on their analysis of why he loses draws. I won't pretend to know exactly why Schmaltz struggles, but I think some of the improvement of young players just comes with maturity of their bodies.

Some guys just don't have it at the dot. Malkin is a good example, who is still generally around 43%. Kuznetsov in a bit more than 4 seasons has yet to become much more than a 44% guy at the dot. Wennberg, very slight improvement over 4 years, but nothing to write home about so far.

Schmaltz might be what he is at the dot more or less. I think he will get opportunities to improve and show it at C, but they might not want two guys who are weak at the dot at C in the top 9.
- breadbag

I don't think our faceoff coach is good at his job

Actually, there is evidence shows that guys who go between center/wing past a certain age have more trouble at faceoffs than those who don't. I'll find the article from a couple of seasons ago that reviewed this. It wasn't just faceoffs they looked at - it was general tasks related to being center. The age was 23 or 24, I can't remember exactly, so Schmaltz has a bit more time but it's ticking away. Coaches will often have younger center play wing a season, maybe two, but not more than that (and they're usually in the 18-20 range).

The only reason I mention it is the absolute dismissive nature some are about Schmaltz as a center based just on his faceoffs. It's just silly, esp at his age. McDavid is the most skilled player in the NHL and he still cannot win faceoffs at an ideal %. Scheifele is a big strong guy and he struggled at the dot for years. And as you say, some never get it but are great center - Malkin is one of the best in the league and being poor at faceoffs hasn't hurt him at all (mostly because faceoffs are not as important as people think).

Schmaltz does so much else a center is supposed to do, it's odd that so many are hyper focused on the FO%. That's all to me. There are some who have other issues with him at center, and I respect those reasons, it's the FO thing I'm like meh about. And Anisimov could be moved to wing just as easily so the two-weak guys at center thing doesn't much hold water for me.

All that being said, I still don't care if Schmaltz is a center or not. He could end up being an ideal playmaking winger and I'm all for it. Like I said in my last comment, as long as he's helping the team succeed, it doesn't matter which position that is. Do think he should be moved away from Kane in that case but that's a different conversation.
- L_B_R

I really don't care much where he plays either, just trying to gauge the situation.

I don't know how this analysis was done, but I would be interested in the cause/effect relationship for my own curiosity.

it is a case where correlation does not imply causation or are they able to prove the root cause?

Could it be those players were moved back and forth longer or more so because they couldn't handle playing C and weren't able to demonstrate ability in that role?

They could play AA on wing, but there must be some reason they are reluctant to do so. Sometimes I wish we could ask questions behind closed doors and get real answers. The lines could change again in a day or two. I think the big factor will be if the Hawks have the depth to win games versus who is playing with who.