After a nice start last season (6+2=8 pts in 6 games), he’s gone 12+17=29 in his last 81.

Not real good for a full season from a top-6 player.

Something needs fixing MORE than puck luck and snake bit and just “work through any cold spell”. The comparisons to Kahun (5 games in the Show) and Fortin (2) are not relevant - we still don’t know what they are capable of.

With Saad we do: potentially 30+30=60 or thereabouts. Maybe he does need to be an eye in the sky for a game or two to better we the game from a different perspective for a while.
- StLBravesFan

Saaad needs to play more of a power forward game like Al Secord, John LeClair or Kieth Tkachuk did back in the day. And he could, problem could be between his ears if he is a selfish type player and throws a piss fit if he doesn't get his way , or does he have the mental toughness to get down right dirty and dig hard in the trenches like the 2 I mentioned. Powder puff and finesse should not be his game. I don't even think he has 1 fighting major in his career . Not a bad thing to play hard even if it leads to a scrap during the heat of battle. Never the less I like him , I want him to play like the guy that wore his jersey number back in the 80's. not that hard to do given his talent .I think Q wants to see the same thing.

Saaad needs to play more of a power forward game like Al Secord, John LeClair or Kieth Tkachuk did back in the day. And he could, problem could be between his ears if he is a selfish type player and throws a piss fit if he doesn't get his way , or does he have the mental toughness to get down right dirty and dig hard in the trenches like the 2 I mentioned. Powder puff and finesse should not be his game. I don't even think he has 1 fighting major in his career . Not a bad thing to play hard even if it leads to a scrap during the heat of battle. Never the less I like him , I want him to play like the guy that wore his jersey number back in the 80's. not that hard to do given his talent .I think Q wants to see the same thing.
- wonthecup10

I don't think you just one day decide to be that guy, think its got to be in your DNA.

Those guys you mention, didn't wake up on day before their 6th or 7th season of their careers decide they were now going to start playing a heavy game.

Didn't the Fighting Irish coaches even try to coach out of him the tendency to try to go end to end with rushes and focus more on being a defensive defenseman? Thought I read that somewhere, maybe on these boards actually.

By all means, Gilbert does need to be a strong puck handler and able to join the rush at opportune times especially in the Hawks system that preaches that. Yet, he's not being counted on to be the mail carrier. He'd be competing against the Forslings, Jokiharjus, Boqvists, Beaudins, and Mitchell's who are substantially more talented than him in that regard.

Gilbert as well as Hillman and Carlsson need to bank on a different calling card to help create a niche for themselves on the Hawks blueline, i.e. defense first and simple plays when contributing offensively.
- AEL_Fox

Spot on again, Mr. Fox! In Juniors, Gilbert use to try to go coast to coast many times a game and it worked because he was bigger, stronger, and thus faster and he tried that early at ND. Well they are almost just as big, strong and fast if not more. So towards the end, he and Wade were ND's stoppers going against the opponent's top lines, even deep in the Frozen Four. ND already has Gross and Nardella as the offensive D's. In the end, know your true calling/identify along with the coaches guidance and maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

Well, his two best seasons points wise were in Columbus while not playing with Toews or Hossa...so there’s that.

That sound you just heard was your theory imploding.
- Ogilthorpe2

Sorry, based on his entire career, that 31 goal season was clearly an outlier. He’s never put up near that amount of goals before or after. Look at his averages with the outlier removed, and he’s been remarkably consistent. Just not at the level hoped for from a $6M guy.

Goals 19 23 31 24 18
Points 47 52 53 53 35

Last year was obviously his worst, but he’s basically a 22 goal, 50 point guy. That’s ok a $4M, not so much at $6M.

And where he really fell off last year was assists, which is highly impacted by who you play with.

Sorry, based on his entire career, that 31 goal season was clearly an outlier. He’s never put up near that amount of goals before or after. Look at his averages with the outlier removed, and he’s been remarkably consistent. Just not at the level hoped for from a $6M guy.

Goals 19 23 31 24 18
Points 47 52 53 53 35

Last year was obviously his worst, but he’s basically a 22 goal, 50 point guy. That’s ok a $4M, not so much at $6M.

And where he really fell off last year was assists, which is highly impacted by who you play with.
- scottak

To me where I'm disappointed in his game is his speed, forecheck, he was great at retrieving the puck when we would dump it in 2015, tough to move, where has the man child gone. He's not a puck handler or facilitator, he used to be a really tough player to play against

Sorry, based on his entire career, that 31 goal season was clearly an outlier. He’s never put up near that amount of goals before or after. Look at his averages with the outlier removed, and he’s been remarkably consistent. Just not at the level hoped for from a $6M guy.

Goals 19 23 31 24 18
Points 47 52 53 53 35

Last year was obviously his worst, but he’s basically a 22 goal, 50 point guy. That’s ok a $4M, not so much at $6M.

And where he really fell off last year was assists, which is highly impacted by who you play with.
- scottak

Ok, but in your origainal Post you insinuated that he’s not capable of producing without Toews and Hossa...his years in Columbus proved that theory 100% false.

What’s wrong with him I don’t know, but whatever his issues are, it clearly has nothing to do with Toews and Hossa.

Sorry, based on his entire career, that 31 goal season was clearly an outlier. He’s never put up near that amount of goals before or after. Look at his averages with the outlier removed, and he’s been remarkably consistent. Just not at the level hoped for from a $6M guy.

Goals 19 23 31 24 18
Points 47 52 53 53 35

Last year was obviously his worst, but he’s basically a 22 goal, 50 point guy. That’s ok a $4M, not so much at $6M.

And where he really fell off last year was assists, which is highly impacted by who you play with.
- scottak

Who cares what they're paying him: it's Rocky's money, they aren't in "cap hell" at the moment....

He fell off in goals from about 22 goals to 12 in the last 81 games: that's a major falloff.

22-50 would be very helpful right now at whatever his cap hit is.

I saw him close up when he got here and Saad is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Never was. And this game is tough. Nagging injuries add up, guaranteed contract, maybe guts is another weakness of his.

To me where I'm disappointed in his game is his speed, forecheck, he was great at retrieving the puck when we would dump it in 2015, tough to move, where has the man child gone. He's not a puck handler or facilitator, he used to be a really tough player to play against
- BetweenTheDots

I agree with this.

It seems - unless the player is a superstar type player like Hossa or (even) Toews ) both of whom would contribute even if the goals weren't there) - when a scorer's points fall off, his whole game regresses.

Perhaps they try too hard to recapture the scoring at the expense of the 200 foot game.

I don’t think Schmaltz has a bad shot, he just doesn’t shoot enough...that can be taught.
- Ogilthorpe2

He doesn't and not comparing the two as far as overall talent but I distinctly remember the same thing watching Kane when he was younger. He often wouldn't pull the trigger. I know he has commented in the past on becoming a better shooter and goal scorer.

Hopefully Schmaltz becomes a little less contact adverse and looks to shoot a bit more as he matures. He is only 22. Some guys don't hit there peak muscle wise until 25-26. Others look like 40 years olds senior year of high school.

To me where I'm disappointed in his game is his speed, forecheck, he was great at retrieving the puck when we would dump it in 2015, tough to move, where has the man child gone. He's not a puck handler or facilitator, he used to be a really tough player to play against
- BetweenTheDots

Bingo! He isn't a play maker. He game was about elite speed, disruption, crashing the net, and puck possession. When was the last time you saw Saad just bull his way to the net with speed?

He doesn't and not comparing the two as far as overall talent but I distinctly remember the same thing watching Kane when he was younger. He often wouldn't pull the trigger. I know he has commented in the past on becoming a better shooter and goal scorer.

Hopefully Schmaltz becomes a little less contact adverse and looks to shoot a bit more as he matures. He is only 22. Some guys don't hit there peak muscle wise until 25-26. Others look like 40 years olds senior year of high school.
- bhawks2241

You are right. That was a complaint about Kane his first few seasons, passing up chances to shoot. Also avoiding contact or defending himself with high sticks.

Schmaltz does need to keep working on shooting more, but I think we can't deny that he creates a lot of offense with his speed and creativity. Some great opportunities because he wheels around and creates seams by making defenders move. He is helping Kane and his line-mates get chances, while playing pretty decently defensively. Not bad for a 22 year old.

Bingo! He isn't a play maker. He game was about elite speed, disruption, crashing the net, and puck possession. When was the last time you saw Saad just bull his way to the net with speed?
- bhawks2241

OT against Toronto (or Minnesota - I forget which).

Unfortunately, he lost the puck at the net.

I thought Forsberg was being dealt for Malkin or Duchene?????
- DarthKane

coming attractions...throw in martinson = done deal

Chicago has agreed to terms with MacKenzie Entwistle on a three-year ELC

Chicago has agreed to terms with MacKenzie Entwistle on a three-year ELC
- breadbag

Taking Saad's spot on Thursday 😉?

OT against Toronto (or Minnesota - I forget which).

Unfortunately, he lost the puck at the net.
- StLBravesFan

You are correct. Maybe I should've added and actually scored!

On Saad:

1. He has had bad puck luck to start the season, easily could have 2-3 G. I still see him working hard out there.

2. I get it that you don't want a 3rd liner making $6 Mil, but he is a power forward who can play in the top or bottom 6. He's never been a single player game changer.

3. Surprised Q would not sit down with the guy and communicate his expectations. Yes Saad should know them by know, but the days of the cold shoulder healthy scratch move are kinda over. Anybody who has played a higher level of sports has experienced a slump at some point. It's not fun and you need support to get out of it.

Chicago has agreed to terms with MacKenzie Entwistle on a three-year ELC
- breadbag

Is he playing center on the Bulldogs still? Anyone know if he is projected as a center at the NHL level?

I know Saad is the whipping boy at the moment, but he has been more snake-bitten than bad. I think we read a bit too much into his moving in the lineup and potential scratch. Yes, he can get going more, but puck luck has not been kind to him. The coaches will manage the team and get the most of the guys they have.

It is early in the year, and the Hawks haven't been hurting for goals. Saad might be one of those guys to pick up the slack when the Toews/Kane/DeBrincats of the world his a slump.

After a nice start last season (6+2=8 pts in 6 games), he’s gone 12+17=29 in his last 81.

Not real good for a full season from a top-6 player.

Something needs fixing MORE than puck luck and snake bit and just “work through any cold spell”. The comparisons to Kahun (5 games in the Show) and Fortin (2) are not relevant - we still don’t know what they are capable of.

With Saad we do: potentially 30+30=60 or thereabouts. Maybe he does need to be an eye in the sky for a game or two to better we the game from a different perspective for a while.
- StLBravesFan

What? Sure the comparisons to Kahun and Fortin are relevant as they are playing top 6 and ahead of Saad. Also take time to read what is being posted - while Saad is snakebit and is having bad puck luck this wouldn’t shatter his confidence. What has shattered his confidence is the dinosaur treatment by Q. Q is not “fixing” anything with Saad with his treatment. By all accounts Saad worked very, very hard in the off-season in preparation for this season, indicating committment. Kempny and Murphy made it very clear in their comments that such treatment destroys players. Subjecting Saad to his own personal line blender is hurting not helping.

On Saad:

1. He has had bad puck luck to start the season, easily could have 2-3 G. I still see him working hard out there.

2. I get it that you don't want a 3rd liner making $6 Mil, but he is a power forward who can play in the top or bottom 6. He's never been a single player game changer.

3. Surprised Q would not sit down with the guy and communicate his expectations. Yes Saad should know them by know, but the days of the cold shoulder healthy scratch move are kinda over. Anybody who has played a higher level of sports has experienced a slump at some point. It's not fun and you need support to get out of it.
- Boisy12

Yea but i think this is more of, i expect more effort from you, if Q is benching him then he's saying i don't think you are giving us 100%, and i have to agree because his penalty kill play along the boards was half ass the last game.

What? Sure the comparisons to Kahun and Fortin are relevant as they are playing top 6 and ahead of Saad. Also take time to read what is being posted - while Saad is snakebit and is having bad puck luck this wouldn’t shatter his confidence. What has shattered his confidence is the dinosaur treatment by Q. Q is not “fixing” anything with Saad with his treatment. By all accounts Saad worked very, very hard in the off-season in preparation for this season, indicating committment. Kempny and Murphy made it very clear in their comments that such treatment destroys players. Subjecting Saad to his own personal line blender is hurting not helping.
- Z3Hawk

That's what weak minded players say, that's why Murphy won't last long here.

Is he playing center on the Bulldogs still? Anyone know if he is projected as a center at the NHL level?
- bhawks2241

His team lists him as RW on their website, but I haven't watched Hamilton play.

Chicago has agreed to terms with MacKenzie Entwistle on a three-year ELC
- breadbag

Hmmm

That Hossa / Hino trade not looking too bad

Tanner not withstanding