Tyler Cameron: Blackhawks Roster Starting to Come Together The Blackhawks have begun their cuts and the 2019-20 team is starting to come together.

The team you saw on the ice for Saturday's 3-2 OT win vs. the Boston Bruins is going to be close to what you see to start the season.

What's left for this preseason? Let's take a look as well as thoughts on specific Hawks players.

First.

Is it Oct 4th Yet?

I'm surprised by a few cuts, Highmore being one of them. I like his game a lot. I hope he's one of the first call-up's, but staying healthy is definitely a factor. Sikura is also a surprise. Idk, I'll let the coach run the team.

I haven't watched preseason outside of half of the first game. Does anyone have a synopsis to share with me? I've been away from the boards a lot & I wonder if there are any players I should focus on & why, or just any initial feelings about the team? I usually take preseason with a grain of salt, but anything is good enough for me as far as early judgments go.

Thanks for the p.s.a., TC. It's sad that it has to be said, but what do you expect from the hockey doldrums? Some are just restless. Thanks for the blogs, the popping in & out on the boards, your opinions, your above & beyond to stay fresh & new with topics of discussion & the way you talk about it. A year has passed since I first joined the board, but I appreciate all that you do. It kept me coming back.

How has Määttä looked so far in preseason? I really like his simple game.

If Holm and Nilsson go unclaimed then they could still be in the mix at some point this season. After all it is a long season. I suspect that both are serviceable. Holm has plenty of professional experience. He is a back up puck mover should Gus be moved or Keith is injured. Nilsson projects as a chippy defensive sound bottom line/get this: he was a 19 goal scorer despite not really an offensive producer AND named Icehogs MVP

I do suggest that there is a good possibility either Koekkoeck or Dahlstrom does not last the entire season. It is a long ways until expansion draft and wanting bodies to be exposed for the draft. Dahlstrom appears the right type style player as a veteran (already) to stabilize the Rockford kiddie corps.

Koekkoeck either earns a 6th/ fill in role or may be moved at trade deadline. Imminent arrival of Carlsson, Boqvist, Beaudin,Mitchell so it is only a matter of exactly when a parent Blackhawk dman is moved. Should Gus perform well then i really believe that Bowman would trade him for a #1. Two dmen could be sutracted this season!

In short some dmen are going to be moved because of salary structure related to salary cap and retaining an extra dman for Expansion Draft consideration ....
It is not a major concern. So what only one dman can be taken by expansion....meanwhile we have lots of drafted dmen who will be filtering in. And there is always Gilbert, Kyrs, maybe Tuuola to join if only as reserves. Although just to highlight: Kyrs needs probably two seasons AHL. Then he is a high rewards risk #3 pair.

That is the dmen; now more about forwards

I do believe if ever Bowman contemplates trading up for a higher #1, then this is the draft he goes after another center (eventually Towes replacement) or a power forward (because Bowman knows teams advancing in playoffs include rostered couple of power forwards).

No Toewes still plays for a few more years. But Dach and another center need to make us deep at center since it us asking a lit to exoect that Toews continues major TOI. He still plays a lot but in another year and more he has a LOT of mileage and he has already changed his style to allow fir a long career.

Bowman is going to have to come uo with a plan hiw to retain both Strome and DeBrincat too BECAUSE Toews probably retires as a Blackhawk and when that season comes he will have been paid handsomely for a long time. The make up of our roster long term if Toews/Kane remain and either DeBrincat/Strome stays?

Expect an onslaught of young players. We have many whom look promising. We never have had such a harvest.

Expect next year gone: Crawford and Saad. Then we might afford both DeBrincat & Strome.

Also at some point when two of these dman prospects appear solid enough, the mathematics spells Keith's departure. It's again a salary cap issue. Keith will wind up gone for not too much - maybe a #2 round - to one of few teams he would accept - and it happens because 1) Keith represents playoff veteran whom could step up and be a force in the grueling playoffs; and 2) his value diminishes the longer he is here IF our dmen prospects each pan out. Mitchell, Boqvist, Beadin are trending as future NHL dmen (just a question of when and how good they become).

I do not know how well Colliton's system will work and how long before it works well. But i am certain good drafting and signings is going to affect the make up of this roster. Numerous changes are more likely coming after this season and not so much this season

But Dad, he started it!

No way this team goes anywhere other than the draft lotto with the Drake on the first line. Sorry. Just don't see it.

TC said: it was a great sign to see Dach skate on Friday. He's still on cleared for full practice, it's a step in the right direction.

I query: I’m unclear on your meaning - has he been cleared to practice yet, or “just” skate around?

I’d Dach can go as 3C, and Kampf drops down, who on line four drops out -

Happy Monday Tyler! I just wanted to say Thank You for your brilliant writing , insight and knowledge.

I'm just curious and you mentioned in your last blog you would discuss in further detail your take on Holm?

I thought when Holm was in the lineup and playing he played well enough to bump either dalhstom or koekkoek out ?

I'm also curious as to whom you think either from a defenseman or forward standpoint if needed would get the call up ?

Last but not least is their any scenario where Perlini gets sent down and Saarela makes the team instead?

Saarela IMO showed more promise and a better work ethic than Perlini who appeared to just be here but not really producing results.


Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write some amazing blogs

If Holm and Nilsson go unclaimed then they could still be in the mix at some point this season. After all it is a long season. I suspect that both are serviceable. Holm has plenty of professional experience. He is a back up puck mover should Gus be moved or Keith is injured. Nilsson projects as a chippy defensive sound bottom line/get this: he was a 19 goal scorer despite not really an offensive producer AND named Icehogs MVP

I do suggest that there is a good possibility either Koekkoeck or Dahlstrom does not last the entire season. It is a long ways until expansion draft and wanting bodies to be exposed for the draft. Dahlstrom appears the right type style player as a veteran (already) to stabilize the Rockford kiddie corps.

Koekkoeck either earns a 6th/ fill in role or may be moved at trade deadline. Imminent arrival of Carlsson, Boqvist, Beaudin,Mitchell so it is only a matter of exactly when a parent Blackhawk dman is moved. Should Gus perform well then i really believe that Bowman would trade him for a #1. Two dmen could be sutracted this season!

In short some dmen are going to be moved because of salary structure related to salary cap and retaining an extra dman for Expansion Draft consideration ....
It is not a major concern. So what only one dman can be taken by expansion....meanwhile we have lots of drafted dmen who will be filtering in. And there is always Gilbert, Kyrs, maybe Tuuola to join if only as reserves. Although just to highlight: Kyrs needs probably two seasons AHL. Then he is a high rewards risk #3 pair.

That is the dmen; now more about forwards

I do believe if ever Bowman contemplates trading up for a higher #1, then this is the draft he goes after another center (eventually Towes replacement) or a power forward (because Bowman knows teams advancing in playoffs include rostered couple of power forwards).

No Toewes still plays for a few more years. But Dach and another center need to make us deep at center since it us asking a lit to exoect that Toews continues major TOI. He still plays a lot but in another year and more he has a LOT of mileage and he has already changed his style to allow fir a long career.

Bowman is going to have to come uo with a plan hiw to retain both Strome and DeBrincat too BECAUSE Toews probably retires as a Blackhawk and when that season comes he will have been paid handsomely for a long time. The make up of our roster long term if Toews/Kane remain and either DeBrincat/Strome stays?

Expect an onslaught of young players. We have many whom look promising. We never have had such a harvest.

Expect next year gone: Crawford and Saad. Then we might afford both DeBrincat & Strome.

Also at some point when two of these dman prospects appear solid enough, the mathematics spells Keith's departure. It's again a salary cap issue. Keith will wind up gone for not too much - maybe a #2 round - to one of few teams he would accept - and it happens because 1) Keith represents playoff veteran whom could step up and be a force in the grueling playoffs; and 2) his value diminishes the longer he is here IF our dmen prospects each pan out. Mitchell, Boqvist, Beadin are trending as future NHL dmen (just a question of when and how good they become).

I do not know how well Colliton's system will work and how long before it works well. But i am certain good drafting and signings is going to affect the make up of this roster. Numerous changes are more likely coming after this season and not so much this season
- jhawk59

Another season of speculating on Duncan Keith I guess. He is still their best defenceman, a HOF'er who can teach and mentor their good kids and has a no move unless he wants out. So let's just ease up on bouncing Duncan out of town when there is no indication he wants to leave.

"TC said: it was a great sign to see Dach skate on Friday. He's still on cleared for full practice, it's a step in the right direction.

I query: I’m unclear on your meaning - has he been cleared to practice yet, or “just” skate around?"

I'm pretty sure, TC meant 'not' instead of 'on' ... the little video I saw of Dach, they had him doing some pretty simple drills that you usually find kids doing -they certainly weren't pushing things, at least not on camera.

On another note: frankly Tyles as a Kindergarten teacher you'd be horrible, I'd at least expect some pictures demonstrating how to tie my shoes ... :D

From The Athletic

Stan Bowman on Kirby Dach:

“We don’t have to make a final decision on him by Tuesday. The decision is, are we going to keep him for the year or not. That’s a big decision because once we loan him back to his junior team, assign him there, he’s not coming back until that team finishes their season, which could be May or it could be March, depending on how they do. That is the decision point, but we’re not at that decision point yet. All I’m focused on right now is, let’s be patient, make sure he feels good, there’s no reason to rush him along. There’s no timeline.”

The rest of the article is indicative that the Hawks have every intention of waiting on Dach and allowing him to show what he's capable of at the NHL level before making an informed decision about his future.

Another season of speculating on Duncan Keith I guess. He is still their best defenceman, a HOF'er who can teach and mentor their good kids and has a no move unless he wants out. So let's just ease up on bouncing Duncan out of town when there is no indication he wants to leave.
- RickJ

Keith certainly isn't bouncing anywhere this season but there is room for conjecture the following seasons. The longer he stays, the better our defense. If he is moved, it projects as a positive when kids on defense playing well.

I will say this: i am not in favor of him leaving soonest two trade deadline away and i expect not much in return. In fact imagine Blackhawks stable will be full of tenured good players and promising newbies: each needs to be paid. Minus Keith salary helps. But again i do not expect him gone soon. He may be headlights but usually it happens when there are others who can take your job.

You are a wise vein of knowledge/appraisal on this site. Previously you mentioned let us not fault Keith too much. Take him out of the rotation and see how fast the other teams keep scoring. Despite nice upside it will be a while before the kids take Keith's job. But eventually i expect he is traded.

TC said: it was a great sign to see Dach skate on Friday. He's still on cleared for full practice, it's a step in the right direction.

I query: I’m unclear on your meaning - has he been cleared to practice yet, or “just” skate around?

I’d Dach can go as 3C, and Kampf drops down, who on line four drops out -
- StLBravesFan

Sorry... he's not cleared for full practice yet. Will fix.

He's just been skating on his own.

I suspect he gets clearance this week to skste with the team.

So far he's looked good teaming up with Seabrook. Good addition to the team and may end up being a stabilizing influence.

"TC said: it was a great sign to see Dach skate on Friday. He's still on cleared for full practice, it's a step in the right direction.

I query: I’m unclear on your meaning - has he been cleared to practice yet, or “just” skate around?"

I'm pretty sure, TC meant 'not' instead of 'on' ... the little video I saw of Dach, they had him doing some pretty simple drills that you usually find kids doing -they certainly weren't pushing things, at least not on camera.

On another note: frankly Tyles as a Kindergarten teacher you'd be horrible, I'd at least expect some pictures demonstrating how to tie my shoes ... :D
- SC116

No doubt. No little gold stars next to poster's names for a good post, no nap time, no juice...wth kind of Kindergarten is this anyway???

Great blog as always Tyler. Will be interesting to see how everything rounds into shape. Would definitely prefer Kampf at 4C...even though he's a useless waste of space for not being able to pot 20-30 goals as a 4th liner and doesn't hit or fight.

Would be great if Dach shows he belongs but I think the depth is good enough at a lot of positions this year that a 3C could eventually be acquired in trade if they deem KD not ready to go.

A bunch of thoughts together:

I bet Dach stays and EVENTUALLY gets slotted to play games and THEN the decision on him gets made in November, but not some rush.
They have to see if he has more value helping win now as opposed to later.
He is clearly a cut above the Sikura Highmore Saarela farm hands already, and I don't think there will be a "tough decision" if he stays all season.
The tough decision is shipping out an asset who might help you win during the long season you need to be REALLY successful in to have a post season, b/c you not gonna be able to do a Rockford type call up from Saskatoon after he gets assigned there.

Keith is still their best backliner.

I am more curious as to the direction the Jets will take to fix their hole on defense on the cheap...I wonder if the overstock of bottom defenders and "close forwards" would be enough to package one of each to Winnipeg, for an outside solution to the "3rd centre problems"--Bryan Little, but he is signed until 2024 and his contract doesn't equal the two under a million hawk low end guys I want to send for help----this is why DACH stays, if he shows aptitude and ability to.

I am gonna bet the Nylander situation is one where they want him happy for a chance - and JC , "don't go to Rockford whining, improve lecture" was also intended for his ears.

I bet they want the continued relationship and the politics (the entire Jokiharju fan base seeing this deal as one sided) to improve, so Nylander's stay might have more different aspects, but I am sure it is perplexing to think you may cut a journeyman whose value is as a now plugger to allow Nylander a longer rope to hang himself on.

I think they have given Alex some nice line mates and a lot to think about to self evaluate.

I like Holm- there is something that reminds me of John Marks in his strides, and I think they are gonna see his value in both parts of the teams, parent and farm club, and don't think the looming expansion has nothing to do with loading up.

They HAVE to really win now, and it will be contingent upon lots of improvements and the last bottom pieces no matter how up and down fluid the bar ride from rockford is it will be important ones...but the idea of being so deep for the long playoff run is putting the horse before the cart.

How has Määttä looked so far in preseason? I really like his simple game.
- Barnaby36

He's looked good so far. He and Seabrook seem to make a decent pair. They have like a .11 expected goals against (and I think have limited the opposition to 5 shots as of September 22nd) when they're on the ice together.

A bunch of thoughts together:

I bet Dach stays and EVENTUALLY gets slotted to play games and THEN the decision on him gets made in November, but not some rush.
They have to see if he has more value helping win now as opposed to later.
He is clearly a cut above the Sikura Highmore Saarela farm hands already, and I don't think there will be a "tough decision" if he stays all season.
The tough decision is shipping out an asset who might help you win during the long season you need to be REALLY successful in to have a post season, b/c you not gonna be able to do a Rockford type call up from Saskatoon after he gets assigned there.

Keith is still their best backliner.

I am more curious as to the direction the Jets will take to fix their hole on defense on the cheap...I wonder if the overstock of bottom defenders and "close forwards" would be enough to package one of each to Winnipeg, for an outside solution to the "3rd centre problems"--Bryan Little, but he is signed until 2024 and his contract doesn't equal the two under a million hawk low end guys I want to send for help----this is why DACH stays, if he shows aptitude and ability to.

I am gonna bet the Nylander situation is one where they want him happy for a chance - and JC , "don't go to Rockford whining, improve lecture" was also intended for his ears.

I bet they want the continued relationship and the politics (the entire Jokiharju fan base seeing this deal as one sided) to improve, so Nylander's stay might have more different aspects, but I am sure it is perplexing to think you may cut a journeyman whose value is as a now plugger to allow Nylander a longer rope to hang himself on.

I think they have given Alex some nice line mates and a lot to think about to self evaluate.

I like Holm- there is something that reminds me of John Marks in his strides, and I think they are gonna see his value in both parts of the teams, parent and farm club, and don't think the looming expansion has nothing to do with loading up.

They HAVE to really win now, and it will be contingent upon lots of improvements and the last bottom pieces no matter how up and down fluid the bar ride from rockford is it will be important ones...but the idea of being so deep for the long playoff run is putting the horse before the cart.
- wiz1901

[quote=RickJ]

A bunch of thoughts together:

I bet Dach stays and EVENTUALLY gets slotted to play games and THEN the decision on him gets made in November, but not some rush.
They have to see if he has more value helping win now as opposed to later.
He is clearly a cut above the Sikura Highmore Saarela farm hands already, and I don't think there will be a "tough decision" if he stays all season.
The tough decision is shipping out an asset who might help you win during the long season you need to be REALLY successful in to have a post season, b/c you not gonna be able to do a Rockford type call up from Saskatoon after he gets assigned there.

Keith is still their best backliner.

I am more curious as to the direction the Jets will take to fix their hole on defense on the cheap...I wonder if the overstock of bottom defenders and "close forwards" would be enough to package one of each to Winnipeg, for an outside solution to the "3rd centre problems"--Bryan Little, but he is signed until 2024 and his contract doesn't equal the two under a million hawk low end guys I want to send for help----this is why DACH stays, if he shows aptitude and ability to.

I am gonna bet the Nylander situation is one where they want him happy for a chance - and JC , "don't go to Rockford whining, improve lecture" was also intended for his ears.

I bet they want the continued relationship and the politics (the entire Jokiharju fan base seeing this deal as one sided) to improve, so Nylander's stay might have more different aspects, but I am sure it is perplexing to think you may cut a journeyman whose value is as a now plugger to allow Nylander a longer rope to hang himself on.

I think they have given Alex some nice line mates and a lot to think about to self evaluate.

I like Holm- there is something that reminds me of John Marks in his strides, and I think they are gonna see his value in both parts of the teams, parent and farm club, and don't think the looming expansion has nothing to do with loading up.

They HAVE to really win now, and it will be contingent upon lots of improvements and the last bottom pieces no matter how up and down fluid the bar ride from rock is it will be important ones...but the idea of being so deep for the long playoff run is putting the horse before the cart.
- wiz1901

Helping the Hawks win now vs. later shouldn’t be the decision - helping Dach develop into the best player he can be should - where is his long-term development best served, the numbing cold of Chicago, or the wind-swept numbing cold of the Saskatchewan prairies?

Here's the (good) problem if Dach makes the team as 3C. Kampf is not better than Smith, Caggiula, or Carpenter. No offensive upside whatsoever either. He's a 4C at best so he might have to split time with Carpenter and see who can hold down that spot for the most part of the season.

Sorry... he's not cleared for full practice yet. Will fix.

He's just been skating on his own.

I suspect he gets clearance this week to skste with the team.
- Tyler Cameron

Thanks, Tyler. I thought that was the case.

I echo the praise for this - and your other - blogs.

TC said: it was a great sign to see Dach skate on Friday. He's still on cleared for full practice, it's a step in the right direction.

I query: I’m unclear on your meaning - has he been cleared to practice yet, or “just” skate around?

I’d Dach can go as 3C, and Kampf drops down, who on line four drops out -
- StLBravesFan

I would drop Kampf out of the lineup completely honestly. He is not better than the other options.

(frank) off, Tyler!








Jk, you do an awesome job with this blog, and it's sad that you have to say things like this to "adults"

Exactly, and even a diminished Duncan Keith is sure worth the $5.5mil. AAV as compared to what other defenseman have been signing for.