Tyler Cameron: Barely better than the worst The Blackhawks barely squeaked out a win against the worst team in the NHL, the Red Wings.

Chicago looked like they played down to their competition for a majority of the game; not that the Hawks are that much better than Detroit, but let's be honest, DET is a really bad hockey club.

First!!!

Very early, and first. (edit: 1a)

Good comeback, know it was the Wangs, thought the first was bad puck luck.

After the game, Jones was commenting on how the Hawks used their speed to push the play and take over the game.

Haven't heard that often................

TC said - What I do know is that this team would benefit from having success on some level; chasing for a playoff spot would be a great experience for guys like Boqvist and Dach.

I say - add in Kubalik, Strome, AdB, Sikura, Gilbert, Murphy, and one or two others who have yet to face NHL pressure games in their careers.

I wish the “tankers” would value the benefits of being in competitive races as much as you seem to.

The Hawks skated 7 last night with less than 50 games in the Show. Let’s hope they begin learning how to win this season - instead of expecting to lose.

Well

If Sikura may have earned some time in the line up

It is not far fetched that Koekkuk could follow suit. I wish at the expense of Gus. Good analytics have been reported for Koekkoek. Now is his time to show he can perform as a steady all purpose dman; he has enough experience and hopefully with a longer leash he will get past commiting his eventual blunders

That said, I am in favor of Gus for a #2 2020. Bowman probably holds out until trade deadline to get the best return asset. This may or may not work to our advantage. Gus could get hot but his game is quite erractic

Carry over from last comment in last blog: even remotely in the playoff chase we should keep Crawford since goaltending is an important part of our team strength. But some team certainly will take Crawford. If he goes I would like another #2 2020. Mid level prospects and bottom line talent, even another dman straight up does not really impact this team in the long run.

The highest return to hopefully realize is the ceiling or potential from a #2 in a deep draft

TC said - What I do know is that this team would benefit from having success on some level; chasing for a playoff spot would be a great experience for guys like Boqvist and Dach.

I say - add in Kubalik, Strome, AdB, Sikura, Gilbert, Murphy, and one or two others who have yet to face NHL pressure games in their careers.

I wish the “tankers” would value the benefits of being in competitive races as much as you seem to.

The Hawks skated 7 last night with less than 50 games in the Show. Let’s hope they begin learning how to win this season - instead of expecting to lose.
- StLBravesFan

Agree. As much as I think another top 5 pick would help, it's not like the Hawks aren't already tapping into a significant amount of their prospect pool.

I'm not opposed to them adding a dman, but hopefully it looks something like the deHaan deal where they are able to trade nothing of consequence.

Shouldn't be giving up any picks or prospects. I've read where some of the vets would be cheesed if they were in a potential playoff position and the team didn't go for it.

I know they're the talent but I think a bit more situational awareness is warranted.

What with the Seabrook situation - it is not really implausible that they try to re-sign Gus.

I'm not saying that they will - but that they might have the ability to move around the money somewhat in order to maybe (key word) do it.

What with the Seabrook situation - it is not really implausible that they try to re-sign Gus.

I'm not saying that they will - but that they might have the ability to move around the money somewhat in order to maybe (key word) do it.
- SC116

In his entire career - in Sweden, Rockford, Chicago - he had one season of good scoring. Reverting to his mean this season - probably predictive of his future.

He’s below average / standard on defense.

Even if they can figure out how to get the cap space - why resign him?

I agree. Let's see if they can come together and win enough to play some meaningful games in late March. The experience would be good for the younger players.

Sikura and Nylander competing for playing time could be a good thing. But I would not sit either one too long.

Saad returning should help the Hawks re-slot players. I like the Saad, Toews Kubalik line.

I doubt that you get anything more than a mid-to-late round pick for Gus. But I would do it.

It should be interesting to watch the goalie situation. I am a little surprised they have not signed Lehner to an extension yet. Will either Lehner or Crow be moved? I think having good goal tending can really help a rebuild. With bad goaltending (like the Hawks had at the end of last year) it is hard to assess the rest of the team.

I hope Stan does not move a high draft pick or someone who could be part of our future just to make the playoffs. That would be a reason to fire him (and I like Bowman).

Bowman was in Trencin, Slovakia. With Marian Hossa, and maybe doing some scouting ? Source: HK Dukla Trencin Hockey Club / Facebook

I hope Stan does not move a high draft pick or someone who could be part of our future just to make the playoffs. That would be a reason to fire him (and I like Bowman).
- -Doh-

Agreed. If he can make a trade that doesn't negatively impact the future, then fine. But otherwise, going "all in" just to make the playoffs is stupid.

Additionally, I still think he should be looking into moving expiring assets for future help. Being sentimental is what got him into this mess in the first place, it's time for the front office to be cold and calculating. Ending the season without getting anything for any of Crawford, Gus, or Lehner, even Saad, would be a colossal blunder. I'm not saying to trade them all, but the trade deadline is where teams speed up their rebuilds.

The goal is the cup, not a first round exit.

Agreed. If he can make a trade that doesn't negatively impact the future, then fine. But otherwise, going "all in" just to make the playoffs is stupid.

Additionally, I still think he should be looking into moving expiring assets for future help. Being sentimental is what got him into this mess in the first place, it's time for the front office to be cold and calculating. Ending the season without getting anything for any of Crawford, Gus, or Lehner, even Saad, would be a colossal blunder. I'm not saying to trade them all, but the trade deadline is where teams speed up their rebuilds.

The goal is the cup, not a first round exit.
- tazer_and_diet

I would only disagree on Saad. He has one more year on a reasonable contract. He was traded to Columbus and really wanted to be in Chicago. I think he will accept a fair deal next January. He won't turn 28 until next October. Before the injury he was playing some pretty good hockey. (If some one could just work with him on elevating the puck on rushes or close in shots he could be a 30+ goal scorer annually. So many of his shots are right into the goalies pads.)

I would only disagree on Saad. He has one more year on a reasonable contract. He was traded to Columbus and really wanted to be in Chicago. I think he will accept a fair deal next January. He won't turn 28 until next October. Before the injury he was playing some pretty good hockey. (If some one could just work with him on elevating the puck on rushes or close in shots he could be a 30+ goal scorer annually. So many of his shots are right into the goalies pads.)
- -Doh-

Saad is a valuable desirable player to afford since he is the sort of player teams want to have......preferably if he could score more, was especially better in boards game or was more of an intimidatior - any of those other attributes would increase his value. Now what you have with Saad just to reiterate is not a bad thing.....the only thing about it is the inescaple fact that as a veteran he is due a raise. And just how much can you allot for a third line wing that doesn't have any of the extra calling card parts to his game which as I said would really make a difference

So I expect some time roughly mid season in 2020 -2021 that Saad could have either Hagel or Entwhistle take his job. There would be a cost saving. With expansion looming you might as well move him sooner than later. Teams will be leary taking on new contracts which might turn into expansion draft picks. Saad therefore holds more value the sooner traded than waiting until Entwhistle or Hagel are ready.

The way Bovquist jumped in at the right time, and that nifty move to get around Helm on the winning goal, and Bovquist capable of handling the point on the first PP makes Gusto irrelevant.

Tyler Cameron: Barely better than the worst
The Blackhawks barely squeaked out a win against the worst team in the NHL, the Red Wings.

Chicago looked like they played down to their competition for a majority of the game; not that the Hawks are that much better than Detroit, but let's be honest, DET is a really bad hockey club.
- Tyler Cameron

Because of injuries, I wouldn't say the Hawks played down to the Red Wings, to me it is amazing the Hawks are treading water. Toews playing with 2 rookies, Kane playing with linemates that (now) have a combined 3 goals for the year, an 18 year old playing right wing and contributing on what has been the best line this year (with the vets on that line with all of 3 years experience, a 19 year old logging top 4 minutes, a rookie who should be in the AHL learning his craft and having Gus play major minutes.

This to me looks like a bottom feeder team, not one that should dominate anyone in the NHL at this time.

Saad is a valuable desirable player to afford since he is the sort of player teams want to have......preferably if he could score more, was especially better in boards game or was more of an intimidatior - any of those other attributes would increase his value. Now what you have with Saad just to reiterate is not a bad thing.....the only thing about it is the inescaple fact that as a veteran he is due a raise. And just how much can you allot for a third line wing that doesn't have any of the extra calling card parts to his game which as I said would really make a difference

So I expect some time roughly mid season in 2020 -2021 that Saad could have either Hagel or Entwhistle take his job. There would be a cost saving. With expansion looming you might as well move him sooner than later. Teams will be leary taking on new contracts which might turn into expansion draft picks. Saad therefore holds more value the sooner traded than waiting until Entwhistle or Hagel are ready.
- jhawk59

Stan won't move Saad until a value in trade is determined first by other transactions - like the Rangers moving Chris Kreider or even Tyler Toffoli with LA.

Add to that, what if major injuries happen to forwards playing on serious Cup contenders - that would drive the price up for sure.

I could see Boston as a very interested team in Saad.

Stan won't move Saad until a value in trade is determined first by other transactions - like the Rangers moving Chris Kreider or even Tyler Toffoli with LA.

Add to that, what if major injuries happen to forwards playing on serious Cup contenders - that would drive the price up for sure.

I could see Boston as a very interested team in Saad.
- RickJ

Or Pittsburgh as it looks like they lost Guentzel for the rest of the year.

Agreed. If he can make a trade that doesn't negatively impact the future, then fine. But otherwise, going "all in" just to make the playoffs is stupid.

Additionally, I still think he should be looking into moving expiring assets for future help. Being sentimental is what got him into this mess in the first place, it's time for the front office to be cold and calculating. Ending the season without getting anything for any of Crawford, Gus, or Lehner, even Saad, would be a colossal blunder. I'm not saying to trade them all, but the trade deadline is where teams speed up their rebuilds.

The goal is the cup, not a first round exit.
- tazer_and_diet

THIS. Yes - my fear is that Stanbo thinks his team can get hot or perhaps lucky and get deep in the post seasons. Hence, he keeps both goalies.

I hope that's not the case. As Tazer and diet said, you NEED to get something for crow, gus and or Saad. It is so foolish not to. This team would get wrecked in the 2nd round if they got there.

Agreed. If he can make a trade that doesn't negatively impact the future, then fine. But otherwise, going "all in" just to make the playoffs is stupid.

Additionally, I still think he should be looking into moving expiring assets for future help. Being sentimental is what got him into this mess in the first place, it's time for the front office to be cold and calculating. Ending the season without getting anything for any of Crawford, Gus, or Lehner, even Saad, would be a colossal blunder. I'm not saying to trade them all, but the trade deadline is where teams speed up their rebuilds.

The goal is the cup, not a first round exit.
- tazer_and_diet

I get what you are saying, it's better to get some type of asset in return for guys on expiring contracts, especially if the playoffs are not a possibility. You don't really want to be in a situation like Columbus last year, all in on guys with expiring deals and nothing to show for it when all is said and done.

All that being said, please explain which teams "sped up their rebuilds" at the trade deadline. This myth of tanking or stockpiling picks and prospects to speed a rebuild in the NHL is just not reality. EDM, BUF, TOR, ARZ, and on an on. The successful teams in the cap era have taken years to build championship rosters by a variety of different methods. Chi, LA, BOS, Pit, ANA, WAS, STL. None of them were quick rebuilds.

Bowman was in Trencin, Slovakia. With Marian Hossa, and maybe doing some scouting ? Source: HK Dukla Trencin Hockey Club / Facebook
- StutzBlackhawk

There are plans for Hossa to join the Hawks after his contract is up - which won't be until July 2021 - so I would think he was doing some scouting.

Was he over at the World Juniors, then popped over to Slovakia maybe?

Or Pittsburgh as it looks like they lost Guentzel for the rest of the year.
- LAHawk

For sure, Pitt needs a replacement piece for Guentzel.

But Stan dealing with Jim Rutherford is a frightening idea because he probably has a newer model of Rob Scuderi laying around somewhere that he would convince Stan to take back.

I thought the newer model of Scuderi was Matta

For sure, Pitt needs a replacement piece for Guentzel.

But Stan dealing with Jim Rutherford is a frightening idea because he probably has a newer model of Rob Scuderi laying around somewhere that he would convince Stan to take back.
- RickJ

Jack Johnson

If they were doing anything besides just catching up, wouldn't that violate some rule? Hossa is still under contract with the Coyotes.

That said, I am in favor of Gus for a #2 2020. Bowman probably holds out until trade deadline to get the best return asset. This may or may not work to our advantage. Gus could get hot but his game is quite erractic.

More like a #2 squared.