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so whats the feel for Gilbert's play this year? is he a long term keeper or just holding down a space until the next waive of D comes in next year? - glennjpawlak22
I think he's played his way into the conversation as a 7th or 3rd Pairing D-Man. If he continues to grow this year he could cement a spot there IMO. He brings a physical presence to the team something that no one else really (especially on the backend) brings so there's a future for him if he earns it. |
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Mahomes college numbers were mind boggling. I don't buy it was difficult to tell who would be the better pro between he and Mitch. And then to trade up! Teddy Bridgewater is better than Trumissky will ever be. We should be able to sign him for the crazy amount we paid Daniels unless somebody else sees him as a #1. Indy, Washington, Chargers, Raiders, Jets, there are a few teams with unknown QB's. - rpeters01
In all fairness though, Texas Tech has a history of having QBs put up ridiculous numbers in a weak Big 12 Conference.
Watson was the guy that is mind boggling on how they decided to pass on him. He proved that he could handle the big moment time and time again with his play in big games against as close to NFL competition as you can get in Alabama in the National Championship. |
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Going back to before the season started - did anyone truly believe the Hawks were going to be a legitimate Cup contender? No, unless you're delusional. The best case scenario would be to contend for a playoff spot, and more importantly to get some young players experience so that the Hawks might get back to being a legitimate Cup contending team in a couple years.
That's where the team is at - isn't it? Dach and Boqvist are now regulars getting experience and showing great promise. Kubalik looks to be a keeper and one of the pieces for the next Cup run. A couple other young guys have shown some flashes and could be valuable pieces too.
So yeah the season is up and down but it pretty much like what we realistically hoped for. - EbonyRaptor
You're not wrong on that. This is what we all realistically expected. I think the issue has been when its good it's been at that level we thought, but when it's been bad it's been BAD at times and makes it look like this team needs another Top 5 pick to get another difference maker on this team. |
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scottak
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Location: I am serious. And don't call me Shirley! Joined: 08.06.2010
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Going back to before the season started - did anyone truly believe the Hawks were going to be a legitimate Cup contender? No, unless you're delusional. The best case scenario would be to contend for a playoff spot, and more importantly to get some young players experience so that the Hawks might get back to being a legitimate Cup contending team in a couple years.
That's where the team is at - isn't it? Dach and Boqvist are now regulars getting experience and showing great promise. Kubalik looks to be a keeper and one of the pieces for the next Cup run. A couple other young guys have shown some flashes and could be valuable pieces too.
So yeah the season is up and down but it pretty much like what we realistically hoped for. - EbonyRaptor
No worries, the wheels are in motion to have the ping pong balls give the Blackhawks this guy. He’ll play on Kane’s line.
Alexis Lafreniere, LW, 2020 draft eligible (Canada)
Lafreniere was voted MVP of the event by the media. It wasn’t a clear MVP performance given he missed a substantial portion of the tournament, but when he was on the ice, nobody in the tournament had more of an impact. His elite skill and brain stood out consistently. And when you added the pace he played with and how hard he competed physically, he looked like the complete package. One tournament does not define a draft selection, but he gave observers no reservations about why he’s an elite prospect and should be heavily considered with the No. 1 pick. This column isn’t the place to discuss him versus Quinton Byfield or others, but it was clearly the Lafrenière show in Ostrava.
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nickmo2699
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: IL Joined: 01.06.2012
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No worries, the wheels are in motion to have the ping pong balls give the Blackhawks this guy. He’ll play on Kane’s line.
Alexis Lafreniere, LW, 2020 draft eligible (Canada)
Lafreniere was voted MVP of the event by the media. It wasn’t a clear MVP performance given he missed a substantial portion of the tournament, but when he was on the ice, nobody in the tournament had more of an impact. His elite skill and brain stood out consistently. And when you added the pace he played with and how hard he competed physically, he looked like the complete package. One tournament does not define a draft selection, but he gave observers no reservations about why he’s an elite prospect and should be heavily considered with the No. 1 pick. This column isn’t the place to discuss him versus Quinton Byfield or others, but it was clearly the Lafrenière show in Ostrava. - scottak
He is absolutely incredible and will make an immediate impact at the NHL level. I also watched Cozens and Zegras very closely and those two guys make me reconsider Dach quite a bit. |
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LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Joined: 11.02.2017
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He's an RFA in two years and doesn't have and clauses that allow him to choose where he goes in a trade. The Hawks don't have to do poop that he or his father want. - GPHawksfan
He is a UFA in 21/22.
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He's an RFA in two years and doesn't have and clauses that allow him to choose where he goes in a trade. The Hawks don't have to do poop that he or his father want. - GPHawksfan
If you're talking about Saad, he's an UFA in 21/22 and has a M-NTC kicking in on 7/1/2020. |
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BobP.
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Joliet, IL Joined: 12.29.2010
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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? - Tyler Cameron
Plans ??! In what capacity? Really wish he was still playing. I still contend he was one of the main "straws" that stirred those Cup teams. |
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Plans ??! In what capacity? Really wish he was still playing. I still contend he was one of the main "straws" that stirred those Cup teams. - BobP.
Player/Pierogie consultant.
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BobP.
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Joliet, IL Joined: 12.29.2010
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Player/Pierogie consultant.
- Rota's Rooter
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RickJ
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Burlington, ON Joined: 01.12.2010
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No worries, the wheels are in motion to have the ping pong balls give the Blackhawks this guy. He’ll play on Kane’s line.
Alexis Lafreniere, LW, 2020 draft eligible (Canada)
Lafreniere was voted MVP of the event by the media. It wasn’t a clear MVP performance given he missed a substantial portion of the tournament, but when he was on the ice, nobody in the tournament had more of an impact. His elite skill and brain stood out consistently. And when you added the pace he played with and how hard he competed physically, he looked like the complete package. One tournament does not define a draft selection, but he gave observers no reservations about why he’s an elite prospect and should be heavily considered with the No. 1 pick. This column isn’t the place to discuss him versus Quinton Byfield or others, but it was clearly the Lafrenière show in Ostrava. - scottak
Byfield was dressed yesterday but did not get one shift in the game vs Russia.
From what I saw in games before that was the pace in this tournament was just too high for him. Pretty tough company for a 17 year old kid.
The difference between Lafreniere's play this year vs in last year's tournament was huge. |
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He is absolutely incredible and will make an immediate impact at the NHL level. I also watched Cozens and Zegras very closely and those two guys make me reconsider Dach quite a bit. - nickmo2699
Easier to say when you see on guy playing against men and the others are playing Top 6 minutes against players on their same level or lower. Not to say either won't be a a very good player in this league, but Dach has shown some serious skill against guys in the league which at his age is very impressive. |
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Plans ??! In what capacity? Really wish he was still playing. I still contend he was one of the main "straws" that stirred those Cup teams. - BobP.
I'd argue he was THE straw that got that thing going. He brought some serious legitimacy to that team when he signed and took his game to another level with the kids.
He'll definitely work in the FO in some form or another and help out with the roster now, scouting, etc. Kinda feel he'll have the same kinda role David Ross had with the Cubs...please lets not start the Hoss for Coach talk though lol |
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BobP.
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Joliet, IL Joined: 12.29.2010
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I'd argue he was THE straw that got that thing going. He brought some serious legitimacy to that team when he signed and took his game to another level with the kids.
He'll definitely work in the FO in some form or another and help out with the roster now, scouting, etc. Kinda feel he'll have the same kinda role David Ross had with the Cubs...please lets not start the Hoss for Coach talk though lol - Savetheembers33
Agree completely! |
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nickmo2699
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: IL Joined: 01.06.2012
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Easier to say when you see on guy playing against men and the others are playing Top 6 minutes against players on their same level or lower. Not to say either won't be a a very good player in this league, but Dach has shown some serious skill against guys in the league which at his age is very impressive. - Savetheembers33
I disagree. This guy was a top 3 pick. He seems pedestrian to me and other then glimpses game to game, I don't see one part of his game that truly stands out other than his size. I'm not saying he should be a PPG guy but I feel underwhelmed by what I seen at this point despite his age. |
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RickJ
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Burlington, ON Joined: 01.12.2010
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He is absolutely incredible and will make an immediate impact at the NHL level. I also watched Cozens and Zegras very closely and those two guys make me reconsider Dach quite a bit. - nickmo2699
Playing in a 20 year old tournament for 2 weeks vs competing every night against men in the NHL isn't even close.
Zegras is a great little player but would get killed right now playing pro. Cozens got sent back to junior fairly quickly after Buffalo's training camp in September. Dach will be fine if the Hawks don't ruin him with expectations too soon. |
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TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Oak Park, IL Joined: 04.14.2010
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I guess it depends on semantics, but Boston in 2015 (2016? no time to look it up) sold off some vets and had 3 first round picks. Now, the talent they had to sell was probably better, but that doesn't mean the Hawks can't maximize their assets. - tazer_and_diet
Yeah, it was 2015, and they made some trades and had the 13, 14 and 15th picks in that draft. Only one of those picks, DeBrusk (14th), has contributed anything in the NHL. That deal was not really the source of their recent success. |
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nickmo2699
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: IL Joined: 01.06.2012
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Playing in a 20 year old tournament for 2 weeks vs competing every night against men in the NHL isn't even close.
Zegras is a great little player but would get killed right now playing pro. Cozens got sent back to junior fairly quickly after Buffalo's training camp in September. Dach will be fine if the Hawks don't ruin him with expectations too soon. - RickJ
I think playing him on the wing has been great for his development. I just want to see what the front office saw here and there. He may do some little things here and there, but if he is a top 3 overall, and hasn't been sent back to junior, we should be seeing more. |
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TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Oak Park, IL Joined: 04.14.2010
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He is absolutely incredible and will make an immediate impact at the NHL level. I also watched Cozens and Zegras very closely and those two guys make me reconsider Dach quite a bit. - nickmo2699
The same impact Hughes and Kakko are making this year? |
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RickJ
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Burlington, ON Joined: 01.12.2010
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I think playing him on the wing has been great for his development. I just want to see what the front office saw here and there. He may do some little things here and there, but if he is a top 3 overall, and hasn't been sent back to junior, we should be seeing more. - nickmo2699
What has Jack Hughes done at the NHL level so far and the Finnish kid with the Rangers? Squat really because they are also about 2 years away from making an impact in the NHL. And all 3 have similar scoring stats.
Patience required with 18 year olds.
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nickmo2699
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: IL Joined: 01.06.2012
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What has Jack Hughes done at the NHL level so far and the Finnish kid with the Rangers? Squat really because they are also about 2 years away from making an impact in the NHL. And all 3 have similar scoring stats.
Patience required with 18 year olds. - RickJ
i respect your opinion. If I cared what Hughes or Kakko were doing I would feel the same way. I want the Hawks to be right on this kid as much as anyone else, because if they aren't this franchise is toast. Toews and Kane will be gone and you spent your top 3 pick on a piece that busted.
If we're not going to be in the hunt and a playoff team, prospects and youth is all we can look forward to. |
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LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Joined: 11.02.2017
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I think playing him on the wing has been great for his development. I just want to see what the front office saw here and there. He may do some little things here and there, but if he is a top 3 overall, and hasn't been sent back to junior, we should be seeing more. - nickmo2699
What more would you like to see ? He dominated Jr's last year, what more do you think he would of learned in Jr's besides filling out his body? I see so far an 18 year old, fearless in the corners, good defensive awareness, high hockey IQ, playmaking ability, plus skating ability Besides points on the scoreboard, what more do you want to see? Last years draft said it was Kakko, Hughes then a coin flip. Most thought chicago would take the chicago native Turcotte, Pierre said they were a fool to not take Byram. Kings thought they were going to get Dach at 5, and were disappointed chicago took him, even though they got Turcotte. |
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SaskHawkFan
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: SK Joined: 05.18.2014
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What has Jack Hughes done at the NHL level so far and the Finnish kid with the Rangers? Squat really because they are also about 2 years away from making an impact in the NHL. And all 3 have similar scoring stats.
Patience required with 18 year olds. - RickJ
the exact reason the draft age should be raised to 19. |
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mohel
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: IL Joined: 02.08.2013
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Going back to before the season started - did anyone truly believe the Hawks were going to be a legitimate Cup contender? No, unless you're delusional. The best case scenario would be to contend for a playoff spot, and more importantly to get some young players experience so that the Hawks might get back to being a legitimate Cup contending team in a couple years.
That's where the team is at - isn't it? Dach and Boqvist are now regulars getting experience and showing great promise. Kubalik looks to be a keeper and one of the pieces for the next Cup run. A couple other young guys have shown some flashes and could be valuable pieces too.
So yeah the season is up and down but it pretty much like what we realistically hoped for. - EbonyRaptor
Yes. Well put.
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Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks |
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Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL Joined: 11.06.2015
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I think playing him on the wing has been great for his development. I just want to see what the front office saw here and there. He may do some little things here and there, but if he is a top 3 overall, and hasn't been sent back to junior, we should be seeing more. - nickmo2699
What would does more look like to you? He is pretty consistently one of the better 200' players on the Hawks. Backchecks well and is starting to get a better feel for forechecking. He has displayed high level skill with his hands and has not looked at all out of place with his speed.
I get his points aren't there yet, but Hughes and Kakko were both supposed to be head and shoulders ahead of anyone else in this draft and they have 5 more points than Dach (who missed most of the preseason with a concussion). I personally have no issue with what he has shown so far. Not to mention, all that he talks about is getting better and trying to find new/other ways to be effective and contribute. |
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