Theo Fox: Top Prospects Revisited
A revisit of the Blackhawks top prospects at forward, on the blueline, and in net.

Plus, a recap of the IceHogs loss to the Wild.

Theo Fox: Top Prospects Revisited
A revisit of the Blackhawks top prospects at forward, on the blueline, and in net.

Plus, a recap of the IceHogs loss to the Wild.
- Theo Fox

How things can change so quickly. Kalynuk has been a very pleasant surprise, i hope he is able to adjust to the speed of the game and becomes even more dangerous with his passes.

Looks like the 1st kid to come up who's actually good at playing without the puck, Boqvist is getting much much better, but it's refreshing to see a kid who seems to have a natural instinct of playing defense.

Two forward prospects currently in Rockford should carve out a role at the NHL level and both really get your attention. The ire of the opposition as well. In fact, their presence in Chicago could be a boon to the other forwards, particularly Toews if he returns.

My unbounded enthusiasm is ......well.....due to the unbridled enthusiasm of these two. Barret sounds like he is closer to NHL than Altybarmakian if you judge by Theo's commentary

They are exactly what we want to input in our third line. Both may have second line ceiling one day, but their hard charging kamikaze style approach is going a step beyond the compete level some of our forwards have displayed. Together with Hagel they will be a pain to play against

Two additional points to know, is that both are offensively gifted enough to rack up some points. Barret though has a mouth that gets under the skin. And Altybarmaken not too long ago was pissed, so he went out on next shift and hit each player

Have to love how this could boost offensive production of everyone, including Toews whom might be looking to score more and battle for pucks in scrums less than he did in his glorious seasons.

Barrett and Altybarmaken have been with Soderlund sometimes. Soderlund is a speedy checker whom has the same mentality or similar approach as Barret and Alty (let's call him Alty because auto correct can be a bear with his name). If Barret and Alty ascension does not squeeze out Kampf, then perhaps Soderlund might. I'm hoping Soderlund is the real deal as he has stepped up this season.

Theo, what about Cam Morrison? Is he not listed because his injury is that bad and has set him back, or is he not just good enough? I thought I read some good things about him when he signed, or is he just another guy?

Theo was just wondering if maybe if other trades were being discussed at the tdl that didn't happen or might be revisited in the offseason?

Does Mike Hardman figure in the plan anywhere?

Any word on Toews, I think he's played his last game already

Does Mike Hardman figure in the plan anywhere?

Any word on Toews, I think he's played his last game already
- gazza53

If that is the case, who will wear the "C", or does the team not name a captain until Toews' contract runs out?

If that is the case, who will wear the "C", or does the team not name a captain until Toews' contract runs out?
- powerenforcer

I’m sure when that time comes Bettman will tell Bowman who will be captain

If that is the case, who will wear the "C", or does the team not name a captain until Toews' contract runs out?
- powerenforcer

My guess would be Kane, the timing who knows?

I’m sure when that time comes Bettman will tell Bowman who will be captain
- paulr

Well then for sure it will be Crosby.

One thing Bowman likes to do is trade for reclamation projects. He really likes younger and higher draft picks. Just read an article that Evan Bouchard in Edmonton has dropped on their depth chart. Maybe if he’s available and he can be acquired for a reasonable price the Hawk’s may be interested?


https://edmontonsun.com/s...down-defence-depth-ladder

Well then for sure it will be Crosby.
- powerenforcer

Do you really think Bettman will allow Crosby to be moved to Chicago?

Would the Hawks and Bulls consider playing in Rosemont if the City of Chicago delays the return of fans in the fall?

Two forward prospects currently in Rockford should carve out a role at the NHL level and both really get your attention. The ire of the opposition as well. In fact, their presence in Chicago could be a boon to the other forwards, particularly Toews if he returns.

My unbounded enthusiasm is ......well.....due to the unbridled enthusiasm of these two. Barret sounds like he is closer to NHL than Altybarmakian if you judge by Theo's commentary

They are exactly what we want to input in our third line. Both may have second line ceiling one day, but their hard charging kamikaze style approach is going a step beyond the compete level some of our forwards have displayed. Together with Hagel they will be a pain to play against

Two additional points to know, is that both are offensively gifted enough to rack up some points. Barret though has a mouth that gets under the skin. And Altybarmaken not too long ago was pissed, so he went out on next shift and hit each player

Have to love how this could boost offensive production of everyone, including Toews whom might be looking to score more and battle for pucks in scrums less than he did in his glorious seasons.

Barrett and Altybarmaken have been with Soderlund sometimes. Soderlund is a speedy checker whom has the same mentality or similar approach as Barret and Alty (let's call him Alty because auto correct can be a bear with his name). If Barret and Alty ascension does not squeeze out Kampf, then perhaps Soderlund might. I'm hoping Soderlund is the real deal as he has stepped up this season.
- jhawk59

Barratt and Altybarmakian are rising but likely wouldn't crack the Hawks lineup realistically until 2022-23. Perhaps a cup of coffee next season.

Also, both likely top out as 3rd liners. Their hustle is similar to Hagel's but they show more sandpaper. Hagel has more offensive skill than either of them, though.

Soderlund is in the top 10 but he needs to play a team game. He holds on to the puck too long wanting to razzle dazzle rather than make simpler plays.

Would the Hawks and Bulls consider playing in Rosemont if the City of Chicago delays the return of fans in the fall?
- TJYTJY

Rosemont is in Cook County, so odds are very high the same rules will be in effect.

How things can change so quickly. Kalynuk has been a very pleasant surprise, i hope he is able to adjust to the speed of the game and becomes even more dangerous with his passes.

Looks like the 1st kid to come up who's actually good at playing without the puck, Boqvist is getting much much better, but it's refreshing to see a kid who seems to have a natural instinct of playing defense.
- BetweenTheDots

Agree, Kalynuk has been a surprise as far as leapfrogging Mitchell and Beaudin. Who knows where they will rank when they each hit potential and reach their water level.

Bottom line, just hope those 3 + Boqvist form a solid, all-around top 4 in due course.

Theo, what about Cam Morrison? Is he not listed because his injury is that bad and has set him back, or is he not just good enough? I thought I read some good things about him when he signed, or is he just another guy?
- boilermaker100

Part of not making the list is his season-ending injury but part of it is I personally am not as high on Morrison as other Blackhawks sites are who rank him as a top prospect.

Morrison could end up being a Bickell-like power forward who is inconsistent but plays hard along the boards and comes through in clutch moments. Or he could be just a guy.

We will see where he is next season.

Theo was just wondering if maybe if other trades were being discussed at the tdl that didn't happen or might be revisited in the offseason?
- Scott1977

I didn't see anything specific in terms of rumored trades. Zadorov got suitors in the Bruins and Jets but I didn't see any trade packages

Kampf was also rumored to be on the market. Guessing other players were, too.

Does Mike Hardman figure in the plan anywhere?

Any word on Toews, I think he's played his last game already
- gazza53

Similarly to Morrison, I'm not that high on Hardman until he proves otherwise. He could be a diamond in the rough, a Bickell clone, or the next Kyle Baun or Matt Carey.

No news on Toews. It's tough thinking about next season and waver between whether to factor him in or not.

One thing Bowman likes to do is trade for reclamation projects. He really likes younger and higher draft picks. Just read an article that Evan Bouchard in Edmonton has dropped on their depth chart. Maybe if he’s available and he can be acquired for a reasonable price the Hawk’s may be interested?


https://edmontonsun.com/s...down-defence-depth-ladder
- paulr

Bouchard has always been in the back of my mind as a player Bowman would pursue if he did in fact become available at any point.

Offensive rearguard who can really move and shoot the puck but needs to refine his defensive game. Bouchard and Boqvist played together at London.

If Boqvist can amp up his defensive game, perhaps the Hawks can work that same magic with Bouchard.

Then again, a lot of Boqvist's growth is based on him personally investing in getting better and giving a darn about defending.

Bouchard has always been in the back of my mind as a player Bowman would pursue if he did in fact become available at any point.

Offensive rearguard who can really move and shoot the puck but needs to refine his defensive game. Bouchard and Boqvist played together at London.

If Boqvist can amp up his defensive game, perhaps the Hawks can work that same magic with Bouchard.

Then again, a lot of Boqvist's growth is based on him personally investing in getting better and giving a darn about defending.
- Theo Fox

The Oilers won't give up on Bouchard quickly, they aren't going to rush him.

Anybody that thinks its a good idea to put a runny nosed kid defenceman in the NHL at 18 or 19 should take a look back at the 2018 draft - 14 defenceman selected out of 31 in the 1st round.

Without going thru all of the names, here is just a couple of examples of teenager Dmen who are struggling in the nasty world of big boy hockey:

1) Rasmus Dahlin - #1 overall, goes to a crap team like Buffalo as a savior and is struggling big time.

2) Quinn Hughes - #7 overall, seems like the best of the group right now but has absolutely no idea what he is doing in his own end.

3) Bovqist - #8 overall, nice development year so far.

4) Bouchard #10 - not ready, in AHL to learn.

5) Noah Dobson #12 - went to a good team and is learning under an excellent coach. Might turn out to be the best all round Dman.

6) Ty Smith #17 - stayed in Junior 5 years, showing some real promise 1st year in New Jersey.

7) K'Andre Miller #20 - he might turn out to be the best of the bunch playing with a soon to be terrific NYR team.

All the rest have either had a cup of coffee with their NHL team (Beaudin, Sandin) or are in the AHL developing - exactly where guys like Ian Mitchell belong.

So what's the REAL story on Toews? Just decide to take a year off?

Adam Gaudette practiced with hawks today. He has been off the ice for 2 weeks so maybe he draws in this weekend.

So what's the REAL story on Toews? Just decide to take a year off?
- Shady1962

Nasty case of the clap.

https://twitter.com/BenPo.../1382380269920002050?s=01