Theo Fox: Well Done A look at whether the Blackhawks have brought along this season's crop of youngsters at an effective pace to ensure long-term benefits for the rebuilding club.

Thank you, Theo.
It's a long way to the top. Especially in a hard cap world. A hard cap that did NOT rise as predicted. Bringing up players too soon is the harsh result. I hope they learn on the fly.
My guess is the Blackhawks work to continue the build. I really like to see guys like DeBrincat and Kubalik noticeably working on their 200 foot game. THAT is the direction that will ultimately bear fruit.

Like clockwork...good stuff Theo!

I could see next year looking a bit similar to this one in terms of the team vying for a playoff spot late in the year.

Who knows if there will be enough maturation that sees them get in but I think there's a lot to be excited about all things considered.

A more normal offseason of conditioning/training and a proper training camp should help, for Dach especially.

Haven't read but wonder if they just shut him down for the final three games.

Thank you Theo - I hope that Dach is shut down for the final games, is there really any purpose in him playing? Yes, I was one of the "shut him down the entire year" guys, but I will not say "I told you so". I do think that it helped his mind to come back this season, and maybe it helps in the future, if he gets injured again, he has the knowledge that he can come back (maybe sooner than expected) and jump right back into play.

Thank you Theo - I hope that Dach is shut down for the final games, is there really any purpose in him playing? Yes, I was one of the "shut him down the entire year" guys, but I will not say "I told you so". I do think that it helped his mind to come back this season, and maybe it helps in the future, if he gets injured again, he has the knowledge that he can come back (maybe sooner than expected) and jump right back into play.
- powerenforcer

The kid like most of these kids need to get stronger, i don't believe Dach could weight train the way he needs to with the wrist injury for this season, good experience and i agree just start preparing for next season

Theo Fox: Well Done
A look at whether the Blackhawks have brought along this season's crop of youngsters at an effective pace to ensure long-term benefits for the rebuilding club.
- Theo Fox

Good stuff, Ted. It is a shame that this season was "need" instead of "rightfully earned" for these prospects. A LOT happened in an unexpected year, but this shortened season might be good for them in the long run. Idk. They are streaky, but that's to be expected. Long process ahead, but overall, I'm impressed. Keep playing like it's an audition & let the lottery balls fall where they may.

Dach - Just turned 20 in January. Has shown flashes. Hopefully they sit him the rest of the year. Would be nice if he stays in Chicago, gets completely healthy, does some work with Ian Mack and Daryl Belfry (Kane and Debrincat fitness and skills coaches).

Kubalik - Solid if unspectacular. It seems he gets very little time with top center and regular linemates. I would like to see him get regular time on the 2nd line and more pp time.

Hagel - People like to compare him to Shaw, I think Bolland is a better comparison. I am not saying he is as good as Bolland (or Shaw). Also Bolland and Shaw played center and Hagel plays on a wing. Bolland 19G 28A in 82 games when he was 22. Shaw 20G 19A in 80 games when he was 22. Hagel 8G 14A in 48 games as a 22 year old.

Suter - 24yo. Solid if unspectacular. 2/3C.

Gaudette - 24yo. Let's hope he has remedied his Candidiasis. Looks like an NHL player with some upside.

Kurashev - People forget that he is only 21. Had a nice season. Should improve next year.

Entwistle - Intriguing prospect, also 21.

Hardman - Only 22. Theo would you say a comparison could be Tyler Motte?

Kalynuk - I like what I have seen offensively and defensively. He is 24. Probable 2nd pairing upside.

Boqvist - Only 20. Has shown flashes offensively and defensively. But concussions and injuries are a concern. Next year will be important to see if he improves and can stay on the ice.

Stillman - 23yo - Plays with an edge like Z, but actually has some concept of the position of defensmen (unlike Z). Do not resign Z.

Mitchell - 22yo. Has shown flashes. Probably rushed to NHL. Might benefit from some time at the Rock.

Beaudin - 21yo. Seems to process the game slowly. Not great speed. I would like to see him get 40+ games in the NHL next year.

Lankinen - 26 yo. Good enough. Played 36 games in 102 days. A lot for a rookie to the NHL. Probably worn down by the condensed season. Your return starter. Placeholder for Commesso.

Subban - 27yo. Only played 16 games. Good enough for 1B on this level team. OK backup if not taken in the expansion draft.

Delia - 26yo. Marginal NHL backup.

I appreciate your work very much. I recently retired and the first thing I do every morning is grab a cup of java and head to my home office to read your posts. It is like when I was 12 and could not wait to get up in the morning and read the sports pages in the Times and Tribune. Thank you.

Good article in the Athletic.

"What scouts are saying about the Blackhawks after a developmental year: ‘Do they have enough pieces?"

https://theathletic.com/2...-they-have-enough-pieces/

Love to see Jeff Gorton & JD hired in Chicago

Love to Jeff Gordon & JD hired in Chicago
- Colbyboy

Nope! No Way. No How.

Love to Jeff Gordon & JD hired in Chicago
- Colbyboy

You might be the only one.

I appreciate your work very much. I recently retired and the first thing I do every morning is grab a cup of java and head to my home office to read your posts. It is like when I was 12 and could not wait to get up in the morning and read the sports pages in the Times and Tribune. Thank you.
- -Doh-

Seconded.
And May your retirement be long and healthy!

Love to Jeff Gordon & JD hired in Chicago
- Colbyboy

He could be Stan's driver.

You might be the only one.
- I Am The Breadman

Teams will be lined up to hire Gorton - his talent assessment going back to his Bruins days & his rebuild with the Rangers was amazing

JD will also have offers but I think he may go into broadcasting

Teams will be lined up to hire Gorton - his talent assessment going back to his Bruins days & his rebuild with the Rangers was amazing

JD will also have offers but I think he may go into broadcasting
- Colbyboy

For Bruins, you are as good as the team around you. Scouts & other staff need to be good. Good finds & other pieces during that time. Sure, credit where credit is due. (Pains me to say, as I don't like the Bruins). I guess there are a lot of early exits to consider as well. For Rangers, has yet to be seen imo as their record is similar to the Hawks. They've been in the lower end of the league in points/standings for a few years & are hitting the lower-middle, like the Hawks.

Teams will be lined up to hire Gorton - his talent assessment going back to his Bruins days & his rebuild with the Rangers was amazing

JD will also have offers but I think he may go into broadcasting
- Colbyboy

Not sure I agree. He took over in 2015. Team he took over had gone to Stanley Cup and conference finals in previous 2 seasons. His teams made the next 2 playoffs and bowed out early and haven't seen the playoffs in the last 4 seasons. He has had four picks in the top 9 (including #1 & #2), and while time will tell, none have set the league on fire. Please explain the amazing part.

Bring gorton on as a scout then or assistant gm but not gm. I think he started in 2015 how many playoffs did the rangers make and how many rounds did they win are two questions that should asked answered to see how good of gm he is or was.

Teams will be lined up to hire Gorton - his talent assessment going back to his Bruins days & his rebuild with the Rangers was amazing

JD will also have offers but I think he may go into broadcasting
- Colbyboy

And the Bruins liked him so much they hired Chiarelli instead of giving Gorton the permanent GM job.

He had been the GM for the Rangers for 6 years and they are not exactly world beaters now.
(They did not have 2016 1st round pick)
2017 1st round pick 7th overall - Lias Andersson
2018 1st round pick 9th overall - Vitali Kravtsov
2019 1st round pick 2nd overall - Kaapo Kakko

Not sure I agree. He took over in 2015. Team he took over had gone to Stanley Cup and conference finals in previous 2 seasons. His teams made the next 2 playoffs and bowed out early and haven't seen the playoffs in the last 4 seasons. He has had four picks in the top 9 (including #1 & #2), and while time will tell, none have set the league on fire. Please explain the amazing part.
- TheTrob

Jumping up 4 spots to two to land Kakko and then from 18 to one to snag Lafreniere.

Great post Theo. Agree with all the assessments.

I have lots of optimism, and while I don't think we can replicate what our 2010, 2013 and 2015 teams did with this bunch, I think we can build a playoff contender in a few years with our roster.

I'd like to see some of the veteran D we have jettisoned as they've made the same mistakes over and over- Z, deHaan and Murphy. It's understandable the rookies will make mistakes. I'd like to see Keith's time reduced as well.

I pray for a lotto win coming up soon even though I hear the 2021 class isn't as strong as previous years. Add a few blue chip prospects and maybe a few signings and who knows, maybe it'll make us a Stanley Cup contender instead of a playoff contender down the road.

Love to see Jeff Gorton & JD hired in Chicago
- Colbyboy

Still a dumb idea.

Still a weak trolling effort.

The Gorton and Davidson to Chicago posters are dreaming.

The Hawks have had a long history of promoting within the organization. Wasn't Mike Smith the last outsider?

Tallon took over as GM from Pullie (who took over from Smith) in the early 2000's, then Bowman replacing Dale in 2009.

Savard, a long time assistant coach, took over from Yawney. Then Q who was hired in as special advisor (read coach waiting in the wings) took over from Savard. Then Colliton moving up from Rockford to replace Q.

And the Bruins liked him so much they hired Chiarelli instead of giving Gorton the permanent GM job.

He had been the GM for the Rangers for 6 years and they are not exactly world beaters now.
(They did not have 2016 1st round pick)
2017 1st round pick 7th overall - Lias Andersson
2018 1st round pick 9th overall - Vitali Kravtsov
2019 1st round pick 2nd overall - Kaapo Kakko
- -Doh-

And these same posters don't like JC because of his record prior to coming here.

But a GM with a poor NHL record is the way to go!

Such hypocrisy is born of a childish tantrum caused by a rebuilding year. Or trolling.

Jumping up 4 spots to two to land Kakko and then from 18 to one to snag Lafreniere.
- HawkintheD

Maybe Stan could learn a thing or two? A good GM knows how to get these things done.