Theo Fox: Desert Oasis A look at options for the Blackhawks on the 4th line, particularly at center.

Plus, a few updates on the #IceHogs 2021-22 season and player signing scheduled for today.

Theo Great Job! First

Good morning Theo!

I'm fine with Kampf as 4C for another season or until one of the piggies prove better.

I like the idea though of seeing Hardman and Entwistle on the 4th line next season.

Maybe Mac starts in RFD and gets called up but either way, I'd prefer not to see Carpenter or Connoly. I'm hoping maybe the Kraken pick Connoly. Probably not, but I view him and Carp as guys potentially blocking the path of an Entwistle or Hardman who seem to be more of what JC is looking for on the team.

I agree that Hagel, Suter, Kurashev, Gaudette and Vinny have some offense and are better suited for a 3rd line or middle 6 role.

A lot of that works itself out if Toews comes back healthy...Dach too for that matter.

Good post (as usual).

This summer and this season will be a transitional time for the Hawks (and an important time). Who do we move, how and when do we move them. Whom do we give ice time in the NHL. Some decisions will be depend on who they are holding back or who is ready to take their spot. Some will be more difficult to move because of their contract (deHaan/Strome). The expansion draft is the wild card. (Let's hope the Kraken take deHaan.) Also do the Hawks take on an expiring bad contract (Ladd for example) along with other assets. If so, that player could require an NHL roster spot.

I would sign Kampf for two or three seasons at $1.25 mil plus or minus. Yes he is where offense goes to die, but for a team that struggles to win faceoffs, play a 200' game across the 4 lines, kill penalties, and without being sure we have someone ready to take his place in all situations his contribution has value. His type with a cheap contract are not too hard to move in season or at the TDL.

If Entwistle is a C let him fine tune his craft in Rockford. Hardiman would benefit from time at the Rock also. With Carp and Connolly and a host of others either with NHL experience or on Rockford roster the Hawks have plenty of bottom 6 types. No need to rush anyone.

This is a time of younger players developing in Rockford and then clearing space by moving some NHL players.

Theo covers Rockford expertly. I really would like to see Rockford have a really good team with young but experienced players learning Colliton's scheme, playing the position that they will play in the NHL with good linemates, and getting time on the special teams that they will play in the NHL. (And winning!)

Thanks Theo - It is really too bad that people don't admire Kampf for the player he is. Not every player has to be a scoring machine. I think younger fans are so bombarded with SportsCenter highlights of great goals that they think that is what the game is all about. If you look at the game from the defense out, then you realize Kampf has a place in the NHL, and most teams would need players like him to be successful.

Thanks Theo - It is really too bad that people don't admire Kampf for the player he is. Not every player has to be a scoring machine. I think younger fans are so bombarded with SportsCenter highlights of great goals that they think that is what the game is all about. If you look at the game from the defense out, then you realize Kampf has a place in the NHL, and most teams would need players like him to be successful.
- powerenforcer

I do not understand why we even debate about Kampf. He is a useful player commensurate with the salary he receives (one that can be buried with no Cap implications). If he asks for significantly more, then by all means let him go. However if he is agreeable to a salary comparable to what he has been receiving, there are a lot of teams that will snap him up if we do not.

I do not understand why we even debate about Kampf. He is a useful player commensurate with the salary he receives (one that can be buried with no Cap implications). If he asks for significantly more, then by all means let him go. However if he is agreeable to a salary comparable to what he has been receiving, there are a lot of teams that will snap him up if we do not.
- 67hawks

Same reason we had to debate the merits of guys like Krüger and Sopel. People are dumb.

I'm all for letting Kampf go. Surely, the Hawks can find a 4th line center who can be as competent as Kampf on face offs and add more offensively or physically, for 1.0 to 1.5 per year ? Good PK and at the dot yes but absolutely a black hole offensively.
I don't think it's too much to have your fourth line, chip in offensively, with 15-20 goals per year. Just look at some of the fourth lines in the playoffs right now. They are not just a collection of spare parts that could not play on 1st through 3rd lines. The Islanders probably have the best fourth line, Bruins is pretty good too

Let's not compare him to Kruger or Sopel. Both were pieces of playoff teams.

The Hawks aren't a playoff team. They are in a rebuild.

Kampf is pointless (pun intended). Put a young guy in his role and let him learn at the NHL level.


I don't recall any teams looking to pick him up at the trade deadline. If he was that good of defensive specialist and face guy, one would think teams would have taken a look for their playoff runs.

I do not understand why we even debate about Kampf. He is a useful player commensurate with the salary he receives (one that can be buried with no Cap implications). If he asks for significantly more, then by all means let him go. However if he is agreeable to a salary comparable to what he has been receiving, there are a lot of teams that will snap him up if we do not.
- 67hawks

exactly...and why they went from Bolland to Kruger, and why they traded Danault, traded Frolik, traded Saad (twice) and so on....

When a player exceeds the ROI he's worth, they get moved.

Saad is a good player but pray for whatever fan base's GM throws 6.5-7+ at this guy this summer and then watches him pump in 15 goals and be MIA most nights. Saad needs linemates to produce, not be a guy expected to carry a line.

Let's not compare him to Kruger or Sopel. Both were pieces of playoff teams.

The Hawks aren't a playoff team. They are in a rebuild.

Kampf is pointless (pun intended). Put a young guy in his role and let him learn at the NHL level.


I don't recall any teams looking to pick him up at the trade deadline. If he was that good of defensive specialist and face guy, one would think teams would have taken a look for their playoff runs.
- bhawks2241

If he plugs a hole for whatever the team has budgeted for said role, he's perfectly OK> If he exceeds said role by asking for more....he'll be gone. Bowman has shown he will move those players and usually does pretty quickly.

I do not understand why we even debate about Kampf. He is a useful player commensurate with the salary he receives (one that can be buried with no Cap implications). If he asks for significantly more, then by all means let him go. However if he is agreeable to a salary comparable to what he has been receiving, there are a lot of teams that will snap him up if we do not.
- 67hawks

Would there really be that many teams?

Watching the 2 games last night, the Hawks have more to worry about upgrading the roster than whether David Kampf should be resigned

If he plugs a hole for whatever the team has budgeted for said role, he's perfectly OK> If he exceeds said role by asking for more....he'll be gone. Bowman has shown he will move those players and usually does pretty quickly.
- SteveRain

I get it. Rather just throw in one of the young guys. The hawks have a ton of solid bottom 6 prospects. Have to start figuring out which ones can cut it sooner than later.

Kampf isn't going to make or break the Hawk's chances next year.

Good morning Theo!

I'm fine with Kampf as 4C for another season or until one of the piggies prove better.

I like the idea though of seeing Hardman and Entwistle on the 4th line next season.

Maybe Mac starts in RFD and gets called up but either way, I'd prefer not to see Carpenter or Connoly. I'm hoping maybe the Kraken pick Connoly. Probably not, but I view him and Carp as guys potentially blocking the path of an Entwistle or Hardman who seem to be more of what JC is looking for on the team.

I agree that Hagel, Suter, Kurashev, Gaudette and Vinny have some offense and are better suited for a 3rd line or middle 6 role.

A lot of that works itself out if Toews comes back healthy...Dach too for that matter.
- HawkintheD

whats the beef with Carpenter? I get Connoly and I agree....but Carpenter seems fine for what he does....adds some offense down below, great PK player, good guy for younger guys to mold their games after if they want longevity in the show.

Kurashev find of fell of the map late in the season. Need to see more consistency out of him.

Islanders have a great blue print of having 4 lines that roll along. That Martin-Clutterbuck-Cizikas line is a riot to watch. Usually start some games for Trotz as well. Hope Isles go far....love seeing that old barn rock.

Watching the 2 games last night, the Hawks have more to worry about upgrading the roster than whether David Kampf should be resigned
- LAHawk

Yep pray for this young D and Lankinen when they face the Avs 6 times a year. Especially if the Avs are "engaged". Tons of skill.....McKinnon and Maker are arguably the 2 best at their positions.....ridiculous skill. They need an upgrade in goal....Great Gruber got nominated for the Viezna but he needs to be better.

Avs captain, Landenskog screwed them last night. You don't see those horrific of passes on 3-2s in men leagues......Avs gave that game away and need to find a way to steal one in Vegas....if they can get back to Denver, I think they'll win....Tough task beating Vegas, in Vegas, after dropping 3 straight.

I get it. Rather just throw in one of the young guys. The hawks have a ton of solid bottom 6 prospects. Have to start figuring out which ones can cut it sooner than later.

Kampf isn't going to make or break the Hawk's chances next year.
- bhawks2241

I don't disagree.....if he's back great....if he's not, don't really care. I don't notice him much during games, so I don't have a huge issue with his game.

so who is going to get more money in FA, Hall or Saad?

Let's not compare him to Kruger or Sopel. Both were pieces of playoff teams.

The Hawks aren't a playoff team. They are in a rebuild.

Kampf is pointless (pun intended). Put a young guy in his role and let him learn at the NHL level.


I don't recall any teams looking to pick him up at the trade deadline. If he was that good of defensive specialist and face guy, one would think teams would have taken a look for their playoff runs.
- bhawks2241

Throwing them to the wolves is not always a good idea. Sometimes (usually?) it’s better to bring the kids along slowly and let them learn the pro game in a more developmentally friendly environment.

Yep pray for this young D and Lankinen when they face the Avs 6 times a year. Especially if the Avs are "engaged". Tons of skill.....McKinnon and Maker are arguably the 2 best at their positions.....ridiculous skill. They need an upgrade in goal....Great Gruber got nominated for the Viezna but he needs to be better.

Avs captain, Landenskog screwed them last night. You don't see those horrific of passes on 3-2s in men leagues......Avs gave that game away and need to find a way to steal one in Vegas....if they can get back to Denver, I think they'll win....Tough task beating Vegas, in Vegas, after dropping 3 straight.
- SteveRain

AV’s in, Bolts out. I think the “just wait until they’re back in the central” argument is way overblown.

AV’s in, Bolts out. I think the “just wait until they’re back in the central” argument is way overblown.
- Ogilthorpe2

100%....Minnesota also took big strides this year. Going to be a rough year at 1901 w madison and that is PERFECTLY ok as long as the guys develop and management stays the course.

whats the beef with Carpenter? I get Connoly and I agree....but Carpenter seems fine for what he does....adds some offense down below, great PK player, good guy for younger guys to mold their games after if they want longevity in the show.

Kurashev find of fell of the map late in the season. Need to see more consistency out of him.

Islanders have a great blue print of having 4 lines that roll along. That Martin-Clutterbuck-Cizikas line is a riot to watch. Usually start some games for Trotz as well. Hope Isles go far....love seeing that old barn rock.
- SteveRain

Agree, but he's 21, and could see him having a good season after getting his feet wet.

For what Carpenter does or doesn't do, I didn't really notice he was gone after Hardman replaced him in the lineup due to injury.

Hardman brings a bit more size and thought he was fine. I'd give him another shot there. Carpenter's replaceable. Not saying your saying he isn't, but you seem to like him more than I do.

Every time I see Marchessault and Smith play for the Knights, I just shake my head that Uncle Dale wanted to protect Mark Pysyk instead of them. Of course he traded Smith to the Knights for a 4th rounder, Marchesault was grabbed by the Knights in the expansion draft.

Throwing them to the wolves is not always a good idea. Sometimes (usually?) it’s better to bring the kids along slowly and let them learn the pro game in a more developmentally friendly environment.
- Ogilthorpe2

Honest question, is that the same for bottom 6 type talent? Especially, when it is more of a defensive role?

Entwhistle will be 22 next season and has spent 2 years in Rockford already. Maybe its time to throw him in at 4C next year?

If Kampf does stay it shouldn't be for more than 1 year. I definitely don't want to see Kampf and Carpenter both on the 4th line next year.

I get it. Rather just throw in one of the young guys. The hawks have a ton of solid bottom 6 prospects. Have to start figuring out which ones can cut it sooner than later.

Kampf isn't going to make or break the Hawk's chances next year.
- bhawks2241

This has been actually happening for the past two years, at least.