Theo Fox: Minority Report A look at whether the Blackhawks coaching staff has job security or is on borrowed time as the team recalibrates its direction from rebuilding to fast tracking.

Plus, thoughts on Riley McKay and the IceHogs team toughness.

Thanks Theo, very well written.

Thank you, Theo.
Your thought process is using logic.
I would add we are now coming off two consecutive COVID years, which changed every single aspect of professional hockey in a BIG way. And, while I might be in the minority of opinion here, I think the Blackhawks handled it quite well. A lot of guys got extended looks who may not otherwise have gotten them.
They now have significantly reset the table defensively, allowing the young players more time in Rockford. If the team defense improves, my guess is Colliton is safe for the duration of his contract.

Theo Fox: Minority Report
A look at whether the Blackhawks coaching staff has job security or is on borrowed time as the team recalibrates its direction from rebuilding to fast tracking.

Plus, thoughts on Riley McKay and the IceHogs team toughness.
- Theo Fox

Good piece, Ted. I don't think JC will be let go this year, Bowman should be on the hot seat though. Regardless of how I feel about certain moves made, I'm excited for the season. Out of all Bowman's fast patchwork, I'm excited to see McCabe & Fleury. Throw in a healthy Toews & fighting for a playoff spot becomes that much closer.

Thanks Theo.

While I'm sure they will be better, I'm still not sure that this offseason was just about winning more, and still about a youth movement/development, just approaching it in a different/better way.

I'm not sure they didn't look at last year and maybe the Bovquist and Joker situations from the last few years, and determine they were doing the rebuild the wrong way. Did they decide that a youth movement where guys get more time in the "A", and when they came up to the Hawks had more experience and didn't have to carry the entire load was a better approach? Surround the young guys by a few all stars, (who still play like all stars) who set a great example and allow them to learn. Is this actually the new better approach?

Was the plan of play all the young guys from the last couple years a marketing McD thing, and are they now going in the direction they would have preferred from the beginning

One may never know for sure. I've been on record as I don't mind this new approach, I think when you look at professional sports you'll see very few instances of a team developing everyone all at once.

I get the argument that this was too soon for a Seth Jones trade, and maybe that's true, but they don't also become available very often. I'm not going to get into the debate about if he's good or worth his contract, I've always liked him when I've seen him play, and i get why others would have a different POV. Me, I'll save that debate for when he actually has played at least a half of season, not two shifts.

Thanks Theo.

While I'm sure they will be better, I'm still not sure that this offseason was just about winning more, and still about a youth movement/development, just approaching it in a different/better way.

I'm not sure they didn't look at last year and maybe the Bovquist and Joker situations from the last few years, and determine they were doing the rebuild the wrong way. Did they decide that a youth movement where guys get more time in the "A", and when they came up to the Hawks had more experience and didn't have to carry the entire load was a better approach? Surround the young guys by a few all stars, (who still play like all stars) who set a great example and allow them to learn. Is this actually the new better approach?

Was the plan of play all the young guys from the last couple years a marketing McD thing, and are they now going in the direction they would have preferred from the beginning

One may never know for sure. I've been on record as I don't mind this new approach, I think when you look at professional sports you'll see very few instances of a team developing everyone all at once.

I get the argument that this was too soon for a Seth Jones trade, and maybe that's true, but they don't also become available very often. I'm not going to get into the debate about if he's good or worth his contract, I've always liked him when I've seen him play, and i get why others would have a different POV. Me, I'll save that debate for when he actually has played at least a half of season, not two shifts.
-vabeachbear

I agree with this post 100%, the product on the ice this year will be much better, while the young ones perculate and grow in Rockford. The next time Mitchell or Beaudin come up, they will be more ready for the NHL grind than they were last year. If I still lived in the far NW suburbs, I would definitely go and see a few games in Rockford.

Eklund should have that disclaimer note automatically posted before he types anything.

Thanks Theo.

While I'm sure they will be better, I'm still not sure that this offseason was just about winning more, and still about a youth movement/development, just approaching it in a different/better way.

I'm not sure they didn't look at last year and maybe the Bovquist and Joker situations from the last few years, and determine they were doing the rebuild the wrong way. Did they decide that a youth movement where guys get more time in the "A", and when they came up to the Hawks had more experience and didn't have to carry the entire load was a better approach? Surround the young guys by a few all stars, (who still play like all stars) who set a great example and allow them to learn. Is this actually the new better approach?

Was the plan of play all the young guys from the last couple years a marketing McD thing, and are they now going in the direction they would have preferred from the beginning

One may never know for sure. I've been on record as I don't mind this new approach, I think when you look at professional sports you'll see very few instances of a team developing everyone all at once.

I get the argument that this was too soon for a Seth Jones trade, and maybe that's true, but they don't also become available very often. I'm not going to get into the debate about if he's good or worth his contract, I've always liked him when I've seen him play, and i get why others would have a different POV. Me, I'll save that debate for when he actually has played at least a half of season, not two shifts.
-vabeachbear

I agree with this post 100%, the product on the ice this year will be much better, while the young ones perculate and grow in Rockford. The next time Mitchell or Beaudin come up, they will be more ready for the NHL grind than they were last year. If I still lived in the far NW suburbs, I would definitely go and see a few games in Rockford.
- Angotti

Agree with both posts.

I think over the next few years if Mitchell's and Beaudin's development continues to the point they are good NHL defenseman, that would be great.

I also think giving them a taste of the NHL and sending them back to the A to play big minutes is a better plan than having them, Kalynuk and possibly Boqvist (if not for the Jones trade) all playing in the NHL and trying to learn on the job.

Maybe Boqvist develops into a very good dman but potentially having 4 smallish guys as your top two pairs didn't really have me feeling confident that the Hawks were on the right path to contending again. I don't know that this one is either but that's why they play.

Good piece, Ted. I don't think JC will be let go this year, Bowman should be on the hot seat though. Regardless of how I feel about certain moves made, I'm excited for the season. Out of all Bowman's fast patchwork, I'm excited to see McCabe & Fleury. Throw in a healthy Toews & fighting for a playoff spot becomes that much closer.
- I Am The Breadman

I think everyone who doesn’t own the Hawks is on the hot seat for one reason or another this season.

This is the most talent JC has had to work with in Chicago, if they’re not in contention for a playoff spot he’ll be gone at the end of the season.

In alphabetical order:

Arizona Coyotes
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
Winnipeg Jets

I still see them as bottom dwellers.

n alphabetical order:

Arizona Coyotes
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
Winnipeg Jets

I still see them as bottom dwellers.
-LAHawk

I see the Avalanche, then I see up for grabs….

I see the Avalanche, then I see up for grabs….

Angotti

The up for grabs is still a tier up from the Hawks IMO.

Thanks Theo, very well written.
- stonefire

Thanks, stoney.

I have been thinking about this blog topic for a while now and had lots of thoughts in my head already so it was a matter of putting pen to paper and refining the words so it made more sense to you all as readers.

Thank you, Theo.
Your thought process is using logic.
I would add we are now coming off two consecutive COVID years, which changed every single aspect of professional hockey in a BIG way. And, while I might be in the minority of opinion here, I think the Blackhawks handled it quite well. A lot of guys got extended looks who may not otherwise have gotten them.
They now have significantly reset the table defensively, allowing the young players more time in Rockford. If the team defense improves, my guess is Colliton is safe for the duration of his contract.
- 35Tony0

You bet, Tony.

Agree, last season many youngsters got extended looks that they otherwise would not have gotten at not just the NHL level but also AHL with many recent draft picks like Phillips and Krutil getting pro experience while juniors were shut down.

The Hawks will be better for it in the long run even if those youngsters return to more appropriate (lower) levels to round out their development before graduating to higher levels again.

Good piece, Ted. I don't think JC will be let go this year, Bowman should be on the hot seat though. Regardless of how I feel about certain moves made, I'm excited for the season. Out of all Bowman's fast patchwork, I'm excited to see McCabe & Fleury. Throw in a healthy Toews & fighting for a playoff spot becomes that much closer.
- I Am The Breadman

Thanks, Breadman.

I'm the same way, i.e. while I have criticisms of some of the transactions this offseason, I'm quite excited for 2021-22.

The season could still flop but at least the youth get to develop where it is more appropriate and at a pace that optimizes their growth for the long run.

Thanks Theo.

While I'm sure they will be better, I'm still not sure that this offseason was just about winning more, and still about a youth movement/development, just approaching it in a different/better way.

I'm not sure they didn't look at last year and maybe the Bovquist and Joker situations from the last few years, and determine they were doing the rebuild the wrong way. Did they decide that a youth movement where guys get more time in the "A", and when they came up to the Hawks had more experience and didn't have to carry the entire load was a better approach? Surround the young guys by a few all stars, (who still play like all stars) who set a great example and allow them to learn. Is this actually the new better approach?

Was the plan of play all the young guys from the last couple years a marketing McD thing, and are they now going in the direction they would have preferred from the beginning

One may never know for sure. I've been on record as I don't mind this new approach, I think when you look at professional sports you'll see very few instances of a team developing everyone all at once.

I get the argument that this was too soon for a Seth Jones trade, and maybe that's true, but they don't also become available very often. I'm not going to get into the debate about if he's good or worth his contract, I've always liked him when I've seen him play, and i get why others would have a different POV. Me, I'll save that debate for when he actually has played at least a half of season, not two shifts.
- vabeachbear

I completely agree with your entire post especially the bolded.

Despite what I wrote in this blog, your post encapsulates why I think the youth movement is still in existence, it's just being implemented differently and more smartly with actual influx of youth being kicked down the road a bit.

I agree with this post 100%, the product on the ice this year will be much better, while the young ones perculate and grow in Rockford. The next time Mitchell or Beaudin come up, they will be more ready for the NHL grind than they were last year. If I still lived in the far NW suburbs, I would definitely go and see a few games in Rockford.
- Angotti

Not everyone is into minor league hockey which is totally fine. To each their own. Yet what you described is why I enjoy watching all of the IceHogs games in order to see how the prospects are developing.

It gives you a glimpse of who is truly on the right track to the NHL, who still has stuff to work on but potential is there, and who will struggle and could end up being (or already is) a career minor leaguer.

I think whats best for the kids and the organization, is the young players take the path of development, and when they finally reach the big show, they are here and never going back down ..... they are officially "ready". Throwing a kid into the fire too soon can hurt his developement. Perfect example is Hagel. I heard people wanting him up sooner and complaining he should be here now. Well guess what ? He's here now and not going back down. And all players are different. Some will take longer,
The Hawks should be better with all the acquisitions but now it's up to Colliton. What are you going to do with all these new players ? How will you use them ? Does the scheme of things need to change slightlly ? Colliton needs to take what he has and get the most out of them. I will give him that the team was in most games and seemed to really play hard for him .... that's a feather in his cap. But since his tenure, the team is always in the bottom third of the league in goals against and high danger chances. This absolutely has to change for this team to have any success.

Agree with both posts.

I think over the next few years if Mitchell's and Beaudin's development continues to the point they are good NHL defenseman, that would be great.

I also think giving them a taste of the NHL and sending them back to the A to play big minutes is a better plan than having them, Kalynuk and possibly Boqvist (if not for the Jones trade) all playing in the NHL and trying to learn on the job.

Maybe Boqvist develops into a very good dman but potentially having 4 smallish guys as your top two pairs didn't really have me feeling confident that the Hawks were on the right path to contending again. I don't know that this one is either but that's why they play.
- HawkintheD

Once the more recent D draft picks are developed, they could provide that needed balance you refer to with puck movers paired with defensive defensemen.

Doubt it will 100% look like this but consider:

Vlasic - Kalynuk
Allan - Mitchell
Beaudin - Kaiser
Phillips, Krys, Galvas

With Kaiser's rise in the pipeline, I could see Beaudin eventually moved to gain a young forward in a Jokiharju/Nylander type of trade.

I do like Beaudin a lot but there will be a numbers game, of course, where some of the excess D prospects will be moved to gain assets to fill other needs.

Same with Krys, Galvas, Regula, and Phillips. Most of them won't be with the Hawks even if some or all turn out serviceable as at least a 3rd pair defender.

Not everyone is into minor league hockey which is totally fine. To each their own. Yet what you described is why I enjoy watching all of the IceHogs games in order to see how the prospects are developing.

It gives you a glimpse of who is truly on the right track to the NHL, who still has stuff to work on but potential is there, and who will struggle and could end up being (or already is) a career minor leaguer.
- Theo Fox

Hi Theo - Thanks for the info. I would like to be able to watch more of the Rockford games, I wish the Organization would do something so they could get a more coverage in the Chicago market. I am not sure if there is some agreement with the Wolves, but I really am not interested in them since they are not an independent team anymore. I can't get behind players who eventually will be playing against the team I cheer for.

Theo - to your point about taking in outside recommendations/criticism about the system, it will be interesting who speaks up here. I would think Johnson (considering he was part of a strong overall defensive team that was also able to put up points), and Jones (who was part of a team whose fortunes had recently flipped) would likely be leaned on the most as far as the new guys brought in.

They both have outside perspective as well as a viewpoint of what does and does not work in their situations. We know Kane and Toews (when healthy and participating) both bring a ton of work ethic and leadership, but I think this level of perspective coming from guys that are going to be counted on (not just lower line fill ins) may help them be much better this year.

To your point about JC's job security. I would say he's not on the hot seat, but he's not totally immune either. If there is clearly no direction, then I think the team highly considers moving him.

@LAHawk How?

NSH got weaker
STL got weaker
ARI became a dumping ground
DAL is OK
WPG wasnt that good last year
MIN wont repeat

Chicago should at least land in #3 spot

Arizona Coyotes
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
Winnipeg Jets

I think the Coyotes are the worst of the bunch but that the Hawks, Stars, Wild and Preds are all equally bad and its anyone's game to see who sucks the most - probably depends on who gets crazy good goaltending tbh.

I think everyone who doesn’t own the Hawks is on the hot seat for one reason or another this season.

This is the most talent JC has had to work with in Chicago, if they’re not in contention for a playoff spot he’ll be gone at the end of the season.
- DarthKane

A lot is in the air, serious or otherwise. JC got the team midseason when a lot of guys were still there. In terms of talent, I'm not sure. JC can really call these guys his team (same for Bowman, I guess) because of all the new faces.

In our division, I don't see why we can't make a run for it. I always consider Central the best division, but it has seriously been weakened.

I see the Avalanche, then I see up for grabs….

Angotti

The up for grabs is still a tier up from the Hawks IMO.
- LAHawk

LA, although my glass is always half full, I do understand that today we are not a cup contender. However I do believe that the Hawks have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. Last year with TB, Carolina, and Florida in their division, they were in the hunt almost ‘til the end. Only Colorado is as strong this year in the Central as those three teams were last year, and the Hawks have basically added Toews, Dach, Jones, MAF, and McCabe, plus one more year of experience for guys like Kurashev and Kalynuk. So bottom line is that I respectfully disagree with your assessment of the Central.
Edit- +Johnson