Theo Fox: Decision Forks
A look at the management, coaching, and player personnel decisions that the Blackhawks need to make over the next several months and into the offseason.

Plus, thoughts on the roster heading into tonight's game vs the Penguins.

Theo: Kirby Dach also is at a critical nexus in his young NHL career. Can he finally take off under a new coach or will he continue to flatline in his development? As mentioned in a previous blog, gaining confidence and refining his skills in the AHL could be the best medicine for Dach.

Me: Finally? He’s 20 - and probably should have been returned to Saskatoon after the draft, likely should have been in Rockford the next season (pandemic issues aside), and possibly should spend time in Rockford now.

Thanks, Theo.
Another good test versus the Penguins. It would be great to see a better game from them.

Another informative and interesting blog Theo, thanks. Hopefully we get an update soon on the injury front, Hagel is an intricate part of this team, and I like Entwistle. Entwistle has made some growing mistakes, however he brings size and a high motor, IMHO he’s a keeper, but I would understand if he’s sent back down for more seasoning, at this point I’m okay either way.

Thanks Theo.

I think the Hawks will have 2 new goalies next season, who are both currently not with the organization. Fleury won’t want to return and I doubt the Hawks want him too, it’s been a failed experiment. Lankinen is good, but I wouldn’t trust him to be a true #1.

Chicago’s future is without Kane & Toews. Start the bidding.

Theo: Kirby Dach also is at a critical nexus in his young NHL career. Can he finally take off under a new coach or will he continue to flatline in his development? As mentioned in a previous blog, gaining confidence and refining his skills in the AHL could be the best medicine for Dach.

Me: Finally? He’s 20 - and probably should have been returned to Saskatoon after the draft, likely should have been in Rockford the next season (pandemic issues aside), and possibly should spend time in Rockford now.
- StLBravesFan

I wouldn't be against him going down to possibly build confidence in his shot and finishing ability but am also interested to see what kind of effect having a new bench boss might have...or not.

That said, agree with Theo, I'd let Reichel continue to hone his game in the A and let Nylavendar build his confidence there as well.

If the German kid is better than the competition in the AHL, meaning he's better then players on the NHL roster, he should be playing in the NHL. If he's playing inconsistently or struggling with the size of the ice then that is a different story but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Its not like hes some rough around the edges prospect that needs to be coddled. He played against men in Germany for two years with a lot of success and obviously the smaller ice and more physical play isn't bothering him.

The best thing for development is being appropriately challenged and if he has been consistently good for the first half dozen games then there is no reason for him to linger in the AHL.

He could potentially be a better option at center with his speed, hands and tenacity then what they have at the club now (and push Dach to the wing which I agree more and more with LA there every game I watch). The AHL is nothing but an overflow league for players that aren't quite good enough to play in the NHL or very late bloomers. This young man seems to be neither of those.

#freelukas

Theo: Kirby Dach also is at a critical nexus in his young NHL career. Can he finally take off under a new coach or will he continue to flatline in his development? As mentioned in a previous blog, gaining confidence and refining his skills in the AHL could be the best medicine for Dach.

Me: Finally? He’s 20 - and probably should have been returned to Saskatoon after the draft, likely should have been in Rockford the next season (pandemic issues aside), and possibly should spend time in Rockford now.
- StLBravesFan

Didn't play for like a year and wrist injuries are no bueno.

He holds the puck too long and doesn't look as fit as he should be. He isn't pushing guys off the puck like he was in the playoffs 2 years ago.

I'd give it a half dozen games under King to see if he can get settled down and stop thinking the game and just play it.

His job should be solely to win the puck, give it to Kane and go to the net. Once he starts doing that well and picking up some Crosby points (secondary assists) and his confidence goes up I think you'll see a different player.

He's certainly better than anyone he'll play against in the AHL. This preposterous notion that playing in Rockford will help any of these players develop is getting ridiculous.

This isn't like AAA Baseball where you'll see very near to MLB and some MLB calibre competition while having the resources and facilities available to improve - the AHL is more like the D league in the NBA where its guys that aren't good enough for the Pros but maybe can be the 12th guy on the roster if poop happens.

If the German kid is better than the competition in the AHL, meaning he's better then players on the NHL roster, he should be playing in the NHL. If he's playing inconsistently or struggling with the size of the ice then that is a different story but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Its not like hes some rough around the edges prospect that needs to be coddled. He played against men in Germany for two years with a lot of success and obviously the smaller ice and more physical play isn't bothering him.

The best thing for development is being appropriately challenged and if he has been consistently good for the first half dozen games then there is no reason for him to linger in the AHL.

He could potentially be a better option at center with his speed, hands and tenacity then what they have at the club now (and push Dach to the wing which I agree more and more with LA there every game I watch). The AHL is nothing but an overflow league for players that aren't quite good enough to play in the NHL or very late bloomers. This young man seems to be neither of those.

#freelukas
- fattybeef

While we all want to see the new kid on the block, I believe that the best thing for Reichel and the Hawks is for him to stay in the A. This will give him an opportunity to not only get acclimated to the smaller ice surface, but also add some strength to his young body. Dach came up too soon, as well as Boqvist, let Reichel marinate for awhile.

Didn't play for like a year and wrist injuries are no bueno.

He holds the puck too long and doesn't look as fit as he should be. He isn't pushing guys off the puck like he was in the playoffs 2 years ago.

I'd give it a half dozen games under King to see if he can get settled down and stop thinking the game and just play it.

His job should be solely to win the puck, give it to Kane and go to the net. Once he starts doing that well and picking up some Crosby points (secondary assists) and his confidence goes up I think you'll see a different player.

He's certainly better than anyone he'll play against in the AHL. This preposterous notion that playing in Rockford will help any of these players develop is getting ridiculous.

This isn't like AAA Baseball where you'll see very near to MLB and some MLB calibre competition while having the resources and facilities available to improve - the AHL is more like the D league in the NBA where its guys that aren't good enough for the Pros but maybe can be the 12th guy on the roster if poop happens.
- fattybeef

Don't we always complain about players constantly deferring to Kane?

Theo: Kirby Dach also is at a critical nexus in his young NHL career. Can he finally take off under a new coach or will he continue to flatline in his development? As mentioned in a previous blog, gaining confidence and refining his skills in the AHL could be the best medicine for Dach.

Me: Finally? He’s 20 - and probably should have been returned to Saskatoon after the draft, likely should have been in Rockford the next season (pandemic issues aside), and possibly should spend time in Rockford now.
- StLBravesFan

Agree 100%

If the German kid is better than the competition in the AHL, meaning he's better then players on the NHL roster, he should be playing in the NHL. If he's playing inconsistently or struggling with the size of the ice then that is a different story but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Its not like hes some rough around the edges prospect that needs to be coddled. He played against men in Germany for two years with a lot of success and obviously the smaller ice and more physical play isn't bothering him.

The best thing for development is being appropriately challenged and if he has been consistently good for the first half dozen games then there is no reason for him to linger in the AHL.

He could potentially be a better option at center with his speed, hands and tenacity then what they have at the club now (and push Dach to the wing which I agree more and more with LA there every game I watch). The AHL is nothing but an overflow league for players that aren't quite good enough to play in the NHL or very late bloomers. This young man seems to be neither of those.

#freelukas
- fattybeef

Couldn’t disagree more.

Don't we always complain about players constantly deferring to Kane?
- tvetter

I do.

I’ve been saying for years that Kane is the biggest problem on the PP. Everyone forces him the puck then stands around waiting for him to do something magical.

Couldn’t disagree more.
- Ogilthorpe2

Come on! If the Hawks bring him up too early we’ll have something to female dog about in two years when we label him a bust at 20.

While we all want to see the new kid on the block, I believe that the best thing for Reichel and the Hawks is for him to stay in the A. This will give him an opportunity to not only get acclimated to the smaller ice surface, but also add some strength to his young body. Dach came up too soon, as well as Boqvist, let Reichel marinate for awhile.
- Angotti

Send Dach down. Leave Reichel and Nylander down. Send Kalynuk down when he’s healthy.

Let them all play together with Beaudin and Mitchell and everyone else who might be part of the future. See if they can build some momentum and winning culture in the AHL before they get thrown to the wolves in a year or two.

Didn't play for like a year and wrist injuries are no bueno.

He holds the puck too long and doesn't look as fit as he should be. He isn't pushing guys off the puck like he was in the playoffs 2 years ago.

I'd give it a half dozen games under King to see if he can get settled down and stop thinking the game and just play it.

His job should be solely to win the puck, give it to Kane and go to the net. Once he starts doing that well and picking up some Crosby points (secondary assists) and his confidence goes up I think you'll see a different player.

He's certainly better than anyone he'll play against in the AHL. This preposterous notion that playing in Rockford will help any of these players develop is getting ridiculous.

This isn't like AAA Baseball where you'll see very near to MLB and some MLB calibre competition while having the resources and facilities available to improve - the AHL is more like the D league in the NBA where its guys that aren't good enough for the Pros but maybe can be the 12th guy on the roster if poop happens.
- fattybeef

I remember reading here, just yesterday, that the Euro leagues were trash and the AHL was where it's at. Hard to keep up.....

Not directed at you, fatty.

Come on! If the Hawks bring him up too early we’ll have something to female dog about in two years when we label him a bust at 20.

PaulR

Why force Dach into a position that he is not ready for? If you want to keep him on the big club, put him in a less pressurized position, either as a 3C or a winger with Toews and Kubalik (especially now since it looks like Hagel will be missing some time.)

Come on! If the Hawks bring him up too early we’ll have something to female dog about in two years when we label him a bust at 20.

PaulR

Why force Dach into a position that he is not ready for? If you want to keep him on the big club, put him in a less pressurized position, either as a 3C or a winger with Toews and Kubalik (especially now since it looks like Hagel will be missing some time.)
- LAHawk

Sorry LA, just being sarcastic. I believe Dach was brought up far too early and I agree AHL time will help his game. The key is to make sure he understands why he’s being sent down. The Hawks need him open to learning, not bitter about being demoted.

Sorry LA, just being sarcastic. I believe Dach was brought up far too early and I agree AHL time will help his game. The key is to make sure he understands why he’s being sent down. The Hawks need him open to learning, not bitter about being demoted.
- paulr

I would keep him up for one reason, that (hopefully), this will be his first year not interrupted by COVID, playing in bubbles, playing all 32 teams. Let him get acclimated to what the season is really like. I just wouldn't force him into centering the #1 line. If he is to center, put him on the third line, and tell him you want him to be the driver of that line, not look for ADB and Kane. If he makes a mistake, use it as a teachable moment and send him back out there. If you want him on the top 6, play him with Toews, i think they both will benefit from playing with each other in many ways.

If the German kid is better than the competition in the AHL, meaning he's better then players on the NHL roster, he should be playing in the NHL. If he's playing inconsistently or struggling with the size of the ice then that is a different story but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Its not like hes some rough around the edges prospect that needs to be coddled. He played against men in Germany for two years with a lot of success and obviously the smaller ice and more physical play isn't bothering him.

The best thing for development is being appropriately challenged and if he has been consistently good for the first half dozen games then there is no reason for him to linger in the AHL.

He could potentially be a better option at center with his speed, hands and tenacity then what they have at the club now (and push Dach to the wing which I agree more and more with LA there every game I watch). The AHL is nothing but an overflow league for players that aren't quite good enough to play in the NHL or very late bloomers. This young man seems to be neither of those.

#freelukas
- fattybeef

Reichel played generally well in the preseason, but didn't make much of a dent in the games. He's just getting his feet under him in the AHL and starting to build confidence. Let him grow his game. He needs to find out what he can and cannot get away with on the smaller ice. Everyone knows that he's got high skill. He needs to hone how to use those skills in conditions where players are larger, faster, and more developed. He's been there for like 6 games. If he is still going strong at the end of the year, bring him up for some games to see how he does. There is zero reason from the team's perspective to bring him up now.

Additionally, he would be coming onto a team that doesn't even know what it is right now. Keep his head clear and let him actually learn and develop.

I would keep him up for one reason, that (hopefully), this will be his first year not interrupted by COVID, playing in bubbles, playing all 32 teams. Let him get acclimated to what the season is really like. I just wouldn't force him into centering the #1 line. If he is to center, put him on the third line, and tell him you want him to be the driver of that line, not look for ADB and Kane. If he makes a mistake, use it as a teachable moment and send him back out there. If you want him on the top 6, play him with Toews, i think they both will benefit from playing with each other in many ways.
- LAHawk

He struggles getting his shot off and scoring goals. I like what he can learn from the vetrans but I think learning to score and to use his line mates effectively would best be learned in the minors. Oh and an extra year may allow him to gain strength and confidence so he doesn’t get hammered so often.

I would keep him up for one reason, that (hopefully), this will be his first year not interrupted by COVID, playing in bubbles, playing all 32 teams. Let him get acclimated to what the season is really like. I just wouldn't force him into centering the #1 line. If he is to center, put him on the third line, and tell him you want him to be the driver of that line, not look for ADB and Kane. If he makes a mistake, use it as a teachable moment and send him back out there. If you want him on the top 6, play him with Toews, i think they both will benefit from playing with each other in many ways.
- LAHawk

I think it would also help for him to get acclimated to his teammates. JC has a mind set of line combinations don't matter. Which i completely disagree with. I liked Kings lines and hope he continues with them. I also believe that King will be the 1st one to say to players who are not Kane, you have all this open ice in front of you why are you deferring to Kane?

I think it would also help for him to get acclimated to his teammates. JC has a mind set of line combinations don't matter. Which i completely disagree with. I liked Kings lines and hope he continues with them. I also believe that King will be the 1st one to say to players who are not Kane, you have all this open ice in front of you why are you deferring to Kane?
- BetweenTheDots

There will always be line shuffling (especially with recent injuries), but overall yes the players need to develop some familiarity with who they are going to play beside. Everything just flows that much better.

While we all want to see the new kid on the block, I believe that the best thing for Reichel and the Hawks is for him to stay in the A. This will give him an opportunity to not only get acclimated to the smaller ice surface, but also add some strength to his young body. Dach came up too soon, as well as Boqvist, let Reichel marinate for awhile.
- Angotti

The AHL is a more grindy and physical league since the players don't have the skill for it to be otherwise. The game is slower and if he is outpacing it then he doesn't need to be there. There is no marinating that happens there.

Boqvist has been a glass man since his time in juniors, and he's injured again. Playing in the AHL wouldn't have helped that at all. At 18 and 19 Reichel was playing against men in Germany. Kind of a difference.

The kid has proven himself against adults and is not hampered by the physicality, lack of talent surrounding him or smaller ice in the AHL. He should be with the big club figuring out the NHL so next season he will be ready to go.