Theo Fox: Slot Attendants
Thoughts on how the Blackhawks could more appropriately slot players in the lineup during the upcoming road trip which starts tonight versus the Kraken.

Plus, updates on the IceHogs coaching staff and on goalie Collin Delia.

If we could hear the rumbling in the mind of the Blackhawks new GM - and whether he retains the title or someone else steps into the role of a fabled original six NHL franchise - they won't lie: this Colliton system tweeked by D King still is not right. I don't like it and I will flat out say, when the players refuse to embrace it, a change must be made.

Which could mean King is told to employ a different system next season, if he does return as Chicago Blackhawks head coach.

Davidson did say he is evaluating everything. His remark about Colliton was something like, he wasn't able to fix things

I happen to believe prospects here and in Chicago would develop better if a different system was employed. Being outshot and probably often without puck control, the players are sort of spinning their wheels.

For the sake of player development alone, let us hope the system is ditched. Kimg may be alright if he ditches the system too

Thank you, Theo.
Let's Go Blackhawks!
I agree with your lineup slotting and cannot but imagine Coach King will reshuffle the lines accordingly.
But they must keep an eye on minimizing extended d-zone shifts and work to improve on breaking up the opponent's cycles there.

With the inner turmoil still lingering, you have to wonder if anything the "G.M." wants too do must be run up the pole first.

One decision at a time, starting with the soon influx of healthier NHL candidates on defense.

I certainly think the the team needs more scoring, ands the many of the elevated candidates haven't provided hope that the are future regulars with all around games.

I am not sure Reese Johnson and Mike Hardman need seasoning. Not that they wouldn't be great additions in Rockford, they have to play in a high skilled environment that allows growth.

The Hawks have a glut of players on the parent club and that is the main determining factor in them letting Reichel percolate in the farm.
OH, I agree he can get the puck effectively into the zone, and make plays with it upon it's return to his stick, but they HAVE to sacrifice a subtraction to do so, and I bet Kyle Davidson doesn't have autonomy to do. Tuch besides hold the fort right now.

I would love to see the Blackhawks approach Kubs and offer him a contract now. 3yrs at $5 per? To much guys?

Thanks for another blog Theo basically pointing out we don't have 9 "top 9" players.
DeBrincat - Dach - Kane
Kurashev - Toews - Kubalik
Gaudette - Strome - Borgstrom

The 4th line could then be any combination of these healthy players:

Khaira - Carpenter - Hardman
Extra: R Johnson

I don't think it matters where Khaira skates in this group.

As much as I'm not a fan of Khiara being on the Toews line, i have to admit there is some chemistry there.

I would love to see the Blackhawks approach Kubs and offer him a contract now. 3yrs at $5 per? To much guys?
- BetweenTheDots

He's a "poor man's Dinky." Tying up $13-15M (assuming ADB's next contract ~$8-10M) in two "snipers" is not the best fit. I would see what he can be flipped for at this point and I want another NHL player not a draft pick.

As much as I'm not a fan of Khiara being on the Toews line, i have to admit there is some chemistry there.
- BetweenTheDots

I do like the defense aspect of it.

As much as I'm not a fan of Khiara being on the Toews line, i have to admit there is some chemistry there.
- BetweenTheDots

I'm guessing Toews feels a bit safer with the big guy there.

I would love to see the Blackhawks approach Kubs and offer him a contract now. 3yrs at $5 per? To much guys?

Between The Dots

I hope they trade him at the TDL. Too one dimensional a player for me.

I'm guessing Toews feels a bit safer with the big guy there.
- rpeters01

Safe from what?

He's a "poor man's Dinky." Tying up $13-15M (assuming ADB's next contract ~$8-10M) in two "snipers" is not the best fit. I would see what he can be flipped for at this point and I want another NHL player not a draft pick.
- rpeters01

The only thing he does even close to ADB is his shot. Kubalik stickhandles and passes like he has an explosive device on his stick. And his defensive instincts are below average also.

I'm guessing Toews feels a bit safer with the big guy there.
- rpeters01

A big guy who can't fight?

A big guy who can't fight?
- 6628

Did the Blackhawks get Lucic?

The only thing he does even close to ADB is his shot. Kubalik stickhandles and passes like he has an explosive device on his stick. And his defensive instincts are below average also.
- LAHawk

I would give him some time under a coach who seems to understand the game better than the last coach. He puts up the effort and has only played 140 games in the NHL. He's got something you can't coach a shot and his shot is quick, hard, accurate enough to score against the greatest players in the world. For me he stays

I would give him some time under a coach who seems to understand the game better than the last coach. He puts up the effort and has only played 140 games in the NHL. He's got something you can't coach a shot and his shot is quick, hard, accurate enough to score against the greatest players in the world. For me he stays
- BetweenTheDots

Not for $5 mil. Mike Hoffman, who Kubalik is a poor version of signed 3 X $4.5, I wouldn't give Kubalik anything more than $4.1 which would be his qualifying offer. he is an RFA, he can go back to Prague if he doesn't like it.

He has only 1 even strength goal this year. If his only asset is his shot, why would you give him a 33% raise?

Not for $5 mil. Mike Hoffman, who Kubalik is a poor version of signed 3 X $4.5, I wouldn't give Kubalik anything more than $4.1 which would be his qualifying offer. he is an RFA, he can go back to Prague if he doesn't like it.

He has only 1 even strength goal this year. If his only asset is his shot, why would you give him a 33% raise?
- LAHawk

The cheaper the better

The cheaper the better
- BetweenTheDots

I don't think he is any part of a long term solution, get an asset back and save the money.

I don't think he is any part of a long term solution, get an asset back and save the money.
- LAHawk

Well i guess we'll see what the Blackhawks do.

I don't think he is any part of a long term solution, get an asset back and save the money.
- LAHawk

My eye test has seen better defense now versus when Kubalik debuted. I keep him.

Man it feels like forever since there was a game. Go Hawks!!!

Agree with Theo. Move Khaira down, sit R. Johnson, shuffle lines and insert Gaudette is what I'd do with the current lineup.

I don't think he is any part of a long term solution, get an asset back and save the money.
- LAHawk

LA you think we can get a first for him right now? It would be great having a 1st rounder in this draft.

I think he's been smitten by bad puck luck this season and should put up better numbers.

My eye test has seen better defense now versus when Kubalik debuted. I keep him.
- 35Tony0

If he was making $3 mil. yes, for $5 mil. time to move on. Better defense then when he first started, but do you see him out there ever at the end of the game to protect leads? There is a reason he doesn't get much 5 x 5 time as other forwards, and see's none in OT, because net net, he is a liability.

LA you think we can get a first for him right now? It would be great having a 1st rounder in this draft.

I think he's been smitten by bad puck luck this season and should put up better numbers.
- Popsghostly

You might since he would go to a contender, which means in the Nolan Allen slot in the draft, but better than someone who will be 27, and not much upside to his game.