Theo Fox: Divergent Evolution Thoughts on Blackhawks 2019 1st rounder Kirby Dach and 2020 1st rounder Lukas Reichel by comparing their development paths from the draft to the NHL.

Matinee games today: Blackhawks vs Kraken and IceHogs vs Wolves.

First…

It’s a good decision to reassign Reichel….

Play play play…

Wasn't one of the hang-ups with Dach his rookie year was that he couldn't be assigned to the AHL because of his age (except for the conditioning stint)?

I remember it was either back to juniors or being on the big club were the only choices.

Ideally Dach would become an effective two way center slotted as the #2 center. I am unsure exactly where Reichel is best suited or lands (center or wing). Where both players find a home in terms of their position, is viewed as a plus because they would be an integral part of their line.

From a defensive point - of - view, this could be really important. I say this with the idea that some hard working players should comprise bottom lines and this could make us a difficult team to overcome

In goal the exciting news would be to assume Soderblom and Comesso are a dynamic pair. A word of caution, though, is to not expect too much too soon from those netminders. Goaltenders usually take a while to develop - recall Crawford's progress from AHL to Chicago

While I am disappointed in Dach to date, I believe he has not lost ability. Perhaps a setback in confidance due to injury and not the best course in development spells out the likely hindrance we notice in his performance.

I remain firm in the desire to add a #1 line capable center. The team needs to set its lines and expect a certain amount of production up and down the lineup. This happens best when you have a definitely defined #1 center. I have suggested ways to acquire a #1 center but all I know about any acquisition, is this will not be easily accomplished.

We have pieces to trade now and maybe later on, depending upon whom is moved when as well the development of some kids

The different course taken by Dach and Reichel is an interesting dichotomy vis- a - vis how it turns out.Thank you Theo for the comparison. Just a side note, Theo: have to think that you enjoy coming up with the headlines for your columns. I am reminded of the clever, sometimes corny headlines in (now defunct) The Sporting News.

RIP Les Grobstein

Another difference between Dach and Reichel is Dach is much bigger and more physical. Could have been a factor in him coming straight to the NHL versus one more year in juniors. When Dach comes back from COVID protocol, it would not be horrible to have him play a couple games in the AHL as a conditioning stint. I would not be surprised if part of his play is not a result of his wrist injury. With Dach right now, both overthinking and over compensating for his wrist may be affecting his play. This hopefully brief down time could do him wonders.
With Reichel, I think the Blackhawks simply have something with him. I don't see him in the AHL come October.
Beating both Vegas and Anaheim in regulation was great to see.
Let's Go Blackhawks!

Ideally Dach would become an effective two way center slotted as the #2 center. I am unsure exactly where Reichel is best suited or lands (center or wing). Where both players find a home in terms of their position, is viewed as a plus because they would be an integral part of their line.

From a defensive point - of - view, this could be really important. I say this with the idea that some hard working players should comprise bottom lines and this could make us a difficult team to overcome

In goal the exciting news would be to assume Soderblom and Comesso are a dynamic pair. A word of caution, though, is to not expect too much too soon from those netminders. Goaltenders usually take a while to develop - recall Crawford's progress from AHL to Chicago

While I am disappointed in Dach to date, I believe he has not lost ability. Perhaps a setback in confidance due to injury and not the best course in development spells out the likely hindrance we notice in his performance.

I remain firm in the desire to add a #1 line capable center. The team needs to set its lines and expect a certain amount of production up and down the lineup. This happens best when you have a definitely defined #1 center. I have suggested ways to acquire a #1 center but all I know about any acquisition, is this will not be easily accomplished.

We have pieces to trade now and maybe later on, depending upon whom is moved when as well the development of some kids

The different course taken by Dach and Reichel is an interesting dichotomy vis- a - vis how it turns out.Thank you Theo for the comparison. Just a side note, Theo: have to think that you enjoy coming up with the headlines for your columns. I am reminded of the clever, sometimes corny headlines in (now defunct) The Sporting News.
- jhawk59

Trying to trade up for a top center in the draft would mean around 1 to 5 or so spot will be difficult as any team in those spots, are not much interested in trading out of there as they have the same needs as Chicago or even more so .FA when the cap situations clears up would be a better avenue or getting lucky with a later pick .

For Wiz, Rocco, and those that follow draft eligible, after Wright, does any other center project as a #1? Would you trade up for a Slofkosky, Lambert, Geekie, Cooley? Or should the Hawks just wait there turn in the draft, and develop what is already in the system.?

Wasn't one of the hang-ups with Dach his rookie year was that he couldn't be assigned to the AHL because of his age (except for the conditioning stint)?

I remember it was either back to juniors or being on the big club were the only choices.
- Rota's Rooter

Yep. AHL wasn't an option that year other than the conditioning stint.

For Wiz, Rocco, and those that follow draft eligible, after Wright, does any other center project as a #1? Would you trade up for a Slofkosky, Lambert, Geekie, Cooley? Or should the Hawks just wait there turn in the draft, and develop what is already in the system.?
- LAHawk

I think it would be very difficult to trade up since we traded our 1st pick away, unless the lotto ball falls in our favor the price will probably be too steep

Just rereading what we gave up for Seth Jones is unbelievable.

This schedule gets a lot tougher after Seattle

Trying to trade up for a top center in the draft would mean around 1 to 5 or so spot will be difficult as any team in those spots, are not much interested in trading out of there as they have the same needs as Chicago or even more so .FA when the cap situations clears up would be a better avenue or getting lucky with a later pick .
- oldduffman

If they are able to acquire a lower first round draft choice, then they could offer a package for the top five choice. As LA Hawk has commented, the.centers in this '22 draft may not be worth trading up except, of course, S Wright..

poop, we're all getting old. I remember Grobstein at the hawks games when I was in grade school and he was in high school. He used to have a tape recorder and pretend to broadcast the game. Absolute sports geek with a great memory. If you enjoy the recording of Lee Elia going off on cubs fans then thank Les Grobstein, he was the only one there with a recorder. And a pretty nice guy, too. RIP Grobber.

If they are able to acquire a lower first round draft choice, then they could offer a package for the top five choice. As LA Hawk has commented, the.centers in this '22 draft may not be worth trading up ex ept, of course, S Wright..
- jhawk59

What are they going to be able to give up to get a top 5 choice? Another 1st (or multiple firsts) in subsequent years? There are only a couple guys on this team that would possibly bring back a first round pick. If you trade one of them to get the lower first round pick, you don't have much else to trade to get the top 5.

Stop bleeding assets. Everyone is pissed about the package for S. Jones. Why would we want to do that again? Just suck it up this year, draft well, develop properly, and when the cap space is available and you can identify a solid player make the move to acquire them.

poop, we're all getting old. I remember Grobstein at the hawks games when I was in grade school and he was in high school. He used to have a tape recorder and pretend to broadcast the game. Absolute sports geek with a great memory. If you enjoy the recording of Lee Elia going off on cubs fans then thank Les Grobstein, he was the only one there with a recorder. And a pretty nice guy, too. RIP Grobber.
- 6628

Holy cow! He was 69. Favorite sports talk host although I refuse to listen to sports talk last few years. I wonder if Steve Rain, whom I have read listens piecemail to sports talk over the years, has a favorite sports talk guy. If so, I guess Bornstein maybe Les. No, Rain man sleeps overnight probably hasn't heard Grobber too much

Just rereading what we gave up for Seth Jones is unbelievable.
- BetweenTheDots

While hindsight is always 20/20, re-visiting some of the moves of the Bowman era over the last 5 years is head scratching.

As a fan it is sometimes tough to ignore the hype and hope placed on some of the moves, because of the underlying desire for your team to win. We fail to objectively look at the moves and "hope for the best"

Looking back though some are real head-scratchers.
The amount they gave up for Jones is incredible, especially when you pair it with picking a huge reach with the 1st round pick and giving Jones that huge extension. Allan may wind up to be fine, but also someone they could have drafted later.

It's obvious Bowman never really had a long term plan to stick to. Draft strategies changed constantly, trading for guys that didnt fit a style or system, etc.

Anybody read Wheelers article on the Hawks prospect pool. Other than Reichel he's not very high on it (though he is very high on Reichel).

https://theathletic.com/3...no-25-chicago-blackhawks/

Interesting where he ranks some of the prospects most assumed were higher on the list.

From Richochet's comment on previous blog...

Here is how I have the Oil figured. They need a goalie, middle 6/depth scoring and a vet Dman. Realistically how many of those holes can be filled? How many assets do they have and are willing to part with?

Package Fleury, Kubalik and deHaan for a1st, another pick and a couple of prospects. Retain 1/2 on 2 of the 3 contracts. Maybe take back an expiring bad contract or include Shaw for LTIR cap help.

RIP Les Grobstein
- powerenforcer

OMG. Didn't hear the news. RIP Les.

Holy cow! He was 69. Favorite sports talk host although I refuse to listen to sports talk last few years. I wonder if Steve Rain, whom I have read listens piecemail to sports talk over the years, has a favorite sports talk guy. If so, I guess Bornstein maybe Les. No, Rain man sleeps overnight probably hasn't heard Grobber too much
- jhawk59

I think I remember reading that Rain can't stand Bornstein.

I think I remember reading that Rain can't stand Bornstein.
- 6628

Dan Bernstein?

Dan Bernstein?
- powerenforcer

Must be, thanks

Anybody read Wheelers article on the Hawks prospect pool. Other than Reichel he's not very high on it (though he is very high on Reichel).

https://theathletic.com/3...no-25-chicago-blackhawks/

Interesting where he ranks some of the prospects most assumed were higher on the list.
- TheTrob

Who the heck is Wheeler. His credentials. He gets paid to churn out stories. I read him as contributing to others same evaluation Only wiz knows best as he watches video and knows what Hawk scouts are thinking. Wiz has been doing this for decades. Others just read some other reviews and make up their evaluation based on less than best opinions others put out.

The fact is Bowman was hamstrung drafting late and trying to remain competitive. He gambled on some trades. He did what he felt needed to be done. Bowman actually has a very full cupboard, best now than during his entire tenure. However most are not top line prospects. He does have some interesting dmen whom could amount to descent 2nd pair. He has two promising goaltenders and maybe another to keep tabs on. The team if managed correctly will have two bottom lines + of hard to play against sound defensive players not void of skill. Some role players too. Yes Reichel is only top prospect among forwards. Although I would wager that MacLaughlin will surprise as solid two way generator - agree per Theo.

Sure Bowman overpaid for Jones. But team could not go firward without a big size guy who plays a lot. Boqvist was not the answer. Repeat: big size dman who when necessary goes up against other big men. Fortunately looks like Allen a good pick. Sure, Jones got paid more than I think necessary

Look at most of Bowman's round one picks, at least last five or so years. He went after skill except Dach. Dach is a combination skill and size pick. Kelly and Bowman aren't dumb; they know they need more size. Bowman was integrating the idea slowly.

One past trade I like to reference is Sharp. I think Bowman held out for a #1 and eventually settled for less. Sharp was beginning decline, was starting to have injury issues but mainly his contract had become too much to fit in. I do not say it was a bad move, as they had to rid themselves the contract. John's unfortunately became an Injury problem player and now has retired.

While you could fault his trading record to an extent, his reasoning for the Panarin and Sharp trades explained a lot. Rip off for Panarin - yes - but Bowman felt he couldn't afford Panarin and stuck with his core Instead. I will say the Panarin trade was not good and I wonder if hindsight that Bowman could have better forecast the situation he was in and made a better return for Breadman

Just remember Bowman choose the correct core pieces to retain and rebuilt well enough to win two more Cups. He also kept pieces intact as they won in 2010

Bowman probably should have anticipated the decline of Seabrooke and Toews. Those two were long lasting warriors but how long could they stay at their level getting whacked and banged up all the time

I had confidance Bowman would draft ok going forward. Trades: lukewarm but I think he learned from previous transactions and paid out big time to ensure he had a big man on defense. Bowman gets criticized on this board by some who don't evaluate the whole picture. I won't say that Bowman has necessarily a good record as GM last few years, but not horrible like some say.

Must be, thanks
- 6628

Now said that Rainman did not like Bernstein. That jogs memory....I believe you are correct