Theo Fox: Square One Thoughts on why the Blackhawks need to think twice about who they may consider trading from the cadre of high-profile players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Kirby Dach, and Seth Jones.

Murphy is a chip that you may trade at the.trading deadline. Probably two prospects on the blueline need to play well most of the season if you decide Murphy departs. He gets injured so often, I would be glad to be rid of him. I bet most of the dman prospects skate as well or (most) surely better.

Nothing that hadn't been mentioned often on this board.

Next season we need some rookies to emerge on defense. We may expect this happenstance as well as a couple forwards in bottom six from Rockford to prove worthy. Right now we can hope too that Teply and Reichel improve even more.

Keeping Kane and DeBrincat in particular + rookies step up = competitive team but looses about as much as the last season. Most likely Laakinen and a veteran acquisition could be adequate. Everyone will just have to wait for The 2023 Entry Draft. We need a center in the worse way to move the rebuild along.

Nice blog Theo. In furtherance to the theme of your blog, if you look at the Kings playoff roster with all their prospects it was more veteran than youth. Anthanaseu was even dressed over Byfield. The top 6 without Doughty included Matta, Edler, Sketcher, and Roy. They did not blow it up to the studs. Neither did the Rangers.

Toronto ripped it down to the studs, and after how many years they still haven’t won a playoff series, and rumors again about trading a “ core piece”.

My rose colored glasses hopes that a Dach figures it out, Toews accepts a reduced role on the ice. Also a Mitchell makes the step into the NHL, and via trade or free agency they find a d partner that could be paired with S. Jones. And a veteran goalie that can hold the fort until Soderblom or Commesdo are ready. Wonder what it would take to land Campbell in free agency. Unless Toronto dumps Mrazek or a core piece they have no chance in signing him.

Nice blog Theo. In furtherance to the theme of your blog, if you look at the Kings playoff roster with all their prospects it was more veteran than youth. Anthanaseu was even dressed over Byfield. The top 6 without Doughty included Matta, Edler, Sketcher, and Roy. They did not blow it up to the studs. Neither did the Rangers.

Toronto ripped it down to the studs, and after how many years they still haven’t won a playoff series, and rumors again about trading a “ core piece”.

My rose colored glasses hopes that a Dach figures it out, Toews accepts a reduced role on the ice. Also a Mitchell makes the step into the NHL, and via trade or free agency they find a d partner that could be paired with S. Jones. And a veteran goalie that can hold the fort until Soderblom or Commesdo are ready. Wonder what it would take to land Campbell in free agency. Unless Toronto dumps Mrazek or a core piece they have no chance in signing him.
- LAHawk

Then you keep Strome? You don't advocate management doing whatever they can to take a swing at Bedard?

Good topic and blog, Theo. Been thinking about this when a few weeks ago wondered if a trade of Dcat to NJ made sense and that led me to other questions.

1, is KD, and management, good with a total tear down?

2, if so that is totally dependent on Kane agreeing to go so he needs plans a, b, c and d.

3, if KD is good with a total teardown does he feel he has the hockey people in place to feel confident in doing so?

In other words does KD feel confident he has the two assistant GM's, head of scouting and scouts in place, and had the time to properly evaluate this option, to pull the trigger on moving a 24 yr old 40 goal scorer? Does he he feel he has the hockey people in place to do a tear down if indeed that's his preference?

For me the names matter less than question #3. Is KD comfortable with his management team to execute his long term plan yet?

Nice blog Theo. In furtherance to the theme of your blog, if you look at the Kings playoff roster with all their prospects it was more veteran than youth. Anthanaseu was even dressed over Byfield. The top 6 without Doughty included Matta, Edler, Sketcher, and Roy. They did not blow it up to the studs. Neither did the Rangers.

Toronto ripped it down to the studs, and after how many years they still haven’t won a playoff series, and rumors again about trading a “ core piece”.

My rose colored glasses hopes that a Dach figures it out, Toews accepts a reduced role on the ice. Also a Mitchell makes the step into the NHL, and via trade or free agency they find a d partner that could be paired with S. Jones. And a veteran goalie that can hold the fort until Soderblom or Commesdo are ready. Wonder what it would take to land Campbell in free agency. Unless Toronto dumps Mrazek or a core piece they have no chance in signing him.
- LAHawk

Is that a nod to Jhawk's usage of happenstance?

Afa Dach, my glasses are rosier and I think he does figure it out. Will it be this next season? Not sure, but I wouldn't mind seeing Toews stick around for his final year.

I don't think he'd bring back a ton in trade and still think he can be a good influence in the locker room.

I recognize you can't just ship out all the vets and total teardowns aren't always the answer, but I'm also hoping KD is listening on just about everyone.

If either Kane or DeBrincat bring back an even better version of the Hagel deal, I wouldn't be opposed to it.

I think the key question is: Is coach more important than players? Rebuilds can happen in multiple ways - (1)Go all young and learn all together (slowest), (2)trade some vets for players already in the AHL/some NHL experience but still play mostly youngsters (Quicker), (3)or try to bring in a coach that will want experienced players so you turn over the roster with NHL ready players (FA signings) (fastest).

I think Danny and the Management team thinks #1 is the correct way to go, but does Rocky want to go the #2 route. If McD was still here I would guess #3 would be the way it would go.

I think Kane chooses to stay.
I think Debrincat stays.
If Debrincat and Kane stay I think they try to resign Strome for 2 or 3 years at a fair price. Maybe in the $4mil to $5mil range. (Without NMC or NTC)
Toews contract, NMC, and recent stats make him tough to trade. Keep him and play him with T. Johnson and Kubalik (signing him to one year QO). See if they can find something as a unit. Then if they have decent stats trade them all mid-season. Toews would have to waive his NMC rights and the Hawks would have to retain salary. Johnson was untradeable before, but in midseason will only have a year and a half left on his contract. If he has decent stats and the Hawks retain salary he is movable.
Murphy is probably not tradeable until he plays some after his concussion. I would keep McCabe and Murphy. If they play well the trade return will be better later. If they play poorly odds increase for a top 3 pick.
I think you sign Lankinen and a journeyman goalie, giving Lank 70% of the starts.

Nice blog Theo. In furtherance to the theme of your blog, if you look at the Kings playoff roster with all their prospects it was more veteran than youth. Anthanaseu was even dressed over Byfield. The top 6 without Doughty included Matta, Edler, Sketcher, and Roy. They did not blow it up to the studs. Neither did the Rangers.

Toronto ripped it down to the studs, and after how many years they still haven’t won a playoff series, and rumors again about trading a “ core piece”.

My rose colored glasses hopes that a Dach figures it out, Toews accepts a reduced role on the ice. Also a Mitchell makes the step into the NHL, and via trade or free agency they find a d partner that could be paired with S. Jones. And a veteran goalie that can hold the fort until Soderblom or Commesdo are ready. Wonder what it would take to land Campbell in free agency. Unless Toronto dumps Mrazek or a core piece they have no chance in signing him.
- LAHawk

LA - I like where you are going with this.

Then you keep Strome? You don't advocate management doing whatever they can to take a swing at Bedard?
- Mr Ricochet

Keeping Strome will not keep the Hawks from being one of the worst teams next year.

Then you keep Strome? You don't advocate management doing whatever they can to take a swing at Bedard?

Mr. Riccochet

I lean towards yes, depending on what he could bring in a trade.

I think there is one other factor everybody over looks on this “rebuild”. Will the fans tolerate the 3 to 5 year time frame. I am very curious what the season ticket holder renewal rate is. I bagged after 44 years! And never got a call from the Hawks. Tickets are priced for a competitive team, not a lottery pick team.

And if our 33 year old GM doesn’t get it right we could become the Ottawa Senators of the Western conference.

Then you keep Strome? You don't advocate management doing whatever they can to take a swing at Bedard?

Mr. Riccochet

I lean towards yes, depending on what he could bring in a trade.
- LAHawk

I think if the Hawks are convinced that "2nd half of the year" Strome is the guy that he will be, they keep him. That's another young effective player (who thankfully was actually playing aggressive hockey).

If they have any reservations at all, I think he is gone.

Mind you, I don't necessarily agree with this line of thinking, but I think that is what they would do.

First of all, the trade value of many of the Hawks is not that good, except for Kane and Debrincat. If you were to go the total youth movement, you still need salary to be at the cap floor. You don't really want to be like Arizona and take on "dead salary" just to reach the cap floor. Players like Ladd,Erickson, Beagle, Kessel. I've heard KD mention before that he wants the youngsters to be ready when they come up. So cheap affordable veteran place holders are possibility. Murphy must prove he is healthy after his concussion, one of the kids like Vlasic,Regula or Mitchell must prove they are ready for the NHL fulltime, then Murphy can be flipped for more assets. That's kind of how this rebuild will go ...... I believe. Also getting the right coach is crucial. Somebody that can help get the kids up to speed. The right coach will help you better identify who is ready, so you know who to trade.

I think there is one other factor everybody over looks on this “rebuild”. Will the fans tolerate the 3 to 5 year time frame. I am very curious what the season ticket holder renewal rate is. I bagged after 44 years! And never got a call from the Hawks. Tickets are priced for a competitive team, not a lottery pick team.

And if our 33 year old GM doesn’t get it right we could become the Ottawa Senators of the Western conference.
- Jabinri

There is some evidence that the Blackhawks fans are aware of the situation and understand what is going on. Attendance spiked back up after JC was fired and they seemed to hold close to the sellout line for most of the rest of the year.

I think if the fans see some of the young guys progress and start to become impact players they will stick around. Now, if they mostly just crap the bed every night, then yeah, big problems.

How are you suppose to accumulate NHL talent, when you trade kids that haven't even hit their UFA status?

I'm thinking Gallant would of loved to have Dylan taking faceoffs in that Pens series than Ryan.

Trade talk about Cat is crazy. Ovi was 32 when they won the Cup? I think, need goal scorers in this league. That's 8 years away for Cat.

There is some evidence that the Blackhawks fans are aware of the situation and understand what is going on. Attendance spiked back up after JC was fired and they seemed to hold close to the sellout line for most of the rest of the year.

I think if the fans see some of the young guys progress and start to become impact players they will stick around. Now, if they mostly just crap the bed every night, then yeah, big problems.
- Chunk

I also think, I'm one of these, fans trust Rocky way more then his dad.

I'll still go to games went to a few last year.

As much as i really liked Hagel, i understand why KD made the trade, Bolts made an offer they couldn't say no to.

This talk about only getting a 2nd for Strome is funny. Hasn't hit his prime yet, and he's still RFA. I remember when some claimed he wouldn't even be picked up on waivers, hahaha

I also think, I'm one of these, fans trust Rocky way more then his dad.

I'll still go to games went to a few last year.
- BetweenTheDots

Didn't really affect Rangers or Kings attendance after the announced rebuilds. Maybe it is me because hockey is my favorite sport, I will go, first because TV does not do the game justice, and I can root for my team, but also marvel at the talent from the opposition.

You know if KD is patient he might have 2 top 6 centers already on the roster. Patience blow it uppers, patience.

As much as i really liked Hagel, i understand why KD made the trade, Bolts made an offer they couldn't say no to.

This talk about only getting a 2nd for Strome is funny. Hasn't hit his prime yet, and he's still RFA. I remember when some claimed he wouldn't even be picked up on waivers, hahaha
- BetweenTheDots

I like what Davidson has done so far. Lets see if he can fleece a few cap strapped teams. Like to take Davidov off Vegas's hand (provided Chicago is on his trade list). Brendan Brisson? done. Is Toronto really going to trade a core piece? Tampa ( seems to be a match as the Hawks and Tampa have made quite a few trades in the past few years. they need to shed Killorn? What does that cost? Or maybe Hawks become middle men with a team that want those players and are willing to give up some prospects to the Hawks for them.

There is some evidence that the Blackhawks fans are aware of the situation and understand what is going on. Attendance spiked back up after JC was fired and they seemed to hold close to the sellout line for most of the rest of the year.

I think if the fans see some of the young guys progress and start to become impact players they will stick around. Now, if they mostly just crap the bed every night, then yeah, big problems.
- Chunk

Those ABC and even the Zhamnov/Amonte days were tough. However throughout that 6-7 year span, we didn't have a player the caliber of Kane (provided he's not moved) or a high pick to watch like Dach. They'll still come I think.

The Hawks could take Marzek from the Leafs with futures for the rights to Kubalik. Solves their veteran goaltender situation though maybe that guy in Toronto still has a chapped ass about the trade stuff leaking with the Hawks earlier in the year.

Dach is probably not a number one center (which is OK) and Reichel maybe shouldn't start there.

I'm thinking Dach is more of a David Legwand kind of player. High draft spot - probably good for 40 points you won't remember. Need those guys but they're not building pieces.

I see Reichel being more like a Patrick Sharp kind of player where they try to jam him in at center (production dependent on his line mates) but he'll do best riding shotgun where he can use his speed to smoke guys on the boards rather than up the middle of the ice and can kill penalties and play center if the sky is falling.

Hopefully they pick in the top 4 next year. An impact player would be cool. Adding a third first round pick would be neat but I think the only teams with draft capital to entice the hawks for a Kane or Debrincat trade now are Buffalo or Arizona and maybe Detroit and why would either of those teams give up on a shot at Bedard.

Keeping Strome will not keep the Hawks from being one of the worst teams next year.
- -Doh-

Agreed, "nice stats do not a winner make."