Theo Fox: Signature Moves Thoughts on the Blackhawks pending free agents and possible scenarios for each RFA and UFA.

Plus, a quick look at a major strength of top prospect Lukas Reichel.

Thought provoking as always... look I'll disagree with Gustafsson -sure bring him on back, why not?

So what if he 'isn't defensively inclined' -the idea is the tank, so encourage him to do all of the spin-o-ramas and blind passes, missed poke checks at the blue line he can manage - as a defensively liability is exactly the type of thing that you need going in a tank situation. Plus I mean he has to come cheap, right?

Zawarski -- interesting thoughts - well maybe not - I mean I know of some schmuck that wrote about the same exact thing on some Hawk boards the day that Trotz got let go. Probably the same thing wound up in the blog responses. Of course the only difference being I know that the writers were literally not paid to write those thoughts -so I mean, yeh ... nice work...

If money is a thing, and record is irrelevant -and let's face it, it won't be relevant for awhile - I imagine Mike Yeo would be a good candidate for a nothing burger of a record, as might Ted Nolan. Mind you I liked Ted Nolan, but he might be a better coach when absolutely nothing is expected of his team ....and frankly... absolutely nothing is expected from the Hawks.

That being said, they'll no doubt keep King- which I mean, sure, he can serve up an empty nothing burger as well as good as anyone ... if I'm Davidson - go with the lowest bidder, treat it like a services procurement contract.

Thought provoking as always... look I'll disagree with Gustafsson -sure bring him on back, why not?

So what if he 'isn't defensively inclined' -the idea is the tank, so encourage him to do all of the spin-o-ramas and blind passes, missed poke checks at the blue line he can manage - as a defensively liability is exactly the type of thing that you need going in a tank situation. Plus I mean he has to come cheap, right?

Zawarski -- interesting thoughts - well maybe not - I mean I know of some schmuck that wrote about the same exact thing on some Hawk boards the day that Trotz got let go. Probably the same thing wound up in the blog responses. Of course the only difference being I know that the writers were literally not paid to write those thoughts -so I mean, yeh ... nice work...

If money is a thing, and record is irrelevant -and let's face it, it won't be relevant for awhile - I imagine Mike Yeo would be a good candidate for a nothing burger of a record, as might Ted Nolan. Mind you I liked Ted Nolan, but he might be a better coach when absolutely nothing is expected of his team ....and frankly... absolutely nothing is expected from the Hawks.

That being said, they'll no doubt keep King- which I mean, sure, he can serve up an empty nothing burger as well as good as anyone ... if I'm Davidson - go with the lowest bidder, treat it like a services procurement contract.
- SC116

I grew up being glued to the sports section and after having a gig that kept me close to the game for decades I can say without a doubt that I read on this blogsite way more intelligent and accurate writing by some of the posters than paid writers do today. A few whack jobs that are at least fun to read. But there is more than a few posters here, guys and dolls, who have IMO good perspective, knowledge, and passion for the game. I can't read the sports section anymore. The days of good and great writers in the papers are long gone. The music stopped for me with the passing of Tim Sassone. Theo is too good for newspapers. Jason Millen who covers St. Louis for Buzz is a good read too.

I grew up being glued to the sports section and after having a gig that kept me close to the game for decades I can say without a doubt that I read on this blogsite way more intelligent and accurate writing by some of the posters than paid writers do today. A few whack jobs that are at least fun to read. But there is more than a few posters here, guys and dolls, who have IMO good perspective, knowledge, and passion for the game. I can't read the sports section anymore. The days of good and great writers in the papers are long gone. The music stopped for me with the passing of Tim Sassone. Theo is too good for newspapers. Jason Millen who covers St. Louis for Buzz is a good read too.
- 6628

Is he related to Greg Millen, who used to goal tend for the Blues?

Getting back to point, Thanks Theo. I would expect Lanks to be signed again and most likely for 2 years. There is really no reason not to. He either becomes a very good backup when one of Solderblom or Commesso become the #1 (provided one does) or he turns out to be a #1. And if he is a bust, the team is in a rebuild anyway.

I grew up being glued to the sports section and after having a gig that kept me close to the game for decades I can say without a doubt that I read on this blogsite way more intelligent and accurate writing by some of the posters than paid writers do today. A few whack jobs that are at least fun to read. But there is more than a few posters here, guys and dolls, who have IMO good perspective, knowledge, and passion for the game. I can't read the sports section anymore. The days of good and great writers in the papers are long gone. The music stopped for me with the passing of Tim Sassone. Theo is too good for newspapers. Jason Millen who covers St. Louis for Buzz is a good read too.
- 6628

Much of the good writing left these premises when MexicoHawk hung up his keyboard.....

Is he related to Greg Millen, who used to goal tend for the Blues?

Getting back to point, Thanks Theo. I would expect Lanks to be signed again and most likely for 2 years. There is really no reason not to. He either becomes a very good backup when one of Solderblom or Commesso become the #1 (provided one does) or he turns out to be a #1. And if he is a bust, the team is in a rebuild anyway.
- powerenforcer

He is not. I asked him that a few years ago. He said aside form them both playing goal there are no similarities.

He is not. I asked him that a few years ago. He said aside form them both playing goal there are no similarities.
- Rota's Rooter

Thanks Rota!

Today @ 8:58 AM ET
I grew up being glued to the sports section and after having a gig that kept me close to the game for decades I can say without a doubt that I read on this blogsite way more intelligent and accurate writing by some of the posters than paid writers do today. A few whack jobs that are at least fun to read. But there is more than a few posters here, guys and dolls, who have IMO good perspective, knowledge, and passion for the game. I can't read the sports section anymore. The days of good and great writers in the papers are long gone. The music stopped for me with the passing of Tim Sassone. Theo is too good for newspapers. Jason Millen who covers St. Louis for Buzz is a good read too.
- 6628


Much of the good writing left these premises when MexicoHawk hung up his keyboard..
- mohel

Maybe Omar Navarro got a hold of him.

Today @ 8:58 AM ET
I grew up being glued to the sports section and after having a gig that kept me close to the game for decades I can say without a doubt that I read on this blogsite way more intelligent and accurate writing by some of the posters than paid writers do today. A few whack jobs that are at least fun to read. But there is more than a few posters here, guys and dolls, who have IMO good perspective, knowledge, and passion for the game. I can't read the sports section anymore. The days of good and great writers in the papers are long gone. The music stopped for me with the passing of Tim Sassone. Theo is too good for newspapers. Jason Millen who covers St. Louis for Buzz is a good read too.
- 6628


Much of the good writing left these premises when MexicoHawk hung up his keyboard..
- mohel

Maybe Omar Navarro got a hold of him.
- Angotti

I'd like to think Mexicohawk called Ruth a redneck.

My bad -- Darlene

Much of the good writing left these premises when MexicoHawk hung up his keyboard.....
- mohel

I think the character limit on replies discouraged him.

I grew up being glued to the sports section and after having a gig that kept me close to the game for decades I can say without a doubt that I read on this blogsite way more intelligent and accurate writing by some of the posters than paid writers do today. A few whack jobs that are at least fun to read. But there is more than a few posters here, guys and dolls, who have IMO good perspective, knowledge, and passion for the game. I can't read the sports section anymore. The days of good and great writers in the papers are long gone. The music stopped for me with the passing of Tim Sassone. Theo is too good for newspapers. Jason Millen who covers St. Louis for Buzz is a good read too.
- 6628

well said....there's a fine a sports writer can walk where he/she can call out a player when it's needed, and also give credit as well. Too many on the Hawks beat now are too busy writing fluff pieces with political narratives to stay in the "know"....and it's even worse if you attempt to follow them on twitter. God willing a beat job for the Islanders will open up and Mark Lazerus will go back home and spew his crap elsewhere.

Much of the good writing left these premises when MexicoHawk hung up his keyboard.....
- mohel

Were you around for the DH blog and StPaul who refused to call the Devils by name? Those were fun times.........

As a person who understands analytics are important, but doesn't think they should be the final word....I would be very curious where a team like Florida ranked at the end of the season entering the playoffs? What an absolute disaster they have been...struggled with the caps, and now are just getting dominated by Tampa.

Did find it interesting Keith Jones went out of his way a few times to bash Hagel for that hit. Have to say...100% dirty and was shocked it wasn't a major.

Think we are destined for Tampa vs Colorado...which is perfectly OK...with Binnington out, I just dont see STL having much of a chance....and Calgary and Edmonton don't have the defense or goaltending to knock off the Avs.

As a person who understands analytics are important, but doesn't think they should be the final word....I would be very curious where a team like Florida ranked at the end of the season entering the playoffs? What an absolute disaster they have been...struggled with the caps, and now are just getting dominated by Tampa.

Did find it interesting Keith Jones went out of his way a few times to bash Hagel for that hit. Have to say...100% dirty and was shocked it wasn't a major.

Think we are destined for Tampa vs Colorado...which is perfectly OK...with Binnington out, I just dont see STL having much of a chance....and Calgary and Edmonton don't have the defense or goaltending to knock off the Avs.
- SteveRain

Analytics, saw this just now

https://twitter.com/BenPo...W-q4_ggKVCQx9d3v-r8Q&s=01

It is the one thing i do like about Twitter, they can only put in so many key strokes

Analytics, saw this just now

https://twitter.com/BenPo...W-q4_ggKVCQx9d3v-r8Q&s=01

It is the one thing i do like about Twitter, they can only put in so many key strokes
- BetweenTheDots

I know Barry Melrose is older, and losing it based how rarely ESPN rolls him out...but I did fully agree with what he said last night regarding Tampa vs Florida is that come playoff hockey...you have to win your battles, and out will people.

I just don't see how an analytics report will take that X factor into consideration. So many unsung guys who likely are (-) for 82 games but come playoff team are so essential to winning they are invaluable. I am very curious how Davidson and his hockey ops department navigate the analytics and eye test and build their team moving forward.

That's also before anyone takes into account what a HOT goaltender can do who can almost win a series for this team vs superior team....see the kid from Dallas vs Calgary.

Just seems like way too many variables come playoff time for a computer to take into account to win vs baseball which is really the same game in spring training as it is in the regular season as it is in the playoffs. Pitch by pitch may be more important but not nearly as many human factors as there is in hockey IMO

IF THE HAWKS PAY KIRBY DACH ANYTHING MORE THAN 2 MILLION FOR NEXT TWO YEARS THERE ASKING FOR CAP TROUBLE, Dominik Kubalik, WAS NEVER A BIG TIME SCORER. AND IF YOU WANT TO KEEP HIM AS A THIRD LINE SHOULD BE AT A REDUCED RATE, STROME HAS SHOWN A VAST IMPROVEMENT BUT THATS WITH PATRICK KANE , DON'T GIVE HIM ANY MORE THAN 4-5 MILLION FOR A BRIDGE DEAL. Philipp Kurashev LET HIM WALK SMALLISH GUY WITH NOT ENOUGH UP SIDE , TO KEEP. TAKING UP THE SPACE OF A BIGGER MORE PHYSICAL PLAYER

Hawks signed Roos. Our long civic nightmare is over.....

IF THE HAWKS PAY KIRBY DACH ANYTHING MORE THAN 2 MILLION FOR NEXT TWO YEARS THERE ASKING FOR CAP TROUBLE, Dominik Kubalik, WAS NEVER A BIG TIME SCORER. AND IF YOU WANT TO KEEP HIM AS A THIRD LINE SHOULD BE AT A REDUCED RATE, STROME HAS SHOWN A VAST IMPROVEMENT BUT THATS WITH PATRICK KANE , DON'T GIVE HIM ANY MORE THAN 4-5 MILLION FOR A BRIDGE DEAL. Philipp Kurashev LET HIM WALK SMALLISH GUY WITH NOT ENOUGH UP SIDE , TO KEEP. TAKING UP THE SPACE OF A BIGGER MORE PHYSICAL PLAYER
- Ging72

As a person who understands analytics are important, but doesn't think they should be the final word....I would be very curious where a team like Florida ranked at the end of the season entering the playoffs? What an absolute disaster they have been...struggled with the caps, and now are just getting dominated by Tampa.

Did find it interesting Keith Jones went out of his way a few times to bash Hagel for that hit. Have to say...100% dirty and was shocked it wasn't a major.

Think we are destined for Tampa vs Colorado...which is perfectly OK...with Binnington out, I just dont see STL having much of a chance....and Calgary and Edmonton don't have the defense or goaltending to knock off the Avs.
- SteveRain

Add in that Vasilevskiy is absolutely zoned in too. Here is his last 4 games where he has allowed only 1 goal against in each.

Gm7 vs TOR: 30/31 (.968 sv%)

Gm1 vs FLA: 33/34 (.971 sv%)

Gm2 vs FLA: 35/36 (.972 sv%)

Gm3 vs FLA: 34/35 (.971 sv%)

Add in that Vasilevskiy is absolutely zoned in too. Here is his last 4 games where he has allowed only 1 goal against in each.

Gm7 vs TOR: 30/31 (.968 sv%)

Gm1 vs FLA: 33/34 (.971 sv%)

Gm2 vs FLA: 35/36 (.972 sv%)

Gm3 vs FLA: 34/35 (.971 sv%)
- Rota's Rooter

Great point...made 2 big saves early on yesterday when it was still scoreless.

Much of the good writing left these premises when MexicoHawk hung up his keyboard.....
- mohel

Thanks for reminding me and making Monday even more dreary.

I know Barry Melrose is older, and losing it based how rarely ESPN rolls him out...but I did fully agree with what he said last night regarding Tampa vs Florida is that come playoff hockey...you have to win your battles, and out will people.

I just don't see how an analytics report will take that X factor into consideration. So many unsung guys who likely are (-) for 82 games but come playoff team are so essential to winning they are invaluable. I am very curious how Davidson and his hockey ops department navigate the analytics and eye test and build their team moving forward.

That's also before anyone takes into account what a HOT goaltender can do who can almost win a series for this team vs superior team....see the kid from Dallas vs Calgary.

Just seems like way too many variables come playoff time for a computer to take into account to win vs baseball which is really the same game in spring training as it is in the regular season as it is in the playoffs. Pitch by pitch may be more important but not nearly as many human factors as there is in hockey IMO
- SteveRain

It's a tool, plain and simple. Analytics will not be the end all-be all of their decisions, but to neglect that aspect would be foolish. Keep in mind that what the Hawks are trying to do is streamline the entire platform. This way everyone has immediate access to the information they want and can make more informed (and faster) decisions.

I just took a new job where I have to basically reorganize how our company gathers/documents/distributes information (on top of setting us up to expand into a growing market). I can say first hand that it is not necessarily the information that is the key. It is the organization, compiling and dissemination of that information that is the most powerful part.

It's a tool, plain and simple. Analytics will not be the end all-be all of their decisions, but to neglect that aspect would be foolish. Keep in mind that what the Hawks are trying to do is streamline the entire platform. This way everyone has immediate access to the information they want and can make more informed (and faster) decisions.

I just took a new job where I have to basically reorganize how our company gathers/documents/distributes information (on top of setting us up to expand into a growing market). I can say first hand that it is not necessarily the information that is the key. It is the organization, compiling and dissemination of that information that is the most powerful part.
- Chunk

Hey Chunk, I am not trying to get in a fight with you, but the statement I bolded seems wrong. Why would you not want to have the best information first, and then worry about how to pass it along to others. I am a computer applications developer, and my first responsibility is to get data correct. It's not my job to make it look pretty or easy to get to. I first have to make sure it is correct. Pass bad data, there is no way a corporation can made sound decisions.

It's a tool, plain and simple. Analytics will not be the end all-be all of their decisions, but to neglect that aspect would be foolish. Keep in mind that what the Hawks are trying to do is streamline the entire platform. This way everyone has immediate access to the information they want and can make more informed (and faster) decisions.

I just took a new job where I have to basically reorganize how our company gathers/documents/distributes information (on top of setting us up to expand into a growing market). I can say first hand that it is not necessarily the information that is the key. It is the organization, compiling and dissemination of that information that is the most powerful part.
- Chunk

I get all that and having videos that scouts watch be real time information for those who need it.....big.....My career I am actually very numbers savvy, so I am not Against it...just realize when it comes with sports there are a TON Of moving parts, human variables, etc....

I just think it's very hard to say what works in baseball will transfer over to hockey...and I cringe each time I read how the Hawks seem hell bent on some massive analytic influx of data into their organization as a solution to what has ailed them. Are analytics important? Sure....just as important as a scouts in person observation...there are things that show up in person vs on paper.

Just feel at times the Hawks are a little too envious as to what the Cubs have had going on by hiring a McDonough, Faulkner, and now this analytics whiz kid.....just would like to see the Hawks pump the brakes a little on things like this.

Hey Chunk, I am not trying to get in a fight with you, but the statement I bolded seems wrong. Why would you not want to have the best information first, and then worry about how to pass it along to others. I am a computer applications developer, and my first responsibility is to get data correct. It's not my job to make it look pretty or easy to get to. I first have to make sure it is correct. Pass bad data, there is no way a corporation can made sound decisions.
- powerenforcer

I think it's a gathering process.....scouts, hockey ops gather all this data, put it into their "system" and see what spits back out for the GM to use to make decisions and coaches to possible use on a game by game basis. Matchups, etc.

Again, I just fear it's overkill in some regards.....I was thinking about this....we may see a rush/trend of more offensive minded defensemen where teams are more reliant on a team defensive approach vs a shutdown pairing...ie....if you look at the remaining teams left......there are a lot of guys who are similar to Jones vs a pure shut down guy.