Zach Jarom: Officially Eliminated, Toews Note, Game Day: Hawks vs Avs

First, if that is still a thing

I would not be surprised if Kaiser makes the opening night roster next season. He may be the only Blackhawk dman prospect in the system who is ready or able to play as a first year pro I guess technically if he burns a year off his contract by playing some games at the tail end of this season, he is not considered a rookie. The actual ruling is probably contractually it is his second season next training camp/season, yet per the NHL rules he would be eligible to earn a rookie of the year. Kaiser may not garner this award, but he is good right now. He has smarts; he appears to be able to make sound decisions whereas other dmen even after a few years are still lacking in this regard

I totally expect Korchindki and Kaiser to be regulars in season 2025. The 2025 season is when I think we can be competitive enough to make a playoff run. Much of the team success would of course be much easier to see as the team improves during the 2025 season. Before getting too giddy on this happening, let’s see who we draft in the first round 2023

Vlasic should stick at some point next season. Hopefully DrlMaesro needs only one AHL campaign All the other dman prospects…….it is just difficult to say how much and how soon they may improve. The 2024 season is telltale as far as Phillips takes another step forward, as far as Mitchell is better in a few ways, and heck we need to see Roos NHL for one or two stints just to get a better idea what he might become.

I do not foresee Regula (feet plus possibly concussion issue) nor Galvas making the grade in Chicago (I would like to see Galvas play but he is a dark horse/ I believe he has the ability but his size may hold him back from third pair role)

Let’s hear how much Crevier has improved because he might be the sort of player who surprises. He can skate and he is a descent all around talent, although his game will be as a defensive dman first. He is willing to play physical but he needs to put more muscle on his talk frame. He had the Chara like wingspan with stick in defending.

Now the board is probably going to be discussing Toews but glad I got this dman prospects/Kaiser in front of the Toews talk

If Toews is set to retire at the end of the season, I hope he can strap on the skates just one more time. Obviously, don't know what's going on with his body or whether this would be harmful to him. But, would be cool as a fan to see him lead the team just one last time and I think it would be a cool send off for him as well.

If Toews is set to retire at the end of the season, I hope he can strap on the skates just one more time. Obviously, don't know what's going on with his body or whether this would be harmful to him. But, would be cool as a fan to see him lead the team just one last time and I think it would be a cool send off for him as well.
- Hawkeynation

I also would like to see the Captain play another game if he does truly retire. The last home game of the season is against the Flyers. Maybe he could suit up, take the opening faceoff, play a shift then sit out the rest of the game on the bench. As along as he is medically cleared of course.

Here's part of an Athletic article about the Hawks is pursuit of collegian free agent Hunter McKown of Colorado College.

The Blackhawks can promise college and European free agents something that not all NHL teams can right now.

That’s opportunity.

It’s not the end all for such free agents, but it’s usually a major piece of what they’re looking for. Teams are limited to what they can offer in entry-level contracts, so playing time, especially at the NHL level, is valuable. The windows for these types of players to prove themselves aren’t always wide, so they’re searching for organizations that are in need of their skill set and can provide a path to the NHL sooner than later.

The Blackhawks had success with this strategy in years past, especially with European free agents. Players like Artemi Panarin, Dominik Kubalik and Pius Suter were sold on that opportunity and turned it into future NHL contracts. It certainly appears to have worked out too for Cole Guttman, who signed as a college free agent after last season and broke into the NHL this season.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has a number of forward prospects coming down the pipeline and will have even more after the upcoming drafts, so he isn’t going to pursue too many of these kinds of free agents. But he will pursue some, as long as they make sense, such as Guttman.

Which brings us to Colorado College junior forward Hunter McKown. With his collegiate season ending on Saturday, he’s now entertaining NHL offers, and the Blackhawks are expected to be in the mix for him.

McKown doesn’t fit the prototype of forward Davidson has been after mostly so far. McKown doesn’t have superb speed or skating ability. But what he does possess — an elite shot and offensive skill — the Blackhawks don’t have a whole lot of among their forward prospects.

As The Athletic’s Corey Pronman recently wrote of McKown, “The skill and scoring touch will be worth a team taking a gamble on.” And that perfectly describes the Blackhawks’ situation. With where they are in their rebuild, they can take a chance on a player like McKown and even give him NHL games this season by burning the first year of his contract. At worst, McKown is with the Rockford IceHogs for the next few seasons. At best, he’s probably a middle-six forward who plays a key power-play role.

Let’s dive further into what McKown brings to the table.

McKown’s shooting ability is what makes him so desirable. He delivers a massive right-handed shot from his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame. He’s tied for seventh in college hockey with 21 goals. He’s especially dangerous on the power play and leads the country with 14 power-play goals. Colorado College wasn’t much of an offensive team the past two seasons, but McKown still found ways to score and led the Tigers in goals the last two seasons.

Whether the rest of McKown’s game is transferable to pro hockey is where the question marks come in. He has the size and isn’t a terrible skater. His hockey sense is noticeable and can make plays. It’s one of those things where you probably don’t know for sure until he gets that chance. Guttman had some knocks on him, and he looks like he’s going to prove his skeptics wrong. McKown could be the same.

McKown is expected to have other NHL suitors as well. It’s been known for some time he’d be turning pro after his season. It wouldn’t be surprising if his decision came quickly, too. College free agents who have a chance to play NHL games at the end of the season often try to make that happen.

If Toews is set to retire at the end of the season, I hope he can strap on the skates just one more time. Obviously, don't know what's going on with his body or whether this would be harmful to him. But, would be cool as a fan to see him lead the team just one last time and I think it would be a cool send off for him as well.
- Hawkeynation



I also would like to see the Captain play another game if he does truly retire. The last home game of the season is against the Flyers. Maybe he could suit up, take the opening faceoff, play a shift then sit out the rest of the game on the bench. As along as he is medically cleared of course.

Boilermaker100.

This doesn't sound what Captain Serious would sign up for. Plus who is he leading? There is no one left from the last cup team to lead? Murphy is the longest running Hawk besides him. Let them honor him when they retire the jersey (and then the statue).
Rather that then a pity party of having him skate off into the sunset not on his terms.

If Toews is set to retire at the end of the season, I hope he can strap on the skates just one more time. Obviously, don't know what's going on with his body or whether this would be harmful to him. But, would be cool as a fan to see him lead the team just one last time and I think it would be a cool send off for him as well.
- Hawkeynation



I also would like to see the Captain play another game if he does truly retire. The last home game of the season is against the Flyers. Maybe he could suit up, take the opening faceoff, play a shift then sit out the rest of the game on the bench. As along as he is medically cleared of course.

Boilermaker100.

This doesn't sound what Captain Serious would sign up for. Plus who is he leading? There is no one left from the last cup team to lead? Murphy is the longest running Hawk besides him. Let them honor him when they retire the jersey (and then the statue).
Rather that then a pity party of having him skate off into the sunset not on his terms.
- LAHawk

If Toews is in line for a statue, there are going to be a few others. Obviously Kane, Hossa and Keith. Maybe Q? Seabrook?

Toews is a UFA this summer. He could wait a long time to make a decision. He could even see what summer of rehab does. He could wait until next December before signing. But I would be perfectly fine with him retiring. Chicago has had very few icons that had very high level skill, success individually and for the team, longevity, leadership and a good guy. I would say Michael Jordan, although quite different, would be the comparable. God Bless you and thank you Jonathan, whatever you decide.

Toews is a UFA this summer. He could wait a long time to make a decision. He could even see what summer of rehab does. He could wait until next December before signing. But I would be perfectly fine with him retiring. Chicago has had very few icons that had very high level skill, success individually and for the team, longevity, leadership and a good guy. I would say Michael Jordan, although quite different, would be the comparable. God Bless you and thank you Jonathan, whatever you decide.
- Ztra

With cap space so precious especially for those teams chasing the Cup, who would take a chance on giving Toews a contract?

Here's part of an Athletic article about the Hawks is pursuit of collegian free agent Hunter McKown of Colorado College.


.
- boilermaker100

https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/417327/hunter-mckown

With cap space so precious especially for those teams chasing the Cup, who would take a chance on giving Toews a contract?
- LAHawk

Two thoughts. He could resign with the Hawks on a 35+ contract with performance bonuses. They have plenty of cap room. Or he could sign for very small dollars on a contender. If he ever plays again it won’t be just for the money. But I still think he will retire before the end of this season or during the offseason.

Two thoughts. He could resign with the Hawks on a 35+ contract with performance bonuses. They have plenty of cap room. Or he could sign for very small dollars on a contender. If he ever plays again it won’t be just for the money. But I still think he will retire before the end of this season or during the offseason.
- Ztra

I think he’ll retire as well. I’m sure after all he’s accomplished his health is his most important priority.

Two thoughts. He could resign with the Hawks on a 35+ contract with performance bonuses. They have plenty of cap room. Or he could sign for very small dollars on a contender. If he ever plays again it won’t be just for the money. But I still think he will retire before the end of this season or during the offseason.
- Ztra

I think he would retire before playing on a performance bonus contract. Why lower himself to that.

I think he would retire before playing on a performance bonus contract. Why lower himself to that.
- rpeters01

Depends on the base salary. The Hawks have the cap room to make it pretty generous in base salary and performance bonuses. Because of his health issues I don’t think any other team will offer him much of a contract. So if he wants to play he will not have a lot of options.

What about Allen?

Depends on the base salary. The Hawks have the cap room to make it pretty generous in base salary and performance bonuses. Because of his health issues I don’t think any other team will offer him much of a contract. So if he wants to play he will not have a lot of options.
- Ztra

If the Hawks decided to move on from Kane, why would they cling to Toews. Last year he wasn't close to the same Toews, this year maybe a 2 week stretch where you saw glimpses of the old Toews. Other than that, you saw a veteran trying to hang on (most veterans hang on to win their first cup, not a 3 time cup winner).

I don't think the Hawks would be interested in keeping Toews on for sentimental purposes especially even if he did start the season, it is highly probable he lasts about as long as this season. And I as a fan would hate to watch Toews play while his body betrays him.

Did anyone watch the big ten championship game between Michigan and Minnesota? Cooley, Knies and Snuggerudd were really impressive. Pitlik had a highlight goal as he stickhandled through a defenseman and scored a goal. It was vintage Kane (or for us older types, Savard). Nazar made a few nice plays but wasn't really impressed with Fantilli. Whenever he threw a check he would bounce off the other player.

If the Hawks decided to move on from Kane, why would they cling to Toews. Last year he wasn't close to the same Toews, this year maybe a 2 week stretch where you saw glimpses of the old Toews. Other than that, you saw a veteran trying to hang on (most veterans hang on to win rtheir first cup, not a 3 time cup winner).

I don't think the Hawks would be interested in keeping Toews on for sentimental purposes especially even if he did start the season, it is highly probable he lasts about as long as this season. And I as a fan would hate to watch Toews play while his body betrays him.
- LAHawk

Do you think he’ll be involved with the team in some capacity, coaching or front office.

Do you think he’ll be involved with the team in some capacity, coaching or front office.
- paulr

If he wants to be involved with the team, IMO they will find something that works for him and the team

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Alex Stalock starts in goal for Blackhawks at Avalanche.

Mitchell replaces Kaiser. Rest of lineup the same. Richardson wants to continue easing Kaiser in, letting him watch and learn while playing intermittently.

If he wants to be involved with the team, IMO they will find something that works for him and the team
- LAHawk

That’s what I’m curious about. Will he stick with hockey or do something else? I’m sure, like you, if he wants to stay in hockey he’ll have some kind of position.

Do you think he’ll be involved with the team in some capacity, coaching or front office.
- paulr

I can see him for sure going the Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic route and eventually take on GM role. Think his hockey mind will be a valuable asset to a front office position.

If the Hawks decided to move on from Kane, why would they cling to Toews. Last year he wasn't close to the same Toews, this year maybe a 2 week stretch where you saw glimpses of the old Toews. Other than that, you saw a veteran trying to hang on (most veterans hang on to win their first cup, not a 3 time cup winner).

I don't think the Hawks would be interested in keeping Toews on for sentimental purposes especially even if he did start the season, it is highly probable he lasts about as long as this season. And I as a fan would hate to watch Toews play while his body betrays him.
- LAHawk

What he is dealing with is never going away, so this is going to be a continued issue. The main thing on his mind should be quality of life after the game. He has nothing left to prove but let's hope he realizes that.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Alex Stalock starts in goal for Blackhawks at Avalanche.

Mitchell replaces Kaiser. Rest of lineup the same. Richardson wants to continue easing Kaiser in, letting him watch and learn while playing intermittently.
- LAHawk

This answers the question I had after the AZ game. Will LR risk the obvious confidence Kaiser showed against AZ vs an uber talented COL squad?

I'm ok with the thought process of bringing the 20 yr old along slowly and picking spots for him to succeed.