He's till IS looking like a third pairng option, and John is right on:

I think we're seeing right now how good TVR really is. Or isn't.
- John Jaeckel
This is as transparent as it can get for defenders...right now, speed game, tough opponent.
- wiz1901

Sure but again in TVR's case your talking about a guy who went out in Nov with a fractured patella.

I know the reports here from some were a guy who was playing tentatively. He was coming off that and I believe a fairly serious ankle injury so it's not that hard to see why there may have been hesitation.

As for what you're seeing now, had he been playing the whole season I would agree with the assertion that this is pretty much what you're going to get with some room for development.

Don't know how this is funny especially if he can be had for notably less than his $2.2M cap hit. He's a known commodity in this system albeit his age, recent injury and slowing down. I see no issue with him as the #7-8D if he'd sign for half his current cap hit. 4-1/2 months to heal from that injury? Maybe.
- blackhawk24

Wow! You're likely going to get blasted for that...but I agree.

We'll see but I think he played well enough this season where someone would give him similar money to play on their 3rd pair.

Shaw has value but why do people continue to speculate on his exodus. He has another year til he hits RFA and until you have a couple more players that bring his net front presence, versatility and REDASS I'm not sure why the Hawks would even consider it.

Not saying he couldn't be traded but more why would you want to?
- HawkintheD

To move a bigger contract/get better return(Sharp, Bickell etc)

Agreed, they will try to recoup picks in the first two rounds through trades of veterans. I also think you might see the roster filled out by a veteran or two willing to play in Chicago for a shot at a Cup or a long playoff run, especially on defense.

The notion of a Barrett Jackman as a 5-6 d-man, not out of the question as hard as it might be to imagine (or stomach).

It's fun to talk about a 4-6 on defense of Johns, TVR and Rundblad. Problem there is three right handed defensemen and an absolute trainwreck of inexperience. And questionable upside in at least 2 of those 3 cases. Not gonna happen.
- John Jaeckel

Agree with you there JJ,I said the same thing a couple weeks ago, not out of the question, Barrett Jackman finds his way to the BlackHawk convention or the # 5-6 D man spot. Notthe worst move in the world,putting away the fan bull sh it about the rivalry. I think there is gonna be a couple of surprises that no one even saw coming our way in the near future. Until then, Steal it tommorow night boys!

To move a bigger contract/get better return(Sharp, Bickell etc)
- Bjm84

I get the concept but disagree on the name (Shaw) being included. I don't think you need anything to be included to get a 3rd or lower for Sharp, 4th or lower for Bickell.

I keep seeing Shaw's name and I think too many people think the next Shaw (Harrtman, Ross) is ready to go in RFD...my opinion but I don't agree.

Yes he wants to be back but he´ll be back in KHL if the other option is AHL. And what I´ve saw him at World Championship games for Sweden this year..don´t think he is an NHL caliber goaltender. Amazing stats in KHL but lot of credit on that goes to his team playing D in front of him. But don´t know what Hawks think about him though..just don´t think he is an option at all or should not be.
- MjulQvist

I am with you...and being a NHL backup means you better be good early in games and be able without a big workload stop the bisquit.

My point was Raanta really didn't win games and was terrible in the stupid shoot out, imo. They are not gonna break the bank to keep him.

I also would be surprised if they hawks do add a pick they use pick #54 to secure a goaltender prospect form the top four, Samsonov who probably should go in the first with Blackwood close behind.
I ahve read critiques saying this isn't a good goali draft but I disagree, there is a lot of quality developmental guys, more than most years.
The second grouping of netminders is the huge Czech Daniel Vladar with Kladno and I saw the Slovak import Matej Tomek who played with toledo in the NAHL.

I think if 54 is the hawks earliest pick, they won't go goal...but if they get a any new picks that are earlier, they just might invest, even reach. Here are more of my obsessive written profiles on thse two. If you want to read on the first two goals, mention, click on their names on the site.

http://www.draftsite.com/...ayer/daniel-vladar/21685/

http://www.draftsite.com/...player/matej-tomek/21702/


Projecting if NHL teams are going to wait before the select goalies often depends upon if the simply feel the forwards & defenseman available are closer and less risky.

In 2011 I thought the Hawks might use the pick in slot #39 to select John Gibson and he eventually was selected 43rd overall by the ducks, and that hawks took ...Brandon Saad.

Sure but again in TVR's case your talking about a guy who went out in Nov with a fractured patella.

I know the reports here from some were a guy who was playing tentatively. He was coming off that and I believe a fairly serious ankle injury so it's not that hard to see why there may have been hesitation.

As for what you're seeing now, had he been playing the whole season I would agree with the assertion that this is pretty much what you're going to get with some room for development.
- HawkintheD

Sure TvR has room to improve, but what you see is what he has got, not hesitation, relunctance or excuses...
and i am not saying I don't like him, just that I at this point in my life, i don't hope for things that seem out of reach.

Bickell has been awful and the other night he was obviously bad...Desjardin has been ok to not really visible and Q will look to get some life into the lineup is my guess.
The 4th line needs some energy and as a whole the Hawks are gassed...I expect one lineup change and Versteeg will likely stay in...So that leaves a 4th line player and it won't be Kruger, and Shaw has been one of the best forwards in the series.
- Al

From what it sounds like Bickell shouldn't have been on the ice at all this series with his 'vertigo' problems.

I am with you...and being a NHL backup means you better be good early in games and be able without a big workload stop the bisquit.

My point was Raanta really didn't win games and was terrible in the stupid shoot out, imo. They are not gonna break the bank to keep him.

I also would be surprised if they hawks do add a pick they use pick #54 to secure a goaltender prospect form the top four, Samsonov who probably should go in the first with Blackwood close behind.
I ahve read critiques saying this isn't a good goali draft but I disagree, there is a lot of quality developmental guys, more than most years.
The second grouping of netminders is the huge Czech Daniel Vladar with Kladno and I saw the Slovak import Matej Tomek who played with toledo in the NAHL.

I think if 54 is the hawks earliest pick, they won't go goal...but if they get a any new picks that are earlier, they just might invest, even reach. Here are more of my obsessive written profiles on thse two. If you want to read on the first two goals, mention, click on their names on the site.

http://www.draftsite.com/...ayer/daniel-vladar/21685/

http://www.draftsite.com/...player/matej-tomek/21702/


Projecting if NHL teams are going to wait before the select goalies often depends upon if the simply feel the forwards & defenseman available are closer and less risky.

In 2011 I thought the Hawks might use the pick in slot #39 to select John Gibson and he eventually was selected 43rd overall by the ducks, and that hawks took ...Brandon Saad.
- wiz1901

A friend told me Blackwood was one of the top athletes in the combine.

Also expect Samsonov to drop, he hasn't indicated he has any interest in the NHL.

Sure TvR has room to improve, but what you see is what he has got, not hesitation, relunctance or excuses...
and i am not saying I don't like him, just that I at this point in my life, i don't hope for things that seem out of reach.
- wiz1901

TvR plays a relatively smart and simple game for a kid. He's also very composed for his age. He doesn't have high end physical skill but he should be a solid #5-6 if he can stay healthy. I think he especially has upside on the penalty kill.

Wiz, I have seen Matthew Spencer play a few times over the last season, he's a big defenseman who skates very well, he has a decent shot but a very quick release. He is also nasty both in open ice and in front of and behind the net. Any chance he can slide to the Hawks or more importantly do you think he'd be a fit with the Hawks.

Wiz, I have seen Matthew Spencer play a few times over the last season, he's a big defenseman who skates very well, he has a decent shot but a very quick release. He is also nasty both in open ice and in front of and behind the net. Any chance he can slide to the Hawks or more importantly do you think he'd be a fit with the Hawks.
- paulr

I know you're not asking me but I'm familiar with him and he'd be a great grab.

I get the concept but disagree on the name (Shaw) being included. I don't think you need anything to be included to get a 3rd or lower for Sharp, 4th or lower for Bickell.

I keep seeing Shaw's name and I think too many people think the next Shaw (Harrtman, Ross) is ready to go in RFD...my opinion but I don't agree.
- HawkintheD

I wouldn't "want" to move him... but if another team came along and said, shaw has to be in this deal... and the deal was right, i would take it. Shaw wouldnt be "untouchable" is all im saying. I'd rather him be here. I'd rather not have to replace him...

I mean do you really feel is would be untouchable to the hawks?

I know you're not asking me but I'm familiar with him and he'd be a great grab.
- Bjm84

Do you live in Ontario? I like him but I like a big physical defenseman who can skate. Not sure what the Hawks look for primarily in a defenseman?

I wouldn't "want" to move him... but if another team came along and said, shaw has to be in this deal... and the deal was right, i would take it. Shaw wouldnt be "untouchable" is all im saying. I'd rather him be here. I'd rather not have to replace him...

I mean do you really feel is would be untouchable to the hawks?
- gnosox1986

No player is untouchable but before you move him or anyone else you have to weigh the benefits and potential impact of moving him. As a role player Shaw is very valuable. Not many bottom six players can play all 3 forward positions, play the powerplay, are trusted in a shutdown role, have an nasty edge to their game and understand and relish their role. He'd be hard to replace.

They did but Desjardins never opened up to take a pass. But then Desjardins is a 4th liner for a reason. I was looking for something until I realized who was with him. Not knocking Desjardins but he is what he is.
- Elbows15

Yeah, it is realtively easy if the sound is on your Tv to hear their idea of what SHOULD have happen, when the pass should have been attempted.

If anyone thinks that it is easy in those microseconds to move your stick position (that indicates to all you just mayBE passing it over) and MAKE that pass, I don't, and I do know on the attack you take the shot if you think YOU (your ability over the 4th liner) is the best option. Unselfish passes to Desi will come another day...

Sure but again in TVR's case your talking about a guy who went out in Nov with a fractured patella.

I know the reports here from some were a guy who was playing tentatively. He was coming off that and I believe a fairly serious ankle injury so it's not that hard to see why there may have been hesitation.

As for what you're seeing now, had he been playing the whole season I would agree with the assertion that this is pretty much what you're going to get with some room for development.
- HawkintheD

How can anyone make an empirical decision about a rookie Dman based on 18 regular season games and 2 playoff games?

Sure TvR has room to improve, but what you see is what he has got, not hesitation, relunctance or excuses...
and i am not saying I don't like him, just that I at this point in my life, i don't hope for things that seem out of reach.
- wiz1901

You must be an extremely prescient judge of talent, making a determination on a rookie Dman with an 18 regular season game and two playoff game sample. PUHLEASE!

Wiz, I have seen Matthew Spencer play a few times over the last season, he's a big defenseman who skates very well, he has a decent shot but a very quick release. He is also nasty both in open ice and in front of and behind the net. Any chance he can slide to the Hawks or more importantly do you think he'd be a fit with the Hawks.
- paulr

Yeah over the course of the last month, he has drifted in and out of my 54th slot going to the Blackhawks. Right now i have him going 53rd overall to Calgary out of their reach.

Yeah have watched him on tape a lot.
I will even share w/o you having to use this link:
http://www.draftsite.com/...er/matthew-spencer/21034/
Great skater with strong puck handling ability and all around smarts. Nasty to play against and pounds the enemy relentlessly. Makes a solid first pass. Has a quick release. Strong on his pins and is willing to pinch in and then battle through defender after defender and make point of blowing them up. In his own zone he makes a point to explode in contact behind his net, and opposing forwards don’t like venturing into his side of the ice. Utilized his defensive partner when under pressure. May be an up and comer.

You guys do know I am trying to get the last of my written evals in my top 211 draft eligibles...between ready my notebook scribbles, my two finger typing and misspellings and the fact I have to search slot by slot to see who doesn't have a written profile, I could use all your help. Find and PM me with spelling and omissions, and somnebody spend big money to by me that fancy scouting template / grader for my cellphone?

I cant wait.


I wish the game was tonight but i know for our team the extra day off will help.

You must be an extremely prescient judge of talent, making a determination on a rookie Dman with an 18 regular season game and two playoff game sample. PUHLEASE!
- KingB

I may not Puhlease you, but the one thing that is hardwired in this Blackhawk fan:

I refuse to ever again pin my hopes dreams and future to "hoping" for upside.

Right now whomever we are talking about what I think about them is based on that sampling, and even repeat watching. (Sadly during the season I watched full games a second time especailly if I thought thinks caught my eye the first go.)

'KingB", you can convince yourself about the upside future of any hawk prospect, that is your right to an opinion.

...and I am not a visionary, but have had a bit of experience watching at various levels of this sport.
I don't watch OTHER sports.
(I do watch Bears and NFL championship runs)
But I never thought I had to answer to anyone, my writings are well documented, and all i have.

From what it sounds like Bickell shouldn't have been on the ice at all this series with his 'vertigo' problems.
- fattybeef

Vertigo sucks, A LOT

A friend told me Blackwood was one of the top athletes in the combine.

Also expect Samsonov to drop, he hasn't indicated he has any interest in the NHL.
- paulr

Yeah, this guy is a Andrei Vasilevskiy type and probably more techincally sound than Vasi was in his draft year.

He is as big and in international competition displays almost too much excellence, drawing comparisons to some of the bigger NHL goalies in terms and whether he wants a plane ticket across the pond NOW or later, he will / should go in the first round.

if he drifts into the second, team Wiz trades up to select him.
http://www.draftsite.com/...ayer/ilya-samsonov/22962/

Oh and i updated my top 90 players available for the 2016 Draft and ayet another quality group like this year far better again than 2014.

http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2016/

Hey, KingB, see if NHL.com or Hockeyfuyture or HockeyNews, or Corey Prohman have more than maybe TEN 2016 guys mentioned at this juncture. I pride myself in daring to make opinions, regardless of how many times I am "unPUHLEASE-ing...

Vertigo sucks, A LOT
- BlazinMike

Don't you get that AFTER a concussion?

I also thought it was funny when one of the three post broadcast talking heads almost revealed outright waht oduya's injury was, just caught himself.

If he were to sign in Chicago it would be for the polar opposite reason he signed in St. Louis. He made good money but had no chance at a cup in St. Louis while in Chicago he has a chance at the cup but no chance at good money.
- paulr

...and in Chicago has no chance to play the disciplined system the 'Hawks execute, in staying out of the box, positionally sound down low and pinching in on the rush.

Pass