Patrick Kane said he's been training with Ryan Hartman and Vinnie Hinostroza in Chicago this summer. #Blackhawks
- walleyeb1

I've not been a big fan so far, but I'm hoping Hinostroza can step up his game in his second season.

But just because sometimes some things need a more thorough deconstruction:

Tell me how many NHL players (in history) have won:

3 Cups
WJC Gold
Olympic Gold
Selke Trophy
Conn Smythe

I don't think Toews is better than Crosby. They are kind of different players. But even then . . . Sidney has made a statement the last couple of years without question.
But to say Toews is the most overrated player in history is, well, not supported by facts.

Unfortunately, a lot of what Toews has done in his career has not always shown up on the scoresheet.

To wit, when Mike Babcock was asked in 2010 who his besrt forward was on the Canadian Olympic Team (which won Gold), he said, point blank:

"Whoever's playing with Toews."

That's not an overrated player, that's really more like an underrated player. Granted that was 7 years ago when Toews was arguably at the peak of his game, not to mention 2015, when he took the Hawks on his back and basically carried them through the last two games of a Western Conference Final series they were losing.

I can name a LONG list of much more overrated players in NHL history, starting with OV.

Two subpar seasons notwithstanding, his body of work speaks for itself. And he's only 29, Ace.
- John Jaeckel

Frame this....

Finland vs. Sweden, World Junior Summer Showcase, August 5

@coreypronman
Finland's coach Ahokas says he thinks Henri Jokiharju (CHI) will be out "for a while" but not a season-ending injury.

@coreypronman
Tim Soderlund (CHI) wins it in OT, his 3rd point of game. His line with Steen (BOS) and Lundestrom (2018) were flying tonight.

He has 3 more Cups, and all of the aforementioned team and individual accolades, that the Great Ryan Johansen doesn't have.

And he's 29.

Sometimes, if you're wondering whether people think you're dumb or not, it's best to not open your mouth and thereby remove all doubt.
- John Jaeckel

Could be the greatest/wisest line of all-time!!

@ByScottPowers Aug 4
Maxim Shalunov is still in the #Blackhawks' plans for the future. How soon he could arrive is to be determined.

https://theathletic.com/8...or-maxim-shalunov-in-khl/

Finland vs. Sweden, World Junior Summer Showcase, August 5

@coreypronman
Finland's coach Ahokas says he thinks Henri Jokiharju (CHI) will be out "for a while" but not a season-ending injury.

@coreypronman
Tim Soderlund (CHI) wins it in OT, his 3rd point of game. His line with Steen (BOS) and Lundestrom (2018) were flying tonight.
- AEL_Fox

Saw some of the game with Finland, didn't see Henri (he's not going to be here that soon, so I don't have to learn to spell that name yet), I guess that's why.

Soderlund can skate, will be interesting to watch his development.

Saw some of the game with Finland, didn't see Henri (he's not going to be here that soon, so I don't have to learn to spell that name yet), I guess that's why.

Soderlund can skate, will be interesting to watch his development.
- vabeachbear

Jokiharju was injured against USA so he didn´t play against Sweden. It was a knee injury and it´s believed that he is good to go at camp.

Speaking of Finnish dman Joni Tuulola signed two year contract with Vaasan Sport of FEL because he wasn´t happy about his role in HPK. Sport and HPK faced in preseason tournament which Sport won 5-2 and Joni was on fire against his former team with 3+1.

@ByScottPowers Aug 4
Maxim Shalunov is still in the #Blackhawks' plans for the future. How soon he could arrive is to be determined.

https://theathletic.com/8...or-maxim-shalunov-in-khl/
- AEL_Fox

I am sure they will. But with Panarin moved on, the incentive to come to us has probably dropped down a notch. I am sure Panarin wasn't the ONLY reason he would consider signing with the Hawks, but I am equally sure it was a nice enticement!

I've not been a big fan so far, but I'm hoping Hinostroza can step up his game in his second season.
- DarthKane

Not even sure he makes the team starting the season, just good to see them working out together in the offseason.

I am sure they will. But with Panarin moved on, the incentive to come to us has probably dropped down a notch. I am sure Panarin wasn't the ONLY reason he would consider signing with the Hawks, but I am equally sure it was a nice enticement!


- hawk35

Knowing how the Blackhawks like to have fellow countrymen on the team to ease transitions, if it looks likely they bring Shalunov over soon, I wonder if that means they try to hold on to AA.

I've not been a big fan so far, but I'm hoping Hinostroza can step up his game in his second season.
- DarthKane

Shout-out to Vinnie and Kane for participating in the Special Olympics event yesterday, and helping to raise over $120,000.

Eklund rumor on the homepage so take it FWIW: Flyers would send Sanheim + 3rd rounder to Habs for Pacioretty. If Bowman could somehow keep the team cap compliant, would any of you trade one of our top prospects + 3rd rounder for Pacioretty to play LW with Kane? Of course, depends on the prospect.
- AEL_Fox

What is Montreal doing? Youth movement? I'd love for the Hawks to get Pac but if they had a Sanhem-type of player, they'd probably keep him. If that is really the asking price though, maybe there is something the Blackhawks can do to get him.

As far as I know no one has hit upon the following thought I just had (I read all or most of the pages in each of JJ blogs):

Bowman has set his defense up essentially with two heady, capable veterans and a lot of youth. Perhaps one veteran will eventually land on this blue line, but I doubt Rozival plays again.

So......forget about whether Keith or Seabrook is traded for one more season. After next season, you can re -examine either of our two older dmen being moved. But for at least one year and with Samuelson around to coach all the prospects and young guys (Murphy), at some point one or more prospect is going to play alongside either Keith or Seabrook. Because Bowman and Q want to see how far along and how good might a certain prospect look on a top pair.

Your top prospects on defense eventually need to play with a veteran partner. They need a solid partner to help assure their own game can be good. Confidance in sports is a big thing. A young dman gets to the next step in development, perhaps, when he plays on a top pair.

You trade Keith or Seabrook, btw, and with what is left on the blueline this season is not going to be good enough to allow the team to make playoffs.

Eventually the biggest contract goes. Is that Seabrook among dmen? Regardless whose contract is highest, I would choose to eventually move Seabrook ahead of Keith. For one reason: If you want any kind of descent return, do not wait to trade Seabrook after he has become a stride or two slower.

Maybe by trade deadline two years from now Seabrook might go. For What? Much less than you thought or some team badly needs a veteran like Seabs down the stretch and pays a nice bounty?

I cannot gaze into the crystal ball and project which of our elder dmen gets traded. But not for one year are they changing zip codes.

What is Montreal doing? Youth movement? I'd love for the Hawks to get Pac but if they had a Sanhem-type of player, they'd probably keep him. If that is really the asking price though, maybe there is something the Blackhawks can do to get him.
- matt_ahrens

Here are a fee things of relevance which have become known and perhaps in Montreal sports talk this is all the rage:

* Bergevin is under a lot of pressure to win and to get farther in playoffs
* Does Montreal still retain overall too small a lineup? Adding fringe players whom play small TOI means you still field a small line up
* They lack a true star top line? Unless Drouin can be the man because Galyenchuk probably is nit the answer. And Radulov loss hurts. Paciorety is the wrong player to move but something has to go of value if Bergevin retool
* They have a couple of prospects they like, albeit Bergevin may have lost a main piece in the future on defense with the Tampa trade
* isn't Montreal up tight against the cap? Or was but who knows after last few moves by Bergevin
* Some believe you can win a Cup with average goaltending. They site old Detroit success in that way. But you can maybe steal a Cup with a good, yet not really good team which has Price in net

Knowing how the Blackhawks like to have fellow countrymen on the team to ease transitions, if it looks likely they bring Shalunov over soon, I wonder if that means they try to hold on to AA.
- matt_ahrens

Really now I think the excitement and courting a love affair with the next big potential star in Shulanov is like wearing blinders. Or how well you can see and judge when driving on a really sunny day and not wearing some sort of sun blocking shades.

Bowman is not going to rush a prospect. Shulanov is an attractive player whom is closer to the NHL than ever. He is NOT ready and who knows if ever he steps in to perform a la Panarin.

I kind of doubt Shulanov has the correct mental approach. But should the KHL teeter financially speaking and should Shulanov work on his overall game, he would be closer to the NHL. I am fairly certain I am correct on this, although anyone who watches and not merely reads about Shulanov exploits can explain if I am in error

Jokiharju was injured against USA so he didn´t play against Sweden. It was a knee injury and it´s believed that he is good to go at camp.

Speaking of Finnish dman Joni Tuulola signed two year contract with Vaasan Sport of FEL because he wasn´t happy about his role in HPK. Sport and HPK faced in preseason tournament which Sport won 5-2 and Joni was on fire against his former team with 3+1.
- MjulQvist

Tuulola has flown under my radar. I know he is a skill player but I assumed that he would probably need to play pro in Sweden and or one year in Rockford. He might just be a very good prospect. How much does he want to eventually land in the NHL?

I do not have an answer for that. But IMHO I can say that as far as his transition to North America ...,,,Swedish meatball frozen dinners aren't too good but the Swedish cinnamon rolls at Ann Sathers are delicious and sell well/popular

I've not been a big fan so far, but I'm hoping Hinostroza can step up his game in his second season.
- DarthKane

Perhaps he may find a niche as a player whom coach trusts to play well when moved from bottom lines to a top line. Perhaps is emphasized. Can he become a top six player? Not next season. If ever, I would bet against it happening. Btw how good a shot and how good a finisher is he?

http://www.thehockeynews....-look-like-in-three-years

The Hockey News has a series where they're predicting what each team's lineup may look like in 2020-21. Here's what they project for the Blackhawks:

Saad - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Schmaltz - Hartman
Fortin - Anisimov - Sikura
Hayden - Kero - Bondra

Keith - Murphy
Forsling - Seabrook
Carlsson - Snuggerud

Crawford
Forsberg

Notable subtractions: Panik, Kempny
Assumption that Sharp retires by then

Knowing how the Blackhawks like to have fellow countrymen on the team to ease transitions, if it looks likely they bring Shalunov over soon, I wonder if that means they try to hold on to AA.
- matt_ahrens

I think they will hold on to AA regardless of what Shalunov does, or doesn't do.

Tuulola has flown under my radar. I know he is a skill player but I assumed that he would probably need to play pro in Sweden and or one year in Rockford. He might just be a very good prospect. How much does he want to eventually land in the NHL?

I do not have an answer for that. But IMHO I can say that as far as his transition to North America ...,,,Swedish meatball frozen dinners aren't too good but the Swedish cinnamon rolls at Ann Sathers are delicious and sell well/popular
- jhawk59

Fool me once..shame on you. Tuulola is from Finland not Sweden.

Fool me once..shame on you. Tuulola is from Finland not Sweden.
- MjulQvist

My bad. So many dmen from Sweden have been drafted by Chicago. I needed a proofreader: thank you. Btw I really appreciate and am glad for your input on prospects from Finland.

I bet he would think the same way on the food I mentioned

I think they will hold on to AA regardless of what Shalunov does, or doesn't do.
- Ogilthorpe2

I know that a team only has a certain # of players whom can be under contract each year. This applies to the # in the organization. So minor league contracts count. The # is around 50. Sometimes a player is moved just so a newbie can be signed. Late last season (February maybe?) Chicago made a trade with LA whereas we opened up a couple slots. There was a career minor leaguer, Rockford leading scorer, dealt to the Kings farm club. Bowman earlier recalled him for one game and he played a few shifts, then no ice after that in the game (As I recall, which i believe a game report shows). The player is a center or forward and played for Toronto's farm club the previous season. He also had an earlier stint with Rockford a couple or so years ago. Strictly an offensive player with good skating and good shot. Bowman decided, however, this player was not NHL calibre.

I still love Danny Roan - he of the 'there are only 20,000 Hawk fans in Chicago and no one else cares about them' (paraphrased...) in the 80's to being all over them now - pathetic, and guys that were fans in the 80's probably remember dismissive attitudes like that.

Although my favorite sportscaster fail (another Chicago guy at the time - but working for ESPN), was doing a Canucks-Wings game (this was back when Bure was on the Nucks) - and made the comment 'could this be a preview of the SCF?' At the time Detroit was in the Western Conference ... so it was like - um, yeh ... no.
- steve-hist-sdc

All of this. Guy is a front running hypocrit.

Finland vs. Sweden, World Junior Summer Showcase, August 5

@coreypronman
Finland's coach Ahokas says he thinks Henri Jokiharju (CHI) will be out "for a while" but not a season-ending injury.

@coreypronman
Tim Soderlund (CHI) wins it in OT, his 3rd point of game. His line with Steen (BOS) and Lundestrom (2018) were flying tonight.
- AEL_Fox

Took the ride and saw the best each country had to offer at this age group, for the most part. The above line was indeed damn good and effective despite not being littered with blue chippers like the other lines. Soderland (4th rd), Steen (6th rd) and Lundstrom (2018 draft eligible who Wiz has going to the Hawks at 27 of the 1st round in his mock draft). Line played all 3 zones and was dangerous. Q would have called all 3 players predictable.

Soderland in the 4th round looks like a solid pick. Kid played low, very strong on his skates and edges, high octane all the time, tons of compete and speed, seemed positionally sound, never floated, was assertive and as witnessed by his game winning rocket blast in OT has a helluva shot and release. ..........

Can only assume he slipped to the 4th round due to his size listed at 5ft 9 in 163lbs. As a reference he would skate a circle around DeBrincat and plays much much bigger. Dcat may have top 6 potential but Soderland has a much better chance of playing bottom 6 for 10 yrs than Dcat does top 6 for 10 yrs. .... In a tournament littered with the best players on earth at this age your eyes found themselves on this kid. Being a 4th rounder that's a good thing. From only the two viewings of Soderland I agree with every word of this evaluation: http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=188028

Hawk 4th rd, 7 picks after Soderland, Dman Roope Laavainen (FIN) played a gritty style. Average skater, good size didn't show an offensive side. Blended in for the most part.

Hawks only had 2 players at this tournament IMO as a result of drafting so low the last 2 yrs. Until they start drafting top 15 it's a tough go as far as the draft. Gonna have to find a couple Saad's in the 2nd rounds and Soderland types in the lower rounds.

The Rasmus Dahlin kid will go first next yr IMO. Have seen the beast Svechnikov play for Muskegon 4-5 times live and thought there can't be many, if any, players on earth at his age better but Dahlin is in his class and plays defense. Dahlin looks as close to Lidstrom as I have seen in style, smoothness, effortless stride and poise. Kid looks like a generational player.

Jokiharju was injured against USA so he didn´t play against Sweden. It was a knee injury and it´s believed that he is good to go at camp.

Speaking of Finnish dman Joni Tuulola signed two year contract with Vaasan Sport of FEL because he wasn´t happy about his role in HPK. Sport and HPK faced in preseason tournament which Sport won 5-2 and Joni was on fire against his former team with 3+1.
- MjulQvist

Have you seen much of Hawk 4th rounder Roope Laavainen? If so do you have a thought on him?