Should have traded Debrincat at the draft when his value was high. A small & lazy winger with not much heart.

But the Bowman twins are better suited for the Circus than the GM position.
Likely anoth 1st rd exit or miss the Playoffs with this mess. Poor coach Q.


Bring back Tallon after this year.

Toews making the rounds with the Canadian press today.

http://www.cp24.com/video....395214&playlistPageNum=1

http://globalnews.ca/vide...s-on-the-nhls-olympic-ban

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...ng-forward-reunited-saad/

http://www.bttoronto.ca/v...ws-started-playing-hockey

You can all now debate for pages whether he is taking the offseason seriously enough, feels badly enough about the two first round exits, and whether he looks healthier. You're welcome.
- pdx2ord

How dare Toews spend anytime anywhere other than the fitness center from the day we were eliminated from the playoffs until the day training camp opens!!!! He just does not care anymore. (sarcasm)

Should have traded Debrincat at the draft when his value was high. A small & lazy winger with not much heart.

But the Bowman twins are better suited for the Circus than the GM position.
Likely anoth 1st rd exit or miss the Playoffs with this mess. Poor coach Q.


Bring back Tallon after this year.
- Goalie-33

Because he has won so many playoff series and stanley cups in Florida!!

I'd also like to commend your timing on the new blog because the conversation went in a real bad(political) direction on the old one last night.
- JRoenick97

I wasn't any part of that discussion in the last blog, but it is very clear that it is becoming impossible to NOT comment when you feel the country you have loved has become undignified.

For sometime now, there are young programmers in Macedonia being paid to flood the web with what can be best described as a fire hose...massive stories of untruth one after another. The accusations/accounts have little truth but they service a purpose:
to confuse you, me, and usually either the right or left, so that normal folk start to shut done and stop listening and take the opinion of it is out of my hands, there all the same, or simply shutdown and refuse to allow their minds to have room for any change in what they "believe." The old fringes have been folded into the new center. The irrational has become respectable and often unstoppable.

But back to amateur hockey and becoming a good pro.

I actually think there are few "poor" skaters, and the skating like every other facet that makes up an NHL pro comes at high to elite skill levels
Granted, we hear at the draft how "you can teach a fast skilled guy the defensive side..."
But I always seem to see so many 17 and 18 years old that stand out to me, based on their desire TO make plays step up, and dig in. If they already have terrific presence and understanding of their position then, and continue working they many times don't disappoint.

Like so many of us, we and others are given high end gifts and simply haven't got the come uppings to follow through and do the work in those crucial years when it is necessary TO become your best.

I think everything written in the blog here and in the comments just points to how many different factors go into individual NHL success and how some scouting can get it wrong as much as they get it right.

There isn't an exact formula and I think the biggest difference is the sheer willpower of the guys who want it. Junior scoring may not be a sure thing, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have a consistent track record for scoring and some of the confidence that can come with it. DeBincat may or may not pan out, but I like the fact that he has gotten it done so far without being bigger or faster. He will face tougher competition as his career moves along, but strength/speed/size are not what have set him apart in junior, so maybe he can think the game well enough to be an NHL player in the next few seasons.

I would love to see the Hawks add someone or promote a youngster with some of the fearless streak of a Shaw or Kruger. Not the biggest/strongest guys, but willing to pay the price over and over to get results.

I'm glad that the Hawks FO is always looking to add prospects to the system. They know they don't have the best draft positioning and they go out and get players from other sources as much as possible. More irons in the fire and they haven't been afraid to trade or move on from someone who they don't feel is a fit.
- breadbag

Drafting /Signing NHL players is not that much different than recruiting and hiring skilled people in your business. You can do all the research, background checks and interviews you want but your success rate will be far below 100%. There are so many factors that come into play.

As they say in investing "Past Performance Is No Guarantee of Future Results"

A very informative, and entertaining write-up there JJ. Many of the names you mentioned, good and bad, really brought me back. Beach, Makarov, Morin, McNeil, Olsen, Terravainen, Yakabov, Barker....the list goes on.
But, it takes 10...20...30 of them to find a Kane, or a Toews, or a Keith....

We all love our prospects, because like holding a lottery ticket, it gives us hope and a chance to dream.

Now, the latest.....to hope Debrincat turn into something closer to Patty Kane than into Terravainen. Somewhere half way in between would be acceptable to most I think!!!

Thanks John, really enjoyed the read!

Should have traded Debrincat at the draft when his value was high. A small & lazy winger with not much heart.

But the Bowman twins are better suited for the Circus than the GM position.
Likely anoth 1st rd exit or miss the Playoffs with this mess. Poor coach Q.


Bring back Tallon after this year.
- Goalie-33

Why wait? Bring back Uncle Dale NOW!!!!

Should have traded Debrincat at the draft when his value was high. A small & lazy winger with not much heart.

But the Bowman twins are better suited for the Circus than the GM position.
Likely anoth 1st rd exit or miss the Playoffs with this mess. Poor coach Q.


Bring back Tallon after this year.
- Goalie-33

DeBrincat may not end up being an NHL player, time will tell, but you're wrong when you accuse him of not having much heart. He has deficiencies but heart isn't one of them.

A full list of players whose rights will expire next week. Several of the names listed have already signed minor league contracts with various organizations for next year, and will be excluded from the list below.

https://www.prohockeyrumo...ng-ncaa-draft-rights.html

All I have for now,

Biggest understatement ever... you gave us enough wisdom and insight that you can take the next month off!

Should have traded Debrincat at the draft when his value was high. A small & lazy winger with not much heart.

But the Bowman twins are better suited for the Circus than the GM position.
Likely anoth 1st rd exit or miss the Playoffs with this mess. Poor coach Q.


Bring back Tallon after this year.
- Goalie-33

I am still hard headed in saying that Debrincat is going tobe used in a trade to get either another top 6 winger or a top 3D man as soon as Bowmangets a good offer when he has Hossa's deal straightened out. Sooner than that, How we looking on Garth Butcher? Tuesday is F A day, right? He's not signing with the Lanche, right?

I am still hard headed in saying that Debrincat is going tobe used in a trade to get either another top 6 winger or a top 3D man as soon as Bowmangets a good offer when he has Hossa's deal straightened out. Sooner than that, How we looking on Garth Butcher? Tuesday is F A day, right? He's not signing with the Lanche, right?
- wonthecup10

Was hoping to find some intel on Butcher here. Unusually quiet re where he's headed. With the last few college free agents (i.e. Vesey) there was plenty of chatter ahead of 8/15.

Was hoping to find some intel on Butcher here. Unusually quiet re where he's headed. With the last few college free agents (i.e. Vesey) there was plenty of chatter ahead of 8/15.
- Marlowe

Vesey was kind of a bigger deal - it was almost certain he was ready for the NHL, at least in a bottom 6 role, while Butcher may need a little more development time, not uncommon since d-men develop a bit slower.

Kerfoot is the only other NCAA FA not signing with his original team that has gotten some notice. Also not a Hayes or Vesey, but Kerfoot supposedly could challenge for a roster spot on teams with so-so center depth.

Endeavor to persevere.

Vesey was kind of a bigger deal - it was almost certain he was ready for the NHL, at least in a bottom 6 role, while Butcher may need a little more development time, not uncommon since d-men develop a bit slower.

Kerfoot is the only other NCAA FA not signing with his original team that has gotten some notice. Also not a Hayes or Vesey, but Kerfoot supposedly could challenge for a roster spot on teams with so-so center depth.
- L_B_R

I think Kerfoot will be teammates with Hayes and Vesey in a few days

Your comments and those from others about how much heart DeBrincat has take on a whole new meaning this year.

The success and not the capability is going to be looked at differently, at least in the early part of th e season. No longer is Hossa shutting down their attack. No longer is there even just the confidance if a third defenseman who has been there, done that SO what less do you think is expected from your top players?

Oh, but Bowman expects a lot, you are thinking. Really. More like, hopes for much success. That could happen if they advance to second playoff round although duplicating as many regular season points not something I would expect.

So just whom lines up in the bottom six and defensemen #4 - #7 could be very experimental

Remember we are waiting with baited breath what version and for stretches of how long does our captain show up. So inevitably from what could be a substantial list of capable prospects- each with strengths and weaknesses- there is line juggling extraordinarily extracted out of the mish mash Q will operate from. Hence Fortin, DeBrincat, Louis, Baun and others get a look. There may be even greater numbers qualifying for a few games trial on defense.

It is a promising situation to have many candidates among forwards and defenseman and it is definitely good that Ulf Samuelson has a big input in the direction many prospects take.

I am just very scared about whether the big investment in Toews pays and plays out well. We may need more players with heart than top end skill with Hossa and Hjalmarsson gone.

Change is not a harbinger of good things when it comes to prospects as far as Q's trust in playing the young guys. That said, he is given what he is given and I do not believe he has power to go above Bowman and complain about the quality of younger vs veterans being added or subtracted as the season moves forward.

I totally buy into Stan will find a measure of success or failure apart from Q even attempting a whisper of a powerplay in McDonough's office. The line in the sand was drawn after Dineen laid out the blame game. Beside, there is this thing called salary cap and it is a given that there are a lot of kids whom could merit a Cup if coffee throughout the season. So much so. In fact, that Rozival better not suit up and please do not waste a future pick on a veteran.

Give all the kids a look when an i jury or poor play occurs. Pokka, Dahlgren yes. But see if they deserve a second look based on how well they do initially. Svedberg, however, is an emergency usage guy - too slow- and then if he even sticks in the organization after camp.

The only positive thing about turning more to youth this season, is that I believe there is enough ability and desire among the kids. Job openings exist but it may just be how much heart more than skill wins out. Can Q figure things out. Can some kids. It matters most in the playoffs. Might be this team next spring struggles to make it to the second season within a season. If they play Nashville in round one we are in trouble. Even if we have more heart this time._

I am still hard headed in saying that Debrincat is going tobe used in a trade to get either another top 6 winger or a top 3D man as soon as Bowmangets a good offer when he has Hossa's deal straightened out. Sooner than that, How we looking on Garth Butcher? Tuesday is F A day, right? He's not signing with the Lanche, right?
- wonthecup10

I question how good a top six player you get no matter how many players or picks on either side is included in a deal for the kind of prospect DeBrincat is. Now if there is a veteran on the down side of his career and he takes in big dollars, then.....yes then a rival GM may decide DeBrincat is worth the gamble.

But most GM are probably wary of DeBrincat. Would love to have him and see how he turns out. But to trade for him NOW - no way. He has to first show how well he could do and if the size speed is not a destructive handicap. What would you trade to get DeBrincat ? Do you like to roll the dice?

I do surmise that additoon of a depth veteran who plays over a kid is not much of an advantage. Does not make a significant change in the success of the team overall. So I would look more at Bowman trying to acquire a top end player who is closer, not farther away in both salary and skill to Hossa

Vesey was kind of a bigger deal - it was almost certain he was ready for the NHL, at least in a bottom 6 role, while Butcher may need a little more development time, not uncommon since d-men develop a bit slower.

Kerfoot is the only other NCAA FA not signing with his original team that has gotten some notice. Also not a Hayes or Vesey, but Kerfoot supposedly could challenge for a roster spot on teams with so-so center depth.
- L_B_R

Never a bad idea to send most of these wet behind the ears college boys to the AHL to learn the pro game, especially defenceman. The NHL and its CBA has created illusions and expectations that the logical next step for NCAA guys is the best league in the world. 99% aren't ready and most of those won't get a sniff of the big time because they simply aren't good enough.

For the DeBrincat naysayers on here, how many of you had watched him practice or do drills prior to this camp? Point being, there are guys scattered all over the league that are gamers. They blend in during practice/drills and go beast mode when it's all on the line. Wiz, can you comment on this as well?

I used to go to Icehog practices awhile back which was the one year when Bolland was there. Had incredible OHL numbers and was a huge asswipe too with countless PIM. I remember reading about him and was excited to see this all-around player get his taste of AHL. At practice, he was one of the worst guys out there. Wasn't fast, careless in drills, lackluster defense in scrimmages, etc. Then game time came and he was a warrior skating all over the ice with his hair on fire. He was a true gamer, who often times have either natural talent or a huge heart or both.

Excited to see ADB in Rockford and see how his game translates. My expectations aren't like they were mistakenly with TT and being the next Kane. That's not fair. When you watch him on film in games, all of those negatives everyone pointed out from camp were not evident and thus the gamer theory. We'll see how the cookie crumbles eh?!

Any news on fa invites to camp at either main camp or the ahl? Still lots of talent out there.

JJ are you suggesting that the OHL is not an "elite" developmental league? Your suggestion would also have to apply to the equal WHL and QMJHL. I'll "explain" for you that these in fact are "elite" developmental leagues. It is irrelevant whether there are many players without the combination of attributes that allow them to become NHL players. It is also irrelevant if there are players who prove to be disappointments. There are disappointments in every sport including hockey. It is trite knowledge that sometimes the statistics achieved at the developmental level don't translate at the NHL level. There can be a myriad of reasons for this. There is never a sure thing until a player actually succeeds. So what? This is not some great revelation? Additionally, it doesn't become so simply because you repeatedly write about it or make the posts lengthy.

Quite frankly I read your blog for rumours not for hockey analysis. So do many others. Whether this is a good use of my time is debatable as you had absolutely no intel concerning either the Hammer or Saad trades, although you supposedly have solid, dependable Chicago connections. These were massive trades and you had...nothing. I also follow people like the very well respected Elliotte Friedman and Bob McKenzie. Elliotte Friedman broke these stories for me.

Exhibit some humility. Don't be arrogant. There isn't anything about hockey that you could "explain" to me or many others. What makes you think you are so knowledgable, so insightful that you are in a position to "explain" issues at all let alone to other people, who possess more knowledge, more insight than you. This is the definition of arrogance. Having a Hockey Blog simply means you have a Hockey Blog. It doesn't mean you immediately became superior. There are some Bloggers blogging about the Blackhawks and the NHL whose hockey knowledge could fit in a thimble. For heaven's sake Eklund, who hosts you, has absolutely no respect in the hockey community.

I have read your debates with people who question you and you get very defensive, insulting and obstinate. You try to insult them and belittle them using your position of Blogger. This is ridiculous behaviour and shouldn't be seen on an "elite" Hockey Blog.

In regard to Debrincat or ANY prospect currently in the Hawks organization, if there is a trade to be made for a guy like Trouba, it is a no-brainer. I would trade the Hawks 1st and Debrincat for Trouba without hesitation. Trouba signs for $5.5mil x 4 years and then he can get a big paycheck when he is still under 30 ( unrealistic, but stranger things have happened). Adding both Murphy and Trouba to this defense core makes the Hawks A LOT younger and NASTIER. Murphy likes to lay the body and Trouba plays the game with an even bigger edge. Trouba wants out of Winnipeg, and if I'm Bowman, I'm calling former colleague Kevin Chevy EVERY DANG DAY to get that guy on the Hawks. We can dream, right??

I am still hard headed in saying that Debrincat is going tobe used in a trade to get either another top 6 winger or a top 3D man as soon as Bowmangets a good offer when he has Hossa's deal straightened out. Sooner than that, How we looking on Garth Butcher? Tuesday is F A day, right? He's not signing with the Lanche, right?
- wonthecup10

I'm cautiously optimistic on Debrincat, but a Top 4 Dman will ALWAYS be more important than a offense-only, undersized skill winger (with very few exceptions like #88). The Blackhawks have arguably the best sub-5'11" 180lb Offensive Winger in NHL History, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. Schmaltz has Top 6 Skill and looked just fine on Toews' LW last year. I would trade the entire farm for a Top 4 Dman under 25 with a cost-controlled contract. I am very concerned with Kempny at 4D, and the 3rd pair.....

In regard to Debrincat or ANY prospect currently in the Hawks organization, if there is a trade to be made for a guy like Trouba, it is a no-brainer. I would trade the Hawks 1st and Debrincat for Trouba without hesitation. Trouba signs for $5.5mil x 4 years and then he can get a big paycheck when he is still under 30 ( unrealistic, but stranger things have happened). Adding both Murphy and Trouba to this defense core makes the Hawks A LOT younger and NASTIER. Murphy likes to lay the body and Trouba plays the game with an even bigger edge. Trouba wants out of Winnipeg, and if I'm Bowman, I'm calling former colleague Kevin Chevy EVERY DANG DAY to get that guy on the Hawks. We can dream, right??
- EnzoD

Trouba had a huge improvement in his game last season. I wasn't sold on the guy a year ago but he was impressive after signing his contract. I think it would take more than a first and Debrincat to get Trouba, still, he's worth a high price.

However, if I'm Chevy I would look to re-sign Trouba long term. Big Buff is great but he is getting older. Myers is a guy that might not be re-signed, same goes for Enstrom. The Jets need Trouba.

In regard to Debrincat or ANY prospect currently in the Hawks organization, if there is a trade to be made for a guy like Trouba, it is a no-brainer. I would trade the Hawks 1st and Debrincat for Trouba without hesitation. Trouba signs for $5.5mil x 4 years and then he can get a big paycheck when he is still under 30 ( unrealistic, but stranger things have happened). Adding both Murphy and Trouba to this defense core makes the Hawks A LOT younger and NASTIER. Murphy likes to lay the body and Trouba plays the game with an even bigger edge. Trouba wants out of Winnipeg, and if I'm Bowman, I'm calling former colleague Kevin Chevy EVERY DANG DAY to get that guy on the Hawks. We can dream, right??
- EnzoD

Good luck with that one, you'd have to catch Chevy on a bad drunk.