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.
- Z3Hawk

I would suggest you do not read the blog in the future. JJ is the best blogger on HB followed closely by Bill Meltzer. You may take your negativity and leave anytime. You are implying things JJ did not say and you obviously are posting to stir, goodbye buddy.

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.
- Z3Hawk

wtf

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.
- DarthKane

I think Chevy wants to re-sign Trouba, but all reports out of Winnipeg seem to indicate there is bad blood there and Trouba wants to play elsewhere. Within reason, I'd pay whatever the Jets want to acquire Trouba. That would obviously be contingent upon a contract extension that works with the Hawks' Salary Cap. He is due to make $2.8 mil this year so I think it would be realistic for him to sign a 4yr $5.5mil contract with a contending team. Hawks immediately become a LEGIT Cup Contender adding Trouba, IMO. The kid is 23 years old now, so a 4 year contract lets him become a UFA at age 27/28 where he can cash in big time. It's a pipe dream, but the kind of move I'd hope Bowman is aggressively pursuing. We all want Kempny, Forsling and Rutta to suceed as Hawks' fans, but the reality is there may not be a Cup-aspiring Defense Group in the NHL with less depth than the Hawks. Finding NHL quality Defense depth is priority 1, 2, & 3 IMO.

I would suggest you do not read the blog in the future. JJ is the best blogger on HB followed closely by Bill Meltzer. You may take your negativity and leave anytime. You are implying things JJ did not say and you obviously are posting to stir, goodbye buddy.
- joegreif17

I kind of liked the part where said "Exhibit some humility. Don't be arrogant." while his entire post did the opposite.

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

LOL Debrincat and a 1st as a starting point and add a guy like Forsling or another 1st if you want. 33 points in 60 games and the dude plays a MEAN style of defense at 6'3" 210lbs. He was a very positive impact player for a bad Jets team last year and it's clear he has no intention of signing in Winnipeg when his contract expires after this year. Somebody is going to trade for Trouba, why not the Hawks??

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 saw Kerfoot play in the BCHL before he went off to college. I'm sure he'll land an NHL opportunity in short order.

LOL Debrincat and a 1st as a starting point and add a guy like Forsling or another 1st if you want. 33 points in 60 games and the dude plays a MEAN style of defense at 6'3" 210lbs. He was a very positive impact player for a bad Jets team last year and it's clear he has no intention of signing in Winnipeg when his contract expires after this year. Somebody is going to trade for Trouba, why not the Hawks??
- EnzoD

I know he was just acquired, but assuming the Jets are looking to trade Trouba the. Murphy (plus more) would be the type of cost controlled defenseman the Jets would want.

I know he was just acquired, but assuming the Jets are looking to trade Trouba the. Murphy (plus more) would be the type of cost controlled defenseman the Jets would want.
- DarthKane

Possibly, but that would be a lateral move for the Hawks, and I'd guess it's not something Bowman would be willing to do considering the price he paid to acquire Murphy.

Possibly, but that would be a lateral move for the Hawks, and I'd guess it's not something Bowman would be willing to do considering the price he paid to acquire Murphy.
- EnzoD

It's not all that lateral - Trouba is a more proven, successful d-man than Murphy at this point and is a year younger. The difference is the contract as Murphy is cheaper for longer. In any case, if the Jets were looking to move Trouba, their first ask would be for at least a partially established d-man back, like Murphy, and then add from there imo. Even if there is bad blood between Trouba and Chevy, which I thought was cleared up when they finally said Trouba could play on his correct side, the Jets still aren't going to give him away without getting back what they need most, which is d-men.

Idk I just think it's highly unlikely that Chevy would move a young legit top 4 d-man for a low 1st and some combination of unproven d-prospect (Forsling) and even more unproven forward prospect (Debrincat). Especially to a divisional rival. Colorado was rumored to have offered Barrie+1st/high 2nd+high prospect(s) for Trouba at one point and it was rejected. Idk.

I'd love Trouba but it seems to be one of the more unlikely things to happen.

I think Kerfoot will be teammates with Hayes and Vesey in a few days
- jimbro83

Totally possible. Rangers have meh center depth so Kerfoot would have ample opportunity to make their roster.

Apparently, some of the racist anti-Semitic white nationalists (I don't believe in political correctness either) parading in Charlottesville were carrying posters showing a slightly altered (spokes) Winged Wheel, possibly the meme of a Michigan group called the Right Wings:

http://www.freep.com/stor...harlottesville/562000001/

DeBrincat hype is a WASTE of time. He IS NOT...repeat NOT going to be the second coming of Kane simply because he isn't able. It is another clear case of a big fish in a small pond...putting a marlin like Alex in a tank full of sharks like NHL players and they will eat him up for breakfast. Size DOES matter when you aren't as quick as lightning...as for your comment on Teuvo...he will NEVER be a star player either...I ranted and raved about how many times he fell at the HINT of an upcoming check...glad he was shipped out of town...

LOL Debrincat and a 1st as a starting point and add a guy like Forsling or another 1st if you want. 33 points in 60 games and the dude plays a MEAN style of defense at 6'3" 210lbs. He was a very positive impact player for a bad Jets team last year and it's clear he has no intention of signing in Winnipeg when his contract expires after this year. Somebody is going to trade for Trouba, why not the Hawks??
- EnzoD

I like your idea...ship out Debrincat BEFORE everyone learns he won't be a star...

It's not all that lateral - Trouba is a more proven, successful d-man than Murphy at this point and is a year younger. The difference is the contract as Murphy is cheaper for longer. In any case, if the Jets were looking to move Trouba, their first ask would be for at least a partially established d-man back, like Murphy, and then add from there imo. Even if there is bad blood between Trouba and Chevy, which I thought was cleared up when they finally said Trouba could play on his correct side, the Jets still aren't going to give him away without getting back what they need most, which is d-men.

Idk I just think it's highly unlikely that Chevy would move a young legit top 4 d-man for a low 1st and some combination of unproven d-prospect (Forsling) and even more unproven forward prospect (Debrincat). Especially to a divisional rival. Colorado was rumored to have offered Barrie+1st/high 2nd+high prospect(s) for Trouba at one point and it was rejected. Idk.

I'd love Trouba but it seems to be one of the more unlikely things to happen.
- L_B_R

It's lateral, IMO, bc the entire point is to add to a razor-thin depth of NHL defense-man currently on the Blackhawks roster. I'd agree that Trouba is the more proven player, but that is irrelevant to my post as the ultimate goal is to add another legit NHL Dman without removing one of the 3 on the roster. If Trouba has not been extended by the Trade Deadline, a package along the lines of 1st Round Pick, Debrincat and Forsling is not so unrealistic when Winnipeg could stand to lose him for nothing next summer.

Apparently, some of the racist anti-Semitic white nationalists (I don't believe in political correctness either) parading in Charlottesville were carrying posters showing a slightly altered (spokes) Winged Wheel, possibly the meme of a Michigan group called the Right Wings:

http://www.freep.com/stor...harlottesville/562000001/
- StLBravesFan

One of those Neo-Nazis also plowed his car through a group of peaceful marchers who, shockingly, are AGAINST racism and prejudice. One person died and several were severely injured. Not the type of publicity the NHL and Red Wings want, that's for sure.

One of those Neo-Nazis also plowed his car through a group of peaceful marchers who, shockingly, are AGAINST racism and prejudice. One person died and several were severely injured. Not the type of publicity the NHL and Red Wings want, that's for sure.
- EnzoD

Glad to see both NHL and Red Wings release very strong statements denouncing both the organization and its use of the logo. Wings announced they are considering every avenue including lawsuits. Good.

Hi JJ. I like coming to your blog and I come by quite often. I post a comment now and then but mostly read what you and my fellow Hawks fans have to say ... about hockey. But every once in a while someone posts some political commentary, often using trigger words that belie their political leanings. I come here first and foremost because I'm a life long Hawks fan and enjoy discussion about the Hawks, but I also come here to escape from the real world and especially the omni-present 24/7 news cycle. I would think other posters would understand that's why most of us are here and would therefore restrain themselves from posting any non-hockey topic that has a political or ideological bent to it.

Hi JJ. I like coming to your blog and I come by quite often. I post a comment now and then but mostly read what you and my fellow Hawks fans have to say ... about hockey. But every once in a while someone posts some political commentary, often using trigger words that belie their political leanings. I come here first and foremost because I'm a life long Hawks fan and enjoy discussion about the Hawks, but I also come here to escape from the real world and especially the omni-present 24/7 news cycle. I would think other posters would understand that's why most of us are here and would therefore restrain themselves from posting any non-hockey topic that has a political or ideological bent to it.
- EbonyRaptor

TBF - both recent political threads were begun because of hockey related issues.

It's lateral, IMO, bc the entire point is to add to a razor-thin depth of NHL defense-man currently on the Blackhawks roster. I'd agree that Trouba is the more proven player, but that is irrelevant to my post as the ultimate goal is to add another legit NHL Dman without removing one of the 3 on the roster. If Trouba has not been extended by the Trade Deadline, a package along the lines of 1st Round Pick, Debrincat and Forsling is not so unrealistic when Winnipeg could stand to lose him for nothing next summer.
- EnzoD

Maybe it's just a semantic difference, but I guess I don't see how it's lateral if the replacement guy is better though. If the Hawks traded Anisimov for like O'Reilly or Duchene, would that be a lateral move because they're all top 6 centers? Saad for Panarin wasn't considered a lateral move because Saad should will improve the overall team, but really they were just swapping two top 6 LWs. Lateral to me is only when you're swapping equal value players / the team doesn't improve. Murphy and Trouba aren't equal value. If the point is to add to the defense without touching the top 3 currently, then Trouba isn't a likely target, no matter how cool that would be.

Also, Jets won't lose Trouba for nothing next summer - he's a RFA so he can't just walk. The Jets' ability to trade him for full value may change over time, but they don't need to rush anything.

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?

Excited to see ADB in Rockford and see how his game translates.
- Assman22

I'll gladly talk about DeBrincat, but I am hardly an expert on what turns each and every kid from a prospect to an NHLer...
along time a go Steven Cohn of the BLUELINE and I were sitting in the pregame, and he says to me, "Someone once told me you kinda can tell early if a guy is gonna make it, if his team is bringing him up, they must think "show us" and if while watching him a couple games you don't "see" it, it's not an long term NHLer you are looking at.
At the time he was directing his comments and thoughts about Sergei Krivokrasov...that right now, there is no connection to the line play and the individual efforts always seem to end up as "bad idea moves/plays"
It turned out to be true then and that is always in my mind when we get first looks at players and then you let the player's fit with against the competition happen for a string of games and you should see these bright teases of high end brilliance.

So, until Alex is out there and shows his quick head and hands and takes care of the other end (as he really has, in junior even though he is a midget) with NHL guys you don't get to project success or failure based on his prospects camp drills his past successes. The Travese City tournament does always seem to give some nice pre-NHL snippets.
I remember how Jake Gardiner (he was older and more experienced) seemed to aggressive destroy the Hawk team hopefuls in his last one in many phaaes, and how in his very first one Danault seemed to show a taste of the quickness and recognition he could play at.

And you know ADB cannot GO to Rockford THIS season...only back to junior or stay with the hawks.

So any out from the pack, young prospect in the hawks organization that gets to their main camp and impresses at a high level, they know what that means:
they can take nine games and give any of them a test run, but if they keep them longer they end up burning a year off their rookie deal.
You have to think with the hawks adding so many young new pros, and again next year being in a position where they are going to have to turn more drafted guys into Rockford pros,that they weigh THAT along with can the kid (whomever) can STAY and contribute day after day without a backstep in confidence, fatigue and production.

I thought almost every new player they tried last year "showed that something" and it was very hopeful that the farm was going to answer the needs of filling the roster, and from Kero on down (yeah, saw all that Kereo ripping), there was clearly some "something from all the last year rookies, even the demoted,
so until we see ADB or Fortin as successes in that "Krivokrasov" context, it's difficult to just predict.

On a side note:
I displayed the first five rounds of prospects for my 2018 NHL Mock draft today.

I wanted to get out there early before someone could say I am copycat. Let them use my stuff to form their opinion...they are not in granite but pretty sure I got most of the better guys there already:

https://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2018/

The profiles and description will trickle in as the season play of these kids begin.

I gladly talk about DeBrincat, but I am hardly an expert on what turns each and every kid from a prospect to an NHLer...
along time a go Steven Cohn of the BLUELINE and I were sitting in the pregame, and he says to me, "Someone once told me you kinda can tell early if a guy is gonna make it, if his team is bringing him up, they must think "show us" and if while watching him a couple games you don't "see" it, it's not an long term NHLer you are looking at.
At the time he was directing his comments and thoughts about Sergei Krivokrasov...that right now, there is no connection to the line play and the individual efforts always seem to end up as "bad idea moves/plays"
It turned out to be true then and that is always in my mind when we get first looks at players and then you let the player's fit with against the competition happen for a string of games and you should see these bright teases of high end brilliance.

So, until Alex is out there and shows his quick head and hands and takes care of the other end (as he really has, in junior even though he is a midget) with NHL guys you don't get to project success or failure based on his prospects camp drills his past successes. The Travese City tournament does always seem to give some nice pre-NHL snippets.
I remember how Jake Gardiner (he was older and more experienced) seemed to aggressive destroy the Hawk team hopefuls in his last one in many phaaes, and how in his very first one Danault seemed to show a taste of the quickness and recognition he could play at.

And you know ADB cannot GO to Rockford THIS season...only back to junior or stay with the hawks.

So any out from the pack, young prospect in the hawks organization that gets to their main camp and impresses at a high level, they know what that means:
they can take nine games and give any of them a test run, but if they keep them longer they end up burning a year off their rookie deal.
You have to think with the hawks adding so mnay young new pros, and again next year being in a position where they are going to have to turn more drafted guys into Rockford pros,that they weigh THAT along with can the kid (whoever) can STAY and contribute day after day without a backstep in confidence, fatigue and production.

I thought almost every new player they tried last year "showed that something" and it was very hopeful that the farm was going to answer the needs of filling the roster,
so until we see ADB or Fortin as successes in that "krivokrasov" context, it's difficult to just predict.

On a side note:
I displayed the first five rounds of prospects for my 2018 NHL Mock draft today.

I wanted to get out there early before someone could say I am copycat. Let them use my stuff to form their opinion...they are not in granite but pretty sure I got most of the better guys there already:

https://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2018/

The profiles and description will trickle in as the season play of these kids begin.
- wiz1901

I am pretty sure that Alex Debrincat is eligible for the AHL as he will turn 20 before the December 30th cut off date as per the CHL/AHL agreement.

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.
- RickJ

That is pretty much true of players from the CHL, too.

I am pretty sure that Alex Debrincat is eligible for the AHL as he will turn 20 before the December 30th cut off date as per the CHL/AHL agreement.
- eagle50

Yep. He is.

DeBrincat hype is a WASTE of time. He IS NOT...repeat NOT going to be the second coming of Kane simply because he isn't able. It is another clear case of a big fish in a small pond...putting a marlin like Alex in a tank full of sharks like NHL players and they will eat him up for breakfast. Size DOES matter when you aren't as quick as lightning...as for your comment on Teuvo...he will NEVER be a star player either...I ranted and raved about how many times he fell at the HINT of an upcoming check...glad he was shipped out of town...
- Chisoxhawk

I don't believe anyone has even come close to comparing Debrincat to Kane. I am quite sure Debrincat isn't afraid of the big. bad NHLers. If you have watched him play at all, he is a nasty little cuss.

Viktor Stalberg. Lightning on skates, no ability to keep up mentally.
- JRoenick97

Good thing I read a little farther before I posted. You stole my line anout Stahlberg. But how about Tony Salmalianen. He could fly, but like a punter that outkicks his coverage, it didn't mean poop.