You guys do like to paint everything as a conspiracy...I will say that. The guy is obviously hurt and may not play for awhile. Can't we leave at that rather than trying to figure this out like Watergate or something?
- onehundredlevel

I have no issue with Crawford being out for whatever the reason(s).

What I take issue with is what/how the Blackhawks brass, now including Q, are saying with regard to this situation.

I take Crawford's statements at face value: not 100%. Doesn't know when he will return. etc. No issue. Doesn't want to divulge, doesn't have to. I'm fine with all that.

Just want this Hawks organization to STOP saying they expect him back for Camp or Game 1 when obviously, they don't know according to what Corey publicly stated. Taking his comments as truth and have no reason to think otherwise. His body. His life. It's when the ORG-an-I-zation is saying stuff that conflicts with those statements that I'm (and others) are taking issue with.

I have no issue with Crawford being out for whatever the reason(s).

What I take issue with is what/how the Blackhawks brass, now including Q, are saying with regard to this situation.

I take Crawford's statements at face value: not 100%. Doesn't know when he will return. etc. No issue. Doesn't want to divulge, doesn't have to. I'm fine with all that.

Just want this Hawks organization to STOP saying they expect him back for Camp or Game 1 when obviously, they don't know according to what Corey publicly stated. Taking his comments as truth and have no reason to think otherwise. His body. His life. It's when the ORG-an-I-zation is saying stuff that conflicts with those statements that I'm (and others) are taking issue with.
- savvyone-1

I get that...I just think we will know when we will know. I think either way this might be a long year for us.

You guys do like to paint everything as a conspiracy...I will say that. The guy is obviously hurt and may not play for awhile. Can't we leave at that rather than trying to figure this out like Watergate or something?
- onehundredlevel

You still have 100 level tickets?

I get that...I just think we will know when we will know. I think either way this might be a long year for us.
- onehundredlevel

Jack Hughes come on down.

"I am feeling pretty good right now," Crawford said at the Blackhawks Convention. "I am not at 100 percent yet. But we've come a long way in the last couple months, and I worked really hard to do whatever I can to get better."

Asked if he'd be ready for camp, Crawford said, "That's hard to say right now, but it's very possible. We've come a long way in the last couple months, and there's a really good chance that could happen.

"Treatments are going well and we're making small steps and I'm getting a little better, so it's a process," Crawford said. "It's been a process since I left in December. It hasn't been easy, but I'll be back."

"Right now, it's just time," he said. "Injuries, they come with time, and for me it was just that. Right now, we're looking good. We've done a lot to get where I'm at right now, and I'm feeling good and hopefully I can get to a point soon where I can jump back on the ice."

Just to summarize.

- Crawford says he feels good but not yet 100%.
- Crawford says there is a really good chance he is ready for camp.
- Crawford says treatment is going well.
- Crawford says he is feeling good and hopeful to be on the ice soon.

This all leads to Q saying he expects Crawford to be the starter game 1. I'm not seeing much inconsistency here. Crawford's injury is taking time, but he is progressing, so why is it an issue for them to expect him to be ready for camp? They aren't guaranteeing he won't have a setback. Seems more likely he is ready for camp than not based on what he said and the fact he was standing front of the press talking about it.

A lot of pessimistic talk on here today . I would not be surprised to see Crow back in the net ,and playing well to start the season . It would be a shame to lose Frosberg for nothing , I believe Q destroyed his confidence all most immediately when he took the lead spot .
- oldduffman

I'm not a big fan of Q, but you blame Q for everything. And I'm glad Nostradamus (i.e. you) see Crow back in net and playing well. Guess the Hawks have nothing to worry about after all.

I totally respect Corey's privacy..... I just wish Bowman and Q just weren't as vague as they are.. If Corey is questionable to start the season then they should just say that, I mean Crawford's injury or personal issues are his and I don't need details, all I want to know is what the Hawks goaltending situation will be come October. Is Corey going to be ready to go or not? I just want to know what to expect... I mean I'm not convinced Ward's a legitimate starter, so I'm concerned there. IMO, I think Delia will steal the backup spot from Forsberg, and he may even outplay Ward as the starter.... That would be a pleasant surprise, if Delia came out of nowhere and was as good if not better than Crawford..

Also, as a goalie myself -- Crawford has been off the ice for a very long time - it's going to be difficult for him to get back into game condition and his routine, and that scares me a bit because Crawford when (or if) he does come back he may not be the same Crawford we're used to... I mean if this is the case and Corey is done the Hawks will be in a terrible position, I mean they really have no goalie prospects in the system even close to having NHL starting potential ... I mean we have Nailonov, but he's demanding a trade.. IMO, the Hawks should sign him and let him compete for a spot...... I mean like I said I'm very skeptical if Crawford will play another NHL game, so Bowman's going to need to do something about it...... It would totally suck to be in a position where the Hawks have a solid offense and defense but no legitimate goalie ..

NHL Network analyst: Long road ahead for Blackhawks goalie Crawford

https://www.dailyherald.c...lackhawks-goalie-crawford
- walleyeb1

Unlike the organ-i-zation, Corey at his press conference, and now Kevin Weekes, are being honest. Refreshing, and depressing.

I totally respect Corey's privacy..... I just wish Bowman and Q just weren't as vague as they are.. If Corey is questionable to start the season then they should just say that, I mean Crawford's injury or personal issues are his and I don't need details, all I want to know is what the Hawks goaltending situation will be come October. Is Corey going to be ready to go or not? I just want to know what to expect... I mean I'm not convinced Ward's a legitimate starter, so I'm concerned there. IMO, I think Delia will steal the backup spot from Forsberg, and he may even outplay Ward as the starter.... That would be a pleasant surprise, if Delia came out of nowhere and was as good if not better than Crawford..

Also, as a goalie myself -- Crawford has been off the ice for a very long time - it's going to be difficult for him to get back into game condition and his routine, and that scares me a bit because Crawford when (or if) he does come back he may not be the same Crawford we're used to... I mean if this is the case and Corey is done the Hawks will be in a terrible position, I mean they really have no goalie prospects in the system even close to having NHL starting potential ... I mean we have Nailonov, but he's demanding a trade.. IMO, the Hawks should sign him and let him compete for a spot...... I mean like I said I'm very skeptical if Crawford will play another NHL game, so Bowman's going to need to do something about it...... It would totally suck to be in a position where the Hawks have a solid offense and defense but no legitimate goalie ..
- Savard2Secord

Don't you understand yet? Neither CC, nor his doctors, nor the front office, nor Q, nor anyone else, currently knows if, much less when, he'll be back. As Donald Rumsfeld would say, "it's a known unknown."

"I am feeling pretty good right now," Crawford said at the Blackhawks Convention. "I am not at 100 percent yet. But we've come a long way in the last couple months, and I worked really hard to do whatever I can to get better."

Asked if he'd be ready for camp, Crawford said, "That's hard to say right now, but it's very possible. We've come a long way in the last couple months, and there's a really good chance that could happen.

"Treatments are going well and we're making small steps and I'm getting a little better, so it's a process," Crawford said. "It's been a process since I left in December. It hasn't been easy, but I'll be back."

"Right now, it's just time," he said. "Injuries, they come with time, and for me it was just that. Right now, we're looking good. We've done a lot to get where I'm at right now, and I'm feeling good and hopefully I can get to a point soon where I can jump back on the ice."

Just to summarize.

- Crawford says he feels good but not yet 100%.
- Crawford says there is a really good chance he is ready for camp.
- Crawford says treatment is going well.
- Crawford says he is feeling good and hopeful to be on the ice soon.

This all leads to Q saying he expects Crawford to be the starter game 1. I'm not seeing much inconsistency here. Crawford's injury is taking time, but he is progressing, so why is it an issue for them to expect him to be ready for camp? They aren't guaranteeing he won't have a setback. Seems more likely he is ready for camp than not based on what he said and the fact he was standing front of the press talking about it.
- breadbag

Exactly, there is no inconsistency. For some, the distrust they have in the FO (warranted or not) is clouding their ability to read fairly synonymous statements; and for others, it's the fact that no one will say what the injury is (which they aren't owed) that is making people read more into things than are there. At least imo. They're not saying anything for sure, and yeah it's all mostly vague, but it's still the same from person to person.

Crawford will either be ready or he won't, but the Hawks and Crawford seem to be saying the same thing: he's progressing, hopes to be on the ice soon, and there's a chance he'll be back by start of the season. That's enough to make your ticket buying and/or viewing plans accordingly.

Barratt, Wise, and Ess will be playing for USA Blue tonight.

@usahockey
Here's how USA Blue will lineup for its #WJSS contest vs. Sweden at 7pmET. Game updates to follow.




Mitchell is on Canada Red while Beaudin and Entwistle are on Canada White - both teams will play the USA squads tomorrow night.

Q has always been underestimating for how long will players be out injured, it is his MO. I don't see a problem with the club saying CC is slowly getting better and might be ready for camp. I don't think it is likely, but it's not unthinkable either. Sugarcoating sure, it is all just PR talk, no big deal. The facts are the facts though: CC has been out for a long time, doesn't look close to being ready, Hawks kept Forsberg, added Ward. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Honestly don't know why anyone feels mislead.

Barratt, Wise, and Ess will be playing for USA Blue tonight.

@usahockey
Here's how USA Blue will lineup for its #WJSS contest vs. Sweden at 7pmET. Game updates to follow.




Mitchell is on Canada Red while Beaudin and Entwistle are on Canada White - both teams will play the USA squads tomorrow night.
- L_B_R

With tkachuck leaning towards not signing in Ottawa per ek do you think hawks should make a hugh push to get him. Or is a foregone conclusion that he ends up in Calgary or st.Louis after 8-15?

With tkachuck leaning towards not signing in Ottawa per ek do you think hawks should make a hugh push to get him. Or is a foregone conclusion that he ends up in Calgary or st.Louis after 8-15?
- Scott1977

It's unlikely that Tkachuck would wait 4 years to play in the NHL. Mostly only late bloomers or players who couldn't make their drafted team go all the way to FA after NCAA.

With tkachuck leaning towards not signing in Ottawa per ek do you think hawks should make a hugh push to get him. Or is a foregone conclusion that he ends up in Calgary or st.Louis after 8-15?
- Scott1977

What is 8-15? If you mean the last day to sign, Ottawa does not need to sign Tkachuk this season for them to still own his rights (Chad Krys was selected in 2016, still not signed, but is still has his rights owned by Chicago. )

Q has always been underestimating for how long will players be out injured, it is his MO. I don't see a problem with the club saying CC is slowly getting better and might be ready for camp. I don't think it is likely, but it's not unthinkable either. Sugarcoating sure, it is all just PR talk, no big deal. The facts are the facts though: CC has been out for a long time, doesn't look close to being ready, Hawks kept Forsberg, added Ward. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Honestly don't know why anyone feels mislead.
- stonefire

Q strikes me as the kind of old-schooler who might push injured players to "man up" and get back out on the ice before they are ready. His publicly minimizing the severity of the injuries ("he's fine") adds to that pressure indirectly. How many guys have played through injuries, only to have to have surgery or therapy in offseason, Toews? Hartman? Keith? I've seen Corey take hard shots to the head, seem pretty shaken up, and be left out there because he waves off the trainer/coach. A big part of it is on the players and the culture of sports and hockey, but I don't think letting them decide or the "suck it up, buttercup, and get back out there in this meaningless RS game" is a good way to manage your multi-million dollar assets.*

The speculation and debate that has been raging in here is a testament IMO to how poorly McD and team handle negative/crisis PR. I said it in the past thread: they're great a rah rah, but fall way down when it comes to handling bad news swiftly and succinctly.

*ETA: or take care of the human being who is that asset so he can have the longest career and best life possible. Can't tell me an injured player is giving you his best playing.

What is 8-15? If you mean the last day to sign, Ottawa does not need to sign Tkachuk this season for them to still own his rights (Chad Krys was selected in 2016, still not signed, but is still has his rights owned by Chicago. )
- Revco38

That what referring to, so how long does Ottawa own tkachuck rights for.

Pulling a young goalie trying to find his footing in the NHL is a poor way of trying to get the kid some confidence .

This team quit on the coach at the end of 2016-17 for some reason ,and the sooner the FO deals with that the better
- oldduffman

100% agreed! He did not give Forsberg the rope as that of a veteran but that went for all the subs for Crow. Since he was an important part of the Saad/Panarin deal and a capable back up, Q (Jimmy Waite) could of work with Forsberg a bit better given the spiraling-down season. Regardless, Forsberg should be given every opportunity to secure the back up slot to whomever, although its looking like Ward as of now.

That what referring to, so how long does Ottawa own tkachuck rights for.
- Scott1977

4 years

It's unlikely that Tkachuck would wait 4 years to play in the NHL. Mostly only late bloomers or players who couldn't make their drafted team go all the way to FA after NCAA.
- L_B_R

This is a tricky situation as many thought Brady T was NHL ready coming out of the draft being good at many things but not excellent at any one thing. That said, he might be going back to BU to hone/refine in on some of those skills because although he had tons of TOI and was very capable, his point total did not reflect that. Or maybe it is just as simple as liking the college lifestyle for one more year as BMOC and now as a top 5 NHL draft pick. OR is it strife with Ottawa and waiting for the for his rights to be renounced ala Jimmy Vesey, Justin Schultlz, and Kevin Hayes. Because he should be sticking around with that Ottawa line up. His Dad and bother did not have problems with Canadian teams.

4 years
- L_B_R

Ok thanks i was wrong on what i was thinking that he was free agent on 8-15 thanks for clarifying.

This is a tricky situation as many thought Brady T was NHL ready coming out of the draft being good at many things but not excellent at any one thing. That said, he might be going back to BU to hone/refine in on some of those skills because although he had tons of TOI and was very capable, his point total did not reflect that. Or maybe it is just as simple as liking the college lifestyle for one more year as BMOC and now as a top 5 NHL draft pick. OR is it strife with Ottawa and waiting for the for his rights to be renounced ala Jimmy Vesey, Justin Schultlz, and Kevin Hayes. Because he should be sticking around with that Ottawa line up. His Dad and bother did not have problems with Canadian teams.
- D2D

Saying renounced makes it sound like they teams just gave up - they lost the rights to those players because they stayed in school.

And the difference between Ttkachuck and the others you mentioned is that his timeline to the NHL is much sooner while the others were years away after their draft. Hayes and Vesey both didn't breakout until their last year or so in college, like many NCAA players tbh, so they were at most putting off the NHL a year. They just weren't ready for it before then. For Tkachuck, he'd be putting off the NHL for 4 seasons in spite of being NHL capable, if he went such a route. Has a player ever done that? I've heard of them delaying if they hit their peek their junior/senior year to FA, but never if they were ready 3-4 years sooner.

Best to Corey and his family, hockey takes a back seat here my man, get better! The Chicago Blackhawks we’re here long before you and I am sure they will be here long after we All depart this earth. I want to see this young man enjoy a happy healthy life first and foremost.

Now. Onto business and I’ll probably get pushback, but that’s OK I welcome the discussion. If there’s any truth to Eklunds lead story here ,....... I don’t care what happen with Kevin Hayes, but Stan Bowman, needs to get on the phone and call the Ottawa GM and just see what he wants for the rights to BradyTkachuk, I don’t believe for one minute that that kid would be going back to school if a more desirable team including ours had drafted him. No time for personality issues here, And what happen with his cousin, I am sure that kid would sign here in a heartbeat if we were to acquire his rights. Obviously it would be steep but I am sure the price could be mad only if he puts his name on an entry-level contract.

Best to Corey and his family, hockey takes a back seat here my man, get better! The Chicago Blackhawks we’re here long before you and I am sure they will be here long after we All depart this earth. I want to see this young man enjoy a happy healthy life first and foremost.

Now. Onto business and I’ll probably get pushback, but that’s OK I welcome the discussion. If there’s any truth to Eklunds lead story here ,....... I don’t care what happen with Kevin Hayes, but Stan Bowman, needs to get on the phone and call the Ottawa GM and just see what he wants for the rights to BradyTkachuk, I don’t believe for one minute that that kid would be going back to school if a more desirable team including ours had drafted him. No time for personality issues here, And what happen with his cousin, I am sure that kid would sign here in a heartbeat if we were to acquire his rights. Obviously it would be steep but I am sure the price could be mad only if he puts his name on an entry-level contract.
- wonthecup10

I have proposed this question before would trade. Debricant for a top 3 d man for example trouba, not saying him specifically but a young defense man the is projected and the potential to be one or 2nd line center with size physical play and skill vision and ++ playmaking abilities?

I have proposed this question before would trade. Debricant for a top 3 d man for example trouba, not saying him specifically but a young defense man the is projected and the potential to be one or 2nd line center with size physical play and skill vision and ++ playmaking abilities?
- Scott1977

I would trade Nick Schmaltz in a NewYork minute to get Tkachuk's rights, plus try to get another piece from Ottawa. Obviously this would be contingent on Tkachuk immediately signing an entry level contract.
Spare the bullcrap of this b--tch wanting 6 mill a year next season, I know a lot like him, but I don't value him as high as some, no way he's getting 6 mill a year from me. Give me a big strong forward with that Tkachuk pedigree any day.
I still can't let go from last year when Toews, his CAPTIAN was getting face raked after a whistle right next to him and all he did was skate the other way. He got called out by the TV guys among others but it didn't see to bother him, letting your leader get face washed after a whistle, Team bonding my man, stick your nose in there at least, that gets noticed.
I brought that up to a Hawk scout at the prospect camp in a casual conversation , and his reply was the " team" is well aware of his " lack off" on ice personality. If a trade of magnitude of this or for Trouba, I'd put schmaltz in play immediately.
I am one of the few that Are glad that Osterele and little Minny Vinny are traded, Schmaltz would be next in my book.