back on topic:

You have to think if the Leafs fail to advance they will be looking for Duncan Keith to solidify their backline, because it needs it.

Thats the starting point...

back on topic:

You have to think if the Leafs fail to advance they will be looking for Duncan Keith to solidify their backline, because it needs it.

Thats the starting point...
- wiz1901

Trade deadline or pre-season?

MAYBE I'd consider it if Chia-pet includes your 2019 and 2020 1st rounders, and takes $5mil of Toews cap hit (but we keep Toews).
- EnzoD

Chiarelli believes in 1 for 1 trades
Eberle for R Strome
Hall for Larsson

So we'll keep the 1:1 ratio alive. Now if you want picks, we'll need picks back in return. So let's toss in our firsts in 2019 and 2020 like you asked, but we would like your 7th rounders in each of those years. With more later round picks, the scouting staff will gain experience in how to think outside of the top 5 prospects bracket. This is a solid deal moving forward, and a pleasure doing business with ya

If you are a Chicago fan all those deals are great .Not so much if you are a fan of the other teams

Artemi Panarin would ‘seriously consider’ returning to Blackhawks in 2019, per report https://www.secondcityhoc...cy-reports-rumors-updates

Beaudin will have a better NHL career than Boqvist... Stan needs to part ways with this potential train wreck ASAP.
- DarthKane

Just some thoughts about a post by Darth from the last blog:

The advantage of prospect depth at a certain position, defense in the Hawks case, is that even if Boqvist doesn't pan out, there's still more options of prospects who could live up to potential and be high-end players specifically Jokiharju, Mitchell, Beaudin, and Krys.

Then there's other D prospects who may not be blue chip but still be complementary pieces for a competitive blueline. Such players may include Hillman, Gilbert, Carlsson, Ess, Galvas, Laavainen, Tuulola, Dahlstrom, Snuggerud, etc. Again, not all of them or even many of them will hit but one would hope at least one if not 2 of them.

Contrast that with the forward prospect pipeline which is predominantly bottom 6 forwards. At top 6, if Sikura and Wise don't stick, then the Hawks are SOL as far as internal candidates to fill out the future top lines along with Schmaltz and DeBrincat.

LOVE all 3 of those trades Justin. and this was my last comment to RICO regarding Boquist...


I hated the pick on Draft Day, and this is a huge year for Boquist playing in London. He needs to hit the gym and learn to play North American hockey. I wouldnt expect him to even compete for a NHL roster spot until 2020, much less make the team. But I agree, there was absolutley nothing about the play from 3 in yellow that yelled "high end prospect/top 10 draft pick". It was one game against a very good USA squad, so time will tell.
- EnzoD

Zo, I admitted that no way in hell did I ever see Schmaltz showing an ounce of heart after watching him play 2 yrs jrs, that I was indignant when they took him with Fabbri on the board. It was this player who changed my opinion of paid scouts.

Now Schmaltz is not a finished product yet and even if he never gets an iota better I was wrong on him. I see the same lazy lackadaisical play from Bovqist. And like when they took Schmaltz over Fabbri I wanted Wahlstrom, and maybe even Dobson, over Boqvist so I was/am pissed.

But I learned from Schmaltz and I will now defer to the paid people (but will always lose my money on my horse not someone elses pick). How in God's name could they see Schmaltz shedding his alligator arms, perimeter Charmin soft play from the Jr level I wouldn't figure out if I lived to be 500 yrs old.

I read somewhere that Bovqist compares to Tyson Barrie, may have that kind of career/ceiling. Not bad but I want more out of the 8th overall.

https://theathletic.com/457719/2018/08/03/source-artemi-panarin-would-seriously-consider-returning-to-blackhawks/
- Stan_Bowman

Missed you posted this, Stanley. You gonna make a run at UFA Breadman?

Zo, I admitted that no way in hell did I ever see Schmaltz showing an ounce of heart after watching him play 2 yrs jrs, that I was indignant when they took him with Fabbri on the board. It was this player who changed my opinion of paid scouts.

Now Schmaltz is not a finished product yet and even if he never gets an iota better I was wrong on him. I see the same lazy lackadaisical play from Bovqist. And like when they took Schmaltz over Fabbri I wanted Wahlstrom, and maybe even Dobson, over Boqvist so I was/am pissed.

But I learned from Schmaltz and I will now defer to the paid people (but will always lose my money on my horse not someone elses pick). How in God's name could they see Schmaltz shedding his alligator arms, perimeter Charmin soft play from the Jr level I wouldn't figure out if I lived to be 500 yrs old.

I read somewhere that Bovqist compares to Tyson Barrie, may have that kind of career/ceiling. Not bad but I want more out of the 8th overall.
- Mr Ricochet

Bovquist was probably the most talented guy there overall. Maybe less developed in some areas but at their current state I think taking the kid with the most raw talent was the right call.

Justin, thank you for the fun blog and just frequent blogs during these dog days of summer to keep us preoccupied with great conversation.

As for your trade proposals:

1st trade for Faulk and Wallmark:

- I'm personally not in the pro Faulk camp and think Gustafsson and maybe eventually Forsling can offer the same thing: great offensive weapon and PP specialist but not very strong defensively.

- Wallmark would be great if the potential and goal is to replace Anisimov. Since Wallmark is still a prospect, big if and expectations to fulfill to not necessarily replace what Anisimov brings but to just be a reliable NHL 2/3C.

- It wouldn't be good asset management and reputation building to have Sikura be patient with the team and sign after his final year at Northeastern to then trade him the summer after his graduation. It sends a bad message to future college prospects. Plus, I'll admit, I'm very high on Sikura and it would have to take a lot to pry him away. He and Wise are the only top 6 forward prospects.

2nd trade for Bjugstad and Pysyk:

- I don't see this as moving the needle for the Hawks, more as a trade to give all players involved a change of scenery (or in the case of Forsling, a chance to make an NHL roster given the Hawks deep blueline prospect pool).

- Of the 3 trade proposals, I like this one most.

3rd trade for Anderson and Stenlund:

- Would love Anderson but not at the expense of Sikura (see reasoning above about Dylan); however, I'm not a Gustafsson fan so I don't mind him in any trade proposals.

- On the one hand, if Stenlund is similar to Ejdsell, I would ask for another prospect with a different skill set, particularly one that may not be in the pipeline currently. On the other hand, having both Stenlund and Ejdsell may be good in case one doesn't pan out then you can hopefully rely on the other since there may not be a need to have the same type of player on the NHL roster simultaneously.
- AEL_Fox

First of all, I am not a big advocate of Faulk, too many D zone deficiencies while in the same breadth I am bromancing D Sikura. Just call him the play-making diminutive, left hand version of Dcat.

Now the trade scenarios: Would love to land big burly Bugstadt from the State of Hockey and put him between Kaner and Schmaltzy. And to give up any combo of AA, Murphy, Forsling but absolutely no Sikura. Think of Bugstadt as Schiefle Light!

Justin, thank you for the fun blog and just frequent blogs during these dog days of summer to keep us preoccupied with great conversation.

As for your trade proposals:

1st trade for Faulk and Wallmark:

- I'm personally not in the pro Faulk camp and think Gustafsson and maybe eventually Forsling can offer the same thing: great offensive weapon and PP specialist but not very strong defensively.

- Wallmark would be great if the potential and goal is to replace Anisimov. Since Wallmark is still a prospect, big if and expectations to fulfill to not necessarily replace what Anisimov brings but to just be a reliable NHL 2/3C.

- It wouldn't be good asset management and reputation building to have Sikura be patient with the team and sign after his final year at Northeastern to then trade him the summer after his graduation. It sends a bad message to future college prospects. Plus, I'll admit, I'm very high on Sikura and it would have to take a lot to pry him away. He and Wise are the only top 6 forward prospects.

2nd trade for Bjugstad and Pysyk:

- I don't see this as moving the needle for the Hawks, more as a trade to give all players involved a change of scenery (or in the case of Forsling, a chance to make an NHL roster given the Hawks deep blueline prospect pool).

- Of the 3 trade proposals, I like this one most.

3rd trade for Anderson and Stenlund:

- Would love Anderson but not at the expense of Sikura (see reasoning above about Dylan); however, I'm not a Gustafsson fan so I don't mind him in any trade proposals.

- On the one hand, if Stenlund is similar to Ejdsell, I would ask for another prospect with a different skill set, particularly one that may not be in the pipeline currently. On the other hand, having both Stenlund and Ejdsell may be good in case one doesn't pan out then you can hopefully rely on the other since there may not be a need to have the same type of player on the NHL roster simultaneously.
- AEL_Fox

Some very solid analysis here, Mr Fox! Matches the time and excellent effort Justin put into his 3 proposals.

I would overpay for an Anderson type. This kind of size/grit/skill combo would transform the Hawk top 6, and the culture to an extent, but the organIzation does not prioritize these kinds setting aside Panik and Bickell.

So despite every damn Hawk fan on earth clamoring for an Anderson type I doubt the Hawks are. Under this regime they have, are and IMO always will worship at the alter of speed/skill.

I think the Hawks are looking deep at D prospects and not at forward, especially centerman. I am ok with going into the season as is and taking their lumps, but maybe surprising, but any move they might make has to be with an eye to past next season. And even though long term they need forwards I am ok with any improvement not having to be position specific.

I'm not the hugest fan of Faulk but at 26 and 2yrs left at 4.8 mil he's attractive and fits. But does he fit as a RS Dman with Joki, Seabs and Bovqist 3 yrs from now while having to give up assets for him? But would add if a Johnson, or anyone else in house, for instance shows he can handle the 3C spot in the preseason shedding AA's contract is a huge plus especially for next season and beyond.

This however is why I would prefer Anderson as a 24 yr old power forward. He fits a longer term need that the Hawks have no close comparable to.

I don't think what if #2 would happen unless the Hawks gave up more. I don't see Florida going for it.

Artemi Panarin would ‘seriously consider’ returning to Blackhawks in 2019, per report https://www.secondcityhoc...cy-reports-rumors-updates
- Mr Ricochet

FYI responded to some of your posts from previous blog! Cheers!

Zo, I admitted that no way in hell did I ever see Schmaltz showing an ounce of heart after watching him play 2 yrs jrs, that I was indignant when they took him with Fabbri on the board. It was this player who changed my opinion of paid scouts.

Now Schmaltz is not a finished product yet and even if he never gets an iota better I was wrong on him. I see the same lazy lackadaisical play from Bovqist. And like when they took Schmaltz over Fabbri I wanted Wahlstrom, and maybe even Dobson, over Boqvist so I was/am pissed.

But I learned from Schmaltz and I will now defer to the paid people (but will always lose my money on my horse not someone elses pick). How in God's name could they see Schmaltz shedding his alligator arms, perimeter Charmin soft play from the Jr level I wouldn't figure out if I lived to be 500 yrs old.

I read somewhere that Bovqist compares to Tyson Barrie, may have that kind of career/ceiling. Not bad but I want more out of the 8th overall.
- Mr Ricochet

Maybe a rationale on the Schmaltzy's younger days. I believed he felt he was better than everyone else, rightly or wrongly. So now that he is in the big dance he definitely knows that answer and that's chip on his shoulder to strive to be the best. Maybe the same holds true for Boqvuist!

What if I change the topic to the first games yesterday in the world Junior U-20 summer showcase.

Boqvist is #3 and was a plus two against the USA in that game.

He was really good in the middle zone at closing on the ensuing attackers is the passing options closed.

The older 19 year old Swedish defenseman were the ones who had trouble defending...and you can't ignore that Jack Hughes is really strong on the puck at his size.
- wiz1901

I missed the first 10 minutes of the 1st and saw him get danced in the neutral zone along the wall. He committed, was flat footed, a move was made on him and the American went past him and entered the Ozone with speed.

You didn't see him pass a chance to change and as a result get caught in a long shift in his own zone hanging on?

Didn't notice his own coach sit the kid known for his skating and edge work thru 3 changes and the first 2:30 of a 5 minute 3 on 3 OT with a whole ocean of open ice?

Did I miss him once create or be dangerous in the Ozone?

Maybe a rationale on the Schmaltzy's younger days. I believed he felt he was better than everyone else, rightly or wrongly. So now that he is in the big dance he definitely knows that answer and that's chip on his shoulder to strive to be the best. Maybe the same holds true for Boqvuist!
- D2D

That's the hope. Bovqist didn't get unskilled in 1 yr, he did go into last yr as the #2 ranked Dman behind all world Dahlin. But IMO he didn't progress as the scouts, who some said had the possibilities of being another Karlsson, thought he would as evidenced by Hughes going ahead of him and him lasting until 8th.

And Schmaltz did a 180 his freshman yr at ND. Kid realized he was deficient and put the work and effort in to improve his 2 way game. I give him a lot of credit.

What if trades and pipe dreams:
1st trade
Dcat/sikrua murphy 2020 2nd for trouba/ morrissey lowery and lemieux
2nd trade
AA sikrua forsling and 3rd 2019 for ryam murry Anderson and selak or stenlud probably misspelling
3rd trade
AA forsling/snuggard and 2nd 2020 for nyquist and helm and 4th 2019

Like don't like overpay not enough or i have gone off my rocker

What if I change the topic to the first games yesterday in the world Junior U-20 summer showcase.

Boqvist is #3 and was a plus two against the USA in that game.

He was really good in the middle zone at closing on the ensuing attackers is the passing options closed.

The older 19 year old Swedish defenseman were the ones who had trouble defending...and you can't ignore that Jack Hughes is really strong on the puck at his size.
- wiz1901

Interesting read on Boqvist from his coach and a poster at The Athletic:

Corey Pronman: Adam Boqvist (CHI) was the best defenseman at the U18s and a top 10 pick. What are your thoughts on what he brings to your team?

Tomas Monten: He’s a skilled offensive defenseman. If we don’t have Timothy Liljegren or Erik Brannstrom, he’s our No. 1 defenseman on our power play and offensive side. We’ll see how he looks. He’s one year younger [than the age group] but still he was with the U20 team in November last year and was in the run for the world juniors last year. Hopefully he can use that experience and try to lead this team in an offensive way.


So as a poster points out below Boqvist is the THIRD choice for being Sveden's #1 Dman for the WJC behind last yrs 1st rounders Timothy Liljegren(17th pick) and Erik Brannstrom (15th Pick).


More from that poster, Alec P, who obviously knows the Svedish squad well:


Alec P.

Boqvist: Sweden’s 3rd choice for their #1 D-man.

That says it almost as well as anything.



Bryan B.

@Alec P. Not sure what you are implying. Boqvist is the third choice behind 2 first round draft picks last year. Timothy Liljegren(17th pick) or Erik Brannstrom (15th Pick).



Alec P.

It implies that the staff would use him 1st pair or not at all.

And Boqvist 3rd pair today against Team USA even with both Brannstrom & Liljegren scratched; shows how far down the pecking order he is.

Homer trade homer trade and for diversity... homer trade.

What if trades and pipe dreams:
1st trade
Dcat/sikrua murphy 2020 2nd for trouba/ morrissey lowery and lemieux
2nd trade
AA sikrua forsling and 3rd 2019 for ryam murry Anderson and selak or stenlud probably misspelling
3rd trade
AA forsling/snuggard and 2nd 2020 for nyquist and helm and 4th 2019

Like don't like overpay not enough or i have gone off my rocker
- Scott1977

Lol to everyone one of those. As an outsider of course.

I can’t believe how much some of you over value your players. Especially AA. I doubt you get more than a 4/5th for him.

Interesting read on Boqvist from his coach and a poster at The Athletic:

Corey Pronman: Adam Boqvist (CHI) was the best defenseman at the U18s and a top 10 pick. What are your thoughts on what he brings to your team?

Tomas Monten: He’s a skilled offensive defenseman. If we don’t have Timothy Liljegren or Erik Brannstrom, he’s our No. 1 defenseman on our power play and offensive side. We’ll see how he looks. He’s one year younger
- Mr Ricochet[than the age group] but still he was with the U20 team in November last year and was in the run for the world juniors last year. Hopefully he can use that experience and try to lead this team in an offensive way.


So as a poster points out below Boqvist is the THIRD choice for being Sveden's #1 Dman for the WJC behind last yrs 1st rounders Timothy Liljegren(17th pick) and Erik Brannstrom (15th Pick).


More from that poster, Alec P, who obviously knows the Svedish squad well:


Alec P.

Boqvist: Sweden’s 3rd choice for their #1 D-man.

That says it almost as well as anything.



Bryan B.

@Alec P. Not sure what you are implying. Boqvist is the third choice behind 2 first round draft picks last year. Timothy Liljegren(17th pick) or Erik Brannstrom (15th Pick).



Alec P.

It implies that the staff would use him 1st pair or not at all.

And Boqvist 3rd pair today against Team USA even with both Brannstrom & Liljegren scratched; shows how far down the pecking order he is.

I think patience is going to be called for on our 17 year old 1st round prospect.

Lol to everyone one of those. As an outsider of course.

I can’t believe how much some of you over value your players. Especially AA. I doubt you get more than a 4/5th for him.
- KINGS67

Its just arm chair trades thats all. Some team always needs a center.

Artemi Panarin would ‘seriously consider’ returning to Blackhawks in 2019, per report https://www.secondcityhoc...cy-reports-rumors-updates
- Mr Ricochet

Ya, assuming Stan gives him a full NMC so he doesn't get shipped off again.
Which, I'm not at all opposed to...

Not bad proposals for the fun of it Justin, couple of those names intrigue me,But when it’s all said and done, Bowman doesn’t want to trade any of his young pieces, He will sign Troy Brower and Rick Nash to economically friendly deals that are short term. Possibly just for one or two years. To give some of our younger forward to another season to cook down in Rockford. As far as the defense don’t know what to say there I will defer to the experts.

Bovquist was probably the most talented guy there overall. Maybe less developed in some areas but at their current state I think taking the kid with the most raw talent was the right call.
- fattybeef

How many Hawks' prospects are playing in the showcase? What team has the most?