Yeah - I forgot about the letters - great game.
- StLBravesFan

I played that as a kid

I was at the bookstore today looking for new NHL fantasy guides but they're still not on the shelves yet in my area. They did still have the Hockey News draft guide from May. I thumbed through it and noted their projected Top 100. The Hawks drafted 5 from that list:

Boqvist (projected 5th, went 8th)
Comparable: Ryan Ellis

Beaudin (projected 42nd, went 27th)
Comparable: T.J. Brodie

Gravel (projected 62nd, went 162nd)
Comparable: Steve Mason

Wise (projected 89th, went 69th)
Comparable: Reilly Smith

Nordgren (projected 93rd, went 74th)
Comparable: none given but described as small and skilled but goes to physical areas

They also had an article comparing Boqvist vs Hughes on several factors and projecting who has the edge. Across 8 factors, they were split at 4 each.

Boqvist: hockey sense, offensive play, shot, first pass
Hughes: skating, physicality, defensive play, NHL readiness

Fortnite also has pro players / leagues, though it's mostly in it's infancy compared to some other games. There was a Fortnite celebrity vs pros event at E3 this summer and Epic Games has invested over $100m into making Fortnite the next big eSport phenom. ESPN was airing the Twitch streams live during their summer tournament series and they're planning a World Cup for next year iirc.

As for Overwatch, it's not just for pro players obvs. Anyone can play it. It wasn't developed to be a eSports game like Starcraft II was. They do have their own league created by Blizzard, their developer/publishing company, though.

Online streaming through Twitch, YouTube, or MLG.tv are still the primary way to watch these but a lot of broadcasting companies are investing huge money into them as well. ESPN and TBS are the bigger channgels to air (TBS has their own studios), but Disney and Viacom just invested a poop ton of money too.
- L_B_R

As a PUBG player, Fortnite is the worst.

As a PUBG player, Fortnite is the worst.

- John McDonough

Fortnite is the worst - that fact is kind of what started this whole convo lol.

Looks like Allsvenskan's Modo will announce the signing of Tobias Enström in today's press conference: https://t.co/289qfV0Vh0 #NHLJets

— Marco Bombino (@marco_bombino) August 24, 2018

I don't understand this line of thinking. He doesn't help, but he doesn't hurt, so sign him up? If he doesn't help the Hawks there is no reason to sign him. He is just an extra contract that does not provide value to the team.

What is he going to bring? Four line play and maybe some PK time? I'd be happier with one of the young guys doing that.
- Chunk

Agreed.

If you truly believe this team has zero shot at contending, then why bring in a guy who might make you only marginally better at best? Wouldn’t it be better to roll with kids and get a better feel for who may or may not be part of a future contender? Winning a handful more games, but still not being a contender, because of some washed up veteran presence will only stunt the retooling processs and result in a worse draft position.

Agreed.

If you truly believe this team has zero shot at contending, then why bring in a guy who might make you only marginally better at best? Wouldn’t it be better to roll with kids and get a better feel for who may or may not be part of a future contender? Winning a handful more games, but still not being a contender, because of some washed up veteran presence will only stunt the retooling processs and result in a worse draft position.
- Ogilthorpe2

Well said.

I was at the bookstore today looking for new NHL fantasy guides but they're still not on the shelves yet in my area. They did still have the Hockey News draft guide from May. I thumbed through it and noted their projected Top 100. The Hawks drafted 5 from that list:

Boqvist (projected 5th, went 8th)
Comparable: Ryan Ellis

Beaudin (projected 42nd, went 27th)
Comparable: T.J. Brodie

Gravel (projected 62nd, went 162nd)
Comparable: Steve Mason


Wise (projected 89th, went 69th)
Comparable: Reilly Smith

Nordgren (projected 93rd, went 74th)
Comparable: none given but described as small and skilled but goes to physical areas

They also had an article comparing Boqvist vs Hughes on several factors and projecting who has the edge. Across 8 factors, they were split at 4 each.

Boqvist: hockey sense, offensive play, shot, first pass
Hughes: skating, physicality, defensive play, NHL readiness
- AEL_Fox

Because Hughes is almost a year older, this factor has lesser relevancy.

Agreed.

If you truly believe this team has zero shot at contending, then why bring in a guy who might make you only marginally better at best? Wouldn’t it be better to roll with kids and get a better feel for who may or may not be part of a future contender? Winning a handful more games, but still not being a contender, because of some washed up veteran presence will only stunt the retooling processs and result in a worse draft position.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ogi - I see your points, but I look at it this way, maybe it will be better to have some of the kids learn at Rockford instead of thowing them in the fire right now. Signing Troy to a PTO is a no lose deal, if he has something in the tank then sign him for a year. If he doesn't let him walk after camp.

Ogi - I see your points, but I look at it this way, maybe it will be better to have some of the kids learn at Rockford instead of thowing them in the fire right now. Signing Troy to a PTO is a no lose deal, if he has something in the tank then sign him for a year. If he doesn't let him walk after camp.
- powerenforcer

There are better options than Troy. If you’re gonna take a flyer on a PTO type player, why not bring in someone who might still be around when the baby core grows up? I see no point in a retread like Brouwer other than to satisfy the blood lust of people haunted by the ghost of NHL past.

There are better options than Troy. If you’re gonna take a flyer on a PTO type player, why not bring in someone who might still be around when the baby core grows up? I see no point in a retread like Brouwer other than to satisfy the blood lust of people haunted by the ghost of NHL past.
- Ogilthorpe2

I mentioned yesterday about Troy being an influence in Rockford. The Hogs did lose a couple of veterans. But really, who wants to do that unless they think they have coaching in their future. I like your line about stunting the growth and I agree.

Looks like Allsvenskan's Modo will announce the signing of Tobias Enström in today's press conference: https://t.co/289qfV0Vh0 #NHLJets

— Marco Bombino (@marco_bombino) August 24, 2018

- DarthKane

HE gone.

At the cottage right now crew... but trying to get a blog out EOD.

Stay tuned.

HE gone.
- Justin Lowe

Good did not think he was a good fit .Also do not believe Brouwer is a fit either

Agreed.

If you truly believe this team has zero shot at contending, then why bring in a guy who might make you only marginally better at best? Wouldn’t it be better to roll with kids and get a better feel for who may or may not be part of a future contender? Winning a handful more games, but still not being a contender, because of some washed up veteran presence will only stunt the retooling processs and result in a worse draft position.
- Ogilthorpe2

This right here.

It's OK to not spend to the Cap ceiling this season - leave something in the kitty to pay ELC bonuses that Schmaltz, DeBrincat and Sikura hopefully earn rather than needing to dip into the 2019/20 cap to pay them.

This right here.

It's OK to not spend to the Cap ceiling this season - leave something in the kitty to pay ELC bonuses that Schmaltz, DeBrincat and Sikura hopefully earn rather than needing to dip into the 2019/20 cap to pay them.
- EbonyRaptor

Kahun, too. He's owed upwards of $3.5 MM if he hits all of his bonuses.

EDIT: He can earn anywhere between $1.9 and $3.7.

This right here.

It's OK to not spend to the Cap ceiling this season - leave something in the kitty to pay ELC bonuses that Schmaltz, DeBrincat and Sikura hopefully earn rather than needing to dip into the 2019/20 cap to pay them.
- EbonyRaptor

Do they have to be at the ceiling to LTIR Crow, if necessary, and get max monetary relief?

Blackhawks unveil logo for 2019 Winter Classic uniforms. Full black and white so I'm thinking the uniform will be just those two colors.

I was at the bookstore today looking for new NHL fantasy guides but they're still not on the shelves yet in my area. They did still have the Hockey News draft guide from May. I thumbed through it and noted their projected Top 100. The Hawks drafted 5 from that list:

Boqvist (projected 5th, went 8th)
Comparable: Ryan Ellis

Beaudin (projected 42nd, went 27th)
Comparable: T.J. Brodie

Gravel (projected 62nd, went 162nd)
Comparable: Steve Mason

Wise (projected 89th, went 69th)
Comparable: Reilly Smith

Nordgren (projected 93rd, went 74th)
Comparable: none given but described as small and skilled but goes to physical areas

They also had an article comparing Boqvist vs Hughes on several factors and projecting who has the edge. Across 8 factors, they were split at 4 each.

Boqvist: hockey sense, offensive play, shot, first pass
Hughes: skating, physicality, defensive play, NHL readiness
- AEL_Fox

In no way am I saying their ceilings are the same, but take a look at Mitchell's season in comparison with Hughes. Mitchell is a bit older but both were freshman. Mitchell played top pair in all situations for Denver. His partner was Hillman

Do they have to be at the ceiling to LTIR Crow, if necessary, and get max monetary relief?
- pdx2ord

the simple answer is yes. its way more complicated though. they don't have to be at the ceiling to LTIR a player, but I think that is one way to get maximum value.

the simple answer is yes. its way more complicated though. they don't have to be at the ceiling to LTIR a player, but I think that is one way to get maximum value.
- Elbows15

Example: cap is 80mil
LTIR players salary = 5mil

Current salaries = 79mil - when the player is moved to LTIR the team can spend to 84mil. The first 1mil of the players salary is used to close the gap to the cap.

If current salaries were 70mil when the move is made the team would get no relief since adding in the LTIR salary doesn’t take the team over the cap.

Closer to the cap before the move = higher overall cap ceiling.

In no way am I saying their ceilings are the same, but take a look at Mitchell's season in comparison with Hughes. Mitchell is a bit older but both were freshman. Mitchell played top pair in all situations for Denver. His partner was Hillman
- Elbows15

Yeah, lots to like about Mitchell. I actually think he will be the more balanced and well rounded of the big 3 (Boqvist, Jokiharju, him). So let's say the Hawks strike out on Boqvist, Mitchell and even Jokiharju are not bad consolation prizes. Not by a long shot. Will Mitchell equal Hughes? Probably not but he also won't be Barker or Rundblad.

Then when you factor in the full depth of the blueline prospect pool, it's still not that bad overall. Less pressure on Boqvist (or any other singular prospect) to be a savior and more reliance on a potential back end that could be solid, possibly stellar, on both sides of the puck with the big 3, and the likes of Krys, Beaudin, Hillman, Gilbert, and Carlsson.

Saad Crosby Toews

DCat McDavid Kane

Make it happen Stan!
- riozzo

Did you forget Malkin centering the 3rd line?

Did you forget Malkin centering the 3rd line?
- Spec41971

Slot Jurco?

There are better options than Troy. If you’re gonna take a flyer on a PTO type player, why not bring in someone who might still be around when the baby core grows up? I see no point in a retread like Brouwer other than to satisfy the blood lust of people haunted by the ghost of NHL past.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ogil,

Curious as to who you see as a potential better PTO option that Troy, that would be willing to sign on the cheap?