I wouldn't expect any of the PTOs to make the team, maybe Davidson if the Hawks want both Hillman and Jokiharju to start in Rockford. I agree with Hawks' right handed shot situations, that makes it more realistic that they could give Luke Johnson a look in the bottom 6.
- DarthKane

Maybe. They really love his progress under Colliton. He's going to get some games this year with the Hawks even if he doesn't make it out of camp.

Maybe. They really love his progress under Colliton. He's going to get some games this year with the Hawks even if he doesn't make it out of camp.
- Justin Lowe

I said it before and I'll say it again, Johnson is my dark horse to make the team.

A lot of focus (rightfully so) has been placed on the top 6 in our discussions lately. But I'm not convinced the bottom 6 (plus the 13th forward) is set either.

Assuming Anisimov centres the third line:

Kahun - Anisiomov - Hayden
Kunitz - Johnson - Kampf
Kruger

Kahun, Hayden and Johnson aren't locks to make the team. Kampf may not be a 100% lock either but I'm confident enough that he'll make the team out of camp.

Other bottom 6 candidates in Rockford - Ejdsell, Highmore, Martinsen, Nilsson, T Sikura, Schroeder and Fortin. This group doesn't exactly instill me with confidence either.

A lot will shake out during training camp, but maybe there is a place for a guy like Shore.

The point is...

That this was inevitable. They had a great run..arguably the best of anyone in the salary cap era. That’s the rub, there’s a salary cap now. This makes it virtually impossible to keep a team at an elite level for a sustained period. There will not be another run of playoff appearances like the Red Wings strung together ever again.

This is not a what have you done fore me lately team, this is a 3 time Cup Champion. The management team that guided this team through the best period in team history deserves the chance to attempt to retool on the fly. Does the core have enough left to make another serious run? Maybe, maybe not, but the best shot this team has at another cup in the near future is for the core to bounce back, and some youngsters to make great strides forward.

If Toews bounces back even a little bit, Saad regresses to his career average shooting %, and the goaltending can be somewhere near average, then this is likely a playoff team. If some of the kids (Schmaltz, Debrincat, etc) take another step forward...who knows.

I’m not saying this team is a likely contender, but I don’t think a major bounce back season is out of the realm of possibility either.

There’s an argument to be made that in the long run they may be better off finishing last again and getting into the lottery level of first round picks...but I’m not there yet. I don’t think Kane, Toews, Keith, or Seabrook are likely going anywhere. They earned every penny they make, and every bit of stability that a NTC provides them, so the best we can hope for is that they are still able to be meaningful contributors to the next Stanley Cup Contending team.

I honestly feel this team is going to surprise a lot of people this year.
- Ogilthorpe2

Regardless where the 18/19 Hawks finish in the standings, Ogi has perfectly captured my opinion on this team - both players and management.

The point is...

That this was inevitable. They had a great run..arguably the best of anyone in the salary cap era. That’s the rub, there’s a salary cap now. This makes it virtually impossible to keep a team at an elite level for a sustained period. There will not be another run of playoff appearances like the Red Wings strung together ever again.

This is not a what have you done fore me lately team, this is a 3 time Cup Champion. The management team that guided this team through the best period in team history deserves the chance to attempt to retool on the fly. Does the core have enough left to make another serious run? Maybe, maybe not, but the best shot this team has at another cup in the near future is for the core to bounce back, and some youngsters to make great strides forward.

If Toews bounces back even a little bit, Saad regresses to his career average shooting %, and the goaltending can be somewhere near average, then this is likely a playoff team. If some of the kids (Schmaltz, Debrincat, etc) take another step forward...who knows.

I’m not saying this team is a likely contender, but I don’t think a major bounce back season is out of the realm of possibility either.

There’s an argument to be made that in the long run they may be better off finishing last again and getting into the lottery level of first round picks...but I’m not there yet. I don’t think Kane, Toews, Keith, or Seabrook are likely going anywhere. They earned every penny they make, and every bit of stability that a NTC provides them, so the best we can hope for is that they are still able to be meaningful contributors to the next Stanley Cup Contending team.

I honestly feel this team is going to surprise a lot of people this year.
- Ogilthorpe2

Lot of if's but I tend to agree with that positive outlook right now. The season hasn't even started yet and I think more things are likely to go right than go wrong for them this year.

Lot of if's but I tend to agree with that positive outlook right now. The season hasn't even started yet and I think more things are likely to go right than go wrong for them this year.
- fattybeef

I agree with the overall sentiment of the last 3 posts, (Ebony, Ogi, Fatty). Two things could happen that are good.
1) A little bounce back from the core, good goaltending from Crow,Ward, Forsberg and some improvements by the D and young forwards and it could be a pretty exciting season. The Hawks could be near the 8th playoff spot, and have a little cap room and some assets to trade at the TDL. They make the playoffs and then anything can happen.
2) Core continues to slump, goaltending is a mess, D is not improved, trade players like Anisimov and add some draft picks at the TDL and the Hawks get a very high 1st round draft pick.

Of course the 3rd option is they muddle along, makes some dumb moves at the TDL trading away good prospects or picks, miss the playoffs by a hair, and only have a so so pick in the draft. Ugh!

Yeah, it's a bit dumb because they'll just play a different video game lol. Whenever you see behind the scenes stuff with players, they almost all universally play video games, especially as group bonding. The Hawks players in 2013 talked about how the road game tournaments were huge for them. And like Laine and Matthews are two of the biggest Fortnite nerds and they seem to be doing pretty well.

They may need to counsel some guys on better time management or put in punishment for those that come to practice tired or whatever, but banning a single game isn't going to do poop.
- L_B_R

Super dumb. These kids can play video games all night for all I care. It's better that they stay inside than them going out to bars/clubs and getting recorded doing something stupid or being at the wrong place at the wrong time and being guilty by association.

Everyone knew this was coming because of the cost of winning and were fine with it. So quit your constant female doging captain obvious.
- GPHawksfan

A- dont give a shiiit what you think.
B -Yeah ok, like nobody ever females dogs constantly about one thing or another on this blog....dont like it, dont read it.

The point is...

That this was inevitable. They had a great run..arguably the best of anyone in the salary cap era. That’s the rub, there’s a salary cap now. This makes it virtually impossible to keep a team at an elite level for a sustained period. There will not be another run of playoff appearances like the Red Wings strung together ever again.

This is not a what have you done fore me lately team, this is a 3 time Cup Champion. The management team that guided this team through the best period in team history deserves the chance to attempt to retool on the fly. Does the core have enough left to make another serious run? Maybe, maybe not, but the best shot this team has at another cup in the near future is for the core to bounce back, and some youngsters to make great strides forward.

If Toews bounces back even a little bit, Saad regresses to his career average shooting %, and the goaltending can be somewhere near average, then this is likely a playoff team. If some of the kids (Schmaltz, Debrincat, etc) take another step forward...who knows.

I’m not saying this team is a likely contender, but I don’t think a major bounce back season is out of the realm of possibility either.

There’s an argument to be made that in the long run they may be better off finishing last again and getting into the lottery level of first round picks...but I’m not there yet. I don’t think Kane, Toews, Keith, or Seabrook are likely going anywhere. They earned every penny they make, and every bit of stability that a NTC provides them, so the best we can hope for is that they are still able to be meaningful contributors to the next Stanley Cup Contending team.

I honestly feel this team is going to surprise a lot of people this year.
- Ogilthorpe2

You may be correct.....hope you are, I will be cheering for them regardless.
Like you said I'm also really hoping deeep down for a Toews ressurgence, if he slows down even more than he has in the last few years then we have a serious issue.....as for Seabs I'm not as optimistic. I do believe Saad will bounce back. My main concern is with the D and the depth of quality. I think this will hurt us the most and we are a few years away from being where we should be to be that playoff strong team, defense wise anyways.

Yeah, it's a bit dumb because they'll just play a different video game lol. Whenever you see behind the scenes stuff with players, they almost all universally play video games, especially as group bonding. The Hawks players in 2013 talked about how the road game tournaments were huge for them. And like Laine and Matthews are two of the biggest Fortnite nerds and they seem to be doing pretty well.

They may need to counsel some guys on better time management or put in punishment for those that come to practice tired or whatever, but banning a single game isn't going to do poop.
- L_B_R

If they banned Mario Kart the Hawks would have never won the 2010 Cup!

If they banned Mario Kart the Hawks would have never won the 2010 Cup!
- DarthKane

Nice. Very True.

You may be correct.....hope you are, I will be cheering for them regardless.
Like you said I'm also really hoping deeep down for a Toews ressurgence, if he slows down even more than he has in the last few years then we have a serious issue.....as for Seabs I'm not as optimistic. I do believe Saad will bounce back. My main concern is with the D and the depth of quality. I think this will hurt us the most and we are a few years away from being where we should be to be that playoff strong team, defense wise anyways.
- Hawkster

A rebound by Seabrook could be in the cards this season. There were reports earlier this summer that he started his workout regimen early. Plus, he is reportedly fully healed from the lingering back issue that has been plaguing him for a while. Now that he's on the back 9, I see an evolution in to more of a stay-at-home defender with a booming point shot for the PP 2nd unit.

I have faith in Toews and Keith both rebounding as well. While 2013-2015 peak years might be a stretch, I believe they will be better than last season. At least 25/25 goals/assists for Toews but I think he still has it in him to crank out a 30/30 year.

As for Keith, he may return to 40-45 points offensively but more so playing more solid defense and being the top-shelf defender who is adept at flipping the ice on a regular basis.

Rebound season by Saad seems most probable out of all of them, IMHO. I project close to 30 goals if not 30 and 55-60 points.

I doubt it would get felony assault. He went below the waste unlike mcsorley
- vandymeer23

McSorley's was a love tap. Brashear didn't wear his helmet strap tight and his helmet dislodged. That coupled with Brashear being not the greatest skater adds up to him falling on his melon. McSorely initiated, no question there. But it was not a two hander like in that video, he was trying to get Brashear's attention. Worked out bad for both of them. I saw Brashear do that to guys at least a dozen times, except none of them fell down. It was not the crime of the century like it was played up in the media, but a black eye for the sport is a black eye no matter what.

Four Hawks make Sportsnet's top 100 players: Kane (14), Toews (50), Keith (63), Crawford (97).

For the Panarin fans, he is ranked 31st.

I said it before and I'll say it again, Johnson is my dark horse to make the team.

A lot of focus (rightfully so) has been placed on the top 6 in our discussions lately. But I'm not convinced the bottom 6 (plus the 13th forward) is set either.

Assuming Anisimov centres the third line:

Kahun - Anisiomov - Hayden
Kunitz - Johnson - Kampf
Kruger

Kahun, Hayden and Johnson aren't locks to make the team. Kampf may not be a 100% lock either but I'm confident enough that he'll make the team out of camp.

Other bottom 6 candidates in Rockford - Ejdsell, Highmore, Martinsen, Nilsson, T Sikura, Schroeder and Fortin. This group doesn't exactly instill me with confidence either.

A lot will shake out during training camp, but maybe there is a place for a guy like Shore.
- DarthKane

Not saying he shouldn't be the 13th forward but I think they'd have to put Q in that Hannibal Lecture straight jacket and mask to stop him from dressing Kruger

A rebound by Seabrook could be in the cards this season. There were reports earlier this summer that he started his workout regimen early. Plus, he is reportedly fully healed from the lingering back issue that has been plaguing him for a while. Now that he's on the back 9, I see an evolution in to more of a stay-at-home defender with a booming point shot for the PP 2nd unit.

I have faith in Toews and Keith both rebounding as well. While 2013-2015 peak years might be a stretch, I believe they will be better than last season. At least 25/25 goals/assists for Toews but I think he still has it in him to crank out a 30/30 year.

As for Keith, he may return to 40-45 points offensively but more so playing more solid defense and being the top-shelf defender who is adept at flipping the ice on a regular basis.

Rebound season by Saad seems most probable out of all of them, IMHO. I project close to 30 goals if not 30 and 55-60 points.
- AEL_Fox

Would be great if Seabrook can just physically compete better again. Be tougher to play against, even if he only played 20 minutes a night. I think for him and Keith, limited PP minutes would help them focus on 5v5 and PK minutes. Their point totals might suffer, but I kinda hope Forsling, Gustafsson, Rutta, get some decent PP time.

If the season goes off the rails, maybe one of Forsling, Rutta or Gus can be a decent trade chip for a TDL deal, assuming they get some PP opportunity and pad their numbers a bit.

I think you are pretty much on the money with Toews, probably gonna get like 25-28 goals and 35 assists or in that neighborhood. For production, both he and Saad need to get something going on special teams. If you look at Saad when he was here in Chicago he didn't actually score much differently at even strength.

Last Season 34 even strength points

He had 42 even strength points in 14/15 and and 36 in 13/14.

He did a bit better that last year in Columbus but that might be more the exception than the rule. I thought he still played decently on the defensive side, but for many of the Hawks (in terms of point totals) the PP was just too predictable. I think Saad can be a really valuable 2 way player still, but likely he is gonna top out a 55 points.

Four Hawks make Sportsnet's top 100 players: Kane (14), Toews (50), Keith (63), Crawford (97).

For the Panarin fans, he is ranked 31st.
- AEL_Fox

With 31 teams, that would be about average.

Note that they are spread throughout the 100.

I said it before and I'll say it again, Johnson is my dark horse to make the team.

A lot of focus (rightfully so) has been placed on the top 6 in our discussions lately. But I'm not convinced the bottom 6 (plus the 13th forward) is set either.

Assuming Anisimov centres the third line:

Kahun - Anisiomov - Hayden
Kunitz - Johnson - Kampf
Kruger

Kahun, Hayden and Johnson aren't locks to make the team. Kampf may not be a 100% lock either but I'm confident enough that he'll make the team out of camp.

Other bottom 6 candidates in Rockford - Ejdsell, Highmore, Martinsen, Nilsson, T Sikura, Schroeder and Fortin. This group doesn't exactly instill me with confidence either.

A lot will shake out during training camp, but maybe there is a place for a guy like Shore.
- DarthKane

At 28 years old - on a team with not much center depth - and strong where last year's group was weak (defense, PK, FOs)....

If healed from his injury (wrist?), I would think Kruger could find a regular position on the ice for this team.

Would be great if Seabrook can just physically compete better again. Be tougher to play against, even if he only played 20 minutes a night. I think for him and Keith, limited PP minutes would help them focus on 5v5 and PK minutes. Their point totals might suffer, but I kinda hope Forsling, Gustafsson, Rutta, get some decent PP time.

If the season goes off the rails, maybe one of Forsling, Rutta or Gus can be a decent trade chip for a TDL deal, assuming they get some PP opportunity and pad their numbers a bit.

I think you are pretty much on the money with Toews, probably gonna get like 25-28 goals and 35 assists or in that neighborhood. For production, both he and Saad need to get something going on special teams. If you look at Saad when he was here in Chicago he didn't actually score much differently at even strength.

Last Season 34 even strength points

He had 42 even strength points in 14/15 and and 36 in 13/14.

He did a bit better that last year in Columbus but that might be more the exception than the rule. I thought he still played decently on the defensive side, but for many of the Hawks (in terms of point totals) the PP was just too predictable. I think Saad can be a really valuable 2 way player still, but likely he is gonna top out a 55 points.
- breadbag

Keith had 10PP points - Seabrook had 8 - not sure how their points totals could suffer much more - or how any other point on the PP could have less.

With 31 teams, that would be about average.

Note that they are spread throughout the 100.
- StLBravesFan

Good points.

During the core's prime, that list likely would've had 3 more Hawks in Hossa, Sharp, and Seabrook. Hjalmarsson wouldn't have made the list but he was just as valuable to the Hawks dominant string.

Would be great if Seabrook can just physically compete better again. Be tougher to play against, even if he only played 20 minutes a night. I think for him and Keith, limited PP minutes would help them focus on 5v5 and PK minutes. Their point totals might suffer, but I kinda hope Forsling, Gustafsson, Rutta, get some decent PP time.

If the season goes off the rails, maybe one of Forsling, Rutta or Gus can be a decent trade chip for a TDL deal, assuming they get some PP opportunity and pad their numbers a bit.

I think you are pretty much on the money with Toews, probably gonna get like 25-28 goals and 35 assists or in that neighborhood. For production, both he and Saad need to get something going on special teams. If you look at Saad when he was here in Chicago he didn't actually score much differently at even strength.

Last Season 34 even strength points

He had 42 even strength points in 14/15 and and 36 in 13/14.

He did a bit better that last year in Columbus but that might be more the exception than the rule. I thought he still played decently on the defensive side, but for many of the Hawks (in terms of point totals) the PP was just too predictable. I think Saad can be a really valuable 2 way player still, but likely he is gonna top out a 55 points.
- breadbag

I wouldn't mind giving more PP time to the younger defenders like Gustafsson, Forsling, Rutta, and especially Jokiharju if he makes the team. Let them develop in that QB role. At least have the other person at the point be defensively aware and have a good set of wheels to retreat back if the puck turns over to the other direction. Riverboat gamblers like Gustafsson need that help.

Saad's water level is likely 55-60 points and 25ish goals. I'm perfectly fine with that given everything else he provides the team as a balanced, three zone player.

I see Wise as a prospect who may develop similarly. Max out at 20-25 goals with 50 or so points while providing a lot of value elsewhere for the team.

Highmore is an interesting prospect in that he might need to keep producing goals and constant style of play - no taking off a period or game. This forces Bownan and Q to consider just what role he can play in Chicago. He is not a prototypical second line talent nor really quite the stereotypical checker. He may become a useful player teams like to have

In the prospect Tournament there should be definite difference in the experience factor and know how, correct decisions when comparing defensemen. Carlsson and Tuulola have played more games than Boqvist at their level and are older than our top two 2019 draft choices.

This tournament gives prospects an opportunity to see how to be productive in a more professional structure of play, although despite Colliton effort these tournaments often seemed nothing more than glorified riverboat hockey - rat hockey.

Eventually prospects need to accept that their success at the higher levels is not based upon skill alone. Lesser lite talent and the more skilled dmen, too, sometimes just need to read and react with simple safe plays.

I would like to see someone like Knott step up to a regular second or third line role. His speed and big body would play well in his bruising game in Chicago. We lack enough of his style of play in Chicago not to mention his size. Also wondering how Bowman might first want to try Sikula's brother for a look before elevating Highmore.

Highmore is an interesting prospect in that he might need to keep producing goals and constant style of play - no taking off a period or game. This forces Bownan and Q to consider just what role he can play in Chicago. He is not a prototypical second line talent nor really quite the stereotypical checker. He may become a useful player teams like to have

In the prospect Tournament there should be definite difference in the experience factor and know how, correct decisions when comparing defensemen. Carlsson and Tuulola have played more games than Boqvist at their level and are older than our top two 2019 draft choices.

This tournament gives prospects an opportunity to see how to be productive in a more professional structure of play, although despite Colliton effort these tournaments often seemed nothing more than glorified riverboat hockey - rat hockey.

Eventually prospects need to accept that their success at the higher levels is not based upon skill alone. Lesser lite talent and the more skilled dmen, too, sometimes just need to read and react with simple safe plays.

I would like to see someone like Knott step up to a regular second or third line role. His speed and big body would play well in his bruising game in Chicago. We lack enough of his style of play in Chicago not to mention his size. Also wondering how Bowman might first want to try Sikula's brother for a look before elevating Highmore.
- jhawk59

I was under the impression that skating was a weakness of the big bodied Knott?? Same for Bondra, IIRC. Any confirmation on live streaming of the Hawks games in the Prospect Tourney??

The point is...

That this was inevitable. They had a great run..arguably the best of anyone in the salary cap era. That’s the rub, there’s a salary cap now. This makes it virtually impossible to keep a team at an elite level for a sustained period. There will not be another run of playoff appearances like the Red Wings strung together ever again.

This is not a what have you done fore me lately team, this is a 3 time Cup Champion. The management team that guided this team through the best period in team history deserves the chance to attempt to retool on the fly. Does the core have enough left to make another serious run? Maybe, maybe not, but the best shot this team has at another cup in the near future is for the core to bounce back, and some youngsters to make great strides forward.

If Toews bounces back even a little bit, Saad regresses to his career average shooting %, and the goaltending can be somewhere near average, then this is likely a playoff team. If some of the kids (Schmaltz, Debrincat, etc) take another step forward...who knows.

I’m not saying this team is a likely contender, but I don’t think a major bounce back season is out of the realm of possibility either.

There’s an argument to be made that in the long run they may be better off finishing last again and getting into the lottery level of first round picks...but I’m not there yet. I don’t think Kane, Toews, Keith, or Seabrook are likely going anywhere. They earned every penny they make, and every bit of stability that a NTC provides them, so the best we can hope for is that they are still able to be meaningful contributors to the next Stanley Cup Contending team.

I honestly feel this team is going to surprise a lot of people this year.
- Ogilthorpe2

Am I doing this right? My assistant showed me what a gif was earlier today.

I was undeor the impression that skating was a weakness of the big bodied Knott?? Same for Bondra, IIRC. Any confirmation on live streaming of the Hawks games in the Prospect Tourney??
- EnzoD

I did not get a proper read on Knott's skating after watching him twice in person last season. He does not labor or look slow on the forecheck, but he is not speedy at all. Honestly I was watching too many players and Knott's role and effort was easily deciphered. So I concentrated on other players. Could go read past scouting reports or ask wiz. What sticks in my mind, is somewhere in a scouting report was the comment "will play eventually in the NHL."

The NHL acsension would be welcome. Bowman appears to be content to find grit, nastiness, size with later picks. Might Knott advance is a definite "dk" but know that Colliton had to figure how to best put the linrip together given the past accomplishments of each player. Knott is not a fourth line long term guy. Let's see if he develops nicely.

BTW Anthony Luis is an intriguing prospect too. He has the skill and I suggest he could play effectively in the NHL despite dimenutive size. He did learn how to pick pucks smartly but under Q he must be good defensively for an offensive dynamo type Luis tends to be

The situation with Pacioretty just keeps getting worse and worse.

And people think Stan is a bad GM....