Give him one year then if progressives well where he is ready then. He would take over the for kruger next year.

I would have to agree with Ebony Raptor that there are a few redundant prospects who could play bottom 6 center or wing on the cusp of making the team this fall. At most 2 should make the team and I think Kahun, Kampf, and Highmore have the edge (in that order) over Johnson.

Yes, Johnson can drop the gloves but honestly don't think Q cares about that trait. The high motor, relentless, three-zone players in Kampf and Highmore are more attractive to Q, IMHO. Not to say Johnson doesn't provide these other traits but one would have to think there's a reason why Kampf and Highmore got called up last season over Johnson.

Kahun's pro experience and vision and hockey sense give him a leg up above all the other 3.

All that said, I do believe Johnson will get his cup of coffee this season. We'll see who sticks as the season moves along.

I have not seen Luke Johnson play, so can't really make a fair assessment. But I think if Krueger is healthy and maybe Kahun can play some center, he probably won't make the team ... but not for lack of talent but quite simply, the "numbers game". He does sound a bit like former Hawk, Dave Bolland. That third line is so over looked to the success of a team. Hawks had great third line at one time of Bolland - Ladd - Versteeg and the last cup team had a third line of Vermette - Sharp - Terraveinen. A good third line could be a top line on a bad team
- chuckdahammer

Like Darth, the 3rd line is the pivotal line that may dictate how the rest of the forward lineup fares this season. If that 3rd line can eat solid minutes, play strong defense, win d-zone draws, and chip in with some secondary scoring, then that helps to alleviate pressure off of the top 2 lines especially on Toews and Schmaltz so they can take more o-zone draws. This would also allow youngsters like Schmaltz, DeBrincat, and Sikura to more effectively play top 6 by showing off their offensive talents.

The 4th line is similar in that it needs to be able to eat minutes, play solid defense, agitate, and contribute timely goals. But compared to the 3rd line, I feel more confident with a 4th line anchored by Kunitz and Kruger then say Hayden as the RW.

That roster is the worst. Destined for the 8th over all pick next June.
- mrpaulish

Didn't say it was good, just something to try with what we have. I really think that we have 5 top 6 players, 5 bottom 6 players, and 3 forwards that would be better off in Rockford this year.

As usual JL, great blog!

However, I will respectfully disagree and state that Johnson will make the team out of training camp. As I mentioned in the message board of the previous blog, this team needs quality defensive-minded bottom 6 forwards - enter Luke Johnson. Hopefully Kruger's health is 100%, but if not then the case for Johnson only gets stronger.

Plus, and most importantly of all, Johnson (along with Hayden) is a by-product of the Frolik trade with Winnipeg so that makes him all the more awesome.

Johnson makes the team.
- DarthKane

Darth - it wouldn't be any fun without a little healthy disagreement. ha.

My thinking is the Hawks, while a little weak at centre currently have the following on the depth chart:

Toews
Schmaltz
Anisimov
Kruger
Kampf


My assumption is that they would like to keep Johnson at C vs. moving him to the wing at this point. Starting off at wing is usually the way to go, but Johnson is really responsible and could handle 4th line C as soon as late this year/2019-20.

Playing 1C or 2C in Rockford in all situations under Colliton (whom he raves about) would be a great thing for him at this point IMO.

In saying that, I'm real pleasant with his development. I like his character and style and think he'll be a nice bottom 6 guy for the Hawks in the near future.

- DarthKane

Ahhhh... I see you have Hayden in there.

Starting to come around?

... this is the goal I was talking about in the last thread... don't know... looks like a power winger to me on his play. Almost Tom Wilson-esque.

https://www.nhl.com/video...ne/t-294011318/c-58770903

if he makes the team we are even worse then what I was thinking. NHL players tend to dominate at lower levels and while I think he is a solid AHL player. He did not dominate in college or the AHL. IMO. He also does not seem to have a NHL skill that is AVG or above. Effort is not really a skill. Debrinct has a NHL above AVG shot, Nick has speed and passing. ETC.
- kmw4631

While I agree that NHL players tend to dominate in juniors (Johnson was almost a PPG player in USHL), I find NCAA is harder to judge because it's a difficult league to dominate.

In the AHL, he hasn't lit it up - no. However, I don't think Johnson's style is ever going to be dominating. He's got intangibles that he already knows can get him to the NHL - like being a Marcus Kruger shutdown/PK type centre. He mentioned that last year.

I think he's a guy you win with because he never gives up, but no, I don't think he'll ever be a big point-getter in the NHL.

Give him one year then if progressives well where he is ready then. He would take over the for kruger next year.
- Scott1977

That'd be my vote Scott.

With injuries, I would assume Johnson gets a taste at some point this year in the NHL. Which will be a great step for him making the jump in 2019-20.

How early do we start seeing a bunch of empty seats at the United Center? I’d say when the team starts out 2-9, I agree with an earlier poster, there’s only about five guys on that roster that can play for any team that has any inclination of competing for the playoffs. Otherwise it is a great roster for the Sunday morning Johnny’s icehouse elite league.

How early do we start seeing a bunch of empty seats at the United Center? I’d say when the team starts out 2-9, I agree with an earlier poster, there’s only about five guys on that roster that can play for any team that has any inclination of competing for the playoffs. Otherwise it is a great roster for the Sunday morning Johnny’s icehouse elite league.
- wonthecup10

We are really getting dangerously close on what to do about our goaltending. There is going to have to be a statement pretty soon and the condition of Corey Crawford. A true one ,not a bunch of bull crap!

We are really getting dangerously close on what to do about our goaltending. There is going to have to be a statement pretty soon and the condition of Corey Crawford. A true one ,not a bunch of bull crap!
- wonthecup10

That has gotta be the biggest question for the team heading into this season: is Crawford healthy and back to his previous level? If not, will he ever be and how long will it take? It's hard to see making the playoffs if he isn't playing.

Ahhhh... I see you have Hayden in there.

Starting to come around?

... this is the goal I was talking about in the last thread... don't know... looks like a power winger to me on his play. Almost Tom Wilson-esque.

https://www.nhl.com/video...ne/t-294011318/c-58770903
- Justin Lowe

I think he'll start the season in Chicago out of necessity but I don't know if he will last. Believe me, I hope I'm wrong about Hayden because he's the type of forward the Hawks need. I'm certainly not writing off Hayden, I just don't know if this year is the season he becomes a consistent contributor.

Darth - it wouldn't be any fun without a little healthy disagreement. ha.

My thinking is the Hawks, while a little weak at centre currently have the following on the depth chart:

Toews
Schmaltz
Anisimov
Kruger
Kampf


My assumption is that they would like to keep Johnson at C vs. moving him to the wing at this point. Starting off at wing is usually the way to go, but Johnson is really responsible and could handle 4th line C as soon as late this year/2019-20.

Playing 1C or 2C in Rockford in all situations under Colliton (whom he raves about) would be a great thing for him at this point IMO.

In saying that, I'm real pleasant with his development. I like his character and style and think he'll be a nice bottom 6 guy for the Hawks in the near future.
- Justin Lowe

Will Kampf play centre of move over to RW? If Kruger is healthy and Johnson plays they have a 4th line of guys who can win a faceoff consistently.

Kampf is a guy that could surprise people this season. I'm not suggesting he moves into the top 6 but maybe he moves up to the 4th line. Kampf seemed to adjust well to the North American game last season (Rockford and Chicago), maybe his play jumps to the next level this season?

I think he'll start the season in Chicago out of necessity but I don't know if he will last. Believe me, I hope I'm wrong about Hayden because he's the type of forward the Hawks need. I'm certainly not writing off Hayden, I just don't know if this year is the season he becomes a consistent contributor.
- DarthKane

I think we have 5 top 6, 2 3rd liners, and 3 4th liners, Hayden kampf and kahn. everybody else is 13th or worse. so we have a 3rd liner plying on the 1st line and 2 4th liners playing on the 3rd line. and 2 AHL players playing on the 4th. Who so we have in the proposed lineup that might be top 10 at his position. Kane for sure. I would say if AA can stay healthy he is a top ten 3rd line center. SAAD and Teows NO. Nick Cat might be close if they improve off last year.

also the Athletic that put teams in Tiers and we were the last Tier 3 team. But they did quote a scout who said " goaltending, I don't know what is going on there, nothing I have heard is positive, Ill tell you that.

Will Kampf play centre of move over to RW? If Kruger is healthy and Johnson plays they have a 4th line of guys who can win a faceoff consistently.

Kampf is a guy that could surprise people this season. I'm not suggesting he moves into the top 6 but maybe he moves up to the 4th line. Kampf seemed to adjust well to the North American game last season (Rockford and Chicago), maybe his play jumps to the next level this season?
- DarthKane

I think Kampf may start on RW but he was the 2nd best faceoff guy on this team last year.

The more I watch him the more the Hawks could use his... relentlessness. He's bigger than most think at 6'2 / 200 and he's got some good hockey sense.

If anything Kampf should be on AA's line to start to take draws for him and then slide back over to wing.

I'm getting excited for the season to start. One thing that is different in my mind from the past 10 seasons, is that I don't have any expectations for this team. I hope that they play well and make the playoffs, but I'm not expecting it. I think it will make it a more fun season of Hawks hockey to watch since there are so many unknowns and it will be fun to watch this team come together (or not).

I think Kampf may start on RW but he was the 2nd best faceoff guy on this team last year.

The more I watch him the more the Hawks could use his... relentlessness. He's bigger than most think at 6'2 / 200 and he's got some good hockey sense.

If anything Kampf should be on AA's line to start to take draws for him and then slide back over to wing.
- Justin Lowe

This is what I'm starting to think and it would make sense. That line would need a skilled forward on the other side, maybe Kahun? If Kampf moves up to the 3rd line Hayden will likely move to the 4th. I was under the impression the Hawks wanted Hayden to be more than a 4th liner bu he could still play 12-13 minutes per night.

I'm getting excited for the season to start. One thing that is different in my mind from the past 10 seasons, is that I don't have any expectations for this team. I hope that they play well and make the playoffs, but I'm not expecting it. I think it will make it a more fun season of Hawks hockey to watch since there are so many unknowns and it will be fun to watch this team come together (or not).
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I'm in the same boat, I'm excited but don't expect anything specific - good or bad. I'm trying to take more of a long term developmental view to the team right now. Obviously it's all about team success, but this year will be a lot about the success of certain individuals - Kahun, Sikura, Hayden (if he makes the team), Jokiharju, plus the development of some others - DeBrincat and Schmaltz.

I don't expect all the vets to bounce back, but I so think Saad and Seabrook will have the biggest improvements over last season. Toews and Keith will improve, albeit not as much.

How early do we start seeing a bunch of empty seats at the United Center? I’d say when the team starts out 2-9, I agree with an earlier poster, there’s only about five guys on that roster that can play for any team that has any inclination of competing for the playoffs. Otherwise it is a great roster for the Sunday morning Johnny’s icehouse elite league.
- wonthecup10

There's being pessimistic about the team's chances and then there's sounding like you're looking forward to the potential of empty seats just to be able to be like "see, I told you".

I don't understand how any fan can poop on their team as much as some of you guys do before you've even seen them play together. Don't have to be all happy sunshine or anything, but maybe add something to discussion beyond creating hate-lists for the team. Idk just a thought.

Darth - it wouldn't be any fun without a little healthy disagreement. ha.

My thinking is the Hawks, while a little weak at centre currently have the following on the depth chart:

Toews
Schmaltz
Anisimov
Kruger
Kampf


My assumption is that they would like to keep Johnson at C vs. moving him to the wing at this point. Starting off at wing is usually the way to go, but Johnson is really responsible and could handle 4th line C as soon as late this year/2019-20.

Playing 1C or 2C in Rockford in all situations under Colliton (whom he raves about) would be a great thing for him at this point IMO.

In saying that, I'm real pleasant with his development. I like his character and style and think he'll be a nice bottom 6 guy for the Hawks in the near future.
- Justin Lowe

I agree, Johnson is on track to be the heir apparent to Kruger as 4C and may best be served with more time in big situations in Rockford then earning a call up late in the year or just wait until starting next season.

Kampf is also developing well as a bottom 6 center as well, maybe him at 3C and Johnson at 4C. Then you have Highmore and Kahun making their cases, too, as potential bottom 6 centers. There's not room for all 4 of them now or long term so 1-2 of them will be traded or not resigned at the appropriate time.

I'm in the same boat, I'm excited but don't expect anything specific - good or bad. I'm trying to take more of a long term developmental view to the team right now. Obviously it's all about team success, but this year will be a lot about the success of certain individuals - Kahun, Sikura, Hayden (if he makes the team), Jokiharju, plus the development of some others - DeBrincat and Schmaltz.

I don't expect all the vets to bounce back, but I so think Saad and Seabrook will have the biggest improvements over last season. Toews and Keith will improve, albeit not as much.
- DarthKane

I’m more or less with you here - looking for a big rebound for Saad, hopefully improvement from Toews, Keith, Seabrook - but not expecting them to approach the glory years - it will be fun (hopefully) seeing what the “kids” will do - and Crawford.

The problem is - even with moderate improvement - looking at the division....

Nashville and Winnipeg way out front, St. Louis has added improvement (I know - goaltending), Colorado coming off of a major advance, Minnesota and Dallas....

Hawks could be much better and still finish in last.

While I agree that NHL players tend to dominate in juniors (Johnson was almost a PPG player in USHL), I find NCAA is harder to judge because it's a difficult league to dominate.

In the AHL, he hasn't lit it up - no. However, I don't think Johnson's style is ever going to be dominating. He's got intangibles that he already knows can get him to the NHL - like being a Marcus Kruger shutdown/PK type centre. He mentioned that last year.

I think he's a guy you win with because he never gives up, but no, I don't think he'll ever be a big point-getter in the NHL.
- Justin Lowe

Agree again that Johnson won't be a big points guy in the NHL but a strong, gritty, in your face 4C like Kruger or that 2010 line of Burish, Fraser, and Eager. Great intangibles, some skill, and zero quit.

There's being pessimistic about the team's chances and then there's sounding like you're looking forward to the potential of empty seats just to be able to be like "see, I told you".

I don't understand how any fan can poop on their team as much as some of you guys do before you've even seen them play together. Don't have to be all happy sunshine or anything, but maybe add something to discussion beyond creating hate-lists for the team. Idk just a thought.
- L_B_R

I'm trying to be realistic. I know the Hawks aren't the power house they use to be, but I don't believe their window is closed either.

I think Stan is looking to keep the window open as long as possible. I'm thinking he's planning on having a down season or two and reload on the fly. It's a very difficult task and more often than not is doesn't work. But that doesn't mean it can't or won't work for Stan.

One thing (among others) that is really exciting to watch over the next couple seasons is the development of their young defensemen. Not all the d-men will make it but if 3-4 of Jokiharju, Boqvist, Mitchell, Hillman, Beaudin, or Krys make that drastically changes the future of the team. Plus there are a couple other d-men that have an outside chance to become regular contributors - Carlsson, Forsling, Gilbert, Snuggerud and Raddysh3 I know we all tend over over-hype the Blackhawks prospects but it's been a long long time since the team has been this deep in d-men prospects.

I’m more or less with you here - looking for a big rebound for Saad, hopefully improvement from Toews, Keith, Seabrook - but not expecting them to approach the glory years - it will be fun (hopefully) seeing what the “kids” will do - and Crawford.

The problem is - even with moderate improvement - looking at the division....

Nashville and Winnipeg way out front, St. Louis has added improvement (I know - goaltending), Colorado coming off of a major advance, Minnesota and Dallas....

Hawks could be much better and still finish in last.
- StLBravesFan

Winnipeg (my SC prediction) and Nashville will be 1-2 in the Central but I'm nto sold on any other team just yet. Chicago could sneak into the #3 spot and I think a wild card spot is a definite possibility.

I think Kampf may start on RW but he was the 2nd best faceoff guy on this team last year.

The more I watch him the more the Hawks could use his... relentlessness. He's bigger than most think at 6'2 / 200 and he's got some good hockey sense.

If anything Kampf should be on AA's line to start to take draws for him and then slide back over to wing.
- Justin Lowe

Although definitely not a fighter, I think some opponents who may try to overpower and intimidate Kampf would be up for a rude awakening with how surprisingly strong he is. He'll go about his business to make plays, even taking hits to make them, but isn't a pushover either.