They just can't decide how to handle their Johnson.
- breadbag

lol:

Kruger and Kane seem to have some chemistry this year. I was wondering if Q would consider having Kruger up on the second line.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

If AA can find success with Kane then so can Kruger.

@CRoumeliotis
13m13 minutes ago
More
New #Blackhawks lines:
DeBrincat-Toews-Kahun
Saad-Anisimov-Kane
Fortin-Kampf-Schmaltz
Kunitz-Kruger-Hayden-Martinsen


So, a promotion for Saad and Fortin after strong games.

A demotion of sorts for Schmaltz as they look to get him going, as well as create more scoring depth.

A definite demotion for Kunitz. Unfortunately, he has brought nothing to this team (on the ice) since training camp.
- Justin Lowe

I don't think it is a demotion, more the Hawks trying to spread out their scoring to create more depth. Now you have playmakers on each of the first three lines.

Jersey Update: Goaltender Anton Forsberg will wear jersey no. 31 with the @goicehogs. #Blackhawks

— Joseph Zakrzewski (@JoeyZRadio) October 23, 2018

That's a funny way to spell Matthew Highmore.
- I Am The Breadman

That's what I was thinking...why not Highmore?

Guys always expected too much from Forsberg. He was a backup and actually third string in Columbus because they couldn't wait to trade him and bring up another goalie. He will always be remembered as part of the second worst trade in Blackhawks history.
Before Murphy came to Chicago he had already played hundreds of games in Arizona. He was what he was going to be when he came here. How could folks possibly expect anything else? Another in a long line of trade wins for the other team.
The worry going forward is the more ABD scores the more likely mgt will trade him for cost certainty or some other lying bs.
- Savoy

Trevor Daley, Michael Kempny, Oduya, etc. The league is littered with players that were crap somewhere and much better in other places (and vice versa). GM's and coaches try to find players that play the way that fit their schemes. Sometimes it works out, others it doesn't, for various reasons).

I am fully aware that Martinsen is just a guy, but he is juust a guy who brings a lot more to the table right now than Kunitz. In my opinion, the fourth line should be Hayden, Kruger, Martinsen and it's not even a debate.

Guys always expected too much from Forsberg. He was a backup and actually third string in Columbus because they couldn't wait to trade him and bring up another goalie. He will always be remembered as part of the second worst trade in Blackhawks history.
Before Murphy came to Chicago he had already played hundreds of games in Arizona. He was what he was going to be when he came here. How could folks possibly expect anything else? Another in a long line of trade wins for the other team.
The worry going forward is the more ABD scores the more likely mgt will trade him for cost certainty or some other lying bs.
- Savoy

I felt that Murphy was getting better last year as the season went on. So maybe he just needs time to acclimate? I guess we will find out when he gets back...

I am fully aware that Martinsen is just a guy, but he is juust a guy who brings a lot more to the table right now than Kunitz. In my opinion, the fourth line should be Hayden, Kruger, Martinsen and it's not even a debate.
- Chunk

I agree.

Although, last year, this year, and even next year, seem like rebuilding depth years, so maybe they are trying out all different kinds of combinations to see what they got and what they want to keep going forward...

I'm calling it now, Hawks win Stanley cup in 2021, parade is June 12th, 2021.

Newest Breadman, another thing for you to track....

They just can't decide how to handle their Johnson.
- breadbag

Bowmans good at handling his, just look at some of the trades he’s made and some of the other decisions he’s made regarding player personnel over the last 2 to 3 years.

Bowmans good at handling his, just look at some of the trades he’s made and some of the other decisions he’s made regarding player personnel over the last 2 to 3 years.
- wonthecup10

I am calling it - SB gone before Feb 1.

I am fully aware that Martinsen is just a guy, but he is juust a guy who brings a lot more to the table right now than Kunitz. In my opinion, the fourth line should be Hayden, Kruger, Martinsen and it's not even a debate.
- Chunk

I would like to see that too

I am calling it - SB gone before Feb 1.
- riozzo

I am calling it - SB gone before Feb 1.
- riozzo

SB is being given the next 2-3 years to make a contender with Toews, Kane, Keith, and Crawford. At that point, if he has failed, he will be gone.

I am calling it - SB gone before Feb 1.
- riozzo

We’ll see, if these guys turn in a few more performances like the last two I think the rope will get that much tighter around his neck, personally I’m not even upset about the forwards because I understand all that, it’s the defenseman, Gustavsson and Ruutta, are what they are, 567 defenseman, and he gives them a combine $3 million, when those two players and I beat the drum on this before probably could not make 25 of the 31 NHL teams, that’s for starters, did you notice on one of the Tampa goals the other night how the forward just kept wacking Away at the Puck at least seven or eight times until it finally went into the net and Gustavsson was standing there just watching him all of the time. Ulf Samuelson Played a physical game, I got a believe he wants some of these defenseman to play that same way along with being able to get a puck up to the forwards, I would like to see them work with guys like Manning and Davidson and Connor Murphy, and quit wasting time with these players that no team drafts and they want to roll the dice on them by plucking them out of some beer league overseas. Maybe Bowman is going to have to take one of those forwards and try to trade for a young defenseman. Just watch number 42 in tonight‘s game how he plays the game. And daddy played here for years, and if I Belief, he even scored close to 20 goals one season while kicking some living Ass out there on the ice.Just my opinion that is all.

I don't think it is a demotion, more the Hawks trying to spread out their scoring to create more depth. Now you have playmakers on each of the first three lines.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Despite the debate the past day or so and likely to continue, I think Schmaltz is a top 6 player but am fine with him playing on the 3rd line to have a playmaker on each of the first 3 lines. Others have may have mentioned this before but having him play away from Kane and Toews may be a way for management to see what his true value is in terms of contract negotiations.

If signed to a bridge deal, $3-4 million for 2-3 years sounds about right. But if Bowman goes all in for a longer term contract, than $6 million for 6-7 years seems to be what it may be.

I am fully aware that Martinsen is just a guy, but he is juust a guy who brings a lot more to the table right now than Kunitz. In my opinion, the fourth line should be Hayden, Kruger, Martinsen and it's not even a debate.
- Chunk

I agree that Kruger and Martinsen should be the 4th line but still not sold on Hayden. Having Hayden play 4th line is good to help him gain stability and confidence to be more consistent at bringing a heavy game. However, I also wouldn't mind Highmore or Johnson playing on the 4th line.

If Johnson, keep him on the wing and have Kruger as center. It boggles the mind why Kruger would play wing if he was brought back to help take a bulk of the D zone draws which has been a factor in Toews resurgence.

I don't think it is a demotion, more the Hawks trying to spread out their scoring to create more depth. Now you have playmakers on each of the first three lines.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I think its a demotion because Saad got a promotion. I agree with having play makers on each line, Schmaltz ended up with 3rd line detail. Odd, he played a good game, but 8, 20, and 88 don't equal success when together.
But 8, 64, and 84 definitely has me intrigued. It sounds and reads good on paper, but how will it look when it hits the ice?

I am fully aware that Martinsen is just a guy, but he is juust a guy who brings a lot more to the table right now than Kunitz. In my opinion, the fourth line should be Hayden, Kruger, Martinsen and it's not even a debate.
- Chunk

Totally agree with you. I like that line.

I agree.

Although, last year, this year, and even next year, seem like rebuilding depth years, so maybe they are trying out all different kinds of combinations to see what they got and what they want to keep going forward...

I'm calling it now, Hawks win Stanley cup in 2021, parade is June 12th, 2021.

Newest Breadman, another thing for you to track....
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Hahaha. Consider it done.
In the words of Sheriff Bufford T. Justice, "One s*** at a time!"

- walleyeb1

This made me laugh in the middle of class!

I think its a demotion because Saad got a promotion. I agree with having play makers on each line, Schmaltz ended up with 3rd line detail. Odd, he played a good game, but 8, 20, and 88 don't equal success when together.
But 8, 64, and 84 definitely has me intrigued. It sounds and reads good on paper, but how will it look when it hits the ice?
- I Am The Breadman

It's not a promotion for one and a demotion for the other - it's moving players around to be in the best position for the team to win.

Q will be gone before Stan ,as it should be ..Terrible PP for years ..weak PK insane personnel decisions . Team not ready to start games over and over .All due to coach Q country club atmosphere and nonexistent practice schedule ..

- EnzoD

It's not a promotion for one and a demotion for the other - it's moving players around to be in the best position for the team to win.
- StLBravesFan

And constantly doing it is helping this .500 (your words) team?

i feel better:

Nick Schmaltz to play right side for first time in NHL career

Eight games into the season and Schmaltz has spent time at both center and left wing. Now he'll get a look on the right side with Alexandre Fortin on the left and David Kampf centering the third line.

Part of the reason for Schmaltz’s move to the right side was because Quenneville said they like Fortin on the left. It's not unfamiliar territory for Schmaltz, but could take some time getting used to.

"I played a little while back, not sure when," Schmaltz said "Just a little bit different. Catching pucks on your forehand now instead of your backhand. It's not a huge adjustment, just play with speed and compete hard and hopefully the skill on our line will take over."