DKahun was good on the forecheck and gave a solid effort.

Credit to Carolina’s de Haan and Pesce thought both played solid
- 93Joe

Wasn't he available this summer as a FA? $4.55M per year for 4 years is what he signed for, and Stan signed Manning and Davidson for a total of $2.9 M. So, for an extra $1.65 Hawks could have had deHaan instead of those 2 stumble bums.

#StanMustGo

As much as its a learning experience for the guys, hopefully it's a learning experience for JC. Lines still need tweaking and d pairings ... just get rid or demote some. I'm still waiting for recalls.

On another note, I'm disappointed in what you say about the jerseys. I thought they looked cool on tv. I really wanted to get one.
- I Am The Breadman

Ohh for sure. He seems very poised though. It doesn't seem like this is overwhelming him...yet. Lots of work to be done with finding the right lines and D pairings with roster moves to be made Forsling, Murphy, Sikura, etc. to fit into the fold.

When I first saw the pics yesterday afternoon I was like meh that's are not bad, but when I got to the UC and hit the shops and saw it I was like dayum that's pretty awesome so I picked one up. My girlfriend even wants me to get her one too. Definitely worth getting bro

Wasn't he available this summer as a FA? $4.55M per year for 4 years is what he signed for, and Stan signed Manning and Davidson for a total of $2.9 M. So, for an extra $1.65 Hawks could have had deHaan instead of those 2 stumble bums.

#StanMustGo
- scottak

Not to mention another 3.5M for Rutta and Gus. I would love for one of the reporters who just doesn't care to ask Bowman "what were you thinking in signing them for so much, so early?".

I'm thinking the Hawks will ride out this season with the guys they have (in Chicago or Rockford) but not because they believe in the team but because they have no choice. I don't think they have too many tradable assets that will provide immediate help in return. I don't see Stan trading away another 1st round pick this year.

My expectation is that the Hawks will make bigger moves this summer. Anisimov can be traded, his NTC is done after this season and after his bonus is paid he has the type of deal that cash-sensitive teams (like Ottawa) covet. Although I'm not in favour of this, I could see Saad moved as well. I would hope they blow-up the defense, keep Keith, Seabrook and Jokiharju for sure and the rest can go (maybe Murphy stays).
- DarthKane

i would imagine guys with a NMC or NTC would be more likely to waive given a new coach, and likely out of the playoff picture by Jan 1 - thoughts?

Fair. It's not that he's bad, just overslotted?
- BINGO!

Exactly!

Wasn't he available this summer as a FA? $4.55M per year for 4 years is what he signed for, and Stan signed Manning and Davidson for a total of $2.9 M. So, for an extra $1.65 Hawks could have had deHaan instead of those 2 stumble bums.

#StanMustGo
- scottak

True but if he struggled this year or next then everyone would be b**ching about the fact that we're stuck with that deal with no cap space for four years or whatever. At least with Rutta his deal is up at the end of the year and we have that cap space to work with. Manning's deal sucks but at least there's only one year left after that.

I don’t get the fascination with Kahun. He has played almost exclusively with Toews and Cat and has exactly 1 goal in 16 games. More troubling is he does not seem ever to have opportunities to score. Doesn’t really matter if he is “trying.” A player needs to score if he is going to play on the so-called “first” line.

Schmaltz - Toews - Saad and DeBrincat - Anisimov - Kane as 1a, 1b
- Z3Hawk

Then talk about AdB too - one goal in 9 games, no goals and 1 assist in the last 6.

He was streaky like that last year, too.

I’m seeing that maybe he’s either not able to get to his “slot spot” during the slump - he seems to be farther out from the goal than when he was productive - by design or by force of the opposition, I don’t know.

Perhaps a downside of coming to the Show too soon - he hasn’t learned how to get himself out of short slumps before they become long. There could be benefits to spending time in the minors even for very talented 19 year olds.

Just speculating....

Wasn't he available this summer as a FA? $4.55M per year for 4 years is what he signed for, and Stan signed Manning and Davidson for a total of $2.9 M. So, for an extra $1.65 Hawks could have had deHaan instead of those 2 stumble bums.

#StanMustGo
- scottak

That's terrible.....

Who's to say Chicago wasnt on his list of preferred destinations

Then talk about AdB too - one goal in 9 games, no goals and 1 assist in the last 6.

He was streaky like that last year, too.

I’m seeing that maybe he’s either not able to get to his “slot spot” during the slump - he seems to be farther out from the goal than when he was productive - by design or by force of the opposition, I don’t know.

Perhaps a downside of coming to the Show too soon - he hasn’t learned how to get himself out of short slumps before they become long. There could be benefits to spending time in the minors even for very talented 19 year olds.

Just speculating....
- StLBravesFan

I love the cat, but even though he has improved his skating, he is not a good enough skater to get the separation. If im a d-man and im watching his film, I know that with his release and shot that I need to be stick length away and really limit gap. I've noticed in this drought D have been right in his kitchen as soon as he crosses the blue line. Also doesnt help that 19 hasnt been great as of late either.

That's terrible.....

Who's to say Chicago wasnt on his list of preferred destinations
- nickmo2699

Dunno. He claimed he had at least one offer for more money but chose Raleigh because of the team/lifestyle fit.

The first few shifts the Hawks looked like they were flying. Breakdowns resulted in the Carolina goals. The 3-goal rally was encouraging.

Even if Forsling and Murphy are at best 4-5-6, they'll improve the D as whole not having to play a Rutta, Manning or Davidson.

Ohh for sure. He seems very poised though. It doesn't seem like this is overwhelming him...yet. Lots of work to be done with finding the right lines and D pairings with roster moves to be made Forsling, Murphy, Sikura, etc. to fit into the fold.

When I first saw the pics yesterday afternoon I was like meh that's are not bad, but when I got to the UC and hit the shops and saw it I was like dayum that's pretty awesome so I picked one up. My girlfriend even wants me to get her one too. Definitely worth getting bro
- Savetheembers33

I'm so leery of getting anything Winter Classic because when I do, and same goes for Stadium Series, (minus the Pit game) we always lose miserably. This year might be the same. I'm looking into an Adb W.C. shirt though.

I'm so leery of getting anything Winter Classic because when I do, and same goes for Stadium Series, (minus the Pit game) we always lose miserably. This year might be the same. I'm looking into an Adb W.C. shirt though.
- I Am The Breadman

I like the Jersey this year and the Cat sweater may be the move for me.

I like the Jersey this year and the Cat sweater may be the move for me.
- nickmo2699

If he finds the scoresheet even more by that time and stops the streakiness, he will make financial decisions tough for me hahaha.

If he finds the scoresheet even more by that time and stops the streakiness, he will make financial decisions tough for me hahaha.
- I Am The Breadman

Just don't sign a NMC, Breadman!

I'll stick with my criticism of Seabrook last night. Absolutely Gus hung him out to dry and dragged the pairing down and that's not Seabrook's fault. But Seabrook made a lot of bad passes that had nothing to do with Gus. He had more than his fair share of puck control problems and those times he did get the puck on his stick his passing sucked. Seab's quickness seems better this season than last but last night he looked like he did last season.

The fact is we have only (2) top-4 dmen on this team - Keith and Joki - so the options are limited and Seabrook is the best of the rest. But, strictly from a defensive play perspective, Gustafsson isn't the best partner for Seabrook. It's a conundrum. Good luck Jeremy.

Then talk about AdB too - one goal in 9 games, no goals and 1 assist in the last 6.

He was streaky like that last year, too.

I’m seeing that maybe he’s either not able to get to his “slot spot” during the slump - he seems to be farther out from the goal than when he was productive - by design or by force of the opposition, I don’t know.

Perhaps a downside of coming to the Show too soon - he hasn’t learned how to get himself out of short slumps before they become long. There could be benefits to spending time in the minors even for very talented 19 year olds.

Just speculating....
- StLBravesFan

Cat and Toews have no chemistry and Kahun presently doesn’t fit either. Toews is a selfish player much of the time, which can be a positive if he is producing. Toews always wants to be the shooter on his line. Cat has actually been open for tap-ins a number of times but Toews has taken the shot instead. This is fine if Toews scores often but he doesn’t. This is actually a big problem because Toews misses the net constantly now, so there is not even any rebound opportunities. Did he borrow some sticks from Keith? If you watch that line play you would have no idea that Cat is an elite triggerman with a great shot because the line does not work to take advantage of Cat’s skills. Neither Toews or Kahun attract opposing players to them creating open ice for Cat which Kane would do in spades. Same reason Panarin blended with Kane not Toews.

At this point opposing teams barely guard Kahun as he never attacks the net - never - no goals not even any shots. Kahun plays a total peripheral, sometimes totally invisible, game. This is actually quite disappointing as his European MO was that he used his speed to attack the net and that he was a scorer. Take the pressure off him and move him down the order.

Easy answer is to play Cat with Kane and leave him there. Cat almost scored off of a Kane pass in limited time together last night. Put Schmaltz as Toews LW as he is pass-first which works for Toews. Put Saad and his bulldog skills as Toews RW. Leave Anisimov as the Kane Centre until a faster, more physical player is available. Playing Cat as Toews off-wing LW and Schmaltz as Kane’s off-wing LW is actually the definition of illogical as Kane needs a shooter ( Cat not Schmaltz ) and Toews needs a passer ( Schmaltz not Cat ). Right now the elite skills of both Cat and Kane are being wasted.

Charlie Roumeliotis
@CRoumeliotis

This appears to be an optional #Blackhawks practice. No Kane, Keith, Toews or Seabrook.

Understand it being after a game and Toews getting a nasty shot to the face, but do wish our leadership team had decided to show up today.

I'm so leery of getting anything Winter Classic because when I do, and same goes for Stadium Series, (minus the Pit game) we always lose miserably. This year might be the same. I'm looking into an Adb W.C. shirt though.
- I Am The Breadman

Haha right I know they've played horribly in those over the years. I thought for sure my girlfriend would want a Cat one but she said she wants Kane, Toews, or a blank one since she's seen too many of her favs leave the team over the years lol

I'll stick with my criticism of Seabrook last night. Absolutely Gus hung him out to dry and dragged the pairing down and that's not Seabrook's fault. But Seabrook made a lot of bad passes that had nothing to do with Gus. He had more than his fair share of puck control problems and those times he did get the puck on his stick his passing sucked. Seab's quickness seems better this season than last but last night he looked like he did last season.

The fact is we have only (2) top-4 dmen on this team - Keith and Joki - so the options are limited and Seabrook is the best of the rest. But, strictly from a defensive play perspective, Gustafsson isn't the best partner for Seabrook. It's a conundrum. Good luck Jeremy.
- EbonyRaptor

It really looked like pucks were just kind of falling off of Seabrook's blade yesterday. Like he never really had control of the puck.

I wouldn't mind seeing him and Davidson paired up for a few. At least they would be a bit more responsible defensively. I'd prefer 7 and 5 when Murphy is back healthy.

Cat and Toews have no chemistry and Kahun presently doesn’t fit either. Toews is a selfish player much of the time, which can be a positive if he is producing. Toews always wants to be the shooter on his line. Cat has actually been open for tap-ins a number of times but Toews has taken the shot instead. This is fine if Toews scores often but he doesn’t. This is actually a big problem because Toews misses the net constantly now, so there is not even any rebound opportunities. Did he borrow some sticks from Keith? If you watch that line play you would have no idea that Cat is an elite triggerman with a great shot because the line does not work to take advantage of Cat’s skills. Neither Toews or Kahun attract opposing players to them creating open ice for Cat which Kane would do in spades. Same reason Panarin blended with Kane not Toews.

At this point opposing teams barely guard Kahun as he never attacks the net - never - no goals not even any shots. Kahun plays a total peripheral, sometimes totally invisible, game. This is actually quite disappointing as his European MO was that he used his speed to attack the net and that he was a scorer. Take the pressure off him and move him down the order.

Easy answer is to play Cat with Kane and leave him there. Cat almost scored off of a Kane pass in limited time together last night. Put Schmaltz as Toews LW as he is pass-first which works for Toews. Put Saad and his bulldog skills as Toews RW. Leave Anisimov as the Kane Centre until a faster, more physical player is available. Playing Cat as Toews off-wing LW and Schmaltz as Kane’s off-wing LW is actually the definition of illogical as Kane needs a shooter ( Cat not Schmaltz ) and Toews needs a passer ( Schmaltz not Cat ). Right now the elite skills of both Cat and Kane are being wasted.
- Z3Hawk

I've been thinking the same thing TBH. I wanna see more of Kane and Cat together with AA centering them and then let Toews drive his line with Schmaltz to be a playmaker and someone else. While Saad seems logical, I'd prefer to have someone else step up so Saad can drive the third line. Something like..

Schmaltz-Toews-Sikura
Cat-AA-Kane
Saad-Kuhn-Fortin
Checking Line - Kruger, Kampf, Kunitz, Hayden, Johnson, etc.

I love the cat, but even though he has improved his skating, he is not a good enough skater to get the separation. If im a d-man and im watching his film, I know that with his release and shot that I need to be stick length away and really limit gap. I've noticed in this drought D have been right in his kitchen as soon as he crosses the blue line. Also doesnt help that 19 hasnt been great as of late either.
- nickmo2699

Cat is a good skater. He had 29 last year and is a better skater this year. Also this is not a skating issue in any event. He simply has no chemistry with Toews and Kahun never creates anything. Cat is an elite scorer with elite skills but this line does not operate in a manner that recognizes this. Basically at this moment Cat and Toews are on the ice alone as Kahun is a non-entity. Also Cat and Toews have no chemistry, as a struggling Toews sees himself as the shooter, when it should be Cat. Too much to ask for Cat to do it on his own. Put him with Kane stat.

Wonder if we could convince to Pittsburgh to take back Kunitz MAYBE (with a Christmas miracle) take Manning with him too and get someone like Hagelin back. Has tons of speed. Could be VERY effective on any of our lines really. Idk throwing ideas against the wall lol

Justin Lowe: Growing Pains

It wasn't the way he envisioned it, but Jeremy Colliton has his first NHL game under his belt regardless of the outcome.

As we all know, JC (Jeremy Colliton) is in a real tough spot. He's got management thinking (and I think they are serious), that the current Chicago Blackhawks team is postseason worthy.
- Justin Lowe

So what happens at the end of the season when reality sets in and the team fails to make the playoffs again? I'm sure Bowman gets fired. Management will hire someone to replace him, and then the new general manager will fire Colliton, because they have "philosophical differences." So now we've lost our Hall of Fame coach that should been let go at the end of last season, our general manager that got his accounting degree from a Cracker Jack box and whose daddy was scared that Quenneville was going to get close to his records, and Colliton who inherited a complete train wreck. McDonough should have fired both Bowman and Q.

So what happens at the end of the season when reality sets in and the team fails to make the playoffs again? I'm sure Bowman gets fired. Management will hire someone to replace him, and then the new general manager will fire Colliton, because they have "philosophical differences." So now we've lost our Hall of Fame coach that should been let go at the end of last season, our general manager that got his accounting degree from a Cracker Jack box and whose daddy was scared that Quenneville was going to get close to his records, and Colliton who inherited a complete train wreck. McDonough should have fired both Bowman and Q.
- Flying Puck

Doubt it Colliton goes anytime soon unless the team just does not respond to him at all. If/when Stan goes, more than likely someone from within will replace him. IF McD gets fired by Rocky, then all bets are off cuz you'll see someone come in as the new President of the team and they'll wanna hire their GM and they'll want their Coach etc.