RELEASE: Blackhawks agree to terms with Beaudin

https://www.nhl.com/black...-with-beaudin/c-301768740
- DarthKane

Great news. I expect Mitchell, Krys, and Kurashev to get ELCs at some point between now and spring.

Perhaps you are right. Either way, he needs to be playing. I would rather see him in Rockford than the bench here.
- hpk90

Hayden is not a useful player at all unless he plays physical 100% of the time. Recently he has decided he is Kane 2.0 just bigger.

I had the same reaction. Why those 4? Hopefully that doesn't mean there's a problem in the locker room.
- EbonyRaptor

Kane played nearly as much as Crow haha. To me it's understandable. Toews needing stitches, also understandable. The other two, I don't know. I just hope it's a coincidence and nothing more.

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.
- Savetheembers33

I like where you're going with lines, but I think you will find a similar chemistry problem by switch two rookie wings with two other rookie wings to flank Toews. Maybe Schmaltz can rekindle the former fire they had and maybe Sikura can fulfill the hype that follows him. Definitely agree on Adb and Kane. I like that idea.

Interesting how Beaudin's contract is worth more than Boqvist's, Entwistle's and Hagel's. 1.1 million vs 925,000.
- Flying Puck

Either Beaudin has an agent who is better at negotiating or the Hawks see greater upside in him compared to the others. His upside is definitely greater than Entwistle and Hagel's. Debatable compared to Boqvist.

While I see Boqvist as an offensive dynamo who could approach those Karlsson comparisons, I still see Beaudin as the more well rounded defenseman who may challenge for a spot on the top pair. Boqvist won't be Gustafsson bad on defense but I just see Beaudin, Mitchell, and even Krys having stronger defensive sides to their games.

I was and am a Q supporter, he's a very good coach who I believe in the right situation can lead a team with the right talent to a championship. That said his shelf life in Chicago was over. He wasn't getting anything out of the team. Yes part is what he had to work with but he also made many questional moves based on loyalty in some cases and curious motives in other cases.

Maybe you're right, maybe Bowman needs to go? However in the hierarchy of all companies the Boss has the right to make personell moves and Bowman is the Boss. In the last two years he and his scouts seem to have drafted well and without his hands being tied because of cap issues and of trying to prolong the window of the team being a contender Right now the signings of Ward, Davidson, Kunitz and Manning don't show much foresight but let's give him some time to see what he can do.

Why did you need to make those silly statements about Stan's degree and Scotty's jealousy? Both were ridiculous. Stan went to UND, hardly a cracker jack box, and I'm sure Scotty isn't worried about Q or anyone overtaking his wins record. It would take Q close to 10 years, of coaching winning teams, to catch up.
- paulr

However, in the unusual world of professional sports and the NHL in this case, the coach makes 5X or more than what a General Manager takes down in wages. So who really fires the coach, certainly not the GM in isolation. (I doubt you believe that Kyle Dubas could fire Babcock on his own for any reason without Shanaban and the MLSE board agreeing to it).

Q gets his walking papers and his money and in return the team can take on the 're-model' without the old coach rolling his eyes at some or all of the player moves. Q will land on his feet somewhere and for sure be with a contender that he is best suited to coach. After all, if Bill Belichek gets fired he won't be considering offers to coach the Buffalo Bills. He's earned the chance to coach a contender.

Interesting how Beaudin's contract is worth more than Boqvist's, Entwistle's and Hagel's. 1.1 million vs 925,000.
- Flying Puck

It seems an oddity. Maybe the others thought it more important to just sign. Anyone got any thoughts.

Interesting how Beaudin's contract is worth more than Boqvist's, Entwistle's and Hagel's. 1.1 million vs 925,000.
- Flying Puck

Cap Hit doesn't include bonuses, AAV does. Both Boqvist and Beaudin have a $925,000 cap hit. Boqvist's AAV is $1.775 million whereas Beaudin's is $1.166 million.

Not a very positive start to the JC era. It's one game and the team hasn't had time to really adjust much of anything, but they came out flat and there is no reason Kane should be playing that many minutes. It might be good for his individual totals, but I don't think it helps the Hawks win games.

Glad to hear more posters agreeing with what I've been saying about Kahun. Nice player, but not looking to be cut out for line 1. I wouldn't be surprised if he is part of a trade if things continue to slide.

It wasn't all bad. They did fight back and make a game of it (even it was against a flawed Carolina team) and the PP looked a bit more energized.

The concern is that after Kane, Debrincat and Toews, the next highest scoring players are AA and Seabrook. We need a new Patrick Sharp or Hossa to help round out the forwards or we have to find some secondary scoring in a big way. I hope Stan doesn't do anything knee jerk, but finds some positive moves.
- breadbag

I really liked on the Saad/Kampf goal, JC was right in Saad's ear, walking him through plays, where to be, a pat on the shoulders. It was nice seeing him coaching, but building that relationship. Plus, how he deployed Kane, although overdone, it goes to show him building that relationship bridge. JC trusts him and knows the team's success falls on his shoulders.

Until we know for sure that McD is not involved in some way on player decisions, I am not about to blame Stan 100% on the makeup of this team and the contracts that were handed out. I still think McD has his hands in the cookie jar.
- powerenforcer

For me, I think Tuesday afternoon's press conference pretty much confirmed what's been talked about here for years now. McEgo, at the very least, has to give his ok to all things BlackHawks. Including the personnel on the ice. Just my opinion.

RELEASE: Blackhawks agree to terms with Beaudin

https://www.nhl.com/black...-with-beaudin/c-301768740
- DarthKane

Awesome! Even with his injury, that's great. Heal up, Beaudin. More bonuses than Boq?
Agree with AEL, hope this opens the floodgates of signings later.

Great news. I expect Mitchell, Krys, and Kurashev to get ELCs at some point between now and spring.
- AEL_Fox

But we are sitting at 50 contracts right now. Does that handcuff us for signing players or making trades? Unless Bowman is planning on moving a few bodies.

Either Beaudin has an agent who is better at negotiating or the Hawks see greater upside in him compared to the others. His upside is definitely greater than Entwistle and Hagel's. Debatable compared to Boqvist.

While I see Boqvist as an offensive dynamo who could approach those Karlsson comparisons, I still see Beaudin as the more well rounded defenseman who may challenge for a spot on the top pair. Boqvist won't be Gustafsson bad on defense but he I just see Beaudin, Mitchell, and even Krys having stronger defensive sides to their games.
- AEL_Fox

I think it might have more to do with Boqvist just wanting to get it outta the way, not caring about what amounts to miniscule player money. Also not wanting to be a pain. Think Darth explained perfectly with bonuses.

I really liked on the Saad/Kampf goal, JC was right in Saad's ear, walking him through plays, where to be, a pat on the shoulders. It was nice seeing him coaching, but building that relationship. Plus, how he deployed Kane, although overdone, it goes to show him building that relationship bridge. JC trusts him and knows the team's success falls on his shoulders.
- I Am The Breadman

That's good to hear. I couldn't see that far down from my very very far away seat. It seemed to me that the 3rd and 4th lines had many more moments where the puck was behind the opponent's net. The Toews and Kane lines looked like they were trying to do more while charging toward Darling. Personally I think more good things happen when you can set up behind the net, teams get out of position and Dmen in particular can get exposed when they leave their post.

I really liked on the Saad/Kampf goal, JC was right in Saad's ear, walking him through plays, where to be, a pat on the shoulders. It was nice seeing him coaching, but building that relationship. Plus, how he deployed Kane, although overdone, it goes to show him building that relationship bridge. JC trusts him and knows the team's success falls on his shoulders.
- I Am The Breadman

Did you also notice last night that Coliton was directly involved in instructing players during the timeout late in the game? This is something Q was rarely involved in -he had his assistants do that. Yet I have seen other head coaches directly involved as our coach was last night. This was something I often wondered about with Q.

But we are sitting at 50 contracts right now. Does that handcuff us for signing players or making trades? Unless Bowman is planning on moving a few bodies.
- 67hawks

Good call on the 50 contract limit. Always forget about that.

Sorry Rick - I stopped short. Should’ve added that Gus actually hustlling back would at best be ineffectual and in all liklihood would make the situation worse.
- Z3Hawk

Its been many years since I have seen a worse defenceman try to actually play defence in the NHL (and that includes Manning). Gustaffson is a complete bonehead on blades. And unless there is some handshake agreement between him and Stanbo, Colliton will rectify the problem with a bus ticket to Rockford or possible Indy.

But we are sitting at 50 contracts right now. Does that handcuff us for signing players or making trades? Unless Bowman is planning on moving a few bodies.
- 67hawks

I would expect a couple d-men to be dealt, especially when Murphy returns. I expect Colliton will want to give Forsling a try in the NHL.

My guess is that Davidson and Rutta are dealt.

However, in the unusual world of professional sports and the NHL in this case, the coach makes 5X or more than what a General Manager takes down in wages. So who really fires the coach, certainly not the GM in isolation. (I doubt you believe that Kyle Dubas could fire Babcock on his own for any reason without Shanaban and the MLSE board agreeing to it).

Q gets his walking papers and his money and in return the team can take on the 're-model' without the old coach rolling his eyes at some or all of the player moves. Q will land on his feet somewhere and for sure be with a contender that he is best suited to coach. After all, if Bill Belichek gets fired he won't be considering offers to coach the Buffalo Bills. He's earned the chance to coach a contender.
- RickJ

I was talking hierarchy in general terms. I'm sure Bowman needs approval to buy stationary. But my point being he is clsest to management and has their ear more than a coach. It's funnier still that the lowest on the totem pole receive the highest salary of all. If Only my job as a toilet cleaner paid me more than my company's CEO.

But we are sitting at 50 contracts right now. Does that handcuff us for signing players or making trades? Unless Bowman is planning on moving a few bodies.
- 67hawks

Based on the performance of this roster, should we worry about 45-50 in terms of skill set and value if we have to launch one to land a blue chip player?

I was talking hierarchy in general terms. I'm sure Bowman needs approval to buy stationary. But my point being he is clsest to management and has their ear more than a coach. It's funnier still that the lowest on the totem pole receive the highest salary of all. If Only my job as a toilet cleaner paid me more than my company's CEO.

- paulr

I'm a toilet cleaner too. But I steal a lot of paper and Lysol spray. Makes up for the poor wages.

I would expect a couple d-men to be dealt, especially when Murphy returns. I expect Colliton will want to give Forsling a try in the NHL.

My guess is that Davidson and Rutta are dealt.
- DarthKane

Yep! I suspect there are some moves happening in the coming weeks. Whether it be moving minors leaguers or, as you point out DK, a defenceman.

But we are sitting at 50 contracts right now. Does that handcuff us for signing players or making trades? Unless Bowman is planning on moving a few bodies.
- 67hawks

Crap, I forgot about that rule. There are some faces I've already said good bye to, so sign some kids.

Did you also notice last night that Coliton was directly involved in instructing players during the timeout late in the game? This is something Q was rarely involved in -he had his assistants do that. Yet I have seen other head coaches directly involved as our coach was last night. This was something I often wondered about with Q.
- 67hawks

I did notice, but forgot. Thanks.

Until we know for sure that McD is not involved in some way on player decisions, I am not about to blame Stan 100% on the makeup of this team and the contracts that were handed out. I still think McD has his hands in the cookie jar.
- powerenforcer

Would not surprise me. One of the Hawks bloggers was selling a rumor a couple of weeks ago that Stan had a deal for AA on the table and McD stopped it. Who knows if true, but the glimpses into his personality we see would indicate he's got controlling tendencies.