Corey P on the athletic regraded the 2015 draft which players should be starting to make contributions now. we had 7 picks. we did not have a 1st but had 2,3,4,5,6,6,7. It was a brutal draft for hawks. they will probably have Zero NHL games played out of 7 picks. he gave us a F.

https://www.secondcityhoc...-dennis-gilbert-ryan-shea
- kmw4631

In fairness to the Hawks, and others, not the greatest of drafts talent wise. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2015e.html

As much as people are upset that Kunitz continues to play over some of the kids with JC in charge, gotta think it's two fold. One, he can help mentor some of the kids and give them some knowledge and direction on the ice. Two, you continue to play him and hope that you can find a Playoff team that wants to add a cheap 4th line player with Stanley Cup experience to their roster for a draft pick or an expiring contract. If he sits no way he can get moved at some point
- Savetheembers33

He would apparently have to waive a NMC. He is substantially older than C so has knowledge to impart.

Speaking of Corey Pronman, in his Q&A he mentioned that Sikura is tearing it up in Rockford and should be called up in the near future.

Something to hope for.

He would apparently have to waive a NMC. He is substantially older than C so has knowledge to impart.
- Z3Hawk

I don't think it'll be an issue. That's more in place so they don't trade him to say Edmonton that's a bubble team and he moves all of his stuff there for no reason. I wouldn't be shocked if Pittsburgh called and took him for one last run with the team before he retires. It would more than likely be a team like that, that would end up trading for him

If we are going to be literal, my granny might have fallen a bit short. No question McD brought the front office into the new millenium with all the moves you mention. And I'm not going to debate dollars and cents with an accountant (i believe you once mentioned you were). But I can give you a fact that you can review. A decade ago my 2 tix in the 200 level cost 7 and change. I got them because a half dozen friends bought most of them as I wouldn't spend that kind of money to watch a game, plus I didn't have to. I saved about 4 or 5 a year for family and friends. Now a decade later the cost is 14+ and only one guy wants them. Before I throw down again that one guy is going to have to agree to take all but a few and pay up front. And if he doesn't I'm not going to renew. And that's just me. What about the business man who can't write the tickets off anymore. How do you figure they will maintain long term revenues in a down time on the ice? (not being a smart ass). Just about everyone who wants a kane or Toews sweater has one. Not as many parking, drinking & eating..... A little transparency and honesty might go a ways to keep fans hanging on, but that will never happen. Am I missing something? Wouldn't be the first time.

Reinsdorf lowers the price on season tickets substanially after a down year. I'm not sure that has ever happened with the hawks. But as a fan I appreciate it when JR does.
- 6628

Numbers, I am a CPA (NOT Cleaning Pressing and Alterations) but I know very little about the "business" of hockey (or any other sport - completely different principles, I think).

I do understand that without an effective aftermarket for tickets, season ticket sales will decrease - possibly dramatically - and a losing team will not lead to a good aftermarket.

But compared to the situation while Rocky's father was around, the franchise is much better positioned today to prosper during a downturn on the ice. Season ticket sales probably would drop, three-game or seven-game packages (perhaps discounted) could take some of the drop away. Other sources of revenue that didn't exist in the Blackhawk world 15 years ago exist today - corporate sponsorships, digital platforms, tie-ins with other Wirtz properties and assets, TV programming....

One of marketing's responsibilities is to make sure that the business can generate sufficient revenue and other resources during downturns. I'm guessing (but only guessing) that the Blackhawks now can - if not to the extent that Rocky may want, at least to the extent that the team is no longer a drain on (and a danger to) the other Wirtz businesses (as apparently it was while Dad was still around). Ticket sales (while more important in hockey than in other sports with massive TV contracts) are not the only source of funds anymore.

Getting back to the original point, the business side of the or-gan-i-za-shun has dramatically improved under the "leadership" of Rocky and McDonough etc., even if we aren't happy about their involvement (over -involvement) with the "product" that we all see several times per week. This is not something that just happens because a team is winning; it takes a definite talent - and resources - to accomplish what they have in the last 12 years.

Speaking of Corey Pronman, in his Q&A he mentioned that Sikura is tearing it up in Rockford and should be called up in the near future.

Something to hope for.
- ObeseOprah

I think Sikura needs a couple more seasons of seasoning in Rockford before Stan considers recalling him.

Numbers, I am a CPA (NOT Cleaning Pressing and Alterations) but I know very little about the "business" of hockey (or any other sport - completely different principles, I think).

I do understand that without an effective aftermarket for tickets, season ticket sales will decrease - possibly dramatically - and a losing team will not lead to a good aftermarket.

But compared to the situation while Rocky's father was around, the franchise is much better positioned today to prosper during a downturn on the ice. Season ticket sales probably would drop, three-game or seven-game packages (perhaps discounted) could take some of the drop away. Other sources of revenue that didn't exist in the Blackhawk world 15 years ago exist today - corporate sponsorships, digital platforms, tie-ins with other Wirtz properties and assets, TV programming....

One of marketing's responsibilities is to make sure that the business can generate sufficient revenue and other resources during downturns. I'm guessing (but only guessing) that the Blackhawks now can - if not to the extent that Rocky may want, at least to the extent that the team is no longer a drain on (and a danger to) the other Wirtz businesses (as apparently it was while Dad was still around). Ticket sales (while more important in hockey than in other sports with massive TV contracts) are not the only source of funds anymore.

Getting back to the original point, the business side of the or-gan-i-za-shun has dramatically improved under the "leadership" of Rocky and McDonough etc., even if we aren't happy about their involvement (over -involvement) with the "product" that we all see several times per week. This is not something that just happens because a team is winning; it takes a definite talent - and resources - to accomplish what they have in the last 12 years.
- StLBravesFan

Great response, thanks.

Keith and Seabrook are very unlikely to be gone from this team because of their contracts. They will likely retire Hawks, be placed on LTIR, or be bought out in a few years. Keep them around to help the young kids out. Their bodies may not be able to play at the high level that they used to, but I would absolutely LOVE to have those to be tutoring and helping along the development of Joki, Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, etc.
- Savetheembers33

Yeah but the problem with that theory is , it limits this teams direction and quality of players on the ice. They eat up 12 million in cap space and father time has caught up with them physically. We all agree their defensive prospects look promising however holding onto those 2 for 5 more years is not going to help bring this team back to contending.

Seabrook salary alone would be equivalent to 5 players ?

It's time that the front office took a serious look and made that needed change.

I think Sikura needs a couple more seasons of seasoning in Rockford before Stan considers recalling him.
- DarthKane

I completely agree with your point. Id also add that Sikura needs to bulk up and work on his strengthening and conditioning.

I completely agree with your point. Id also add that Sikura needs to bulk up and work on his strengthening and conditioning.
- Taylorst1

Not that it's a deal breaker but Sikura is a 95 with 4 full yrs playing NCAA. In 2 yrs he'd be 25-26. He should get an NHL look sooner rather than later: https://www.eliteprospect...layer/146580/dylan-sikura

Speaking of Corey Pronman, in his Q&A he mentioned that Sikura is tearing it up in Rockford and should be called up in the near future.

Something to hope for.
- ObeseOprah

Hopefully not contact adverse

Not that it's a deal breaker but Sikura is a 95 with 4 full yrs playing NCAA. In 2 yrs he'd be 25-26. He should get an NHL look sooner rather than later: https://www.eliteprospect...layer/146580/dylan-sikura
- Mr Ricochet

He's one of those small college prospects who can't play against men or survive the rigor on an 82 game NHL season.

Yeah but the problem with that theory is , it limits this teams direction and quality of players on the ice. They eat up 12 million in cap space and father time has caught up with them physically. We all agree their defensive prospects look promising however holding onto those 2 for 5 more years is not going to help bring this team back to contending.

Seabrook salary alone would be equivalent to 5 players ?

It's time that the front office took a serious look and made that needed change.
- Taylorst1

I get what you're saying, but I doubt someone is willing to take on Seabrook's contract. Keith maybe could be moved if the right situation came up, but then you're losing a major part of what is already a shaky defensive group. What works to their advantage is that these kids are still on the ELC's so it gives them some time. I wouldn't be shocked if in two years Keith decides to just retire and then maybe with the new CBA they can find a way to get the Seabrook contract off the books. Kinda stuck in between a rock and a hard place right now with what to do with those guys.

I completely agree with your point. Id also add that Sikura needs to bulk up and work on his strengthening and conditioning.
- Taylorst1

Maybe he can find the 20 lbs. of strength that Kruger was supposed to put on but could never find.

Read Lazerus tweet over lunch showing Hawks, Pens and Kings all near bottom or at bottom of league. Throw the Wings in there and it shows the effects of the Cap on powerhouse teams. Does this support Bowman staying here for longer since all the super teams are in the same boat?

C is apparently trying to be his own man but he obviously sees something in Kampf that I don’t. What has Kampf done short-term, long-term to justify playing him with Cat?

Same for Gus. If Gus is going to be the D-Man who leads the team in ice-time night after night is this a good thing?

The Rockford Files.

Gotta watch Yuki too. Haven’t liked him bailing and surrendering the puck to brace for a hit or shying away from contact.

Also Schmaltz who won’t shoot, passes foolishly and avoids opposing players like they have Bird Flu is rewarded by playing with Toews and Kane again. Everytime Schmaltz fritters away a great chance I ask what would Cat have done. Give Kane his shooter please.
- Z3Hawk

Playing Kampf, Gus and Schmaltz the way they are being deployed is likely not Colliton's call at all. It is an attempt by the FO to invalidate what Q may have identified a long time ago as players who are not, and may not ever be as advertised.

Again, these are guys the organization has high hopes for because if they don't pan out, they are in much deeper crap than even any of us negative guys think they are.


I am not rooting for them to fail by the way. I would LOVE if these guys and Saad and Fortin became most of what the org wants from them. But I am not going to deny what the eye test seems to demonstrate most nights.

From my La-Z-Boy GM chair, I just don't see it.

Read Lazerus tweet over lunch showing Hawks, Pens and Kings all near bottom or at bottom of league. Throw the Wings in there and it shows the effects of the Cap on powerhouse teams. Does this support Bowman staying here for longer since all the super teams are in the same boat?
- Popsghostly

It shouldn't Hawks cannot worry where other teams are in the standings or how the salary cap affected them. Hawks need to rebuild and make creative and smart decisions going forward if they want to become a Stanley cup contender again. IMO Bowman is not the guy too many cons out weighing pros. Time will tell where this organization is going back to being irrelevant or pursuing the cup.

Read Lazerus tweet over lunch showing Hawks, Pens and Kings all near bottom or at bottom of league. Throw the Wings in there and it shows the effects of the Cap on powerhouse teams. Does this support Bowman staying here for longer since all the super teams are in the same boat?
- Popsghostly

It doesn't really matter how we all got here: the issue is how we go forward to the promised land.

The question is not "does Bowman deserve to stay as GM" - the question is "is Bowman the right GM for the rebuild that seems now to be necessary".

Just my opinion....

Yea...but, he'd probably love that huge contract and NMC Stan would throw him
- Hank3Henshaw

So they trade Panarin because they knew he'd price himself out of Chicago, and now the smart thing to do is offer him big money and cripple the team further with the cap? Seems like a brilliant idea

Two of the main reasons being:

One, he wants to play for a large market team, check Chicago.

Two, Kane and him were very good friends and really enjoyed playing with one another.

He loved being in Chicago, and I'm sure he had some hard feelings about being dealt, BUT I wouldn't put it past the front office to have some form of understanding with his agent that IF the Hawks were in position when he was set to go into FA that they would offer him the a long term deal. Not saying that this is what happened or is going to happen, but is entirely possible.

This team is DEEP in defensive prospects that in the next year or two should help fix our defensive woes. What we need is scoring depth. A legit scorer in our top 6 to build depth throughout all of our lines. If the money is there, with the ties he already has to the city, and team I definitely see it being a legit possibility to see Panarin back in a Hawks jersey next season.
- Savetheembers33

Not a chance in hell

*NEW* blog up: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=95944

I don't think it'll be an issue. That's more in place so they don't trade him to say Edmonton that's a bubble team and he moves all of his stuff there for no reason. I wouldn't be shocked if Pittsburgh called and took him for one last run with the team before he retires. It would more than likely be a team like that, that would end up trading for him
- Savetheembers33

No its not. His wife is from Chicago area and doesn't want to be moved mid season. So say goodbye to all your Kunitz proposals.

He doesn't practice at Soldier Field. The winds off that lake are crazy and take a while to get used to. If he's going to F up let him do it in a game they win anyway. Didn't cost them. All the socer style kickers I've ever seen have a draw (moves a bit left) on their kicks. But this guy has a fade. I know from golf that a draw goes farther than a fade. So a game winner from 50+ is less likely. If I heard correctly, Robbie Gould has missed fewer kicks since he left than this guy missed last week. WTF.
- 6628

Yeah, I hear you on letting him miss in games we dominated. It's not the first miss for Parkey. He's got multiple in games previous. This was just more noticeable with missing 4 kicks in a game. Where does he practice it?

Sounds like these are the lines today.

Schmaltz-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Kahun
Saad-Anisimov-Hayden
Kunitz-Johnson-Martinsen

Keith-Seabrook
Gustafsson-Jokiharju
Manning-Forsling

I hope Manning doesn't screw up and make Forsling look bad.
- breadbag

Thanks BB. Still don't like the first line. 2nd line was good, however, Kampf can't be on the ice in ot or critical pk faceoffs. I'm ok with third and fourth lines. Where's Fortin? I like the first 2 d pairings, and I like easing Forsling back into the game with sheltered minutes, but it won't be all rest and relaxing with Manning.

As much as people are upset that Kunitz continues to play over some of the kids with JC in charge, gotta think it's two fold. One, he can help mentor some of the kids and give them some knowledge and direction on the ice. Two, you continue to play him and hope that you can find a Playoff team that wants to add a cheap 4th line player with Stanley Cup experience to their roster for a draft pick or an expiring contract. If he sits no way he can get moved at some point
- Savetheembers33

I hear ya but he has a NMC and unlike Sharpie from last
year I never see him chatting with the youngsters

EDIT: just saw the response up above to zhawks