It looks like they have something going where the Lake Erie snow never stops.

But - six straight years of top-10 picks - including two #2s - they haven’t made the playoffs in 7 years.

Same with Edmonton (only worse) - 10 top-10 picks in 12 years - including four #1s - only made the tournament once in 12 years - and on the outside looking in so far this year.

Tanking is not all it’s supposed to be, apparently. Some pretty good players picked by both teams.

Perhaps you still need some coaching and a front office that can fill in and create a winning atmosphere.
- StLBravesFan

True, but I would have gladly not accepted a couple of those meaningless wins late last season to get into the top 4 of this last draft. Those guys are looking pretty good.
On the other hand, I watched the London Knights on TV yesterday and thought that Boqvist looked pretty ordinary. In fact teammate Evan Bouchard played a more prominent role on defence as did Merkley on the other team.

True, but I would have gladly not accepted a couple of those meaningless wins late last season to get into the top 4 of this last draft. Those guys are looking pretty good.
On the other hand, I watched the London Knights on TV yesterday and thought that Boqvist looked pretty ordinary. In fact teammate Evan Bouchard played a more prominent role on defence as did Merkley on the other team.
- 67hawks

That's a pretty small sample size though...1 game.

True, but I would have gladly not accepted a couple of those meaningless wins late last season to get into the top 4 of this last draft. Those guys are looking pretty good.
On the other hand, I watched the London Knights on TV yesterday and thought that Boqvist looked pretty ordinary. In fact teammate Evan Bouchard played a more prominent role on defence as did Merkley on the other team.
- 67hawks

Boqvist - sixth among OHL defensemen in points per game (13 points in 15 games) - tops on the Knights - not bad for first North American season.

Tanking - you play to win - you teach your players to play to win - you get a frontboffice staff that can build winning teams no matter where you draft. Get a good plan and execute it.

True, but I would have gladly not accepted a couple of those meaningless wins late last season to get into the top 4 of this last draft. Those guys are looking pretty good.
On the other hand, I watched the London Knights on TV yesterday and thought that Boqvist looked pretty ordinary. In fact teammate Evan Bouchard played a more prominent role on defence as did Merkley on the other team.
- 67hawks

Bouchard and Merkley have both already played multiple years in the OHL. It is Boqvist’s first year on small ice and he has had to adjust. Was hitting his stride when he got hurt and missed a number of games, and was set back, so again ramping up. Boqvist hasn’t come close to playing his best hockey yet and he is still averaging almost a point a game for a D-Man. Wonderful Draft Pick.

True, but I would have gladly not accepted a couple of those meaningless wins late last season to get into the top 4 of this last draft. Those guys are looking pretty good.
On the other hand, I watched the London Knights on TV yesterday and thought that Boqvist looked pretty ordinary. In fact teammate Evan Bouchard played a more prominent role on defence as did Merkley on the other team.
- 67hawks

One final point to remember about Boqvist is as a Draftee he was about as young as it was possible to be.

Bouchard and Merkley have both already played multiple years in the OHL. It is Boqvist’s first year on small ice and he has had to adjust. Was hitting his stride when he got hurt and missed a number of games, and was set back, so again ramping up. Boqvist hasn’t come close to playing his best hockey yet and he is still averaging almost a point a game for a D-Man. Wonderful Draft Pick.
- Z3Hawk

Hope you are right. We cannot miss on these top 10 picks.

Ahhhh.......The famous rumor chart, this morning And not one name tied to the Chicago Blackhawks either way.

One final point to remember about Boqvist is as a Draftee he was about as young as it was possible to be.
- Z3Hawk

Let’s not let facts get in the way now... Boqvist is a bust and we’d all know it. 15 games (in total) of North American hockey is more than enough time to write this kid off. Another wasted pick by Bowman. #failure

Ahhhh.......The famous rumor chart, this morning And not one name tied to the Chicago Blackhawks either way.
- wonthecup10

Skinner......look again....20%

Dzingle.....30%

So....there a couple of times...

Skinner......look again....20%

Dzingle.....30%

So....there a couple of times...
- hawk35

Ahhhh.......The famous rumor chart, this morning And not one name tied to the Chicago Blackhawks either way.
- wonthecup10

Who cares? We've seen thousands of rumours on this site and less than 1% come to fruition. Most rumours are bogus and fictitious to draw web hits.

Kruger is another guy that can/should get moved at the TDL for a team wanting faceoff/C depth

And hes much better than Kampf...which should tell you how good Kampf is, if you think Marcus doesnt belong in the NHL
- PatShart

NOBODY wants Kruger.....except Quenneville of course. He is a total waste of cap money. Is now at 2.7 and was 3 years ago at 3M. Cut bait already and let's see if Kampf can develop.

Why? I like JJ, and go to his site on a fairly regular basis, but Justin is doing a great job.
- tvetter

Absolutely right....JL is EXCELLENT !!

NOBODY wants Kruger.....except Quenneville of course. He is a total waste of cap money. Is now at 2.7 and was 3 years ago at 3M. Cut bait already and let's see if Kampf can develop.
- Hawkytalk

Kruger is a quality 4th line center and PK defender - good on FOs with high d-zone starts, good possssion Numbers and +/- considering the same.

Too expensive - yeah - but they aren’t up against the cap this season and it’s Rocky’s money anyways.

Who cares? We've seen thousands of rumours on this site and less than 1% come to fruition. Most rumours are bogus and fictitious to draw web hits.
- paulr

- HawkintheD

I am beyond pissed that show got cancelled.
Thanks for bringing up the memories, Big D.

Ice Hogs lost to a terrible team as well over the weekend as well.

Evan Barratt scored a hat trick for Penn State.

I think it's weird Davidson isn't playing in hockey fights cancer night.

Ice Hogs lost to a terrible team as well over the weekend as well.

Evan Barrett scored a hat trick for Penn State.

I think it's weird Davidson isn't playing in hockey fights cancer night.
- I Am The Breadman

Hogs are riddled with injuries and illness so they've signed quite a bit of PTOs just to ice a team. I believe there are 5 players on PTOs with 4 who are likely nothing more than career ECHLers and one who has an AHL track record.

As for Barratt, if he keeps up this upward trend in development and productivity, he may have the potential to be the next Shaw: all-terrain small power forward who can effectively play on any line, create offense, agitate, and play strong defense.

Kruger is a quality 4th line center and PK defender - good on FOs with high d-zone starts, good possssion Numbers and +/- considering the same.

Too expensive - yeah - but they aren’t up against the cap this season and it’s Rocky’s money anyways.
- StLBravesFan

Plus with the cap space, we can retain some salary. I could see us getting a third, or even a conditional second for him...he'd be more valuable than Timonen.

Hogs are riddled with injuries and illness so they've signed quite a bit of PTOs just to ice a team. I believe there are 5 players on PTOs with 4 who are likely nothing more than career ECHLers and one who has an AHL track record.

As for Barratt, if he keeps up this upward trend in development and productivity, he may have the potential to be the next Shaw: all-terrain small power forward who can effectively play on any line, create offense, agitate, and play strong defense.
- AEL_Fox

I knew injuries were bad, but I didn't know about all of the pto's and their playing level.

As far as Barratt, I'm excited. I don't know what 9 goals and 10 assists in 11 games translates to in the nhl ... but not a lot of people thought Adb's numbers would translate as well as they have to the nhl either. I don't see Barrat's production staying this high, but I can't wait for his elc.

I wonder about Hagel, could he come up and play for Rockford later in this season?

Plus with the cap space, we can retain some salary. I could see us getting a third, or even a conditional second for him...he'd be more valuable than Timonen.
- tvetter

Out of curiosity, who is on a bad expiring contract that we could take on to get extra picks/prospects? Capfriendly has us with $15 million to use at the deadline, and that's if we don't send any salaries the other way. I'd like to see us get some extra 1st or 2nd round picks, or decent prospects. Figuring we'll end up with a top 5 pick (hopefully an immediate impact forward) , and defensive help on the way in the form of Boqvist, Beaudin and Mitchell, the remodel could almost be complete next year with minimal FA signings.

I knew injuries were bad, but I didn't know about all of the pto's and their playing level.

As far as Barratt, I'm excited. I don't know what 9 goals and 10 assists in 11 games translates to in the nhl ... but not a lot of people thought Adb's numbers would translate as well as they have to the nhl either. I don't see Barrat's production staying this high, but I can't wait for his elc.

I wonder about Hagel, could he come up and play for Rockford later in this season?
- I Am The Breadman

Yeah, excited for Barratt while tempering my expectations that he could very well just be a great bottom 6 forward or just an excellent 4th liner. Icing on the cake if he becomes Shaw 2.0 or close to it.

Hagel is 20 and in his 4th year at Red Deer. Possibly an ELC at season's end. We'll see. So far in 20 games, he has 37 points.

Plus with the cap space, we can retain some salary. I could see us getting a third, or even a conditional second for him...he'd be more valuable than Timonen.
- tvetter

Bullpoop. No one will pay that for him. He's terrible

Bullpoop. No one will pay that for him. He's terrible
- GPHawksfan

Not at all...he's a borderline great situational player. Key defensive draws and PK. His only real issue is his salary.

I know Duchene's name was brought up a number of times, but on Ott's blog, it says that his agent, Pat Brisson, is talking for the 2nd time this season about a contract extension. Management has to decide his worth and if they want him. After the Uber video .............. idk?????