Another great Stanley signing.

How much more of Stan's excellent adventure is Rocky gonna take?
- tompo1015

To be fair we don't know if this was someone Q/Ulf wanted. He was playing steady top 4 mins last year for Q.

Not the worst signing in the world but I definitely think it was a bit of a head scratcher.

This guy gets it. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I was rooting for the Penguins last night and will be rooting for every Hawks opponent for the remainder of the season.
- SimpleJack

Then you are not a Blackhawks fan!! or a fair whether fan, so why post here?

I believe $1,025,000 is the amount that’s allowed to be buried. BTW if he isn’t claimed I expect he’ll head back to the Czech Republic.
- walleyeb1

So we'd save about 1M on the cap either way. I'd figure he'd go back there as well unless he REALLY wants to play in the NHL and wants to try and rebuild his stock.

I believe $1,025,000 is the amount that’s allowed to be buried. BTW if he isn’t claimed I expect he’ll head back to the Czech Republic.
- walleyeb1

Why would he go home and give up the rest of his salary for the season? It is the only time he will ever make $2M + playing hockey.

The Hawks are in dire need of defensemen. Keith isn't a number one anymore and I'm not sure he isn't a second pairing guy now. After that there isn't much in the way of good experienced defensemen. Some up and coming prospects to be sure, I've been watching Boqvist play allot but I don't think he's not ready to step in next season and be more than a third pairing guy.

If fans start to believe the Hawks are 2 or 3 guys away from being a contender they are going to in for a huge disappointment. I think they are much further away from contending in terms of player acquistion and years.
- paulr

Definitely agree that the blueline needs to improve. Savetheembers33 had a nice post about this, i.e. not upgrading the D via free agency (see last post on page 4).

Part of the solution could be a trade and another part of the solution is the prospect pipeline. For the latter, Justin and others have mentioned it before, bring along one newbie per season and have veteran placeholders in place to log minutes and mentor the youngsters. Possible roll out plan for the D prospects:

This season: Jokiharju
2019-20: Boqvist
2020-21: Beaudin
2021-22: Mitchell

Or some other combination of Boqvist, Beaudin, and Mitchell in each of those years (or one in a single year then 2 in another year). Beaudin may surprise and be the one to make the team next season.

I also expect Krys to be in the mix as well. He could surprise and end up being the one to make the roster next fall.

This also doesn't count defensive defensemen in Carlsson and Hillman. Dahlstrom, too, of course but he's getting his chance right now but we'll see if he has staying power.

I just wonder with Strome, is it really his speed, or is it his acceleration that everyone notices as being subpar? Because to me, his speed is fine, but maybe he just takes a bit longer to get up to top speed, but it is hard to tell for me. I notice him catching up to opposing players and beating players on the rush, so I really don't see him as that slow...but maybe I just am not paying close enough attention?
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I think it is fitness. He does a few hard stops or gets on his edges and he looks gassed after. Should be pretty fixable.

Agree on Strome possibly being the 2C that team has coveted for a long while. If he can play 2C, then that leaves 3C being the pivot slot to solidify next season. It's fine that Kampf is there for now with Kruger at 4C. Next year I expect Kampf to replace Kruger at 4C. Default 3C would be Anisimov which isn't bad but the team could do better.

As for a top 6 forward who can pot 30 goals, I'd expect the Hawks to pursue Stone and Panarin. Perhaps Duchene. Don't like the guy's attitude and baggage but he is uber talented.

As for D-men, outside of Karlsson, the only UFA worth pursuing is Stralman. Older but reliable so 1-2 year contract as a mentor to current young blueliners and placeholder for future young blueliners. Lots of maybes on the UFA list (i.e. Gunnarsson, Chiarot, Benn) but not sure if it's just better to stay in house.

Maybe Myers but he'd be pretty expensive.
- AEL_Fox

I think it is fitness. He does a few hard stops or gets on his edges and he looks gassed after. Should be pretty fixable.
- fattybeef

Yea, after I posted I saw someone else post about his fitness. So then it's just that he gets tired quicker, and then looks slow after that...definitely fixable. I hope he works out with some hawks players during the summer, maybe stays in Chicago, and next year he is in much better shape and has more endurance.

However, some people just don't ever have endurance, while others seem to have a non-stop motor, so maybe he is one that just will never have it...

Agree on Strome possibly being the 2C that team has coveted for a long while. If he can play 2C, then that leaves 3C being the pivot slot to solidify next season. It's fine that Kampf is there for now with Kruger at 4C. Next year I expect Kampf to replace Kruger at 4C. Default 3C would be Anisimov which isn't bad but the team could do better.

As for a top 6 forward who can pot 30 goals, I'd expect the Hawks to pursue Stone and Panarin. Perhaps Duchene. Don't like the guy's attitude and baggage but he is uber talented.

As for D-men, outside of Karlsson, the only UFA worth pursuing is Stralman. Older but reliable so 1-2 year contract as a mentor to current young blueliners and placeholder for future young blueliners. Lots of maybes on the UFA list (i.e. Gunnarsson, Chiarot, Benn) but not sure if it's just better to stay in house.

Maybe Myers but he'd be pretty expensive.
- AEL_Fox

- tvetter

Didn't even catch the uber part, hilarious!!

Definitely agree that the blueline needs to improve. Savetheembers33 had a nice post about this, i.e. not upgrading the D via free agency (see last post on page 4).

Part of the solution could be a trade and another part of the solution is the prospect pipeline. For the latter, Justin and others have mentioned it before, bring along one newbie per season and have veteran placeholders in place to log minutes and mentor the youngsters. Possible roll out plan for the D prospects:

This season: Jokiharju
2019-20: Boqvist
2020-21: Beaudin
2021-22: Mitchell


Best thing going forward for the Blackhawks as it pains me too say is to finish in the bottom 5 of the league and get a top 5 pick. Hawks need high end talent now not year or 2 away now. Sikrua is the prospect with top 6 potential in the system the rest all bottom six potential and is not given that any will make to the nhl. That is scary boqvist was nice pick but was a redundant pick wahlstrom and veleno shoulda been the picks imo. That would added 2 possible top 6 talents in the system. so this year and maybe next it might be good thing in long run that the hawks finish in the bottom five of the league. Its sucks as a die hard Blackhawk fan to say it but its what's needs to be so they get back to the top.
Or some other combination of Boqvist, Beaudin, and Mitchell in each of those years (or one in a single year then 2 in another year). Beaudin may surprise and be the one to make the team next season.

I also expect Krys to be in the mix as well. He could surprise and end up being the one to make the roster next fall.

This also doesn't count defensive defensemen in Carlsson and Hillman. Dahlstrom, too, of course but he's getting his chance right now but we'll see if he has staying power.
- AEL_Fox

Definitely agree that the blueline needs to improve. Savetheembers33 had a nice post about this, i.e. not upgrading the D via free agency (see last post on page 4).

Part of the solution could be a trade and another part of the solution is the prospect pipeline. For the latter, Justin and others have mentioned it before, bring along one newbie per season and have veteran placeholders in place to log minutes and mentor the youngsters. Possible roll out plan for the D prospects:

This season: Jokiharju
2019-20: Boqvist
2020-21: Beaudin
2021-22: Mitchell

Or some other combination of Boqvist, Beaudin, and Mitchell in each of those years (or one in a single year then 2 in another year). Beaudin may surprise and be the one to make the team next season.

I also expect Krys to be in the mix as well. He could surprise and end up being the one to make the roster next fall.

This also doesn't count defensive defensemen in Carlsson and Hillman. Dahlstrom, too, of course but he's getting his chance right now but we'll see if he has staying power.
- AEL_Fox

Yes, this is why I wouldn't wanna spend big in FA on Defensemen. I wouldn't mind a veteran on a 1 or 2 year deal as placeholder like Stralman but I would not want solve our defensive problems through FA. I feel like that will create more of a problem for us in the long run.

Yea, after I posted I saw someone else post about his fitness. So then it's just that he gets tired quicker, and then looks slow after that...definitely fixable. I hope he works out with some hawks players during the summer, maybe stays in Chicago, and next year he is in much better shape and has more endurance.

However, some people just don't ever have endurance, while others seem to have a non-stop motor, so maybe he is one that just will never have it...
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Maybe not Duncan Keith fit but with enough work he should be good. Adding some strength will help there too.

Ran into DeBrincat this summer on the lakefront and that dude is short but def not small. You can tell he goes to the gym. I think those two weirdos working out over the summer together will help quite a bit.

Didn't even catch the uber part, hilarious!!
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Good catch by you and tvetter. Honestly, did not intentionally use "uber" as a double entendre like that!

Maybe not Duncan Keith fit but with enough work he should be good. Adding some strength will help there too.

Ran into DeBrincat this summer on the lakefront and that dude is short but def not small. You can tell he goes to the gym. I think those two weirdos working out over the summer together will help quite a bit.
- fattybeef

At least on the Blackhawks, no one is a fitness freak like Keith. Especially his rope braids exercise.

hat is scary boqvist was nice pick but was a redundant pick wahlstrom and veleno shoulda been the picks imo. That would added 2 possible top 6 talents in the system.
- Scott1977

Out of curiosity, what do you mean by Boqvist being a redundant pick? Because the Hawks drafted another D in Beaudin later in the 1st round?

In retrospect, I don't mind both 1st rounders being D-men. At the time and prior to the draft, I was hoping for at least one forward.

At least on the Blackhawks, no one is a fitness freak like Keith. Especially his rope braids exercise.


- AEL_Fox

Justin alluded to Kampf being a workout/crossfit fanatic too and you can see it in his game. Relentless skater and puck pursuit. Hard on the puck for Avergae NHL Size. REALLY like Kampf's game the last few weeks.

Out of curiosity, what do you mean by Boqvist being a redundant pick? Because the Hawks drafted another D in Beaudin later in the 1st round?

In retrospect, I don't mind both 1st rounders being D-men. At the time and prior to the draft, I was hoping for at least one forward.
- AEL_Fox

Boqvist is going to be really good and Beaudin plays the other side. Worse case they can move one of Mitchell or Young Henri for a forward or something down the line.

Justin alluded to Kampf being a workout/crossfit fanatic too and you can see it in his game. Relentless skater and puck pursuit. Hard on the puck for Avergae NHL Size. REALLY like Kampf's game the last few weeks.
- EnzoD

Yeah, Kampf is stacked. Check out his Instagram account:

https://www.instagram.com/kampfdavid/?hl=en

Panik was pretty ripped, too. Slimmer than Kampf, more like a swimmer's body type or a trimmer version of Chelios. Kampf is bordering on Brind'Amour physique.

I remember a play in a recent game where an opponent tried to push Kampf around after the whistle but he didn't budge and the other guy seemed shocked.

Agree, like Kampf's game lately. He is carving himself a permanent role as a solid bottom sixer. Will likely put up no more than 25 points but his game is relentless forecheck, strong defense, good faceoff skills, and strength to be a checking line forward.

Yes, this is why I wouldn't wanna spend big in FA on Defensemen. I wouldn't mind a veteran on a 1 or 2 year deal as placeholder like Stralman but I would not want solve our defensive problems through FA. I feel like that will create more of a problem for us in the long run.
- Savetheembers33

Not necessarily pointing at you, but wasn't this the type of thinking management went into this past off season? What came of that? Manning and Davidson instead of, possibly, de Haan? Since quality defensemen are at a premium, your either gonna have to poop or get off the pot. Give them the best term and money or hope that your prospects mature very quickly.

I never really understood the 'placeholder' solution because the Hawks have always settled on 'not so good' variety. I would rather they play ball with quality free agents and if/when the prospects are ready, trade them. Quality defensemen are always in need, so trading them shouldn't be a big problem, and we wouldn't have to keep watching the chinese fire drill on D or tout the leadership qualities of a forward.

For what it is worth, I think that it is far more important to play and demonstrate direction, as if that doesn't happen -I don't think any UFA's out there (regardless of who or how many), would have any interest at all in signing.

Results like last game's are good, although it also has to be taken in tandem with showing consistency, and a compete level so that guys outside of the organisation can have a better idea of what they could be signing on for. Sales pitches are great, but if you can demonstrate the other, outside of a sales pitch setting, then I think you have a better chance of signing some UFAs. I guess I am saying I think there is something to say for choice, instead of just lottery odds.

I think it is fitness. He does a few hard stops or gets on his edges and he looks gassed after. Should be pretty fixable.
- fattybeef

A guy almost 4 years out from his draft year who has spent his whole life playing hockey, from a hockey family just now realizes the things he needs to improve?

Not buying it. His skating is what it is. Too many people think you mean speed when you mention skating. Its not the case.

Why has it taken so long for him to realize he is lacking?

Yeah, Kampf is stacked. Check out his Instagram account:

https://www.instagram.com/kampfdavid/?hl=en

Panik was pretty ripped, too. Slimmer than Kampf, more like a swimmer's body type or a trimmer version of Chelios. Kampf is bordering on Brind'Amour physique.

I remember a play in a recent game where an opponent tried to push Kampf around after the whistle but he didn't budge and the other guy seemed shocked.

Agree, like Kampf's game lately. He is carving himself a permanent role as a solid bottom sixer. Will likely put up no more than 25 points but his game is relentless forecheck, strong defense, good faceoff skills, and strength to be a checking line forward.
- AEL_Fox

Kampf game hasn't changed at all. He is doing pretty much the same thing he always does when he steps on the ice. Works his ass off. Now he is doing it with more confidence. He has all the makings of a vg shutdown player.

For what it is worth, I think that it is far more important to play and demonstrate direction, as if that doesn't happen -I don't think any UFA's out there (regardless of who or how many), would have any interest at all in signing.

Results like last game's are good, although it also has to be taken in tandem with showing consistency, and a compete level so that guys outside of the organisation can have a better idea of what they could be signing on for. Sales pitches are great, but if you can demonstrate the other, outside of a sales pitch setting, then I think you have a better chance of signing some UFAs. I guess I am saying I think there is something to say for choice, instead of just lottery odds.
- steve-hist-sdc

You make some great points about where we are and the fact that we may not be a highly regarded destination for FAs. Part of this, is why I think if we're gonna sign ANY legit FA to come here it would be Panarin. He's played here, he loves the city, and he's great friends with the best player on the team who happens to be one of the Top 10 best players in the league as well. While the team is NO WHERE near what it was when he signed with us, it's familiar to him and he actually has ties to the team. Could he go to another city and take a few million more and be THE guy? Of course and if he does that's his decision to make, but here he doesn't really have to start over in a new city for a THIRD time since coming to the US and could be one of the key pieces to get the Franchise back to prominence once again.

Not necessarily pointing at you, but wasn't this the type of thinking management went into this past off season? What came of that? Manning and Davidson instead of, possibly, de Haan? Since quality defensemen are at a premium, your either gonna have to poop or get off the pot. Give them the best term and money or hope that your prospects mature very quickly.

I never really understood the 'placeholder' solution because the Hawks have always settled on 'not so good' variety. I would rather they play ball with quality free agents and if/when the prospects are ready, trade them. Quality defensemen are always in need, so trading them shouldn't be a big problem, and we wouldn't have to keep watching the chinese fire drill on D or tout the leadership qualities of a forward.
- CamRusselsJock

No, I totally get your point. The likelihood of signing a LEGIT Top 4 D-Man on a short term contract or a lower term is a pipe dream really. That's why I'd rather just see them not spend the money there and develop the kids to take over and hope they can come sooner rather than later. Then spend your money on an impact Forward since we have very few guys on the horizon (and none in the next year or maybe even two; except for MAYBE our draft pick this year IF they go with a Forward) who can step up to help this team right away.

To me the risk of overpaying for a Defensemen in FA is more likely to come back to bite the Hawks in the a$$ (like it already has) than it is to help the team where they could flip whoever they sign down the road. If we didn't have an aging Keith and/or Seabrook at a high cap hit I could see the possibility of taking the risk on someone like a Tyler Myers but having to sign him for 6-7M next year might be something this team lives to regret.

Boqvist is going to be really good and Beaudin plays the other side. Worse case they can move one of Mitchell or Young Henri for a forward or something down the line.
- fattybeef

Definitely, because odds are not all 4 of those guys are gonna work out as expected. If they end up with too many dmen that can actually play at an NHL level, they could move one. Too far out to say is Boqvist, Mitchell, or Beaudin will really cut it, but there is promise.