I like to see Carlson get a chance and send Forsling down or package him for a third line player.

The $61MM assumes Ward, Kunitz Kruger all gone/not coming back, and includes Delia's deal.

FYI, last word from NHL offices is that cap could be as much as $83MM next year.
- Return of the Roar

Thanks ROTR.

The $61MM assumes Ward, Kunitz Kruger all gone/not coming back, and includes Delia's deal.

FYI, last word from NHL offices is that cap could be as much as $83MM next year.
- Return of the Roar

You don't have Joki on defense?

A western wall which will replace the Pacific Crest Trail to keep all the left coast types in their place is next.
- Beaver-Warrior

At the rate the productive taxpayers are fleeing the left-coast these loonies will build a wall to keep people in, not out... It's what they do.. Of course then leftists will get sudden amnesia and magically walls will be ok and promoted for "the greater good of society". I mean they cant have those that reluctantly financially support the state go fleeing to places like Texas or Colorado.. What is the left coast going to do when the majority are reliant on the state and the state has no more taxpayers to steal from?.... That's why "leftists" build walls, to keep the "assets" er educated and productive in... I mean they're not opposed to walls at all when they benefit from them. The Berlin wall is a fantastic example of that, of course kids these days know nothing about that because presently history is no longer considered part of proper education..

You see, walls are only bad when the purpose is to keep people in - they're fine to keep people out, but of course many get that idea backwards and believe walls are wrong to keep people out and good to keep people in.

Of course neither political party wants a solution to our immigration problems because immigration is meant to be a never-ending problem hence a never-ending talking point - a problem that politicians will make a priority while they pander to us on their campaign trail but will do nothing about if elected... But Trump isn't a politician so his priorities aren't to his political party and their best interest as an establishment, but the middle class US citizen. Trump has no allegiance to anyone except the republicans, democrats, libertarians and independents that voted for him - and that there is why the wall isn't going up as quickly as many of us would like.. If we had a wall and actually DID everything we could do about illegal immigration then this issue would no longer be an issue, but these establishment republicans and democrats want it to be an issue... I mean the fact it is a problem shows that our government isn't doing enough to solve it..... The truth is that Trump's ideas are really screwing up the establishments agenda and plans... You see, politicians are only supposed to PRETEND to have solutions to our problems, they're not supposed to actually fix those problems, and building a wall would be a solution to this problem hence no wall, and it's certainly not for a lack of effort -- its because establishment politicians are the enemy of the people... It's because they act in their own best interests as a collective establishment, not our best interests.. We're merely nothing more than useful idiots that vote, and are dooped into foot the bill for their lavish lifestyles - just a bunch of morons that keep them in power.. I mean that's how they view us "common folk"...

Of course it's funny when they say "Orange man lies, where's your wall?" as if obstructing the wall somehow makes Trump a liar, lol.. Yea where is that wall? oh right, Trump could cure cancer and the establishment would obstruct the cure (they probably would given big pharma owns them).. Trump wants 5.8 billion for a wall, for our own security and the establishment objects, then foolishly believe obstructing Trump like this is a good idea.. Of course these are the same people that said absolutely NOTHING when Obama loaded a military transport plane with 5 billion dollars in cash and shipped it off to Iran in the middle of the night -- right, nothing to see there folks, but spending that on a wall - Orange Man bad - infrastructure spending bad.... lol when in reality 5.8 billion is absolutely nothing... Trump may as well be asking for a dollar because that's closer to 5 billion than our annual budget is...

Justin Lowe: Are You Sure You Want the Blackhawks to Make the Playoffs?
Across social media and the message boards, it sounds like during this 7-game winning streak, there was an even split of those who wanted the Hawks to sell, sell, sell and those who wanted to keep on pushing their way into the playoffs.

I will continue to say that I will never cheer for the Hawks to lose, but like a proud parent, I also don't want them to be flat-out embarrassed again in the post-season.
- Justin Lowe

I'm in the mindset of if Bowman was to trim around the edges at the tdl, that's fine. I don't know who can/will move, but I'm in the small group that likes 40 and 42. I've been saying all along, just keep playing and collecting wins, let the lotto balls fall where they will. Playoff experience is great for these young guys, and could fuel the older guys. There is not a guy in the draft this year that fixes this team. We need top 6 help. I like the way it's shaping out, but we need help. We need bottom 6 help, a lot. We need defensive help. We might have a goalie situation. I'd rather Crow retire.

It's said all of the time that we shouldn't get too excited about prospects we have no as they could be busts ... so then why shoot for high draft picks? Couldn't they also be busts? The odds are smaller, sure, I will grant that, but it's still not a guarantee. We got a great late pick in Joki. It just seems like those who say tank for draft picks are the same people who say don't expect much out of who we have in the prospect pool.

Just to be clear... have all the tankers finally quieted down? Has feel-good surrounding this team finally silenced those-who-say-nay-and-tank or are they just lurking in the shadows waiting for the next losing streak or "" distance in points from the last playoff spot to re-emerge and proclaim their way is the best way to build based on singular drafts and individual past picks?
- Brownie's_Purse

Nope, still think our best option for long term success is to have a poor finish this season. A top 5 pick helps a whole lot more than a 16th overall.

Well McDonough says we are remodeling. We know that remodels take longer than the original estimate.

Not to blast Colliton - as you say, only 30 games in the Show, only one previous season coaching pros in North America - maybe he'll make it, maybe he won't....

But if the defensemen on the squad are as limited as you say - and the forwards don't provide much defensive help - why is he using a defensive system (man to man) that I would think requires some pretty good skills and hockey sense from all five skaters on the ice?
- StLBravesFan

It’s too early to make an educated assessment on Colliton and whether or not he’ll ultimately be a successful head coach.

That said this is a good point, it’s kinda like trying to pound square pegs into round holes. Or it could be this is the system I’m going to use, try it and if you find after some time that it’s not for you or you just can’t make the adjustment we’ll..........

Naah, I for one have the testicular fortitude to say tank is the preferred end to this season. While watching last night I was thinking of the extra wear and tear Kane is enduring double shifting in what will be a meaningless season playoffs or not. Q playing 4 D wore down 2, 4, 7. He had to do it but that check then became due. Sure, go out and play to win - but without extraordinary efforts such as double shifts or rental players.
- riozzo

Good post. Win or lose with what you have and do so in a sustainable manner. Double shifting Kane is not sustainable. Fine, do it in the 3rd if the team is down or in OT, but not earlier in the game like last night.

Same with your point about rental players. Tinkering around the edges is fine to trade guys who were rumored to be on the market even before the recent surge. But as you and others have said, don't give up prospects and draft picks for rentals. Stay the course for long term growth.

Well McDonough says we are remodeling. We know that remodels take longer than the original estimate.
- LAHawk

And cost twice as much...

You don't have Joki on defense?
- LAHawk

Sorry.

He is signed for a few more years at his ELC, but is currently in the Rock. I suppose you can put whomever you want in the D pot like they are doing now.

For those looking for coaches with more experience, Carlyle is available, Hitchcock is interim, DesJardines is interim, I am sure Boudreau will be available after the season is over. Wash,rinse,repeat

Sorry.

He is signed for a few more years at his ELC, but is currently in the Rock. I suppose you can put whomever you want in the D pot like they are doing now.
- Return of the Roar

Only pointed it out cause most have him pegged as Keith's partner next year.

I'm in the mindset of if Bowman was to trim around the edges at the tdl, that's fine. I don't know who can/will move, but I'm in the small group that likes 40 and 42. I've been saying all along, just keep playing and collecting wins, let the lotto balls fall where they will. Playoff experience is great for these young guys, and could fuel the older guys. There is not a guy in the draft this year that fixes this team. We need top 6 help. I like the way it's shaping out, but we need help. We need bottom 6 help, a lot. We need defensive help. We might have a goalie situation. I'd rather Crow retire.

It's said all of the time that we shouldn't get too excited about prospects we have no as they could be busts ... so then why shoot for high draft picks? Couldn't they also be busts? The odds are smaller, sure, I will grant that, but it's still not a guarantee. We got a great late pick in Joki. It just seems like those who say tank for draft picks are the same people who say don't expect much out of who we have in the prospect pool.
- I Am The Breadman

I like this post, too, particularly your 2nd paragraph. The draft is only one of several methods to rebuild a contender. Stock up on as many picks as you can, draft well in every round, and have a solid development system.

Finding the next elite player isn't relegated to the 1st round only. Look at DeBrincat, Gaudreau, Kucherov, Point, Panarin, Marchand, Aho, Stone, etc. Later rounds or not drafted at all. Yes, it would be awesome if the Hawks got a top 3-5 pick this year and say even in 2020 but not the end of the world if they don't.

I like this post, too, particularly your 2nd paragraph. The draft is only one of several methods to rebuild a contender. Stock up on as many picks as you can, draft well in every round, and have a solid development system.

Finding the next elite player isn't relegated to the 1st round only. Look at DeBrincat, Gaudreau, Kucherov, Point, Panarin, Marchand, Aho, Stone, etc. Later rounds or not drafted at all. Yes, it would be awesome if the Hawks got a top 3-5 pick this year and say even in 2020 but not the end of the world if they don't.
- AEL_Fox

McNeill, Danault, Clendening were all drafted by the Hawks before Saad, Shaw was a 5th rounder that year.

Only pointed it out cause most have him pegged as Keith's partner next year.
- LAHawk

I know, but doesn't him being in Rockford sort of beg the question of whether or not he really is slotted to be that guy??

More to come I'm sure.

Let's be honest - many people here already have Boqvist, Beudn, Mitchell and Entwistle as can't miss starters next season as well.

So the old system didn't fit these players and the new systems doesn't fit these players... at what point do you admit that the players are the issue and maybe no system is going to fit all these players?

Keith and Joki were really good to start the year. Then they tailed off and ultimately were not paired anymore. Murphy was rough last year under Q (granted we don't know how long he was injured), but he is doing very well under JC. Seabrook is what he is. Gus has always been brutal in his own zone (but now he is scoring) and the rest are basically rookies.

What is your solution?
- Chunk

Well, instead of Stan signing Manning & Davidson and the rest of the crap he signed, Calvin de Haan was available. This year in Carolina he's playing 19 minutes per game. He's +3, with a CF of 55.95%, a SCF of 52.49% & HDCF of 52.78%. He would have been a bridge to give some of the drafted D time to play in the A, and he'd be better than most of the D that the Hawks run out there nightly. An upgrade over anyone not named Keith or Murphy.

That's one possible example.

I know, but doesn't him being in Rockford sort of beg the question of whether or not he really is slotted to be that guy??

More to come I'm sure.

Let's be honest - many people here already have Boqvist, Beudn, Mitchell and Entwistle as can't miss starters next season as well.
- Return of the Roar

I see your point --You forgot Barrat, Hagel and Kucherov

There is no one in the system that has the capability of filling 19 or 88's role. That comes with elongated success and not enough high draft picks. I'm in no way complaining, but you cant replace a number 1 overall pick of Kane's ability with a 28th-31st overall. As far as Toews goes, he was a 3rd overall, and to get the pick that turns into talent like that, you pretty much have to throw a rockford roster out there for 75% of your games.
- nickmo2699

Well, draft position doesn't guarantee anything, however odds are you're going to get a superstar with a top 5 pick. Of course it depends on the draft - some drafts are deeper than others.. A guy who went 7th overall in one draft may have gone first overall in the next draft at the same age and potential..

This is why I would like to see Bowman try to trade up for the 1st overall pick.. I do believe Jack Hughes could fill Kanes role... Hughes is very similar to Kane and I think it would be worth it to move up and snag him...

Yea, the Hawks don't have any superstars in the system but they have several players that could be legitimate top 6 forwards or top 4 defenseman which is why I think targeting Hughes at the draft should be a priority...

Also, if it matters, you can certainly find superstars later in the First Round or in later rounds in general... I mean the majority of stars and superstars playing today were not top 5 picks.... Look at Duncan Keith, he was a 2nd round pick -- er look at the Hawks core over the last 10 years -- the only top picks there were Kane & Toews and everyone else was drafted outside of the top 10... I suppose my point is that where you're drafted plays little role after you've been drafted....

I mean DeBrincat was taken in the 2nd round and at 20 years old, in his sophomore season he's playing at a PPG pace and will probably hit the 40 goal mark this season.. So much for the sophomore slump eh?... I think this kid has 50 goal potential and presently is a star with superstar potential...I mean being a perennial 40 goal scorer with 50 goal and PPG+ potential makes you young superstar - but Debrincat is going to need players his age to compliment his play, I think Strome is that guy right now, however adding some security wouldn't hurt and trading up in this draft for as close to a "sure thing" as you can get is absolutely worth it..

Also, Jake Wise, Nordgren and Kurashev are no slouches either - all three are legitimate top 6 prospects and Kurashev could really turn into not only a steal but a real super-stud.... So sure, the Hawks don't have any forward "high draft picks" but the Hawks do have plenty of talent in the pipeline and if these player pan out and meet their potential the Hawks will be fine.... I mean wise was actually projected to go top 15 in the draft until he got injured, so the Hawks got a steal on him in the 3rd at 69th overall - it was almost like teams forgot about him... Ideally Wise would be the Hawks long-term 3rd line center ..

But yea, I do agree that the Hawks could really use a top forward draft pick and I think this is the draft to make a move like that and if Bowman can manage to get another first in a trade that 3 first round picks would be enough to get such a trade done depending on the team, their needs and strengths drafting first overall.

Naah, I for one have the testicular fortitude to say tank is the preferred end to this season. While watching last night I was thinking of the extra wear and tear Kane is enduring double shifting in what will be a meaningless season playoffs or not. Q playing 4 D wore down 2, 4, 7. He had to do it but that check then became due. Sure, go out and play to win - but without extraordinary efforts such as double shifts or rental players.
- riozzo

This is a very good post, I’m not for purposely tanking, but don’t see the sense in making extraordinary efforts and burning out players just to make the playoffs and be eliminated in the first round.

That’s why I really don’t have a problem with Jokiharju spending some time in Rockford, if they think that’s best for his long term development.

If we somehow managed get the last wildcard spot, just consider who’d we face and how that’d go.

Likely opponents and our results so far this season:

Winnipeg,
L 6-5
L 6-3
L 4-3 OT

Nashville,
L 5-2
W 2-1
L 4-3 OT

Calgary,
L 5-3
L 3-2
L 4-3

San Jose
L 7-3

Well, instead of Stan signing Manning & Davidson and the rest of the crap he signed, Calvin de Haan was available. This year in Carolina he's playing 19 minutes per game. He's +3, with a CF of 55.95%, a SCF of 52.49% & HDCF of 52.78%. He would have been a bridge to give some of the drafted D time to play in the A, and he'd be better than most of the D that the Hawks run out there nightly. An upgrade over anyone not named Keith or Murphy.
- scottak

I don't think the Hawks were willing to commit $4.5mil. over 4 years for him.

I think it was a good test given to Forsling last night. I might not be as gifted as others who "knew" right off the bat that he wouldn't have that great of a game. I like the rotating of defensemen to see what we have along with who excels/needs work with what. Give Forsling the task of playing against a tough team, sounds like a good challenge. I saw him engage in hits and take hits to make plays. He didn't do it every time, but I wouldn't classify him as a shy player.

To hang last night's game on him, knowing he would drown against the Bruins forecheck ... that's just ridiculous. Our pp had several opportunities to put the game out of reach early, or help get the game in reach. We took stupid penalties, how many high sticks? Gus got lucky after throwing an elbow. How many turnovers, just first period alone. Yes, that damn Forsling.

I'm giving credit, Seabs was an animal last night. That 5 on 3. Yes he's slow, yes his contract is bad ... I loved watching him play last night. He was doing a bunch of great things. I like him paired with Keith.

I think it was a good test given to Forsling last night. I might not be as gifted as others who "knew" right off the bat that he wouldn't have that great of a game. I like the rotating of defensemen to see what we have along with who excels/needs work with what. Give Forsling the task of playing against a tough team, sounds like a good challenge. I saw him engage in hits and take hits to make plays. He didn't do it every time, but I wouldn't classify him as a shy player.

To hang last night's game on him, knowing he would drown against the Bruins forecheck ... that's just ridiculous. Our pp had several opportunities to put the game out of reach early, or help get the game in reach. We took stupid penalties, how many high sticks? Gus got lucky after throwing an elbow. How many turnovers, just first period alone. Yes, that damn Forsling.

I'm giving credit, Seabs was an animal last night. That 5 on 3. Yes he's slow, yes his contract is bad ... I loved watching him play last night. He was doing a bunch of great things. I like him paired with Keith.
- I Am The Breadman

Amen.

This is a very good post, I’m not for purposely tanking, but don’t see the sense in making extraordinary efforts and burning out players just to make the playoffs and be eliminated in the first round.

That’s why I really don’t have a problem with Jokiharju spending some time in Rockford, if they think that’s best for his long term development.

If we somehow managed get the last wildcard spot, just consider who’d we face and how that’d go.

Likely opponents and our results so far this season:

Winnipeg,
L 6-5
L 6-3
L 4-3 OT

Nashville,
L 5-2
W 2-1
L 4-3 OT

Calgary,
L 5-3
L 3-2
L 4-3

San Jose
L 7-3
- walleyeb1

I would rather face trashville when we are in a great position to wipe that participation ribbon banner look off their smug faces...

I don't think the Hawks were willing to commit $4.5mil. over 4 years for him.
- LAHawk

Well, that's a choice they made, that probably made the team worse.

And at the end of the 4 years, any of the drafted D, including Joki, would have made it to the NHL if they had shown the ability. and $4.5 isn't bad for a guy that would be on your 2nd pair.

The issue is, because of trades, & poor drafting and/or development, the Hawks pool of defenseman in the system sucked. That's what you use free agency to do, fill in your weak spots.