Any trade rumors Justin
- Scott1977

Nothing concrete on my end Scott.

I've heard that they are really in a tough spot as as there is renewed optimism amongst fans (= more ticket/merch sales) but know that the stars have to align to get in.

I dont think you see the Bowman hold back on a trade for let's say Anisimov if a team will take him off their hands.

I am not advocating this, but can anyone see Bowman target Kronwell in the offseason for maybe a 1 year contract? I just worry about the history with Scotty.

I don't know about you Rick, when he was a player I love the guy, the way he played hard nose, yes sure he wasn't a big scorer but he kept players honest. Which is all I ask for this team here to acquire a couple players that do the same.
I am trying to get a read on this new coach, I do not believe he is all about playing soft. I think once the season ends he'll be able to put a stamp on what type of players he wants for next year and who is expendable. This is just the period of what I call "sifting through the garbage " and seeing what he can keep and get rid of.
He inherited most of these powder puff defenseman. I bet he will have something to say moving forward going into next season. Sorry but 63 is baby crap soft also for being 6"3, I think he's about had enough 42., 28 is a high draft picks that was drafted before he was the coach, but read between the lines and what he is saying about him also, that he plays scared out there, now granted the kid is only 19 years old so I guess we got to give them a room to grow.And if it wasn't for Gus's offense of abilities he probably be walking him up to the launching pad also.
- wonthecup10

Chief came off the reservation in Alberta one day and found a way to stick around for 1000 games as an NHL player with very limited talent. He knows what hard work is and who's giving it 100% every night. His main job was policeman and he didn't back down from anybody. He also knew who the little rats were around the league and would exterminate them when the opportunity presented itself. He must just shake his head at how the rules changed the game so much now.

Colliton - we"ll see what he can do when next season rolls around. He can't be thrilled with some of the personnel he has to work with. Best place for Joki right now is playing hard in Rockford even though he is better than most of the Dmen currently on the NHL roster. And one of the things Colliton should do is instruct Sheldon Brookbank to take Perlini out behind the woodshed for a man to man chat and to have an ambulance ready if Perlini didn't feel well when it was over.

I am not advocating this, but can anyone see Bowman target Kronwell in the offseason for maybe a 1 year contract? I just worry about the history with Scotty.
- powerenforcer

I think he’s done, he won’t play in the NHL next season.

I think he’s done, he won’t play in the NHL next season.
- DarthKane

I could see that happening too.

I think he’s done, he won’t play in the NHL next season.
- DarthKane

Stan should offer 2 seconds for him before the TDL.

Nothing concrete on my end Scott.

I've heard that they are really in a tough spot as as there is renewed optimism amongst fans (= more ticket/merch sales) but know that the stars have to align to get in.

I dont think you see the Bowman hold back on a trade for let's say Anisimov if a team will take him off their hands.
- Justin Lowe

Thanks i ll say it again this is not a playoff team i know the the interal optimistic fan says get in anything can happen sorry but no. I m being realistic and this team has to many holes but there are good things going forward. One thing J.C. needs to a zone coverage in the d zone instead of man coverage way too many prime grade A chances right down the slot. Hawks should make hockey trades that make sense for both teams or stand pat. Bowman stay the course look at the big picture and future.

Stan should offer 2 seconds for him before the TDL.
- tvetter

Only if he can re-sign him for 6-7 years with a full NMC.

Only if he can re-sign him for 6-7 years with a full NMC.
- DarthKane

At his age, I don't think Stan should go more than 5 years.

I think he’s done, he won’t play in the NHL next season.
- DarthKane

so was sharp, oduya, and soupy

so was sharp, oduya, and soupy
- bogiedoc

Very true, but at least those three had PR value.

[quote=SC116]You're mistaken, then -- it is that stupid bonus point for an OTL creating the 3 point games. The league could decide not to get rid of ties entirely -and decided that every game needed a result.

Actually going to OT in the regular season isn't really 'hockey' -anyways ... it has screwed up the points model for the standings.

The "stupid bonus point" is not for an overtime loss but for an overtime win. As you note, regular season OT is not really hockey. Traditionally each team was awarded a point in a regular season tie, and still are (and usually well earned)--but that extra OTW point is what screws everything up.

Chief came off the reservation in Alberta one day and found a way to stick around for 1000 games as an NHL player with very limited talent. He knows what hard work is and who's giving it 100% every night. His main job was policeman and he didn't back down from anybody. He also knew who the little rats were around the league and would exterminate them when the opportunity presented itself. He must just shake his head at how the rules changed the game so much now.

Colliton - we"ll see what he can do when next season rolls around. He can't be thrilled with some of the personnel he has to work with. Best place for Joki right now is playing hard in Rockford even though he is better than most of the Dmen currently on the NHL roster. And one of the things Colliton should do is instruct Sheldon Brookbank to take Perlini out behind the woodshed for a man to man chat and to have an ambulance ready if Perlini didn't feel well when it was over.
- RickJ

I agree also, I think there's gonna be more players moved then most think maybe not at the deadline but definitely in the off-season Colleton will get the team he wants eventually. The run is nice from the fan standpoint but the minute we place physical and heavy on the forecheck teams, forget it. I even wonder sometimes about Brandon Saad ,granted he starting to score but I've watched him from time to time get manhandled and he has no pushback whatsoever.

Thanks i ll say it again this is not a playoff team i know the the interal optimistic fan says get in anything can happen sorry but no. I m being realistic and this team has to many holes but there are good things going forward. One thing J.C. needs to a zone coverage in the d zone instead of man coverage way too many prime grade A chances right down the slot. Hawks should make hockey trades that make sense for both teams or stand pat. Bowman stay the course look at the big picture and future.
- Scott1977

Having spoken to Wiz a couple days ago ......

i can tell you that he believes Bowman will be targeting fast skill players preferably forwards who are not smurfs. Bowman knows the game is evolving to fast speed guys who can execute at speed at forward and defense.

Sometimes you have to alter your plans....

Now who could say really if the ping pong ball gave us the second choice if Bowman went ahead and claimed Hughes after the Finn went first.

Sometimes you make a trade with the priority to subtract a player as the most important factor and you come out smelling like a rose.

The Strome deal where we got a slower skater seems to contradict. We know that trade was about getting rid of a player who didn't measure up to what his next contract asking price. Some other negative points as well but we do not need histrionics. Suffice that Strome fits here maybe better than most anywhere else.

I accidentally posted a long thread excerpts from CONVERSATION WITH WIZ page 42 in the Conner Murphy as the subject in Justin's blog. I will see tommorow about if i can paste cut it into this blog. Or perhaps a new blog if Justin has a new one. The subject is dmen.

There is some good stuff in it but if someone before late tomorrow wants to put it here, by all means do so.

I got you jhawk.

Spoke with wiz a couple days ago about Blackhawks. Below is excerpts of that conversation but know that i am expressing or concentrating more my viewpoint here and not claiming this is wiz verbatim

Re: dmen

FORSLING. He MAY be given until xmas to improve. Will he - hard to say. He has desirable ability with that shot but moreover it is the skill set in quick react at speed. He may be best among current guys in Chicago in the latter point (according to wiz last season) but more goes into being an NHL dman than that. Teams nowadays strive to carry two, three puck movers who can make plays at speed.

In an old conversation i recall how I Cole fit into a role and Penguins won the Cuo (i think they won it with him). Next season (later on anyway) Cole was thrust into a position of needing to read react make plays at speed. He failed. That is why they moved on from his services. I have not looked to see role he plays in Colorado but their defense is chok- full iof underachieving talent such as Barrie and E Johnson. Add Cole most likely.

So is Forsling going to keep serving up pizzs. I "dk."

KOEKKOECK. This guy just fell into the right spot. If you notice his strength from his junior scouting report as well as his success with Chicago, know that he has been a pro for a while and just needed to get an opportunity. He is ready and he probably is going to become a solid third pair....cannot say if he could become a solid second pair...let us just see how he turns out. But i am glad mother fortune brought another good skating puck mover and am encouraged by his consistency (defensively) and the pbysicality he shows. Not a behometh but he will check or dump you on your fanny - excellent\team needs more of this.

ON PROSPECTS. I "dk" that Mitchell is all that great. Good stick and can help offensively....maybe can play here adequately and soon....but he didn t play so great in WJC to influence the thought that he will be so good in NHL. Beaudin is the one who appears to be closest to ready from defensively speaking.

It is probably too soon for Carlsson to excel in NHL as well although i like him a lot... Iike his competitiveness and skating plus he could complement other prospects like Boqvist. Since coming to Rockford i trust the reports/analysis AEL_FOX provides. I have not this season made it to a Rockford game nor seen Carlsson.

I also have therefore not seen Gilbert although i did see Hillman once last season. I believe Chicago does not make playoffs and will give a couple late season games to maybe Gilbert or Mitchell if he signs. They cannot easily give each prospect a cup of coffee this season and they have seen Hillman already. Maybe they want to see Gilbert and to tell him to be careful hiw often he picks spots to join rush etc al as it will hinder his development to playing NHL.

Raddysh is too much like Gus and until he improves his effort and accountability i dismiss his NHL look. From a ticket standpoint, though, some team may one day capitalize on having him and apparently his more highly touted brother (Tampa Bay Ligbtning) in same line up.

I just wonder if and how Galvas could come along.

Gus will get descent money but right now they need his type on this defense. It remains to be seen how his overall game might improve and the timetable for each of tbe prospects being next season is probably pushing it.

The exception is Jokiharju. Should be playing in Chicago next season. Wiz does not seem ready to say that tbe ykung dmen play scarred....let's see how that turns out because at least with Jokiharju i bet he handles it. Concussions always is a concern for all players. Yet Jokiharju is very young so expect him to become stronger and smarter regarding physicality.

The “Jokiharju plays scared” narrative is pure fantasy straight from the same place Eklund gets his rumors....his ass. The kid was arguably the best Dman through 30 games, led his junior team to a championship, then given 12 minutes a night by Collition, then scratched, then demoted.

Jokiharju is one of 2 or 3 teenage defenseman that played in the NHL this year and he was very good for most of that time. Give me a break with the “Joki plays scared”’ nonsense.

The “Jokiharju plays scared” narrative is pure fantasy straight from the same place Eklund gets his rumors....his ass. The kid was arguably the best Dman through 30 games, led his junior team to a championship, then given 12 minutes a night by Collition, then scratched, then demoted.

Jokiharju is one of 2 or 3 teenage defenseman that played in the NHL this year and he was very good for most of that time. Give me a break with the “Joki plays scared”’ nonsense.
- EnzoD

I 100% agree. Just reposting what was asked for.

Did Wiz get banned or something?

Did Wiz get banned or something?
- Ogilthorpe2

Probably something?

Probably something?
- I Am The Breadman

Just wondering why y’all are seemingly speaking for him.

Just wondering why y’all are seemingly speaking for him.
- Ogilthorpe2

I think jhawk talks to him and posts their conversations (pm's?). My long post was what jhawk wanted when he talked to Wiz way back in the Murphy blog. I don't talk to Wiz.

Did Wiz get banned or something?
- Ogilthorpe2

No. He is just really busy. He says that the draftsite.com takes a lot of his time.

The “Jokiharju plays scared” narrative is pure fantasy straight from the same place Eklund gets his rumors....his ass. The kid was arguably the best Dman through 30 games, led his junior team to a championship, then given 12 minutes a night by Collition, then scratched, then demoted.

Jokiharju is one of 2 or 3 teenage defenseman that played in the NHL this year and he was very good for most of that time. Give me a break with the “Joki plays scared”’ nonsense.
- EnzoD

Keith and Jokiharju were the best defensive pairing this season. Dahlstrom and Murphy have probably been the second. I’m in the camp of believing Jokiharju should be in the NHL now. Maybe after the TDL a d-man (Gustafsson) is moved a spot is opened up for #28.

The “Jokiharju plays scared” narrative is pure fantasy straight from the same place Eklund gets his rumors....his ass. The kid was arguably the best Dman through 30 games, led his junior team to a championship, then given 12 minutes a night by Collition, then scratched, then demoted.

Jokiharju is one of 2 or 3 teenage defenseman that played in the NHL this year and he was very good for most of that time. Give me a break with the “Joki plays scared”’ nonsense.
- EnzoD

I asked wiz if he believed this. This season i have listened to the radio and seen far less games in person or on the tube. So when i asked if this reportedly is an issue, wiz feels like that is overblown, the kid is still very young, and let us see how that turns out because he does not think it is going to be a problem for him.

Just wondering why y’all are seemingly speaking for him.
- Ogilthorpe2

He's not speaking for Wiz, he's Wiz's interpreter.