Missed Opportunity?

I am probably in the minority, but every time I see the London Knights play, Bouchard looks better to me than Boqvist. He has the size that we need on D and plays in all situations.
I think about us passing on him in favor of Boqvist. Maybe I am watching the wrong games and missing something here?

Missed Opportunity?

I am probably in the minority, but every time I see the London Knights play, Bouchard looks better to me than Boqvist. He has the size that we need on D and plays in all situations.
I think about us passing on him in favor of Boqvist. Maybe I am watching the wrong games and missing something here?
- 67hawks

I have to agree ,watching tonight . Is Bouchard older by bit ,know they went in the same darft .
I was a big Bouchard fan going into the draft . I think Stan took a chance on a player that could be something special . Remember reading on Boqvist before the draft and looking at his size and thinking this board would explode if they took him . Jury out still but Bouchard looks like a complete player .

Agree with all of this. Add: If Bowman is able to he really ought to try hard to package the middle round #1 and whatever else it takes in exchange for either a #1 able dman or a higher #1

Need to use the #1 to get as a quality player as possible. And i do not feel comfortable drafting a goaltender in round one unless very highly rated. I'll roll dice with Delia (who needs more development) and even Forsberg or Laakinen as insurance BECAUSE next season is a transition season for rookies to begin transition to blueline crew.

It is a long shot for Bowman to acquire a top dman. Emphasis on top dman. A top pair guy.

Those hot shot rookies are going to force a look see. The defense is in shambles and you have to question Keith's comittment and top level performance (as in lack of).

Fine tuning the defensive responsibities of forwards and dmen only improves the team's opportunity to win one incremental step. The compete level must increase. The Gudas Philly game is a prime example of a team failure to respond

Of course the veteran make up on defense is not good either. Cannot fathom them.being a whole lot better. If I were a betting man i would wager that Gus is moved....just when and for what is difficult to gauge.
- jhawk59

I agree with you on everything except the moving of Gustafsson.

He can only get better defensively with proper coaching, but his offensive skills are a major plus to this team on the PP for next year at least. The easiest way for this team to get playoff bound next season is to have a PP unit that gets to a 20 % efficiency at minimum....and that has to include Gus until somebody else can step forward from the back end.

The other way is too obvious....fixing the D philosophy and personnel. That is what will be the biggest challenge.

(Frank)ing Caps couldn't beat Minnesota.

I have to agree ,watching tonight . Is Bouchard older by bit ,know they went in the same darft .
I was a big Bouchard fan going into the draft . I think Stan took a chance on a player that could be something special . Remember reading on Boqvist before the draft and looking at his size and thinking this board would explode if they took him . Jury out still but Bouchard looks like a complete player .
- oldduffman

Bouchard is solid. If they decide that next year's window is significant, they might consider moving Bovquist in a package to acquire a top 2 dman, not top 4 though. He may be Brian Rafaski good in a few years. Do NOT sell short on him.

Really like Bouchard though. Get him in camp and see how he's progressed.

I have to agree ,watching tonight . Is Bouchard older by bit ,know they went in the same darft .
I was a big Bouchard fan going into the draft . I think Stan took a chance on a player that could be something special . Remember reading on Boqvist before the draft and looking at his size and thinking this board would explode if they took him . Jury out still but Bouchard looks like a complete player .
- oldduffman

I would have taken Noah Dobson over both of them.

Remember 1 thing - Bouchard belongs to the Oilers. After a couple years of "developing" with them, Bouchard will be a 7th defenceman in the ECHL.

Hey Scott.....Kudos to your most recent posts as I have been in agreement with you on just about everything.

As for changes at year's end ?

I don't think we'll see ANY movement in management and coaching. I think they all think so highly of themselves that the last 4 years of FAILURES are not anybody fault but merely bad "puck luck" and Corey Crawford injury excuses.....therefore....more of the same next year and they'll give total faith in Stan Bowman re-tooling this team. Especially now that he's made a couple of nice trades in Strome, Perlini, and Caggiula. This summer is absolutely critical in how this team will evolve in the next 5 years. Good moves and they'll be a playoff team next year. Great moves and they will go DEEP next year. Mediocre to poor moves and they'll miss again next year and lose another year of the Kane and Toews window.

If that happens, their Season Reservation Holders and wait list will dissolve immediately. That's a guarantee.
So.....this may be the most important sumner in Blackhawk
Hockey history since Patrick Kane was drafted #1.

Good luck Stan Bowman. This is his make or break summer.
- Hawkytalk

Any team that loses a top 5 goalie and horse like Crow has a bit of a excuses . This year is yet to be determined ,and playoffs or not this team is in a better spot then last year at this time . Keith has agitated me for sometime also ,he seems to try and do just a little to much at times . Seabrook seems better at playing more within his means ,Kiss system . I would trade Keith ,but he is no throwaway .Maybe down to Florida for a pick and prospect .He could beat the tax man
Forsling is becoming a very efficient defenseman of late ,I think he wil continue to improve .Not a fan of KOOK ,Dalstrom deserves some more time .
Forsberg should have been given the rains at the start of the year after a solid camp .Ward should have been regulated to back -up after posting a outrages .850 SV% to start the year .
Stan not working with a two ton elephant in the room anymore ,he should be able to continue to make some shrewd trades

I believe in Alexis Gravel same way I believed in Crawford when he was drafted.

(Frank)ing Caps couldn't beat Minnesota.
- Googlyeyes

Washington was sleep walking in that game

Washington was sleep walking in that game
- oldduffman

Sleep Skating?

I agree with you on everything except the moving of Gustafsson.

He can only get better defensively with proper coaching, but his offensive skills are a major plus to this team on the PP for next year at least. The easiest way for this team to get playoff bound next season is to have a PP unit that gets to a 20 % efficiency at minimum....and that has to include Gus until somebody else can step forward from the back end.

The other way is too obvious....fixing the D philosophy and personnel. That is what will be the biggest challenge.
- Hawkytalk

I am not 100% convinced that moving Gus is the best move. He is a luxury you like to have irregardless whether his defense improves.

What i do strongly believe is that insofar as to acquire a #1 dman, you have to give up something that another GM would want. Gus may or may not be of interest; this is an indivudual team- by - team situatiin wherein whomever wants Gus has to balance their team's needs or holes vs "wants."

If it means moving into the top eight (unknown if it should be top eight or even two spots higher) Trouba, i would trade Gus. Otherwise i am choosing to keep him around and possibly trade him once the team is better.

Your position on trading Gus is interesting since a strong review to keep or move him can be advanced

(Frank)ing Caps couldn't beat Minnesota.
- Googlyeyes

Funny thing is...

If either wildcard team gets knocked out first round the voices will say "See? This is why Chicago shouldn't have made the playoffs. They would have got crushed."

But if the wild card team does some real damage we'll hear...
"Imagine what Chicago could have done!"

I'll take a top 10 pick thank you very much.

I would have taken Noah Dobson over both of them.

Remember 1 thing - Bouchard belongs to the Oilers. After a couple years of "developing" with them, Bouchard will be a 7th defenceman in the ECHL.
- RickJ

Then he'll get traded to Pittsburgh and win a Stanley Cup.

As for Dobson. I went to Memorial Cup and watched him play. Thought he was ordinary. It was just one game but it was THE game. Expected more.

Hey Scott.....Kudos to your most recent posts as I have been in agreement with you on just about everything.

As for changes at year's end ?

I don't think we'll see ANY movement in management and coaching. I think they all think so highly of themselves that the last 4 years of FAILURES are not anybody fault but merely bad "puck luck" and Corey Crawford injury excuses.....therefore....more of the same next year and they'll give total faith in Stan Bowman re-tooling this team. Especially now that he's made a couple of nice trades in Strome, Perlini, and Caggiula. This summer is absolutely critical in how this team will evolve in the next 5 years. Good moves and they'll be a playoff team next year. Great moves and they will go DEEP next year. Mediocre to poor moves and they'll miss again next year and lose another year of the Kane and Toews window.

If that happens, their Season Reservation Holders and wait list will dissolve immediately. That's a guarantee.
So.....this may be the most important sumner in Blackhawk
Hockey history since Patrick Kane was drafted #1.

Good luck Stan Bowman. This is his make or break summer.
- Hawkytalk

Thanks just giving my opinion whether people argree or disagree either way its all about discussion and good conversation about the Blackhawks. Agree this might be the most pivotal offseason in a decade. Don't think bowman needs to make a hugh splash but smart. Creative moves but defense and physicallity need to be the first priorities. Hawks will have about 20 million to start with before the cap increase and if possible move AA contract could be close to 25 million to 30 million in that range not sure of performance bonuses would equal to might bring that total down plus need to sign dcat long term this offseason 6 to 7 million for 6 to 8 years and strome 4 to 5 million for 6 years IMO. If some how the lottery balls can fall in the hawks favor and get a top 5 pick that help immensely.

>>>The Avs are hurting up front as they are without Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog and Matt Nieto right<<<<

was not aware of this...all the more reason the hawks are done

teams that are expected to lose because key players are out rarely do

sorry to be a downer but the hawks will find away to lose this or varley will stone them or both

Thanks just giving my opinion whether people argree or disagree either way its all about discussion and good conversation about the Blackhawks. Agree this might be the most pivotal offseason in a decade. Don't think bowman needs to make a hugh splash but smart. Creative moves but defense and physicallity need to be the first priorities. Hawks will have about 20 million to start with before the cap increase and if possible move AA contract could be close to 25 million to 30 million in that range not sure of performance bonuses would equal to might bring that total down plus need to sign dcat long term this offseason 6 to 7 million for 6 to 8 years and strome 4 to 5 million for 6 years IMO. If some how the lottery balls can fall in the hawks favor and get a top 5 pick that help immensely.
- Scott1977

Agreed Scott. A regulation win tomorrow and Sunday or bust. These games will decide the direction they should go to close out another failed season.

(Frank)ing Caps couldn't beat Minnesota.
- Googlyeyes

well...can a game become more of a must win...if so it applies to hawks in aves land tomorrow

Az vs devils and wild vs canes...

are you ready for some scoreboard watching

well...can a game become more of a must win...if so it applies to hawks in aves land tomorrow

Az vs devils and wild vs canes...

are you ready for some scoreboard watching
- bogiedoc

I'm afraid the Hawks' fate is not entirely in their own hands, but we all knew that. Right now, luck is about the only sure thing, and we also know how dependable a route that is. In other words, the Hawks cannot cash in on their 7.5% chance of making the playoffs by their own talent. It will take some ice made of holy water.

Its funny how the line keeps getting pushed back.

"We NEED this game! Its a must win. Might as well start thinking aboot summer!"

Hawks lose that night.

"If ever we needed to win its THIS next game!!"

Hawks lose that night.

"Oh man! I really mean it this time! We so better win this one or it is so over! We must win this!"

Hawks lo...never mind.

I have to agree ,watching tonight . Is Bouchard older by bit ,know they went in the same darft .
I was a big Bouchard fan going into the draft . I think Stan took a chance on a player that could be something special . Remember reading on Boqvist before the draft and looking at his size and thinking this board would explode if they took him . Jury out still but Bouchard looks like a complete player .
- oldduffman

There’s almost a year difference, at that age it’s a big difference. Plus Boqvist is living in a new country, for a kid that age that has to have an impact. I’m not trying to discount Bouchard or make excuses for Boqvist, but age and living away from home are a factor.

I think it’s just a tad earlier to just either kid.

I agree bowman has had a good go of it of late fixed his mistakes and some really good trades. I AM not fan of bowman but have to give credit where credit is due so good for bowman now he needs to build a playoff team not a regular season team still need some physical players a shutdown center top 4 stabilizing d man and vet backup next year big question to me is Perlini can he be a top 6 forward and be consistent enough to stay there. Now I would at the draft shop gust and see what the hawks could get if its not what they want then have him under control for one more year I would not extend him he is a stop gap for boqvist. Biggest target in free agency should 3rd line center and physical forechecking forwards that create hell in the opponent d zone. IMO
- Scott1977

Generally agree with your breakdown of what the Hawks need going in to next season:

Top 4 defender to stabilize the blueline corps. If Jokiharju isn't ready, then the quantity goes up to 2, i.e. one to pair with Keith and another to pair with Murphy. Seabrook pairs up with Gustafsson.

3rd line center but not necessarily a shutdown one as they have one in Kampf to anchor the 4th line. The 3C should be a 200-foot player who can chip in 15 goals and 40 points, give or take.

Another bottom 6 forward to play a physical, grinding style all while being defensively responsible. Not sold on Hayden still but he shows glimpses.

Experienced backup goalie especially if neither Delia nor Forsberg is the answer yet. I know a lot of posters here don't want anything to do with him, but I have a feeling Ward will be in the mix because there aren't going to be many goalies who may be willing to sign for one year on the cheap. Possibly vets like Johnson or Kinkaid?

Need to use the #1 to get as a quality player as possible. And i do not feel comfortable drafting a goaltender in round one unless very highly rated. I'll roll dice with Delia (who needs more development) and even Forsberg or Laakinen as insurance BECAUSE next season is a transition season for rookies to begin transition to blueline crew.
- jhawk59

Spencer Knight is rising in the draft rankings and could end up in the mid-to-late teens once June rolls around. If the Hawks are drafting in that span, I would give him a long look as one of the top rated goalies in the draft.

Missed Opportunity?

I am probably in the minority, but every time I see the London Knights play, Bouchard looks better to me than Boqvist. He has the size that we need on D and plays in all situations.
I think about us passing on him in favor of Boqvist. Maybe I am watching the wrong games and missing something here?
- 67hawks

Water under the bridge but I was hoping for Bouchard if it came down to him, Boqvist, and Dobson. More of a complete player than Boqvist (agree with Duffman). Bouchard reminds me of Seabrook to some degree. Great leader in addition to his skills.

Missed Opportunity?

I am probably in the minority, but every time I see the London Knights play, Bouchard looks better to me than Boqvist. He has the size that we need on D and plays in all situations.
I think about us passing on him in favor of Boqvist. Maybe I am watching the wrong games and missing something here?
- 67hawks

Bouchard is almost a year older than Boqvist (Oct/99 - Aug/00) and this is Bouchard's 4th season playing for London, whereas this is only Boqvist's 1st season in North America. Bouchard should be ahead of Boqvist.

I would have been fine with either Bouchard or Boqvist at the draft. Time will tell who has a better NHL career but that assessment is too early to be made now.

I believe in Alexis Gravel same way I believed in Crawford when he was drafted.
- Logan Reilly

Gravel has some good potential but like Crawford will take many years to be NHL ready, if ever. Crawford took 7 years to become a regular. Hopefully it won't take as long but I'm guessing at least 5 years for Gravel who is still only 18.

One more year at Halifax after this season, then consider signing him to an ELC so he can start his pro career in Rockford. By then, one of Delia or Forsberg may be the Hawks backup while the other one may be out of the system with Lankinen starting in Rockford (or Lankinen is gone and either Delia or Forsberg is still Hogs starter).