Question for you guys, do you think NYR would move their second pick for the Blackhawks third + Gustafsson?

I ask because NYR has no d-man with offensive abilities to run a PP and push the rush like Gus, and The Russian would still be there at #3(helping them to draw Panarin in?).

On to the topic Mr C wanted us to discuss;

I think the Leafs owed the Hawks a solid and Jimmy Hayes (and his reps / family ) wanted Him out of the Leaf farm.
The hawks thought nothing in relation to the brother, but he was on the on the radar as the first realtionship was in place.
(THE LEAFS DIDNT THINK THEY WERE TRADING a future high end youngster just one who might play in time, and the drat pick was a simple reset for them in value as opposed to a jimmy and family on the outs with them, and then if there was a hummmf /dust-up his value would br less as opposed to a diet dismissal trade.

Powers got this part right on Kevin: he really wasn't good in college the first two years third year he has injuries, but Johnny hockey helped his game...I think he wanted to win in college, and I don't think he was stringing hawks on until he blew up the senior year, and he clearly knew in his heart he wasn't better ate that Pointv than the Hawks lineup and that their minor pros would have to be competition he clearly had to look better than...he knew many frotms eval camps, his brother, etc.
and then when he sent out the FREE Jeremy Morin tweet (right?) he was making a personal stupid statement to his future bosses about how they didn't know handle their kids.
I have bio idea if this was ever an issue the Hawks called him on, but that senior year helps plump out his chest like he was the next real deal., and courting other teams as free agent, he could barter deals that might not have guaranteed a lock on a NHL job, but did lower his first contract years and make him more money w=quicker if he picked a team Moree desparate for his top player sooner.
(I was really sort of shocked that he didn't just go to the Bruins period...)
He clearly wasn't as interested in playing for his favorite team as he was to play and get $ quicker.
The Hawks knew this many months before the deadline date (aug 15th?).
Through all this to me, was the most important part of this in the Hawks organization-
and their actions. Because it basically affects how ALL of us view what we see as independent beat writers (I hope our former one here, Al Cimagli, adds comments on this culture relationship to the team) and how they "report" and form "opinions."

The lady Tracey Myers,who did those on tv excerpts between whistles, about how "Toews texted his mother and said.."..these softball person interets things we were supposed to enjoy?
Well she was privy through he job along with her fellow scribes that then hawks knew Hayes was going to test the market as a 4th year college player allowed to do so through the loophole.

So Tracey, somehow didn't see there was an issue to not state that fact...Hayes want signing.

So I honestly spent a long time trying to get her to privately verify that with me, but, she clearly was NEVER going to say it again. She was shut down by the hawks, it is the only reason she was clearly ignore my countless queries, because that is the way this Blackhawk ship is steered. To stay in favor, you follow their protocols.
I know we don't want to liken this to established American journalist being barred after asking about Iran weapons of mss destruction by the Cheney Bush White House, but you can't be naive about how these journalists get further by following protocol.

I would have taken statements the days right after she made the revealations and hawks and playoffs were the story that was next up, and they wanted the time to set up their narrative, maybe still trying tom be the main Kevin Hayes suitor, too.

But my point is don't read what is written and think it's hockey so there is all transparency to it by way of "its raw nature and beauty."

And the current Kevin Hayes situation after his effectiveness around a team all of Canada thought COULD win it all, I say, Good Luck finding a new team who will pay you even more even though you have done little to elevate the two NHl teams you could have been done so on if you were a dominant player.

But...he was clearly an example of the Hawks choosing bloodlines first hand knowledge and the tease of a big man who moved well because they felt is was a desirous prospect.
You remember they were confident he would be there and traded their pick to Islanders, who took Brock Nelson, and the second rounder (Ludvig Rensfeldt (C) how they loved be/c his father was sports psychologist, but the son is still scoring between 9 and 17 goals in the Swedish league and has gotten up to 6 3 200lbs, but never stepped on an NHK ice surface that I know of...)

You Hit the nail right on the head with that one Rick. The same crap probably will be said about John Tortorella eventually too.
I did like TT and wish they could’ve held onto him. Schmaltz on the other hand I was happy the day he was traded. I still think Bowman won that trade even this early on. I don’t think that kid will amount to much even though he just signed a big contract.
Even in today’s game where most of the shenanigans have been taken out I don’t see that kid competing on the forefront in any type of playoff hockey. Just watch some of the series that kid will put his tail between his legs and run and hide. Kind a like with Gus does.
It is just my opinion but if you look at the make up Bowman is trying to build here it is almost a copy of his daddy’s Detroit redwings.
Let’s hope he finds another Zetterberg or Datsyuk along the way.
As far as throwing Q under the bus, that just sounds like a what have you done for me lately. We will see what boy wonder can do here.
I personally am happy at the success that Craig Berube and Rod Brindamour are having ,Two former hard nosed Flyers that left it out on the ice every game. Hopefully Colleton will put a foot in some of his players asses come training camp.
- wonthecup10

They have already said such things about Torts. NHL coaching is very much about what have you done for me recently .I never felt Q did not like young players ,he just did not like players Stan try to bring in it was very evident . Q ego went to the moon after the big contract ,and he stopped listening to anyone but himself .He was given may chances to come around to the Team concept .Way to many IMO

Question for you guys, do you think NYR would move their second pick for the Blackhawks third + Gustafsson?

I ask because NYR has no d-man with offensive abilities to run a PP and push the rush like Gus, and The Russian would still be there at #3(helping them to draw Panarin in?).
- Bjm84

If I didn't feel so strongly I wouldn't post this:

You rarely see trades even a slot difference this high from the top in the order.

Does Gustafsson offer a long term solution there or a now plug with a guy who isn't even an average defenseman in his end?

If the entire league sees Kaapo Kakko as the CLEAR second best player who can play now soon, maybe centre too, and there is a group of 8 following him all sort close why would the funk around and DROP?

Sure in 6 years they MIGHT look like geniuses when Podkolzin is tearing up the NHL, but I know in 5 years, there seems to be already proof that the Finn will be in the league in some capacity b/c why he already does is undeniable...

so why do the Rangers gamble?

If I didn't feel so strongly I wouldn't post this:

You rarely see trades even a slot difference this high tom the top in the order.

Does Gustafsson offer a long term solution there or a now plug with a guy who isn't even an average defenseman in his end?

If the entire league sees Kaapo Kakko as the CLEAR second best player who can play now soon, maybe centre too, and there is a group of 8 following him all sort close why would the funk around and DROP?

Sure in 6 years they MIGHT look like geniuses when Podkolzin is tearing up the NHL, but I know in 5 yers there seems to be already proof that the Finnwill be in Chicago in some capacity b/c why he already does is undeniable...

so why do the Rangers gamble?
- wiz1901

Good point, unless they feel bringing in the Russian has a similar, albeit not as immediate impact as Kakko, AND brings in Panarin. For example, if NY brass is planning on offering Panarin max dollars, has heard rumors he wants to play with countrymen, then you have to figure that play becomes more realistic.

Bowen Byram is leading the WHL playoff scoring race by a fair bit at this time. I am hoping he continues this trend through a Knock Your Socks Off Memorial Cup.

Along with Caufield's U18 performance, a lot of doubt would be placed on what has been generally predicted for the first 2 picks. The Hawks may be in a nice position to get a player we would not have predicted a couple of weeks ago.
- 67hawks

Yep, 4 assists last night in Vancouver's 5-4 win against P.A. in Game-1 of the WHL finals. He was also a +2 and I don't think he was on the ice for any of P.A.'s even strength goals. Keep it up kid and force Stan to take you at #3.

Question for you guys, do you think NYR would move their second pick for the Blackhawks third + Gustafsson?

I ask because NYR has no d-man with offensive abilities to run a PP and push the rush like Gus, and The Russian would still be there at #3(helping them to draw Panarin in?).
- Bjm84

I doubt it because they are not in "win now" mode which is the kind of team that you take one year of Gustafsson - being he's UFA after 2019/20.

They have already said such things about Torts. NHL coaching is very much about what have you done for me recently .I never felt Q did not like young players ,he just did not like players Stan try to bring in it was very evident . Q ego went to the moon after the big contract ,and he stopped listening to anyone but himself .He was given may chances to come around to the Team concept .Way to many IMO
- oldduffman

This is where Q is open for legitimate criticism. He did seem to prematurely dismiss players who had something to offer the team because they didn’t pick up the system right away (e.g. Trevor Daley, et al.). And, it was clear to any consistent observer that Q and Stan were not on the same page when it came to roster construction and setting the line up. A lot of resources were wasted in that dysfunction (e.g. Phillip Danault, et al.).

So, the team lost in the first round in ‘16, was swept in the first round in ‘17, and then failed to make the playoffs in ‘18. Given all of that, moving away from Q made sense. HOWEVER, doing it after a six-game losing streak in November was the WORST possible way to go about that transition. I speculate, with no proof whatsoever, that Stan wanted to terminate Q well before it actually took place (i.e. off-season ‘18, or perhaps earlier) and McD didn’t support it - worrying more about optics and having no hockey sense on whether it was the right move. Its hard to find another explanation that supports why the Hawks fired Q when they’d did and McDs full public support of Stan at the time.

I know it’s time to move on and stop harping over this (and forgive me for this rant) but the Q firing was handled in such a dysfunctional manner, that I can’t stand to even see McDs face and hear the BS coming out of it - because the divide between talk and execution is a mile wide.

EDIT: And these playoffs illustrate that just getting in as a wildcard can be all a team needs to have some success. So if Colliton is given a full pre-season with the team - who knows? Or if Q is kept on and given the chance to have the roster for the second part of the season - who knows? Even if it were a first round loss, there are new, young players who would’ve benefitted from that experience. I know that’s a lot of speculation, but in my estimation, the Hawks front office face-planted on the ‘18-‘19 campaign.

Ok you guess sucked me in on the Teravainan discussion.

I was also surprised at first with his departure, but I KNEW or feared that his represntationwas going to attempt to ask for more $ and term than the hawks were willing (able) to allow at that juncture.

I was shocked by the reasonable salary he signed 5.4 mil but notice this years?
The thing in the nHl about trades is from the original six to 12 and on, the GMs use trades, as a way to put players/agents in new teams where there the new GM tells them there is an established pecking order and we can'r play your client that, because then so and so will feel slighted, etc"

I think that the following had something to do with TT departure.

The salary and term that the hawks would have paid...like Schmaltz and Hartman, after your GM and his pro scouts decide, they draw a line in the sand, because more big payouts whose potential is never reached KILLS your Cap.

his training regime was questioned and when a team built program was established the kid didn't completely adhere to it, maybe there something of an injury and he decided to back ogg, I seriously don't know why...

He seemed like a periphery player.
Granted we all saw some excellent passes from the air wall and elsewhere that set up goals and really solid hands, and none of us could vouch for how he handle the toughness issue early one, maybe he got unfairly typecast, or he has grown up into a tougher pro.

Maybe there is better communication with his new linemate?

maybe the experience of the Hawk room helped his growth.

I am happy he and the Hurricanes are having this run.

and I hope it goes on, but and I am not a sports bettor) I think Boston (or Blue jackets ) will provide a different set of challenges than the teams they played so far - b/c I think Isles were a product of coaching not talent and the capitals were banged and hurt by an overly assertive Ovi, and a mediocre starter in net, he is not Crow imo....

I think the team they face will win against who ever comes out of the west but it's not easy to predict what happens out there what gos in and who elevates their games...

Yep, 4 assists last night in Vancouver's 5-4 win against P.A. in Game-1 of the WHL finals. He was also a +2 and I don't think he was on the ice for any of P.A.'s even strength goals. Keep it up kid and force Stan to take you at #3.
- EbonyRaptor

- 67hawks, you said the correct words of assessment to me-

let us wait until get out of the WESTERN league and if the Giants and Byram are the DUB participants against the OHL winner, and one strong QMJHL team and the pansy host, we get to see how Bowen Bryam plays defensively against two very strong and different type opponents that are less watered down.

I will appreciate the offense vids and the stats, but I want to see the defensive zone responsibility and coverage against these juniors...since I have seem enough hot air baloon posts about he is on a NHL by 2020-21 !

Speaking of Canes jerseys - what exactly is that supposed to be on the crest of their jersey? It looks like a weird "B" but I doubt that's what it's supposed to be. Is it like 2 flags on a flagpole? Help me out here.
- EbonyRaptor

It's flags. A ship thing. 2 red flags with black squares on them means that a storm or hurricane is coming.

It's flags. A ship thing. 2 red flags with black squares on them means that a storm or hurricane is coming.
- I Am The Breadman

Welcome back, Breadman!

Also, if you look closely at that logo, the negative space between the flags form an outline of North Carolina.

Bowen Byram is leading the WHL playoff scoring race by a fair bit at this time. I am hoping he continues this trend through a Knock Your Socks Off Memorial Cup.

Along with Caufield's U18 performance, a lot of doubt would be placed on what has been generally predicted for the first 2 picks. The Hawks may be in a nice position to get a player we would not have predicted a couple of weeks ago.
- 67hawks

So would their scoring and really translate to the nhl? There have many players that were world beaters juniors and college that amount to nothing. Hawks need a center they already have their Caulfield in Debricant and have enough d men in their system but are extremely thin at center and goaltending depth. Wingers are easier to acquire than centers. Cozens dach or turcotte.

Welcome back, Breadman!

Also, if you look closely at that logo, the negative space between the flags form an outline of North Carolina.
- AEL_Fox

Hey, what's up!?

I'm not "fully" back. I got a little bit of school left to complete. I just wanted to answer Raptor raps question.

Bowen Byram is leading the WHL playoff scoring race by a fair bit at this time. I am hoping he continues this trend through a Knock Your Socks Off Memorial Cup.

Along with Caufield's U18 performance, a lot of doubt would be placed on what has been generally predicted for the first 2 picks. The Hawks may be in a nice position to get a player we would not have predicted a couple of weeks ago.
- 67hawks

I am starting to be the fanatic loud voice of caution but I can't give it up...
they always play him with RH Capitals draft pick, Alex Kannok-Leipert, because the kid IS responsible selfless to stay home on defense.

Game two is tonight, and St. Albert is solid plays fast and heavy but honestly if my judgment was to change it would have to be after the Giants win the Dub and how Bowen Byram fairs in Memorial cup against the OHL and the one QJHL team that is really good, nit the host city team...
IF he shows he can be display hockey IQ against THEIR players he will be raised notches....

It's flags. A ship thing. 2 red flags with black squares on them means that a storm or hurricane is coming.
- I Am The Breadman

Hey thanks been wondering about that ..

Probably Arlington Rob
- Ogilthorpe2

Based on their play since January 1, not a complete surprise...

But my point is don't read what is written and think it's hockey so there is all transparency to it by way of "its raw nature and beauty."
- wiz1901

This is so true, not just about media surrounding teams and players, but the play by play announcers and color commentators during games where especially one team is "supposed" to win over another. During the last part of the season, and during these cup playoffs, how many times did announcers have to swallow their talking points because the play on the ice clearly didn't conform to the desired narrative. Blue Jackets and Carolina come to mind as the most unlikely to have gotten through the first round, let alone Carolina making it through the second.

I know this is also true when it comes to prospecting draft picks. All the hype around any one player may or may not be transparent for any number of reasons including bias and talking points, etc. Which leaves the casual observer with their own eyes, maybe some stats, and comparing views with lots of other fans. It's fun to speculate and second look at previous draft picks because we know how the story really played out. The trick is to remember that same thing is happening now. These young players set before us are often the combination of skill and hype. I do not envy the scout's job of cutting through the poop to see the talent.

I know it is intriguing that the rangers have signed Russian goalie and soon to be developmental centre-candidate winger Vitali Kravtsov (although he has played there a little this is Kakko like conversion that will have to get under way) to come over.
The night of the draft in my team needs section on the Ranger move up I too surmised that Podkolzin with Kravtsov might be an easier transition, bring two instead of one...the thing is, besides Podkolin's Russian contract length lack of English, he does need to get stronger.

But the fact they are brings and pair and have a Russian in place there in Buchnevich, and Namestnikov, and back up goalie, Georgi I think they are good at not reaching and take the best player Kakko.
thuis is from my site, draft analysis when you hit the team name:
A lot depends upon whether the Rangers see Kaapo Kakko, who isn't an East-West lateral skater is a true centre but simply a North-South wing.
Could the Rangers see the value in selecting the faster and more dynamic 200 foot Vasily Podkolzin?
Will the Russian factor play any part in picks two or three?
Certainly Podkolzin needs to get physically stronger, but there is denying his tenacious ability to go to the tough areas, make an impact on each and every shift with quick feet that split the defense, a lightning quick shot, and an in your face style that is a delight when he is on your team.

Question for you guys, do you think NYR would move their second pick for the Blackhawks third + Gustafsson?

I ask because NYR has no d-man with offensive abilities to run a PP and push the rush like Gus, and The Russian would still be there at #3(helping them to draw Panarin in?).
- Bjm84

If the rangers were to propose this deal it would tell me they aren't interested in the consensus number 2. Do the smart thing for the Hawks is to sit tight and see what New Jersey and the Rangers do and make their pick accordingly.

Go th the Whale Tail bar next to Peaquods on Clybourn.
- 6628

can you get me a deep dish Pequaod sausage and freeze it And ship it?

I lived in the neighborhood thee and parked, walked to the movies, but if we ate we went to potbelly's and popcorn, so in the last 2 summers I finally went there one e and it was loud full and crowded and it WAS good, but I have a favorite thin crust on Broadway, Renaldi's the grandson who was in the original ON TV commercial for the hawks game does the pies with the same staff of oven cooks and you know we all get set in our ways.

We are fortunate to have old friends and neighbors who board us while in Lincoln park so that is the priority and lost of half price maquerita's at mayan palace and they moved into the old Hidden Shamrock...closer to Diversey on Halsted.

Chicago is so full of good food, my Rookie of the Year, son in law Henry Rowengarner would go to in England NANDOS, well it is on Diversey I love it too.

I am dieting for my next Chicago return prior to the Vancouver draft.

Entwistle's, Guelph Storm play game 2 vs. Ottawa 67's today at 2pm for those interested.

The Storm are down 1-0.

Entwistle has 16 points (5 g, 11 a) in 19 games so far.

Entwistle's, Guelph Storm play game 2 vs. Ottawa 67's today at 2pm for those interested.

The Storm are down 1-0.

Entwistle has 16 points (5 g, 11 a) in 19 games so far.
- Tyler Cameron

That seems to be Guelph’s M.O., fall behind in a series then storm back to win.

That seems to be Guelph’s M.O., fall behind in a series then storm back to win.
- DarthKane

It sure does. How much magic do they have left though?

If the rangers were to propose this deal it would tell me they aren't interested in the consensus number 2. Do the smart thing for the Hawks is to sit tight and see what New Jersey and the Rangers do and make their pick accordingly.
- paulr

and for that matter the teams below them, b/c I really want Spencer Knight.
If I wasn't so sure we needed help elsewhere I would as GM take him at #3 but that is basically impossible.

If they cold acquire slot #23, there would be a chance that the rest of the league intent on scooping the big defenders and the ret of the skilled forwards wouldn't gamble this early, but after we get slot three (or five) we can gamble.

What if the hawks board is a true tie between three kids at #3?

then I know they are smart enough to see my point.

(I have emailed each and every the hawks organization, so they may know my plan not that it is THEIR plan.)