Thanks to you and Ebony.

Question... why didn't the Hawks give Kahun #72?
- DarthKane

According to some - #72 should be hanging in the rafters.

Thanks to you and Ebony.

Question... why didn't the Hawks give Kahun #72?
- DarthKane

I think we all know why

(Smirk)

So there's a topic for TC (since we still have 6 1/2 weeks until the draft) - who will be the most improved Blackhawk next season?

I would vote for Dylan Sikura.

Another topic could be who would be the most likely to regress next season.

I'd have to think about the answer to that one....
- StLBravesFan

Sikura has the makings of being a fan favorite for a very long time.

It wasn’t until later on that he began understanding that maybe he’s just not going to be a top-six point producer (which he himself acknowledged).

But he’s got everything needed to be a terrific third line player, and I think the Hawks still see that so I am expecting good things from him next season as well.

I’m absolutely in the minority here, but I don’t think as much roster turnover is necessary for the Hawks to be contenders. First and foremost it’s developing from within, where most of the pieces are already in place.

Yep - he played center and scored one of the two Germany goals.
- EbonyRaptor

I think he should be given the chance to center the Hawks third line next season. Especially if AA is dealt.

According to some - #72 should be hanging in the rafters.
- EbonyRaptor

It is hanging from the rafters, just for another reason



Kahun has worn 72 or 74 for Germany so I wouldn't mind if he wore either for the Hawks. More unique than his current 24.

And I really didn't care for the reasoning to not give Koekkoek jersey 65 if that's what he requested. I get the homage to Shaw but he hasn't been on the team in a few years and it's not like that number is being retired.

- DarthKane

I've jumped on the Cole Caufield bandwagon Darth!


Panarin Toews Kane
Cat Strome Caufield
Saad Kahun Kubalik

I've jumped on the Cole Caufield bandwagon Darth!


Panarin Toews Kane
Cat Strome Caufield
Saad Kahun Kubalik
- SoftServe

Trade Strome for Rocco Grimaldi and your second line is set!

It is hanging from the rafters, just for another reason



Kahun has worn 72 or 74 for Germany so I wouldn't mind if he wore either for the Hawks. More unique than his current 24.

And I really didn't care for the reasoning to not give Koekkoek jersey 65 if that's what he requested. I get the homage to Shaw but he hasn't been on the team in a few years and it's not like that number is being retired.
- AEL_Fox

Good one.

If there’s any truth in Holland already told Hitchcock he’s bringing in his own guy, bowman probably doesn’t have the stones to go out and talk to Hitchcock about coming on board In some type of capacity.
There are those that when I ask why? Would look like you would be hiring Collitons Successor, exactly my point. While I said give the kid a chance I’m not the only one that has serious doubts that this kid will amount to anything behind the bench. It’s probably better served staying in Rockford.

... the first team in the history of the NHL playoffs to have two Norris trophy winners on their backline.

- wiz1901

The Hawks had both Doug Wilson and Chris Chelios at the same time for one season ... It would have been 1990-91 season

Two-time #StanleyCup champion, and @NHLBlackhawks goalie Corey Crawford will drive the pace car that leads the field to the start of Saturday's @IndyCar Grand Prix at @IMS!

https://motorsports.nbcsp...-grand-prix-pace-car/amp/

Yeah the Blackhawks biggest problem last season was defense, but I don’t put that solely on our Dmen. Watching the playoffs really has made me more convinced than ever that our defense problem is more of a forward problem than a Dman problem.

Not that we don’t have a a Dman problem or can’t improve our Dmen group as a whole by adding another top four Dman, we can. But that’s not getting to the root of the defensive problem.

Colliton quote via Scott Powers with the Athletic:

“If you just kind of mail it in for two-thirds of the ice, well, then it’s not very fun because you’re going to end up in your own end defending hard and you’re going to give up chances. Whereas if as a team, five guys working together all the way up the ice, we’re going to have the puck more, we’re going to be in the offensive zone more, we’re going to give up less chances, we’re going to create more offensively.”
- walleyeb1

Your point is well taken. It's easier via free agency to sign a couple of forwards who can contribute both offensively and defensively.


But the other 2 glaring problems are a lack of skill in our top 6 forwards who can help sustain a offense. We watched plenty of nights where Chicago was 1 and done no sustained offensive pressure.

The defensive side they lacked consistency in their exits , passing and ability to alleviate pressure .

Unless some miracle happens the defense will be a huge albatross.

Keith can no longer play the number 1 pairing role at his age , especially with all the miles on his body and still be effective.

Seabrook he should just retire , but his role at this point is 3rd pairing.

That's why Chicago needs a young true top defenseman on that first pairing.

If there’s any truth in Holland already told Hitchcock he’s bringing in his own guy, bowman probably doesn’t have the stones to go out and talk to Hitchcock about coming on board In some type of capacity.
There are those that when I ask why? Would look like you would be hiring Collitons Successor, exactly my point. While I said give the kid a chance I’m not the only one that has serious doubts that this kid will amount to anything behind the bench. It’s probably better served staying in Rockford.
- wonthecup10

Hitchcock will probably go back to being an advisor which he was before he took over last year as coach. he is from the Edmonton area, I think he would stay there unless there was a scenario that he could take over a cup contending team. Who know, Babckock and Holland back together in Edmonton? Then Hitchcock can go coach Toronto

If there’s any truth in Holland already told Hitchcock he’s bringing in his own guy, bowman probably doesn’t have the stones to go out and talk to Hitchcock about coming on board In some type of capacity.
There are those that when I ask why? Would look like you would be hiring Collitons Successor, exactly my point. While I said give the kid a chance I’m not the only one that has serious doubts that this kid will amount to anything behind the bench. It’s probably better served staying in Rockford.
- wonthecup10

The Blackhawks couldn't afford Hitchcock's meal per diem.

1 game max.

Player Safety isn't going to screw around with a harsh sentence for somebody playing on a team that Jeremy Jacobs owns.

Now if it was the Arizona Coyotes or Buffalo that would be different.
- RickJ

Time will tell Rick. The player safety board is what concerns me. That hit on Anderson was the type of hit that this safety board has been trying to displine so that it would deter players from delivering hits to defenless players. The fact that McAvoy plays for Boston or that Jeremy Jacob's owns the team shouldn't have an influence on their decision. The safety board should issue a suspension based on previous incidents to be fair and consistent. But again you are right this is the NHL we are talking about. And if it's 1 game alot of fans and teams would be very upset with this discipline that has been issued out. Especially for hits that weren't delivered with intent to cause injury. McAvoy's hit was no different than Kadri's hit which he was given more than 1 game.

Question for the board:

Is Bowen Byram NHL ready?
If so, does Stan grab him?
Finally, if that’s the case which Hawks defensemen would you be most willing to move to fetch another asset that they need?

Two-time #StanleyCup champion, and @NHLBlackhawks goalie Corey Crawford will drive the pace car that leads the field to the start of Saturday's @IndyCar Grand Prix at @IMS!

https://motorsports.nbcsp...-grand-prix-pace-car/amp/


- walleyeb1

Hope he doesn't crash and get concussed.

If there’s any truth in Holland already told Hitchcock he’s bringing in his own guy, bowman probably doesn’t have the stones to go out and talk to Hitchcock about coming on board In some type of capacity.
There are those that when I ask why? Would look like you would be hiring Collitons Successor, exactly my point. While I said give the kid a chance I’m not the only one that has serious doubts that this kid will amount to anything behind the bench. It’s probably better served staying in Rockford.
- wonthecup10

Why would we bring in Hitchcock?

The last two teams he coached (Blues and Stars) are both better teams now that he’s no longer behind the bench.

He’s been let go after one year twice now in the last two years.

People need to stop clamoring for all these retreads that have haven’t accomplished anything since smart phones became a thing.

Colliton wasn’t even given a full season yet. I’m all for getting some sort of experience to pair with our young coach, but not with the intent of them having to look over their shoulder with the possibility of them being there to replace him.

Rod Brind’Amour - first year in the NHL
Jim Montgomery - first year in the NHL
Craig Berube - interim coach who only had 2 previous seasons coaching
Bruce Cassidy - second full season coaching the Bruins
Jared Bednar - third season coaching the Avs

Meanwhile Barry Trotz and John Tortorella, two of the most seasoned coaches in the league just saw their teams exit, and Peter DeBore’s team could be next.

The game is becoming faster and teams are adapting. An influx of new minds is what is needed to keep up with the league trends. Guys like McClellan, Vigneault, Ruff, Boudreau, etc. that continuously get hired because of their experience hardly ever work out.

I’m glad Stan went outside the box with the Colliton hire because I see the creativity that he brings to the table, and I’m confident he’ll be able to cater to the team’s current skill set. Give him a full offseason to implement some sort of plan and have the team become comfortable with it.

Let’s give it another year at the minimum before we start raising pitchforks.

Question for the board:

Is Bowen Byram NHL ready?
If so, does Stan grab him?
Finally, if that’s the case which Hawks defensemen would you be most willing to move to fetch another asset that they need?
- Bjm84

Doubt it based on Wiz's opinion.

No, see above.

Think Wiz mentioned this earlier. None of the prospects, except for Joki, have proved themselves at the NHL level. I doubt if a prospect will return a top 4 D or middle 6 forward. If anything a prospect will be a throw in along with a roster player to obtain such a player.

According to some - #72 should be hanging in the rafters.
- EbonyRaptor

Okay I give. Who had #72 for the Hawks?

Time will tell Rick. The player safety board is what concerns me. That hit on Anderson was the type of hit that this safety board has been trying to displine so that it would deter players from delivering hits to defenless players. The fact that McAvoy plays for Boston or that Jeremy Jacob's owns the team shouldn't have an influence on their decision. The safety board should issue a suspension based on previous incidents to be fair and consistent. But again you are right this is the NHL we are talking about. And if it's 1 game alot of fans and teams would be very upset with this discipline that has been issued out. Especially for hits that weren't delivered with intent to cause injury. McAvoy's hit was no different than Kadri's hit which he was given more than 1 game.
- BGKarras

It's one game for McAvoy.

Okay I give. Who had #72 for the Hawks?
- boilermaker100

It was the # that Panarin had with Chicago.

Doubt it based on Wiz's opinion.

No, see above.

Think Wiz mentioned this earlier. None of the prospects, except for Joki, have proved themselves at the NHL level. I doubt if a prospect will return a top 4 D or middle 6 forward. If anything a prospect will be a throw in along with a roster player to obtain such a player.
- boilermaker100

Agreed. So which prospect would you least like to see go?

Question for the board:

Is Bowen Byram NHL ready?
If so, does Stan grab him?
Finally, if that’s the case which Hawks defensemen would you be most willing to move to fetch another asset that they need?
- Bjm84

Is Byram ready to play in the NHL in 2019/20 - probably not.

Does Stan draft him - hopefully yes.

Which d-man should be moved to improve the team - Gustafsson.

Okay I give. Who had #72 for the Hawks?
- boilermaker100

Panarin