This blog is my support group. All the same thoughts going through my head. Well not all of the thoughts. Not big on fighting over the internet. Here are my thoughts as of now on the trade.
The good.

I have faith in the scouting department. Kelley is very good at his job. Look at the NHLers playing that his team has drafted in the 1st round. Most of them with other teams. Still in the NHL.
Mitchell will most likely sign. Must have been a concern.
All in with Stan and JC. Half way in is a recipe to failure.
Nylander look ready to either sink or swim. The Hawks are now vested in him and he will play with some very talented people.
Alex likes Kane and is more likely to listen/learn the game from him.
Cheap talent.
I know now how to rate a rumors better. A former 1st rounder coming to the Hawks it is a strong rumor. Not a first rounder should be in an Eklund blog.
Never could pronounce Henri last name.

The bad
Never getting rid of #7 cap hit.
I started to drink the Henri Kool-Aid.
Alex might be too soft.
Stan will always scare me.
Thanks

I saw a great point yesterday made elsewhere that I haven’t seen anyone make on here:

The primary reason that Joki even saw top pairing minutes last season was because of the fact that Murphy was injured to start the season. He didn’t return until December, which by that point Colliton was already HC. If Murphy was healthy to start the season, would Joki have been paired with Keith? Probably not. But at the same time, Q didn’t play Murphy as much as Colliton did.

Additionally, if Q was as high on Joki as we’re making him out to be, wouldn’t he have gone after him this summer in Florida? They’ve got a trade history together, and Powers said that this trade (Joki for Nylander) has been talked about for a while now, so it doesn’t sound like a trade that happened overnight where Q wasn’t aware that he was even available.

The more time passes, the more I’m okay with this deal. The season can’t get here soon enough.

Yes, Stan is always correct in his moves. Wasn’t he the guy that traded for David Rundblad? And Kimmo Timonen?

Just like with drafts, we won’t know if anyone won this trade for 2-3 years.

Personally, I don’t like trading the 2nd best defenseman from the last World Juniors, for a guy who’s shown a low compete level.
- scottak

Just remember they offered him to everyone in the NHL listened to offers and Nylander was obviously their target or best available player anybody was going to trade for joker. For whatever reason they determined joker wasn’t good enough to do with they want the NHL and probably a little bit of a cancer if they sent him to Rockford. Can’t have any bad apples with the ice hogs. Not saying for sure that’s what it is but it could be.

I don't follow Twitter all that closely, but had to check out whatever that bottle cap challenge was ( and it was basically like ..planking ... stupid) ... Nylander's account looks like he has had a serious man crush on Kane for quite awhile ...
- SC116

Nylander is the perfect age for Kane to have been his favorite player growing up - he would have been about 12 when the Hawks won their first cup.

In general, you’re probably correct, although every player is different.

I’d think it’s much easier for a NA born & raised guy than someone coming over from Europe.

DeBrincat seems to be doing OK without a stop in Rockford.
- scottak

But stayed in Jrs until he was 20

Here is a quote from Nylander after the trade.

"Buffalo, that kind of stuff, that's in the past. Obviously thought maybe I would be in the NHL sooner than I have been, but I'm just really excited, looking forward to being part of the Blackhawks organization," Nylander said. "Really good with development players, so they actually know what they're doing."

Kind of a barb back towards the Sabres as he implies they aren't good at developing players. Maybe a bit more than he should have said but also probably not completely off the mark either with how poorly managed the Sabres have been over the years here. Not meant as offense to Sabres fans, but the rebuild of that team hasn't exactly gone as planned. It could come down to Chicago being a better fit. Time will tell.
- breadbag

He may be partly right on his dig against Buffalo, but he comes off as a spoiled, entitled child. Maybe Coop can fix him.

Nylander is the perfect age for Kane to have been his favorite player growing up - he would have been about 12 when the Hawks won their first cup.
- L_B_R

The REAL hope in this trade is true champions like Kaner show Nylander how to be a pro. I think that's the real thing holding him back, is what's inside his chest. I do not believe that is "teachable", but I'll let Batman and Robin (toews and kane) give it a try.

Yes - I certainly include them in my top six - I was more referring to the rest of the crew (other than Kane and Toews, maybe Saad).
- StLBravesFan

Wel, since a Top 6 requires just 6 forwards. And Kane and Toews are two of them. We need just 4.
And....If Strome and D-Cat are two more (which you said you acknowledged)...Now, we just need two more.

You mentioned Saad as a guy who COULD be a Top 6. So....eoither Saad and ONE more...or Saad on the third line...and we need two from that extensive list.

So, basically...we need just ONE or TWO oF:
Nylander
Dach
Kubalik
Perlini
Kuraschev
Entwistle
Highmore
Hagel
Sikura
Quenneville
Caggiula

Seems to me....we are well situated. Those two likely come from Dach, Nylander, Perlini, Caggiula, Entwhistle. My guess Dach for sure going forward.

Maybe for THIS year Caggiula or Perlina joining Saad to comple a Top 6, possibly even Sikura. So...two of those 4, with the other two joining the 3rd line.

Going forward the Top 56 probably consist of Toews, Kane, Strome, D-Cat, Dach and Saad. And maybe somebody emerges (Nylander??) and pushes Saad to the 3rd line.

Our Top 9 forwards have some decent potential going forward. Now, to get the defense healthy and the young D-men ready to play...and we are on our way!!!

The REAL hope in this trade is true champions like Kaner show Nylander how to be a pro. I think that's the real thing holding him back, is what's inside his chest. I do not believe that is "teachable", but I'll let Batman and Robin (toews and kane) give it a try.
- kwolf68

The progression of Patrick Kane on the BOD from THE BRAND to Bad for the Brand to role model.

The REAL hope in this trade is true champions like Kaner show Nylander how to be a pro. I think that's the real thing holding him back, is what's inside his chest. I do not believe that is "teachable", but I'll let Batman and Robin (toews and kane) give it a try.
- kwolf68

I will say, I'm not going to read much into the effort/lack of heart reports about Nylander - sometimes that seems like a compliant for players with consistency issues (which he def has) when it might be other things.

Nylander played as ann18yr old his whole first year in the AHL, when he should have been in Sweden or Jrs still. And averaged .42ppg versus men.

The next year, improved to .52ppg

Then .63ppg

Now I haven't watched him play every game or anything, but he improved his production each year when the organization didnt do him any favors and probably put a spotlight on him too soon...and didn't help his game and probably his ego.

It's why if/when Dach gets sent back to the WHL, he's "forgotten about" in the sense no one is asking if/when he will get called up during the season, because at that point - he cant

Where as Big Al, being in the AHL, probably had people there in Rochester and in BUFF consistently pushing for him to be called up too soon, because they needed something/anything to hitch their wagon to

Now, he's 20. The same age ADB started in the NHL. Strome's first full shot was when he came over at 21.

Let's see if his mental maturity caught up to his physical skills. He apparently has the skills/talent and I'm sure guys like Seabrook, Keith, Kane, Toews will show him what it takes if he wants to stay in the NHL.
- PatShart

You make a good case for the kid, Shart. At minimum people should have an open mind. I like the line about 10,88,2, as well as 7 setting him straight.
I remember that kid when he was in a baby stroller, hope he works out.

Wel, since a Top 6 requires just 6 forwards. And Kane and Toews are two of them. We need just 4.
And....If Strome and D-Cat are two more (which you said you acknowledged)...Now, we just need two more.

You mentioned Saad as a guy who COULD be a Top 6. So....eoither Saad and ONE more...or Saad on the third line...and we need two from that extensive list.

So, basically...we need just ONE or TWO oF:
Nylander
Dach
Kubalik
Perlini
Kuraschev
Entwistle
Highmore
Hagel
Sikura
Quenneville
Caggiula

Seems to me....we are well situated. Those two likely come from Dach, Nylander, Perlini, Caggiula, Entwhistle. My guess Dach for sure going forward.

Maybe for THIS year Caggiula or Perlina joining Saad to comple a Top 6, possibly even Sikura. So...two of those 4, with the other two joining the 3rd line.

Going forward the Top 56 probably consist of Toews, Kane, Strome, D-Cat, Dach and Saad. And maybe somebody emerges (Nylander??) and pushes Saad to the 3rd line.

Our Top 9 forwards have some decent potential going forward. Now, to get the defense healthy and the young D-men ready to play...and we are on our way!!!
- hawk35

PS...IF....our top 6 CAN be made up of Toews, Kane, Strome, D-Cat, Nylander and Sikura....
Wouldn't a 3rd line of Saad- Dach - Pelini (or Caggulia) be a big grinding, skill line thatn would be brutal mis-match for many teams!!!!!

Wel, since a Top 6 requires just 6 forwards. And Kane and Toews are two of them. We need just 4.
And....If Strome and D-Cat are two more (which you said you acknowledged)...Now, we just need two more.

You mentioned Saad as a guy who COULD be a Top 6. So....eoither Saad and ONE more...or Saad on the third line...and we need two from that extensive list.

So, basically...we need just ONE or TWO oF:
Nylander
Dach
Kubalik
Perlini
Kuraschev
Entwistle
Highmore
Hagel
Sikura
Quenneville
Caggiula

Seems to me....we are well situated. Those two likely come from Dach, Nylander, Perlini, Caggiula, Entwhistle. My guess Dach for sure going forward.

Maybe for THIS year Caggiula or Perlina joining Saad to comple a Top 6, possibly even Sikura. So...two of those 4, with the other two joining the 3rd line.

Going forward the Top 56 probably consist of Toews, Kane, Strome, D-Cat, Dach and Saad. And maybe somebody emerges (Nylander??) and pushes Saad to the 3rd line.

Our Top 9 forwards have some decent potential going forward. Now, to get the defense healthy and the young D-men ready to play...and we are on our way!!!
- hawk35

It takes three really good lines and one strong defensive line to win a cup. Strome and DCat haven't even been in a playoff. Only three of those guys and Shaw have proven they can win. I like stockpiling forward talent the cubbard is bare at Rockford upfront. Stan has been methodically rebuilding that and creating competition this off-season.

I got what he meant - I disagreed with his assessment on the players being good for their teams. I don't mind the comparison in general, though I think it's kind of weak when you look at it beyond two players their former orgs had obvs soured on.
- L_B_R

Montreal was not "obviously sour" on Sergachev at all. He was their best Dman prospect at the time. And that time was when they had no centers at all. So they bit the bullet and traded him for Drouin who, in addition to being French Canadian, they thought could fill a 1st or 2nd centerman role. And then they found out he couldn't. Otherwise a very talented kid who has yet to reach his expected potential.

Joki is a good prospect who was at his best out of the gate. I think there is no surprise that his best games were next to #2. I'm not saying Joki is bad or will be bad but I definitely think playing with Keith is a pretty good spot to look good to start the year.

I think back to also just how frustrated Keith was early last year and his comments about how the NHL is not a development league. The Hawks have been building with youth, but they definitely stocked up on D at the NHL level and made sure any young dman who breaks though is going to have to earn it. It is tough to see Joki go because he did seem to be promising at times, but like others have said, the Hawks need more young forward depth and have a number of decent D prospects.
- breadbag

https://chicago.suntimes....huts-down-star-opens-eyes


Blackhawks rookie defenseman Henri Jokiharju shuts down star, opens eyes
By Tom Musick Oct 29, 2018, 11:08pm CDT
Share
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has spoke glowingly of 19-year-old Henri Jokiharju. Paul Vernon/AP

Coach Joel Quenneville almost never is quick to praise a young player, particularly a young defenseman.

At best, a player who lacks experience might get the following endorsement: “I didn’t mind him.” Other common critiques by Quenneville include, “He was just OK,” which means something less than OK, and, “He was ordinary,” which is about as bad as it gets.

So it was striking when Quenneville spoke glowingly about 19-year-old defenseman Henri Jokiharju this week.

“I liked him a lot,” Quenneville said after the Blackhawks’ 2-1 overtime loss Sunday to the Oilers. “He had a great start [to the season], and I liked him over the last three or four games. He’s done well.

“He’s out there against top guys. He’s got a tremendous gap; he’s got quickness; he recovers well. He’s going to get better with his stick. He makes a lot of direct plays. He’ll get better in that area, recognize options offensively. But getting exposed to [those] type of assignments at this stage of his career is pretty flattering, but he’s handled it extremely well.”

In other words, Quenneville really doesn’t mind him.

Has he spoken like this about any other young blue-liner? This type of praise typically is reserved for proven veterans, not a baby-faced Finn.

But Jokiharju has earned the off-ice compliments because of his on-ice accomplishments.

Quenneville leaned heavily on Jokiharju and defense partner Duncan Keith to handle the Oilers’ potent top line, which featured superstar Connor McDavid at center along with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kailer Yamamoto on the wings.

It’s a risk for any defender to take on McDavid, who the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby recently said was an “easy pick” for the NHL’s best player. But the risk was even greater for Jokiharju, who entered the showdown with all of 11 games of NHL experience.

RELATED

• Blackhawks fall to Connor McDavid, Oilers in overtime

• Blackhawks bench Jan Rutta, seek answers on defense

As he has done all season, Jokiharju proved to be up to the task. He and Keith subdued the Oilers’ potent top line throughout regulation, although McDavid eventually broke through in the three-on-three overtime while Jokiharju watched from the bench.

“He’s been great,” defenseman Brent Seabrook said. “I thought he was exceptional, the way he played. The way he’s able to skate and move, as a young defenseman, he makes a lot of smart plays. He’s good with the puck, confident with the puck, and he can shoot it.”

Expect more top assignments on the way for Jokiharju and Keith.

It looks as if the pairing will stick for quite some time — something Keith, 35, is eager to embrace.

“I was actually thinking about that before the game Sunday, thinking I’ve bounced around with a few different partners,” Keith said. “It’s a good feeling to know that he’s as young as he is and as good as he is. It definitely bodes well for the team and myself as a partner with him.”

Keith has provided guidance for Jokiharju throughout the season. But the rookie has helped the older guy, too.

“He allows me to play my game, for one thing,” Keith said. “For 19 years old, he’s pretty poised. He’s a great skater, he’s good with the puck, makes smart plays, good defensively. Defense isn’t an easy position to break into, and he’s doing it like a veteran.”

Bottom line. We had extra Dmen in the organization so we traded one for more forward depth. Nylander may or may not work out, but bringing in two D in trade meant someone had to go and it didn't look like Joki was gonna be on the roster to start the year. It doesn't seem like we traded a franchise guy away, so it shouldn't be the end of the world. Even if we lost the trade in the end, it will be fine. You win some trades and you lose some, but in the end the team needs depth at all positions.

Going into next season right now, we look better on D defensively and more solid in goal with Lehner over Ward and Crawford not coming in as a huge question mark. This time last year people thought he might never return. We solidified 2C and seem to have bolstered the bottom 6 a little bit.

Bogo is hurt, again.

Will miss a bunch of time, again.

Honestly he may spend most of the season on LTIR.
- ImThatGuy

Put him on IR, trade a couple of the other spare D men, then
offer sheet Point, or Marner and you have yourself a pretty
good team.

Montreal was not "obviously sour" on Sergachev at all. He was their best Dman prospect at the time. And that time was when they had no centers at all. So they bit the bullet and traded him for Drouin who, in addition to being French Canadian, they thought could fill a 1st or 2nd centerman role. And then they found out he couldn't. Otherwise a very talented kid who has yet to reach his expected potential.
- RickJ

Then I guess I don't see how it compares to the Jokiharju-Nylander trade outside of all the kids not having reached their ceiling because they're all young (under 25 for all, 21 or under for most). A decently proven top 6 player for the highest rated defense prospect vs a top defense prospect but not the highest for an underperforming forward prospect that hopefully still projects top 6.

Not sure I agree with the trade but I am excited for these two top lines:

Kane - Toews - Nylander

ADB - Strome - Shaw

Just listened to “The-Rink” podcast about the trade. Take it for what it is, but they said that the Hawks were very impressed with what Mitchell has done. He’s apparently added about 10 pounds and has shown that he can handle pressure.

May just provide some insight as to why they were open to moving Joki.
- Chunk

I was just writing my follow up blog to this trade and wrote:

"The Hawks might be looking at bringing in Ian Mitchell after his season concludes in Denver this Spring. Mitchell has been quoted saying that when he comes into the NHL he wants to make an immediate impact. As in, I don't want to toil around in Rockford for a few years.

I can see him viewing himself as this year's Cale Makar (his buddy from the AJHL). Makar entered the scene in Colorado and looked like he belonged and this was in the playoffs(!).

Can Mitchell take that next step and be an impact player in Chicago? Time will tell but signs are pointing to him having a shot at being a regular with the Hawks by 2020-21."

Not sure I agree with the trade but I am excited for these two top lines:

Kane - Toews - Nylander

ADB - Strome - Shaw
- hankscorpio

I don't think anything will be handed to Nylander and Kane will play right wing whatever line he's on.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/10/29/18463545/blackhawks-rookie-defenseman-henri-jokiharju-shuts-down-star-opens-eyes


Blackhawks rookie defenseman Henri Jokiharju shuts down star, opens eyes
By Tom Musick Oct 29, 2018, 11:08pm CDT
Share
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has spoke glowingly of 19-year-old Henri Jokiharju. Paul Vernon/AP

Coach Joel Quenneville almost never is quick to praise a young player, particularly a young defenseman.

At best, a player who lacks experience might get the following endorsement: “I didn’t mind him.” Other common critiques by Quenneville include, “He was just OK,” which means something less than OK, and, “He was ordinary,” which is about as bad as it gets.

So it was striking when Quenneville spoke glowingly about 19-year-old defenseman Henri Jokiharju this week.

“I liked him a lot,” Quenneville said after the Blackhawks’ 2-1 overtime loss Sunday to the Oilers. “He had a great start
- gazza53[to the season], and I liked him over the last three or four games. He’s done well.

“He’s out there against top guys. He’s got a tremendous gap; he’s got quickness; he recovers well. He’s going to get better with his stick. He makes a lot of direct plays. He’ll get better in that area, recognize options offensively. But getting exposed to [those] type of assignments at this stage of his career is pretty flattering, but he’s handled it extremely well.”

In other words, Quenneville really doesn’t mind him.

Has he spoken like this about any other young blue-liner? This type of praise typically is reserved for proven veterans, not a baby-faced Finn.

But Jokiharju has earned the off-ice compliments because of his on-ice accomplishments.

Quenneville leaned heavily on Jokiharju and defense partner Duncan Keith to handle the Oilers’ potent top line, which featured superstar Connor McDavid at center along with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kailer Yamamoto on the wings.

It’s a risk for any defender to take on McDavid, who the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby recently said was an “easy pick” for the NHL’s best player. But the risk was even greater for Jokiharju, who entered the showdown with all of 11 games of NHL experience.

RELATED

• Blackhawks fall to Connor McDavid, Oilers in overtime

• Blackhawks bench Jan Rutta, seek answers on defense

As he has done all season, Jokiharju proved to be up to the task. He and Keith subdued the Oilers’ potent top line throughout regulation, although McDavid eventually broke through in the three-on-three overtime while Jokiharju watched from the bench.

“He’s been great,” defenseman Brent Seabrook said. “I thought he was exceptional, the way he played. The way he’s able to skate and move, as a young defenseman, he makes a lot of smart plays. He’s good with the puck, confident with the puck, and he can shoot it.”

Expect more top assignments on the way for Jokiharju and Keith.

It looks as if the pairing will stick for quite some time — something Keith, 35, is eager to embrace.

“I was actually thinking about that before the game Sunday, thinking I’ve bounced around with a few different partners,” Keith said. “It’s a good feeling to know that he’s as young as he is and as good as he is. It definitely bodes well for the team and myself as a partner with him.”

Keith has provided guidance for Jokiharju throughout the season. But the rookie has helped the older guy, too.

“He allows me to play my game, for one thing,” Keith said. “For 19 years old, he’s pretty poised. He’s a great skater, he’s good with the puck, makes smart plays, good defensively. Defense isn’t an easy position to break into, and he’s doing it like a veteran.”

Point being?

I acknowledged that he got off to a nice start and yes, they were pumping his tires as a result. I don't have an issue with how he played to start the year. Doesn't change the fact that Keith was visibly frustrated and that Jokiharju's status with the Hawks dropped as the season went on. There are reasons he was traded and we can speculate and argue about them until we are blue in the face, but the one thing about Stan Bowman is there is always a rational reason when he explains why he did what he did. I still think Jokiharju is a great prospect that might be a legit top 4 guy in the NHL someday in the near future, but I think Stan wanted experience on the back end and more forward depth.

I can't wait for everyone on this board to lose their poop when Sikura is used as a sweetener to move AA.
- SoftServe

At this point...I doubt Sikura has much of a fan club.

He's 24 and looking like a fine AHL scorer...at best.

His best NHL potential may just be as a deal sweetener.

Wel, since a Top 6 requires just 6 forwards. And Kane and Toews are two of them. We need just 4.
And....If Strome and D-Cat are two more (which you said you acknowledged)...Now, we just need two more.

You mentioned Saad as a guy who COULD be a Top 6. So....eoither Saad and ONE more...or Saad on the third line...and we need two from that extensive list.

So, basically...we need just ONE or TWO oF:
Nylander
Dach
Kubalik
Perlini
Kuraschev
Entwistle
Highmore
Hagel
Sikura
Quenneville
Caggiula

Seems to me....we are well situated. Those two likely come from Dach, Nylander, Perlini, Caggiula, Entwhistle. My guess Dach for sure going forward.

Maybe for THIS year Caggiula or Perlina joining Saad to comple a Top 6, possibly even Sikura. So...two of those 4, with the other two joining the 3rd line.

Going forward the Top 56 probably consist of Toews, Kane, Strome, D-Cat, Dach and Saad. And maybe somebody emerges (Nylander??) and pushes Saad to the 3rd line.

Our Top 9 forwards have some decent potential going forward. Now, to get the defense healthy and the young D-men ready to play...and we are on our way!!!
- hawk35

It seems like the Hawks have more forwards than they need to fill their forward vacancies.

Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Strome, Shaw, The Drake, Kampf, Saad and Carpenter are 9 forwards that will be on the team for sure (barring another trade). Anisimov and Perlini could start on the team but that's not guaranteed at this point. That leaves two spots open. I would guess that Kubalik takes one and maybe Skiura gets the other.

The REAL hope in this trade is true champions like Kaner show Nylander how to be a pro. I think that's the real thing holding him back, is what's inside his chest. I do not believe that is "teachable", but I'll let Batman and Robin (toews and kane) give it a try.
- kwolf68

Same hope here.