Tyler Cameron: "What If" the Blackhawks flame out?
Let's kick this one off with a few notes from Thursday's game vs. the Arizona Coyotes.

* Bad
* Bad
* Bad

Did I cover it all?

Let's now look at what this team could look like if they completely flame out. Who gets moved? Who might stay?

Embrace the Tank! clean house and finally start a proper rebuild.

Dylan Strome at $5-6M? Are you kidding me -the same Dylan Strome that skates like he has just loaded his pants?

Sorry, if I upset the Dylan Strome fan club.

Embrace the Tank! clean house and finally start a proper rebuild.
- SaskHawkFan

I’m on board. I know they’re not publicly stating it but pretty sure it’s already started.

Injuries are just excuses. Pens holding up to bubble playoff spot despite Crossby/Malkin/Letang/Bjustatd/Hornquist out for most of the season. I do not follow Blues closely and do not count their injury but they are holding to 1st spot in division without Tarasenko (imagine Kane down whole season for equivalent comparison). Every team goes through it, some a bit more lucky (and Hawks have been on the lucky side till now last few seasons, even Kane collarbone turned to Vermette who tilted the scale in close games against Preds and Ducks).
My point being injuries are not an excuse and I would imagine team loses to AZ and LV with Keith and DeHaan or without.

Tyler, you have two UFAs surrounding Toews on the top line in your projected lineup for - whenever.

Even ignoring cap issues, I’m thinking it’s going to be difficult to sign quality UFAs with the mess this program has become.

You have Mitchell ready for the Show next season - yeah, a three-year college player is probably more ready than 18-19 year olds straight out of juniors (I’m one who said at the time that AdB needed some Rockford time before Chicago - not sure I was wrong) - but I’m doubtful that Mitchell (or most other amateur defensemen) can come directly here from college.

They were not very good before these injuries hit, the goalies masked the flaws. Sadly, this is one of the league's worst teams. Unseen decline of veterans, misses on trades, unrealistic expectations, the natural result after building for Cup runs, doesn't matter it is what it is.

The Hawks need to put ANYONE on the trade block. There will be no more Cups for the "core 5" of 88, 19, 7, 2 and 50. 88 is still playing at a high level, 19 is serviceable but for his cap hit they need more than just serviceable, Craw is aging and the injuries have piled up but man he can still play, Keith is now injured but like Toews I think serviceable but his cap hit makes it workable and Seabrook is washed up.

I think you offer any of those guys. But don't trade them for just anything. I think 88 and 50 could get you quite a haul (and don't move Kane unless it's for a franchise altering package of prospects), Keith also has quality value, 19 and 7 are not movable, but you at least try. Toews looks frustrated, not happy, complaining, I think the pressure has taken its toll. Maybe moving to another team where he can just be a hockey player and not "Captain Serious" could rejuvenate his career.

I don't know if anyone else aside from our top prospects has tons of value, but see what teams think of these guys. Maybe someone is jonesing for Dylan Strome and will offer a quality package. You at least have to check it out, this team is years away from relevancy and by that time 2, 50 and 7 will be completely finished, Toews may be a 10 million dollar fourth liner.

The time is now for monster changes but I am not sure Bowman is the guy to lead that charge. They need to find a GM with a keen eye for talent. Let that GM rebuild this thing and let him pick the next coach. Managing an already loaded team by making ancillary moves to support the core was something Stan was able to handle, but a complete rebuild I think is too heavy a lift for him.

Tyler, FWIW, Hawks currently have 30 points. Dallas 4th in the Central at 39. Vegas 4th in the Pacific at 37. So Hawks need 8 points to get into a playoff spot. Not that it makes any difference. You may want to edit the blog.

They were not very good before these injuries hit, the goalies masked the flaws. Sadly, this is one of the league's worst teams. Unseen decline of veterans, misses on trades, unrealistic expectations, the natural result after building for Cup runs, doesn't matter it is what it is.

The Hawks need to put ANYONE on the trade block. There will be no more Cups for the "core 5" of 88, 19, 7, 2 and 50. 88 is still playing at a high level, 19 is serviceable but for his cap hit they need more than just serviceable, Craw is aging and the injuries have piled up but man he can still play, Keith is now injured but like Toews I think serviceable but his cap hit makes it workable and Seabrook is washed up.

I think you offer any of those guys. But don't trade them for just anything. I think 88 and 50 could get you quite a haul (and don't move Kane unless it's for a franchise altering package of prospects), Keith also has quality value, 19 and 7 are not movable, but you at least try. Toews looks frustrated, not happy, complaining, I think the pressure has taken its toll. Maybe moving to another team where he can just be a hockey player and not "Captain Serious" could rejuvenate his career.

I don't know if anyone else aside from our top prospects has tons of value, but see what teams think of these guys. Maybe someone is jonesing for Dylan Strome and will offer a quality package. You at least have to check it out, this team is years away from relevancy and by that time 2, 50 and 7 will be completely finished, Toews may be a 10 million dollar fourth liner.

The time is now for monster changes but I am not sure Bowman is the guy to lead that charge. They need to find a GM with a keen eye for talent. Let that GM rebuild this thing and let him pick the next coach. Managing an already loaded team by making ancillary moves to support the core was something Stan was able to handle, but a complete rebuild I think is too heavy a lift for him.
- kwolf68

A rebuild might be too tall, and while I’ve been a staunch defender of Stanbo, I wouldn’t be opposed if they went a different direction.

Other than Dach, Boqvist and some of the other yutes, not currently with the big club, I agree you listen to offers on everyone.

Good overall assessment.

I’m on board. I know they’re not publicly stating it but pretty sure it’s already started.
- HawkintheD

I'm in. Try to trade who you can for the highest picks offered and hope your scouting staff stikes gold. No more "B" or "C" level prospects or former 1st rounders that have "all the tools" or "potential" but can't crack another teams roster.

Alex Nylander last night had no points and was an even 0 at +/-. Not bad but, he not only had zero shots on goal, he had zero shot attempts. How?

I'll still watch them though. I seem to take a perverse pleasure in seeing how bad they can actually be.

* Trade Erik Gustafsson – I was getting the inclination after talking to some people the Canadiens were interested in Gus, however, this Blackhawks might be pumping the breaks on this for now with the recent de Haan news.

Still, I would move him in the new year if Gilbert and Boqvist prove that they can handle 15-18 minutes/night with consistency.

Why wait? I mean realistically, Gilbert and Boqvist already provide more in the defensive zone and make less egregious errors than Gus does on a nightly basis. I can actually see both of them learn and improve also, while Gus is as bad if not worse than he has ever been and at 28, is clearly not ever going to change.

Gus isn't/doesn't give you enough consistent offense to justify putting him on the ice and giving him the minutes he is getting. The PP is horrible, and if he is there to be the QB, it's clearly not working. Give Boqvist a shot, can he be worse? I don't think so.

Tyler, FWIW, Hawks currently have 30 points. Dallas 4th in the Central at 39. Vegas 4th in the Pacific at 37. So Hawks need 8 points to get into a playoff spot. Not that it makes any difference. You may want to edit the blog.
- boilermaker100

Those 8 points (out of a playoff spot) look scary when you look at the Hawks' next 5 games on their schedule. Looks like this slaughter may well continue.

A rebuild might be too tall, and while I’ve been a staunch defender of Stanbo, I wouldn’t be opposed if they went a different direction.

Other than Dach, Boqvist and some of the other yutes, not currently with the big club, I agree you listen to offers on everyone.

Good overall assessment.
- HawkintheD

The more games the Hawks put out there like Vegas and Arizona, the closer I come to believe that Collitons days are numbered. Are Stans also......maybe.

If Stan truly believes that he has provided a roster that can make the playoffs, then Colliton has to go. There have been too many embarrassing games where they are unprepared or play with little effort, to firmly believe that Colliton is not feeling a little heat in his boxers.

The question becomes who do you bring in as both coach and/or GM. It's not like there are all kinds of qualified guys out there except recent firings and retreads.

Do you bring in someone like the Hunters?, Promote someone from within?

At least the defense you listed is better than than the 6 this year. And this year’s 6 is better than last season.

I’d see what Murphy could get you. Go with 3 rookies and 3 vets. Probably not making the playoffs next season, so let the young guys get 82 games under their belts.

I'm in. Try to trade who you can for the highest picks offered and hope your scouting staff stikes gold. No more "B" or "C" level prospects or former 1st rounders that have "all the tools" or "potential" but can't crack another teams roster.

Alex Nylander last night had no points and was an even 0 at +/-. Not bad but, he not only had zero shots on goal, he had zero shot attempts. How?

I'll still watch them though. I seem to take a perverse pleasure in seeing how bad they can actually be.
- Rota's Rooter

Any way we can get the NHL to void the Jokiharju - Nylander trade?

Legal agreements can be voided if signed while ‘not competent’. Perhaps Stan was under duress? Perhaps a Sabre executive was blackmailing him with embarrassing information?

Tyler great write up and I am glad to see you included that article from the sun times. IMO after reading various articles about Chicago's problems this season and the losses piling up, it's only a matter of time IMO that Stan will finally be held to account .

I don't think the injury excuse will fly anymore , just because plenty of teams have had to deal with injuries and yet still competed.

I'd also like to say I enjoy Lehner candor , the truly sad feeling I get is he will either request a trade or not resign here in chicago solely because Chicago is not in a position now or the near future to compete.

Tyler great write up and I am glad to see you included that article from the sun times. IMO after reading various articles about Chicago's problems this season and the losses piling up, it's only a matter of time IMO that Stan will finally be held to account .

I don't think the injury excuse will fly anymore , just because plenty of teams have had to deal with injuries and yet still competed.

I'd also like to say I enjoy Lehner candor , the truly sad feeling I get is he will either request a trade or not resign here in chicago solely because Chicago is not in a position now or the near future to compete.
- Taylorst1

If you’re on board for a rebuild, I think you listen to offers on everyone including Lehner.

He may be old/bad or both when the team is good again.

Any way we can get the NHL to void the Jokiharju - Nylander trade?

Legal agreements can be voided if signed while ‘not competent’. Perhaps Stan was under duress? Perhaps a Sabre executive was blackmailing him with embarrassing information?
- scottak

I wish. The knock on Joki was he allegedly wasn't listening to the coaching staff. Maybe he knew what they were coaching was trash?

Joki wasn't a world beater by any means but, I'd rather see him on the Hawks rather then a guy who couldn't make a poor Sabre's team.

The question what if the Blackhawks flame out, should be a statement ; when the Blackhawks flame out.

With all of the issues Gus has playing D, why can"t / won't he be moved to wing?
Seriously ? What can it hurt? The guy can skate. He can shoot. He doesn't play defenseman well. You can"t tell me he wouldn't be better than Nylander, Sikura, Highmore, Kampf, Smith, etc. Put him on a line with Dach and maybe Shaw when he returns. at this point what have they got to lose?

I wish. The knock on Joki was he allegedly wasn't listening to the coaching staff. Maybe he knew what they were coaching was trash?

Joki wasn't a world beater by any means but, I'd rather see him on the Hawks rather then a guy who couldn't make a poor Sabre's team.
- Rota's Rooter

If Nylander has won a single board battle for the puck this year, then I missed it. What purpose this guy serves to be in the lineup game after game baffles me. Time to admit that the trade was another mistake and move on.

If you’re on board for a rebuild, I think you listen to offers on everyone including Lehner.

He may be old/bad or both when the team is good again.
- HawkintheD

Yes sir! That's the ticket! Sign Lehner to a 5 year or longer deal...and wait for year 3 went the wheels come off when he's 32/33. All I see is a trading chip that should be used this year.

If you’re on board for a rebuild, I think you listen to offers on everyone including Lehner.

He may be old/bad or both when the team is good again.
- HawkintheD

Nice write up Tyler
I think JC and Bowman are done.
I know hindsight is 20 20
But I think Bowman has made too many mistakes since 2015.
The thing that stood out for me right from the first game was how slow they were.
Trading a decent 3rd line forward with speed (Kahun) making I believe under a million for a slow defenceman making 4 million with health issues was not good.
Maatta is not bad but adding a slow defenceman to one that already had Seabrook, and Murphy.
Joki top 4 potential for a forward who had a bad reputation , not a good move. DE Haan was a good move but he has been injury prone for a few years now.
Dach and Boquist this is a waste of a year of ELC for a team that has been in cap hell for some time and will continue to be, is again not smart. Strome for Schmaltz not looking so good now. Not that I was the biggest Schmaltz fan but if you have two players who are equal I take the one with speed.
I thought a few years ago the Hawks were in for some tough years and that has not changed .They are IMO few years away from getting out of this mess.
As I have previously said Hawks prospects are not that highly regarded compared to a lot of other teams.

And now that I have said this they will no doubt go out and win 10 straight.

time for a 100 proof eggnog...