Sucks about Kurashev being injured. He has a lot of Danault to his game. Not quite the size and maybe a bit more offensively developed at this point. Strange that this is a kid that was labeled as someone who didn't bring it every night. I watched him quite a bit last season and he was a one man gang trying to will his team to wins.
- Elbows15

I do remember that knock on Kurashev upon being drafted, i.e. not being consistent and playing with pace. Teply had a similar criticism.

Wonder if being drafted and having a taste of NHL life via prospect camps give certain prospects a quick swift in the rear and excitement for the opportunity.

Considering where the Hawks are currently, I would give Nylander another season before determining whether to move on or not. He has a big league shot and skating ability. But then, I see a kid who has given effort whereas many don't. He spent 3 seasons being in the Sabres system under two different GMs/coaching philosophies all the while when he should have been left in junior/Europe in his D+1 year at the very least. He also dealt with some injuries in each season. This has been his first season of being healthy all season to date.
- Elbows15

I have yet to see the skating ability. I agree he can snipe given enough time and space.

I’m still sticking with Boston as the eventual Cup champs, but if anyone is gonna stop them it’s a fully healthy Penguins. Not TB, not Washington. Penguins looking as fast and deep as they were in 2016. Very scary team. If they get Guentzel back for the playoffs LOOK OUT.

I’m still sticking with Boston as the eventual Cup champs, but if anyone is gonna stop them it’s a fully healthy Penguins. Not TB, not Washington. Penguins looking as fast and deep as they were in 2016. Very scary team. If they get Guentzel back for the playoffs LOOK OUT.
- SimpleJack

They just blew another 3 goal lead - Pens came back from 0-3 after one to win in regulation. Did the same last Monday, I think, against Philadelphia - lost in OT.

TB playing excellent hockey - getting back to last season’s results - let’s see how they do in the playoffs. I think Washington needs to be in the mix.

But then where would Toews play?
- tvetter

Rockford

I do remember that knock on Kurashev upon being drafted, i.e. not being consistent and playing with pace. Teply had a similar criticism.

Wonder if being drafted and having a taste of NHL life via prospect camps give certain prospects a quick swift in the rear and excitement for the opportunity.
- AEL_Fox

Teply’s had a strong rookie campaign in Winnipeg. He’s been one of their best forwards all season.

Teply’s had a strong rookie campaign in Winnipeg. He’s been one of their best forwards all season.
- DarthKane

Yes, very good first year in North America for Teply. Strong showing at the WJCs, too.

Wouldn’t be surprised to see him get an ELC this spring but wouldn’t mind if he stayed in juniors one more season.

Yes, very good first year in North America for Teply. Strong showing at the WJCs, too.

Wouldn’t be surprised to see him get an ELC this spring but wouldn’t mind if he stayed in juniors one more season.
- AEL_Fox

Agreed, I’d be ok either way but I’d expect him to stay in the W one more season to continue getting acclimated with the North American game.

Rockford
- DarthKane

Next year at Rockford, Dach 1C, Toews 2C.

Gotta wondered what FLA would pony up for Crow. Re-sign LA and bring up Lankinen for some stars to see what he can do on the big stage.
- Assman22

Florida?

How about Carolina, or San Jose, or Arizona, or New Jersey, or Buffalo or Detroit?

The 200-ish pound 3rd pick in the draft is having trouble scoring, too. So is the 190lbs 8th pick.
- Elbows15

and the first and Econ overall aren't burning their way to rookie of the year either.

All are different and the time to grow their NHL games is now and that is what they are doing.

and the first and Econ overall aren't burning their way to rookie of the year either.

All are different and the time to grow their NHL games is now and that is what they are doing.
- wiz1901

Dach will be fine he just learning to be a nhl hockey player. At this time probably just hit a rookie wall. He doing a lot of things good and things he needs to improve on. This upcoming break will do him good.

Florida?

How about Carolina, or San Jose, or Arizona, or New Jersey, or Buffalo or Detroit?
- wiz1901

I don't see FL getting Crow. That would play with Bob's head even more regardless whether they could get Crow under the cap this year.

Considering where the Hawks are currently, I would give Nylander another season before determining whether to move on or not. He has a big league shot and skating ability. But then, I see a kid who has given effort whereas many don't. He spent 3 seasons being in the Sabres system under two different GMs/coaching philosophies all the while when he should have been left in junior/Europe in his D+1 year at the very least. He also dealt with some injuries in each season. This has been his first season of being healthy all season to date.
- Elbows15

I think he certainly has be given plenty to internalize and now is processing a whole lot faster.
It is the small area spaces that still don't see instinctive reads and reacts....I just think they are trying to build a foundation, sign him at a reasonable number and finally get to a point where their investment and patience, basically handing him the keys to a choice ride as a top six/nine guy works.

Are they poised to really challenge for a Cup now? Are all these guys they investing in being give latitude?
Absolutely.

They are looking for a long term success from them all...something that could not have happened when they and Q had no patience for rookie mistakes or any pitfalls or backslides from the newly arrived.

Not much love on this board as it pertains to Matthew Highmore. Think this guy will/should stick with the Hawks as a 4th liner energy player. Plays his heart out every shift.
- gabriel

I do, solid 200 foot game, plays with energy, wins board battles, etc.

I posted last night that he’ll have a nice career in the NHL, playing bottom 6. Teams ALWAYS need guys like him.

Except for two or three shifts last night where the 'Hawks got hemmed in the defense zone, that was a damn solid game against a high powered offense.
Hope they can do it again tonight!

One of the reasons Toews was MIA the 1st 11 games, was he had to do all the heavy lifting, with Nylander on his line. JT has been at his best with 2 big, fast forwards on his line, that could go into corners and along the boards, and get pucks, so 19 could free-lance more, and be more creative. Think Toews - Saad - Hossa.

From Lazerus on Toews playing with Caggiula:

“He creates energy,” Toews said. “Similar to paying with John Quenneville out there, where it makes my life a lot easier. I can just watch him go buzz in the corners and create loose pucks, then we get a good cycle going. I just think we’re predictable for each other right now, and Cags is making great plays. It doesn’t matter who’s getting the chance or the goals, it’s nice to get those pluses as a line.”

One of the reasons Toews was MIA the 1st 11 games, was he had to do all the heavy lifting, with Nylander on his line. JT has been at his best with 2 big, fast forwards on his line, that could go into corners and along the boards, and get pucks, so 19 could free-lance more, and be more creative. Think Toews - Saad - Hossa.

From Lazerus on Toews playing with Caggiula:

“He creates energy,” Toews said. “Similar to paying with John Quenneville out there, where it makes my life a lot easier. I can just watch him go buzz in the corners and create loose pucks, then we get a good cycle going. I just think we’re predictable for each other right now, and Cags is making great plays. It doesn’t matter who’s getting the chance or the goals, it’s nice to get those pluses as a line.”
- scottak

i think there is something to this but caggs and Q jr are not saad and hossa...

One of the reasons Toews was MIA the 1st 11 games, was he had to do all the heavy lifting, with Nylander on his line. JT has been at his best with 2 big, fast forwards on his line, that could go into corners and along the boards, and get pucks, so 19 could free-lance more, and be more creative. Think Toews - Saad - Hossa.

From Lazerus on Toews playing with Caggiula:

“He creates energy,” Toews said. “Similar to paying with John Quenneville out there, where it makes my life a lot easier. I can just watch him go buzz in the corners and create loose pucks, then we get a good cycle going. I just think we’re predictable for each other right now, and Cags is making great plays. It doesn’t matter who’s getting the chance or the goals, it’s nice to get those pluses as a line.”
- scottak

So is that his excuse for every year. Personally i don't buy it, he's just out of shape always huffing and puffing and on top of it taking some lazy penalties the 1st month of the year, great player but blah blah blah

Right now i watch this team with low expectations, i have none tonight, if they beat the Jets in regulation than maybe but for now no, last game they had that could of really helped them was vs Preds and came out of the 1st down by 3.

People on a message board equals the Hawk PR machine?
- mohel

Thank you! Have heard this nonsense for years. I subscribe online to both the Athletic and Herald and maybe they missed the memo from the Wizard on Madison Street that they needed to be hyping 6th round pick, Dylan Sikura.

Or maybe a once in a blue moon article is the equivalent of HYPE.

i think there is something to this but caggs and Q jr are not saad and hossa...
- bogiedoc

No, but the TYPE of player that makes JT’s job easier. Big , strong, fast, go into the corners and along boards. The ‘dirty’ areas. And come out with the puck. So 19 doesn’t have to, in addition to his other responsibilities (draws, back-checking,
PK, etc.)

So is that his excuse for every year. Personally i don't buy it, he's just out of shape always huffing and puffing and on top of it taking some lazy penalties the 1st month of the year, great player but blah blah blah
- BetweenTheDots

With all due respect, I’ll go with the opinion of the 3X Cup winning, future 1st ballot HOFer, versus a poster to a marginally successful hockey blog.

But, good on ‘ya!

Little hope is rekindled, does that mean they get smashed tonight? Come on lets get a W.

Just saw this on Twitter... the fire sale is on, look at all the scouts at today's game:

24 NHL scouts/reps listed: BOS, CAR, CBJ, COL, DET, EDM (2), LA, MIN, MTL (2), NJ, NSH, NYI, NYR, OTT (2), PIT, SEA, SJ, STL, TB, VGK (2)