Confirmed now that Shea has elected to test free agency instead of sign with the Hawks.

With Shea no longer an option to join the Hogs, I wonder if the organization will opt to re-sign Tuulola or McCoshen who are pending RFAs.

Just no to Brennan (pending UFA).

Or maybe the Hawks could get Galvas to end his current contract in the Finnish pro league (one more season on a 2-year deal) and start his pro development in North America. IMO, he has the most upside of everyone listed here.
- AEL_Fox

How the roster shakes out two even three years from now is quite intriguing. I am sure that Bowman had thought of many scenarios.

I agree with your assessment on things; we seem to have the same thoughts. And when I am unsure or wanting more information, I really appreciate your evaluations

There are two thoughts I would like you to comment upon.

One is, what about having too many jockeys on the blueline. Ok, an overdramatization but you get the idea.

Ideally teams want to balance out the pairings. One skill fast guy with one defensive minded mate. Of course the league keeps getting faster and new age dmen is the rage puck movers as many as you can carry.

Well there is Carlsson for his style as a complimentary. I am betting that Beaudin Boqvist and Mitchell will become too pairing guys. My hope is that Kyrs as a third pair can supply a third or fourth line - or think of it as a five man unit - with puck carry and of course he had the big shot. Teams would have to respect that a bottom line with a third pair could surprise you

The second point is segue from what I was saying. Yet there is a connection. I am hoping the Rockford graduates can supply an abundance of speed, grit, checking/toughess which we have not experienced for many years.

The 2010 team had players on all lines playing important roles.

This could be the case if most of the Rockford kids you like do fare well at the NHL level. I would like to think their doggedness combined with individual strengths for each player, can produce five man units better than the opponent. Rolling four lines- yes sir.

The desire to improve and to work hard from a glut iof newbies this past year and the following two seasons....it may even energize the top lines, the veterans.

I do find it interesting how the DeBrincat Strome tandem could produce like they did the season before this unofficially not finished campaign. When a Barret is ready and if he is good enough, I am not in favor of two led foot forwards on the same roster. I would prefer that Barret can be the pest defensively strong and creative playmaker/moderate scorer. Because I would like to see this and Strome be headlights

A lot said. Have a ways to go before it all plays out. But I can see the reality is actually possible whereas it was just imagining the possibilities a year ago[url]

So that settles it, Kyle Calder was the best Hawk player to wear #19!
- paulr

Thank you!!!

Thank you!!!
- just69sayin

Not a bad career for a 5th rounder.

Not a bad career for a 5th rounder.
- bhawks2241

He was traded for Handzus who played only a handful of games at the time. The Hawks got him back shortly after for Lasse Kukkonen. Finally Calder was traded again for Jason Williams.

Stan really messed it up good.

Not a bad career for a 5th rounder.
- bhawks2241

Yes. And an amazing reward for himself and his hardwork that an arbitrator awarded him $3 million in 2006. Hawks traded him for Handzus.
Wikipedia "On August 2, 2006, Calder was awarded a $2.9 million contract for the 2006–07 season by an arbitrator. The Blackhawks decided to accept it,[1] and then on August 4, 2006, Calder was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Michal Handzus.[2] At the trade deadline, the Flyers sent him back to Chicago for a third-round draft pick and Lasse Kukkonen. Chicago immediately sent him to the Detroit Red Wings for Jason Williams.[3] Calder scored his first goal as a Red Wing during his first shift.[4] He signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 2, 2007."

He was traded for Handzus who played only a handful of games at the time. The Hawks got him back shortly after for Lasse Kukkonen. Finally Calder was traded again for Jason Williams.

Stan really messed it up good.
- DarthKane

You beat me to it...I hope you had all that info on memory as a huge Calder fan right...here I am quoting wikipedia after you

You beat me to it...I hope you had all that info on memory as a huge Calder fan right...here I am quoting wikipedia after you
- just69sayin

I think that Calder history is all common knowledge that any of us could have recounted.

I think that Calder history is all common knowledge that any of us could have recounted.
- DarthKane

Of course! I was trying to be humble... as to not make anyone feel bad if they didn't know it all or if they forgot a few bits. I found a picture of the skates of his I bought and wore... https://www.classicauctio...il.aspx?inventoryid=99980. Im shocked I found the picture or that they were being auctioned. They had the most toe black paint I'd ever seen

Kinda OT, however how can we continue this NHL season starting in late May or even June (in the best case scenario?).... It makes no sense, the season & playoffs would last into August at least.....

What about next season? usually in August we have our rookie camps, and players are starting to get their legs moving to prepare for the upcoming 20-21 season.... As it stands today, if we got back to the season in late May - these guys will be playing hockey from May/June - an some teams/playoff teams will be playing hockey until May/June of the 21-22 season..

I mean it really makes no sense to me - some of these guys wont be able to last a full year of hockey.... Yes I know they will have March, April and perhaps half of May off but still - a full year calendar year of hockey will be difficult for these guys - especially the vets.......

And what about the UFA period? what about the draft? what about arbitration hearings? will those events all be expedited - or crammed into a week or two in August or September?

I know there are only a handful of games left for these teams until playoff hockey, however if the NHL and NHLPA insist on moving forward with the season maybe they should consider 10 minute periods, or even one 25 minute period and if they game is tied - go directly to the shootout. Because if the NHL allowed that - teams could play 2-3 or even 4 games in a row if the NHL restructured the schedule to make that possible....

Also, IMO - that would make the playoff race pretty interesting and would give teams on the outside looking in er "playoff bubble teams" a chance to turn things around and have a chance at capturing a playoff spot be it a division leader or even a WC spot.....

Another idea I have is making the playoffs best of 5 (maybe even 3) - not best of 7 - at least in the first round, maybe second round/semi-finals could be best of 5 and the conference finals could be best of 7 - along with the Stanley Cup Finals...

I believe if those ideas were employed (or ideas similar) we could end the season/playoffs by mid to late July, if not sooner depending how things go... We could have the draft and open up free agency directly following the playoffs and hopefully use late July and August to hold those events, while giving the players August to rest before they have to report to camp in September...

As far as rookie camps that generally occur in August, I don't see any reason why they cant be held as scheduled...

Just a couple of thoughts of mine considering most are thinking about finishing this season without putting any thought into next season....I mean if the NHL continued the season like nothing happened the season wouldn't be over until August and that will really affect the 20-21 season unless they plan to shorten it and drop the puck in November....

IMO, I think considering many NHL players have come down with Corona - maybe just either cancel the season or wait until late May or June and hold a European style Tournament - and obviously this season can go down in the history books with an ***asterisk.....

I will say I do feel bad for some of these players having monster seasons, I mean 10+ players are on pace to score 100+ points, some 120-130 points - career years for them - so that kinda sucks....

Anyway, sorry to get OT but these are just a few ideas I thought of over the last several weeks as I have been quarantined indoors....

Yes. And an amazing reward for himself and his hardwork that an arbitrator awarded him $3 million in 2006. Hawks traded him for Handzus.
Wikipedia "On August 2, 2006, Calder was awarded a $2.9 million contract for the 2006–07 season by an arbitrator. The Blackhawks decided to accept it,
- just69sayin[1] and then on August 4, 2006, Calder was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Michal Handzus.[2] At the trade deadline, the Flyers sent him back to Chicago for a third-round draft pick and Lasse Kukkonen. Chicago immediately sent him to the Detroit Red Wings for Jason Williams.[3] Calder scored his first goal as a Red Wing during his first shift.[4] He signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 2, 2007."

Calder sucked - heck the whole ABC line sucked..... Even in their prime (when they were the Hawks 1st Line) they would have been nothing more than a "bubble playoff teams" 3rd line.....

Wow, what a disaster that era was...... And it was either Pulford or Tallon that drafted them.....

Big deal if Calder was a 5th round pick, he was never a star- he was a 3rd line player, and there is nothing shocking about getting a 3rd line player in the 5th round.... Heck we got Byfuglien in the 7th round and he turned out to be a star player that contributed majorly to the Hawks 2010 Cup run and championship.......

There's a report out that Northeastern U senior defenseman Ryan Shea will not sign with the Hawks and will test free agency.

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/
- boilermaker100

I dunno, wasn't that always the case, that the hawks felt comfortable not signing him because their were flags to him be able to ascend to the NHL with present defensive zone inadequacies and awareness?

Didn't we discuss it???????

I dunno, wasn't that always the case, that the hawks felt comfortable not signing him because their were flags to him be able to ascend to the NHL with present defensive zone inadequacies and awareness?

Didn't we discuss it???????
- wiz1901

Would be interesting to hear Bowman's thoughts on Shea as compared to John's and Gilbert when they had not barely the ink dry from signing. He projected them more favorably than Shea? Has not Gilbert gone through a metamorphish insofar as his skating. He once was called a shut down defender at Notre Dame. Really. So this loosing out on Shea is like let's see how he progresses.

I dunno, wasn't that always the case, that the hawks felt comfortable not signing him because their were flags to him be able to ascend to the NHL with present defensive zone inadequacies and awareness?

Didn't we discuss it???????
- wiz1901

Reminds me of when the Hawks were supposedly chasing Mike Reilly when he graduated because he was supposedly the best Dman at the time coming out of the 30 game a year league. And then he signed with Minny and now at 26 has never developed into anything other than a journeyman.

So IMO, they weren't going to chase Shea at 23 with promises of accelerated advancement when they have other younger Dmen in their system that they know are better or at least as good.

(On the other hand, look at how long it took for Justin Holl to make it to the NHL. Testament to that guy sticking with it in the minors for so long).

Just finished watching the 72-10 Bulls playoff game against the Magic. What a team ..

Just finished watching the 72-10 Bulls playoff game against the Magic. What a team ..
- spanky

Last week - I think on ESPN - they had a documentary on the Magic-Bird-Lakers-Celtics rivalry in the 80s.

Those were teams.

Just finished watching the 72-10 Bulls playoff game against the Magic. What a team ..
- spanky

Even when Jordan had an off day (only scored 32 points)..the Bulls defense could turn it on with troops of bench players...they all had a roll. Just like Hawks in 2010. Priceless to watch those teams.

Just finished watching the 72-10 Bulls playoff game against the Magic. What a team ..
- spanky

That sweep was revenge for the previous year when, to the surprise of many casual sports fans who assume Jordan’s Bulls never lost during the height of their dynasty, Chicago was eliminated by that same Magic team in the conference semi-Final.

I think he realized there are too many better prospects ahead of him. He'd have a hard time earning NHL time given the other Hawks prospects.
- bhawks2241

I would have to agree. One theory could be that Shea saw recent trades that brought in even more D prospects like McCoshen (Saarela trade), Regula (Perlini trade), and Demin (Lehner trade) and felt his opportunity within the Hawks was slipping.

While I can get the frustration a prospect may have about the depth chart getting more and more crowded, one perspective could be for Shea to rise to the challenge and prove that he is one of the better prospects in the system.

Sometimes the pasture isn't greener on the other side. Nonetheless, best wishes to him. Hope he makes it.

How the roster shakes out two even three years from now is quite intriguing. I am sure that Bowman had thought of many scenarios.

I agree with your assessment on things; we seem to have the same thoughts. And when I am unsure or wanting more information, I really appreciate your evaluations

There are two thoughts I would like you to comment upon.

One is, what about having too many jockeys on the blueline. Ok, an overdramatization but you get the idea.

Ideally teams want to balance out the pairings. One skill fast guy with one defensive minded mate. Of course the league keeps getting faster and new age dmen is the rage puck movers as many as you can carry.

Well there is Carlsson for his style as a complimentary. I am betting that Beaudin Boqvist and Mitchell will become too pairing guys. My hope is that Kyrs as a third pair can supply a third or fourth line - or think of it as a five man unit - with puck carry and of course he had the big shot. Teams would have to respect that a bottom line with a third pair could surprise you.
- jhawk59

If you mean by "jockey" you mean an offensive D-man, then it doesn't matter as much if all members of the D corps are mail carriers who are skilled at generating offense as long as they can also hold their own defensively.

If they can't, though, then I agree that they should have a partner who is more defensively wired. One downside to having all 3 pairs like this is that the offensive guys could constantly leave their defensive partners out to dry.

I see Boqvist, Beaudin, Krys, and Carlsson being groomed as balanced defenders. Mitchell seems to be in the same mold. So if they're all balanced, then I don't have an issue pairing up (for instance) Boqvist with Beaudin or Krys with Mitchell.

The second point is segue from what I was saying. Yet there is a connection. I am hoping the Rockford graduates can supply an abundance of speed, grit, checking/toughess which we have not experienced for many years.

The 2010 team had players on all lines playing important roles.

This could be the case if most of the Rockford kids you like do fare well at the NHL level. I would like to think their doggedness combined with individual strengths for each player, can produce five man units better than the opponent. Rolling four lines- yes sir.

The desire to improve and to work hard from a glut iof newbies this past year and the following two seasons....it may even energize the top lines, the veterans.

I do find it interesting how the DeBrincat Strome tandem could produce like they did the season before this unofficially not finished campaign. When a Barret is ready and if he is good enough, I am not in favor of two led foot forwards on the same roster. I would prefer that Barret can be the pest defensively strong and creative playmaker/moderate scorer. Because I would like to see this and Strome be headlights

A lot said. Have a ways to go before it all plays out. But I can see the reality is actually possible whereas it was just imagining the possibilities a year ago
- jhawk59[url]

With the prospects who have come up so far and who are still marinating, I do see each one bringing a combination of grit, speed, and toughness.

Highmore and Hagel are competitive hounds who really know how to snuff out pucks, agitate the crap out of the opposition, and turn on the afterburners.

Entwistle is big, strong, and tough who is just so skilled at winning board battles, killing penalties, scoring opportune goals, and doing little things that win games.

Kurashev is sneaky good with his offensive skillset, 200-foot game, and ruggedness to truck through the tight checking by physical teams.

Sikura thinks the game fast, possesses great vision and hockey sense, and doesn't cheat defensively.

The D prospects like Gilbert and Carlsson are naturally physical while others like Boqvist, Beaudin, and Krys are learning how to battle for 50/50 pucks all over the ice and use their bodies to make simple defensive plays.

While all of these D prospects aren't speed demons, they're all good skaters. Some better than others of course.

Just remembering the good ole days when the original mouth-agape fleet-skating PMD was patrolling our d-zone. The picture of Leddy standing there to the side of the Hawks' net with that idiot look on his face and his mouth hanging open like a whale trying to catch smelt. Quite a sight. Now imagine that picture if Leddy and Gustafsson had played together and Gustafsson is standing on the other side of the net with that same slack-jawed "'doh" look on his face.

Mercy! We dodged a bullet there fellas.
- EbonyRaptor

I would have to agree. One theory could be that Shea saw recent trades that brought in even more D prospects like McCoshen (Saarela trade), Regula (Perlini trade), and Demin (Lehner trade) and felt his opportunity within the Hawks was slipping.

While I can get the frustration a prospect may have about the depth chart getting more and more crowded, one perspective could be for Shea to rise to the challenge and prove that he is one of the better prospects in the system.

Sometimes the pasture isn't greener on the other side. Nonetheless, best wishes to him. Hope he makes it.
- AEL_Fox

Ya, mentioned it when the first news came out (can't remember if it was yesterday or the day before, I'm really getting lost on what day it is, wonder how retired people do it) I wouldn't be surprised if this was the Hawks telling him to go this route. Not him spurring the Hawks (sorry about your Stan screwing it up theory Darth)

With the prospects who have come up so far and who are still marinating, I do see each one bringing a combination of grit, speed, and toughness.

Highmore and Hagel are competitive hounds who really know how to snuff out pucks, agitate the crap out of the opposition, and turn on the afterburners.

Entwistle is big, strong, and tough who is just so skilled at winning board battles, killing penalties, scoring opportune goals, and doing little things that win games.

Kurashev is sneaky good with his offensive skillset, 200-foot game, and ruggedness to truck through the tight checking by physical teams.

Sikura thinks the game fast, possesses great vision and hockey sense, and doesn't cheat defensively.

The D prospects like Gilbert and Carlsson are naturally physical while others like Boqvist, Beaudin, and Krys are learning how to battle for 50/50 pucks all over the ice and use their bodies to make simple defensive plays.

While all of these D prospecst aren't speed demons, they're all good skaters. Some better than others of course.
- AEL_Fox

1. I'm thinking Entwhitsle, Hagel and Highmore is you 4th line of the future.

2. I always notice Mitchells skating when watching his college games. Don't know if I'd say he was a speed demon, but I'd something like deceptively fast and strong.

Reminds me of when the Hawks were supposedly chasing Mike Reilly when he graduated because he was supposedly the best Dman at the time coming out of the 30 game a year league. And then he signed with Minny and now at 26 has never developed into anything other than a journeyman.

So IMO, they weren't going to chase Shea at 23 with promises of accelerated advancement when they have other younger Dmen in their system that they know are better or at least as good.

(On the other hand, look at how long it took for Justin Holl to make it to the NHL. Testament to that guy sticking with it in the minors for so long).
- RickJ

Ordinarily there is no such thing as revisionish NHL hockey. When a prospect makes the grade in "the show" after learning & practicing their craft many seasons in lonely outposts, then you can re-write the annals
You could visit wiz's or the hockeybuzz poster's redraft too.

So J Holl has arrived. Well should become a journeyman or depth role, he might stick around due to a cheap salary hit..Holl may be just good enough to avoid a return to the AHL. Toronto does have two toted dman prospects. They are entering a fracas where defense is too much a secondary enactment of great displeasure from top offensive players. To date not even the reportedly great #1 dman, M Reilly, nor a head coach has been able to barely alter the horrific results. No playoffs or if they manage to secure a post season berth, they have been a disaster.

To be honest we know some players just never materialize or become what they were projected to become. An NHL player with a better pedigree than aforementioned Holl comes to mind.

A fairly early first round selection whom had good scoring total in junior, a speed merchant whom could be so quick on the forecheck. He has been a failure but is not necessarily a bad player. He toils for a team which collects failed prospects whom do flash hot streaks but otherwise will never live up to first round expectations. Duclair is the player whom teases with flashes of goal scoring. His teamatte Bodekker is the player that I have classified though as accurate above J Holl status

All right then all that as a segue to the Rockford farmhands whom have stepped into the Blackhawk line up or appear closer to doing so within the next two seasons

The forwards is the position I am fosed upon....the forwards whom AEL_FOX projects as solid third and fourth line players

They are/will become hungry bottom line players. But what excited me about their bolstering the lineup is 1) how Colliton is able to take advantage of their speed and or toughness and grit. Furthermore, the newbies prove their worthiness when 2) their effort spurs the veterans on top lines to work harder. To be sure the season is a grind. And Toews is not ready or not able or just not much good each early season.

But the abundance of speed and toughness/grit should be incorporated into effective five man units. When our young dmen are moving the puck and bottom lines are playing well, we can play with anyone....even teams with more ability.

You have to see Colliton has a good scheme and or system in place. You just have played in position defensively on break outs.

We could roll four strong lines. I am hopeful among the newbies that some carve out a role which stands out. Be the equal if Kreuger defensively, be a Bolland pain in the *ss/clutch scorer, be a Big Buff in front of Luongo.

Rogula and Kyrs impress me as dmen whom could offer more than expected should they be on a third pair.

We have the horses to run in track meets when our dmen effectively move the puck (Edm late season game is an example). I want to see how we build on that by incorporating the newbies forwards into the line up

I am hopeful the newcomers will be more than the J Holl, and even better than a Duclair and Bodekker.

If you mean by "jockey" you mean an offensive D-man, then it doesn't matter as much if all members of the D corps are mail carriers who are skilled at generating offense as long as they can also hold their own defensively.

If they can't, though, then I agree that they should have a partner who is more defensively wired. One downside to having all 3 pairs like this is that the offensive guys could constantly leave their defensive partners out to dry.

I see Boqvist, Beaudin, Krys, and Carlsson being groomed as balanced defenders. Mitchell seems to be in the same mold. So if they're all balanced, then I don't have an issue pairing up (for instance) Boqvist with Beaudin or Krys with Mitchell.
- AEL_Fox

By saying jockeys, I meant to call attention to 5he size of the dmen. The too skill dmen prospects are not going to be rubbing out forwards with thunderous checks and depositing them on their derriere in the slot or front if net. Which is not necessarily a big issue if their game is well rounde7. They can get the job done well enough so that three or four high end skill dmen is not a handicap in defending. Galvas would be another added to the bunch of smaller although not quite hockey size dmen

Just so long as they do not earn the nickname if a former NBA player for his defense. That player was Eric "sleepy" Floyd whom was a superlative point guard for many seasons for one of those NBA teams in Texas.