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.
- jhawk59

Speaking of the NBA, looks like the GarPax era at the non-ice area of the United Center is coming to an end.

The “Gar” part of the pairing has been given reduced responsibilities for a couple of weeks - and the Reinsdorfs are apparently looking for a new “executive with full authority on basketball decisions” (Chicago Tribune quote).

17 years of “not much going on there” (my quote) seems to have been enough.

I wish Rocky had the capacity to do what Reinsdorf is doing..

Speaking of the NBA, looks like the GarPax era at the non-ice area of the United Center is coming to an end.

The “Gar” part of the pairing has been given reduced responsibilities for a couple of weeks - and the Reinsdorfs are apparently looking for a new “executive with full authority on basketball decisions” (Chicago Tribune quote).

17 years of “not much going on there” (my quote) seems to have been enough.
- StLBravesFan

As a lifelong Chicagoan I loved watching the Bulls during the Jordan era but I'm not really much of a basketball fan, per se - only if a Chicago area team is playing at a very high level will I give them my attention. As such, I haven't been paying attention to the Bulls since Jordan left with the exception of a year or two when that Chicago kid burst on the scene for a couple years before he blew out his knees ... but I didn't realize it's been 17 years for the Gar/Pax mgmt team - YIKES! And we b#tch about Stan not having won a championship in 4 years. What have they done in their tenure? Like I said - I wasn't paying attention but I know there were no championships and I recall a lot of losing.

As a lifelong Chicagoan I loved watching the Bulls during the Jordan era but I'm not really much of a basketball fan, per se - only if a Chicago area team is playing at a very high level will I give them my attention. As such, I haven't been paying attention to the Bulls since Jordan left with the exception of a year or two when that Chicago kid burst on the scene for a couple years before he blew out his knees ... but I didn't realize it's been 17 years for the Gar/Pax mgmt team - YIKES! And we b#tch about Stan not having won a championship in 4 years. What have they done in their tenure? Like I said - I wasn't paying attention but I know there were no championships and I recall a lot of losing.
- EbonyRaptor

Pax came on in 2003 - don’t remember when Gar joined the pairing.

Cartwright, Skiles, del Negro, Thibodeau, Hoiberg, Boyle - that’s a lot of coaching hires.

Stan has only had one....

This thought just occurred to me:

Many fans bemoaned the trade return of the two Hawk deadline cast offs.

17 days after the deadline, the season comes to an abrupt halt.

You think the teams that acquired Gus and Lehner Calgary and Vegas think they got their money's worth on two players whom very well, may be telling their stories walking?

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.
- jhawk59

Yeah, like the made the decision on Justin Holl, who offhand I believe was their 5th player selected years ago, the probably figured even with his skills, he was gonna be a longer work in progress, that would require a resign or two also, so they made a choice...lrt him go...
So the kid improves enough to play a little in Toronto (for obvious Cap reasons) - 81 games in limited situations...
I will NEVER be a person who downplays the fact any guy plays in the bigs...I know I never could and it is an elite situation and kudos to be there, but like Ryan Shea, you gotta look to were you want to put your emphasis...
if Ian Mitchell is your prime target, you don't signal his camp your ramping up competition.

Ryan Shea / Blackhawks have to know where they stand with each there and if everything I read over the last little bit, there were pretty good indications that they weren't in "alignment."

This thought just occurred to me:

Many fans bemoaned the trade return of the two Hawk deadline cast offs.

17 days after the deadline, the season comes to an abrupt halt.

You think the teams that acquired Gus and Lehner Calgary and Vegas think they got their money's worth on two players whom very well, may be telling their stories walking?
- wiz1901

Do wonder if it will be a "thems the breaks" situation for the owners who went all in at the TDL for the upcoming playoff run, or if they'll look for some remuneration. Not sure what that would be or how they could make it work, though.

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

LOL woW !

I didn't read this before I posted ..we really agree, that Justin Holl vibe was running through both our brains....

This thought just occurred to me:

Many fans bemoaned the trade return of the two Hawk deadline cast offs.

17 days after the deadline, the season comes to an abrupt halt.

You think the teams that acquired Gus and Lehner Calgary and Vegas think they got their money's worth on two players whom very well, may be telling their stories walking?
- wiz1901

That doesn’t take away from the fact that Stan is inept and should have got more in each deal.

This thought just occurred to me:

Many fans bemoaned the trade return of the two Hawk deadline cast offs.

17 days after the deadline, the season comes to an abrupt halt.

You think the teams that acquired Gus and Lehner Calgary and Vegas think they got their money's worth on two players whom very well, may be telling their stories walking?
- wiz1901

Wiz, it was good riddance whether the season continued or not. The fact that we got something in return, and Calgary and Vegas only got two games or so from Gus and Lehner is even better, especially since they are in the western conference. Wiz, question for you, anyone from this draft capable of contributing at the NHL level this fall?

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.
- jhawk59

Sorry, stick that in the "duh" file for me not realizing you meant size by your "jockey" description.

IMO, size doesn't matter as much as some combination of hockey sense, skill, agility, strength, elusiveness, and compete level.

Are they willing to battle for pucks? Would they push back against extra curricular physicality? Can they avoid big hits?

For example, Beaudin pushes back when things get rough. He'll push and shove no matter the opponent's size.

But I also agree with you that icing 5-man units who can complement each other as far as sticking up for one another is important

So, again for instance, Beaudin shouldn't have to fight all of his fights but should be able to at least hold his own and not be a push over.

Wiz, it was good riddance whether the season continued or not. The fact that we got something in return, and Calgary and Vegas only got two games or so from Gus and Lehner is even better, especially since they are in the western conference. Wiz, question for you, anyone from this draft capable of contributing at the NHL level this fall?
- Angotti

Besides the top kid?

Depending upon the team and kid, I bet big Quintin byfdield could stick, and the thing about the German kid, is he is really fast in all phases and his head so I could see a team trying to let him tryout --- I think the Swedes would given more time, the Austrian kid Rossi is responsible and offensive and a natural, so maybe?
Lundell and College player Holloway might be NHL game strong but not going to put up big numbers if you keep them around.

It is simple a big jump and a stretch to expect some instant success like we have seen in the past...yoiu will notice that lately the early picks flash abilities, but they are still looking like in the formative stages of figuring it out and being physically able to handle the bigs.
Dach is a rarity in he doesn't need to have a coach spending his free time pounding good habits into his game...they usually need time.

So ONE guy I say ...but you know I asm gonna be incorrect, ha!

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

I could see that as well.

Hagel and Entwistle have more skill than Highmore so they could push for 3rd line roles if they develop well.

Fortin really stepped up this season and could still yet be worth developing into a bottom 6 forward. I wrote him off last year but he proved me wrong.

Soderlund has the skill, speed, fearlessness, and tenacity but just needs to stay healthy and be given the opportuniy to play when healthy.

This thought just occurred to me:

Many fans bemoaned the trade return of the two Hawk deadline cast offs.

17 days after the deadline, the season comes to an abrupt halt.

You think the teams that acquired Gus and Lehner Calgary and Vegas think they got their money's worth on two players whom very well, may be telling their stories walking?
- wiz1901

There's this exact article in the Sun Times today.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that Stan is inept and should have got more in each deal.
- DarthKane

Caufield and this year's #1 minimum for Gus.

There's this exact article in the Sun Times today.
- rpeters01

oh, nowi will have read two yrs out of college Ben Pope's article and use one of my free before the warnings up,lol...

I could see that as well.

Hagel and Entwistle have more skill than Highmore so they could push for 3rd line roles if they develop well.

Fortin really stepped up this season and could still yet be worth developing into a bottom 6 forward. I wrote him off last year but he proved me wrong.

Soderlund has the skill, speed, fearlessness, and tenacity but just needs to stay healthy and be given the opportuniy to play when healthy.
- AEL_Fox

I was really excited to see Soderlund play after watching him in WJC .Have injuries been what held him back . I noticed he been in the ECHL ,that not really trending in the right direction .

I decide to cruise to Lake Geneva and walk along the lake...beautiful. What’s even better the gas in Fontana was $ 1.29 a gallon at all three gas stations.

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

That, is a truly HOF worthy post! If you don’t mind, I’d like to send it to Toronto. Truthful, sarcastic, vicious, funny, it’s got it all!

Besides the top kid?

Depending upon the team and kid, I bet big Quintin byfdield could stick, and the thing about the German kid, is he is really fast in all phases and his head so I could see a team trying to let him tryout --- I think the Swedes would given more time, the Austrian kid Rossi is responsible and offensive and a natural, so maybe?
Lundell and College player Holloway might be NHL game strong but not going to put up big numbers if you keep them around.

It is simple a big jump and a stretch to expect some instant success like we have seen in the past...yoiu will notice that lately the early picks flash abilities, but they are still looking like in the formative stages of figuring it out and being physically able to handle the bigs.
Dach is a rarity in he doesn't need to have a coach spending his free time pounding good habits into his game...they usually need time.

So ONE guy I say ...but you know I asm gonna be incorrect, ha!
- wiz1901

Thanks Wiz, let’s hope we move up in the draft, that would be something. Stay safe.

I was really excited to see Soderlund play after watching him in WJC .Have injuries been what held him back . I noticed he been in the ECHL ,that not really trending in the right direction .
- oldduffman

Soderlund got injured twice this season. Not sure if the 2nd injury was an aggravation of the 1st one. Either way, he did miss considerable time in the AHL including a rehab stint in ECHL as you pointed out.

If he is allowed to play his game, Soderlund is ultra quick and nimble with a keen ability to make plays at top speed, get his nose dirty, and crash the rough areas.

Another way he thinks the game fast is by knowing his options so he isn't forced into turnovers by skating fast into dead ends.

On top of his skills and hockey sense, he's fearless. Even at 5'9", he doesn't back down to anyone. He's built like a hydrant so collisions with him impact the opponent just as much if not more.

While he'd be hard pressed to replicate Arvidsson's offensive stats, Soderlund at least has a similar build and playing style.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...ng-and-Dealing/277/105014

In the Sabres blog, Tyler's counterpart Michael Ghofrani suggests 3 possible trades and one is with the Hawks. Tyler is consulted and quoted in the blog with his take.

Hawks get:
Kahun and D-man Colin Miller

Sabres get:
Strome and Sikura

Ghofrani also suggests possible numbers for Strome if he re-signs with the Hawks, i.e. 2-3 years at $3.5-$4.5M per season with the likelihood of doing 3 years to align with bestie DeBrincat's new deal that kicks in next season.

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Michael-Ghofrani/Sabres-Off-Season-Blueprint-Wheeling-and-Dealing/277/105014

In the Sabres blog, Tyler's counterpart Michael Ghofrani suggests 3 possible trades and one is with the Hawks. Tyler is consulted and quoted in the blog with his take.

Hawks get:
Kahun and D-man Colin Miller

Sabres get:
Strome and Sikura

Ghofrani also suggests possible numbers for Strome if he re-signs with the Hawks, i.e. 2-3 years at $3.5-$4.5M per season with the likelihood of doing 3 years to align with bestie DeBrincat's new deal that kicks in next season.
- AEL_Fox

Pass. Kahun is redundant, Miller would not be a top 4 defenseman, we do not need a depth defenseman right now.

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Michael-Ghofrani/Sabres-Off-Season-Blueprint-Wheeling-and-Dealing/277/105014

In the Sabres blog, Tyler's counterpart Michael Ghofrani suggests 3 possible trades and one is with the Hawks. Tyler is consulted and quoted in the blog with his take.

Hawks get:
Kahun and D-man Colin Miller

Sabres get:
Strome and Sikura

Ghofrani also suggests possible numbers for Strome if he re-signs with the Hawks, i.e. 2-3 years at $3.5-$4.5M per season with the likelihood of doing 3 years to align with bestie DeBrincat's new deal that kicks in next season.
- AEL_Fox

I’d like to have Kahun back, but not at the price of Strome. I still believe Strome can be a key piece to long term success. He may not be a Centre that can carry the team, but he can be a solid top 6 contributor.


I wonder what kind of deal Kahun will sign next.

Pass. Kahun is redundant, Miller would not be a top 4 defenseman, we do not need a depth defenseman right now.
- LAHawk

Agreed. We would not be wise to move an asset - and I am not even a fan of Strome - for a dman whom is not much if any an upgrade to our veterans. We are developing and promoting kids on the blueline. We do not need Miller

I like Kahun but same situation as with the bevy of kids we plan to promote.on defense.

I foresee a decision to be made with Strome. He needs to take that next step. He might do so in part with the re-emergence of DeBrincat. Eventually if Barrett is the real deal, then I would strongly suggest to consider whether you want both slow afoot Strome and Barrett on the same roster. Especially if you plan a lot of TOI for both. Win more puck races and do not play catch up with the rest of the league which will continue to gravitate to more and more speed

As a side note, I wonder how many years Tavarez is a top producer if league keeps getting faster. Oh not for a while probably if he retains too linemattes.