For shame, Tyler!

In other news,

@Account4hockey
Elliotte Friedman on WGR550 Thursday on Dylan Strome: "He's available." "I don't think the cost is particularly prohibitive".

and when someone questioned the weird timing of this:

@Account4hockey
Last week one of the hosts asked him to see if Strome was available because he thinks he would be a good fit for Buffalo. So this week he answered after calling around.
- pdx2ord

If anyone offers him more than $4.2 mil the Hawks get a 1st and a 3rd back and the cap space. That would be a tough call. Buffalo has 8 RFA's and 7 UFA's on their NHL roster. So you can expect some major changes in the offseason for them (when and if the off season starts).

All is well, sir! How are things on your end?

Yeah I didn't think From would be with the organization long-term. As you mentioned, Hawks brass didn't seem overly impressed with him.

Gravel is someone I am interested in as well in regards to how CHI makes that decision.

I think you resign him and the ECHL might be a nice transition for him.

Then you have Lankinen/Delia (assuming one of them are up in the NHL) + Tomkins in the AHL.

Then Gravel as insurance in Indy and a possible wild card in Ivan Nalimov - however, he may never come back overseas.
- Tyler Cameron

I am hoping the same thing for Gravel and how to organize the goalies in the minors. If Gravel is no longer in the Hawks plans and Nalimov is willing to cross the ocean again, then have him start in Indy instead.

Or if Gravel and Nalimov are both signed on, have them be the Indy tandem with the Delia, Lankinen, and Tomkins rotation in Rockford.

Delia or Lankinen could still prove to be the Hawks backup, especially if the team parts ways with Subban.

Caggiula can play top 6. But it would be nice to have him in the bottom 6. A 4th line of Carp, Highmore, Caggiula is pretty decent. I am losing my enthusiasm for Kampf. He can win faceoffs and play on the PK. But 5v5 he is awful offensively. He might be better as a winger on the 4th that can take faceoffs and kill penalties. He does not drive enough offense to play center.
- -Doh-

I also would love a 4th line of Carpenter centering Caggiula and Highmore with Kampf as the 13th forward. Then if Caggiula gets hurt again, recall Hagel.

Or if it's later in the season, say at least the halfway point, consider giving Entwistle a cup of coffee. Maybe even Barratt if he progresses quickly.

If spots open up on the 3rd line, then consider Sikura or Kurashev.

Considerably so. Can’t tell if you’re Darthing me there but if not, I don’t think it’s a reach to see them handing the reins over to Foles.

Pace has swung and missed pretty mightily with his first round picks so far, but the fact they moved on from Floyd and traded for Foles who appears to be a fit in this offense kind of speaks volumes.

I’m sure they still want Mitch to get it at some point but as it’s been written...I think they were watching the same thing we all were last season.
- HawkintheD

I don't know, I listened to the Nagy and Pace. I thought they between the lines they were really still pushing Mitch. maybe I have a built in bias.

Any no, not Darthing you, some things are just not imitated

For shame, Tyler!

In other news,

@Account4hockey
Elliotte Friedman on WGR550 Thursday on Dylan Strome: "He's available." "I don't think the cost is particularly prohibitive".

and when someone questioned the weird timing of this:

@Account4hockey
Last week one of the hosts asked him to see if Strome was available because he thinks he would be a good fit for Buffalo. So this week he answered after calling around.
- pdx2ord

Well then, its got to be true.

Although I think Strome would be available, not sure they'd give him away for nothing.

I also would love a 4th line of Carpenter centering Caggiula and Highmore with Kampf as the 13th forward. Then if Caggiula gets hurt again, recall Hagel.

Or if it's later in the season, say at least the halfway point, consider giving Entwistle a cup of coffee. Maybe even Barratt if he progresses quickly.

If spots open up on the 3rd line, then consider Sikura or Kurashev.
- AEL_Fox

Be interesting to watch the Kurashev and Barrett, which will be elevated first.

Ok Tyler, explain this.

https://www.tmz.com/photo...1b0843658a5e5a43c65e66e9/
- boilermaker100

No one was supposed to know this.

Yes, I am the same hunky Tyler Cameron from The Bachelorette series (red font).

I am hoping the same thing for Gravel and how to organize the goalies in the minors. If Gravel is no longer in the Hawks plans and Nalimov is willing to cross the ocean again, then have him start in Indy instead.

Or if Gravel and Nalimov are both signed on, have them be the Indy tandem with the Delia, Lankinen, and Tomkins rotation in Rockford.

Delia or Lankinen could still prove to be the Hawks backup, especially if the team parts ways with Subban.
- AEL_Fox

Yeah, I don't think Subban is in the team's long-term plans.

I actually totally forgot about him.

For shame, Tyler!

In other news,

@Account4hockey
Elliotte Friedman on WGR550 Thursday on Dylan Strome: "He's available." "I don't think the cost is particularly prohibitive".

and when someone questioned the weird timing of this:

@Account4hockey
Last week one of the hosts asked him to see if Strome was available because he thinks he would be a good fit for Buffalo. So this week he answered after calling around.
- pdx2ord

I am not surprised.

Stan will have to get something "sexy" in return though if he's going to move Strome IMO.

Bowman has had more misses lately than wins and Strome (even though Schmaltz has played well when healthy in ARI) is deemed by the majority as a win.

I am not surprised.

Stan will have to get something "sexy" in return though if he's going to move Strome IMO.

Bowman has had more misses lately than wins and Strome (even though Schmaltz has played well when healthy in ARI) is deemed by the majority as a win.
- Tyler Cameron

TC, My big (and pretty much only) concern in moving Strome is that the Hawks would then go to Toews, Dach, Kampf, Carpenter down the middle. I think that is a step back. I'm not a huge Strome fan, but I do think he brings a lot to the table. He seems to have the goods between the ears and in his chest. He is just a bit slow at times which gets him in trouble.

As far as Subban is concerned, do you know if he was simply a throw in by Vegas to make the roster work, or if the Hawks actually wanted to take him back?

I am not surprised.

Stan will have to get something "sexy" in return though if he's going to move Strome IMO.

Bowman has had more misses lately than wins and Strome (even though Schmaltz has played well when healthy in ARI) is deemed by the majority as a win.
- Tyler Cameron

Has Buffalo given up on Middlestadt already? If so seems to be a trend with their #1 picks lately (Nylander). If the rumor is true, wonder what Stan is looking for in return?

Kampf is ok, but I could see him getting replaced by Hagel next season. I know it was just the one game but the puck seemed to find him a lot.

Definitely think that Highmore worked his way on to the team this past season and he and Carpenter should be 2/3's of that 4th line whenever play resumes.
- HawkintheD

Hagel isn't a center. Kampf is also a much better center than Carpenter. In a 4th line role I place a little more importance on FO%. Kampf is at 52%. Carpenter is 43%.

Also think Hagel has enough offense to his game to be put in more of a scoring type of role on a 3rd bum slaying type of line.

I don't know, I listened to the Nagy and Pace. I thought they between the lines they were really still pushing Mitch. maybe I have a built in bias.

Any no, not Darthing you, some things are just not imitated
- vabeachbear

He is damn good at what he does.

I haven't heard the press conference but from what I've read some of the Athletic and Daily Herald people seemed to interpret it differently.

Hagel isn't a center. Kampf is also a much better center than Carpenter. In a 4th line role I place a little more importance on FO%. Kampf is at 52%. Carpenter is 43%.

Also think Hagel has enough offense to his game to be put in more of a scoring type of role on a 3rd bum slaying type of line.
- Elbows15

Was suggesting Carpenter center for Highmore and Hagel but didn't realize he was sub AA percentage wise on face-offs.

Haven't seen Hagel perform other than that one game, but he definitely didn't look out of place on the 3rd line. Think he was out there with Dach and Dinky.

He is damn good at what he does.

I haven't heard the press conference but from what I've read some of the Athletic and Daily Herald people seemed to interpret it differently.
- HawkintheD

Someone thinks differently than me, I hear that is unacceptable here

The Athletic is doing a Blackhawks fan survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRGG3MZ

The link will work for subscribers and non-subscribers alike

Was suggesting Carpenter center for Highmore and Hagel but didn't realize he was sub AA percentage wise on face-offs.

Haven't seen Hagel perform other than that one game, but he definitely didn't look out of place on the 3rd line. Think he was out there with Dach and Dinky.
- HawkintheD

I don't like Carpenter at center. I actually kinda liked him less as the season wore on. He and the puck aren't friends. Liked him better on the wing for sure. Kampf is also faster and better along the walls.

If anyone offers him more than $4.2 mil the Hawks get a 1st and a 3rd back and the cap space. That would be a tough call. Buffalo has 8 RFA's and 7 UFA's on their NHL roster. So you can expect some major changes in the offseason for them (when and if the off season starts).
- -Doh-

I prefer to keep Strome and build around Toews, Dach, and Strome down the middle.

However, if another team is willing to offer Strome that amount, then I would strongly consider a 1st and 3rd pick as compensation given how deep the 2020 draft is. Depends on the team, of course.

The Hawks could replenish Strome with drafting a top 9 center like Lundell. That 3C could be in the system already, too, with Kurashev or even Entwistle or Barratt.

The Senators, Devils, Rangers, Ducks, and Wild have multiple 1st round picks so I assume the Hawks would get the latest of whichever team's 1st rounders. Not a bad thing given the depth of the 1st round but still something to consider.

If the Hawks wanted to gain a second top 10 pick, then they'd be best hoping for the Kings, Sabres, and Habs would be iinterested in signing Strome.

For shame, Tyler!

In other news,

@Account4hockey
Elliotte Friedman on WGR550 Thursday on Dylan Strome: "He's available." "I don't think the cost is particularly prohibitive".

and when someone questioned the weird timing of this:

@Account4hockey
Last week one of the hosts asked him to see if Strome was available because he thinks he would be a good fit for Buffalo. So this week he answered after calling around.
- pdx2ord

If Strome is traded all the centers the Hawks will have left is a young kid and a 3rd liner.

If Strome is traded all the centers the Hawks will have left is a young kid and a 3rd liner.
- paulr

If Dach hits his ceiling that will be a nice load off that 3rd line centers back. Dach out against top match-ups and let the bum Toews bum slay for once. Would probably result in us seeing a few more really good years from Toews.

If Dach hits his ceiling that will be a nice load off that 3rd line centers back. Dach out against top match-ups and let the bum Toews bum slay for once. Would probably result in us seeing a few more really good years from Toews.
- bhawks2241

Or have two solid lines with centers that are responsible defensively in Toews and Dach. Especially at home where we can pick the match ups. Then let 92-17-88 go out as 3rd line against the weaker pairings and really bum slay. That line was starting to look good at the end of the season.

We know 20-19-8 can hold their own and has a good balance.
12-77-and? Hagel, Shaw, Cags or someone outside could be a good line as well and tough to play against and could hold their own defensively.

So much depends on Nylander developing and coming to play every game.

If Strome is traded all the centers the Hawks will have left is a young kid and a 3rd liner.
- paulr

Let’s not forget though that the Hawks have already proven you can still win a championship without a 2C. Not saying it’s the best route to take. But it can be done. If moving Strome improves the overall roster then I’m all for it.

Now that I think about it that 2013 team was incredible weak down the middle. Toews was outstanding but after that Handzus, Shaw(who many don’t even consider a center these days), and what was left of Dave Bolland. That’s about it.

Of course we made up for it by having A. The best D core in the league and B. The best collection of wingers in the league.

I prefer to keep Strome and build around Toews, Dach, and Strome down the middle.

However, if another team is willing to offer Strome that amount, then I would strongly consider a 1st and 3rd pick as compensation given how deep the 2020 draft is. Depends on the team, of course.

The Hawks could replenish Strome with drafting a top 9 center like Lundell. That 3C could be in the system already, too, with Kurashev or even Entwistle or Barratt.

The Senators, Devils, Rangers, Ducks, and Wild have multiple 1st round picks so I assume the Hawks would get the latest of whichever team's 1st rounders. Not a bad thing given the depth of the 1st round but still something to consider.

If the Hawks wanted to gain a second top 10 pick, then they'd be best hoping for the Kings, Sabres, and Habs would be iinterested in signing Strome.
- AEL_Fox

I agree Strome for a 1st and 3rd in this years draft would be worth consideration , I am not sure signing Strome would cost another team picks in this year draft ,but considering how thinks will or will not shake out this offseason it could work out that way .
I would like to see Strome sign back with the HAWKS for a fair price ,ankle injury can be tough for a young player . He and DBC are due a bounce back in a big way .
If the HAWKS could get another 1st then I would really like to see the HAWKS take Yoroslav Askarov ,even if they don't get another pick I take him at 9 ,if they luck out again into the top three all bets are off .Askarov would be the perfect compliment to the young defense . Also I like the look of Holloway since Wiz pointed him out to me ,my Nephew scout say's he was higher rated last year what ever that means (he a Leaf fan ) ,or maybe Lundell .

If anybody is bored witless:

IceHogs Head Coach Derek King Gives Updates on Facebook Live on Tuesday!
Join Rockford IceHogs Head Coach Derek King on Tuesday, Apr. 7 at 2:00 p.m. CT for a LIVE question and answer session on the Rockford IceHogs Facebook Fan Page!

Visit the Facebook page here: Facebook.com/RockfordIceHogs.

Derek King is in his fourth season as a coach of the Rockford IceHogs and first as the team's Head Coach. He was named Interim Head Coach on November 6, 2018 after Jeremy Colliton was promoted to the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League after serving as an assistant coach since 2016. A native of Hamilton, Ont., King has helped coach the Toronto Marlies (AHL) to one Western Conference Championship and three divisional titles.

Prior to his coaching debut with the IceHogs in 2016-17, King, served as the Assistant Coach of the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Prior to his time in the OHL, King was an assistant and associate coach of the Toronto Marlies from 2009-15. The Toronto Marlies captured the Western Conference Championship in 2012 and won the North Division in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The Marlies collected a combined record of 243-166-26-30 under King’s tutelage.

He began his coaching career as a player-assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins, serving in that role in both the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons. He collected 22 goals and 49 assists in 136 games with the Griffins.

King was drafted #13 overall by the New York Islanders in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, and went on to play 14 seasons in the NHL, 11 of those with the team that originally drafted him. The left wing notched 261 goals and 351 assists for 612 points in 830 NHL games. He also accrued 417 PIM. Along with the Islanders (1986-97), King’s NHL career includes stops with the Hartford Whalers (1996-97), Toronto Maple Leafs (1997-00), and St. Louis Blues (1999-00).

FTR. I wouldn't read too much into Gravel's numbers this season. The team he was on was not very good this season. Progress for goalies is far from linear. It is rare when goalies don't suffer regression during their development.

True of most players but even more so for goalies.