If I am Stan Bowman I would take the long term view. Hawks are cap constrained until after the 2022/2023 season when Toews, Kane, DeBrincat and Keith's contracts come off the books. In the meantime you try to do the best you can with the draft and low priced free agent signings. Try to limit new contracts lengths to the 22/23 season. If some of the prospects turn out to be great then the timeline is accelerated. Position yourselves to have a young team and a ton of cash to spend in the summer of 2023. If Kane and Toews want to stick around and still have the skills you sign them at a fair price. By that time they will have not produced a cup in 8 years and be affordable.

Next years team will look a lot like the team that lost to Vegas. Keys will be:
- Seabs and Shaw health.
- Whether they can (or want to) sign Crow at a reasonable amount
- Suter, Mitchell

It should be interesting to see if they sign Caggiula, K4, and Subban.

I am hoping they let the younger players develop further at the Rock unless they scream I am ready for the NHL. (Hagel, Kurashev, Beaudin, Entwistle, Teply, Barratt, Morrison, Altybarmakyan, Regula, Krys, Kalynuk, Lankinen, Soderlund, Johnson.)
- -Doh-

The real key to next year will be - are the young skaters progressing at an acceptable rate toward reaching their potentials?

Dach, Boqvist, AdB, Strome, Nylander, add in Sutet and Mitchell....

Lazarus has an article in the Athletic this morning on whether or not Colliton is the right coach - a fairly non-commital conclusion at this point, but he does say:

Colliton’s third year behind the bench — and he will be the Blackhawks’ coach whenever the 2020-21 season starts; Bowman has made that abundantly clear — should be the decisive one. Do the Blackhawks, loaded with promising young talent but also in quite a hurry as the veteran core ages, take a big step forward? Do the valuable playoff experience, Dach’s development, and the addition of Ian Mitchell and Pius Sutter to the mix make this a true playoff team? Then Colliton’s the guy, for the present and the future.
Or do the Blackhawks sputter at the start and have to climb out of an early-season hole yet again? Then that becomes Colliton’s ignominious trademark, and he could be gone by January.

Tyler for mailbag bag question two parts:
First who gets bought out to create cap space?
Second Winnipeg needs defense man so either dehann or Matta to the peg for Lowry or copp or to other teams that need defense for a 3rd line center. Face it hawks are in a development stage right now imo so get as many assets as possible.

Dumb or not, it’s part of the coach”s job to answer those questions - he / she owes that to us, the fans, to answer the questions we can’t ask.

As I recall, the question he walked out on wax how living in the bubble affected the team - not a dumb question, I don’t think - he responded with something about not answering “touchy-freely questions”, and walked out. An arrogant “phuck you” response.
- StLBravesFan

Fans aren't entitled to anything from coaches. How many years did we get the "Upper body" or "we'll see" on guys injuries?

From what I read he said "Im not getting into moral victories....you guys be safe"

I think everyone who wants to defend the great JC should go back and read Bowman's introductory presser and rehash that spin job vs what we have 2 years in......

Torts maximizes what he has....he burns out quick because he's relentless but JC can only wish he becomes 1/100th the coach that Torts is.

instead we have an @ss hat who thinks it's great to play a fringe NHL player almost 14 minutes in a playoff elimination game........or running a half cocked system that is probably the laughing stock of the league given how many chances this team routinely gives up each and every game.....

But have no fear....he'll back. The drama will be will he or won't he wear his eye glasses on the bench.

The real key to next year will be - are the young skaters progressing at an acceptable rate toward reaching their potentials?

Dach, Boqvist, AdB, Strome, Nylander, add in Sutet and Mitchell....

Lazarus has an article in the Athletic this morning on whether or not Colliton is the right coach - a fairly non-commital conclusion at this point, but he does say:

Colliton’s third year behind the bench — and he will be the Blackhawks’ coach whenever the 2020-21 season starts; Bowman has made that abundantly clear — should be the decisive one. Do the Blackhawks, loaded with promising young talent but also in quite a hurry as the veteran core ages, take a big step forward? Do the valuable playoff experience, Dach’s development, and the addition of Ian Mitchell and Pius Sutter to the mix make this a true playoff team? Then Colliton’s the guy, for the present and the future.
Or do the Blackhawks sputter at the start and have to climb out of an early-season hole yet again? Then that becomes Colliton’s ignominious trademark, and he could be gone by January.
- StLBravesFan

He's a turd. If it weren't for Lehner and Crawford being OUTSTANDING night in and night out....this team was a lottery pick team.

I see no reason to routinely hitch their wagon to a guy who should be.....MAYBE....an assistant at best in the league. Maybe.

Do you think they hold onto Saad? or trade him offseason or maybe at the deadline?
- LAHawk

I think they hold him unless they feel the offer is very very good (for example a younger cheaper potential top six 200' player). Same for ADB.

Kane, Toews, Kubalik, Dach, ADB, Saad are your likely going to be our top 6 going into training camp. Suter may be a wild card.

Adequate or scoring in spite of the challenges? Kane is so good that even with a little space and few opportunities he can make the most of them. Toews has proven that as well.

Another coach could have had them playing at least respectable hockey instead of chasing the knights around like a bunch of 7 year olds. Trotz or Tortorella would have had the team playing respectable, boring and trappy but at least respectable, hockey.

The post are irrelevant, when a team is controlling 60% of the shot shares they're probably going to win unless the goalie goes off in a crazy way. If the shots are limited to further away and the outside then maybe you can get away with it. If they're right in front of the freakin goal like the Hawks allowed (and that they allowed all season) then you're probably going to lose.
- fattybeef

They sure didn't prove it in the Nashville series when Q was coach. So there's that, you know if we are going to be fair.

Adequate or scoring in spite of the challenges? Kane is so good that even with a little space and few opportunities he can make the most of them. Toews has proven that as well.

Another coach could have had them playing at least respectable hockey instead of chasing the knights around like a bunch of 7 year olds. Trotz or Tortorella would have had the team playing respectable, boring and trappy but at least respectable, hockey.

The post are irrelevant, when a team is controlling 60% of the shot shares they're probably going to win unless the goalie goes off in a crazy way. If the shots are limited to further away and the outside then maybe you can get away with it. If they're right in front of the freakin goal like the Hawks allowed (and that they allowed all season) then you're probably going to lose.
- fattybeef

Not trying to be combative or "high and mighty" but you don't have any evidence of this. Q is a HOF coach, and when he had a collection of crap to coach, he was mediocre at best (see his last year and a half with CHI and this year with FLA).

I'll even grant that Trotz might have gotten them to play better team D (despite the fact that Colliton employs largely the same system). At best they win two games against the Knights. So we are now discussing the manner in which they lose, not the fact that they lost.

Kane, Toews, Saad, Kubalik (mostly), and I'll concede Dach, Keith, Murphy and Maatta all looked like they belonged and could handle the playoff atmosphere. The rest of the team looked like 7 year olds because they basically are. Strome, ADB (save for some improvement the last two games), Nylander , Carpenter was a mess, Kampf was above average for him, and Highmore played respectable (and I like his game), Boqvist, 4K, and a - just returned from major surgery - de Haan. That collection does not make it out of round 1.

He’s becoming a fantastic bottom 6 winger. Wish we didn’t give up on him so soon.
- SimpleJack

Don't we have 7 Tyler Motte type players in our system right now? He is a good bottom six player, but he is the same as Kampf, Highmore, Hagel, etc. High motor guy that kills penalties, goes to the corner, plays good D and will chip in the odd point.

Having more like him is not our problem.

Don't we have 7 Tyler Motte type players in our system right now? He is a good bottom six player, but he is the same as Kampf, Highmore, Hagel, etc. High motor guy that kills penalties, goes to the corner, plays good D and will chip in the odd point.

Having more like him is not our problem.
- Chunk

Since Stan traded him, this board sees him as being superior in every way to our players.

You guys and gals are great. I already have 6 mailbag questions from you.

If there are any more, please let me know by this afternoon. I will be finishing my blog tonight.

Thanks!!
Ty

I think they hold him unless they feel the offer is very very good (for example a younger cheaper potential top six 200' player). Same for ADB.

Kane, Toews, Kubalik, Dach, ADB, Saad are your likely going to be our top 6 going into training camp. Suter may be a wild card.
- -Doh-

If i was the gm i would listen to offers on everyone not named dach boqvist mitchell

If i was the gm i would listen to offers on everyone not named dach boqvist mitchell
- Scott1977

If the offers are good enough, trade them too

Do you think they hold onto Saad? or trade him offseason or maybe at the deadline?
- LAHawk

Someone here said it first: they needed TWO Saad's to be more competitive with Vegas.

I am not sure what they do, try and package SOME salaries for ONE new addition player's salary?

The youth movement means plenty of new auditions but not that many spots to audition in.

And before we start dreaming true first pair defenders are hardly ever available especially as the "one" in the return for many.

Since Stan traded him, this board sees Tyler Motte as being superior in every way to our players.
- RedRevenge

Yeah those 13 goals Motte scored in theist two regular seasons and the two in the playoffs may be clouding his minus 22 in those two season and plus/minus minus one in this playoff...

Someone here said it first: they needed TWO Saad's to be more competitive with Vegas.

I am not sure what they do, try and package SOME salaries for ONE new addition player's salary?

The youth movement means plenty of new auditions but not that many spots to audition in.

And before we start dreaming true first pair defenders are hardly ever available especially as the "one" in the return for many.
- wiz1901

Hi Wiz. Forgive me as I don't really follow any prospects until they get drafted. What players would be available around the Hawks pick that are in the Saad mold?

Flyers/Habs series got a little nasty yesterday. Gallagher possible fractured jaw.

https://www.tsn.ca/montre...-ct-scan-on-jaw-1.1511945

Since Stan traded him, this board sees him as being superior in every way to our players.
- RedRevenge

That is the way this place works you know. He was crap when he was here but now he's totally awesome because he's no longer a Hawk.

Kind of the same with many players the board focuses on for trades. If he's not a Hawk, he must be good.

Tyler for mailbag bag question two parts:
First who gets bought out to create cap space?
Second Winnipeg needs defense man so either dehann or Matta to the peg for Lowry or copp or to other teams that need defense for a 3rd line center. Face it hawks are in a development stage right now imo so get as many assets as possible.
- Scott1977

Speaking of Winnipeg, what is it about Paul Maurice that sees him getting contract extensions? Jets have a decent squad up north, but don't seem to be getting qualitatively better.
Realize they've had a rash of injuries, but why not hand the keys over to someone else?

That is the way this place works you know. He was crap when he was here but now he's totally awesome because he's no longer a Hawk.

Kind of the same with many players the board focuses on for trades. If he's not a Hawk, he must be good.
- HawkintheD

Except for Phaneuf. That guys was overpaid in any sweater.

If the offers are good enough, trade them too
- DarthKane

Especially Dach. He's eventually going to need to get paid.

Take a look at the final 'press conference / interview' of Toews and Keith. While one speaks, watch the other's body language. Are these two on the same page? Each, to me, looks completely disinterested in what the other has to say.....

https://www.nhl.com/black...off-opportunity/c-5405640

https://www.nhl.com/black...ies/t-277437096/c-5405644

Thoughts?
- jimnhlnut

Cliches.
We gotta play 'em one day at a time
I'm just happy to be here and hope I can help the club
I just want to give it my best shot and, Good Lord willing, things'll work out.

Dumb or not, it’s part of the coach”s job to answer those questions - he / she owes that to us, the fans, to answer the questions we can’t ask.

As I recall, the question he walked out on wax how living in the bubble affected the team - not a dumb question, I don’t think - he responded with something about not answering “touchy-freely questions”, and walked out. An arrogant “phuck you” response.
- StLBravesFan

Nah, they don't owe is anything other than getting the team ready to play. Q's interviews were just as revealing and he said nothing other than cliches.

It's 100% a dumb question after a tough OT loss. Hey, you and your pals don't get to hang out and bond in the bubble anymore. Talk about how nice that personal experience was and how nice it will be to go home now.

Way more entertaining to see a hockey associated person with some fire and operating outside of how everyone else does.

The real key to next year will be - are the young skaters progressing at an acceptable rate toward reaching their potentials?

Dach, Boqvist, AdB, Strome, Nylander, add in Sutet and Mitchell....

Lazarus has an article in the Athletic this morning on whether or not Colliton is the right coach - a fairly non-commital conclusion at this point, but he does say:

Colliton’s third year behind the bench — and he will be the Blackhawks’ coach whenever the 2020-21 season starts; Bowman has made that abundantly clear — should be the decisive one. Do the Blackhawks, loaded with promising young talent but also in quite a hurry as the veteran core ages, take a big step forward? Do the valuable playoff experience, Dach’s development, and the addition of Ian Mitchell and Pius Sutter to the mix make this a true playoff team? Then Colliton’s the guy, for the present and the future.
Or do the Blackhawks sputter at the start and have to climb out of an early-season hole yet again? Then that becomes Colliton’s ignominious trademark, and he could be gone by January.
- StLBravesFan

Depends on who is in the goal and what kind of PPG is Kane running to start the season. That, as we know, hides a lot.

Yeah those 13 goals Motte scored in theist two regular seasons and the two in the playoffs may be clouding his minus 22 in those two season and plus/minus minus one in this playoff...
- wiz1901

I mentioned a few days ago I would take another Saad type for 6 mil over Dcat all day. Really all you lose is about 10g a season. In return you get another good PK guy who can play 200ft and pot you 25g a season. That guy also opens up the ice for you and probably causes your skilled player to make up the loss of goals.

They sure didn't prove it in the Nashville series when Q was coach. So there's that, you know if we are going to be fair.
- BetweenTheDots

Hmmm, they had shot share advantages in two of the Nashville games and other than the score sheet - was at least somewhat back and fourth. The better team ended up winning when over the 4 games the stats that should indicate success are about even. Getting swept sucks and seeing Toews get thrown around like a rag doll was irritating but at least on paper or on the score sheet it wasn't overly horrific.

The Hawks got embarrassed against Vegas. Dominated in every single game aside from the one Crow decided to steal.

Losing to the wankers from Nashville sucks but at least they kept the flow of play somewhat respectable and were able to have the run of play some games themselves even though maybe they didn't have the talent or whatever to capitalize on it.