Thanks, Elbows!

The roster I shared definitely has its share of whipping boys like Lalonde and Barker.

As PE pointed out, I glaringly left out all the Russian prospects like Vorobiev, Yakubov, and Radulov.
- Theo Fox

Was Barker on the 2010 Cup Team?

Was Barker on the 2010 Cup Team?
- glennjpawlak22

Already traded for leddy

Accountant who embezzled $72 MILLION from three ex-Chicago Blackhawks players, a trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago and a widow to buy four yachts, two private jets and 25 properties is sentenced to 16 years in prison

https://www.dailymail.co....s-sentenced-16-years.html

As someone who has watched a ton of youth, Jr. and College hockey I always find it interesting to see the players that make it in the NHL and even more so, the ones that thrive in the NHL.

I have always found that there are some players that stand out in the group they currently play with but may struggle when they go to the next level. Kids that are big or mature for their age group may dominate early, but tend to fade when placed with all the other big or mature kids.

I have also noticed, especially with the last 15 years or so, that as the proliferation of power skating coaches, skills coaches, strength coaches, etc. becomes a reality in youth hockey, there has been the creation of a whole bunch of kids who are technically very talented but have no idea how to play the game. They are the ones that advance to each level with the promise of great skill, and then flame out when they can never learn the game.
- TheTrob

Great points, Trob. I see similar patterns in other industries where jobs get so technical and nuanced that sometimes companies can miss the boat to develop effective team players who can communicate well, interact with others who work differently, and adapt to changing circumstances.

This reminds me of Robbie Schrempf, the hot shot 1st rounder who the Oilers took in 2004. IIRC, he was arrogant and thought he could make it on his skill alone. Failed to learn the team game or did eventually but it was too late.

Or pick any other offensive wizard who struggles to succeed in the NHL because they don't know how to play without the puck or how to play within a structure.

so who do we think surprises next year of the AHL or New signings fringe NHL hawks. I feel like there is always a few guys that surprise. Suter is probably a for sure. of the other guys Im going with Morrison because he has the most size. and kalynuk because he has the most speed. and if someone surprises Im guessing its a LD. the 2 biggest things that I took from Vegas is they bought into there system more, and they had more size up and down the lineup. with speed it was harder to say. Vegas played faster but that might have been a function of running a well oiled system. assuming most of the below are still in the mix for 2020 Rockford should be allot better.

Forwards/C

hagel 22
John Q 24
D sikura 25
Cam Morrison 22
E barrett 21
Pius Suter 24
kurashev 20
chalupa 22

D:
Gilbert 23
Regula 20
ian Mitchell 21
waytt Kalynuk 23
lucas Carlson 23
beaudin 20
- kmw4631

My take is Morrison will be a longer-term project. He's got the size and hands but still may not translate to success at the pro level. If he can build off of his industrious nature, that should aid steady development.

Kalynuk isn't necessarily a speed merchant but is a very agile and technically sound skater. Yet in comparison to the other D prospects, he could very well be the fastest.

I'll have a blog out in the fall on forecasting the Hogs roster. Lots still to shake out, especially as they keep signing forwards to AHL deals.

Not posting a lot, but also would like to thank Tyler for the great work here and many interesting blogs. All the best for your future projects!

Thanks Theo for taking over and good luck!
- MDGHawk

Thanks, MDG!

Please post more often if you're comfortable. Would love to hear more of your thoughts on whatever topics interest you.

Welcome Theo, Nice 1st piece.
- TJYTJY

Thanks, TJY squared!

Rene Bourque -- last time I was at the UC, there was still a photo of him on a huge sign above the escalator on the way up to the 300 level. Clearly the marketing budget is focused elsewhere.

Already traded for leddy
- Abadseed

Must have been 2009 playoffs that i saw him playing....tx

What? No Reto Von Arx. Flashes in his first few games then nothing. Went back to Davos HC.

What? No Reto Von Arx. Flashes in his first few games then nothing. Went back to Davos HC.
- wizardofi

He put on quite a show the game I went to while in Davos in 2009.

He put on quite a show the game I went to while in Davos in 2009.
- gmurban

Such a stupid (frank)ing rule, get a 2 minute penalty for challenging a call on the ice. Can't wait for the dinosaurs who are running the NHL go away

Bill Zito hired as Panthers GM per the Score

Imagine if Hart had some good dmen in front of him.

Imagine if Hart had some good dmen in front of him.
- BetweenTheDots

Is me but flyers look slow or is it islanders forecheck?

Reportedly breaking news that Bill Zito is the new Florida GM

Zito is referenced as a former player agent and has experience in a GM role at the AHL level.plus experience in management at the NzhL level.with Columbus

Zito inherits an interesting team. Florida is similar to Chicago as a playoff bubble pretender. There is top level talent and there are issues too. The blueline crew and less than stellar play in goal are major problems. I suspect that the team needs better guidance of its assets and to work on their deficiencies

Tallon wasn't going to get them to the next level. But here is an interesting read (by myself): By drafting a goaltender [Knight] in round one IF he (Knight) is the real desl - he is by all accounts - then there is a decision whom gets the net long term. However, due to Bobrovsky underwhelming season - or shall we just label it as not superstar review- i no longer see Florida able to extract a really good young veteran for one of their netminders.

Is me but flyers look slow or is it islanders forecheck?
- Scott1977

Seems like anytime the Flyers sustain pressure and come away empty their level of play the next few series drops off probably from frustration

I like this Isles team. Everyone is smart with the puck. Good for them for snatching up Lou Lamareillo, a coach fresh off a Stanley Cup (hello washington??), and getting Pageau before the deadline. Also switching out Lehner for Varlamov was interesting

Toss up but I would be thrilled with Mercer or Marat.
- Elbows15

Mercer hope he drops to 17 read wiz's profile what stands out to me is his ability to play center if needed but his hockey IQ in all three zones is exactly what the hawks need imo.

Mercer hope he drops to 17 read wiz's profile what stands out to me is his ability to play center if needed but his hockey IQ in all three zones is exactly what the hawks need imo.
- Scott1977

Go look at video of Mercer, Scott. He has some nifty mitts. Kid can stickhandle in a phone booth.

I really liked Mercer at 10 among others. Not sure he gets to 17.

Imagine if Hart had some good dmen in front of him.
- BetweenTheDots

I keep waiting for Provo to just take over. Braun has been awful for them.

I keep waiting for Provo to just take over. Braun has been awful for them.
- Elbows15

If there is anyone that should work out with Kane and his trainer its Barzal, damn man

i think I've seen Van Riemsdyk fall down once a shift with no one around him wow he's a terrible skater

Becoming a big fan of Couterier as well good solid hockey player

Go look at video of Mercer, Scott. He has some nifty mitts. Kid can stickhandle in a phone booth.

I really liked Mercer at 10 among others. Not sure he gets to 17.
- Elbows15

Would you try to move up if mercer is the player you want?