You would think Leddy would know better by now.

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

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO true. Great post.

Theo Fox: The Ones That Got Away
My favorite team of former Blackhawks who either never got far in the NHL, was mediocre during their time in Chicago, or hit potential with another team.
- Theo Fox

Hey Theo... very excited to read more of your work.

I’m particularly looking forward to reading more about the prospect pipeline. I’m not overly enthusiastic about the Hawks prospects, they haven’t done a good job transitioning talent from Rockford to the NHL. There’s a couple prospects who have potential but I don’t think they have any locks to make the jump next season.

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

Kane is a huge fan of Barzal's. He is a fun watch.

Would you try to move up if mercer is the player you want?
- Scott1977

Nah. No reason to give up assets. There are others who are just as good of a pick at 17.

There is no difference between 10 and 17 in this draft. All need some work but all have good potential to good NHL players.

You would think Leddy would know better by now.
- BetweenTheDots

*refrains*

I'm surprised no one brought up "Captain Stairwell" as well

Nah. No reason to give up assets. There are others who are just as good of a pick at 17.

There is no difference between 10 and 17 in this draft. All need some work but all have good potential to good NHL players.
- Elbows15

Ok just asking getting you opinion. Holloway or zary

Oakland goaltender Gilles Meloche


Traded with a guy who the hawks 'owned" (eg., on their negotiation lists from teenage and a member of the Teepees of St. Catherine Ontario), Paul Shymr to the Seals for Gerry Desjardins...

all the present era Cap casualties are tedious : Buff, Sharp, Brouwer, Ladd etc.

PHIL ESPOSITO
KEN HODGE
- wiz1901

Welcome aboard Theo!
I know it's before the stated time period but any blog on this subject has to start with the Lou Brock hockey trade of all time: Esposito and Hodge!

Wow Flyers dmen sleeping

Flipped on the game with nine mins left. Nice flurry by the Isles to tie.

Why wasn't Hart called for a penalty? So i guess rules are optional

Not sure if I missed it, but another one that got away was Phi Russell, had some really good years with the Sabres.

What would be a fair price in trade for Markstrom? Would you less in a tradr for Murray (penguins)?

What would be a fair price in trade for Markstrom?
- jhawk59

He is a free agent

What would be a fair price in trade for Markstrom? Would you less in a trade for Murray (penguins)?
- jhawk59

He is a free agent
- LAHawk

Vancouver can still sign then trade him?

Vancouver can still sign then trade him?
- jhawk59

Why would they? I think the Canucks will sign and keep Markstrom.

Crawford will be the #1 next season, the question is who will be the #2.

Demko would be a decent back-up to target via trade. Georgiev is still my #1 choice, but he might cost to much.

Why would they? I think the Canucks will sign and keep Markstrom.

Crawford will be the #1 next season, the question is who will be the #2.

Demko would be a decent back-up to target via trade. Georgiev is still my #1 choice, but he might cost to much.
- DarthKane

You're right; they should sign him. After next season, though, if salary cap or just payroll is a concern, then maybe Vancouver has to accept retaining only one of them. Both were #1 round picks. Demko has put his time in the AHL.

Here is a dilemma. Everyone loves their prospects. Everyone has high hope for them. Eventually not all prospects are going to be studs at the highest level [NHL]. So after an interval you have to figure out whom is going to be your guy. The thing about goaltenders, though, is that they may blossom later than other position players. Dmen and goaltenders definitely appear to blossom later than forwards.

Crawford and Markstrom both were not so young when they enjoyed their first good season. Just to take two at this position as a current example. Markstrom really that would be last season he affirmed he is actually pretty good.

There will be a lot of descent goaltenders available for the Expansion Draft. Do Markstrom and Demko both remain Vancouver property? Who knows.

Nah. No reason to give up assets. There are others who are just as good of a pick at 17.

There is no difference between 10 and 17 in this draft. All need some work but all have good potential to good NHL players.
- Elbows15

I'm increasingly a fan of Wallinder the more I've looked at him. The Hawks likely are not looking D in first round (or for a player 2-3 years away), but I suspect he will continue to move up the boards and could go in that range.

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

I am glad someone is reading my profiles...that was a lot of work.

Thanks!

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

I thought about Reto Von Arx and Tony Salmelainen. Josef Marha, too.

Would you try to move up if mercer is the player you want?
- Scott1977

Move ups are usually over pays, and I think most teams want to be in this top 20, and besides The Penguins wanting to win now and trading that slot.

Toronto offered Kapanen to all the teams got one taker...so that tells you what the scouts & GMs are thinking now.

What would be a fair price in trade for Markstrom? Would you less in a tradr for Murray (penguins)?
- jhawk59

He's is going to be a free agent, he COULD sign anywhere no trade necessary, you just need the $ and Cap space...if you mean fair price asa UFA if he wants money, he very well WILL have to leave because they are gonna feel the Cap squeeze with all the young forwards they know they have fo reward.

You think Duncan Keith wants to go to Winnipeg to close it out for the big Finn Patrik Laine, who in the last two days has heard his name bandied about phone calls?

I thought about Reto Von Arx and Tony Salmelainen. Josef Marha, too.
- Theo Fox

Remember Tallon talking about Tony like they just got a Hall of Famer?