Looks to me like anytime the Avs feel any contact with the lower half they go down

Sometimes when a sports legend dies we are saddened and hurt by the reality that a hero or a favorite person who once was part of our sports fabric - the daily to monthly and the annual pastime of our youth was to watch the stars be. ..Well the stars even if they played on the opposing team

Tom Seaver, a Cy Young award winner whom toiled briefly for the White Sox in the twilight of his career, died at 75. He was a wholesome image for kids and adults for so long as a Mets player. I respected him. A link to the past for sure but ironically a link to the tragic time in our lives today since he was afflicted with dementia the past year then came the covid.

There are hockey players too whom have passed recently. But most of us on this hockey board are all around sports fans and either recall Seaver stymie us or you may have read about his exploits

C est la vie or however the expression goes. And life goes on.
- jhawk59

On a related note (mostly for those of us growing up in the Chicago area), Bob Rohrman has passed away. We grew up seeing him on TV, the lion, santa, etc. Rest in peace.

Heads up on what's coming up on the blog schedule...

The next blog will come out later tomorrow or first thing Friday morning.

Then report cards come out starting next week! Tentative roll out:

Mon 9/7: defensemen
Wed 9/9: centers
Fri 9/11: wingers
Mon 9/14: goalies
Wed 9/16: coaches

Craig Button thinks the deal for Allen is perfect for the Habs. They get a decent backup partner for Carey Price (now 33 yrs old) and Allen has only one year left on his deal. Plus it gives their kid goalies another year to develop in the minors, specifically Cayden Primeau.

Bergevin took note of how well Price played in the playoffs after a long rest.

And who knows what the schedule will look like next season - if they start in December or January you can be sure there will be a whole bunch of 4 games in 6 nights and back to backs. Thats not great for a vet like Price (or Crawford). A capable NHL backup makes sense going forward.
- RickJ

Rick, I never thought about the condensed game schedule, you probably nailed the reason for acquisition.

Dollar Bill didn't want to pay Esposito. Fun fact; Phil wanted to finish his career with the blackhawks but the rangers wouldn't make the trade.
- bjphawkfan

I think it had a lot go do with Billy Reay always pissed at Phil's demeanor and the fact the organization really had one goalie prospect Denis DeJordy, but in their scouting of the Bruins they chose Jack Norris over Bernie Freaking Parant and Doug Favell.

Looks to me like anytime the Avs feel any contact with the lower half they go down
- BetweenTheDots

but not for the count TIE SERIES one game left.

You know a lot of the scout/ draft prognosticators love them some Noah Gunler and the guys at International scouting services have been consistent in having him ranks close to that hawk pick, and one of the Athletic "resident experts" had him ranked TENTH on his list.

My point is one that the Hawks only NEED one team to like Gunler and another to like another prospect Y, and another to take prospect Z and it make(s)s available a prospect(s) who very well was ranked higher on the hawlk lists.

Each time there is an "surprise pick," all the teams drafting in the next couple spots start re-evaluations.
They are not necessarily changing their lists the order, because the best available sometimes is so close that you discuss it in relation to the organization strengths, whether the new available m might player quicker, maybe they didn't think a defender would really be there and they know the by the next time they pick there is NO one
filling the organization need even long terms, etc.

SO... they may go off the big heavier centre and call the name of the gifted scoring one they thought would be there.
Or simply take the defenseman they like because they like him no matter what the draftniks thought...like Edmonton's selection of Philip Broberg at 8 overall, and Red Wings early grab of Moritz Seider. You don't think this picks blew up more than one draft board that thought they were gonna be there in the teens?

But you see, they are not reaches at all, just using your pick where you want to fill your wants before the cupboard becomes guessing game of cans w/o legible labels.

I am telling you I was never so sure of a topsy turvy name call at the podium than this year, and let's hope it plays that the Blackhawks are the benefactors.

I know we all know that defense and centre ice have always been priorities but you have to wonder if skill and edge are making a comeback, and if guys project as lower end lineup Cap holders with skill, teams may welcome them as opposed to taking so and so so who looked flashy in the dub/danish league. or danishroll league.

Projections of 18 yr olds as to if they can play in the premier league...I think teams will take the guys who are condense gonna play in some capacity over what he could be if he develop more this and that.

It's going to be a "buy as it is" sort of draft.

Looks like a few of our EU/overseas players are either signing elsewhere or being loaned so that they can keep training:

Tuulola signed with a team in Finland (apparently not expected back, but the team will probably still hold his rights).

Soderlund loaned to a second-division Swedish team so that he can play in the fall.

Chalupa already loaned out and more are to be expected.
- Chunk

Add Kurashev to the list. He's heading to HC Lugano in the Swiss league.

Seems daunlt and domi want out of Montreal so what trade could the hawks make for either one?
- Scott1977

If Stan were to get Danault back, it would take my biggest female dog with him over the last decade back.

Would love to have Phillip back, but not sure I want to lose that I have over Stan.

Bet he would love playing wing with Kane and Dach.
- bhawks2241

I already love that #2 line.

Leaves a big hole on #1 though.

ESPN's mock draft has the Hawks taking this guy. Have read Wiz's thoughts on others but not this player.

Lukas Reichel, LW, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)

The Blackhawks have needs throughout their system, though they look pretty loaded on the blue line at the moment. In this range, there remains a number of quality skill players, and Reichel provides a particularly high reward. He has raw skill, and as he tacks on some muscle, he has legitimate top-six upside. There are safer picks, but based on how our board has shaken out so far, among the available prospects, ceilings aren't much higher than Reichel's. He shows great hands and offensive sense.

Also, so much for my prediction the Hawks crack the top 10 in Pronman's Organization Rankings.

They come in today on the Athletic ranked 14th.

I already love that #2 line.

Leaves a big hole on #1 though.
- vabeachbear

For those that watched the playoffs Saad was very noticeable. We need to keep Saad and add on. Like it was mentioned earlier on this board(Chunk?), Strome has talent but just does not fit this team, especially with the emergence of Dach. So Strome has to be dangled for a good return, either a good Dman or a top six forward needs to come back, we can add to Strome if need be.

For those that watched the playoffs Saad was very noticeable. We need to keep Saad and add on. Like it was mentioned earlier on this board(Chunk?), Strome has talent but just does not fit this team, especially with the emergence of Dach. So Strome has to be dangled for a good return, either a good Dman or a top six forward needs to come back, we can add to Strome if need be.
- Angotti

I was pretty high on Strome after his first season with the Hawks. But like you mention, the emergence of Dach seems to have him looking more like a square peg in a round hole here.

I think they need a decent 2 way 3C who can get up and down the ice at a better pace.

Like you mention, I don't think you trade him just to trade him but potentially help satisfy another organizational need...and maybe as part of a larger deal.

Here's a quick synopsis of the Athletic's rankings for individual Hawk players and a definition of that particular tier designation.

1) Dach - Elite/High-end bubble
2) DeBrincat - High end NHL player
3) Boqvist -High-end/very good bubble
4) Nylander -Very good NHL player
5) Mitchell - Very good NHL player
6) Regula - Legit NHL player
7) Barratt - Legit NHL player
8) Kalynuk - Legit NHL player
9) Teply - Legit NHL player

NHL Potential

Suter, Vlasic, Entwistle, Morrison, Gilbert, Beuadin

Tier Definitions:
Special NHL prospect: Projects as a true NHL star, someone who is among the best players in the league.

Elite NHL prospect: Projects as an impact player, someone who is top 10-15 percent in the NHL at his position.

High-end NHL prospect: Projects as a first-line forward or a top-pair defenseman.

Very good NHL prospect: Projects as a top-six forward, top-four defenseman or starting goaltender in the NHL.

Legit NHL prospect: Projects to be a full-time NHL player in the bottom half of a roster.

NHL potential: The prospect has a chance to make it as a full-time player if some improvements are made.

ESPN's mock draft has the Hawks taking this guy. Have read Wiz's thoughts on others but not this player.

Lukas Reichel, LW, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)

The Blackhawks have needs throughout their system, though they look pretty loaded on the blue line at the moment. In this range, there remains a number of quality skill players, and Reichel provides a particularly high reward. He has raw skill, and as he tacks on some muscle, he has legitimate top-six upside. There are safer picks, but based on how our board has shaken out so far, among the available prospects, ceilings aren't much higher than Reichel's. He shows great hands and offensive sense.
- HawkintheD

Can they get a D man that can and will clear their own crease? Stay at home guys aren't considered studs, but they are a necessary component. Should be able to get a guy like that in a middle round.

Can they get a D man that can and will clear their own crease? Stay at home guys aren't considered studs, but they are a necessary component. Should be able to get a guy like that in a middle round.
- 6628

Regula doesn't project as a stay at home type, but apparently has decent physicality according to the Athletic. Idk if that means he's a crease clearing type but he's got some size at 6"4"/205. And we got him for Brendan Perlini.

I was pretty high on Strome after his first season with the Hawks. But like you mention, the emergence of Dach seems to have him looking more like a square peg in a round hole here.

I think they need a decent 2 way 3C who can get up and down the ice at a better pace.

Like you mention, I don't think you trade him just to trade him but potentially help satisfy another organizational need...and maybe as part of a larger deal.
- HawkintheD

Damn right you were lol. He was a point per game player almost. If he comes back and Debrincat can fix his issue and return to being a 35 goal scorer, we will be winning a lot of games. That's a lot of "ifs" though

Here's a quick synopsis of the Athletic's rankings for individual Hawk players and a definition of that particular tier designation.

1) Dach - Elite/High-end bubble
2) DeBrincat - High end NHL player
3) Boqvist -High-end/very good bubble
4) Nylander -Very good NHL player
5) Mitchell - Very good NHL player
6) Regula - Legit NHL player
7) Barratt - Legit NHL player
8) Kalynuk - Legit NHL player
9) Teply - Legit NHL player

NHL Potential

Suter, Vlasic, Entwistle, Morrison, Gilbert, Beuadin

Tier Definitions:
Special NHL prospect: Projects as a true NHL star, someone who is among the best players in the league.

Elite NHL prospect: Projects as an impact player, someone who is top 10-15 percent in the NHL at his position.

High-end NHL prospect: Projects as a first-line forward or a top-pair defenseman.

Very good NHL prospect: Projects as a top-six forward, top-four defenseman or starting goaltender in the NHL.

Legit NHL prospect: Projects to be a full-time NHL player in the bottom half of a roster.

NHL potential: The prospect has a chance to make it as a full-time player if some improvements are made.
- HawkintheD

Very surprised that Entwistle wasn't viewed as legit NHL player, and that they didn't even mention Kurashev.

Very surprised that Entwistle wasn't viewed as legit NHL player, and that they didn't even mention Kurashev.
- tvetter

Aren't opinions like "something". Who's to say the Athletic knows anything better than Joe Blow?

Aren't opinions like "something". Who's to say the Athletic knows anything better than Joe Blow?
- powerenforcer

Well exactly. Though I do find it encouraging that they have re-evaluated their stance on Dach. Pretty sure his ceiling was viewed as "High End" only headed into last season.

I think his play changed more than a few minds.

I was pretty high on Strome after his first season with the Hawks. But like you mention, the emergence of Dach seems to have him looking more like a square peg in a round hole here.

I think they need a decent 2 way 3C who can get up and down the ice at a better pace.

Like you mention, I don't think you trade him just to trade him but potentially help satisfy another organizational need...and maybe as part of a larger deal.
- HawkintheD

Strome's success early on was tied to playing with Kane and a hot shooting/scoring ADB. Without Kane and with a cold ADB Strome was exposed as a 3C who could move to 2C if one of your top two centers was injured. I am not pushing to move him, but I surely would not offer him more than $2.1 mil. If someone offers him more take the 2nd round pick as RFA compensation.

Also, so much for my prediction the Hawks crack the top 10 in Pronman's Organization Rankings.

They come in today on the Athletic ranked 14th.
- HawkintheD

Without an apparent top 6 forward (that is not already in the NHL) and without an apparent #1 goalie in the entire organization ranking them 14th is generous.

I am hoping they underestimated the Pope (Pius Suter).

Rookie playoff points thus far:
CO Cole Makar's 15 points (most ever by rookie DMan in Stanley Cup playoffs history)
VA Quinn Hughes 14 points (2nd most ever)

Sure they played more than our rookie DMan, but still this is historically productive in a time where defenses are better (vs. say 1980/1990's).

Without an apparent top 6 forward (that is not already in the NHL) and without an apparent #1 goalie in the entire organization ranking them 14th is generous.

I am hoping they underestimated the Pope (Pius Suter).
- -Doh-

Idk know about generous especially when you look at who they are ahead of. Probably about right given they were around 10 and 14 the last couple times each organization’s prospect depth was ranked in the Athletic.

The prior 2 ranking they made it so high based on the sheer amount of prospects they thought had a shot at making the NHL vs having a couple guys in the system who were in the Elite/High End range.