It is truly difficult to look towards any team's prospects expecting to see and predict them as guys who are going to be as good as All-Stars, Cup winners, and dominant impact NHLers.

I think the point made here about the isles is a good one.
Start with their defense.
Most are homegrown drafted by them and except the additions Hickey Leddy and Greene, they were all BIGGER juniors at least 6' 1 185 when taken, and I ma not sure if that was by design, but I wonder if that accounts for their getting this far....

They drafted Pulock early first round because of his shot and upside.
They traded a long time ago for Leddy a first rounder who was not fully developed.
Thomas Hickey was a first rounder by la kings and it also took a great bit of time to develop.
Scott Mayfield 2ns rounder
Adam Pelech 3rd rounder
Devon Toews 4th rounder

Andy Greene, a UFA they traded for to bolster the Cup run.

I look around the league and I dont see the Oilers drafting Bouchard and patting themselves on the back, but I see them using their farm guys to gain experience and again going back to the well and selecting defender Philip Broberg...no one ever thought of Bouchatd as anything but a finesse defender and they weren't letting the chance of a two way skilled guy like Broberg slip by...(They weren't registering the concerns about his feet, that frequent this blog all the time like bigger defenders have to be deer.)

My point is the Hawks have to come up with more than surfs ferocity of st Pete recycling
m their system, or draft some.
- wiz1901

I like what the Oilers have done with their dmen drafting. Broberg has probably passed Bouchard on their depth chart. Bouchard needs to prove he can play both ends soon as C. Jones might still have more upside. Plus I keep hearing Krug being mentioned to run the pp and get Nurse and Klefbom off the pp. Can you imagine Krug playing with all that firepower up front. Exciting times ahead.
The Islanders success lies within the coaching for me. Trotz has his team defence set as a priority and they all know their jobs. The defence core is good but play way over their head because of the good coaching. Trotz is my fav coach followed by the new and improved Tortorella. He was crap in Vancouver but has learned big time from his mistakes. Have a great day Hawk nation.

Great point. No need to replace, what the management team needs to do is retool. The game evolves, rules evolve, so you need to find players that excel in the current environment. Sometimes what worked in the past doesn't work today.
Thanks Theo for your insight on the younger players. It will be fun to watch who excels in the years to come.
- powerenforcer

You bet, PE. For me at least, a huge part of being a fan is the excitement of seeing if prospects develop well to become impact players for the big club.

That makes sense to me that with changing personnel, the strategies and systems need to change as well.

Communication styles are also changing, i.e. Colliton seems to connect well with the younger players, not so much the older ones. Not all of that is his fault, though.

What I see Colliton struggling to realize is that his systems seem to require perfection or else it just disintegrates if their structure breaks down.

The players don't know how to still be effective as they attempt to restore the structure on the fly. IMO, this is where it's on the players to execute fundamental hockey no matter the system.
- Theo Fox

I agree to a point. Every great coach usually has some great players to make them great. If you do not have the talent it is pretty hard to coach. Where would the Bruins coach be without Marchand and Bergeron, for example. That is why Trotz is the best coach as he only has one superstar and a bunch of hard working players.

You don't see forwards and dmen (actually i did see it from the dmen just to slow) sacrificing like the Isle or Philly, or Vegas or even Canucks, and you don't see any kind of spacing once we have the puck. Blackhawks are a young we don't really know what to do, or what it really takes to win in the playoffs team right now.
- BetweenTheDots

Difficulty spacing is another area that really needs to be cleaned up or that will be an Achilles heel of the Hawks by taking themselves out of plays without the other team exerting any effort.

No doubt...Dach, D-cat, Kubalick and company are not the Toews and Kane of yesteryear. But, maybe they can at least be 70-80% of what we had up front......because....if they can....the potential of our back-end can reach BEYOND what we had during the Cups.
- hawk35

It's all about each player playing to their strengths, playing their role, and playing within the system.

The percentages don't matter as much as everyone committing to the system and committing to fundamental hockey when the system intermittently breaks down.

Keith, in his prime, likely can't be replaced...But, if Mitchell can do a reasonable copy in 2-3 years...and we add in Boquist, Beaudin, Carlsson & Vlasic....heck...From 1-5 or 1-6 our defense may be BETTER than years past. I really like the fact we have so many "D" prospects. Wouldn't even mind another. Nothing is a better trade chip when you are close enough to go for it. Nothing fetches more than a Top 4 "D". Teams are clamoring for them in the off-season and at trade deadlines.Build with the "D". You can use them later to supplement the forwards!
- hawk35

This is the benefit of trading from a place of strength, i.e. a deep D prospect pool in this case. Like you said, groom the D prospects as best you can so they're desirable trade assets.

There won't be room for all of them anyway, so those you are willing to part with who are also meeting potential allows the Hawks to gain other assets of need.

The key to that statement is Trotz system. JC system is an entirely different setup.
- RaleighHawk

No it is not. It is just executed poorly. The Islanders are very good defensively because they do two things really well. They deny/contest the blue line and they protect the slot better than most if not all teams.

They still key on individual pressure on the puck, but the rest of the team is smart enough and quick enough to rotate to cover their responsibilities.

Scheme certainly matters, but it is not the end all. Q's system worked very well for a while and it was a hybrid zone. It stopped working when the Hawks did not have players that could properly execute it.

Very nice blog this morning Theo, appreciate the time and effort you put into this. I agree mostly but I compare Kubalik to Patrick Sharp in a big way and I believe he will be a sniper for many years to come. As for Kirby Dach becoming a Toews replacement I would say he certainly has a chance of being that guy. He is just a baby and he was a force in the playoffs and he could be even better than Toews one day offensively. You have to remember Toews's stats were inflated over the years by playing with susperstar Kane throughout his career. The Hawks need a young goalie like draft eligible Askarov or should just go into free agency and sign arguably the best goaltender in the KHL right now Timur Bilyalov and get it over with. At 25 he is as good or better than Shesterkin or Sorokin and he is a free agent plus he want to play in the NHL. My sources say the Leafs are in on him but I have also heard due to Covid he may delay one year on his arrival. Get in the Chicago and sign this guy. Anyway fantastic blog and welcome aboard.
- joegreif17

Thanks, joe! I need to read up more on this goalie you suggested, Timur Bilyalov. Don't know much about him.

Good write up Theo. There are multiple ways to assemble a Stanley cup winner, the Hawks built theirs with superstars and stars. Chances are we will never see another Kane or Hossa, however there was one weakness that our Stanley cup teams all had, #5 and #6 defensemen. Although we got some good play from Rozival, that was it. Also, Keith, Seabrook, and Hammer type players don’t grow on trees. Without superstars or stars on defense, the Hawks will need good defensive play from #1 through #6, we can’t afford Kimmo’s (Hawk’s version)or Rundblad’s anymore, we just don’t have the talent on our top four to compensate for the inferior talent of #5 and #6 Dmen. If we can assemble good defense 1-6, add a top six forward, and play a good defensive system we can compete for a cup. Obviously easier said than done.

Good write up Theo. There are multiple ways to assemble a Stanley cup winner, the Hawks built theirs with superstars and stars. Chances are we will never see another Kane or Hossa, however there was one weakness that our Stanley cup teams all had, #5 and #6 defensemen. Although we got some good play from Rozival, that was it. Also, Keith, Seabrook, and Hammer type players don’t grow on trees. Without superstars or stars on defense, the Hawks will need good defensive play from #1 through #6, we can’t afford Kimmo’s (Hawk’s version)or Rundblad’s anymore, we just don’t have the talent on our top four to compensate for the inferior talent of #5 and #6 Dmen. If we can assemble good defense 1-6, add a top six forward, and play a good defensive system we can compete for a cup. Obviously easier said than done.
- Angotti

did we give up a #2 for Runbad

Thanks, joe! I need to read up more on this goalie you suggested, Timur Bilyalov. Don't know much about him.
- Theo Fox

T. Bilyalov He just turned 25 and nhl is his dream and goal. Undrafted He played32 games last year for AK-Bars KHL and recorded 19 wins, 4 losses, 1.45 gaa .943 save pct and 8 shutouts. I. Sorokin and T. Bilyalov were the top two goalies in the KHL and played against each other in the all star game. It is reported that as many as six nhl teams are hot after him. He did resign for another year due to covid 19 concerns in North America for next year. I do not know if he has an out clause but certainly he will arrive on the scene sooner than later.

did we give up a #2 for Runbad
- glennjpawlak22

The Arizona Coyotes traded David Rundblad and Mathiew Brisebois to Chicago for a second round pick. I believe the date was March 04-2014 if my memory serves me right, lol

The Arizona Coyotes traded David Rundblad and Mathiew Brisebois to Chicago for a second round pick. I believe the date was March 04-2014 if my memory serves me right, lol
- joegreif17

Unfortunately Rundblad could not defend against minor leaguers and was unable to reach the high end offensive abilities he displayed in his homeland. He was a bust.

The Arizona Coyotes traded David Rundblad and Mathiew Brisebois to Chicago for a second round pick. I believe the date was March 04-2014 if my memory serves me right, lol
- joegreif17

I just threw up in my mouth.

Good write up Theo. There are multiple ways to assemble a Stanley cup winner, the Hawks built theirs with superstars and stars. Chances are we will never see another Kane or Hossa, however there was one weakness that our Stanley cup teams all had, #5 and #6 defensemen. Although we got some good play from Rozival, that was it. Also, Keith, Seabrook, and Hammer type players don’t grow on trees. Without superstars or stars on defense, the Hawks will need good defensive play from #1 through #6, we can’t afford Kimmo’s (Hawk’s version)or Rundblad’s anymore, we just don’t have the talent on our top four to compensate for the inferior talent of #5 and #6 Dmen. If we can assemble good defense 1-6, add a top six forward, and play a good defensive system we can compete for a cup. Obviously easier said than done.
- Angotti

Great perspective, Angotti. I would have to agree as my preference is to have a balanced team from Line 1 to Line 4 and 1-6 on the blueline rather than have a top-heavy squad with superstars surrounded by a patchwork of stop gaps.

As hawk35 pointed out and that illustrates your point, the future blueline could actually prove stronger 1-6 than the prior iterations during the Cup years when it was strong 1-3 or 1-4 only.

Trade proposal:


Max Domi + Cole Caufield

Alex Debrincat + Dylan Strome

who says yes?

I like what the Oilers have done with their dmen drafting. Broberg has probably passed Bouchard on their depth chart. Bouchard needs to prove he can play both ends soon as C. Jones might still have more upside. Plus I keep hearing Krug being mentioned to run the pp and get Nurse and Klefbom off the pp. Can you imagine Krug playing with all that firepower up front. Exciting times ahead..
- joegreif17

My understanding is Krug is still talking to the Bruins.

and Caleb jones IS coming on.

Trade proposal:


Max Domi + Cole Caufield

Alex Debrincat + Dylan Strome

who says yes?
- Slofire94

I would!

Trade proposal:


Max Domi + Cole Caufield

Alex Debrincat + Dylan Strome

who says yes?
- Slofire94

Not Montreal

You make alot of great points. Personally imo the organization maybe believed that tweaking the team on the fly and a young coach with their remaining core could get them back into the playoffs.


Imo stan and JC need to be fired each for various reasons. Stan while he did manage to balance the teans salary cap to some degree he also decimated all their promising young talent , due to either bad trades or bad signings. After 2010 that was probably his best thought out move as to whom he would let go and resign.

Seabrook and bickell both should have been allowed to walk bickell was always a bottom 6 guy with no upside and seabrook it was simply his age and then the term offered.

Danault, tevo jokihariu , panarin


While I appreciate the 3 cups , I'm not into watching a team that is at best a 12th seeded team with a organization trying to promote toews , keith , kane and crawford as the catalyst to win another cup here in chicago with a head coach that has more losses than wins and a group of so so kids whom are mia more than. Showing up.

did we give up a #2 for Runbad
- glennjpawlak22

Whatever we gave up it was too much.

Thanks, joe! I need to read up more on this goalie you suggested, Timur Bilyalov. Don't know much about him.
- Theo Fox

With the goalie talk, I think we would be remiss to not discuss Demko in Vancouver. Drafted in 2014 and just got going last year. Obviously, its a small sample size, but I think he's more the norm than the exception regarding the progress of young goalies taking a number of years to be ready to contribute.

Good article Theo. Sure it's nice to have a star player but looking at the teams in the playoffs, sure they have their key players, but it seems it's more about team balance, depth and coaching. Islanders being good example with excellent coaching and sure Barzell is key, but supporting cast is not big drop off. Defensively, do they even have a "number one" or "top pair". Seems its six pretty solid defensemen. Same came be said for Vegas. Look at their defense ... solid from top to bottom, although Theodore seems to be emerging little higher. Their forwards are solid through all four lines. Depth and balance seems to be the key ..... not putting all your eggs in one or two baskets and therefore having more cap flexibility to add depth and balance. Hawks need to keep stock piling talent, just get the right coaches to prepare the kids for the NHL as soon as possible and have a coach at the NHL level that has a system to plug the kids in. Trotz might be the best coach in NHL. His Nashville teams were always tough to play against, they always lacked offense. See what a little offense can do for a good coach that already had the defensive plan and system in place

I believe that Murphy is on his way. I thought he played well in the playoff's and could have a good season next year. I wasn't impressed with him when he got here but I think he has found his path. Let's see if he can stay on it. I am also excited to see Suter play in the NHL.

You make alot of great points. Personally imo the organization maybe believed that tweaking the team on the fly and a young coach with their remaining core could get them back into the playoffs.


Imo stan and JC need to be fired each for various reasons. Stan while he did manage to balance the teans salary cap to some degree he also decimated all their promising young talent , due to either bad trades or bad signings. After 2010 that was probably his best thought out move as to whom he would let go and resign.

Seabrook and bickell both should have been allowed to walk bickell was always a bottom 6 guy with no upside and seabrook it was simply his age and then the term offered.

Danault, tevo jokihariu , panarin


While I appreciate the 3 cups , I'm not into watching a team that is at best a 12th seeded team with a organization trying to promote toews , keith , kane and crawford as the catalyst to win another cup here in chicago with a head coach that has more losses than wins and a group of so so kids whom are mia more than. Showing up.
- Taylorst1

You can't have your cake and eat it too. A lot of the moves that were made to keep the team competitive and chasing cups, drained their prospect pool. Would it have made a difference to you if they won a fourth cup?

Playing hindsight GM is always easy. Everyone will agree that Seabrook's contract is atrocious. I think you will get a lot of pushback on whether or not he should have been resigned.

Bickell was never a standout regular season player, but once the playoffs started he was an absolute monster (and aren't we all lamenting the lack of such players now?). His contract was precisely in line with what the market would have paid at the time. He has MS for crying out loud (which would not be diagnosed for another two years after signing the contract).

Neither Stan nor JC will be fired. If my information is correct, both of their contracts run out at the end of this year, so if they are bad, one or both will be gone.

Regardless of what they were trying to promote, if you could not tell that they were in full rebuild the last couple of years, you weren't looking. They've turned over a ton of the roster and are one of the youngest teams in the league. Are they trying to win while rebuilding? Of course they are. That shouldn't confuse the fact that they are bringing in a ton of young new faces who will ultimately be the stars of the team.

No one likes when their team isn't winning, but it happens to everyone. Patience is a virtue and I think we all need more of it because it will be a couple more years before the Hawks are back were we all expect them to be.

I get that the best talent is found at the top of the draft, but it is not the end all. There are as many failures as there are successes. NYR looks like they are set up to be very competitive for a long time. They still have to do it.

You can't have your cake and eat it too. A lot of the moves that were made to keep the team competitive and chasing cups, drained their prospect pool. Would it have made a difference to you if they won a fourth cup?

Playing hindsight GM is always easy. Everyone will agree that Seabrook's contract is atrocious. I think you will get a lot of pushback on whether or not he should have been resigned.

Bickell was never a standout regular season player, but once the playoffs started he was an absolute monster (and aren't we all lamenting the lack of such players now?). His contract was precisely in line with what the market would have paid at the time. He has MS for crying out loud (which would not be diagnosed for another two years after signing the contract).

Neither Stan nor JC will be fired. If my information is correct, both of their contracts run out at the end of this year, so if they are bad, one or both will be gone.

Regardless of what they were trying to promote, if you could not tell that they were in full rebuild the last couple of years, you weren't looking. They've turned over a ton of the roster and are one of the youngest teams in the league. Are they trying to win while rebuilding? Of course they are. That shouldn't confuse the fact that they are bringing in a ton of young new faces who will ultimately be the stars of the team.

No one likes when their team isn't winning, but it happens to everyone. Patience is a virtue and I think we all need more of it because it will be a couple more years before the Hawks are back were we all expect them to be.

I get that the best talent is found at the top of the draft, but it is not the end all. There are as many failures as there are successes. NYR looks like they are set up to be very competitive for a long time. They still have to do it.
- Chunk

Completely agree Chunk it's always easy for people to criticize once the winning is over, the Denault trade was a major brain fart, but i can appreciate the fact Bowman didn't sit on his hands. I've seen orgs either do nothing or constantly(Cubs/Hendry) not really understand what they needed in order to take the next step. I agree with Wirtz, i let Stan hold the gm stick for a couple more years and see what we have.