Why would Joe Sakic be interested in a player he could still beat in a race around the rink at age 51?

The Avs want to play a high speed, up tempo game thru their lineup. Strome doesnt fit there.
- RickJ

Good point. Logically that makes sense.

You never know what teams are seeking and are willing to give up either in the trade or as a deficiencies in the player they receive.

Yes Theo my guess is what you mention here. Just appears to be the more sensible approach

I also want to stress one other point. That is to do about our AHL prospects. And to a lesser extent other prospects we expect to later model Icehog uniforms as they move forward from junior, collegiate, overseas etc al

Here is the situation: it is all well and fine to mention trades. Some actually do make sense but almost always us armchair GM aren't going to see those deals in reality. Something else comes to fruition. This would include ideas I too might float.

I just believe we need to think harder and believe more in our own prospects. Expect they are whom probably turn up here and not some NHL player blows into the Windy city. Even someone like Hagel's junior teamatte whom is not at the top of our coveted hot prospects to move up....he (R Johnson)could very well be a valuable role player for what he brings.

Of course it is somewhat problematic for fans to imagine what those prosoects would look like in the NHL. That is due to the fact (most often) we do not see them play. We view reports but actually seeing prospects improve is what we should concentrate upon

In that vein your input is especially appreciated. You actually take time to watch AHL even if you might see some games a day late if you happen to have taped a game.Like wiz you are able to compare contrast player progress from earlier in the season. Good examples are your reports on Beaudin and Kyrs

So when trades are discussed, I just think .....well if we make due for half a season or longer, there are (for instance) several bottom line forwards and some dmen whom might be a lot closer to NHL ready.. it is about replacing someone else,, taking their job..A player we may not wish to deal now might be more palpable to move after some AHL guys demonstrate progress in their development.
- jhawk59

Thanks, jhawk.

I do what I can to keep tabs on prospects in different ways then share what I observe.

You're right that it is a good thing for the Blackhawks to show patience with their prospects while also leveraging some of them in trades that make sense.

Don't give up on ones like Reese Johnson just because his ceiling is 4th line because his impact on the team and the game could be a difference maker like the bottom 6 players on the Cup contenders.

Watching this Stars team, with Heiskanen being such a good dman and Lindell just getting better every year, if my spidy senses are right about Boqvist and if we have just 2 more young dmen become above average dmen, this Blackhawks team really isnt that far away.
- BetweenTheDots

Great perspective. If the continue their development and aren't rushed, I can see Mitchell, Beaudin, and Carlsson being just as effective as the D-men on many of the contending teams.

Play a balanced game and as a well-rounded unit of 6, then they can make waves. I'd rather have a reliable 1-6 than only a top 2-3 then mediocrity thereafter.

Maybe this is the real Justin Lowe. Over/under on name change 46 days.
- VopatsRash

Under.

Under.
- Tyler Cameron

Over. Since Theo won't change his name.

Honestly does it make any (frank)ing sense having the refs on the ice review the play, just put a ref in the broadcast booth and have him, her or them review it. Would of taken 10 seconds for that review ref or refs to say no goal.

Over. Since Theo won't change his name.
- tvetter

BTW. I really hope you continue to be active here!

Klingberg plays 2 on 1 like Gusto, yikes

This Dallas team is so jeckyll and hyde, talk about an up and down team

Great read. I think trading De Haan makes more sense than trading Maata. De Haan creates more cap space and Maata played a lot better than him when it mattered, the playoffs. He played his best for the Penguins in the playoffs too and is experienced, so might be worth keeping around.
- Hawkeynation

No.

That friggin Walrus might win a Conn Smyth

The only Blackhawk to make ‘The Athletic’s’ 2020 Playoff Disappointment Team.

Alexander Nylander, Blackhawks
Nylander had 10 goals and 26 points in the regular season, so no reasonable Hawks fan was expecting him to put the team on his shoulders. That would be pointless. Also pointless: Alexander Nylander, through eight games of diminishing ice time before being scratched in the finale against Vegas. The most frustrating piece of this story may be that Nylander seemed to be set up for a breakthrough that never came.

That friggin Walrus might win a Conn Smyth
- 6628

So Stan trades a playoff MVP for a 2nd round pick and c-level prospect.

The only Blackhawk to make ‘The Athletic’s’ 2020 Playoff Disappointment Team.

Alexander Nylander, Blackhawks
Nylander had 10 goals and 26 points in the regular season, so no reasonable Hawks fan was expecting him to put the team on his shoulders. That would be pointless. Also pointless: Alexander Nylander, through eight games of diminishing ice time before being scratched in the finale against Vegas. The most frustrating piece of this story may be that Nylander seemed to be set up for a breakthrough that never came.
- scottak

Nylander’s performance was disappointing as was Boqvist and Strome. Boqvist is at least a bit understandable. Hopefully they can learn from the experience.

Theo,

Just had one more thought and I know you are big on this shall I refer to it as a process.

We have only so any openings for an NHL job. Often prospects take those jobs. If not later than sooner.

So in the new look NHL to come as soon as next season, more bottom line jobs and bottom pair and or depth jobs will be given to cheaper contracts. I suggest this savings was trending the past ouple seasons and will just be more in vogue after the affects from Covid crises upon the socio economic standing of both business and consumers.

Now here I am going to take this farther than you probably thought I was going with this.

I foresee an inexpensive way to add depth and save coin is for GM's to start trying to pluck prospects whom might be floundering

Example. Could be Kurashev. Or Fortin and Sikura. A GM says, we will exchange third round picks if you ship Sikura over to our stable.

You've seen it with moves like Special K or Perlini
Actually a big horse along boards like Ernie (Tampa) peaks my curiosity. Is Ernie or a Sikura a scout's favorite. Maybe someone the GM like in that player's draft year. We could see GM's reaching more for a bit less accomplished prospects and hoping to see said prospect click in a new environment.

A GM thinks,, hey I really believe that Sikura can chip in with some goals. He is actually a well rounded player.

The Ernie prospect was still around a few years later and has injury past. I dk if he is an appropriate example. But he is a real horse along boards and in juniors had offensive numbers.

Kurashev seems to get a word of caution from Wiz. Maybe he isn't all we might think he could be. Re Johnson and Entwhistle as centers; Sikura and Kurashev out. Who knows. But other GM need to be creative how to add more talent on the cheap
- jhawk59

I don't mind prospect for prospect swaps and maybe there will be more of those for the reasons you stated, i.e. flat cap.

Rumor out that Crawford has been offered a one-year deal at $3.5M (source is Scott Powers from the Athletic).
- Theo Fox

makes perfect sense.

and they will go year by year while finding a new starter

I wouldn't be trading Murphy unless its an overpay.
- Elbows15

Agreed. you 5take advantage of Murphys cap ease and yiouy hope he is on an upward climb that may convince you he stays but at a lower price tag, or goodbye.

(Hey, and all this Detroit needs OUR garbage for a player posts:
Detroit is gonna do two things or maybe one thing that does both.
They are going to use their Cap space to save an NHL club's Cap by taking a contract and expect a steep pay-out in kids, or picks and maybe even a goalie comes packaged, or they take a contract find a goalie who will com e there, and then try and find a dumpster dive guy from the poor UFApool.)

Rumor was lehner to Colorado for a 1st and jost but sakic no. Maybe he shoulda done the deal all hindsight now.
- Scott1977

IF StanBo Wass even close to having this imaginary conversation and "Sakic said, no" I am pretty sure Stan would have countered with about just ONE of them?

Great perspective. If the continue their development and aren't rushed, I can see Mitchell, Beaudin, and Carlsson being just as effective as the D-men on many of the contending teams.

Play a balanced game and as a well-rounded unit of 6, then they can make waves. I'd rather have a reliable 1-6 than only a top 2-3 then mediocrity thereafter.
- Theo Fox

And it also helps that everyone skates well. One interesting point too is that each of the offensive capable dmen have one or more particular strength but no weaknesses in their offensive capability. So on future teams you have a distinct likelihood for the five man units playing with third or fourth lines will match up well against their opponent even in road contests.

The beauty in this is profound. There is a good amount of skill, skating, and toughness plus there are certain skills or noted strength of each player which could outshine the other team's player they go up against. You know wing vs wing, our dmen capacity vs their dmen capacity

Examples include clutch performance and better along boards (Entwhistle), a yapper in addition to skill and willingness to battle for puck (Barrett), and a dman with extraordinary puck carrier or shot (Kyrzs or Rogula).

It is going to be interesting too see if we use an player like Kyrzs or a Moberg/Vlasic on a third pair. Kyrzs gives you sort of an unexpected secret weapon as a third pair with his particular strengths, but Moberg in particular could be a physical force. We just hope all the kids develop nicely. Then we have lineup decisions to make.

Now as for depth in forward lines: Having four lines to roll is a huge help yet when many of the bottom lines and bottom pair dmen are better all around players than their opponent OR can match up well against the opponents top line: well this just means that we outplay and are flat out better.

A deep mobile set of dmen goes hand- in -hand with our four lines. That is i bet a Bowman plan. Not a coincidence. The hardest thing for Bowman to accomplish though is probably going to be to input more toughness with one or two new top six forwards.
The type comes from the draft. But the best player to select philosophy and just finding tough yet skill guys with our first round pick .....is not easily accomplished. At #17 this draft I expect the best player available is what we get.

If Strome is being shopped, I'd consider sending him to the Avalanche for Jost. Kadri and Compher are their 2C and 3C so that could be a way to get a younger 2C in their lineup for the longer term.

Jost can play wing although drafted as a center. Not putting up huge numbers so far in his career but could be worth developing as an affordable 3rd liner if signed to a respectable contract at $1.5-$2M (he is an RFA off of an ELC).

Kerfoot is a similar middle 6 C/W but already earning $3.5M for the next 3 years. Go with the cheaper option in Jost with an opportunity to still reach potential.
- Theo Fox

I don't doubt that Colorad will now step up and start making moves to bolster whatever they feel are deficits air forward, and like you I think they have room for a big finesses centre like Strome in the mix. This speed thing to me is a a matter of playing guys to their strengths with guys that help that happen.

But here to me is what is every NHL GM's reservanions on trading an RFA (who doesn't even require an arbitration hearing to use him in this fault Capo to stick around..) like both Strome and Jost are.
Everything I heard about Jost as he was Toews like in his workman-like habits, commitment, and if he was showing more goal scoring prowess, he would be captain material if he were elsewhere and thriving.

There are striking similarities in Strome & Jost in that the pure skill with sticks and scoring has been a bit more difficult an adjustment and their heads still haven't caught up.

Jost is now a tad under 195, pretty good commitment to adding to a frame son a BCHL graduate. Too me he is a centre first but hasn't won the job for a ton of reasons and has use as a plug n play winger.
I think they haven't lost patience yet, but who knows.

Same with Strome, here. You can more him to the flank if necessary and you are hoping he catches up in the parts that haven't just yet, but for the $ you are doling out, he is a better option than trying to go outside.

Size you can't teach.

if the hawks felt that Jost fills a long term need to fill a centre spot, would they start making moves before they players involved may just be plucked up by the Kraken.

That's why the GMs will pump the brakes on most needs except where they feel they need a big add.

I am not really gambler in any form but I am gonna bet a nickel that the team that drafts Askarov will be in touch with him just as soon as the window to talk opens again (if the virtual interviews are over/starting...never paid attention b/c I was busy...) and make their intentions known that will select him if he is willing to come over to North America right away....

And it also helps that everyone skates well. One interesting point too is that each of the offensive capable dmen have one or more particular strength but no weaknesses in their offensive capability. So on future teams you have a distinct likelihood for the five man units playing with third or fourth lines will match up well against their opponent even in road contests.

The beauty in this is profound. There is a good amount of skill, skating, and toughness plus there are certain skills or noted strength of each player which could outshine the other team's player they go up against. You know wing vs wing, our dmen capacity vs their dmen capacity

Examples include clutch performance and better along boards (Entwhistle), a yapper in addition to skill and willingness to battle for puck (Barrett), and a dman with extraordinary puck carrier or shot (Kyrzs or Rogula).

It is going to be interesting too see if we use an player like Kyrzs or a Moberg/Vlasic on a third pair. Kyrzs gives you sort of an unexpected secret weapon as a third pair with his particular strengths, but Moberg in particular could be a physical force. We just hope all the kids develop nicely. Then we have lineup decisions to make.

Now as for depth in forward lines: Having four lines to roll is a huge help yet when many of the bottom lines and bottom pair dmen are better all around players than their opponent OR can match up well against the opponents top line: well this just means that we outplay and are flat out better.

A deep mobile set of dmen goes hand- in -hand with our four lines. That is i bet a Bowman plan. Not a coincidence. The hardest thing for Bowman to accomplish though is probably going to be to input more toughness with one or two new top six forwards.
The type comes from the draft. But the best player to select philosophy and just finding tough yet skill guys with our first round pick .....is not easily accomplished. At #17 this draft I expect the best player available is what we get.
- jhawk59

The bolded part is the key to everything. No matter what skillset each player brings to the rink, it all boils down to compete level even by the slowest or least skilled of players.

If every single player can hustle every shift and outwork the opponent at every facet of the game, the Hawks can be a competitive team.

I don't doubt that Colorad will now step up and start making moves to bolster whatever they feel are deficits air forward, and like you I think they have room for a big finesses centre like Strome in the mix. This speed thing to me is a a matter of playing guys to their strengths with guys that help that happen.

But here to me is what is every NHL GM's reservanions on trading an RFA (who doesn't even require an arbitration hearing to use him in this fault Capo to stick around..) like both Strome and Jost are.
Everything I heard about Jost as he was Toews like in his workman-like habits, commitment, and if he was showing more goal scoring prowess, he would be captain material if he were elsewhere and thriving.

There are striking similarities in Strome & Jost in that the pure skill with sticks and scoring has been a bit more difficult an adjustment and their heads still haven't caught up.

Jost is now a tad under 195, pretty good commitment to adding to a frame son a BCHL graduate. Too me he is a centre first but hasn't won the job for a ton of reasons and has use as a plug n play winger.
I think they haven't lost patience yet, but who knows.

Same with Strome, here. You can more him to the flank if necessary and you are hoping he catches up in the parts that haven't just yet, but for the $ you are doling out, he is a better option than trying to go outside.

Size you can't teach.

if the hawks felt that Jost fills a long term need to fill a centre spot, would they start making moves before they players involved may just be plucked up by the Kraken.

That's why the GMs will pump the brakes on most needs except where they feel they need a big add.
- wiz1901

Good intel on Jost. IIRC, Jost idolizes Toews and it was a big deal to him that he played at North Dakota (albeit for just one season).

I am not really gambler in any form but I am gonna bet a nickel that the team that drafts Askarov will be in touch with him just as soon as the window to talk opens again (if the virtual interviews are over/starting...never paid attention b/c I was busy...) and make their intentions known that will select him if he is willing to come over to North America right away....
- wiz1901

Hopefully that team happens to pick 17th.

Honestly if Bownan inks Crawford for more than 1 year at his age , health issues i.e concussions history. and a flat cap with numerous contracts that aren't great I'd like to see him tired. a 1 year deal would be ideal to get chicago into a better position overall
- Taylorst1

See what Bowman offered Cam Ward and he had not been hit in the head recently.