This team has to rebuild. They can add free agents and make trades BUT I don't think they would gain enough of the sort of players needed to seriously challenge in the playoffs. Let alone making the playoffs.

A new #1 dman is necessary. By default Keith still resided. He is at his best when he challenges and gambles. Keith always has made bone head plays even in his Norris Trophy season. Keith is a weak #1 dman and needs the reliability that existed when he was paired with Seabrook. What we can hope for is that a couple of kids would emerge. Hope Mitchell becomes a solid #2 pair. How long until that happens.

With Zadorov here and if on a third pair, obviously Carlsson has to be placed on a #2 pair. His style is a fit to be paired with an offensive young kid. He has played with Carlsson back in Sweden

But entering next season what complicated everything is, Boqvist needs more strength. He needs to have a swagger. Until he is better able to deal with the physical checking, Boqvist is a liability. An accident or bad result waiting to happen. How much better can he become, how much stronger in only a couple months or so in the off season?

I believe he does best to add strength this off season and next off season. The additional strength probably is more helpful and noticeable after next off season

I could continue to explain how this team could compete. But it is really ridiculous to form conclusions now since we do not know a couple of important things

First, what other moves will be made. And how is the veteran core guys going to pull through. If they expected this team to be acseriois playoff contender after three Cups and late round draft choices, they are needing a wake up call.

I have no time for soothing their attitude. Games will be played and if they are not all in, then they have to sit or be traded. They only hurt themselves and the team with a poor attitude.

The second thing to know is that until we have a few more tough players who can cycle along boards and possess grit, this team is going nowhere

DeBrincat needs to gain his 40 goal form or he is not much help. Strome is a liability with hus skating so he must score plenty to be considered a worthwhile part of the team. Strome and DeBrincat represent two players whom would not be the physical players cycling the puck. So that means if they are in the lineuo, what position on what lines do wr find players who grind.

That is what Bowman needs to address. So far Janmark has to be the replacement for Saad. Or else the 4th line checker.

I really like the smarts and skill both Kalynuk and Beaudin possess. But how you can break them in with Mitchell too - that us too much youth at the same time. And with Biqvist uncertain performance level an issue, there is going to be some developments which impact what kids play. Boqvist could even wind up in Rockford if he is hurting us defensively.

Of the team defense is descent, then I expect our goaltenders can develop into descent NHL caliber. Not top half of the better goaltenders, but not bad either. Right now this team is a mess. Wr have some nice parts, some promising young talent. But we MUST get tougher and have no bad attitude among veterans

Obviousky all we can do is just stay tuned in and see what Bowman does. I am not expecting him to pull a rabbit out of a hat. Overall if I am to guess I say he.falls short in some areas. I do believe, however, it is asking a lot to think Bowman can get prime draft picks or top prospects in trading. You have to trade something of great value to get such. Even Saad was questionable to bring but a late (not mid) first round pick..Saad has his good and bad features. Bloggers were expecting too much for him
- jhawk59

The best way to improve DeBrincat’s offensive output - KAHUN!

How does Zadorov compare to Oleksiak who was a #4 for Dallas in the playoffs?
- LAHawk

This past season - Oleksiak was better. At the same age - pretty similar, decent bottom pairing players.

Oleksiak wasn't given as much opportunity has Zadorov in terms of role or games played but this was also his only season of top 4 quality play and most of that was in the playoffs so the sample size is relatively small so we'll have to see if he can duplicate. Zadorov could end up being a #4 - anything is possible - he's just not one currently and if we're on Oleksiak's curve it might be 2-3 years before he gets there. That timeline is fine as long as the rebuild is done as well or the team is ready to move him as well.

It was tried on the fly in the middle of the season. I think he could do alright on the wing, if he goes into the season knowing that's his position. Sign him, and tell him he's moving to wing, give him a training camp, and see how it goes. I only say this because I see Dach as 2C, and don't see Strome being an effective 3C.
Personally I would love to see Toews-Kane-Kubalik for the entire season. When's the last time Toews had 2 linemates who had plus shots?
- tvetter

Kane needs a right handed left winger on his line. I like Toews and Kane together , but The adb Dach Kane line accomplishes that. Nylander definitely is not a first line lw so that’s a hole to be filled. If Nylander had worked out he could be lw with 19 and 88. Kubalik can play 2rw with Dach and adb. I suppose Strome could center that second line but that’s a waste of dachs talents to put him as 3c. Was hoping this new addition was r handed.

It was tried on the fly in the middle of the season. I think he could do alright on the wing, if he goes into the season knowing that's his position. Sign him, and tell him he's moving to wing, give him a training camp, and see how it goes. I only say this because I see Dach as 2C, and don't see Strome being an effective 3C.
Personally I would love to see Toews-Kane-Kubalik for the entire season. When's the last time Toews had 2 linemates who had plus shots?
- tvetter

Agreed on Strome at 3C. Wing or bust with Dach in at 2C now. Carpenter would be a great 3C.

Kane needs a right handed left winger on his line. I like Toews and Kane together , but The adb Dach Kane line accomplishes that. Nylander definitely is not a first line lw so that’s a hole to be filled. If Nylander had worked out he could be lw with 19 and 88. Kubalik can play 2rw with Dach and adb. I suppose Strome could center that second line but that’s a waste of dachs talents to put him as 3c. Was hoping this new addition was r handed.
- Nmbr1

Kane prefers a right handed winger and a left handed center.

It looks like Cory Schneider will sign with the Islanders.

I still expect the Hawks to sign a veteran netminder (for cheap), maybe Dell.

Ozzie's coming back.
- boilermaker100

Listening to Ozzie talk always made me think that I was hearing Tony Montana from Scarface.

Listening to Ozzie talk always made me think that I was hearing Tony Montana from Scarface.

- Rota's Rooter

I can see that

Kane prefers a right handed winger and a left handed center.
- LAHawk

Which is why Nylander had a golden opportunity when he was lining up with Kane and toews

Kane needs a right handed left winger on his line. I like Toews and Kane together , but The adb Dach Kane line accomplishes that. Nylander definitely is not a first line lw so that’s a hole to be filled. If Nylander had worked out he could be lw with 19 and 88. Kubalik can play 2rw with Dach and adb. I suppose Strome could center that second line but that’s a waste of dachs talents to put him as 3c. Was hoping this new addition was r handed.
- Nmbr1

Sharp, Panarin, ADB...

Which is why Nylander had a golden opportunity when he was lining up with Kane and toews
- Nmbr1

If Nylander can't get anything accomplished with that line then give him away. He's useless. Make him ride the bus in Rockford.

Or Indy

Nice write up Theo.

While I’m not convinced Stan is the architect we need for a rebuild, I do believe he’s a smart person and understands the importance of prospects and picks for the future of this organization. Problem is, it’s seems apparent that with the changing financial landscape of the league, many other GM’s are valuing their picks and prospects too - regardless of where their team may be in its competitive life cycle.

Young players on ELC’s is the gold standard right now - with draft picks being the gateway to them. I have to believe Stan is trying to acquire them in his trade deals - but just not finding the return to be acceptable.
- Chief4Feathers

I agree, Bowman is smart enough to know he should be stockpiling prospect and draft picks given the direction the team is headed.

Yet, that is difficult to do when the other GM isn't willing to offer those assets. So does Bowman walk away from the negotiating table or satisfice with a young roster player who could either grow to be a valuable part of the Hawks or be flipped at the TDL?

The latter (satisficing) is okay, just not optimal. It also depends on what the bigger part of the plan is so we can see the forest from the trees.

I remember the days of Kruger on the 4th line, definitely not an offensive specialist by any means but what those group of Forwards did was exactly what Vegas did to us in the playoffs, tilted the ice, made us play defense chasing the puck. Everyone gets enamored with scoring but 1 of the things during out championship years that we were outstanding at was our 3rd and 4th line would cycle the puck in the offensive zone for close to a minute several times a game. We're lucky to get 20 seconds now.
- BetweenTheDots

One other thing that was great about Kruger is he played to the whistle and would go to the tough areas to subtlely agitate the other team. He'd hang out in the crease, jab at the puck, lay on the puck in scrums, etc.

He was constantly the smallest player on the ice but played with the heart of a giant. You can win with role players like that, hence, why Highmore is rising and his clone Hagel could soon as well.

Touche car salesperson, touche. Still 750k more than Caggs cap hit and a year older with less offense and more turnovers as LBR mentioned. 4th line should be young guys like Highmore and Entwhistle, Kurashev, Barrat, etc on ELC’s.

Entwhistle/Barratt/Highmore would be a Nasty Boys 4th Line and a female dog to play against with a combined cap hit of around $2.4 mil. Carpenter would be a great 3C flanked by Janmark and Shaw.
- Assman22

I like that future 4th line you projected if all goes well with Entwistle and Barratt's development but don't like a 3rd line of Carpenter, Janmark, and Shaw. It's borderline 4th line. IMO.

Carpenter, Janmark, and Shaw seem capable of agitating and defending but there's no one on their line to be the driver on offense to make them be a cut above 4th line level.

Looking at Capfriendly to see what teams need to get under the cap, and Vegas stood out to me. HOW IN THE WORLD ARE THEY ALMOST $2M UNDER THE CAP WITH $12M IN NET?????
- tvetter

Excellent job Theo. My personal take is the organization as a whole lived inside a bubble or group think mentality while winning that imo it never dawned on them just how fast things could snowball downhill.

When bowman took over chicago was so deep of a team and organization and for the most part the main core of players exceeded expectations early on in their young careers.

Stan imo actually did what a great GM would do or be expected to do is to let go good , decent, great players in order to be financially successful.

That stan bowman seemed to be missing in action after 2012/13 season .

As far as the team nose diving its not hard to look no further than losing Hossa. Hossa was the glue and key to chicago successful winning streak, before Hossa we came up short after Hossa we hit rock bottom.

That was the time imo to rebuild . Retooling if chicago was ever serious required bringing in impact player , sorry kunitz isn't it

Ya, I wouldn't say a stud, but there were nights where the 4th line was to best to watch.

Thought they were better when Hagel was up also.

Not a Kampf or Carpenter fan.
- vabeachbear

Highmore and Hagel are carbon copies of each other for the most part with their relentlessness and fearlessness. Hagel has a higher offensive ceiling to possibly play up middle 6 but think 3rd line is his ceiling.

One other thing that was great about Kruger is he played to the whistle and would go to the tough areas to subtlely agitate the other team. He'd hang out in the crease, jab at the puck, lay on the puck in scrums, etc.

He was constantly the smallest player on the ice but played with the heart of a giant. You can win with role players like that, hence, why Highmore is rising and his clone Hagel could soon as well.
- Theo Fox

I remember when Kreuger first came up he was going to be the answer to our #2 center, and play with Kane. Same when they acquired Frolik. Both were smart enough to morph into the defensive/flip the ice tyoe olayer.

Frolik ruining Corey Schneiders groin on the penalty shot is still a moment. Krugers OT goal against the Ducks is still a moment. 17 seconds is immortal.

Theo -- whom I like -- writes that in rebuilding, teams should look for prospects and draft picks. He is mildly critical of the Saad trade because the trade brought back neither. It's not a terrible point.

But there's also value in getting younger veterans. I have no idea how good Zadorov can be, but he's 25, with a lot of hockey life ahead of him, and he's a different type of defenseman than they currently possess. He may be able to be a solid middle-pair D, while being a mentor that is more relatable to the younger defensemen than Keith DeHaan, and especially to the European kids.

I'm not sure that the Hawks are rebuilding the right way either, but just adding a perspective.
- jam10sugar

Thanks for sharing this perspective.

One thing that I pondered in the blog was who the veterans would be to guide and mentor the youth. They could include some or all of Toews, Kane, Keith, and Seabrook.

However, that's not necessarily a given and so your point is valid in that leadership needs to come from other places whether that's other experienced players like Shaw, Carpenter, Murphy, and de Haan and/or new Hawks in Zadorov and Janmark.

Listening to Ozzie talk always made me think that I was hearing Tony Montana from Scarface.

- Rota's Rooter

Sanitation? I told you to tell 'em that you was in a sanatorium. Not sanitation, sanatorium.

Excellent job Theo. My personal take is the organization as a whole lived inside a bubble or group think mentality while winning that imo it never dawned on them just how fast things could snowball downhill.

When bowman took over chicago was so deep of a team and organization and for the most part the main core of players exceeded expectations early on in their young careers.

Stan imo actually did what a great GM would do or be expected to do is to let go good , decent, great players in order to be financially successful.

That stan bowman seemed to be missing in action after 2012/13 season .

As far as the team nose diving its not hard to look no further than losing Hossa. Hossa was the glue and key to chicago successful winning streak, before Hossa we came up short after Hossa we hit rock bottom.

That was the time imo to rebuild . Retooling if chicago was ever serious required bringing in impact player , sorry kunitz isn't it
- Taylorst1

And how were they going to pay for said player? Even with Hossa on LTIR, the Hawks had cap problems.

The Ice Hogs have signed Cale Morris.

Signing Kahun makes sense .... affordable, can slot up and down line up .... had success with Brinky & Stromer .... AND ... played with Kubalik in Europe. Very versatlile for sure. It would brighten the outlook slightly if Nylander showed and promise as top six winger .... but he's not even close! Hawks will probablly trade for more cap space and see some more "movable parts" at trade deadline for two reasons. They don't just want to hand over spots to kids ... they must earn it !! If some kids are emerging, they can trade the "movable parts" at trade deadline. Also, they need to be competitive until the kids are ready. THEO: what do you think about the possibility of Cam Morrison possibly taking Saad's spot between Toews and Kubby?He had to earn it of course, but he had the power forward body, good hands and goes to the front of the net ..... something many Hawks fail to do. Some questionable moves for sure, but I'm holding back until finished product is ready. The injuries to Shaw and Smith have to holding up some of the moves they want to make. Can't really trade them until they prove they are healthy

Wiz, how is the possibility that at least in the CHL there will be no games (because of COVID restrictions) next year affect scouting reports? I heard there has been a suggenstion that the CHL play no check shinny hockey. Brian Burke said they might as well just shut it down, it will hurt prospects more than help.
- LAHawk

LA, the QMJHL has already started the season with the WHL and OHL set to do so in December. The USHL is set to start November 6th....I know the top Finnish jrs league has started as well.

Jrs are gonna play but man it's looking scary already with the Covid. https://sports.yahoo.com/...t-multiple-110013370.html

LA, the QMJHL has already started the season with the WHL and OHL set to do so in December. The USHL is set to start November 6th....I know the top Finnish jrs league has started as well.

Jrs are gonna play but man it's looking scary already with the Covid. https://sports.yahoo.com/...t-multiple-110013370.html
- Mr Ricochet

My bad, was reading the Ontario Hockey Federation statement. I get confused as to the governing bodies.